Elgar: Enigma Variations

Track Listings

1. In The South (Alassio)

2. Introduction And Allegro

3. Sospiri

4. Enigma Variations - Andante

5. Enigma Variations - I, C.A.E

6. Enigma Variations - Ii, H.D.S.-P.

7. Enigma Variations - Iii, R.B.T.

8. Enigma Variations - Iv, W.M.B.

9. Enigma Variations - V, R.P.A.

10. Enigma Variations - Vi, Ysobel

11. Enigma Variations - Vii, Troyte

12. Enigma Variations - Viii, W.N.

13. Enigma Variations - Ix, Nimrod

14. Enigma Variations - X, Intermezzo- Dorabella

15. Enigma Variations - Xi, G.R.S.

16. Enigma Variations - Xii, B.G.N.

17. Enigma Variations - Xiii, Romanza- ---

18. Enigma Variations - Xiv, Finale- E.D.U.

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36

Average customer rating:

Great recording, great price. Buy this without question!!!!!
CLASSICAL MASTERS
Noble Elgar, unbelievable price
Great for High School Graduations!
Elgar's Greatest Hits at a Rock Bottom Price!

Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes

ASIN: B000000UVS
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Theme
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: I. C.A.E. (Caroline Alice Elgar, The Composer's Wife)
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: II. H.D.S.-P. (Hew Daivd Steuart-Powell)
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: III. R.B.T. (Richard Baxtet Townshend)
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: IV. W.M.B. (William Beath Baker)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: V. R.P.A. ( Richard Penrose Arnold)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: VI. Ysobel (Isabel Fitton)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: VII. Troyte (Troyte Griffith)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: VIII. W.N. (Winifred Norbury)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: IX. Nimrod (A. J. Jaeger)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: X. Intermezzo: Dorabella (Dora Penny)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: XI. G.R.S. (George Robertson Sinclair)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: XII. B.G.N. (Basil G. Nevinson)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: XIII. Romanza: (Lady Mary Lygon)
Enigma Variations, Op.36: XIV. Finale: E.D.U. (The Composer)
Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.1 in D
Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.2 In A Minor
Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.3 In C Minor
Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.4 In G
Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Op.39: No.5 In C
Cockaigne (In London Town) - Concert Overture, Op.40

Customer Reviews:

Great recording, great price. Buy this without question!!!!!.......2007-07-08

I stumbled across this little gem for the low price of about $3.00. I almost kept going assuming that the price was an indication of the quality. Glad I looked twice.

This is a wonderful album with respectful treatments and excellent sound quality, performed by the some of the greatest musicians in the world from the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonica Orchestra.

The Enigma Variations, a Theme and 15 short orchestrations that Sir Edward then named after his friends and family based on personality traits, are a wonderful, uncelebrated Opus. I love these pieces. They truly showcase the power of Elgar's compositional style and flair. They certainly rival his more famous Pomp and Circumstance, in my humble opinion. The recording is sharp, well mixed, with no perceivable noise.

As for the Pomp and Circumstance recordings, well done throughout. All 5 pieces are played wonderfully and recorded beautifully with excellent sound mixing and very little, if any, background noise.

Cockaigne Overture is, once again, perfect. Marvelous treatment, wonderful musicianship, excellent sound and quality.

THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE GREATEST MUSICAL VALUE ON THE SHELVES RIGHT NOW. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I ONLY PAID $3.00 FOR THIS RECORDING. I WOULD HAVE GLADLY SHELLED OUT THE OBLIGATORY $15.00 - $20.00 CONSIDERING THE QUALITY OF THIS CD.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU MUST BUY RIGHT NOW, BEFORE THEY COME TO THEIR SENSES AND RAISE THE PRICE!

CLASSICAL MASTERS.......2007-05-12

I BOUGHT THE CD FOR POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE BUT QUICKLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE ENTIRE PIECE. IT IS WONDERFUL!

Noble Elgar, unbelievable price.......2007-05-05

This is not some schlock budget disc, which the price might suggest. Boult was one of the great Elgar interpretors (Barbirolli too) and these performances, especially the inspired Enigma Variations, bring out the very soul of Elgar. Sound quality, by the way, is excellent--warm and rich analog glow.

Great for High School Graduations!.......2007-03-12

I am the Principal of a small private boarding school that opened just last year. We do not have a school orchestra, so when the time came for us to plan our graduation ceremony, I searched all over the web for the traditional music. I heard some awful, piano versions of Pomp and Circumstance #4, and some other lackluster symphonic versions. Seraphim's CD of Elgar's works is by far the best. It is warm, heartfelt, inspiring, rich and incredibly well produced. Perhaps having the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra was the best choice, as they are playing the works of a fellow countryman. Several people came up to me after the ceremony to comment on the music, saying they were extremely moved by the music. Not bad for just playing it over a boombox!

By the way, if you are planning on using this for a graduation, know that you will have to edit out the long introductory passage and figure out how to loop the most famous "graduation" section over enough times to get through your ceremony!

