Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Tchaikovsky offers dazzling technical challenges and heart-on-sleeve emotional ups and downs. The Mendelssohn is Olympian, cool, beautifully formed--music that is immediately recognizable as the work of the composer who produced the magical Midsummer Night's Dream music. Jascha Heifetz is equally at home with Tchaikovsky's fervor and Mendelssohn's calm. --Joe McLellan

Tracks:

Eine Klein Nachtmusik: (I. Allegro)
Nutcracker Suite: (Russian Dance)
The Four Seasons, Op. 8: (Spring: I. Allegro)
Hungarian Dance No. 5 In G Minor
Symphony in D, K. 161 - 163: (III. Presto)
Waltz In D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1
Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, S. 1048: (III. Allegro)
Swan Lake: (Dance Of The Swans)
Carmen Suite No. 2: (Habanera)
Messiah: (Overture)
Wind Serenade 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 12: (III. Allegro)
Water Music: (Overture)
Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Op. 66: (Panorama)
Symphony No. 26 In E-flat Major, K. 184: (III. Allegro)
Waltz No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, S. 1041: (III. Allegro)
Water Music: (Lentement)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049: (II. Andante)
Habanera
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major, K. 447: (II. Romanza)
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: (Variation No. 18)
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

classic music CD.......2007-06-27

The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.

Good for beginners.......2007-02-15

It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

Great mix.......2007-02-14

All the best composers! Over an hour of music. A samble of the greatest pieces.

Good for first-timer.......2007-01-22

This is the first time I have ever bought a classical music CD and I was very pleased with this one. It has a good variety of selections. I would buy it again.

25 Classical Favorites cd.......2007-01-06

This CD has so many of my favorite, lively classical music -- love it!!

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

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Romance of the Violin
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Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD]
Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert)

ASIN: B000H7JD1I
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

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

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77

Average customer rating:

desert island disk choice. get it no, fast!
It has no equal
Possibly the biggest steal in all of recorded music !
Milstein is spectacular here!
sounds as good as any $15 recording

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000UW5
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35: I. Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35: II. Canzonetta (Andante)
Violin Concerto In D, Op. 35: III. Finale (Allegro vivacissimo)
VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D, OP. 77: I. Allegro non troppo
VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D, OP. 77: II. Adagio
VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D, OP. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace

Customer Reviews:

desert island disk choice. get it no, fast!.......2007-05-07

If you have this recording, you do not need another one of these pieces. This one has satisfied me for what must be at least 2 decades. You'll never need another recording.

It has no equal.......2006-03-21

The availability of this CD phenomenon with a $3.98 price should be shouted from the rooftops. Milstein outperforms everyone on both concertos; the Brahms is sublime, and the recording quality is excellent throughout. Push the purchase now key without further delay. It doesn't get any better than this, ever!

Possibly the biggest steal in all of recorded music !.......2005-10-22

As one who grew up adoring the Jascha Heifetz/Fritz Reiner recordings of these two great concerti, and certain they had set a standard of musical excellence impossible of being equalled, much less bettered, imagine my surprise upon hearing this fabulous disc.

HEIFETZ & REINER HAVE BEEN DETHRONED!

Having beaten back great artists in recent years such as Vengerov and Shaham, it hardly seemed possible that there were two old recordings by Nathan Milstein (which must have skipped my notice) which had long ago taken the prize....

...Music lovers, forget the Rosette and attendant babble given by the Penguin Guide to the Milstein Brahms Concerto (with Steinberg conducting, in mono). That publication after dismissively mentioning the Jochum conducted performance of the 1980s adds insult to injury by ignoring completely this Fistoulari conducted version! (Even if it is currently unavailable in the UK, surely it should be remembered - it was even recorded there!)

Of course any performance by a genius such as Milstein will have wonderful moments now and then, but this recording, with Fistoulari conducting, in stereo, is the best of them all - it has real magic and passion, and is the performance to get.

The Tchaikovsky with Steinberg is probably more of a draw, but the "Finale" is as good as it gets, and the rest is merely magnificent. What a fiddler!

Finally, that this disc is being sold to the public at a price this low should make all music lovers weep in gratitude, certain that "Yes, Virginia - there is a Santa Claus...."

Milstein is spectacular here!.......2005-06-08

As many reviews have been written about this disc, I'll try to keep it short and mention the things that I like about this CD most.

