Glazunov: Symphony No. 5; The Seasons

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) was a prodigy composer, whose first symphony was performed when he was 16. An adherent of the Russian Nationalist school in his youth, he later developed a more conservative, European style. Today he is known chiefly for his violin concerto and a few ballet scores, and for his devoted, successful Directorship of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where Shostakovich was among his students. However, although his music is not arrestingly original, his technical mastery and melodic inventiveness are admirable, manifesting spontaneous talent as well as disciplined training. The two works on this record bear this out. Both have clear formal structures and are remarkable for their brilliant orchestration, which sparkles and glitters with myriad colors. This is especially striking in the one-act ballet, The Seasons, where Glazunov uses instrumental timbres--trilling flutes, mellow horns, stratospheric violins--to depict the changing events of nature: hail, snowflakes, frost, bright sunshine, falling leaves. There is a lilting Barcarolle, several wild Bacchanales, and some lovely flower-waltzes naturally reminiscent of Tchaikovsky. The Symphony, a weightier piece, opens with a slow, stately introduction, a broad theme in unison strings (with strong echoes of Wagner's Rheingold motive), whose elements, varied and developed with great skill and imagination, provide the material for the entire movement. The G minor Scherzo has Mendelssohnian lightness and delicacy, with tinkling flutes and percussion and bouncy, skittering strings; the Trio is a dance, robust but still gracious, with--finally--a Russian flavor. The slow movement, after a harmonically ambiguous start, settles into dark, warm E-flat major with a soaring, ecstatic melody over repeated tonal chords, punctuated by interludes of low brass alternating with high woodwinds. The Finale seems least inspired: a rhythmic, slightly raucous, jubilant dance, it ends with a triumphant crash. The orchestra's excellent performance proves that these two unfamiliar works are well worth closer acquaintance. --Edith Eisler

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

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

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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:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating:

Love It!
Best of the Best
GREAT compilation!!!
Very well organized
The greatest parts from all your favorites

Mad about The Classics

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GKR
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

Thus Spake Zarathustra: Sunrise
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
Carmen Suite: March Of The Toreadors
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
Orpheus In The Underworld: Can Can
Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1): Morning Mood
William Tell Overture: Finale
Symphony No. 9 ('From The New World'): Largo (Theme)
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries
Prince Igor: Flowing Dance Of The Polovtsian Maidens-Men's Dance
Hungarian Dance No. 6
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
The Four Seasons: 'Spring' - Allegro
Jesu, Joy Of The Man's Desiring - Bach
Canon In D
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio
Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1): In The Hall Of The Mountain King
The Firebird Suite: Finale
1812 Overture: Finale - Tchaikovsky

Customer Reviews:

Love It!.......2005-08-11

I first received this CD as a Christmas present more than 6 years ago. My old copy was too scratched to play any more. I was so happy to see that Amazon carried this CD, it has all the best classics on it!

Best of the Best.......2005-05-11

I listen to a variety of music from Cajun to classic rock, to classical---depending on my mood or the situation. This clasical ensemble truly encompasses some of the most hauntingly beautiful music ever to have been written by our civilization's most talented people. I never tire of listening to it.

GREAT compilation!!!.......1999-07-27

I can only wish that popular music (rock, rap, dance) compilers could take a hint from this album, and include only the GOOD songs. This has all of the well-known classical songs. I really wanted to get the title of a particular classical song, and I looked for 4 weeks on the Internet until I remembered I had this album. I put it in, and the second song, "O Fortuna", was it.

Very well organized.......1999-06-25

I really like to llisten your these MAD ABOUT series. However, I could not buy these series in Japan. Please let me now how to buy these series. And tell me what kind of albums you have in stock, and how much if I need air persel. Thanks.

The greatest parts from all your favorites.......1998-10-18

From 2001: A Space Odyssey's theme, to Beethoven's fifth, this CD has the all time best compilation of Classical and Romatic music I have ever heard. The only thing that comes close is Polygram's Really Mad About the Classics.

Average customer rating:

I loved this cd very much!!