Elgar's Greatest Hits at a Rock Bottom Price!.......2006-09-28

You just can't go wrong with this compilation of Elgar works and this super-cheap price. The performances are full-priced quality. This is a great introduction to Elgar CD. The Enigma Variations will bring tears to your eyes!

Elgar: Cello Concerto; "Enigma" Variations

Average customer rating:

I really feel it's inappropriate...
Buy it for the Cello Concerto, forget the rest
Magnificent.
Gorgeous
Passionate Jacqueline

Elgar: Cello Concerto; "Enigma" Variations

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

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Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain

ASIN: B000BDGWF8
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Customer Reviews:

I really feel it's inappropriate..........2007-06-30

...for me to review this recording. These are for me at least two special works. The Elgar Cello Concerto has been described as "the final epitaph to the romantic movement" and I wouldn't disagree with that. Who could know that one of very young performers of this piece, Jacqueline du Pré, was herself to fall victim to a crippling disease not long after this recording? EVERYTHING about this recording is superb. It's hardly surprising that few today will dare to rerecord it. I don't want to say more.
The "Enigma" variations, as the name suggests. have remained a mystery ever since they were composed. The style is Brahms, no question, but the tone is well, mysteriously light. If has often been suggested, this sublime Theme and Variations is a portrait of Elgar's friends and lovers, then it is surely unique in music and will go on being listened to for ever. Wonderful performance, a perfect record.

Buy it for the Cello Concerto, forget the rest.......2007-05-05

The Elgar Cello Concerto is performed wonderfully here--just magic. The legendary team of Barenboim and Du Pre plus her famous way with this piece are known to all classical music lovers.

Barenboim alone as a conductor is another matter. I've never cared for his willful, sometimes even goofy performances, and the other Elgar pieces he conducts on this disc show him to be at his irritating worst. If you want to hear inspired, noble performances of the Pomp & Circumstance Marches and the Enigma Variations buy Adrian Boult's versions with the London Symphony and London Philharmonic Orchestras on EMI/Seraphim.

Magnificent........2007-03-16

This recording of the Elgar is absolutely wonderful... it's breathtaking, poignant, playful, and altogether fabulous. I only wish I had been around to see the DuPre/Barenboim magic live...

Gorgeous.......2007-01-04

Of course this is a gorgeous piece, and she is the best. BUT, putting two versions of pomp and circumstance before the concerto is SO irritating. the moods are totally different and they are no preparation for the concerto. Why can't they just make CD's with what you want on them instead of filling them up with things you don't want?

Passionate Jacqueline.......2006-01-24

This is a wonderfully passionate recording of the concerto that has rightfully become as closely associated with Jacqueline Dupre as with the composer himself. I don't want to go into detail - just listen and drink it all in. I was lucky enough to hear Jacqueline play this piece live (in Manchester with the Halle in 1970), and this recording is every bit as moving.

But, truth be told, my main reason for buying the CD was the Enigma Variations. On reading the score I discovered an ad lib organ part that fortifies the texture of the orchestra for a substantial part of the final variation. The recording I had (Andre Previn with the Royal Philharmonic) ad libbed it out. I tried to research which recordings had the organ ad libbed in, but couldn't find any indication anywhere on the Web. But, I thought, I have a recording of Barenboim with the London Phil playing Elgar's Cockaigne, and he certainly uses an organ in that recording, therefore...... and thus I discovered this wonderful CD.

The Enigma Variations is given a very fine performance, more satisfying in several ways than in the Previn recording, not least because the brass is a little more prominent and bright (full disclosure: I'm a trumpet player). Oh, and the timpani in the Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage quote are played - as tradition demands - with coins, not with the snare-drum sticks Elgar requests in the score. The result is a very very effective evocation of ships' engines.

I'm giving this recording 5 stars because of the Enigma and the Cello Concerto. The CD also features the two most well-known of the Pomp and Circumstance marches. No. 4 is perfectly fine, but Barenboim gives No. 1 a very strange interpretation. He takes the march part at about a million miles per hour, and it sounds - to my ears, anyway - trivial and silly at that speed. It's even faster than a circus-march screamer. The mind boggles.

Average customer rating:

great choice
Brilliant offering
Easy Listening
Very Relaxing Music
What more can you expect?

The Opera Band
Amici Forever
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beyond Imagination
Il Divo
Ancora
The East Village Opera Company

ASIN: B0000V0DE2
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

Prayer in the Night
Senza Catene (Unchained Melody)
Canto Alla Vita
Vita Mia
Requiem for a Soldier (Band of Brothers)
Whisper of Angels
The Pearl Fishers
Soave sia il vento
Nimrod: Lux Aeterna
Song to the Moon
Zadok the Priest
Nessun Dorma

