Essential Bach

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Toccata And Fugue in d, BWV 565: Toccata - Boston SO/Seiji Ozawa

2. Orchestral Ste No. 3 in D, BWV 1068: Air - Thurston Dart

3. Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, 1. Teil: Prld in C, BWV 846 - Marisa Robles

4. Brandenburg Con No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: I. Allegro - Jose-Luis Garcia/David Munrow/John Turner

5. Goldberg Vars, BWV 988: Aria - Andras Schiff

6. Cant, BWV 645: Sleepers Awake - New SO Of London/Raymond Agoult

7. Vn Con No. 1 in a, BWV 1041: I. Allegro Moderato - Salvatore Accardo/Christopher Middleton

8. Cant, BWV 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Stuttgarter Kammerorchester/Karl Munchinger

9. Kbd Con No. 4 in A, BWV 1055: I. Allegro - Andras Schiff

10. Vc Ste No. 3 in C, BWV 1009: Bourrees I And II - Pepe Romero

See all 17 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2

1. Brandenburg Con No. 2 in F, BWV 1047: I. Allegro - Guy Touvron/Michael Copley/Heinz Holliger/Pina Carmirelli/Antonio Perez/Italo Colandrea

2. Con in d, BWV 1043: II. Largo, Ma Non Tanto - Henryk Szeryng/Maurice Hasson

3. Lute Ste in E, BWV 1006a: Prld - Eduardo Fernandez

4. Cant, BWV 208: Sheep My Safely Graze - Stuttgarter CO/Karl Munchinger

5. Vc Son in g, BWV 1029: II. Adagio (Excerpt) - Janos Starker/Gyorgy Sebok

6. Italian Con in F, BWV 971: I. Allegro - Andras Schiff

7. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Pastoral Sinf - Stuttgarter CO/Karl Munchinger

8. Vn Con No. 1 in a, BWV 1041: II. Andante - Salvatore Accardo/Christopher Middleton

9. Gigue in D (Transposed From Partita No. 1 in B flat, BWV 825) - Eduardo Fernandez

10. Orch Ste No. 2 in b, BWV 1067: Menuet - William Bennett

See all 19 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Tracks:

Prde from Suite No. 1 in G Major for Cello, BWV 1007
II. Largo from "Winter", Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 from the Four Seasons
Jesus, bleibet meine Freude (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring), BWV 147
Schafe kn sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze), BWV 208
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake), BWV 645
The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)
Havanaise, Op. 83
Mtation from Tha
Liebesfreud Instrumental
Allegro ben ritmato e deciso from Three Preludes
Vocalise Vocal
IV. Allegro from Sonata in D minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 40
Andante Cantabile for Cello Solo and String Orchestra, Op. posth.
IV. Rondo alla Zingarese. Presto from Quartet No. 1 in G minor for Piano and Strings, Op. 25
III. Finale. Allegro moderato from Concerto in B minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 104

Tracks:

Cristal
A lenda do caboclo
Chega de Saudade Live
Wapango Live
Libertango
Appalachia Waltz Solo Cello Version
Butterfly's Day Out
1B
Pickin' from Three Pieces for Solo Cello
Simple Gifts
The Mission
Gabriel's Oboe
The Falls Album Version
The Eternal Vow from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Cellist of Sarajevo - A Lament in Rondo Form for Solo 'Cello, Op. 12
Chi passa per'sta strada
Mido Mountain (Chinese Traditional)
Mohini (Enchantment)
Baroque in Rhythm from Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio
Anything Goes Instrumental
I Could Have Danced All Night Extended version

