The Chopin I Love

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Chopin didn't like public concerts in large venues, and he played very few of them, preferring salons and home concerts. But he also admired the way his pupil Guttman could play his music with greater power than Chopin could ever muster. Thibaudet is a sensitive musician of the Guttman type. Although he can create intimacy, his basic style at the modern grand piano is very public, sounding as if he's playing to the top row at Carnegie Hall. It can sometimes be a bit much for hearing in a small living room, but this is still an attractive Chopin recital, a varied and generous program, all played very well. And it comes with its own built-in contrast: a bonus mini-recital of four items taken from a TV documentary in which Thibaudet plays a Broadwood piano that Chopin himself played in 1848. The instrument automatically reduces the scale of the music, making it more intimate, and Thibaudet adapts successfully to its character. Maybe, if we get lucky, Thibaudet will record a whole CD on this piano! --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

II: Andante - Stephen Hough
I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
Aria - Maria Tipo
II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

Average customer rating:

Movie Themes CD
"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best"

Simply the Best Movie Themes

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

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Great Movie Love Themes: Five Star Collection
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
The Wings of a Film: The Music of Hans Zimmer

ASIN: B0001CNRL6
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Theme From Mission Impossible - Schifrin
Theme From Gladiator - Zimmer
Hedwig's Theme - Williams
Harry's Wondrous World - Williams
Allegro Moderato - Symphony No. 8 'Unfinished' - Schubert
Suite From Shakespeare In Love - Warbeck
Out Of Africa - Barry
Requiem, Rex Tremendae - Mozart
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4 - Chopin
Suite No. 3 In D, Air On The G String - J.S. Bach
I Will Always Love You - Parton
Symphony No. 40, Molto Allegro - Mozart
Finlandia - Sibelius
My Heart Will Go On - Horner

Tracks:

Theme From Lord Of The Rings - Shore
Overture To All That Jazz - Kander & Ebb
'Trout' Quintet, Theme, Andantino And Variations - Schubert
Prelude No. 15 In D-Flat - Chopin
Windmills Of Your Mind - LeGrand
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - KAMEN
Theme From Schindler's List - Williams
Also Sprach Zarathustra, Excerpt - Strauss
Symphony No. 3, Lento Cantabile - Semplice - Gorecki
Die Walkure, Ride Of The Valkyries - Wagner
Goldberg Variations, Aria Da Capo - J.S. Bach
Theme From License To Kill - KAMEN
Sonata No. 8, Op. 13, 'Pathetique,' Andante Cantabile - Beethoven
Die Another Day - Arnold
Symphony No. 9, Ode To Joy, Excerpt - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Movie Themes CD.......2007-03-10

Very nice CD with beautiful music from past movies. Very relaxing music to listen to.

"three decades of film composers ~ Simply The Best".......2004-03-06

Rhino Movie Music presents "Simply The Best Movie Themes", featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and other various artists ~ within the realm of the following composers David Arnold, John Barry, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Wendy Carlos, Fred Ebb, James Horner, James Newton Howard, Michael Kamen, John Kander, Michel Legrand, Alex North, Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, Wladyslaw Szpilman, Stephen Warbeck, John Williams and Hans Zimmer ~ each composer has created one or more of the scores in this twenty nine classic line up.

Film scores covering over three decades with "2001:SPACE ODYSSEY", "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE", "APOCALYPSE NOW", "THE BODYGUARD(I Will Always Love You)", "CHICAGO(Overture to All That Jazz), "DIE ANOTHER DAY", "EYES WIDE SHUT", "FEARLESS", "GLADIATOR(Theme)", "HANNIBAL", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Hedwig's Theme)", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Harry's Wondrous World)", "THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER", "JURASSIC PARK:THE LOST WORLD", "LICENSE TO KILL, "LIVING DAYLIGHTS", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS(Theme)", "MINORITY REPORT", "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (Theme)", "OUT OF AFRICA", "THE PIANIST", "ROBIN HOOD, PRINCE OF THIEVES", "SCHINDLER'S LIST", "SE7EN", "SHADOWLANDS", "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE", "THE SIXTH SENSE", "THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR"and "TITANIC(My Heart Will Go On)" ~ a mixture of original compositions and classics of the old masters. Loaded with not just themes, but full of orchestral arrangements that are fresh and rewarding ~ sure to bring back those special moments from the film.

