Quartet

1. Introduction

2. When We Were Free

3. Montevideo

4. Take Me There

5. Seven Days

6. Oceania

7. Dismantling Utopia

8. Double Blind

9. Second Thought

10. Mojave

11. Badland

12. Glacier

13. Language of Time

14. Sometimes I See

15. As I Am

Quartet,Pat Metheny,Nonesuch,Contemporary Jazz,Crossover Jazz,Jazz,Pop,Post-Bop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Time Out for a Timeless Classic A classic ! This CD Changed The Rules Time out....Dave Brubeck Quartet Brubeck in SACD...heaven

Time Out Dave Brubeck Quartet Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Kind of Blue Mingus Ah Um A Love Supreme Getz/Gilberto Birth of the Cool ASIN: B000002AGN Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

1. Blue Rondo A La Turk
2. Strange Meadow Lark
3. Take Five
4. Three To Get Ready
5. Kathy's Waltz
6. Everybody's Jumpin'
7. Pick Up Sticks

Amazon.com essential recording

Boasting the first jazz instrumental to sell a million copies, the Paul Desmond-penned "Take Five," Time Out captures the celebrated jazz quartet at the height of both its popularity and its powers. Recorded in 1959, the album combines superb performances by pianist Brubeck, alto saxophonist Desmond, drummer Joe Morrello and bassist Gene Wright. Along with "Take Five," the album features another one of the group's signature compositions, "Blue Rondo a la Turk." Though influenced by the West Coast-cool school, Brubeck's greatest interest and contribution to jazz was the use of irregular meters in composition, which he did with great flair. Much of the band's appeal is due to Desmond, whose airy tone and fluid attack often carried the band's already strong performances to another level. Together, he and Brubeck proved one of the most potent pairings of the era. --Fred Goodman

Album Details

Limited Millennium Edition. Packed in a Heavy Weight Card Wallet that Faithfully Recreates the Original Vinyl Sleeve, Right Down to the Inner Bag. The Wallet Will Come in a Plastic Cover.

Customer Reviews:

Time Out for a Timeless Classic.......2007-07-04

This is a reissue of the 1959 studio session. Although Blue Rondo and Take Five are the signature pieces for the Quartet, the other tracks are in keeping with the innovative time signatures 5/4, 6/4 and variations of 4/4 and 3/4 time. What else can you say except it's a classic and belongs in evryone's collection.

A classic ! .......2007-07-01

This Cd is just GREAT and such a Jazz classic! The re-mastered version of this Album is absolutely wonderful---sounding so crisp and sharp!

The songs speak for themselves, as they are some of Brubeck's most famous hits.

This is a highly recommended re-mastered version of Dave's TIME OUT Album!

This CD Changed The Rules.......2007-06-16

This album changed the rules in jazz in two important ways. First, it introduced atypical time signatures to jazz performers. Performers were pushing ever other musical limit, including harmony (Miles Davis, Bill Evans, . . .), melody (John Coletrane, Eric Dolphy, . . .) and song structure in general (Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, . . .). 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures were already optional in contemporary classical music and some ethic music. Brubeck opened up this fertile opportunity for the jazz world (and later rock like Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull and Rush). Perhaps more remarkable was the fact that this album proved that the public was receptive to this new approach to popular music. Brubeck went pioneering and returned with no lethal arrows in him.

The best part about this album is that this new technique was not just a novelty; it was a path to creating timeless compositions like Take Five and Blue Turk a la Rondo. My favorite things about Brubeck are his range of expression (from cool and understated to highly muscular), and the unique voice of Paul Desmond's saxophone. Desmond's instrument has the bird-like sweetness of Charlie Parker combined with the lazer-focused tone of John Coletrane. The alternating solo voices really injects life and breath into the group.

The use of different time signatures did not did not get embraced as widely as one might expect in a genre built on creativity. Some felt that odd time signatures did not "swing" (although Brubeck and others disproved that), some may not have felt comfortable with or inspired by this new approach, and I suspect that the distinctiveness of this contribution by a white man made it "uncool" among many jazz musicians to do something that sounded "like Brubeck". The happy side effect for Brubeck is that this album stands out in jazz like few other works.