Amazon.com

Here are three dozen pieces of music, all played by Yo-Yo Ma, culled from his extensive discography. Aside from the technical mastery and beautiful tone that are absolutes in all of his playing, one is dazzled by his curiosity and ability to adapt to so many forms and types of music. His Bach and Vivaldi are pellucid and played with non-sentimental crispness, his tango music gritty and rhythmically pungent, his jazz seemingly spontaneous, the "Meditation" from Thais simply ravishing, "Anything Goes" a romp, and the Appalachian music performed with both respect and a great twang, while the traditional Chinese music is fascinating. It's really a matter of how much Ma loves whatever he plays here, how entirely he becomes involved in it, and what a fine partner he invariably is to other musicians. This collection is a doozy--it is truly "essential." --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

pure genius.......2007-05-21

No instrument asks more from the soul of an artist as the cello does.
Yo Yo Ma shows to be master of the instrument and his interpretations en technique are pure genius. Everyone should have this album in his (or hers of course) basic classical collection

Another great Yo-Yo Disc.......2007-05-15

The set-up with the classical pieces on the first disc and the other on the second is excellent.

first disc great- second a flop.......2007-04-12

the first disc is awesome. the second disc is weird and boring.

Encore.......2007-03-31

Incredible. My young cellist (son) loves it. Beautiful music. The album is well organized and each song transitions nicely.

The Versatile Yo-Yo Ma.......2007-03-29

I've found this collection to be extremely delightful! It gives you a sense of the versatility of Yo-Yo Ma like no other, with one disc being dedicated more to his classical side, while the other explores jazz and world music venues. Not your typical "greatest hits" collection.

Average customer rating:

so amazing
Essential Bach is OK
Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
Exquisite Essential Bach
Good

Essential Bach

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | 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

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004SPLF
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
Prelude in C major
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
Goldberg Variations: Aria
Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
Prelude in D Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating:

Superb match of music, artist, and instrument
Beautiful, commanding; dynamite recording quality

Works for Organ - Essential Classics
Bach , and Biggs
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bach: The Four Great Toccatas & Fugues
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ASIN: B000069JLH
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

Toccata
Fugue
Passacaglia
Fugue
Pastorale
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro Vivace
Prelude (Fantasia)
Fugue
Prelude
Fugue
Prelude
Fugue
Prelude
Fugue

Customer Reviews:

Superb match of music, artist, and instrument.......2006-02-24

On March 2, 1972, a spacecraft called Pioneer 10 was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. On the grounds that the craft might at some point, at some time, come under the notice of intelligent beings on another world, a plaque was attached to the craft, etched with some figures and whatnot. The figures were designed to "represent the type of creature that created Pioneer." It struck me at the time that if we wanted to tell others not only what type of creature we are, but what we are supremely capable of, that we should include a recording of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, and, more specifically, this recording of that marvelous expression of the human mind and spirit.

E. Power Biggs was known not only for his mastery of the pipe organ, but also for his careful matching of a particular composition to an organ best suited to its performance. We can hope that Sony will at some point release a CD of Biggs' performance of the Toccata from Widor's fifth organ symphony on the organ of the Episcopal Church of St. George in New York City with its 32 -foot ranks. The thundering pedal notes in the concluding part of the work have never had better justice done to them.

All the tracks on this CD were recorded on the Flentrop organ in the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard University, from about 1961 to 1972. Again, Biggs seems to have chosen his instrument wisely, as the pieces he plays here feel so absolutely right on that organ. Yes, there is some tape hiss, and I think I detected a little bit of tape "wow" at one point. But if you will listen beyond those things, concentrate on the music in itself, I think you cannot fail to be both impressed and moved, even if you have heard the pieces played by many other artists in many other venues. Technique and artistry alike are both superb and unique in this recording of these monuments of Bach's genius.

Highly recommended.