Amazon.com

The debut of the young, classically trained international quintet of sopranos Jo Appleby and Tsakane Valentine, tenors David Habbin and Geoff Swell, and basso Nick Garret offers up a familiar take on the crossover formula that has enriched everyone from genre pioneers The Three Tenors to Russell Watson and beyond. While their occasionally electro-pumped rhythms and youth-angled marketing shtick ("The world's first opera band!") may borrow a page from Opera Babes and Bond, it still manages to evoke the spirit (if not the letter) of its eclectic classical sources. And if the world hasn't exactly been burning for yet another dramatized update of Turandot's melodic "Nessun Dorma," The Pearl Fishers, or--for that matter--"Unchained Melody," Amici Forever's takes on the pop side of the crossover equation are indeed promising, recasting Alex North's "Unchained.." ("Senza Catene") and their reworked theme to the miniseries Band of Brothers("Requiem for a Soldier") in a successful, neo-classical light. If Neopolitan-shaded originals like "Canto Alla Vita" and "Vita Mia" sound like Josh Groban clones, their glorious harmonic vocal reworkings of Faure's "Pavane" ("Whisper of Angels") and Elgar's "Enigma Variations" ("Nimrod: Lux Aeterna") bristle with an ambitious sense of adventure that's missing from much of their crossover competition. Serious opera buffs may still quarrel with the daring "impurity" of it all, but if Amici Forever prod a few more pimply punters to peruse Puccini, won't it all have been worth it? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

great choice.......2007-01-11

this was a gift for family. family member loves album quality and selections.

Brilliant offering.......2007-01-10

Amici Forever is suberb in every way. Their arrangements are exceptional and the original lyrics are perfect poetry.

Easy Listening.......2006-09-21

Bought the album after hearing someone talk about the group. Thought the voices were okay (baritone was the best) but in some songs didn't blend properly. Selection of pieces was interesting . . . pop, classical, opera. Good album for "background" music.

Very Relaxing Music.......2006-09-11

I first heard it at a shop that sells English products. I thought it was interesting to hear and decided to get the CD for myself. I find the chorus very relaxing especially the last song which nearly put me to sleep as I am doing my homework. Amici Forever is a good CD to listen to when you have nothing to do or to soothe your wracked nerves.

What more can you expect?.......2006-08-04

CD was delivered quickly, in excellent shape, and for a great price. What more can you say? George

Average customer rating:

Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony
Simply The Best
Wow!
Profound sublimity
Beautiful music

Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005E4J
Release Date: 1997-02-18

Tracks:

Agnus Dei, op.11 - Barber
Cantique de Jean Racine, op.11 - Faure
Kyrie - Palestrina
Ave Verum Corpus K 618 - Mozart
Jesus bleibet meine Freude - Bach
Ave Maria, op.37 No.6 - Choir Of New College Oxford
Lux Aeterna - Choir Of New College Oxford
Totus Tuus - Choir Of New College Oxford
Hear my prayer - Mendelssohn
The Lamb - Tavener
In paradisum - Faure
Miserere mei, Deus - Choir Of New College Oxford

Amazon.com

Beyond this recording's new age packaging and title is a splendid sampling of some of the world's finest choral music, sung by one of the world's outstanding choirs. This "anthology of sacred choral music" spans 400 years and includes such masterpieces as Allegri's Miserere, Bach's "Jesu, joy of man's desiring," and Barber's exquisite Agnus Dei, which is the composer's choral setting of his famous Adagio for Strings. Along the way we also hear Mozart's sublime "Ave verum corpus," Elgar's "Lux aeterna," and the Kyrie from Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli. There has been a choir at England's New College, Oxford, since the year 1379, and this impressive line of experience shows in the intelligent, unfaltering, and finely polished performances by today's ensemble of 16 boys and 12 adults. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony.......2007-05-14

Not really my thing but mother in law loved it.

Simply The Best.......2007-02-23

You'll love this music. This is music for all moments of your life

Wow!.......2006-07-08

I'm a long-time listener of all things rock-'n-roll, from Classic rock, to Alternative, and even a little Metal. I first heard this CD while having dinner at a friends house a long time ago, and I loved it. I've always been enchanted with choir music, so I bought this CD. Well, after years of listening to it to help me to unwind in the evening, I somehow misplaced it. So I came to Amazon to order both I and II. Of the two CD's, the first one is still the best, and it still helps me to relax after a long day. The choir show tremendous range in their singing, the assorted instruments are well-played, and I can almost imagine myself sitting in a centuries-old cathedral, enjoying the music and how it rings throughout the cathedral.

Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Profound sublimity.......2006-02-27

This album offers music that is profoundly moving and sumbline. It takes the listener onto an inner journal of extraordinary emotional depths and heights

Beautiful music.......2006-01-18

The first song I've heard on this CD is "Miserere Mei..." and I loved it the first minute. I've heard it from a friend who likes classical, and I would've never bought this on my own.

All other versions of these songs I've heard since don't compare to the versions on this CD. Maybe because it was my first listen, maybe they're just good.

