Ponce

Amazon.com
Puerto Rico-born, Miami-based actor-singer Carlos Ponce is the full multimedia package. Since 1997 he's been a show-stopping entertainer who packs them in on the road, and he's also appeared on the American TV show Beverly Hills 90210 and on several Spanish-language telenovas, or soap operas. This self-titled CD is Ponce's third recording as a leader. It features his torrid tenor backed by the award-winning production team of the Miami Sound Machine kingpins Emilio Estefan and Joel Someillan. With the techo-tropic sounds, Ponce soothes and grooves through songs of love and life, from "Canela," the zesty "Mujer con Pantalones" (which roughly translates as "Woman with Trousers"), and "Concebido sin Pecado," which also happens to be the title of popular Mexican soap opera he stars in. In audio or video, Carlos Ponce is the real deal. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Ponce,Carlos Ponce,EMI International,Latin,Latin Music,Latin Pop,Latin Pop/Rock

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jazz

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Jazz

Average customer rating: Beautiful! Voice of the Violin Disappointed Voices of the Violin Angelic music

Voice of the Violin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( 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 Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( 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 Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | 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: Romance of the Violin Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy The Essential Joshua Bell Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert) ASIN: B000H7JD1I Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
2. Ave Maria
3. Pourquoi me riller from Werther
4. Aprun r, Op. 7, No. 1
5. Song to the Moon from Rusalka
6. Laudate Dominum from Vesperae solennes de confessore for soloists, chorus & orchestra, K. 339
7. None but the Lonely Heart, Op. 6/6
8. Una furtiva lagrima from L'Elisir d'Amore
9. In trutina from Carmina Burana
10. May Breezes from Songs without Words, Op. 62, No. 1
11. Beau soir
12. Estrellita
13. Nana (Bercuese) from Siete conciones populares Espanolas
14. Je crois entendre encore from The Pearl Fishers
15. Morgen! Op. 27, No. 4

Amazon.com

Constantly exhorted to "sing," string players naturally try to emulate that most beautiful musical instrument, the human voice; no wonder they literally want to get their fingers on the treasures of the vocal repertoire. Joshua Bell has appropriated some of its best-loved songs and operatic arias, from Mozart through the romantics to Orff. Slow, sustained, lovely and yes, singing, these beguiling melodies and wide emotional range are eminently well suited to the violin. Credit for most of the arrangements is given to J.A.C. Redford, a well-known film and television composer, and indeed the throbbing strings and jarring modulations typical of sound-tracks invade his orchestrations, in startling contrast to the composers' own. In Debussy's "Beau soir," pianist Frederic Chiu partners Bell so beautifully that one wishes he had supplanted the orchestra in all the songs with piano accompaniment. The violin transcriptions of the vocal line closely follow the originals, except for Redford's compulsive habit of adding octaves in the repeats and jumping from the lowest to the highest register. Of course, Bell is very good at all this, and it's the playing that's really the thing. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, warm on the G-string, radiant up high, and always deeply expressive. His love and innate feeling for the music---its inward simplicity, romantic yearning and passionate ardor---speak straight to the heart. In the only authentic violin part, the obbligato of Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" he is joined by the golden-voiced soprano Anna Netrebko; at first overly intense, she relaxes into a blissful, magical ending. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful!.......2007-06-14

I think the reason I love this cd is because the music was not primarily written for the violin. Joshua Bell makes the violin "sing" the pieces. I especially liked Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart." I've loved it since we sang it many years ago in our High School chorus and it is not on any of my classical cds.

Good choice.

Voice of the Violin.......2007-06-13

I was disappointed in Bell's popular music style. I love him playing Mozart with his verve and energy - as Mozart would have wanted his music played. This seemed slow and draggy.

Disappointed.......2007-05-17

I had heard one of the tracks on the radio, so I bought the CD. It was too high-ended, a little screechy.