Beautiful, commanding; dynamite recording quality.......2005-10-28

This CD is a 2002 re-issue of the Sony Essentials CD from 1991. That disc is also still available from Amazon. Just type in "E. Power Biggs" on the search line to make sure you get to the appropriate page. Several customer reviews are available there. You will see it listed as "Bach: Toccata & Fugue; Passacaglia & Fugue; Pastorale; Prelude & Fugue". I can really only add my voice to the other reviewers, some of whom are far more eloquent than I. Suffice it to say that E.Power Biggs is the best. The famous Toccata & Fugue in D Minor is so perfectly performed here by Mr. Biggs. Of course, all the other compositions are equally well-performed. These recordings date from 1961, 1965, and 1972, according to the last page of the liner notes. There is some tape hiss present; however, it only appears during very quiet passages, and there are precious few of those, so I don't really consider it a problem. Take my word that the recordings on this disc are absolutely excellent. I have some vinyl discs from Columbia Masterworks featuring Mr. Biggs, and this disc reminds me of those top-quality recordings. It may be that these CD recordings come from original Columbia Masterworks as well. What matters in the end here is twofold: the works of Bach and the performances of Mr. Biggs. I would also suggest that anyone who wants to pursue E. Power Biggs' recordings of Bach to browse through his other recordings here on Amazon in order to complete their collection. In the meantime, I can guarantee that this disc at this low price is one wonderful buy.

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Average customer rating:

The Price Club
A living legend
not your daddy's old timey spiritual
Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price
Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spirituals

ASIN: B000003FWE
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating:

Nothing but hits

Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004RITB
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Customer Reviews:

Nothing but hits.......2001-01-31

As with their first collection of label highlights, Hyperion's new two-disc collection provides a broad sampling of their exceptional catalogue and performers. Particularly rewarding are the selections from Beethoven (Scherzo from String Trio in C minor, op 9 no 3, performed by the Leopold Trio) and Thomas Tallis (Salvator mundi I, performed by the Winchester Cathedral Choir), but experienced and novice listeners alike will find much to enjoy on these discs. It's also a good value--more than 2 1/2 hours of music for less than $10.

Average customer rating:

Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD

The Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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God Bless America

ASIN: B000F8OIH8
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

The Sound Of Music
Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
Born Free
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
Goin' Home
All Through The Night
Londonderry Air
Seventy-Six Trombones
Art Thou With me (Aria: Bist Du Bei Mir), BWV 508
Simple Gifts (A Shaker Song)
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
The Lord's Prayer
Bless This House
Ave Maria
Medley From Pinocchio: When You Wish Upon A Star/Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (An Actor's Life For Me)
The Impossible Dream
Over The Rainbow
Medley From Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs: Whistle While You Work/Heigh-Ho! Heigh-Ho!
Climb Ev'ry Mountain
Somwhere
Oklahoma!
You'll Never Walk Alone

Tracks:

Anvil Chorus From Il Trovatore
Heavenly Father! (Ave Maria)
When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again
Holy Art Thou (Largo From Xerxes)
Loch Lomond
None But The Lonely Heart
The Lost Chord
Nearer My God To Thee
I'll See You In My Dreams
Smilin' Through
Medley: Pretty Baby/You Are My Sunshine/Avalon
I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now
The Anniversary Song
It's A Grand Night For Singing
My Favorite Things
The White Cliffs Of Dover
It's A Long, Long Way To Tipperray
Final Chorus From Schiller's 'Ode To Joy'

Customer Reviews:

Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD.......2006-07-15

This CD was timely shipped in great condition, and at a reasonable price. These classical songs are wonderful to hear in order to bring back old memories and feelings. The only glitch is that the reproduction of these recordings is alittle weak; the volume and clarity of some songs are off just a bit. I have heard better reproductions of other old recordings, but I'm not really complaining. You'll love this CD if you like its genre.

Essential Piano: The Ultimate Piano Collection

Average customer rating:

Essential Piano: The Ultimate Piano Collection

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Essential Violin
#1 Piano Album
Masters of the Keyboard
Essential Baroque
Essential Bach

ASIN: B00076YNIC
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Aria - Andras Schiff
II. Adagio Sostenuto - Zoltan Kocsis
Grande Valse Brillante In E Flat Major, Op.18 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Traumerei, Op.15 No.7 - Radu Lupu
Consolation No.3 - Jorge Bolet
Gymnopedie No.1 - Pascal Roge
Adagio - Stephen Kovacevich
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julius Katchen
II. Andantino Semplice - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Melody In F Major, Op.3 No.1 - Shura Cherkassky
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
II. Andante - Radu Lupu
Moment Musical No.3 In F Minor - Radu Lupu
Bagatelle In A Minor, WoO 59 (Fur Elise) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Waltz In D Flat Major, Op.64 No.1 'Minute' - Jorge Bolet

Tracks:

Clair De Lune - Pascal Roge
Romance (Excerpt) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
II. Adagio Cantabile - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - Pascal Roge
Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.90 No.3 - Radu Lupu
Rondo Alla Turca - Andras Schiff
II. Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Fruhlingrauschen (Rustle Of Spring) - Joseph Cooper
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
II. Andante - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Nocturne, Op.33 No.1 - Pascal Roge
II. Andante - Cristina Ortiz
Sevilla - Alicia De Larrocha
Liebestraum No.3 - Jorge Bolet

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The Essential Hilary Hahn

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000R7I3NM
Release Date: 2007-07-10

The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)

Average customer rating:

A MUST BUY!!!
Great music, Excellent Value!
This truly is essential!

The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)
Henry Purcell , Charles Villiers Stanford , Sheppard, John , Haydn, Joseph , Satie, Erik , Schumann, Robert , and Shostakovich, Dmitri
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2
Glass Harmonica
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Essential Purcell

ASIN: B000002ZDX
Release Date: 1995-02-13

Tracks:

Concerto For Two Trumpets, 1687: Allegro
Abdelazer: Rondeau
Who Can From Joy Refrain?: A Prince Of Glorious Race
The Morning: The Glitt'ring Sun
The Ephesian Matron, Or The Widow's Tears: Vaudeville
Magnificat In G
Libera Nos
Cantigas de amigo: My Love's Coming Home
My Lady, You Do Great Wrong
Locus iste
Symphony No 14 In A: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No 94 In G (The 'Surprise' Symphony): Finale
Gymnopedie No. 1: Gymnopedie No. 1 (Orchestrated By Debussy)
Liederkreis op. 39: Waldesgesprach
Album Leaf In Waltz Form
Prelude And Fugue In A, Op. 87, No. 7
Phil The Fluter's Ball
Piano Concerto In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30: Allegro
O salutaris hostia
Da quel sembiante, D. 688, No. 3
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 5, No. 5: Vivace
Clarinet Quartet No 1 In E Flat, Op. 2: Rondo
String Sextet In A, Op. 48: Furiant
Sherzo In A minor, Op. 81, No. 2
Come You, Mary, Op. 21, No. 2
Chorale Prelude 'Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g' mein'
Deus in adiutorium
Sortie In E Flat

Customer Reviews:

A MUST BUY!!!.......2001-03-03

If I had to choose one CD to spend a month locked in isolation with, this would be the one. Its varied but it flows well together. It's restive and soothing. The quality is beyond excellent!!! At the price, anyone is a fool not to own it, and give it lavishly as gifts. Its gorgeous, lush and fabulous! Everyone that hears it in our home, falls in love with it!

Great music, Excellent Value!.......2000-07-26

Rarely can one buy so much good music for so little. This compilation features almost 80 minutes of high quality music.

This truly is essential!.......1999-10-23

What a brilliant idea from one of our leading record companies! On this disc, they have assembled a programme of highlights from their vast collection of choral, vocal, orchestral, and solo instrumental music that is very satisfying. As with most CDs of this sort, it is a case of some tracks not appealing as much as others- I for instance am a lover of choral music so the gorgeous renditions of Stanford's "Magnificat" by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir or John Sheppard's divine motet "Libera Nos" by the Sixteen are obvious preferences of mine. However, whether you seek dyed-in-the-wool orchestral classics as Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony, less familiar works performed by period artists (such as "'E irei Madr'a Vigo" by ancient Spanish composer Martin Codax), or snippets of breathtaking instrumental solos (such as the rousing performance of Lefebure-Wely's "Sortie in E flat" which is sadly only an excerpt), this disc is bound to have something on it for you. And all of it is finely recorded.

Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection

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Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection Review
The Greatest Choral Masterpieces
Not that bad... at first
Gread Idea, Great Performance
Dies Irae

Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The #1 Choral Album
Mass: The Most Powerful, Uplifting & Passionate Music You Will Ever Hear
Choral Masterpieces
Simply the Best Classical Anthems
Tears from Heaven

ASIN: B0000041NV
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Dies Irac: Requiem - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Chorus Of THe Hebrew Slaves: Nabucco - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Entrance Of The Toreadors: Carmen - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
An die Freude: Symphony No. 9 - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Zadok the Priest - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Bridal Chorus: Lohengrin - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Easter Hymn: Cavellera Rusticana - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Requiem Aeternam: Requiem - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Pavane - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Gloria In Excelsis Deo: Gloria - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
For Unto Us A Child Is Born: Messiah - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
O Isis und Osiris: The Magic Flute - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Credo: Messe Solennelle Di Sainte Cecile - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
I Vow To Thee, My Country - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL
Final Chorus: Turandot - DIES IRAE-ESSENTIAL CHORAL COL

Tracks:

O Fortuna: Carmina Burana - Various Artists
Trimphal March: Aida - Various Artists
Deus in adiutorium - Domine ad adiuvaum: Vespro Della Beata Vergine - Various Artists
See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes: Judas Maccabeus - Various Artists
In The Hall Of The Mountain King: Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Various Artists
Magnificat anima mea: Magnificat - Various Artists
Agnus Dei: Requiem - Various Artists
Humming Chorus: Madama Butterfly - Various Artists
Ich will hier bei dir stehen: St. Mathew's Passion - Various Artists
Entry Of The Guest: Tannhauser - Various Artists
Auto0da-fe' Chorus: Don Carlo - Various Artists
Polovtsian Dances: Prince Igor - Various Artists
Anvil Chorus: Il Trovatore - Various Artists
Land Of Hope And Glory: Pomp And Circumstance - Various Artists
'Hallelujah' Chorus: Messiah - Various Artists

Amazon.com

This certainly is a desirable compendium of some of the most famous large-scale choral pieces, primarily drawn from Deutsche Grammophon's catalog of operas and oratorios. Among the 30 selections on this two-disc set are choruses from Carmen, Lohengrin, Aida, Madame Butterfly, and Il Trovatore, as well as Messiah, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Bach's St. Matthew's Passion, and Verdi's Requiem. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection Review.......2007-07-07

This 2 disc collection of Choral music is a great introduction to classical music. Many of these selections have been made famous in movies and will be recognizable to even the most casual listener. I bought this album for O Fortuna by Carl Orff, a song that is featured in Excalibur and Jackass: The Movie. The music on these CDs is great. I especially like Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven, Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg, and Requiem by Mozart.

Other albums recommended:
Amadeus: Original Soundtrack Recording
25 Beethoven Favorites
Excalibur: Original Movie Soundtrack

The Greatest Choral Masterpieces.......2005-10-02

This collection is outstanding, featuring the best choral works from operas and oratorios in classical repertoire. It begins with the fiery and intense Dies Irae from Verdi's Requiem. This piece is sublimely performed by the Berlin forces. It's followed by the anthem-like Va Pensiero from Verdi's early opera Nabucco, as conducted by Sinopoli and sounds maravelous. A brief excerpt from Beethoven's Ninth "The Ode to Joy" is a treat. The Coronation Anthem from Zadok The Priest by Handel is well-executed and powerful. The famous Bridal March (better known as "Here Comes The Bride") from Wagner's opera Lohengrin is sumptuous. A lot of this music is grandiose, and all the famous grand choruse from the grand operas like Aida (The Triumphal March scene) and the Inquistion Scene from Don Carlo. What is missing however, and I would have enjoyed, is the wondrous Finale to Wagner's Die Meistersanger which features a great chorus in praise of art. My favorite piece on here is the little known Mass of Saint Cecilia by Charles Gounod. It is absolutely gorgeous and epic sounding. The underrated but great conductor Igor Markevitch conducts. The famous O Fortuna from Orff's Carmina Burana is also on here, not to mention Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus from Messiah and other pieces from Judas Maccabeus. This is a great collection of chorus masterpieces that any fan would appreciate or if you are studying to sing in chorues yourself.

Not that bad... at first.......2005-03-26

There's plenty of free samples to this CD, and I agree that this is a great collection of music. Chances are you won't find a collection of songs, all of them with angelic choirs, as great as this. When I got it I was quite happy with it, but when I heard the same songs done with different conductors I thought to myself: 'Hey, why doesn't it sound like my CD?' It's the quality that I don't like. For example, Dias Irae is a great song, and it sounds pretty good on the CD, but compare it to another version and this one is slower, the chorus is off key, and it doesn't have that intense emotion. Same thing with O Fortuna, it's a great song, but the chorus is just terrible on this CD, the instruments are lacking in emotion: percussion doesn't add that extra 'oomph' to the bass drum, the cymbals don't have enough emphasis, the chorus sounds like they're about to go asleep, and the dynamics between fortissimo and pianissimo have little effort.

I'd recomend this if you have little cash to blow on a lot of good songs, otherwise you might want to search for a bunch of seperate CDs with the same songs.

Gread Idea, Great Performance.......2003-03-03

This CD should move people in a way that few other recordings can. The one word to describe many of the works is "exalted". This is not music for dinner parties but instead should be heard in solitary contemplation of all the great artists and their efforts in creating such an inspiring recording.

Dies Irae.......2000-03-07

I have an extensive CD collection, but since purchasing this CD, it has become my very favorite. This music sent chills down my spine. I felt transported to a different world....What amazing voices! I intend to give this cd as xmas presents to family and friends.

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Commonality

1. Toccata And Fugue in d, BWV 565: Toccata - Boston SO/Seiji Ozawa
2. Orchestral Ste No. 3 in D, BWV 1068: Air - Thurston Dart
3. Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, 1. Teil: Prld in C, BWV 846 - Marisa Robles
4. Brandenburg Con No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: I. Allegro - Jose-Luis Garcia/David Munrow/John Turner
5. Goldberg Vars, BWV 988: Aria - Andras Schiff
6. Cant, BWV 645: Sleepers Awake - New SO Of London/Raymond Agoult
7. Vn Con No. 1 in a, BWV 1041: I. Allegro Moderato - Salvatore Accardo/Christopher Middleton
8. Cant, BWV 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Stuttgarter Kammerorchester/Karl Munchinger
9. Kbd Con No. 4 in A, BWV 1055: I. Allegro - Andras Schiff
10. Vc Ste No. 3 in C, BWV 1009: Bourrees I And II - Pepe Romero

1. Brandenburg Con No. 2 in F, BWV 1047: I. Allegro - Guy Touvron/Michael Copley/Heinz Holliger/Pina Carmirelli/Antonio Perez/Italo Colandrea
2. Con in d, BWV 1043: II. Largo, Ma Non Tanto - Henryk Szeryng/Maurice Hasson
3. Lute Ste in E, BWV 1006a: Prld - Eduardo Fernandez
4. Cant, BWV 208: Sheep My Safely Graze - Stuttgarter CO/Karl Munchinger
5. Vc Son in g, BWV 1029: II. Adagio (Excerpt) - Janos Starker/Gyorgy Sebok
6. Italian Con in F, BWV 971: I. Allegro - Andras Schiff
7. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Pastoral Sinf - Stuttgarter CO/Karl Munchinger
8. Vn Con No. 1 in a, BWV 1041: II. Andante - Salvatore Accardo/Christopher Middleton
9. Gigue in D (Transposed From Partita No. 1 in B flat, BWV 825) - Eduardo Fernandez
10. Orch Ste No. 2 in b, BWV 1067: Menuet - William Bennett