Time out....Dave Brubeck Quartet.......2007-06-01

A clear jazz master piece......remastered by Sony....better than the originaland better than todays Brubeck Quartet

Brubeck in SACD...heaven.......2007-05-17

Sony/Columbia did this superb sounding disc very well in this SACD transfer! This rivals the original edition Lp for lovely sound, and I think it is among the best single layer SACD's out there (Mingus ah um is THE best to these ears!). You know (or should know) the music, so don't hesitate getting it on SACD! I should add I am not into 5.1 for music. My sound review refers only to 2 channel stereo sound.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Splendid music to my ears Beautiful, Engaging, but not Explosive Une "entente cordiale" !

Metheny Mehldau Quartet Pat Metheny , and Brad Mehldau Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Metheny / Mehldau Pilgrimage Pat Metheny Group - The Way Up - Live Back East The Third Quartet ASIN: B000MRNTKO Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. A Night Away
2. The Sound of Water
3. Fear and Trembling
4. Don't Wait
5. Towards the Light
6. Long Before
7. En La Tierra Que No Olvida
8. Santa Cruz Slacker
9. Secret Beach
10. Silent Movie
11. Marta's Theme (from "Passagio per il Paradiso")

Amazon.com

New Age-leaning guitarist Pat Metheny and melancholic pianist Brad Mehldau have such distinctive, even rarified, sensibilities (each an acquired taste for some listeners), that their teaming may have looked like a one-time commercial ploy in the beginning. But having found rewarding common ground and a receptive audience through their shared love of pop, Brazilian music and Americana, they likely will work together again. Recorded at the same time as their first album, a duo effort, Quartet takes a satisfying step forward in featuring the Mehldau trio's first-rate bass and drum team, Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard, on most of the tracks. Ranging from rhapsodic reflections to full-tilt fusion fare to loping, Wes Montgomery-inspired tunes--and let's not overlook that Asian-tinged song featuring Metheny on 42-string guitar--the music is sometimes a bit soft at the core. But when the stars are aligned, as on the effortlessly flowing, co-written opener, "A Night Away," and Metheny's charming "En La Tierra Que No Olvida," their partnership glows. It will be interesting to hear where they go from here. --Lloyd Sachs

Album Description

Quartet expands upon the "dream pairing" - begun by guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau on their 2006 Nonesuch collaboration, Metheny/Mehldau. This time they incorporate the members of Mehldau's trio, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, into a breathtakingly eclectic set, which ranges from the airy, pastoral "Don't Wait" to straight-up rocking in the slowly building "Towards the Light." Last year, London's Evening Standard described Metheny and Mehldau as "graceful, lyrical improvisers...It's a duo performance that deserves to tour." Now the pair is indeed hitting the road, along with Mehldau's two band-mates, in March for a month of shows throughout North America in support of Quartet. The 11 tracks that comprise Quartet were cut during the week-length December 2005 session at Manhattan's Right Track that yielded Metheny /Mehldau, a recording date that, over time, will surely be considered a landmark in contemporary jazz. On Quartet, each artist contributes original solo compositions as well as their first co-written piece, "A Night Away." The group also reworks Mehldau's "Fear and Trembling," which originally appeared on House On Hill, Mehldau's final outing with his previous trio lineup. It also interprets Metheny's "Marta's Theme," from his score to the 1998 Italian film, A Passage to Paradise. Quartet is perhaps even more adventurous and just as rewarding as their first release; the exhilarating back and forth between Metheny and Mehldau continues with their eagerly awaited live dates.

Album Description

Quartet expands upon the extraordinary musical dialogue - or, as Amazon.com puts it, the "dream pairing" - begun by guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau on their 2006 collaboration, Metheny/Mehldau. This time they incorporate the members of Mehldau's trio, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, into a breathtakingly eclectic set, which ranges from the airy, pastoral "So Much Music Everywhere" to straight-up rocking in the slowly building "Towards The Light.'

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-07-12

This album is second to Michael Brecker's Pilgrimage. The tunes are great, the players are great - great album. Their first album together teased us with two tunes that featured the quartet - the quartet album won't let any expectations down. Buy it.