There are tons of recordings of these pieces, most of which are incredible and worth hearing. The thing that strikes me most about Milstein's playing is how polished it is. His tone and phrasing is perfectly thought out and executed on every single passage, even those which are highly virtuosic. His sound is gorgeous and supple, again even in the most difficult passages. I also enjoy his style, particularly on the Tchaikovsky. His use of rubato and other such expressive tools is entirely appropriate and never overdone.

When I listen to this disc, it is very clear that Milstein absolutely mastered every aspect of his instrument. His versions of these "old favorites" are absolutely wonderful.

sounds as good as any $15 recording.......2005-01-18

I got this CD because it was recommended in the Penguin Book (the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs), and at $4, as someone said, I couldn't afford not to get it. It's brilliant - the Brahms is better than the Mutter/Karajan/BPO recording, and the Tchaikovsky is better than the only other recording I'd heard at the time (Mehta/Zukerman/Israel Philharmonic). The orchestra is very good, and Milstein plays the double stops (these pieces are harder than practically every other violin concerto other than Paganini's) effortlessly. The CD is very romantic and easy on the ears - a good example of the Romantic era. And there's two recordings for $4 - how can you not get it :).

Average customer rating:

Grandmother's Review
great cd!
Absolutely Love It!!!
My daughter loved this before she was born
enjoyable

UltraSound - Music for the Unborn Child

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child
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Beethoven for Babies
The Mozart Effect: Music For Moms and Moms-To-Be
Tune Your Brain: Pregnancy and Childbirth

ASIN: B00000IIUP
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

Reverie
Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
Kinderszene-Traumerei
Thais-Meditation
Sonata For Two Pianos, K.448-II: Andante
Lullaby: Cradle Song
Nocturne For Harp
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
Concerto, Op. 8, No. 4 'Winter': II. Largo
Clair e lune
Eine kleine Nachtmusik-II. Romanze: Andante
Berceuse
Russian Lullaby
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Lyric Pieces, Op. 68, No. 5: Cradle Song
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus
Ave Maria

Amazon.com

While many hospitals across the country send new mums and babes home equipped with discs of classical music to soothe and gently stimulate babies' tender minds, Ultrasound brings together a delightfully well-rounded set specifically chosen for those still in the womb. Expectant moms will appreciate the effects of the mellow strains of Bach's Suite No. 3, the delicate playfulness of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," and Mozart's proven-to-make-you-smart Sonata for Two Pianos featuring André Previn. Debussy's "Clair de lune" is especially lovely as conducted and fluted by James Galway, and Leontyne Price is a warm blanket of comfort giving voice to Schubert's "Ave Maria." Indeed, these songs are aural balm to both parent and child long after birth. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Grandmother's Review.......2007-05-21

I purchased this product for my expectant daughter, and she says that it is the best gift she has ever received. She, herself, finds the music very soothing and relaxing, and she is certain that it is wonderful for her child.

great cd!.......2007-05-14

This is a fantastic product! I bought it to play for my unborn daughter and I started it when I was around five mos. pregnant. She moves all over the place when I put the headphones on my belly and I can even tell by her movements that she likes some songs more than others. I have done a lot of research into playing music for unborn babies, including the helpfulness as far as birthing positions when the music is played regularly. This cd fits the bill for all of the research I've done. It is completely worth the money!

Absolutely Love It!!!.......2007-04-02

I have a 6 month old daughter. I first purchased this CD when I was pregnant and would place my earphones on my belly for her to listen. I now use it in her room at bedtime and I absolutely love it. I have a collection of other CD's, but honestly this is my favorite. It is a very nice blend of songs. It is soothing for baby and parents. If you only buy one CD I would recommend you make it this one.

My daughter loved this before she was born.......2006-12-15

When I was about 18 weeks pregnant I bought this and two other CDs of gentle classical music and played one of them for her every 2nd or 3rd night, putting headphones on my belly. I was actually skeptical about this being "music for the unborn" but she really did react to this one much more than anything else I ever played for her. If she hadn't been very active that day I could always lay down in the evening with the headphones and play her music, and she's wriggle around. She especially liked #5 and #10. :)

She didn't seem to have much connection to it after she arrived, but she does enjoy music in general. (She's currently almost 11 mo old.)

enjoyable.......2006-08-03

I have enjoyed this cd thus far. If you have the money to spend, this is relaxing and enjoyable, however you can get similar music for free on your local classical station. So if you would rather save your money...just tune in on your radio dial. I am glad I bought the cd for the familiarity of the songs, but I also love just plain old classical radio.