Voices of the Violin.......2007-05-17

Voices is no only a great listen because of Joshua Bell, but it is relaxing and calming - for me that is a great way to let stress melt away.

Every song is well done. Of course Joshua Bell is a favorite.

Angelic music.......2007-05-14

I heard about this artist on NPR, and am enchanted by the magnificent voice he gives to the violin. Well worth the purchase.

Average customer rating: Point of Information Estrellita Ugly Carmen Excellent disc

Beverly Sills Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Koechlin, Charles | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Delibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Liszt, Franz | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Poulenc, Francis | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 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: The Very Best of Beverly Sills Art of Beverly The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato ASIN: B00000FCKP Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

1. Parlez-moi d'amour
2. Ouvre ton coeur
3. Oh, quand je dors
4. Waltz From Mireille
5. Si tu le veux
6. Les filles de le Cadiz
7. Les chemins de l'amour
8. Plaisir d'amour
9. Villanelle
10. Goyescas: Interludio
11. Goyescas: La maja y el ruisenior
12. Estrellita
13. La morena de mi copla

Customer Reviews:

Point of Information.......2007-07-06

Folks, please read the recording data! This album does not present merely the "older Sills" of 1975. Tracks 10 to 13 were recorded in February 1961, when Sills was about three months shy of 32 years old. To hear her any younger on disc, you have to go to her splendid recording of *The Ballad of Baby Doe*, released in 1959. (If anyone knows of still earlier recordings, please holler!) So these 1961 tracks alone make the album priceless, especially since it offers vastly better sound than the slightly boomy acoustic of *Baby Doe*.

For me, the initial main attraction here was the Granados, and it was a hallelujah moment when I spotted this CD in the bins almost 10 years ago. While this disc represents the commercial first release of the *Goyescas* selections, they received limited issue around December 1963 on a holiday-bonus LP ("The Sound of Genius 1963") from the Columbia Record Club.

That LP was my introduction to Sills, and it made me fall in love with her voice. It was always a special treat to play her vocal track for those who had no idea it existed and watch their astonishment as Beverly's voice floated through sonic space like the very nightingale she sings about. It is simply some of the loveliest, most haunting singing I've ever heard. To get two additional tracks from the same recordings sessions -- especially "Estrellita" -- was an unexpected blessing.

So get this CD for the last three tracks, if nothing else (track 10 is purely orchestral). They capture Sills at a magical moment. Even if you like nothing else on the disc (and I think you'll like much more), you can claim these three special treasures for a mere pittance. How much more precious are they, now that she has gone on to sing, we pray, in other realms.

Estrellita.......2006-12-07

The incomparable Beverly Sills beautifuly sings here a true bouquet of songs in French and Spanish. A pleasure to the ear.

Estrellita is not a Spanish song as claimed by some commentators, but a Mexican one, whose author is the late Manuel M. Ponce.

Ugly.......2004-05-20

Sills screeching a mezzo-role? She already ruined belcanto with her puny, fake screeching!

Carmen.......2004-04-26

She DID sing Michaela. And it's said that she also did Carmen. But if she did, she was completely miscast. She also did Aida, live-recording of her Aida is...interesting. Anyway, Sills rules in the French rep, esp. as Manon.

Excellent disc.......2004-03-21

This is a fantastic disc and shows Beverly Sills at her interpretive best with zesty, go-for-broke vocalism that is truly wonderful to hear.

Sills DID sing Carmen. She sang it on tour in the 1950s.

Average customer rating: Marvellous! The best violinist ever!