Splendid.......2007-07-05

This is really a revelation of sorts, beautifully produced new-age jazz by Pat Metheny. I had liked some of his earlier efforts and lost patience after a while but he has managed to renew his approach quite a bit. The music is sonically perfect and the whole disc is exceptional not just one or two tracks, Beautiful. I may have to buy the first one also.

music to my ears.......2007-06-06

a musical delicacy of cold cut jazz. well balanced between slow and mellow songs and more upbeat numbers that simply jazzles your mind.
one down side, some of the numbers are to short, leave you wanting for more, well the whole cd creates this entire empty space that craves more of that jazzy jazz; some of the songs has the beautiful, slow evolution from downbeat tempo but every melodious moving toward some really funky stuff (not as in funk but funky as in phat)but ending all too soon.

Beautiful, Engaging, but not Explosive.......2007-05-30

Mehldau and Metheney have collaborated such that their work on this cd is continuous with their previous but separate efforts while still being a creative and enjoyable work. Most of the tracks have, as their foundation, Mehldau's incredible sense of balance between the complex and the simple. Mehldau's sense of when and how to fill--and not fill--in the spaces continues to be an incredible strength of his approach. Metheney's contribution is to ride this gentle wave with his usual mix of engaging accessibility. Metheny's use of a synthesizer effect allows him to explore two of the tunes more freely which provides the most satisfying tracks on the album (5 & 9). What the album lacks in explosiveness (check out Mehldau's version of "Solar" on the album Art of the Trio Vol IV) it makes up in subtle inventiveness.

Une "entente cordiale" !.......2007-05-26

"Recorded in the same all-originals sessions as last October's Metheny / Mehldau collaborative debut from guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau, "Quartet" picks up where the first disc left off, albeit on a slightly quieter note. While Metheny / Mehldau focused on the duo chemistry of the co-leaders (only two of 10 tracks featured Mehldau's trio teammates, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard), the new set tips the scales in favor of the foursome (seven of 11). Again, simpatico chemistry is on exhibit as Metheny and Mehldau converse with intuitive sensitivity on such passionate dialogues as "Long Before," "So Much Music in the Air" and "Sound of Water," the last of which an impressionistic beauty graced by Metheny's 42-string guitar. Highlights include the easy-going, oblique "Santa Cruz Slacker" and "Towards the Light," charged with Metheny's synth guitar dynamics and a surging rhythmic chug in the midsection".( Billboard - Dan Ouellette).
This is the eagerly awaited sequel to an album that exposed an unexpectedly deep empathy between two very different jazz stars last year. Pianist Mehldau, so hyperactive and complex on his own, emerged as a remarkably supportive and creative accompanist, freeing guitarist Metheny's guitar and guitar-synth to take flight in their lightest, airiest way. This audience-friendly process now involves Mehldau's trio, with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, in seven of the 11 original songs.Metheny's change of guitars from electric to acoustic could perhaps jar the senses slightly, but here, rooted by the rhythm section these changes pay off and excite rather than confuse the listener. The pace is varied, there are constant flourishes and changes of tempo and tone to keep your attention and the standard of playing from all present is just incredible. These guys understand pacing and texture, they let a track build it's own internal drama and follow the tune all the way.
Tranquil ballads and serpentine dance-themes ride latin and swing beats in an absorbing package that goes on world tour this spring : this is just a fantastic album of incredible musicianship which never loses sight of the primacy of the melody. Neither intrument is allowed to dominate the other - neither tries to dominate - but instead both weave together in an almost symbiotic way.

Average customer rating: essential to your jazz collection, period Thelonious Monk Quarted with John colgrane at Carnegie Hall Very Nice Pure Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall Thelonious Monk , and John Coltrane Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: One Down, One Up: Live at the Half Note Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945 Kind of Blue Our New Orleans: A Benefit Album for the Gulf Coast Prairie Wind ASIN: B000AV2GCE Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Monk's Mood
2. Evidence
3. Crepescule With Nellie
4. Nutty
5. Epistrophy (Live)
6. Bye-Ya
7. Sweet And Lovely
8. Blue Monk
9. Epistrophy