David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf"

Average customer rating:

Great telling of a classic story as a classical music introduction
Excellent for kids and adults
Dont have this CD but have the vinyl
My son's discovery of classical music
David Bowie tells us a fearful story

David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf"

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003F6R
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

Peter And The Wolf: Introduction
Peter And The Wolf: The Story Begins
Peter And The Wolf: The Bird
Peter And The Wolf: The Duck, Dialogue With The Bird, Attack Of The Cat
Peter And The Wolf: Grandfather
Peter And The Wolf: The Wolf
Peter And The Wolf: The Duck Is Caught
Peter And The Wolf: The Wolf Stalks The Bird And The Cat
Peter And The Wolf: Peter Prepares To Catch The Wolf
Peter And The Wolf: The Bird Diverts The Wolf
Peter And The Wolf: Peter Catches The Wolf
Peter And The Wolf: The Hunters Arrive
Peter And The Wolf: The Procession To the Zoo
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Full Orchestra
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Woodwinds
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Brass
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Strings
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Percussion
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Theme: Full Orchestra
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation I: Flute, Piccolo (Presto)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation II: Oboes (Lento)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation III: Clarinets (Moderato)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation IV: Bassoons (Allegro alla marcia)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation V: Violins (Brilliante alla pollaca)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VI: Violas (Meno mosso)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VII: Cellos
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation VIII: Double basses (Cominciando lento, ma poco accel.)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation IX: Harp (Maestoso)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation X: French Horns (L' istesso tempo)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XI: Trumpets (Vivace)
Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Variation XII: Trombones & Tuba (Allegro pomposo)
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The Nutcracker Suite: Arabian Dance
The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
The Nutcracker Suite: Dance Of The Mirlitons
The Nutcracker Suite: Waltz Of The Flowers

Customer Reviews:

Great telling of a classic story as a classical music introduction.......2007-01-04

I remember being introduced to the idea of classical music telling a story with Peter and the Wolf many, many years ago. As each character in the story appears, its theme (and the instrument playing it) is introduced. Then the story takes over and builds to its climax and resolution with just the right amount of fright and humor for 2-4 year-olds.

Peter is clearly presented as a child who is disobedient and mildly punished for it, but then he is also brave and resourceful in fixing the situation he has caused. Finally is also merciful to the wolf (although he does put the wolf in a zoo, if that really bothers you). So the story has some subtle hints at morality without it being too oppressive.

In this CD version, the narration is clear and the pacing seems very adequate for even 2 year-old's attention. They often ask to hear it again, and they love the picture book I bought to go with it - see another review. They know all the instruments names, and can identify the characters just from hearing the music.

Excellent for kids and adults.......2006-11-04

A very good version of the original. Bowie's voice is just right and the orchestra is right on. Excellent to demonstrate to kids the different instruments in a orchestra and a good story as well. I listened to it when I was young and also now when I am old. It still is great to listen to the music and the story telling.

Dont have this CD but have the vinyl.......2004-05-26

I admit I do not have this CD, but I do have the vinyl version of this album. It contains just the first two pieces, Peter and Britten's Young Person's Guide... It was released by Columnbia on green translucent vinyl! Combine that with the Red Label that Columbia used and it is quite the colorful Album... I remember that I bought the album for the Britten, big Britten fan here, and partially the novelty of Bowie narrating Peter. The Britten is great, and Peter is very good with the beauty of the Philly strings, which has always been Philly's strong point. If I were looking to replace my vinyl copy, which I am not, I would not hesitate to get this disk.

My son's discovery of classical music.......2003-05-17

My son's growing obsession with this story has truly sprouted since the purchase of this album.
Oddly enough, I never really knew this story or I don't remember it from my childhood, but once my dear sweet boy discovered it's haunting and charging sound, it's become a staple in my vehicle.

A perfect way to introduce classical music to any child -- tell them a story and have all the parts of the story be different instruments from an orchestra. Beautiful, just beautiful..