Average customer rating:

Enigma
A Moving Experience
Great performance; great recording
Gardiner shines in Elgar, but it's the orchestra you'll want this CD for
Convincing interpretations, not so convincing sound

Elgar: Enigma Variations
Edward Elgar , John Eliot Gardiner , and Wiener Philharmoniker
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5

ASIN: B00005UW3R
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

In The South (Alassio)
Introduction And Allegro
Sospiri
Enigma Variations - Andante
Enigma Variations - I, C.A.E
Enigma Variations - Ii, H.D.S.-P.
Enigma Variations - Iii, R.B.T.
Enigma Variations - Iv, W.M.B.
Enigma Variations - V, R.P.A.
Enigma Variations - Vi, Ysobel
Enigma Variations - Vii, Troyte
Enigma Variations - Viii, W.N.
Enigma Variations - Ix, Nimrod
Enigma Variations - X, Intermezzo- Dorabella
Enigma Variations - Xi, G.R.S.
Enigma Variations - Xii, B.G.N.
Enigma Variations - Xiii, Romanza- ---
Enigma Variations - Xiv, Finale- E.D.U.

Customer Reviews:

Enigma.......2007-01-11

What a wonderful performance of this beloved piece. The orchestra is very responsive to the conductor who is probably one of the finest in our age.

A Moving Experience.......2007-01-09

For anyone who enjoys classical music, beware. This is some of the most powerful music this or that side of Beethoven. Excellent sound quality as well, this CD is a real treat.

Great performance; great recording.......2006-02-13

These Enigma Variations are as good as any I've ever heard, and better than most. That dark, fullbodied sound really helps. The Alassio overture is indeed Straussian, and that's no drawback. The great Sospiri, one of the most beautiful works I know, doesn't match Hurst's or Barbirolli's versions precisely because the sound is too big, with an overabundance of strings. But Gardiner's version is still a wonderful experience. Try his Chabrier disc, also with the VPO--it's fine also.

Gardiner shines in Elgar, but it's the orchestra you'll want this CD for.......2005-09-24

Gardiner is a fairly ordinary conductor technically, not remotely in the same league as the great ones who have appeared with the Vienna Phil. But here the sheer luxury of hearing that amazing orchestra doing Elgar, especially "In the South," makes this a very special CD. I can think of greater readings of each piece, particularly under Barbirolli, but who has ever heard them in such aristocratic surroundings?

Convincing interpretations, not so convincing sound.......2005-07-26

When I purchased this CD, it was solely for the Enigma Variations, as I had never heard the three other pieces before. This changed, but more on that in a bit. I hoped that Gardiner might make some sense out of one of Elgar's most popular pieces, and it seems he has.
This performance is cohesive and the music flows naturally. Gardiner uses a lot of tempo fluctuation and rubato, but he does it naturally and doesn't force anything. He follows Elgar's tempos about half of the time, and if he doesn't, it isn't in blatant disregard. There are no variations that stand out in this bunch, and all the movements relate to each other. All too often Nimrod is given "special treatment" and as the centerpiece of many conductors' interpretations, it becomes bloated. While it was a special variation to Elgar, and Gardiner gives a little more emphasis to it, he manages to "beat the bloat" and doesn't pour syrup all over the music.
I should mention the other selections before I go any further. This was the first time I had heard 'In the South', 'Introduction and Allegro', and 'Sospiri'. In the South is, in my opinion, Elgar's best concert overture, and it has never ceased to thrill me. As another reviewer pointed out, these pieces are not just filler pieces, they are substantial works, and underperformed as well.
After listening to these works for a while, I am surprised at the distinct German style that is inherent in the recordings. The Enigma Variations here resemble Brahms more than any of Elgar's English counterparts. Likewise with In the South and its striking affinity to Strauss - a lot like Don Juan. The program notes even mentioned Sospiri resembling late Mahler in its oblique relationship between melody and harmony. It is clear that Gardiner places at least some of the music of Elgar with the late German romantics, and he chose this program as the best representation of that idea. There are a lot of links already, actually. To name two of them, the Elgars visited Bavaria several times, and Hans Richter, the well-known Brahms/Dvorak interpreter, was a good friend and conducted Elgar's works frequently. Gardiner's conducting style, his choice of collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic, and even the recording style (mentioned by another reviewer) all seem to point Elgar in the direction of German music. Whether or not it is a good choice is up to the listener, of course. In my opinion, there are drawbacks. One is that he mic placements wreak havoc on the balance. There is something else I would also like to point out that hasn't already been mentioned. The Vienna Philharmonic usually doesn't do too much English music. While they are one of the world's best orchestras and respond confidently to Gardiner's direction, they can still be intimidated. The high technical demands this music makes of them combined with the unfamiliar territory lead them to underemphasize the meticulous dynamic contrasts which Elgar wrote. Ususally the brisk passages which are marked ff and fff are underplayed, and as if to compensate for this, the lyrical passages, often marked pp or ppp, are played somewhere between p and mp, and with too much angst (the close miking only makes it worse). This can often ruin a piece, though in this case the VP doesn't do it all the time, and at the same time, they are still technically outstanding and devastatingly musical. I give them four stars. An English orchestra would probably receive 5 due to the experience. Listen to Gardiner's Holst CD with the Philharmonia and you will see what I'm talking about.
Gardiner gets four stars as well for an intelligent and thoughtful interpretation, though sometimes I might not agree with it. The sound gets two stars - bad balance and stuffiness. Overall, this is an excellent recording to which I give the benefit of the doubt (thus 4 stars instead of 3), and I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation
Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices
**An Exquisite Album**
Samples
Great Sampler!

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004SUVI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
The Planets: Mars
The Ride Of The Valkyries
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
Fanfare For The Common Man
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
Aida: Grand March
Summer - Four Seasons: Presto
Te Deum: Prelude
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Symphony No. 5: First Movement
Spartacus: Adagio
Sabre Dance
Symphony No. 40: First Movement
Zadok The Priest
Turandot: Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathoustra
Romeo And Juliet: Dance Of The Knights
Requiem: Dies Irae
1812 Overture
Piano Concerto
Spring - Four Seasons: Allegro
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
The Royal Fireworks: La Ruissance From Music
Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Symphonie Fantastique: March To The Scaffold
Carmen: Overture
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Jerusalem
The Planets: Jupiter
Symphony No 9, 'Ode To Joy'
Swan Lake: Scene
Enigma Variations: Nimrod
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini [Variation 18]
Pictures At An Exibitions: Promenade
Symphony For Organ No 3: Finale, Symphony For Organ No 3

Customer Reviews:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation.......2007-06-11

We were concerned after reading some other reviews that this version of Pomp and Circumstance wouldn't be the correct movement or the full length version. This selection has the song for graduation AND the extended length, so it gives plenty of time for processionals. If this is what you need, this is the CD to get.

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices.......2004-08-13

"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music. By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces. If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.

The CD contains 36 songs composed by the legends of Classical Music Composers from the past. The bulk of the works come from Composers in the the 19th and 20th century, but there are works from the Romantic and Classical eras of the late 18th and early 19th century (such as Beethoven and Mozart). In general you will find most of the major names of Composers you would expect to find - names such as Tchiakovsky, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Elgar, and Bach are all there. The only major composer who I would have expected to see on this CD that I don't see is Frederic Chopin. The composers of the late 20th century are not included on this collection - so you won't see Leonard Bernstein or John Williams on this set. While these Composers are excellent, I do think style of the tracks on this collection pre-date their style.

The recordings themselves are done by the great Orchestras around the world. For the most part, European Orchestras were used to deliver the tracks. There are a few exceptions: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra delivers "The Ride of the Valkyries"; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra delivers "Dance of the Knights"; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Some of the European Orchestras that are well known include: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Philhamonique de Strasbourg, and more. Also included are performances by well known names in the Classical space such as Marie-Claire Alain (Bach's "Toccate and Fogue in D Minor" and Saint-Saens' "Symphony for Organ No 3"), Piero Toso (Vivaldi's "Allegro From Spring - Four Seasons"), and Placido Domingo appears on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".

The 2 Disc collection contains a total of over 2 hours and 6 minutes of music. The selections that are included in the set will sound very familiar to you when you play them. You probably have both heard and seen the names of tracks such as: Oref's "O Fortuna"; Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Beethoven's "First Movement from Symphony Number 5" and "Ode To Joy"; Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Many of the other tracks will also sound familiar, but maybe not so much by name - such as Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries", Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathoustra"; Grieg's "Piano Concerto", and "Dies Irae" (versions included by Mozart and Verdi - you can compare the two and judge for yourself). As for the Discs themselves, I think most of the casual fans will like the selections on Disc Two better, but Disc One is still very good. On a sidebar, the Israel Philharmonic's version of "1812 Overture" is by far the best you will hear - particularly at the end, the booming drums create almost a 3 dimensional vision of fireworks being launched into the air.

There one big negative on this collection is some of the recording quality. The clarity of the recording is there, but some of the recording levels leave a lot to be desired. On some of the softer parts, it is barely audible without significantly turning up your volume. This is very evident on "O Fortuna" where you will hear almost dead silence during from the 30 second to 1:30 mark of the track unless you crank your volume up. Same with the first few seconds of Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathoustra" and Tchiakovsky's "1812 Overture". When the volume is cranked up you will hear them - but then the other sections will be way too loud. I'm surprised with modern technology that this couldn't be addressed better.

The liner notes are pretty thin. You do get the Composers, Performers/Orchestras, and recording dates. There isn't any more details than that and you won't learn anymore insight on the tracks than this information. Despite some of the shortcomings of the liner notes and recording volume, I still think this is an excellent place to start and do recommend this CD if you are a novice to Classical Music and are looking for a great place to start listening to what the Classics have to offer.

**An Exquisite Album**.......2004-02-21

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

Simply The Best Classical Anthems is a compilation album of `36 of the most powerful Anthems on Earth'. But, it is also said to be something else. It is said to be a gateway. A gateway to another world. A world where our imagination can run free without being shackled down by any borders or boundaries or rules or limits. A world that we have all seen or perhaps more accurately have all heard of but for many of us a world that we have never dared to enter. Never dared to enter because of fear. The fear of being ostracised and shunned by our community.

THE MYTH
`Classical Music!', I can hear some of you cry. `That isn't another world. That's just music for the upperclass, the high-brow, and the pompous.' Surprisingly, I too felt this way for a long time until I accepted the invitation made to me by Simply The Best Classical Anthems. I always felt that Classical Music was nice to listen to as background music for a Levis ad or a Car ad but I would consider people strange if they chose to hear it on its own. However, after having listened to this album I realised how wrong I was in my assumptions.

THE TRUTH
Music as with all forms of amusement helps to take you away from where you are now. It helps to relax you when you are stressed with anger; it helps to give you strength when you are vulnerable; it helps to keep your spirits up when you have faced tragedy or loss. It helps. And, for me the type of music that best conjures up the most passionate emotions (love, hate, courage and anger) at our most testing times is Classical Music.
How? I don't know.
Why? I don't know.
I can only promise you that in my experience it does.

THE CHEST
The album, in visual terms, is very difficult to overlook amongst the plethora of records that may surround it. This is because the album has a very distinct purple sleeve cover. Not any kind of purple mind you but the Cadbury's kind of purple. The kind of purple that carries with it an invitation. An invitation that if accepted promises you a treasure inside.
And since, I have always enjoyed the treasure within the purple Cadbury's Dairy Milk wrapper, I asked myself why would an album carrying the same invitation promise to be anything different? Thus, I parted with my tuppence worth and went back home to open this purple chest of promised treasures.

THE PROMISED TREASURE
As you may have guessed, the contents of the album are somewhat different to the contents of a Cadbury's bar. When I opened the album, I was presented with two compact discs. At first glance, there did not seem to be anything special about them. They were just your average, everyday, run of the mill compact discs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed because I suppose I had hoped for something more.
However, looks can be deceptive. (Afterall, a Cadbury's Dairy Milk does not seem very appetising until you taste it!) And, also come November each year, I am always bemused and surprised at how the shabby contents of a cardboard box can both light up the sky and light up the faces of the neighbourhood. Thus, I pushed aside my assumptions and I ignited the discs (not literally of course, I just pressed the play button on the CD player). And, I let the fireworks begin.

THE KEY
From the very beginning, you will feel like you have unlocked the doorway to something special. And, after a full two hours of listening to both discs, you will feel like you have been taken out of this world and transported to another. Welcome to the world of Classical Music.

GUIDANCE
In the beginning, continue to listen to both discs in one go (i.e. one after the other). After a while, you will know which tracks you enjoy listening to the most. For those tracks you enjoyed the most make a promise to yourself that you will listen to the whole of the piece from which that track came from.
Good Luck on your quest if you choose to accept it.
Ride amongst the Valkyries, listen to the Flight of the Bumblebees, and use The Planets to keep you on the path.

I am not a good reviewer because as with all of my reviews I refuse to comment too much about what is inside the product but rather more about what effect the product has had on me. (Me, me, me. Vain & Egotistic, I know, so my friends and family keep telling me). But, I just want to cause a raucous about the product, enough not to spoil but enough of a raucous to let you experience it for yourself.

So my final words are:
Simply The Best Classical Anthems is an invitation. An invitation to the world of classical music. A world where you can begin a never-ending quest of curiosity. A curiosity that will always be rewarded with fulfilment.

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

Samples.......2003-11-23

The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices.

Great Sampler!.......2002-03-20

This is a good sampler, since it covers what you would want in a classical music CD. Looking at the tracks, it has the classic hits, such as "Ride of the Valkyries," "Toccata and Fugue," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "'Jupiter' from `The Planets,'" "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," and "Hallelujah Chorus."

There are also some new pieces that I have fallen in love with, such as "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," "'Promenade' from Pictures at an Exhibition." The compilers did an interesting double take by including both Verdi's and Mozart's "Dies Ire." I'm not sure which is better.

This music is good for the brain and good for the soul. There is a power and passion that the blaring and glaring music that makes up most of the FM band. I'm reminded of the religious man who said that there is no music in hell. Probably because they wouldn't appreciate it there.

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In B minor, Op.61: I: Allegro
Violin Concerto In B minor, Op.61: II: Andante
Violin Concerto In B minor, Op.61: III: Allegro molto
Violin Concerto In B minor, Op.61: Cadenza (accompagnata: Lento) - Allegro molto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: Theme (Andante)
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: I: L'istesso tempo
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: II: Allegro
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: III: Allegretto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: IV: Allegro di molto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: V: Moderato
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: VI: Andantino
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: VII: Presto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: VIII: Allegretto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: IX: Adagio
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: X: Allegretto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: XI: Allegro di molto
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: XII: Andante
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: XIII: Moderato
Variations On An Origianal Theme ('Enigma'), Op. 36: XIV: Finale: Allegro

Amazon.com

In 1932, Menuhin was just 16 and at the very beginning of his international career when Elgar--then a grand old man in his 70s--asked the young virtuoso to record his Violin Concerto. Elgar himself conducted, and the rehearsals went so well that the composer reportedly canceled the last of them and took the young violinist out for a day at the races. The recording that resulted from this remarkable collaboration has remained a classic from the day it was issued. Elgar's conducting is typically direct and unfussy, while Menuhin really does play the pants off of what is without a doubt the longest and most tiring concerto in the romantic repertoire. Of course, the recorded sound is rather limited and no amount of audio restoration can change that, but fans of great violin playing will still find plenty to enthuse about. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Historical Document.......2007-01-12

Before you buy this, be sure that you realize that this recording is absolutely ancient. When I say ancient I mean late 20s and early 30s. There are many advantages to having this recording, the most notable of which is that Sir Elgar himself directs the orchestra. There's something magical about hearing a piece conducted by the composer. The only drawback is that the recording is from the 20s and 30s. Therefore, the recording is not very high quality and some of the nuances of the music can get lost. If you're looking for historical documentation, this recording is elsewhere. Otherwise, it will behoove you to find a more modern recording if you simply want to enjoy the music.

Stunning.......2002-07-12

The solo playing has so much depth to it, I really can't believe it's a sixteen year old playing. If there's a romantic concerto in the repertoire that could really be mishandled by a young player, it would be this one - but somehow Menuhin, even at that age, has managed to express the poignancy and nostalgia of the music better than anyone ever has. Of course, the disc is not without flaws. As has been noted, you can hear the squeaking and junk from the transfer, and there are some absolutely horrendous errors in ensemble between soloist and orchestra. I've heard one of Kennedy's recordings and also Perlman's. For the most part, Perlman generally doesn't get a character that I really like, and the slow tempo in Kennedy's last movement kind of bothers me. I've also heard Shaham do this concerto live on radio with Cleveland Orchestra I believe, and it was really great. Someone should convince him to commit it to CD.

Simply Menuhin.......2002-06-29

I heard twice in my life this concert, I liked so much, specially because has serenity and peace. This Menuhin version conducted by Edward Elgar, is simply pure. I heard the last records of Menuhin, but I never heard him in his first years, simply I don't cry because ...you know, but in some cirscustance of my life if I would heard the Munuhin Solo, simply I could not resist,his natural sound, his phrasing, the solo in the third movement has a sense of nostalgy, with a beautiful vibrato, sorry for the others big masters, but this "carisma" only Sir Yehudi Menuhi. He really was a natural prodigy with a big carisma, if you don't believe me heard him. If not buy the DVD about him, and pay attention to the solo, while he stay with his "Mamina". Buy it you really enjoy. And my respects to Yehudi Menihin, a wonderful violinist of the 20th century.

5 stars, but not for the casual listener........2000-11-28

If you do not have the Elgar concerto already, do not make this your one and only choice. This is not for the casual listener who wants to sit back and enjoy a great violin concerto. If you want to do that, choose Kennedy/Rattle/CBSO on EMI which is simply fantastic. If you do decide to choose this historical document for your second or third recording of this piece for novelty and comparison, choose the Naxos label. They have the same recording for half the price so you won't be as upset just in case you can't stand the sound. Part of the notes for my Naxos copy states. " The present transfers were made from pre-war U.S. Victor sets, (the Elgar from a "Z" shellac pressing). The squeaking noises which can be heard on some portions of the Elgar are on the original masters." They are not kidding, you hear alot of junk in this recording and it is not for the sensitive listener. While Naxos does not sell direct, you may visit naxos.com for more information. From naxos.com - "How can Naxos Historical release recordings made by other record companies? Is this piracy? Internationally, sound recordings are protected for 50 years from the date of publication (worldwide, except in the USA). That means, any recording published or released to the public before 1950 is now out of copyright, i.e. in the public domain. Broadcasts are considered published the day they are re-broadcast. In the United States, the situation is more complicated. There, sound recordings were not protected by copyright until 1972, but by a variety of state laws, including the rights of the artist's personality, unfair competition, and the like. There is nothing illegitimate in releasing out-of-copyright sound recordings the same way it is not illegitimate to release Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler without paying mechanical copyright (a fee to the composer or his publisher for the use of the printed music) to their descendants or manufacturing a drug whose patent has expired.

Exceptional historical document.......1999-06-14

The Violin Concerto, with the Elgar/Mehuhin partnership in 1932, must be heard to be believed. The interpretation is without peer, and the playing by Menuhin is outstanding. The sound quality of the concerto rivals many digital recordings. A must have for all Elgar fans!!!!

The 'Enigma' Variations will suprise you with their tempo. The sound quality (from 1926) is less impressive than the concerto, but still good. A great pairing for an exceptional CD.

Tracks:

Pomp And Circumstance March In D Major, Op. 39, No. 1
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Nimrod
Intoduction And Allegro, Op. 47
Cello Concerto In E minor, Op. 85 - Adagio
Salut d'amour, Op. 12
Symphony No. 1In A Flat Major, Op. 55, - Andante nobilmente e semplice (Excerpt)
Serenade For Strings In E Minor, Op. 20: Larghetto
Serenade For Strings In E Minor, Op. 20: Allegretto
Violin Concerto In B Minor Op. 61 - Andante
Pomp and Circumstance March In G Major, Op. 39, No. 4
Cockaigne Overture (In London Town), Op. 40

Average customer rating:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!
Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?
At this price, how can one complain?