Amazon.com

Every year sees a crop of newly found jazz gems, but rarely are listeners treated to anything as special as this 1957 concert recording of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, which was accidentally discovered in an unmarked box by a Library of Congress engineer early in 2005. Until now, fans could only dream of hearing these two immortals play together beyond the three studio tracks they left behind. But here they are, hitting their stride at an all-star benefit concert, basking in the chemistry they had developed in Monk's quartet during the preceding weeks at New York's Five Spot. Coltrane's playing is a revelation. He's both an inspired accompanist and a galvanizing soloist, taking the music to new heights with his bold, brilliantly challenging, and sometimes jaw-dropping phrases, note clusters, and blasts of power. Sharing with Coltrane a newfound sense of freedom following the personal and professional troubles that had plagued them both, Monk is clearly tickled to be in the tenorist's presence, injecting humorous commentaries and otherwise asserting his eccentric genius as a pianist. The material, which was very well recorded by the Voice of America, includes Monk classics like "Epistrophy," "Monk's Moods," and "Evidence," as well as a striking rendition of the standard "Sweet and Lovely." This is music that not only bears repeated listenings, but also demands them--the ultimate definition of a classic. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

essential to your jazz collection, period.......2007-05-30

I can't believe this sat in a box and the library of congress all this time! It makes me wonder what other gems they got in deep freeze. Thank Jeezy they found it. I love listening to this when I drive around town with the windows down on a summer night. Good, good, good. Hear it, love it, get it.

Thelonious Monk Quarted with John colgrane at Carnegie Hall.......2007-05-29

This recording, unearthed after nearly fifty years on old tapes found at the Library of Congress, is a national treasure that speaks to all of us, after two generations. Surely this marks the work as art in its most universal sense: something with permanence, that will (I hope) last through the ages. I understand from a little research that Billy Holiday participated in this same concert, and regret that that recording has been lost! But this one, in my opinion, gets five stars.

Very Nice.......2007-05-25

I've got a small but impressive jazz library, jazz has been a recent addition to my musical tastes. I'm not the biggest Coltrane fan, I prefer Cannonball Adderly and some others less inclined to go wailing away. I do not like Coltrane's A Love Supreme. Monk and Coltrane team up here with a very enjoyable performance. Excellent for background music or dedicated listening. The fidelity is superb, very high quality. Only negative is it's mono. Jazz fans will love this.

Pure.......2007-05-20

It's funny what people find when they clean out closets. The people at Carngie Hall found a jewel and something unique and pure. A great addition to any jazz aficionado's collection. In reality a must have if you like jazz at all.

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall.......2007-05-17

I purchased the disc, being asked by my brother.
He is exceited and overjoyed to have gotten the disc.

Average customer rating:

Osvaldo Golijov: Oceana Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songs by Mahler, Handel & Peter Lieberson The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind Vladimir Godar: Mater Haydn: Piano Sonatas Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3) ASIN: B000PDZQS8 Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Call
2. First Wave: 'Oceana Nupical, Cadera De Las Islas' - Rain Train Interlude
3. Second Wave: 'Quiero Oir Lo Invisible'
4. Second Call
5. Third Wave: 'Oceana, Reclina Tu Noche En El Castillo'
6. Aria: 'Tengo Hambre De No Ser Sino Piedra Marina'
7. Chorale Of the Reef: 'Oceana, Dame Las Conchas Del Arrecife'
8. I
9. II
10. Night Of the Flying Horses: Close Your Eyes - Doina - Gallop
11. Lua Descolorida
12. How Slow the Wind

Album Description

Oceana is the key work of this album, a composition for orchestra, three guitars, harp and voice, filled with Latin and jazz sounds. It is performed by the acclaimed Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under conductor Robert Spano (also on Ainadamar), and the multiple Grammy® nominated Brazilian jazz singer Luciana Souza. This piece was Golijov's first commission of a choral work in the spirit of J.S. Bach and became a source of inspiration for La Pasión según San Marcos (St. Mark Passion), a future release on DG.

Tenebrae is a collaboration with the famous Kronos Quartet--one of the most influential ensembles of our time. The meditative work in two movements "is about pain," says Golijov, "but pain seen from inside and from a distance." Despite being Golijov's reflection on today's tormented world, Tenebrae is a work of radiant beauty that offers consolation and a prayer for peace.