David Bowie tells us a fearful story.......2002-08-09

Prokofiev here produces a rare and fresh musical story for children. A young boy decides one day to push the gate at the bottom of the garden and move into the big wild world and its dangers, a wolf and a cat. The boy is followed by his friend the duck and meets his other friend the bird who is saved by a split-hair chance from the teeth of the cat by Peter's cry of alarm. All dangers in the world are not from the deep forest. But a far worse danger comes from there : the wolf. If Peter is saved by his grandfather who takes him home, the duck is less lucky and ends up in the wolf's stomach. But Peter is looking after things with the help of the bird and they catch the wolf that is then taken to the zoo by the hunters. We are not always saved from dangers by big strong armed men, but mostly by our courage and inventive imagination. And the music tells us to be creative.

This tale is perfectly served by David Bowie's both deep and volatile voice that finds here a brand new field of artistic achievement and multiplies the music's real dramatic dimension, like a confidential story told to the listeners in their deepest ears as if he were an elfish fairy any kid would believe to be true and safe, in a word friendly.

Tracks:

O Soave Fanciulla
Lucia Perdona...Sulla Tomba
Giovanna, Ho Dei Rimorsi...E Il Sol Dell'anima
Va! Je T'ai Pardonne ... Nuit D'hymenee
No.8 Chanson: De Mon Amie, Fleur Endormie No.9 Duo Leila! Leila! Dieu Puissant
Toi! Vous!... Ah! Viens, Manon, Je T'aime!
Tvajo Malchan'je Nepan'atna
Callate, Corazon! Duermete Y Calla!

Amazon.com

Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko, opera's "golden couple" (or is it "dream team?") have just released their first CD of duets. In the duet that closes the first act of Bohème, both singers are in rapturous voice, their phrasing sensitive and sincere. The Lucia-Edgardo duet is passionate and tender by turns, with Villazon particularly good - he takes his solo softly and in a long breath. The Duke and Gilda are roles made for them: She sounds sweet and vulnerable and he sounds like he believes what he's singing at the moment, and their final high D flat together is a dazzler. A hypnotic Roméo et Juliette duet follows, with gentle singing from both, and they make the most of Leila and Nadir's scene from The Pearl Fishers, turning in a languorous, smooth performance. The big duet from the third act of Manon finds Netrebko at her most seductive and a duet from Iolanta, probably the most lyrical tenor-soprano moment in Russian opera, is a nice rarity, with Villazon very at home in the Russian idiom and the pair soaring to great emotional heights. A delicious number from Torroba's Zarzuela Luisa Fernando ends the CD on a soft, tender note. Netrebko's diction remains unfortunate and while singing with a partner whose diction is as clean and clear as Villazon's, it becomes more noticeable. But there's precious little to complain about here - it's a true pleasure to hear singing and communicating of this caliber. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

five stars +.......2007-05-15

This is an exceptional album, both in content and in the artistry of the singers. Well worth the way above market price.

Wonderful duets!.......2007-05-12

One of the best collection of operistic duets in the recent times.
They both are first class singers.

Powerful and expressive singing with an amazing technique and control.......2007-04-09

Considering Netrebko's and Villazon's age- both are in their thirties- the maturity and command of their artistry is constantly moving ahead of their years. Villazon, with all the bells and whistles of his top ringing notes, has becomes the spinto/Italianate tenor extraordinaire of our time that gives us glimpses- although I hate to make comparisons- of Correlli and Di Stefano.
Netrebko, as a soprano, is in a league of her own. Her voice in any new recording sounds better than in her last one. The lyricim, color and communicating power of her singing trancends vulnerability, despair and hopelessness that are so well portayed in Mimi's duet. Some bloggers hate Netrebko's guts and claim hype for her success. That's a cop out. You cannot sell out opera houses all over the world, and CDs that have surpassed in numbers many classical recording of the past, based only on hype. There must be a substantive voice behind a beautiful face and body. I love and I know opera well, and I've seen, live, many of the great sopranos of past forty years. And if I'm flying across the U.S.A. to see Netrebko at her Carnegie Hall debut- I was lucky to find one of the last tickets- is not hype. No body fooled me and no body made me do it.
For some, the jury may be still out for these two opera superstars, but this CD is an example of extraordinary singing and is highly recommended.