Classical Jukebox

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B000003FVM
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5: Mvmt. I - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Four Seasons 'Spring': Mvmt. I - Jose-Luis Garcia
Canon - Ettore Stratta
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Mvmt. I - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Jewels Of The Madonna: Intermezzo - Richard Kapp
Claire De Lune - Boston Pops
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Arthur Fiedler
Air On The G String - Rudolf Baumgartner
Lakme - Flower Duet - Richard Kapp
Blue Danube Waltz - Arthur Fiedler
Polovtsian Dance No.17: 'Stranger In Paradise' - Arthur Fiedler
Ride Of The Valkyries - Philadelphia Orchestra
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganni: Var. 18 - Leonard Pennario
Fur Elise - Lisa Moore
William Tell Overture: Finale - Arthur Fiedler
1812 Overture: Finale - Fritz Reiner

Customer Reviews:

I loved this cd very much!!.......1999-06-09

If you are looking for a CD that has a little of everything, you should get this one.

Average customer rating:

Sunday With the Times

Manufacturer: Intersound Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Four Seasons: 'The Spring': Allegro
Canon In D
Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
Arioso
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Flute Concerto, Op. 44, No. 11: Largo
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante ('Elvira Madigan' Theme)
String Quintet In E Major, Op. 13, No. 5: Minuet
Impromptu In A-Flat Major
'Emperor' String Quartet, No. 3: Poco Adagio
Swan Lake: Scene: Enchanted Lake
On The Beautiful Blue Danube: Excerpt
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
The Afternoon Of A Faun: Prelude
Appalachian Spring: Variations On A Shaker Dance

Tracks:

'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5: Allegro
Air For The 'G' String
'Xerxes': Largo
Concerto For Two Violins And Orchestra, 'Double': Vivace
Sheep May Safely Graze
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Romanze: Andante
Symphony No. 6 'Pastoral': Andante molto mosso
Polovstian Dance No. 17: Excerpt
Symphony No. 9m 'From The New World': Largo
'Cavalleria rusticana': Intermezzo
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz
Trois Gymnopedies: Lent et douloureux

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Orchestral Suite No. 2: Minuet And Badinerie
Prelude And Fugue In C Major
Adagio For Strings And Organ
Violin Concerto In E Major: Allego assai
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Fur Elise
Clarinet Concerto: Adagio
Violin Concerto: Allegro
Peer Gynt: Dawn
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Introduction
Serenade For Strings: Waltz
Thais: Meditation
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio

Tracks:

Canzona per Sonare No. 2
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Overture
Highlights From Oboe Concerto: Adagio
Highlights From Oboe Concerto: Presto
Harpsichord Suite No. 5: Air And Variations ('The Harmonious Blacksmith')
Symphony No. 40: Molto allegro
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
Symphony No. 1: Adagio molto; Allegro con brio
Various Waltzes: No. 1, Op. 18
Various Waltzes: No. 7, Op. 64
Various Waltzes: No. 11, Op. 70
Voices Of Spring
Aida: Celeste Aida (Heavenly Aida)

Average customer rating:

50 Ultimate Classical Favorites

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

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000AAF22Q
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Average customer rating:

It's only snippets of the music!

Classical Music 101

Manufacturer: RCA
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

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General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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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

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

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

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Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Classical Music 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Classical Music
25 Classical Favorites
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B0002XEECK
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