Average customer rating: Romance of the Violin End of the Day Wonderful! Over and over and over.... Non-standard CD format

Romance of the Violin Claude Debussy , Fryderyk Chopin , Camille Saint-Saens , Franz Schubert , Vincenzo Bellini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Alexander Borodin , Antonin Dvorak , Claudio Monteverdi , Jules Massenet , Robert Schumann , Michael Stern , Craig Ogden , Gregory Knowles , John Constable , Jacob Heringman , and Stephen Orton Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Voice of the Violin Ladies in Lavender Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] The Red Violin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B0000DG06L Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

1. O mio babbino caro (from 'Gianni Schicchi')
2. The Girl With Flaxen Hair (from Preludes, Book I; La fille aux cheveux delin: Prelude for Piano L 117/8)
3. Nocturne in C sharp minor (Op Post)
4. The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals)
5. Serenade (from 'Schwanengesang' song cycle for voice and piano, D 957
6. Casta Diva (from 'Norma')
7. Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467
8. Nocturne from Quartet for Strings No. 2 in D Major: 3rd movement
9. Dance of the Blessed Spirits (from 'Orfeo ed Euridice')
10. Songs My Mother Taught Me, song for voice and piano B104/4 Op 55/4
11. Pur ti Miro (from 'L'incoronazione di Poppea')
12. Elegie (Elegie 'O doux printemps d'autrefois' for voice and piano)
13. Traumerei ('Kinderszenen' for piano, Op 15, No. 7 'Dreaming')

Amazon.com

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi opens the disc, with Bell delicately accompanied by a harp and spinning the long melody with great sensitivity. Bellini's "Casta diva" from Norma lives up to its reputation as the epitome of bel canto in Bell's hands; his violin sings. The middle movement of Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto takes well to the violin, and Debussy's "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is played with great warmth and sensuality. It would be easy to turn a recital like this into treacle, but Bell is wise enough to realize that the music is already sweet enough and he plays with great reserve and a minimum of sentimental slides. The light accompaniments always support, with woodwinds prominent but used with grace. This CD, in short, is a beauty: a fine gift, a lovely mood setter. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Romance of the Violin.......2007-07-16

While it's not my very favorite Joshua Bell CD, this is a pleasure to listen to!

End of the Day.......2007-06-08

I am a Joshua Bell fan, and this album is the one that I enjoy with my dessert, it calms me at the end of the day, and makes me think of my 6 year old granddaughter's visit. She has to have music on during meals at her home. Usually it is some kid stuff, but I do not have anything like she has at home, so I chose to play Joshua Bell during our dinner. When I placed the dessert before her, she looked up at me and said: "This music is so beautiful, I want to play the violin just like that". What more could I say.
He is inspiring, and she is right. This album is beautiful.

Wonderful!.......2007-05-30

I play this for my grandson to nap by. It is so relaxing and wonderful!

Over and over and over...........2007-05-17

That's how I want to play this CD! It's a wonderful line-up of rich, mellow, captivating compositions played with a warmth and vibrancy that is seldom heard. Joshua at his very best. You won't be disappointed.

Non-standard CD format.......2007-04-22

The music on this CD deserves five stars, but the CD itself is a non-standard format that doesn't work on all players. There's a tiny warning on the back of the CD. You won't notice the warning until you discover that the CD doesn't work on your player. My Macintosh computer wouldn't read the non-standard format so there was no way for me to listen in my office or put the music on my iPod.

A friend's PC was able to read the CD and make a copy in standard format that can be read on any player, including my Mac. The story had a happy ending, but I can not comprehend why the publisher chose the oddball CD specification.

The music is excellent and worth the trouble of making a copy, but the publisher really shouldn't make you go to that effort just to listen to a CD that you paid for.

Average customer rating: Peaceful Dread Chillingly Beautiful Gorgeous phenomenal Sweeping and powerful

The Fountain Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Fountain The Fountain (Widescreen Edition) Requiem for a Dream (2000 Film) Babel The Illusionist ASIN: B000IU3YKU Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

1. The Last Man
2. Holy Dread!
3. Tree Of Life
4. Stay With Me
5. Work
6. Xibalba
7. First Snow
8. Finish It
9. Death Is The Road To Awe
10. Together We Will Live Forever