Constantine A. Papas
El Paso, Texas

Another great recording.......2007-04-03

Well what can I say-I love every ringlet on his head-he is the man -the greatest-he rules. Every note is a gem that comes out of his mouth. Anna is pretty good too. She certainly is improving.

Divine Duo.......2007-04-02

Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon, dubbed the 'Golden Couple' pair up for an album of beautiful operatic duets. Both singers possess glorious voices and each selection/scene captures the listener, with even two unfamilar items alongside the standard repertoire. I urge people to rather purchase the limited edition package that contains a bonus DVD, which shows the making of the album, as well as the music video for the Boheme duet, directed by Vincent Patterson.

Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

Average customer rating:

Awesome CD
He started dancing as soon as we put it on!
Better than baby einstein
great music at a great price
A Wonderful CD for all ages

Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Children's Favorites
Classics for Kids
Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics
Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children
David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf"

ASIN: B000002XE8
Release Date: 1997-10-24

Tracks:

Clair de Lune
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance: Andante
Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sestonuto
Minute Waltz
On The Beautiful Blue Danube
The Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance
El Amor Brujo: Danca del Terror
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Goldberg Variations: Aria
The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
Symphony No. 7: Allegro molto
Symphony No. 94: Menuetto: Allegro molto
The Nutcracker Suite: March
Sonata In C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile

Customer Reviews:

Awesome CD.......2007-05-11

Have enjoyed this CD immensely with our four-year old. Great price for the quality. Thank you.

He started dancing as soon as we put it on!.......2007-01-09

My 12 month old loves this CD and happily bops away to the music (in the car he sometimes even starts singing!). We like it too and not being very well versed in Classical music, it is a nice mix for us.

Better than baby einstein.......2006-02-26

This is a great CD, with great music, at a great price. Everyone seems to love Baby Einstein, but I don't like the plinking music on those CD's, I like real orchestral pieces to stimulate my child. This is exactly what parents need, at a good price!

great music at a great price.......2006-02-02

I got this cd to use as background when putting my 18 month old to sleep and for car rides. So far it has not made it out of the car. The cd is wonderful. The first song is the Luftansa airline comercial song (that is what my husband calls it) and is beautiful. I didn't think my husband would enjoy the cd at all but he doesn't mind one bit listening to it, he actually will put it on himself when we get in the car. My daughter loves it and will often start nodding her head back and forth to songs. I actually listen to it even when my daughter is not in the car. The music is soft and relaxing but not boring. It is also one of the only cd's that my in laws don't mind listening to when they are in the car with us.

I only paid like $4 here on amazon for it and I gladdly would of paid more for such a great cd. Its a great cd for such a great price!

A Wonderful CD for all ages.......2002-11-03

My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to. I think there is something for everyone on this one.

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Desert Island Disc!
Great way to exercise
Wow!
Strauss and Mussorgsky
Hybrid SACD Mussorgsky: Pirctures at an Exhibition, Night on Bald Mountain

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]
Modest Mussorgsky , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Alexander Borodin , Dmitry Kabalevsky , Mikhail Glinka , and Fritz Reiner
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD]
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Dvorák's New World Symphony and Other Orchestral Masterworks [Hybrid SACD]
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ASIN: B0002TKFRM
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

Promenade
Gnomus
Promenade
Il Vecchio Castello
Promenade
Tuileries
Bydlo
Promenade
Ballet Of The Chicks In Their Shells
Samuel Goldenburg And Schmuyle
The Marketplace At Limoges
Catacombae, Sepulchrum Romanum
Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
The Hut On Fowl's Legs
The Great Gate At Kiev
Marche Miniature (From Suite No. 1 In D-Minor, Op. 43)
A Night On Bald Mountain - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Prince Igor: Polovtsian March
Marche Slave
Colas Breugnon, Op. 24: Overture
Russian And Ludmilla: Overture - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Desert Island Disc!.......2007-06-20

This sacd is positively stunning. I am young. I was raised on gizmos, gadgets and hi-tech this and that...and for the life of me I can't understand how these engineers back in the 50's and 60's produced such astoundingly detailed recordings. With two or three mics for the hall and some tube equipment and wham...there you have it...a recording of impressively powerful pieces of music with enough separation and detail within the mix to keep the listener busy for hours and hours on end. That and the emotional wallop packed by this recording is second to none. Even if you have copies aplenty of Pictures, or Night on..., such as I do myself, please do not hesitate to pick up this recording as it is worth every dime. If you are looking for an interesting counterpoint to Reiner's reading of Pictures or Night pick of Jose Serebrier's recording on Naxos.