A to Z of Classical Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004YYRT
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
Gloria - Oxford Camerata
Pavane - Red Byrd
Canon - Capella Istropolitana
Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
Prelude - Laurence Cummings
Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
Andante - Failoni Orchestra
Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
Adagio - Jeno Jando
Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

Ave Maria - Ingrid Kertesi
Un Bal - Pinchas Steinberg
Wedding March - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Minute Waltz - Idil Biret
Larghetto - Alexander Rahbari
Ride Of The Valkyries - Uwe Mund
Prelude - Alexander Rahbari
Hungarian Dance No.3 - Budapest Symphony
Scene - Ondrej Lenard
Slavonic Dance No.1 - Balazs Szokolay
Nimrod - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Clair De Lune - Keith Clark
Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Prelude In C Sharp Minor - Idil Biret
Fountain Of The Villa Medici At Sunset - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Overture - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
O Fortuna - Slovak Philharmonic Chorus
Playful Pizzicato - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Violin Concerto - Adele Anthony

Amazon.com

Is it a two-CD set with a particularly thick booklet, or a 562-page book with a compilation album attached? Either way, the unpretentious text by Keith Anderson offers an introduction to the lives and works of dozens of composers, together with recommended recordings from the Naxos and Marco Polo catalogs. Anderson includes a useful 59-page glossary of musical terms and an extensive listing of classical pieces used in films. The odd thing about the 36 extracts and complete pieces on the CDs is that they do not form an A-to-Z at all. Rather, they are arranged chronologically, from 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant to the opening movement of contemporary composer Philip Glass's Violin Concerto. Between these two points is the early music of Palestrina and Byrd; the Baroque glories of Vivaldi and Bach; the 19th-century Romantic masters, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky; and such 20th-century greats as Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Opera, song, and chamber music are barely represented, but only so much can fit into 151 minutes. Essentially a deluxe sampler of the vast Naxos catalogue, the discs offer a good introduction to some of the most famous and melodic music ever composed, while the book will be very useful to newcomers to the potentially confusing world of classical music. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated bok, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Like the Naxos range of recording itself, A-Z of Classical Music is a rich source of inspiration for anyone either just embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment or for whom classical music has long been a way of life. Included within is an extensive glossary of musical terms plus a unique guide to classical music used in acclaimed films. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained in the accompanying CDs.

Customer Reviews:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!.......2003-01-19

It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a
glossary of musical terms and a unique guide to the classical music used in 360 top films.

Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?.......2002-08-30

Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price. These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better. This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics. If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics. Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?.......2001-09-30

This is pretty much a CD version of a mini-Naxos and Marco Polo catalog. All the pieces and extracts are ordered chronologically on the 2 CDs and are of very acceptable quality, but don't expect excellence in every track. Personally, I was particularly disappointed with one of my favourite Pachelbel pieces. The Naxos Canon & Gigue lacks all the emotion of my favourite versions.

Still, any possible weaker performances are of little importance after you get your hands on the fat booklet with over 500 pages. The booklet offers a short intro about the great composers, a glossary of musical terms, a list of works used in films and dozens of illustrations of several composers.

Overall, at this price, this is a must-have pack for any beginner, and might be useful for the occasion "quick check" of the work of many composers. Do not expect many detail, nor references to all the works of some composers; I often got frustrated with the lack of detail in some cases, but in general, the booklet is very effective for a quick reference.
You will need more titles that offer more complete information, and you won't truly learn to love classical music just by reading it, but it is small and compact.

It really puzzles me why Naxos did not include a full index of composers, a serious omission. To find a particular composer you will have to look for it yourself in over 500 pages. Also, the separation of the text is not so good, making the search even a bit slower. The lack of the index is truly annoying and I am sure it will be corrected in future editions.

Even with a few weaker pieces and the lack of the index, at this price, there isn't much to argue about. This is truly a bargain that you should not miss. I would also recommend the A-Z of Opera, which offers a bigger booklet with over 700 pages, focusing on opera works and mentioning several composers that are absent from the A-Z of Classical. That other booklet has a very complete index, and much clearer text layout and separation, that's the way both booklets should have been designed.

The two sets complement each other very well. Highly recommended.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Somnium

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Bienvenue Au Conseil D'Administration !

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Jazz Music jazz-music-18

1. In The South (Alassio)
2. Introduction And Allegro
3. Sospiri
4. Enigma Variations - Andante
5. Enigma Variations - I, C.A.E
6. Enigma Variations - Ii, H.D.S.-P.
7. Enigma Variations - Iii, R.B.T.
8. Enigma Variations - Iv, W.M.B.
9. Enigma Variations - V, R.P.A.
10. Enigma Variations - Vi, Ysobel
11. Enigma Variations - Vii, Troyte
12. Enigma Variations - Viii, W.N.
13. Enigma Variations - Ix, Nimrod
14. Enigma Variations - X, Intermezzo- Dorabella
15. Enigma Variations - Xi, G.R.S.
16. Enigma Variations - Xii, B.G.N.
17. Enigma Variations - Xiii, Romanza- ---
18. Enigma Variations - Xiv, Finale- E.D.U.