Amazon.com

The Fountain is a layered, often beautiful score from composer Clint Mansell. The disc seamlessly moves from ambient drones to plaintive piano music to slowly percolating minimalist stuff to hugely swelling strings. Mansell, who's collaborated with director Aronofsky before, uses almost anything from the minor-key sonic palette available to him, with the exception of the mopey yuppie-folk and instantly dated electronica so often thrown into films. Mansell's own group, the superlative Kronos Quartet, is joined by Scottish noise act Mogwai. The use of such an arty, detuned guitar rock band as Mogwai in a big time movie soundtrack might seem weird, though of course Explosions in the Sky's work on Friday Night Lights was a harbinger. It's too soon to tell if this is an outright classic of soundtrack music in the realm of Goblin's Suspiria, John Carpenter's Escape from New York, or Popol Vuh's Aguirre. But it is definitely a subtle, melancholic work you'll want to revisit often. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

For the soundtrack to writer-director Darren Aronofsky's long-awaited sci-fi epic, The Fountain, Kronos Quartet reunites with composer Clint Mansell. The had previously collaborated on the haunting score for Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream.

Customer Reviews:

Peaceful Dread.......2007-07-20

The other day I watched this movie on PAY PER VIEW and thought it was utter garbage. One thing that did stick out was the amazing music score by Clint Mansell. The music is very melancholy but very beautiful. I recommend this to anyone who likes this type of music.

Chillingly Beautiful.......2007-07-11

This soundtrack is amazing. The songs are so beautifully composed. I saw the movie and the same night bought the album. Some of the tracks bring me close to tears. I can't stop listening to this soundtrack! It's a must have for anyone who appreciates powerful instrumentals.

Gorgeous.......2007-07-08

This is music that is so beautiful, you won't want to stop listening to it.

phenomenal.......2007-06-29

Oh...what could be said to truly describe the beauty of this CD. It's phenomenal. Clint Mansell together with Kronos Quartet did an amazing job. I can't stop listening to this CD. And it's been months. Could it be because it let's me relive the story of the two people in love? It's very romantic. The piano is mesmerizing. I think that if you've watched the movie, by listening to this soundtrack you can relate to the journey that those two characters are going through. The journey of love....."Together We Will Live Forever" is probably my favorite. If you could, would you want to live forever? With the one I love.............YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Sweeping and powerful.......2007-06-18

The movie was stunning and so was the soundtrack. They moved so well together that I was moved to tears. My husband felt that it was a bit repetitive but that's because they use the same melody in each song though each song varies dramatically. It's as if the melody is the story moving along and taking different shapes with every scene. I thoroughly enjoyed both.

*Side note* It's great music to study to.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Great for putting kids to sleep! Very Relaxing A Must Have for all Parents of Little Children !!! Inspire the baby-within

Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: UltraSound - Music for the Unborn Child Bach for Babies Beethoven for Babies Build Your Baby's Brain More Mozart for Mothers-to-Be ASIN: B0000041EV Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

1. Divertimento In B-Flat (Adagio)
2. Cassation (Final-Musik) In G - Adgio
3. Divertimento In G Minor (Andante)
4. String Quartet No. 12 In B-Flat - Adagio
5. Divertimento In D, KV 131 - Adagio
6. 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Romance (Andante)
7. Divertimento In D, KV 136 - Andante
8. Serenade In B-Flat 'Gran Partita' - Adagio
9. Prelude No. 3 In F
10. String Quartet No. 1 In B-Flat - Adagio
11. Violin Concerto In D - Andante cantabile
12. Divertimento In B-Flat - Adagio

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-06-26

I bought this CD to listen to at work (I am 6 months pregnant). The quality is awesome and the choice of songs is perfect I can listen to it over and over.

Great for putting kids to sleep!.......2007-06-08

I absolutely love this CD! In fact this is our second one because we wore out the first since we played it so much. It is very soothing, and in fact we used it to help both our kids (now 4 and 18 mo) go to sleep since they were babies. I highly recommend it!

Very Relaxing.......2007-04-10

It is very soothing and really helps you relax. I enjoy listening to it in the car during my high stress commute.

A Must Have for all Parents of Little Children !!!.......2006-11-25

I bought this when my first baby was...well, a baby. That was 8 years ago. Now I am on my 4th copy of this cd (Mozart For Mothers to Be) and my 3rd child. Nothing works better. I'm on here to buy my 4th copy becasue I've worn them out over the years and have to keep replaceing them. My 8 and 3 year old still use it, and now the new baby, also. Make it part of your nightly bed time routine and you'll have good little sleepers in no time. I swear by it. It is very soothing, calming and not distracting so it won't drive you bonkers if you can hear it a little from the next room.