Great way to exercise.......2007-06-13

Such great music. Exercise and listening
to this one is a great combination.
Time seems to fly by and before you know
it. Times up!

Wow!.......2007-04-02

How can something older than me sound so good? The recording is top notch. Dont be fooled into thinking it is "just stereo", the ambience of symphony hall comes thru as though it were recorded in surround. Exquisite detail and perfect tempo. Timpani has realistic impact. And all the other music with Pictures makes this a real bargain!

Strauss and Mussorgsky.......2007-03-24

They sound good, without the 'edge' often associated with CDs. CDs are a Fourier Transform of the analog source - that is to say a subset of it.

Hybrid SACD Mussorgsky: Pirctures at an Exhibition, Night on Bald Mountain.......2007-01-14

Great value. Great performances. On my krell sacd player, I found small differences between the SACD layer and the regular. The recordings are outstanding. Consider the price and that this is a 2 lp set, this is a deal.

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Great rendition, minor flaws
The best rendition
Love this music!
Which bargain Swan Lake to choose?
The Best Swan Lake!

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra
Piotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky , Wolfgang Sawallisch , and Philadelphia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Sleeping Beauty

ASIN: B0000CE7H1
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

Introduction: Moderato Assai - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
No.1 - Scene: Allegro Giusto
No.2 - Valse: Tempo Di Valse
No.3 - Scene: Allegro Moderato
I: Intrada: Allegro
II: Adagio: Andante Sostenuto
III: Allegro Semplice
IV: Moderato
V: Allegro
VI: Coda: Allegro Vivace
I: Tempo Di Valse Ma Non Troppo Vivo, Quasi Moderato
II: Andante - Allegro - Norman Carol
III: Tempo Di Valse
IV: Coda: Allegro Molto Vivace
No.6 - Pas D'Action: Andantino Quasi Moderato - Allegro
No.7 - Sujet
No.8 - Danse Des Coupes: Tempo Di Polacca
No.9 - Finale: Andante
No.10 - Scene: Moderato
No.11 - Scene: Allegro Moderato - Allegro Vivo
No.12 - Scene: Allegro
I: Tempo Di Valse
II: Moderato Assai - Molto Piu Mosso
III: Danses Des Cygnes: Tempo Di Valse
IV: Allegro Moderato
V: Pas D'Action (Odette Et Le Prince): Andante - Andante Non Troppo - Allegro - Norman Carol

Tracks:

VI: Tempo Di Valse: Tout Le Monde Danse
VII: Coda: Allegro Vivo
No.14 - Scene: Moderato
No.15 - Scene: Allegro Giusto
No.16 - Danse Du Corps De Ballet Et Des Nains: Moderato Assai - Allegro Vivo
No.17 - Scene: Sortie Des Invites Et Valse: Allegro - Tempo Di Valse
No.18 - Scene: Allegro - Allegro Giusto
I: Intrada: Moderato Assai
II: Variation I: Allegro
III: Variation II: Andante Con Moto
IV: Variation III: Moderato
V: Variation IV: Allegro
VI: Variation V: Moderato - Allegro Semplice
VII: Coda: Allegro Molto
I: Moderato - Andante - Norman Carol
II: Variation I: Allegro Moderato
III: Variation II: Allegro
III: Coda: Allegro Molto Vivace
No.20 - Danse Hongroise - Czardas (Moderato Assai - Allegro Moderato - Vivace
Appendix 2: Danse Russe: Moderato - Allegro Semplice - Allegro Vivo - Norman Carol
No.21 - Danse Espagnole: Allegro Non Troppo, Tempo Di Bolero
No.22 - Danse Napolitaine: Allegro Moderato - Andantino Quasi Moderato - Presto - Frank Kaderbarek
No.23 - Mazurka: Solistes Et Corps De Ballet Tempo Di Mazurka
No.24 - Scene: Allegro - Valse - Allegro Vivo
No.25 - Entr'Acte: Moderato
No.26 - Scene: Allegro Non Troppo
No.27 - Danses Des Petits Cygnes: Moderato
No.28 - Scene: Allegro Agitato - Molto Meno Mosso - Allegro Vivace
No.29 - Scene Finale: Andante - Allegro Agitato - Alla Breve - Moderato