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more Cinema Serenade Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster ASIN: B00004XST2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Chanson Sans Paroles
2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
4. Chanson Russe
5. Liebesleid
6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
9. Melodie
10. Serenade Espagnole
11. Serenade (Frasquita)
12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
13. Sicilienne
14. Molly On The Shore
15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
18. Estrellita
19. Spanish Dance No.5
20. Berceuse Sfaradite
21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

Average customer rating: The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection Classic Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There! Excellent!!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | 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 All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Williams, John [guitar] | ( W ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | 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: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Spanish Guitar Music Baroque Guitar Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces ASIN: B00004T0P4 Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

1. Romance
2. Pavane
3. Sunburst
4. Una Limosna Por el Amor de Dios
5. Asturias
6. Gymnopedie No. 3
7. El Condor Pasa
8. Verano Porteno
9. Scherzino Mexicano
10. Berceuse
11. Natalia
12. Dance from la Vida Breve
13. Planxty Madame Maxwell
14. Epitafios
15. Prelude from Lute Suite
16. I. Prelude from Suite for Lute (Guitar) No. 4 in E Major, BXV 1006a - From The Seville Concert
17. Sonata in E Major, K. 380 (L. 23) - From The Baroque Album
18. III. Allegro from Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, RV 82 - From John Williams Plays Vivaldi Concertos
19. II. Adagio From Conceirto de Aranjuez For Guitar And Orchestra

Amazon.com

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar. But this isn't just a best-of collection (though some of his greatest work is included here) since the disc contains three new recordings. Among the new tracks, Fauré's Pavane is a real stunner, a short but gorgeous piece originally meant for orchestra and choir, where Williams's guitar sounds as though it always belonged there. We get Williams at his most interpretative--his arrangements of Satie's Gymnopedie No. 3 and Piazzolla tango Verano porteno--and his most serene (the "Cavatina" theme from the movie Deer Hunter). Let's face it, some fine classical guitarists can lull their listeners into near comatose states with their instrument; Williams, on the other hand, is just the opposite. His gorgeous tone, inventive arrangements, and interesting repertoire continue to make the classical guitar sound exciting. In short, a great introduction to Williams and a real gem for lovers of classical guitar. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection.......2007-03-01

The second movement adagio of the Aranjuez concert is one of my favourite pieces, a very difficult one to get right. I've listened to well over a dozen variations, the one on this CD, track 19, is an absolute gem. Just by itself is reason enough to own this CD. The only other Aranjuez performance that's even worth mentioning in the same breath is Julian Bream's, track 2 of the CD titled just "Julian Bream", with the Monteverdi orchestra. Both are just stunning performances, as close to perfection as it gets. Julian's is a bit stronger on the guitar than the one here.

Classic.......2007-01-26

Excellent CD for those interested in classical music. All the tracks are great in sound quality!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar.......2007-01-20

Loved the songs....loved the guitar renditions. Would highly recommend!

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!.......2006-04-19

If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams. A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.

As a guitarist myself who has been struggling all these years with "Cavatina", it always amazes me how effortlessly John makes the tune sound so simple and as if two guitarists are playing, one for the accompanyment and one for the melody and yet it's all him! Not only are the tracks representative of John's great talent but they also represent some of the most famous and challenging pieces to play.

Another great example of this is "Asturias(Leyenda) by Albeniz, a hauntingly beautiful and deceptively simple-sounding piece. We also get pieces that span the centuries from J.S. Bach and Vivaldi to Stanley Myers and York ending with the brilliant second movement of Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez".

Although the sound quality isn't brilliant as some tracks sound better mastered than others, overall this is a great one disc introduction to John Williams' work and comes highly recommended.

Excellent!!.......2006-03-06

This is a delightful compilation. The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

Average customer rating: Excellent recording Highly Recommended! Amazing A gentleman musical agreement! Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | 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 | Couperin, François | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | 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 Similar Items: Christopher Parkening plays Bach Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia ASIN: B000002RTR Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

1. Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
2. Estudio brillante
3. Etude No. 1 In E Minor
4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
5. Leyenda
6. Romance
7. Rumores de la Caleta
8. Capricho Arabe
9. Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
10. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
11. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
12. Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
13. Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
14. Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
15. Les Barricades mysterieuses
16. Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
17. Passacaglia
18. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
19. Gymnopedie No. 1
20. Empress Of The Pagodas
21. Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

1. Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
2. Fairest Lord Jesus
3. Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
4. Simple Gifts
5. Hymn Of Christian Joy
6. Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
7. Cantata 156: Arioso
8. Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
9. Canon
10. Dolly Suite: Berceuse
11. La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
12. Terezinha De Jesus
13. Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
14. Goyescas: Intermezzo
15. Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
16. Evening Dance
17. Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
18. Canarlos
19. La Maja de Goya
20. El Noi de la Mare
21. Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Thanks you Decca Exquisite music for the soul Indeed a joy forever! Exquisite collection & performances, unbelievable value!!!

Violin Adagios Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruch | Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works 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| Music Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cello Adagios Piano Adagios Romantic Adagios Guitar Adagios Movie Adagios ASIN: B000058BGY Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

1. Thais: Meditation - Nigel Kennedy
2. Vn Con No.1 in g, Op.26: Adagio - Kyung Wha Chung
3. Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': Largo - Alan Loveday
4. Con in d, BWV 1043: Largo, Ma Non Tanto - Henryk Szeryng/Maurice Hasson
5. Adagio in E, K.261 - Henryk Szeryng
6. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Akiko Suwanai/Philip Moll
7. Vn Con in D, Op.77: Adagio - Joshua Bell
8. Vn Con: Andante - Joshua Bell
9. Melodie - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
10. Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24 'Spring': Adagio Molto Espressivo - Itzhak Perlman/Vladimir Ashkenazy
11. Vn Con in D, Op.35: Canzonetta: Andante - Leila Josefowicz
12. Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op.55 No.4 - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
13. None But The Lonely Heart - Josef Sakonov
14. The Gadfly: Romance - Alexander Kerr

Tracks:

1. Romance No.2 in F, Op.50 - Arthur Grumiaux
2. Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: Adagio - Midori
3. Salut D'amour - Kyung Wha Chung/Philip Moll
4. Ave Maria, D.839 - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
5. Con in a, RV 522: Larghetto - Midori/Pinchas Zukerman
6. Son in D, Op.1 No.13: Larghetto - Iona Brown
7. Vn Con No.3 in G, K.216: Adagio - Arthur Grumiaux
8. Liebesleid - Joshua Bell/Paul Coker
9. Vn Con in e, Op.64: Andante - Kyung Wha Chung
10. Souvenir D'un Lieu Cher, Op.42: Melodie - Akiko Suwanai/Philip Moll
11. Vn Con in d, Op.47: Adagio Di Molto - Kyung Wha Chung
12. Vn Con in D, Op.35: Romance: Andante - Chantal Juillet
13. Standchen, D.957 No.4 - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
14. Estrellita - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
15. Orchestral Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: Air ('Air On A G String') - ASMF/Neville Marriner

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2005-11-07

An excellent compilation of folk tunes and violin concerto adagios, played masterfully by some of the world's most revered musicians. Features modern pieces (Korngold, Barber), which are a personal favorite of mine.

Thanks you Decca.......2005-01-23

My daughter is a violin student of 7 years and she has played 3 or 4 of these pieces for recitals. I bought the CD's so she could become familiar with the pieces as she was learning to play them. Now I find myself listening to the CD's almost every night when I go for my end of the day drive to relax. My favorites are the Mozart Concerto in G, the Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor and Beethoven's Romance in F on disc 2, but all the songs are exquisitely beautiful. I highly recommend it.

Exquisite music for the soul.......2004-06-14

These CDs have the most incredible selections of music on them. Listening to the violins has enabled me to complete papers for my doctoral level classes without the usual neck aches. This is soothing, exquistie music for the soul! Lovely!!

Indeed a joy forever!.......2003-05-22

Before buying this 2 CD set,I've read Reviews by Chicagodreamer,
who rated it as "Highly, highly recommended." His laudatory recommentation, I must say, is found "well justified."