The presentation is superb with every cue inclusive with spectacular performances from suspense, romance and adventure all rolled into a two disc package. Rhino must be commended on doing such a great job and doing it well. Most serious "film-score-buffs" will welcome this compilation, has many cues available all under one banner ~ Rhino Records...gotta love it!

Tracks:

Liebestraum (Dream Of Love)
Waldesrauschen (Forest Murmurs)
Un sospiro (A Sigh)
Liebesbotschaft (Message of Love)
Widmung (Dedication)
The Maiden's Wish
My Darling
Die Loreley
Au Bord D'Une Source
Harmonies Du Soir
Les Jeux D'Eaux A La Villa D'Este
Sonata In B Minor - Andante Sostenuto
Isolde's Liebestodt

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music for a Romantic Evening.......2005-12-15

The CD insert design of the Set Your Life to Music series might suggest that this is a collection "Classical Lite." However, while this compilation provides some Liszt's most well-known music, these beautiful and deep pieces should not be mistaken for "easy listening." These are wonderful compositions by a great composer, performed by musicians of the highest caliber (especially Claudio Arrau). This is music to close your eyes to while listening to and enjoying every note and every nuance of the performances.

Most of the selections are performed by Claudio Arrau, one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, an acknowledged master of the Liszt repertoire and, furthermore, a pupil of one of Liszt's pupils. Arrau plays these selections with power, passion, sensitivity, and highly nuanced delicacy, depending on what a given passage calls for, as he takes the listener through the rising and falling tides of passion in Liszt's music.

The "non-Arrau" selections recorded by Misha Dichter, Wibi Soerjadi, and Zoltan Kocsis are also excellent. All the recorded selections, whether digital or analog, have very clear sound quality. Highly recommended, whether as an introduction to Lizst or to add to several other CDs of music by this great Romantic composer.

perfect dramatic piano.......2004-05-28

Both Liszt and Arrau are at their apogee in this CD. This is one the few piano cd's I've heard where Liszt's passionate genius is both appropriately frighteningly strong and beautifully tender (as many of his contemporaries noted 150 years ago). Arrau, always thoughtful, and with his emphasis on touch and color, and delicacy, penetrates to the heart of these sometimes breathtakingly orchestral piano sounds. This is lush arch-romantic piano with a huge nuanced sound, and a constant emotional ebb and flow (and sound volume) as powerful than any other composer of that tempestuous era I have heard. The cd is very clearly recorded with excellent dynamics. Every selection is strong and well chosen and the cd sets a very consistent brooding romantic mood. The best introduction to (and still my favorite) Liszt.

Arguably, one of the best classical pianists ever........2001-08-12

As soon as I heard the piano solo, Liebestraume, I immediately purchased this cd particularly because it contains some of the greatest piano pieces ever composed. During Liszt's lifetime, audiences were very appreciative of his talent and ability to express his emotions through the use of his piano. Influenced by Chopin, Franz Liszt ultimately achieved high status as a composer with the ability to play spectacular classical music. Some of the songs included possess titles about nature, and in one of the songs, the piano is played so brilliantly that it feels as if you're actually listening to fountains. Lovers of classical music should purchase this remarkable disc. And best of all, at a low price, this is a great bargain.

Average customer rating:

Stories Of Schumann And Grieg

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Story Of Chopin In Words And Music
The Story of Schubert
The Story Of Brahms
Mendelssohn In Words And Music
The Story of Mozart

ASIN: B000001KCV
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 97: 'Rhenish' - Lebhaft
Andante And Variations In B-Flat Major
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13
Toccata In C Major, Op. 7
Kreisleriana, Op. 16
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Allegro Vivace
Carnaval, Op. 9
'Dedication', Op. 25/1
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: Introduction - Vivace
Papilons, Op. 2
Op. 25-3: 'The Nut Tree'
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 97: 'Rhenish' - Lebhaft-Schneller
Piano Quintet In E-flat Major, Op. 44: Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Allegro affettuoso
Carnaval, Op. 9: Waltz
Album For The Young, Op. 68: The Merry Farmer
Scenes From Childhood, Op. 15: Dreams
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: Nicht au schnell
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 97: 'Rhenish' - Feierlich
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No 1
Lyric Suite, Op. 54-2: Norwegian Rustic Dance
Op. 12 No. 4: Elf Dance
Op. 35, No. 1: Norwegian Dances
Elegiac Melodies
Op. 64, No. 4: Symphonic Dances
Op. 35, No. 2: Norwegian Dances
Op. 5-3: 'I Love Thee'
Op. 43, No. 1: Butterfly
Op. 65, No. 6: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No. 3: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55, No. 4: Solveig's Song
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No. 4: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: Allegro moderato; Allegro marcato
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: Prelude: Allegro vivace
Lyric Suite, Op. 54, No. 3: Dance Of The Dwarfs
Homage To Chopin
Sigurd Jorsalfar Suite, Op. 56, No. 3: Homage March
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Morning Mood
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: The Death Of Aase
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: III The Return Of Peer Gynt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV Solveig's Song

Average customer rating:

Delightful Disney Music
Uncle Walt would be quite honored!
Fabulous CD
sleeping to Disney
this is a treasure

Heigh-Ho! Mozart

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach: More Favorite Disney Tunes
Beauty and the Beat: Favorite Disney Tunes in Steelband Style
Ragtime at the Magical Kingdoms
O Mickey, Where Art Thou?
Heigh Ho Banjo Bluegrass Salutes Favorite Disney Songs

ASIN: B000000709
Release Date: 1995-06-16

Tracks:

Colors of the Wind in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
Heigh-Ho! In the Style Of - Shanghai Quartet
Beauty and the Beast in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
Second Star to the Right in the Style Of - Voices of Ascension
Under the Sea in the Style Of - Millar Brass Ensemble
I Wanna Be Like You in the Style Of - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? - English Chamber Orchestra
With a Smile and a Song in the Style Of - Carol Rosenberger
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? [In the Style Of] [In the Style Of... - English Chamber Orchestra
Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
Main Street Electrical Parade [in the Style Of Mozart] [In the Style of - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Feed the Birds [In the Style Of...] - Shanghai Quartet
Little April Shower in the Style Of - Anthony Newman
Winnie the Pooh in the Style Of - Shanghai Quartet
Prince Ali in the Style Of - Millar Brass Ensemble
When You Wish upon a Star in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Disney Music.......2007-03-28

These Disney tunes done in the style of classic composers are so much fun. Children and adults alike will enjoy these songs over and over.

Uncle Walt would be quite honored!.......2006-12-20

For many a baby boomer, Walt Disney meant animation. But, besides that, music played an important part in the telling of the story. So interested in music was the animator that he fashioned one of his greatest triumphs ("Fantasia") on the works of the great masters.

Well, Donald Frasier and a bevy of musicians have compiled a wonderful collection of interpretations of familiar Disney tunes, many from Walt's time, along with a few latter day compositions.

Every selection is a winner, destined to make the listener reflect and recall the films from which they came. And if one is familiar with composer whose musical style is "copied" here, the album is a treasure.

Fabulous CD.......2006-10-04

Being a classical music connoisseur, I often listen to my local public classical radio station to hear the works of the great composers of old and of today. One day the station played "Colors of the Wind" and announced it was from this CD. I fell in love with it. I am a huge Disney fan who has over 350 Disney songs on my iPod. Pretty much the only music I listen to is either classical or Disney. And having them combined makes this CD euphoria for the ears.

Each song is in the style of a different classical composer, and usually in the style of one of their more specific songs. One with a trained ear will hear chords and melodies in almost perfect similitude of the original.

I can listen to this CD over and over and never get bored. How could you be bored when you're hearing all of your favorite old Disney songs in a new exciting way?

sleeping to Disney.......2006-07-30

I am really pleased that there is a classical music cd that has only Disney classics so that I can play them for my infant daughter while she sleeps. We are big Disney fans and it's fun to play these instead of the regular classical music. They sound just like the original songs. I would have given 5 stars but I wish they would have had all instrumental music, one of the songs has a choir singing, but it still sound good.

this is a treasure.......2003-05-11

Disney music is always uplifting. Classical music is beautiful. Combine the two - and you get THIS! "Colors of the Wind" is glorious, followed by the enchanting title track. "Beauty and the Beast" is true to the romance of the original. "The Second Star to the Right" is magical. Everything is awesome - and flawless. I initially bought this because I love The Main Street Electrical Parade music, and that is definiely a highlight here - but so are ALL the other songs! This is GOOD STUFF! It is so excellent that it can be a very beneficial introduction to classical music - for kids AND adults.

Average customer rating:

Not the best recording
Stunning Goldberg Aria
Great CD
Piano Perfection!
A Classic in Every Sense!

50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

More Than 50 Most Loved Hymns
Piano Favorites
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
The World's Favorite Piano Music
25 Piano Favorites

ASIN: B000AHJ7SY
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

'Aria' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.1 In C Major, BWV 846 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Minuet In G Major From Anna Magdalena Notebook - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 891 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Siciliano' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
III. 'Rondo Alla Turca' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
I. Allegro - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasy In D Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
II. Adagio Cantabile - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
I. Adagio Sostenuto - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fur Elise - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
II. Minuet - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Impromptu Op.90 No.3 In G-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Moment Musicaux No.3 In F Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Venetian Gondola - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Tracks:

Waltz Op.64 No.1 In D-Flat Major Minute Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.15 Raindrop Prelude In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.1 In B-Flat Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.12 Revolutionary - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.27 No.2 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
GRand Valse Brilliante Op.18 In E-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.2 In E-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.3 In E Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.20 In C Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.4 In E Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Waltz Op.69 No.1 In A-Flat Major Farewell Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Kindererszenen (Scenes From Childhood) Op.15 No.7: Traumerei (Dreaming) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasiestucke (Fantasy Pieces) Op.12 No.1: Des Abends (In The Evening) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Widmung (Dedication) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Consolation No.3 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Aria - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Tracks:

Hungarian Dance No.5 In F-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Intermezzo Op.118 No.2 In A Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Waltz Op.39 No.15 In A-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
June - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Berceuse - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Tango - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Granada - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
To A Wild Rose - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Clair DE Lune - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Arabesque No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Gymnopedie No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Maiden And The Nightengale - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.3 No.2 In C-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.23 No.5 Ini G Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
I. Pavane - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs

Customer Reviews:

Not the best recording.......2007-07-15

The songs were played flawlessly, however, it's really quiet. When you turn up the volume, you will hear hissing in the background.

Stunning Goldberg Aria.......2006-02-21

Who is the performer of that amazing recording of the Goldberg Aria??!?! It must be Gould.

Great CD.......2006-01-29

Nice set of songs. I enjoyed it a lot, I see no reason why anyone wouldn't like this CD set.

Piano Perfection!.......2005-10-16

Saw it on TV and thought the music was beautiful, but forgot to write the information down... but managed to buy it online (now I see it frequently at the music stores)and I absolutely love this album -- all my favorite pieces! (I'm not big on writing comments or reviews, but was compelled by the artistry and passion I heard throughout this CD!)

A Classic in Every Sense!.......2005-10-12

I overheard some people at the record store talking about this album - one guy was actually a piano teacher and couldn't stop raving about it. I bought the album on his recommendation and couldn't be happier - it's stunningly beautiful. Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is haunting and Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is spectacular in its precision and speed! This will make a great stocking stuffer at Christmas for my friends (... I'm getting them now cause I've gone to a couple places and they're out of stock). If you're into piano, this is truly a classic!

Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Collectors Edition) (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music (Collectors Edition) (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Moods
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)

ASIN: B00008L428
Release Date: 2003-02-13

Average customer rating:

One of the best CDs I heard of anything
A disappointing disc from a great pianist
CHOPIN'S ROMANTICISM
HEART -ACHING ROMANTICISM
We want more!

The Chopin I Love

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Reflections On Duke - Jean-Yves Thibaudet Plays The Music Of Duke Ellington
The Magic of Satie
Conversations with Bill Evans
Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Liszt - Opera Transcriptions ~ Wagner · Mozart · Donizetti · Verdi · Gounod · Tchaikovsky
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Debussy · images, études ~ complete works for piano, vol. 2

ASIN: B00002MXNE
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53 'Heroique'
Waltz In D Flat Major, Op.64 No.1 'Minute'
Prelude In E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4
Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No.4
Grande Valse brillante In E Flat Major, Op.18
Nocturne In B Flat Minor, Op.9 No.1
Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2
Etude In F Major, Op.25 No.3
Mazurka In B Flat Major, Op.7 No.1
Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
Etude In A Flat Major, Op.25 No.1 'Aeolian'
Etude In C Minor, Op.10 No. 12 'Revolutionary'
Prelude In D Minor, Op.28 No.24
Prelude In D Flat Major, Op.28 No. 15 'Raindrop'
Etude In F Major, Op.25 No.3
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth.
Prelude In D Minor, Op. 28 No. 24

Amazon.com

Chopin didn't like public concerts in large venues, and he played very few of them, preferring salons and home concerts. But he also admired the way his pupil Guttman could play his music with greater power than Chopin could ever muster. Thibaudet is a sensitive musician of the Guttman type. Although he can create intimacy, his basic style at the modern grand piano is very public, sounding as if he's playing to the top row at Carnegie Hall. It can sometimes be a bit much for hearing in a small living room, but this is still an attractive Chopin recital, a varied and generous program, all played very well. And it comes with its own built-in contrast: a bonus mini-recital of four items taken from a TV documentary in which Thibaudet plays a Broadwood piano that Chopin himself played in 1848. The instrument automatically reduces the scale of the music, making it more intimate, and Thibaudet adapts successfully to its character. Maybe, if we get lucky, Thibaudet will record a whole CD on this piano! --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

One of the best CDs I heard of anything.......2005-10-01

Wow! surely the best 1 CD compilation of Chopin's music. Here familiar works are presented as if they were discovered yesterday. Such a freshness !!!! tempi, phrasing, articulation, are outstanding! Lucid, vivid, not grandiloquent or mannered. For instance take the eroic polonaise! At first not a great thing, seems weak but then remember polonaise was not a warrior dance but instead a stately, full of dignity. And that is what you hear! Listen to how the piece is growing with captivating power. I could go on citing examples of the mastery Thibaudet brings to all pieces. And then ... as if this were not enough ... change instrument!!! he chose for the last tracks a period piano, Chopin's piano! Simply wonderfull! And then ... wow! 2 of that pieces are also played previously on a modern Steinway, so you have here a little "comparative discography". Discover the different approaches to same music with different instruments!
With a hand in your heart tell me: what else can you ask for in 78 min of music??? This CD is a must

A disappointing disc from a great pianist.......2005-06-24

It is one of the unfortunate limitations of this venue that reviews for any given item seem to presuppose a general audience, and it's not possible for reader or reviewer to state his or her frame(s) of reference. A CD review by a musician is not necessarily *better* than one by a non-musician, but it is likely to be relevant for different listeners. But even among musicians it's obvious that one musician will not necessarily agree with another just because they are both musicians.

Reviewing classical music is further complicated for the fact that the kind of review one might read in something like Grammophone is usually only useful for those already somehow initiated into the esoteric vocabulary and culture of the classical music industry (i.e., people for whom abbreviations like LSO and DG mean something or names like Kapustin and Takemitsu are as integral to the parlance as Beethoven and Bach). On the other hand, the kind of review that likes to use words and phrases like "awe-inspiring!" or "emotionally charged!" or "beautiful!" tend to be useful only to those whose ability to listen to music begins by pressing the 'play' button on a CD player.

On the one hand, Thibaudet is judicious in keeping a tight rein on the ever-present temptation in Chopin to pass into the kind of vulgar sentimentality that permits people to enjoy the pieces as wonderful elevator music and find him "just beautiful!"

Given Thibaudet's excellent showings in the French literature and the Rachmaninoff concerti, there was no question that his technial mastery was up to the challenge of playing the pieces on this disc in one respect.

In another, Chopin is like Mozart in the sense that many of his pieces are not technically difficult. The waltzes and nocturnes, for example, can be played reasonably well by reasonably talented young teenagers, just as a gifted pianist might play Mozart sonatas at ten.

This does not mean, however, that a ten-year-old will play a Mozart sonata well, even if the student's technical mastery is up to the task (or, for that matter, that certain young Chinese pianists who shall remain nameless with excellent technique have the maturity or intellect to play pieces well). Both Chopin and Mozart are deceptive in their simplicity and it is for this reason that so many interpretations abound.

Thibaudet is faithful to the standard Chopin tradition, so no innovations are to be found on this disc. While this per se is not a fault, Thibaudet's decision to remain loyal to that tradition then forces him to be responsible to the exemplars of that tradition, and the question becomes whether or not he is worthy to be its heir.

The recording of the famous A-flat polonaise is sloppy such that the sound is hollow in some places and muddy in others. Some seem to like Thibaudet's phrasing here, but in my opinion he tends to be dismissive and instead of the familiar majesty we get from someone like Horowitz or Lhevinne, we get something that feels artificially restrained.

The D-flat waltz ('Minute') is competent, but has nothing of the excitement of various and countless others or the astonishment of Hofmann's legendary playing of this piece (at tempo, no less) in thirds.

The E-flat waltz is played nicely, though the piece itself is rather facile. Similarly, the E-minor prelude is basically a student piece.

The B-flat scherzo lacks the impetuousness it deserves in the middle section (either that, or Thibaudet's score lacks the marking 'con fuoco'), and Thibaudet's Steinway is tinny in the upper registers and incapable of satisfying the dynamics in the score. (Even the young but surprisingly mature pianist Yundi Li has a better recording of this piece.)

The famous C-minor etude was unexciting and lacked the nuance of someone like Cortot; the D-minor etude was nicely played, however.

Instead of going on, I hope I've at least given some sense of my reasons for this rating. Unfortunately, another limitation of reviewing CDs with words is the fact that words fail at describing the experience of hearing music. I have tried, instead, to provide a basis for comparison for those who are interested. At the very least, the glut of recordings and performances of Chopin--most of which tend to be amateurish and mediocre--in itself provides reason to be judicious and even stringent in our evaluations. It is one thing to acknowledge the greatness of Chopin's music. It is another to dish out vapid praise just because it's Chopin. Even Chopin wrote some fairly insipid music, some of which is on this disc (which feels more like one of those "best of..." compilations that milk sentimentality out of piano music instead of having something interesting to say about Chopin). This rating is not an insult to Thibaudet's musicianship. In fact, it is out of respect for it that one must expect more from this disc than was given. Even if the playing was a bit heavy, at least Pletnev's Carnegie Hall debut took some chances to reveal some interesting things that no one had heard before in the scherzi. I fail to see that Thibaudet has anything interesting to say about Chopin (especially if the majority of the works on this disc are not particularly interesting in themselves). Chopin is such a familiar name that the criteria for evaluating his music have to be more than the fact that he's emotionally "moving" or "touching".

Finally, don't be fooled by the advertisement that there are tracks played "on Chopin's own piano". Read the cover carefully: "for the bonus tracks, [Thibaudet] plays the Broadwood piano that Chopin chose for his 1848 concerts in England". (Incidentally, two of the pieces chosen for these tracks--the F-major etude and D-minor prelude were interesting and well-chosen selections.)

CHOPIN'S ROMANTICISM.......2002-11-17

WHoa! This cd is amazing! If you want to start with Chopin start with this one. It includes Chopin's most known works like the Polonaise in A flat, Nocturne in E flat, among others. This cd gives you a good start with an orotund performance. Never start classical with a bad performance because it will ruin your ears!Otherwise, if you already have Chopin, listen to this cd because it includes some bonus tracks played in Chopin's piano(that's funny, I mean what for?? haha) so at least you will hear the piano Chopin played. :). A very good piano player as well.