Customer Reviews:

Great rendition, minor flaws.......2007-07-10

I quite thoroughly enjoyed this rendition of Swan Lake. I've listened to one other version by Dutoit before this one, and I have to say that Sawallisch's version is, on the whole, much better. The major difference is that I didn't get bored by the third act; Sawallisch managed to make it interesting but picking up some of the tempos.

Some complaints: the orchestra doesn't get as loud and triumphant as I'd like it in parts, the violin solo in No.12-V: Pas D'action isn't the best, and I can't really hear the tam-tam in the last track. Besides that, everything is superb.

One final note: The CD does actually contain the Black Swan Pas de Deux, but as Tchaikovsky originally wrote it. If you read the sleeve, it says under No.5 (tracks 11 to 14), "Four short formal dances for the Prince and a ballerina. They became known as the 'Black Swan' pas de deux after Petipa's production transposed it to Act 3." Apparently, about 20 years after the original Swan Lake (and a few years after Tchaikovsky's death) some guy called Riccardo Drigo made drastic changes to Tchaikovsky's original score. One of the changes he made was the aforementioned Black Swan Pas de Deux, deleting parts and adding his own orchestrations. In my opinion, I'd rather listen to Tchaikovsky's original music as he intended rather than some unknown's variations. Thankfully, Sawallisch had the Philadelphia Orchestra play the complete, original Swan Lake as Tchaikovsky composed it.

The best rendition.......2007-03-03

I enjoyed this cd because all the other "complete versions" had parts missing. To my big surprise, this also has a big cut in it concerning the music for the black swan. I was, to say the least, a bit taken aback because of this, but comparing the time on these discs, this version surpasses any other in length so I guess I'm satisfied as well as miffed. This rendition is clear, crisp, and moves at a the correct pace a very good recording. You can't beat it for the price that its being sold for.

Love this music!.......2006-08-31

Love the CD (it has two rare favs of mine... the faster Black Swan Variation and the extended Russian Dance) however, I was shocked not to find Black Swan Pas de Deux. How can you have a COMPLETE Swan Lake recording and not include that?!?!?!

Which bargain Swan Lake to choose?.......2006-05-22

This Swan Lake, now offered at super-bargain price, was one of Sawallisch's better ventures in Philadelphia. The orchestra is superlative, the recorded sound quite good, and Sawallishc's conducting fairly spirited. He is by nature a foursquare interpreter, so this Swan Lake doesn't dance as lightly or vivaciously as it might. Even so, I can see why someone would be enthusiastic about it.

There's lots of competition in the bargain range, however. In fact, the best versions at this point are all low-priced, including Ozawa with the bSO on DG and Ansermet with his Suisse Romande orchestra on Decca. I would say that Ozawa ranks about equal with Sawallisch, and the Boston Sym. certainly plays exquisitely. Dorati with Minneapolis on Mercury is more balletic, but his set is in mono and the orchestra suonds scrappy next to great ensembles like the BSO (the price of the Dorati is higher, too).

Andre Previn gives a solid, middle-of-the-road reading on EMI with the London Sym., and he is never as dull as Slatkin on RCA with the St. Louis Sym., another super-bargain release that rarely gets off the ground--strange, since this is easy music to conduct if you have a lively beat.

I either own or have heard all of them, and far and away the most stylish and exciting is the Ansermet set, offered on a Decca two-fer that needs remastering to take off the digital edge but is otherwise an outstanding example of ballet conducting at its best. By comparison, the glossy Sawallisch reading is conventional and earthbound.

The Best Swan Lake!.......2006-04-17

In my opinion, the greatest of Tchaikovsky's three ballets is "Le Lac des Cynges (Swan Lake)" (Op. 20). This ballet is the longest and the most interesting, exhilirating, and beautiful music he has ever written.

This recording of Swan Lake is the best one I've heard so far. This recording has excellent sound quality, the cymbals are loud, and the echoing effect is perfect. If you are a ballet fan like me, you will like--no--love this recording of Swan Lake. The speed is perfect, not too fast, and not too slow. I think that this recording would make an excellent addition to anyone's ballet collection.