Exquisite collection & performances, unbelievable value!!!.......2002-01-15

"Over 2 l/2 hours of the world's most beautiful music." These words on the cover are very close to true. What an incredible value this collection is!! So many of these compilations of this sort are cheaply produced, and those "greatest hits" collections are one trite piece after another -- after a while one runs screaming to the stereo to shut it off. However, this collection is top-notch, and the performers they chose are masterful musicians at the top of their game. Every selection is lovely, each one unfolding after the other in a sublime slide show of exquisite compositions performed by legends. This is TWO CDs of sparkling performances composed and performed by masters. There is not a bad selection or a piece of inferior quality in the entire lot.

The violin is an extraordinary instrument that, when played correctly, can pluck the heartstrings and stir the soul. It is played perfectly by each puppetmaster on each one of these wonderful pieces, and the experience of listening to this collection is an exquisite journey for the heart and spirit. Looking for a fantastic collection of exquisite pieces written and performed by genius? It's here. Highly, highly recommended!!

Average customer rating: Never ever to find more graceful play! Grunting and moaning explained Great Introduction to Classical Guitar Excellent collection Parkening in top form

In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia Christopher Parkening plays Bach Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening Artistry of Christopher Parkening Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso ASIN: B000002RNK Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Suite espanola: Leyenda
2. Capricho arabe (Serenata)
3. Rumores de la Caleta (Malaguena)
4. Prelude No. 1
5. Prelude No. 2
6. Prelude No. 3
7. Estudio brillante
8. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
9. Fantasia: Fantasia No. 10
10. Estudio No. 17 In E Minor
11. Estudio No. 19 In B Flat
12. Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 1 in E Minor
13. Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 11 In E Minor
14. Vals venezolano No. 3
15. Four Preludes
16. Catalonian Song
17. Romance

Customer Reviews:

Never ever to find more graceful play!.......2007-03-09

The incredible representation and sound Parkening created by the guitar is
sublimity itself. Though I have listened to many a world-famous guitarist,
I have never been so fascinated as by his play. I couldn't but make intimate friends of mine a present of Parkening's CDs like "In the Spanish Style", through which I felt I could show them what real music is like. I never ever imagine I could find more graceful play than that of Christopher Parkening at least in the world of the guitar.

Grunting and moaning explained.......2006-01-03

I met Parkening in 1972, a few years after this album was first released. I asked him about the "groans" that could be heard. He explained that at the time he let his thoughts wander and thought about the future, when some Swiss moron named Peter Gilman would complain about the recording. Absentmindedly, he groaned at the thought of it all. He told me if ever I should meet Peter that I was to apologize.

Peter, sorry about that.

Great Introduction to Classical Guitar.......2005-04-07

My parents had this on vinyl when I was kid. I listened to it a lot in high school when I was listening to a lot of musical styles. This and Parkening's Bach CD are probably my two favorite classical guitar discs.

As a rock/blues/pop guitarist, I've been learning some classical over the last few years. And this disc has been my reference. Parkening's playing is confident and enjoyable. Capricho Arabe stands out as does the Sor studies that he covers.

My only complaint is Leyenda, his performance is less than passionate and the recording doesn't sound EQ'd correctly in a few spots. Other artists have better recordings of this song (John Williams comes to mind).

If you are looking for a great classical guitar CD, this is a great place to start.

Excellent collection.......2004-05-06

This is the album that made me want to take up classical guitar. Great selection of songs, played with incredible feeling and tone. Brilliant performances of Capricho Arabe, Recuerdos and the Villa-Lobos and Ponce Preludes. His rendition of Romance is what every student should strive for. The student (Parkening) has most definitely learned all of his master's (Segovia) lessons and went even further. Still fresh after 25 years of regular listening.

Parkening in top form.......2004-02-28

Christopher Parkening's technical prowess is in full effect here, showing he's truly the ultimate successor to the great Andres Segovia.