Adagio - Baroque Chamber Orchestra
Air On The G String - Festival Strings Lucerne
Mvmt. III - Festival Strings Lucerne
Aria - Peter Serkin
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Norman Luboff Choir
Toccata & Fugue In D Minor - Philadelphia Orchestra
Adagio For Strings - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Mvmt. I - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Mvmt. IV - New York Philharmonic
Fur Elise - Nellie Kokinos
Turkish March - Arthur Fiedler
'Moonlight' Sonata - Jorg Demus
March To The Scaffold - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Rakoczy March - Arthur Fiedler
Habanera/Toreador Song - Arthur Fiedler
Minuet - Arthur Fiedler
Polovtsian Dance No.17 - Arthur Fiedler
Hungarian Dance No.5 - London Festival Orchestra
Lullaby - Arthur Fiedler
Minute Waltz - Geza Anda
Grande Valse Brillante - Geza Anda
Marche Funebre - Emanuel Ax
Simple Gifts - Copland
Fanfare For The Common Man - Philadelphia Orchestra
Clair De Lune - Arthur Fiedler
Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun - Philadelphia Orchestra
Flower Duet - Philharmonia Virtuosi
Mvmt II. Going Home Theme - Arthur Fiedler
The Sorcerer's apprentice - Philadelphia Orchestra
March No.1 - Arthur Fiedler
Ritual Fire Dance - Arthur Fiedler
Pavane - National Philharmonic
Rhapsody In Blue - Arthur Fiedler
An American In Paris - Arthur Fiedler
Funeral March Of A Marionette - Arthur Fiedler
Piano Concerto In A Minor - Kjel Baekkelund
Morning - Philadelphia Orchestra
Hallelujah Chorus - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
Alla Hornpipe - Festival Strings Lucerne
Mvmt. II - English Chamber Orchestra
Mars - Philadelphia Orchestra
Sabre Dance - Arthur Fiedler
Vesti La Giubba - Placido Domingo
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 - Philadelphia Orchestra
Liebestraum No.3 - Arthur Fiedler
Intermezzo - National Philharmonic
Wedding March - Philadelphia Orchestra
Mvmt. IV - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Rondeau - U.K. Symphony
Andante - Geza Anda
Mvmt. I - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Overture - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Rondo Alla Turca - Walter Hautzig
Mvmt. I - English Chamber Orchestra
A Night On Bald Mountain - Philadelphia Orchestra
Great Gate Of Kiev - Philadelphia Orchestra
Barcarolle - Arthur Fiedler
Theme II (Can Can) - Arthur Fiedler
O Fortuna - New England Conservatory Chorus
Canon - Baroque Chamber Orchestra
Montagues & Capulets - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Lt. Kije's Wedding - Arthur Fiedler
Nessun Dorma - Jussi Bjorling
Mvmt. III - Rome Opera Chorus
Mvmt. III. Opening - London Symphony Orchestra
Var. 18 - Leonard Pennario
Bolero - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Flight Of The Bumblebee - Arthur Fiedler
Adagio - Julian Beam
Overture/Largo Al Factotum - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Theme II - Arthur Fiedler
Danse Macabre - Philadelphia Orchestra
Gymnopedie No.1 - National Philharmonic
Symphony No.8 'Unfinished' - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Ave Maria - Robert Shaw Chorale
Finle - Morton Gould & His Orchestra
Valse Triste - Finnish Radio Orchestra
Stars & Stripes Forever - Arthur Fiedler
Semper Fidelis - Arthur Fiedler
Blue Danube Waltz - Arthur Fiedler
Tales From The Vienna Woods - Arthur Fiedler
Fanfare - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Infernal Dance & Main Theme - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Waltz Of The Flowers - Arthur Fiedler
Waltz - Philadelphia Orchestra
Waltz - Philadelphia Orchestra
Theme II - Philadelphia Orchestra
Opening - Barry Douglas
Finale - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Fantasia On Greensleeves - Philadelphia Orchestra
Grand March - Arthur Fiedler
Anvil Chorus - Rome Opera Chorus
Libiamo (Drinking Song) - Carlo Bergonzi
Die Irae - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rigoletto - Placido Domingo
Allegro - Jose-Luis Garcia
Largo - Jose-Luis Garcia
Bridal Chorus - Robert Shaw Chorale
Ride Of The Valkyries - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

It's only snippets of the music!.......2006-02-12

This CD only contains 30-60 second long snippets of each of the pieces. It could be a teaching tool but is not something you can just put on to listen. It does contain reference to popular TV and Film works that contain the music.

Average customer rating:

Not Just Pyotr's Second Fiddle
A Winning Album in Every Count!
A NEW GLAZUNOV CONVERT
Fantastic recording
EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCES BY THE RSNO AND JOSE SEREBRIER

Glazunov: Symphony No. 5; The Seasons

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Glazunov: Symphony No. 8; Raymonda
Glazunov: Symphonies 4 & 7
Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence
Taneyev: Chamber Music
Prokofiev: Cinderella, Op. 87; Glazunov: Seasons Op67

ASIN: B0002VE206
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

I. Moderato - Maestoso - Allegro
II. Scherzo: Moderato
III. Andante
IV. Allegro - Maestoso
Introduction
Scene
Variation 1: Frost
Variation 2: Ice
Variation 3: Hail
Variation 4: Snow
Spring
Scene
Waltz Of The Cornflowers And Poppies
Barcarolle
Variation: The Ear Of Corn
Coda
Bacchanale
Petit Adagio
Variation: The Satyr