Average customer rating:

Not exactly....
Not what I expected.
Excellent relaxing music and sleep aid
nice try...
Bedtime Beats: The Secret to Sleep

Bedtime Beats: The Secret to Sleep

Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
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Delta Sleep System

ASIN: B000GH3PQ8
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Vivaldi: Concerto in D Major, "Largo" -- Sharon Isbin
Ravel: Piano Cto. in G Major, "Adagio Assai" -- Anne Queffelec
Vaughan Williams: Greensleeves -- Davis/BBC Symphony Orchestra
Satie: Gymnopedie No. 1 & 3 -- Sado/Orchestre Des Concerts Lamoureux
Beethoven: Piano Cto. No. 5, "Adagio Un Poco Mosso" -- Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Ravel: Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte -- Nagano/lyon National Opera Ochestra
Puccini: Chrysamthemums -- Helsinki Strings
Mozart: Adagio for Violin and Orchestra in E Major -- Thomas Zehetmair
Chopin: Piano Cto. No. 2, "Larghetto" -- Maria-Joao Pires
Resighi: Villanella -- Scimone/I Solisti Veneti
Faure: In Paradisum -- Corboz/Berne Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, "Aria" -- Jill Crossland
Tchaikovsky: Andante Cantabile -- Alexander Kniazev
Debussy: The Girl With The Flaxan Hair -- Lily Laskine
Mozart: Piano Cto. No. 21, "Andante" -- Karl Engel
Chopin: Nocturne In E flat Major -- Elisabeth Leonskaja
J.S. Bach: Harpsichord Cto. In F Minor, "Adagio" -- Sharon Isbin
Mozart: Clarinet Quintet, "Larghetto" -- Karl Leister
Saint-Saens: The Swan -- Gennadi Rojdestvenski
Albinoni/Giazotto: "Adagio" -- Sharon Isbin
Faure: Pavane Pour Orchestre -- Jordan/Orchestre De Chambre De Lausanne
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14, Moonlight "Adagio Sostenuto" -- Nikolai Lugansky

Album Description

Created to meet the needs of more than 40 million sleep sufferers and light-eyars beyond lullabies, Bedtime Beats: The Secret To Sleep is the first classical music collection available as a true sleep remedy, an effective alternative to medication and sleepless nights. Carefully programmed in accordance with recent research from Case Western Reserve University--which discovered that classical and soft jazz music played at 60-80 beats per minute induces sound sleep.

Customer Reviews:

Not exactly...........2007-05-14

This cd wasn't exactly what I was looking for, it does not really help you fall asleep. Some of the music can be annoying and it could have been more soothing.

Not what I expected........2007-04-26

I should have paid attention to the two negative reviews. This CD doesn't put me to sleep at all--in fact, it keeps me awake. I find myself listening to the music instead of going to sleep.

One of the pieces has irritating and dissonant passages mingled with relaxing, soothing passages. Also the music changes tempo and volume quite often, which would wake me up if I did start to drift off.

Since I expected something that would put me to sleep, listening to this is upsetting, because I wasted my money.

However, since it works well for most reviewers, I figure I must hear things differently, or have a harder time falling asleep than most. Maybe if I listened to it enough to get used to it, it might work better.

I would like to find something totally soothing and relaxing--maybe I need actual recordings of water or rain, but I prefer music. Any suggestions?

Excellent relaxing music and sleep aid.......2007-04-10

This CD collection is so effective that I still have not made it through the first CD to listen to the second one. It's very relaxing music and helps me fall asleep every night.

nice try..........2007-02-06

but no silver bullet. FOR ME. Lovely selection of tunes, and I find them quite enjoyable and relaxing, but they just don't "knock me out". I own a variety of "sleep CD's" but real music seems to be just too stimulating when I am having trouble sleeping. I do better with guided imagery. Yesterday, though, I brought it over to my mom's place and laid down to listen to it with her, because she was so stressed out. She was asleep before the third number!

Bedtime Beats: The Secret to Sleep.......2007-01-29

My son has a hard time falling asleep at night. The CD's have helped significantly in allowing him to have a good nights sleep. Highly recommended!

Music Review: