Handel: Messiah (Complete Oratorio); Battle, Quivar, Aler, Ramey, Davis

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There are two English Davises, both conductors: Colin and Andrew--no relation. Colin recorded a landmark Messiah which is still available on Philips at budget price. This one is another matter entirely. Andrew Davis certainly knows this music, and he hits the big moments with gusto. But Messiah is more than big moments, and despite an excellent cast of soloists, there's too little involvement with the music (especially from Kathleen Battle) in the arias and more intimate moments to make this a clear recommendation. It's not bad, but the competition is just that much better. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Best Music Ever for Home Wedding
Excellent resource for wedding planners
Great item!
Preview your wedding day
25 WEDDING FAVORITES

25 Wedding Favorites

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

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ASIN: B00004Y6T1
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Wedding March (Lohengrin)
Allegro I (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Trumpet Voluntary
Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Canon in D Major
Spring - Susan Lautenbacher
Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
Air (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sheep May Safely Graze (Cantana No. 208)
Arioso
Bist Du Bei Mir' (Anna Magdalena Notebook)
Panis Angelicus
Weichet Nur' (Wedding Cantata)
Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
Ave Maria
Sehet In Zufriedenheit' (Wedding Cantata)
Ave Maria
Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
Air On The G String - Mainz Chamber Orchestra
Pastorale (Messiah) - Eastman Chorale
Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Hornpipe (Water Music)
Wedding March
Toccata (5th Symphony)

Customer Reviews:

Best Music Ever for Home Wedding.......2007-07-20

The tape consists of 25 traditional wedding songs played by big orchestras; the music was beautiful and made a small ceremony into a special, unforgettable ceremony.

Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

I work regularly with people planning church weddings who want the service to be dignified, traditional and formal. Often they have "ear memory" of music they've heard in other weddings, but no idea about its composer or title. This CD is the best compilation I've found of music that fits those requirements. Selections include great music and performances make it easy to imagine how they would sound in a particular church or other setting. Includes works by Protestant, Catholic and secular composers.

Great item!.......2007-03-29

Great CD! Perfect when planning your wedding music. There are a variety of songs from various composers.

Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding. The CD had a good song selection. My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.

Average customer rating:

I hate to be rude, but . . .
Outstanding
Sacred Songs
My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far
Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haunted Heart
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ASIN: B000AM6OXK
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Dank sei dir, Herr
Ave Maria, D839
Laudamus te
Panis Angelicus
Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
Simple Song
Pie Jesu
Domine Deus
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
Abends will ich schlafen gehn
L'Adieu des bergers
Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Messiah (George Frederick Handel) London Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Still the One I Enjoy Most
great cd
Best full length version of Messiah
Messiah
Mammoth

Messiah (George Frederick Handel) London Philharmonic Orchestra
Handel , London Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra , and Alldis
Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet
Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

ASIN: B000062T9E
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

The Messiah: (1) Overture - The London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Messiah: (2) Comfort My People - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (3) Every Valley Shall Be Exalted - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (4) And The Glory Of The Lord - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (5) Thus Saith The Lord - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (6) But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming? - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (7) And He Shall Purify - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (8) Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive - Alfreda Hodgson
The Messiah: (9) O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion - Alfredo Hodgson
The Messiah: (10) For, Behold, A Darkness Shall Cover The Earth - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (11) The people That Walked In Darkness - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (12) For Unto Us A Child Is Born - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (13) Pastoral Symphony - The London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Messiah: (14) There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (15) And The Angel Said Unto Them - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (16) And Suddenly There Was With The Angel - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (17) Glory To God - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (18) Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (19) Then Shall The Eyes Of The Blind Be Opened - Alfreda Hodgson
The Messiah: (20) He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shephard - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (21) His Yoke Is Easy, And His Burthen Is Light - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (22) Behold The Lamb Of God - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (23) He Was Despised - Alfreda Hodgson

Tracks:

The Messiah: (24) Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (25) And With His Stripes We Are Healed - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (26) All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (27) All They That See Him, Laugh Him To Scorn - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (28) He Trusted In God That He Would Deliver Him - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (29) They Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (30) Behold, And See If There Be Any Sorrow - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (31) He Was Cut Off Out Of The Land Of The Living - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (32) But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul In Hell - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (33) Lift Up Your heads, O Ye Gates - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (38) How Beautiful Are The Feet Of Them - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (39) Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (40) Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (41) Let Us Break their Bonds Asunder - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (42) He That Dwelleth In Heaven - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (43) Thou Shalt Break Them - Philip Langridge
The Messiah: (44) Hallelujah! - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (45) I KNow That My Redeemer Liveth - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (46) Since By Man Came Death - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (47) Behold, I Tell You A Mystery - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (48) The Trumpet Shall Sound - Ulrik Cold
The Messiah: (49) Then Shall Be Brought To Pass - Alfreda Hodgson
The Messiah: (50) O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? - Alfreda Hodgson
The Messiah: (51) But Thanks Be To God - The London Philharmonic Choir
The Messiah: (52) If god Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us? - Felicity Lott
The Messiah: (53) Worthy Is The Lamb - The London Philharmonic Choir

Customer Reviews:

Still the One I Enjoy Most.......2007-03-30

I own the original CD release of this version conducted by Alldis;
I've been enjoying it ever since I got it.

I used to be disappointed that it was missing some of Handel's material; so I got the Sir Colin Davis version, which is exhaustive and supposed to be really good... It's pretty good, but this Alldis version is definitely more enjoyable. And now I think I can see why that other material gets left out; it looks like good libretto, but in general those parts are the least enjoyable musically and the most redundant for theme progression.

In the Alldis version, my favorite choruses like "And He Shall Purify" are clear and powerful. The solos are more approachable. All the singing is convincing, as though the singers are wholly embracing both their words and their musical approach. I sense them owning everything they are doing. And I love the use of organ as accents. I can imagine Handel conducting from a keyboard in heaven.

I admit I probably haven't listened to more than half a dozen versions, but until someone introduces me to a better one, this is by far the most enjoyable classical version to a contemporary listener, but I think even Handel would be appreciative. So buy it, listen to it, and enjoy it forever, forever and ever, forever and ever, forever and ever, forever and ever, forever, forever and ever, forever and ever. Amen, amen, amen...

great cd.......2007-01-19

the cd came very quickly and is the best one i own now
listen to it all the time very comfortingand a grat praise for our savior jesus christ

david

Best full length version of Messiah.......2007-01-13

I bought this CD around the end of December and I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful recording. This is the best full length version of Handels Messiah. All of the vocalists, choir and orchestra were wonderful. This is truly a masterpiece and a great work of art. Listening to this version of Handels Messiah makes one feel closer to God.

Messiah.......2007-01-12

I purchased this CD to practice with before a concert in which I was playing my cello. I throughly enjoyed the recording and play it often even though the concert is long over.

Mammoth.......2007-01-11

The CD is better than "awesome" and the info. gives a heads up about the fact that it contains most of the material than previously recorded records. I have spent five years trying to get this CD and it was worth the wait!!! MP

Average customer rating:

Amazing and Soulful
Was disappointed
excellent, excellent cd
Awesome Recording
OUTSTANDING!

Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration
Dianne Reeves , Patti Austin , Stevie Wonder , George Duke , Take 6 , and Al Jarreau
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
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Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

Overture: A Partial History Of Black Music - Various Artists
Comfort Ye My People - Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Every Valley Shall Be Exalted - Chris Willis
And The Glory Of The Lord - Diane Reeves
But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming - Patti Austin
And He Shall Purify - Tramaine Hawkins
Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive - Howard Hewitt
O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion - Stevie Wonder
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - James Wright
Glory To God - The Boys Choir Of Harlem
Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion - The Richard Smallwood Singers
Behold The Lamb Of God (Instrumental) - The Yellowjackets
Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates - Commissioned
Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage? - Al Jarreau
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Tevin Campbell
Hallelujah! - Various Artists

Customer Reviews:

Amazing and Soulful.......2007-07-03

I first heard this recording at a session at the 2007 conference of the Association for African American Historical Research and Preservation and I have been listening to it ever since. This CD really is a celebration of music.

I have put in this CD without telling people what it was and have enjoyed the totally positive response.

Was disappointed.......2007-05-22

I bought this CD because of the great reviews and didn't like it at all. Too loud and abrasive for my ears... I gave it away to someone who might better like it.

I expected it to be mellifluous and soulful but found it rather annoying... especially at the holidays.

excellent, excellent cd.......2007-04-26

there is nothing more i could say about this cd that the other reviewers haven't already mentioned - it is a must have for anyone, even if you are not a fan of christian music. i had never even heard of this project - i bought it soon after it came out, simply because i liked the cover art and thought it would be a good cd to have around christmas. it's better than that - i listen to it year round. every song, no matter what style, is delivered with all heart and soul possible. excellent lift-you-up music, and great to listen to in the mornings to get you pumped up for the day. "and he shall purify" is simply electrifying. i am also a big fan of the final song, "halleluja!" and "but who may abide the day of his coming" will just set you free! year round, this is an outstanding example of gospel, jazz, hip-hop and absolute zeal for any music lover.

Awesome Recording.......2007-04-11

Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration is a masterful interpretation of an age old classic. The arrangements are sheer brilliance. My hats off to Mervyn Warren and all those involved in this project.

OUTSTANDING!.......2007-03-16

This album won a Grammy many years ago. I saw a Gospel Choir perform the Halleluah Chorus live at the award show. Since then I have not only enjoyed the recording tremendously myself I have given it to several people at Christmas time and they have been equally enthralled. I loaned it to my son's High School Choir teacher and finaaly made it a gift when he refused to give it back!

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to Baroque music...
Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
Phenomenal Collection of Music
Phenomenal Collection of Music
DEFINES "CLASSIC"

Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Only Classical CD You'll Ever Need!
Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: The Ultimate Canon
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ASIN: B000003F5Y
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Canon
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Messiah: Overture
The Four Seasons: Spring: Allegro (Danza pastorale)
Orchestral Suite No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Guitar Concerto in D: Adagio
Xerxes: Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Allegro Assai (Theme From 'Firing Line')
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
Royal Fireworks Music: Overture (excerpt)
Water Music: Hornpipe
Brandenberg Concerto No. 5: Allegro
Adagio
The Four Seasons: Winter: Allegro non molto
Rondeau (Theme from 'Masterpiece Theatre')

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.

The demographics of this disc point to an intended mainstream audience. For example, the track listing includes references to which songs served as themes for television shows. For example, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 includes the byline "Theme from 'Firing Line'" and Mouret's Rondeau says "Theme from 'Masterpiece Theater'". So this collection does represent a popular collection of Baroque songs. And it plays that role very well.

Other standout tracks include: 2 movements from Vivaldi's justifiably famous "The Four Seasons", Bach's amazing "Air on the G String" and Handel's "Xerxes". The disc includes no vocal tracks. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Bach's Cantata No. 147 gets performed on a solo organ (the original has vocals and a string arrangement). So those uneasy with "classical style singing" will find no problems here.

All in all, this disc serves as a good introduction to a great period of music history. It could also serve as a starting point for selecting a favorite composer or as a guide for building a classical music collection.

Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque. But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music.

This CD will whet your appetite. You'll need to buy more, after you've heard the excerts of the great works here.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good, but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Average customer rating:

Waste of money
Great Music Compilation
If you like classical music don't buy this CD.
A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music
A great compilation

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Manufacturer: Utv Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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25 Classical Favorites
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ASIN: B00004GOZA
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Adagio In G Minor
Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
Celebrated Minuet
Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
Cradle Song
'Minute' Waltz
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
Largo
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Liebestraum
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
Canon In D
Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
Bolero - Conclusion
The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
William Tell Overture - Finale
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Gymnopedie No. 3
Ave Maria
Blue Danube Waltz
Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
Firebird Suite - Finale
1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Average customer rating:

25 Handel Favorites

25 Handel Favorites

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

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004Y6SY
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Hallelujah Chorus (Messiah)
Pastorale (Messiah)
Bourree (Music For The Royal Fireworks) - Anthony Newman
Overture (Water Music)
Adagio E Staccato (Water Music)
Allegro I (Water Music)
Air (Water Music)
Bourree (Water Music)
Hornpipe (Water Music)
Aria (Con Grosso No. 12 In B Minor)
Grand Fugue No. 3 In B Minor - Anthony Newman
Chorus & March (Judas Maccabaeus) - Anthony Newman
Allegro II (Concerto Grosso No. 5 in D Major)
Allegro V (Concerto Grosso No. 5 in D Major)
Overture (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
La Paix: Sarabande (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
La Rejouissance: Allegro (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
Lascia Ch'io Pianga (Rinaldo) - Madeline Tsingopoulos
And The Glory Of The Lord (Messiah)
For Unto Us A Child Is Born (Messiah)
All We Like Sheep (Messiah)
Why Do The Nations (Messiah)
Worthy Is The Lamb (Messiah)

Customer Reviews:

25 Handel Favorites.......2007-01-12

Absolutely what I expect of Handel! Good stuff, if this is your "bag".

Average customer rating:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!
Good Music
A very complete selection of ceremony music!
Comprehensive Classical Selection
Just one note...

A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005YD53
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

Tracks:

(Clori: Part I): Va col canto
(Clori: Part II): Barbaro!
(Clori: Part II): Amo Tirsi
(Theodora: Act I, 5): Angels, Ever Bright And Fair
(Theodora: Act II, 2): With Darkness, Deep
(Theodora: Act II, 2): Oh! That I On Wings Could Rise
(Ottone: Act II, 4): Vieni, o figlio
(Arianna: Act I, 2): Mirami altero in volto
(Susanna: Part I, 2): Bending To The Throne
(Susanna: Part III, 2): Guilt Trembling Spoke My Doom
(Messiah: Part III, 2): He Was Despised
(Radamisto: Act III, 7): Qual nave
(Agrippina: Act II, 20): Ogni vento

Customer Reviews:

When she sang...people would forget all that is conventional in opera.......2007-01-11

With Lorraine Hunt you can't go wrong. Her appeal is universal: those who don't fancy opera will love it because of her virtuoso capability, originality and sincerity. Laurent Naouri expressed the core of her appeal: "When she sang her character, people would forget all that is conventional in opera. People would forget even her singing; they would just feel something so deep and true." Bravo, Lorraine, you set a standard for all time.

absolutely Beautiful.......2007-01-10

She really left a wonderful gift in this cd. I wish I could have appreciated her voice before she died so as to have seen her in concert. What a voice she had!

A glorious voice to remember.......2006-10-29

If you love the voice of Janet Baker or Kathleen Ferrier, you will love this collection. Miss Hunt is the peer of any mezzo soprano I have ever heard, bar none. Her voice is pure and rich, her musicality is flawless, her total effect awe inspiring. If you have never heard Lorraine before, this is a great place to start. You won't be sorry!

An Ode to Beauty and Artistry (Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson, 1954-2006).......2006-07-06

I've been meaning to review this album for the longest time, but haven't because of my committments at work and other things. Lieberson's voice, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful instruments of our generation. It is, unlike a certain Renaaay who tries to sing anything and everything as a huge, incoherent slur, a very beautifully and artistically sung Handel recital. The tone is simply magnificent! And no other Handelian artist has connected her singing of the role with a dramatic sense that is so acute as her performances of the role.

It is really sad to know that this great artist died of breast cancer two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was a big loss for the operatic world to lose such a beautiful instrument at such a young age. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson will be missed.

subtle beauty.......2005-11-14

I have had this CD for several years now, and also all of the CDs from which these arias are drawn. What a great album; I would not be without it. Ms. Hunt (now Hunt Lieberson) has the voice, phrasing, discipline...the inner understanding of this music. She's "connected" on almost every piece here. 'Angels Bright and Fair' is a particular standout in my view; but almost certainly, if you are a lover of Handel's music, you will find something special here. Her soprano to mezzo soprano on this CD was a subtle and extraordinary voice for performing these pieces.

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