I don't know about grunting, but if you listen closely, there is some noticeable sighing from Parkening on a few of the tracks, especially the third. Presumably, he was getting weary from all the work his fingers were getting in playing those immensely complex arrangements. But to go as for as to say it ruins the recording is ludicrous. In fact, the sighing adds to the intimacy and accessibility of the recording. I had always felt distant while listening to a Parkening album because he sounded TOO polished. He plays great here, but to hear his voice, even in its slightest audible sound, adds to the album's charm.

If you're a classical guitar enthusiast, this album is essential.

Average customer rating: Dreamy Remarkable young artist Stunning technique, needs much work Best version of the Prelude BWV 1006 for Guitar WOW

Ana Vidovic Guitar Recital Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Laureate Series: Guitar Mel Bay presents Ana Vidovic: Guitar Virtuoso Martha Masters: Guitar Recital Jason Vieaux Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00004U2KN Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

1. Partita in E, BWV 1006a: Prld
2. Partita in E, BWV 1006a: Loure
3. Partita in E, BWV 1006a: Gavotte En Rondeau
4. Partita in E, BWV 1006a: Menuett I And Menuett II
5. Partita in E, BWV 1006a: Bourree
6. Partita in E, BWV 1006a: Gigue
7. Son Romantica: I. Allegro Moderato
8. Son Romantica: II. Andante Espressivo
9. Son Romantica: III. Allegretto Vivo
10. Son Romantica: IV. Allegro Non Troppo E Serioso
11. Danza Mora
12. Capricho Arabe
13. Vals
14. The Troubadours Three: Melancholy
15. The Troubadours Three: Sonnet
16. The Troubadours Three: Celebration
17. Five Bagatelles: I. Allegro
18. Five Bagatelles: II. Lento
19. Five Bagatelles: III. Alla Cubana
20. Five Bagatelles: IV. Sempre Espressivo
21. Five Bagatelles: V. Con Slancio

Customer Reviews:

Dreamy.......2007-01-01

I've had the recording for a while and I saw her live too. The recording is a nice interpretation of Bach because of the speed of the pieces. I met her after I saw her live in '05 and she is a total doll. Buy it even if you don't like classical cuz it will change your mind.

Remarkable young artist.......2006-07-05

This CD is a stunning debut recording by one of the most gifted young guitarists to appear in some time. Her technical abilities are of the highest level. Anyone that can play the Prelude to the 4th Lute Suite this briskly AND musically is above most criticism. And I have been playing the 4th Lute Suite for thirty years myself.

Now, of course Ana Vidovic has lots of room to grow aesthetically--how could it not be so, as she made this recording before she was twenty years old? For example, the Sonata Romantica suffers a bit from excess impetus. She almost never lets the music breath and in this music, hommage to Schubert as it is, expansiveness is inherent to the style. But let us also praise her choice of repertoire. She has unerringly chosen very fine pieces from the repertoire, which is not always the case. Her Walton Bagatelles are remarkable, showing a panache that we are used to hearing only from Julian Bream, for whom they were written.

One thing that Ana Vidovic has in spades is a real ear for harmonic progression--this is one of the many things that sets this recording apart from many others by those with velocity and fingers and little else.

So, my advice is to purchase this recording. I doubt very much that you will regret it and you will be hearing a lot more from this artist over the years.

Stunning technique, needs much work.......2006-06-25

This performer deserves all the latitude necessary, as she may yet develop into a relevant, insightful, and original interpreter of the music she offers. I truly hope she does not choose to compete with Eliot Fisk in the Indy-500 or the 24-Hours of Le Mans. Based on the samples, I won't be buying this CD as I can program my computer to play just as fast or even faster, and just as clear. Instead, I recommend the Frank Bungarten recording (also available on Amazon). But Ana Vidovic does show a lot of promise, and deserves encouragement.

Best version of the Prelude BWV 1006 for Guitar.......2006-05-21

For anyone following ALL previous versions of Bach's Fourth Lute Suite (Williams, Barrueco, Galbraith, Russell, and a long etc) Vidovic deserves a place of her own. Her playing is superb: it has energy, character, precision and strength enough to deceive anybody ignoring she was barely 19 at the time of the recording. If you do not have this CD buy it now. Bear in mind it is not Sony, or BMG with their outstanding sound engineers, but Vidovic makes up for all that absence. She is part of a new generation of croatian world class virtuosi and in my opinion, a clear step forward in Classical Guitar Playing.

WOW.......2006-04-09

I just got this recording after seeing her live. Ana Vidovic is amazing. Probably one of my favorite players.

Average customer rating: The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too! Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear A little something for everybody

The Ultimate Guitar Collection Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | 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 All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Williams, John [guitar] | ( W ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | 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: Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar The Guitarist El Diablo Suelto - Guitar Music of Venezuela Spanish Guitar Music Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces ASIN: B0007TFH52 Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

1. Suite Espanola, Op.47: Asturias (Leyenda)
2. Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
3. Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Prelude
4. Triangular Situations
5. Recuerdos De La Alhambra
6. Romance
7. Dance From La Vida Breve
8. Sonata In E Major, K 380
9. Como Llora Una Estrella (Valse-Cancion)
10. The Mission
11. El Colibri
12. Gymnopedie No.3
13. Courante
14. La Catedral
15. El Condor Pasa
16. Salut D'Amour
17. Malinke Guitars
18. Concerto For Lute (Guitar), Two Violins (Strings) And Basso Continuo In D Major, R.93: I. Allegro Giusto
19. The Entertainer

Tracks:

1. Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
2. El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
3. Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
4. Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
5. Gnossienne No.1
6. Cueca
7. Schindler's List
8. Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
9. Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
10. Pavane
11. Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
12. Sunburst
13. The Godfather
14. Scherzino Mexicano
15. Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
16. 3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
17. 3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
18. 3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
19. The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
20. Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
21. Saltarello
22. 12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!.......2006-04-21

The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear.......2006-01-26

The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album. It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done. Not robotic like some freaks out there. This is true beautiful music. Runs together like a long summer drive in the country. It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.

A little something for everybody.......2005-06-15

First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Average customer rating: Above All Others The Great Master, of Masters THIS GORGEOUS GUITAR MUSIC BEGS FOR LISTENING. . . beautiful selection of the decca segovia There's Only One Segovia

The Segovia Collection Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Segovia, Andrés | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Art of Segovia Ultimate Guitar Collection Andres Segovia: In Portrait 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2 ASIN: B000060O5J Release Date: 2002-06-11

Amazon.com

The vastly improved sonics which the Deutsche Grammophon production team achieves with its 24/96 remastering of the guitarist's 1952-1969 mono and stereo performances for Decca allow listeners to finally experience the rich tonal palette and intimate nature of Segovia's performance art in a manner commensurate with the fidelity of the original LP releases (minus the edgy digital glare and graininess of the MCA reissues). What emerges is a portrait of the artist as a lightning rod for great composers, such as Manuel Ponce, Federico Torroba, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Isaac Albéniz, and Enrique Granados, all of whom enriched the 20th-century repertoire of solo and chamber works by custom-crafting works for this innovative guitarist (Segovia's interpretation of Joaquín Rodrigo's "Fandango" is a paradigm for his role in popularizing the modern Spanish idiom). Likewise, Segovias's work as an arranger in recasting baroque and medieval works for modern guitar, as well as his deep affection for 19th-century masters of the instrument such as Dionisio Aguado and Fernando Sor, shines forth on discs two and three. However, it is Segovia's romantic touch in transposing Bach's Partitas for Solo Violin--as on his virtuoso turns on the "Chaconne in D Minor"--that best illustrate his poetic conception of the instrument. --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

Above All Others.......2006-10-16

John Williams, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Julian Bream, et. al. all owe a great deal to this now departed giant. If you own ANY classical guitar recordings, you should purchase this collection. It's not only the finest remastering available, but an equisitely fine selection of Segovia's contribution to the genre and the art.