A truely great gift for new parents, or if you have a sleepless little one at home. Turn on the cd, turn down the lights and let it sooth them to sleep.

Inspire the baby-within.......2005-12-13

Beyond sheer musical appreciation and enjoyment, Mozart's music in general is ideal for gently stimulating the "creative centers" as well as instilling a sense well-being. While there is much academic disagreement about the extent or reality of the so-called "Mozart Effect," it doesn't take a genius to observe how Mozart's music puts most people (and probably babies-to-be) in a happy mood ready to take on the day's challenges. There is a simplicity - yet elegance and musical brilliance - in his music that is also well-suited for the youngest of children.

The selections on this CD are all excellent and represent a nice range of Mozart's compostions, emphasising those that are ideal for creating a pleasant backdrop for leisure, dining and social occasions ("divertimentos"). The recordings are from the creme of musicians famous for their Mozart. Few works are as elegant and soaring as the Serenade #10 for winds - an astonishingly beautiful tune made famous from the early scenes of the movie, "Amadeus." Mozart supreme gifts of music are even seen in such humble "background music" as these pieces. And such continuity of warm, leisurely tones as these over 70 minutes is ideal for inspiring the baby to-be if that is why you are considering this CD. Better to expose a baby to the gentile, lyrical music of Mozart than to the dissonant, loud and disturbing tones of some classical music written well after Mozart.

As the reviewer below rightfully notes, compilation CD's of various unrelated works like this one is not quite how classical music is best meant to be heard. But in a way it is better for many to start with such collections like this - especially for those who just want the more quiet selections that are unintrusive. In that respect, this collection can be satisfying for most anyone (not just moms or babies). I have a huge classical music collection, but still really enjoy listening to one full CD of similar-temperament music like this one that flows easily and smoothly that doesn't demand my attention but only seeks to delight. And, in the end, that was the simple and primary goal of many of Mozart's compositions - to be purely enjoyed and delighted.

Average customer rating: How can you go wrong with Mozart?...Buy this and find out. 25 Mozart Favorites Wonderful collection and price! Nice Mozart selection - Nice price Mozart Listener

25 Mozart Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Salzburg Chamber Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058HV Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
2. Symphony No. 29 In A, K. 201: ll. Andante
3. Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K. 183: l. Allegro con brio
4. Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat, K. 271: ll. Andantino
5. Piano Concerto No. 17 In G, K. 453: l. Allegro
6. 'The Magic Flute': Overture
7. Symphony No. 40 in G minor: l. Molto Allegro
8. Symphony No. 38 In D, K. 504 'Prague': lll. Finale: Presto
9. Serenade In B-Flat For 13 Winds, K. 361/370A 'Gran Partita': lll. Andante
10. Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622: l. Allegro
11. Flute Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 314: ll. Andante ma non troppo
12. Clarinet Quintet In A, K. 581: ll. Larghetto
13. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: ll. Adagio
14. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: l. Allegro maestoso
15. Piano Concerto No. 23 In A, K. 488: ll. Adagio
16. Symphony No. 39 in E-flat, K. 543: lV. Finale: Allegro
17. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat, K. 447: lll. Allegro
18. Piano Concerto No. 21 In C, K. 467: ll. Andante
19. Sinfonia Concertante For Violin And Viola In E-Flat, K. 364: l. Allegro maestoso
20. String Quartet No. 17 In B-Flat, K. 458 'The Hunt': l. Allegro vivace assai
21. Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: ll. Andante cantabile
22. Violin Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: ll. Adagio
23. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: lV. Presto
24. Requiem, K. 626: Confutatis Maledictis
25. Exsultate Jubilate: Alleluia

Amazon.com

This is an astonishing collection of works - or parts of works - by Mozart that covers almost every aspect of his creative output: symphonic, religious music, concerti (for piano, horn, violin, clarinet, flute), chamber music, serenades (for strings; winds), a couple of opera overtures and more. Those who know and love Mozart's music will not need this, but it's a great introduction, a great overview. The selections are well-chosen and interestingly organized, with familiar pieces splrinkled among some not-so well known. A good primer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

How can you go wrong with Mozart?...Buy this and find out........2007-05-13

I was extraordinarely ignorant when I purchased this recording. I thought,"WOW!! Look at all the music you get in this CD set. The price cannot be beat!" When I received the CD, I discovered that you don't really get any music at all. This is a great sample CD, and should be bought by a person brand new to classical music. However, if you have any experience with classical music, you will want to pass on this CD.