Amazon.com

Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) was a prodigy composer, whose first symphony was performed when he was 16. An adherent of the Russian Nationalist school in his youth, he later developed a more conservative, European style. Today he is known chiefly for his violin concerto and a few ballet scores, and for his devoted, successful Directorship of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where Shostakovich was among his students. However, although his music is not arrestingly original, his technical mastery and melodic inventiveness are admirable, manifesting spontaneous talent as well as disciplined training. The two works on this record bear this out. Both have clear formal structures and are remarkable for their brilliant orchestration, which sparkles and glitters with myriad colors. This is especially striking in the one-act ballet, The Seasons, where Glazunov uses instrumental timbres--trilling flutes, mellow horns, stratospheric violins--to depict the changing events of nature: hail, snowflakes, frost, bright sunshine, falling leaves. There is a lilting Barcarolle, several wild Bacchanales, and some lovely flower-waltzes naturally reminiscent of Tchaikovsky. The Symphony, a weightier piece, opens with a slow, stately introduction, a broad theme in unison strings (with strong echoes of Wagner's Rheingold motive), whose elements, varied and developed with great skill and imagination, provide the material for the entire movement. The G minor Scherzo has Mendelssohnian lightness and delicacy, with tinkling flutes and percussion and bouncy, skittering strings; the Trio is a dance, robust but still gracious, with--finally--a Russian flavor. The slow movement, after a harmonically ambiguous start, settles into dark, warm E-flat major with a soaring, ecstatic melody over repeated tonal chords, punctuated by interludes of low brass alternating with high woodwinds. The Finale seems least inspired: a rhythmic, slightly raucous, jubilant dance, it ends with a triumphant crash. The orchestra's excellent performance proves that these two unfamiliar works are well worth closer acquaintance. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Not Just Pyotr's Second Fiddle.......2005-02-01

Imagine being asked to write dance music for St. Petersburg's Imperial Ballet when all the previous guy had done was Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.
Yet in The Seasons, Alexander Glazunov doesn't simply play second fiddle to Tchaikovsky. The one-act ballet (1900) offers many highlights: the mischievous bassoons in the "Hail" section of "Winter"; the exuberant waltz of "Spring"; the la-dee-dah-dah flutes and swirling violins of the famous "Dance of the Cornflowers and Poppies" in "Summer." And while the stately "Bacchanale" theme memorably dominates "Autumn," what lingers after repeated listenings is the responsiveness of the Scots' strings during the lush lullaby melodies of the "Petit Adagio."
In the Adagio of the Fifth Symphony (1895), after foreboding horns interrupt the rich orchestration of the theme that enters midway through, Glazunov unites the brass and string sections to achieve a moving resolution. The final movement is a rondo that starts out energetically and then, with the propulsion of the trumpets, accelerates even more.
By resurrecting a symphony other than the Fourth, Jose Serebrier demonstrates that Glazunov is more than just a lesser Tchaikovsky.

A Winning Album in Every Count!.......2004-11-01

It seems as though Glazunov is getting a good deal of attention as of late, with a multiple of new recordings of his music that were issued in the past year (believe me, the surge is most welcome, for like other reviewers of this disc, its neglect is baffling). Truth to tell, it has been quite a while since accounts of his works, particularly the Fifth Symphony, are given with such flair and freshness as they are here. Not that Serebrier's approach is entirely unadorned, but that's to its advantages. Take the climax (at 7'20") of the Symphony's first movement, how grand the approach is without being undercharged. Although Borodin's influence is noticeable throughout, Serebrier would have you think twice. This is pure Glazunov plain and simple under the great Maestro's hands. And how sweet the lyricism is particularly in the Scherzo. The andante is well played also, though not emotionally as heartwarming as in Svetlanov's and Fedoseyev's recordings (the brass interceptions are especially poignant and tragic in these fine vintage Melodiya albums). But Serebrier held his ground well, as in the case in the Finale, which is superbly done and very much reminds me of Jarvi and Svetlanov in their overall takes. Exemplary, particularly at the climaxes and the finising bars of the work (though I'm still finding myself thrilled of how emphatic Jarvi is in the six-note Tchaikovskian closing).

The same amount of praises are warranted in Serebrier's take of "Vremena Goda" ("The Seasons"). This is Glazunov at his best (and those who deem the score as an equal to "The Nutcracker" are not insane). It is, as typical with the composer's music, a very demanding work and treating it too straightforwardly would rob some of its delicate yet highly imaginative qualities. Most conductors, particularly Jarvi in Chandos, succeed in bringing out the intricate details of the piece to full effects. There are no exceptions of it here, where Serebrier allows the music to flow, very much like what Svetlanov did in his 1978 EMI recording. Jarvi's rendition have more excitability and brisk (the Bacchanal and the Scene III's coda leading up to it are the best on record). But there are plenty of virtures to be found here, as this recording may well set new standards. As in the Chandos disc, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra responds with plenty of warmth and exuberance for Serebrier. The recording sound is first class and the album is well indexed and presented. My only hope is for the same team to record Glazunov's other works like, say, his Sixth Symphony and perhaps even "Raymonda."