The Great Master, of Masters.......2005-06-28

Andrés Segovia was the great master of classical guitar. This set show us 400 years of music taken for the guitar, he was the first in give the guitar place like a cult instrument in 20th century through his works invaluable transcriptions of several instruments (cello, lute, etc.) of composers like Bach, Dowland, Manuel M. Ponce, Fernando Sor, Tárrega, etc.

The scope from Segovia has leaved footsteps in the great world of classical music, for his research and investigations about it. In this set we can listen pieces like "six pavanas" from the ending Age Middle of Luis Milán, and begginig of Rennasaince like Dowland's songs togheter Roncali Ludovico between others on CD 3.
Also show us the great spanish composer Enrique Granados, Torroba, Sor, icons of guitar music. I Basically bought this cd for "Pavane" 1-6 and that better found it in this GREAT SET. If you're a lover of Classical Music, or classical guitar this one of the greatest set box ever made in any genre!!!.

Andrés Segovia, Marquis of Salobreia, was born near Jaen, Granada, Spain. He became a guitarist against the double opposition of his parents. First, they opposed his learning the guitar and got him cello and piano teachers instead. When he persisted in teaching himself guitar, they opposed his becoming a musician. He sought a guitar teacher at the Granada Institute of Music when he studied there, but found none, so continued learning the instrument on his own. He made his debut at the Centro Artística in Granada at the age of 15. He played so skillfully that he was urged to become a professional soloist. He played in Madrid in 1912, at the Paris Conservatory in 1915, and in Barcelona in 1916, and made a wildly successful tour of South America in 1919. He made his formal debut in Paris on April 7, 1924, in a program which included a new work written for him by Albert Roussel, named Segovia. It was the first of many works which were written for him by distinguished composers, enriching the instrument's repertory as Segovia had elevated its artistic potential. His U.S. debut was at Town Hall, New York, on January 8, 1928.

Being self-taught, his technique was unique. It was, in fact, superior to that which was being taught at the time, and extended the flexibility and expressive possibilities of the instrument. The main difference was in the method of using the right hand for strumming and picking the strings: Segovia's method paid much attention to the means of attack: whether hard parts of the fingers, fleshy parts, or the nails were used; other subtleties that affected the dynamics of the instrument; and an economy of motion that allowed longer and more sustained playing. There were classical guitarists before him, and distinguished ones even when he appeared, but it was not an instrument that was regarded as a serious vehicle for classical music. Segovia personally changed that, and not by accident. No doubt affected by his parents' attitude toward his chosen career, he had a driving desire to make it so. He wrote numerous transcriptions of older music for lute and for the Spanish vihuela. He transcribed music of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Chopin, Handel, and others. He commissioned works by Castelnuovo-Tedesco (notably the great suite Platero and I), Falla, Turina, Tansman, Villa-Lobos, Torroba, Ponce, and Rodrigo, whose Fantasia para un gentilhombre was written for him. His reinstatement of the guitar as a solo instrument was sealed by his becoming one of the great teachers of music history. He established guitar schools or courses at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, Siena, Santiago de Compostela, and the University of California in Berkeley. His students included Alirio Diaz, Oscar Ghilia, and John Williams.

Segovia become one of the great names in classical music, whose mere name was enough to sell out houses worldwide. He received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Grand Cross of Isabela and Alfonso, the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society of London, and many honorary degrees. The house where he was born had a commemorative plaque attached to it in 1969 proclaiming him the "leading son of the city." King Juan Carlos of Spain ennobled him as the Marquis of Salobreia in 1981, and in the same year a Segovia International Guitar Competition was established in his honor. He continued to give recitals and concerts until an advanced age, and had the rare opportunity, in 1984, of playing at a gala concert honoring the 75th anniversary o