HEART -ACHING ROMANTICISM.......2001-01-01

Thibaudet is rapidly becoming my favorite in the crop of current 'star' pianists. His recordings of Ravel and Debussy and Liszt are tops in the field and now this CD of Chopin piano solo music has been released and it is just as fine. This sampling of Etudes, Mazurkas and Nocturnes, etc. are all played so perfectly: this is heart-aching Romanticism at its peak. Decca has also been generous: the recording is actually more than 78 minutes long. The 4 bonus tracks played on Chopin's own piano prove to be more than just a clever gimmick. It is really interesting for an amateur like myself to compare the composer's piano with the pianist's. Thibaudet is quoted in the fine essay that comes along with the CD: "...the beautiful thing is that his (Chopin's) spirit is alive and in his music." Yes...especially in this lovely album. Very Highly Recommended.

We want more!.......2000-06-05

At first I was suprised to see that Thibaudet released a Chopin recital.But since I loved his liszt and Debussy recordings I bought it - it was "love at first sight".

He is very strong in the Preludes,Nocturnes and the Waltzs.

The pieces that are played on the old piano sound amazing - a nice touch.

The recording is warm and not to close - the piano sounds vivid and full.

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze From Cantata No.208 (Arr. Marriner)
Clarinet Concerto In A K622 Ii. Adagio Sabine Meyer
Concerto For Two Mandolins In G Rv532 Ii. Andante Europa Galante
Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis (Opening)
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor Op.18 Ii. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening)
Memories Of The Alhambra
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 Iii. Adagio
Fellowship From The Film The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring
Lark Ascending (Opening)
Agnus Dei From The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace
Emperor Concerto Op.73 Ii. Adagio (Trans. Craig Leon)
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor Op.26 Ii. Adagio (Opening)
Voca Me
Nimrod From Enigma Variations
Symphony No.6 In F Pastoral Op.68 V. Allegretto (Shepherds Hymn)
Four Seasons Concerto No.4 In F Minor Winter (Ii. Largo)
Serenade In G Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K525 Ii. Romanza (Andante)
Double Violin Concerto In D Minor Bwv1043 Ii. Largo Ma Non Tanto (Opening)
Miserere Mei, Deus (Extract)
Violin Concerto In E Minor Op.64 Ii. Andante (Extract)
Jesu, Joy Of ManS Desiring From Cantata No.147
Pavane
Dome Epais (Flower Duet) From Lakme
Flute & Harp Concerto In C K299 Ii. Andantino (Extract)
Lascia ChIo Pianga From Rinaldo (Arr. Craig Leon & Isobel Cooper)
Guitar Concerto In D (Arr. Emilio Pujol; Ed. Isbin) Ii. Largo
Piano Concerto No.21 In C Elvira Madigan K467 Ii. Andante (Extract)
Pie Jesu From Requiem
EntrActe To Act Iii From Carmen
Ii. Romance: Larghetto (Opening)
16 In Paradisum From Requiem Op.48
Pathetique Sonata Op.13 Ii. Adagio Cantabile
Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana
GabrielS Oboe From The Film The Mission
Air On The G String From Suite No.3 In D, Bwv1068
Morning From Peer Gynt Incidental Music Op.23
Balcony Scene From The Film William ShakespeareS Romeo & Juliet
Canon In D
Gymnopedie No.1 (Lent Et Douloureux)
Clair De Lune From Suite Bergamasque (Orch. Stokowski)
SchindlerS List Theme From The Film SchindlerS List
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Variation 18
10 Adagio For Strings Op.11a
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor Moonlight Op.27 No.2
Symphony No.9 From The New World Ii. Largo (Opening)
Romance From The Film The Gadfly
Piano Concerto In A Minor Ii. Adagio
Cavatina From The Film The Deer Hunter
O Mio Babbino Caro From Gianni Schicchi
Venus From The Planets (Conclusion)
Ion Hort Die Whter Singen From Cantata No.140
Adagio In G Minor (Realised Giazotto)
Keyboard Concerto No. 5 In F Minor Bwv1056 Ii. Largo
Confutatis From Requiem
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits From Orpheus & Eurydice
Water Music Air From Suite No.1 In F
Fantasia On Greensleeves From Sir John In Love (Arr. Greaves)
Gnossienne No.1
Swan From The Carnival Of The Animals (Arr. Chris Hazell)
Ashokan Farewell
Cantique De Jean Racine
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor Op. Posth
Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) From Serse
Concierto De Aranjuez Ii. Adagio (Op