Each of the pieces are hacked apart to the point of it being comical. It's interesting to listen to the greatest music in the world, only to have the development cut. All of a sudden I was thrust into a new key, I thought my ears were going crazy. Perhaps an effort by a decent high school orchestra, but this music is not up to snuff with any other recording.

Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase real recordings of Mozart, and not watered down stereotypes.

25 Mozart Favorites.......2007-05-12

Very pleased with product, delivery, cost and service. Will use this vendor again.

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Nice Mozart selection - Nice price.......2006-09-24

Nice selection of Mozart work that give us inner peace...

Mozart Listener.......2006-08-31

This is a good CD if you like Mozart's music. It is not the best CD I ever purchased. It is nice to listen to it in the morning before I go to work. And I sometimes listen to it in the evening before I go to bed. It is relaxing and soothing. I am not a music major or therapist. This is the best review I can write. Mary Agnes Cross

Average customer rating: Excellent resource for wedding planners Great item! Preview your wedding day 25 WEDDING FAVORITES 25 Wedding Favorites

25 Wedding Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Manhattan Chamber Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Classical Wedding A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney ASIN: B00004Y6T1 Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

1. Wedding March (Lohengrin)
2. Allegro I (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
3. Trumpet Voluntary
4. Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
5. Canon in D Major
6. Spring - Susan Lautenbacher
7. Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
8. Air (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
9. Sheep May Safely Graze (Cantana No. 208)
10. Arioso
11. Bist Du Bei Mir' (Anna Magdalena Notebook)
12. Panis Angelicus
13. Weichet Nur' (Wedding Cantata)
14. Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
15. Ave Maria
16. Sehet In Zufriedenheit' (Wedding Cantata)
17. Ave Maria
18. Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
19. Air On The G String - Mainz Chamber Orchestra
20. Pastorale (Messiah) - Eastman Chorale
21. Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
22. Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Utah Symphony Orchestra
23. Hornpipe (Water Music)
24. Wedding March
25. Toccata (5th Symphony)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

I work regularly with people planning church weddings who want the service to be dignified, traditional and formal. Often they have "ear memory" of music they've heard in other weddings, but no idea about its composer or title. This CD is the best compilation I've found of music that fits those requirements. Selections include great music and performances make it easy to imagine how they would sound in a particular church or other setting. Includes works by Protestant, Catholic and secular composers.

Great item!.......2007-03-29

Great CD! Perfect when planning your wedding music. There are a variety of songs from various composers.

Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding. The CD had a good song selection. My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.

25 Wedding Favorites.......2006-02-24

This is an excellent CD for a formal wedding, so-so for a casual one.

Average customer rating: Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's. Good for relaxing pregnant women Too much opera Does what it set out to do, very well TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Johann Sebastian Bach , Léo Delibes , Gabriel Fauré , Erik Satie , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edvard Grieg , Johann Pachelbel , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Camille Saint-Saens , Henryk Gorecki , Antonio Vivaldi , Edward Elgar , Jocelyn Pook , Sergey Rachmaninov , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Luigi Boccherini , Jules Massenet , Ludwig van Beethoven , Jacques Offenbach , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Giacomo Puccini , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Alexander Borodin , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Samuel Barber Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( 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All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | 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Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever! The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe 25 Classical Favorites Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits ASIN: B00000I93Z Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

1. Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
2. Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
3. Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
5. Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
6. II. Andante - Stephen Hough
7. Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
8. In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
9. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
10. II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
11. The Swan - Osian Ellis
12. II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
13. II. Andantino - James Galway
14. II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
15. Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
16. Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
17. Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
18. Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

1. Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
2. Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
3. Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
4. II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
5. Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
6. I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
7. Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
8. II. Andante - Nigel North
9. II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
10. Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
11. I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
12. O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
13. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
14. II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
15. Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
16. II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
17. Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
18. Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!

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