A NEW GLAZUNOV CONVERT.......2004-10-20

Glazunov, thinks to this new release on Warner Classics, is revealed as one of the great Rusian romantic composers. Hard to understand why his music is not played as often as Tchaikowvsky.
I can guess that it has to do with understanding of the music, and exciting, communicating performances. This new CD has everything: electricity, perfect sonics, and the most musical
interpretation by Jose Serebrier and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra of Glasgow. The music making is absolutely first class. It is indeed a class act in every sense. I am puzzled by the cover art, which does not seem to fit the contents of the CD, but the liner notes are extremely informative and easy to read. I hope that this is the first of a Glazunov series. It has fully converted me.
Andres
Tampa, Florida

Fantastic recording.......2004-10-18

I hope this release is the first of a Glazunov series, because I can't wait for my favorite 4th symphony. This recording of
the 5th is so admirable in every sense, that it will surely
help to put this neglected composer on the map, or at least in the concert circuit. The Seasons ballet music never sound more vibrant and exciting. A fantastic recording all around.
June Spencer
London, UK

EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCES BY THE RSNO AND JOSE SEREBRIER.......2004-10-02

Obviously, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra has Russian music on their collective blood. They play Glazunov as if their lives depended on it. It makes you hand from every breath, like a novel you can't put away. Glazunov. in these superb performances comes out triumphant as a truly major Russian master, of the level of Tchaikowsky and Rachmaninoff. The music is well contructed and so rich in memorable melodies that one has to wonder why it has taken so long to make it into the mainstream. There are several versions coming all at once in the market from labels such as Chandos, BIS and Naxos. The
performances here by Jose Serebrier and the RSNO, on Warner Classics, is the only one to consider seriously. I know. I own them all, and this new version is on a class of its own. The
performances are passionate, powerful, full of intensity. And yet there is a calculated continuity at work. Congratulations to Warners and to the recording team for the beautiful, clar sound. A true demonstration recording!
Ralph Brown
England

Average customer rating:

A gateway drug, nothing more, nothing less.
Decent Selection, But...
A must-have classical music set!

Best Classics 100

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | 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

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

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

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

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001M65HE
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Handel: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Vivaldi: Spring (The Four Seasons)
J.S. Bach: Toccata in D Minor
Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E Flat
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
Tchaikovsky: '1812' Overture
Beethoven: Ode To Joy (Symphony #9)
Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor
Sibelius: Alla Marcia (Karelia Suite)
Holst: Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1
Sibelius: Finlandia
Verdi: Gloria All'egitto (Aida)
Prokofiev: Montagues And Capulets (Romeo & Juliet)
J. Strauss I: Radetzky March
Elgar: Pomp And Circumstance March No.1
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3
Saint-Saens: Symphony No. 3 'Organ'

Tracks:

J. S. Bach: Air 'On The G String'
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Pachelbel: Canon
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A
J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations
Albinoni: Adagio
Beethoven: Piano Sonata 'Moonlight'
Mozart: Flute & Harp Concerto in C
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor
Mozart: Piano Concerto 'Elivira Madigan'
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1
Elgar: Nimrod
Rodrigo: Concierto De Aranjuez
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Mahler: Symphony No. 5
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme of Paganini

Tracks:

Bizet: Au fond du temple saint (Les Pjcheurs de perles)
Dvorak: Song to the Moon (Rusalka)
Delibes: Dtme Epais (Lakmi)
Bizet: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetie (Carmen)
Gluck: Che Farr Senza Euridice? (Orfeo & Euridice)
Bellini: Casta Diva (Norma)
Puccini: Che Gelida Manina (La Bohhme)
Puccini: O Mio Babbino Caro (Gianno Schicchi)
Trad: Baolhro
Puccini: Vogliatemi Bene (Madama Butterfly)
Verdi: Va, Pensiero (Nabucco)
Lehar: Es Lebt' Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
Handel: Ombra Mai Fy (Serse)
Schubert: Ave Maria
Adam: Minuit, Chritiens (O Holy Night)
Puccini: Nessun Dorma (Turandot)

Tracks:

Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro
J.S. Bach: Jesus bleibet meine Freud
Beethoven: Piano Concerto 'Emperor'
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Gounod: Judex
Rossini: La scala di Seta
Handel: Sarabande
Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers
Prokofiev: Troika
Williams: Fantasia on 'Greensleeves'
Debussy: Clair de lune
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake
Myers: Cavatina
Chopin: Piano Concerto No.1
Horner: My Heart Will Go On
Quarantotto: Time to Say Goodbye
J. Strauss II: The Blue Danube

Tracks:

Mascagni: Intermezzo
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
Grieg: Morning (Peer Gynt)
Shostakovich: Romance
Barber: Adagio For Strings
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Massenet: Miditation
Borodin: Polovtsian Dances
Khachaturian: Adagio Of Spartacus And Phrygia
Tchaikovsky: Romeo And Juliet Overture
Beethoven: Symphony No.7
J. S. Bach: Double Violin Concerto
Williams: Schindler's List Theme
Tchaikovsky: Dance Of The Reed Flutes
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 'Pastoral'

Tracks:

Handel: Zadok The Priest
J. S. Bach: Zion Hvrt Die Wdchter
Allegri: Miserere Mei, Deus
Schubert: German Mass
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Berlioz: L'adieu Des Bergers
Gounod: St Cecilia Mass
Faure: In Paradisum
Mozart: Laudate Dominum
Faure: Cantique De Jean Racine
Verdi: Ingemisco
Mozart: Ave Verum Corpus
Handel: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Haydn: The Heavens Are Telling
Faure: Pie Jesu
Mozart: Lacrimosa (Requiem)
Handel: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

A gateway drug, nothing more, nothing less. .......2007-03-11

To say that this album constitutes a necessity for the classical music enthusiast would be a great big unarguable lie. It has nothing innovative to offer you as a listener, except for maybe the labelling of melodies such as "My Heart Will Go On" (that god-awful Love Theme from the gruesome film Titanic) as a worthy member of "Best Classics 100". But than again, every collection of things that does not naturally belong together, is bound to have at least one outcast where the connection clearly isn't based on anything but cost and sale-ability.

This might sound like the beginning of a CD-slaughter, or a snobbish review where only the Deutche Grammophone's recordings are meting my standards, but although I am fairly picky when it comes to musical collections, best of albums, and such horrifying destructions of the universality of the works and the intentions of the artist behind it, I am willing to give this collection another chance, since classical music is somewhere between Arabic and wine in degree of unmanageability. It also helps that all the tunes are familiar to almost every one of us, and the fact that the artists' intentions probably got killed by the hundreds of different conductors trying to convey their personal interpretation of the works.

What I am saying is that this CD can be to classical music enthusiast what 'absolute rock' can be to a rock enthusiast, or to someone slightly interested, with no conceptual frames of where to start the search for knowledge. "Best Classics 100" offers nothing except a selection of melodies where there's bound to be one for every taste, but where the album feeling, the entirety or completeness intended by the composer, or conductor, or performer is completely lost in a trade-off made with variety.

The collection is attempted organised by giving each CD a different theme, supposedly to describe the mood of the music, and the labeller succeeds only to a limited extent as we move from themes such as 'uplifting' and 'relaxing' towards 'golden'. I wonder what that golden feeling constitutes. It apparently is to be found in, amongst others, "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freunde", and in "My Heart Will Go On"?

But no matter how I try to describe this CD it will sound worse than it actually is. This because to me it works as a great reference to which I can always turn with my classical music questions. Was it Schumann or Schubert who were the sad one? Of all the -inis, which where which again? Who composed "O Mio Babbino Caro"? The starting point for finding out if you belong to the romantic or the renascence wing, lies within this assemblage, if you look with your ears.

If you feel that classical music is something you like, and you'd like to learn more about it, this is a way to get started. If used together with a book on classical music, or wikipedia, it can be a gateway drug, leading you towards the great different experiences to be found within the different genres of classical music, and within the different periods ranging from the 12th century, maybe even earlier, towards yesterdays and tomorrows spectacular compositions of melodies that conveys a feeling, a state of mind with much more precision than any other musical genre. Expect a fairly alright collection of classical prunes, and you won't be disappointed.

Decent Selection, But..........2005-04-21

...The Audio Quality is really not great. I bought this CD because I am new to classical, and the price was great! 100 songs for 25 bucks, thats like 25 cents a song, most songs are 1 dollar or more. Now I know why it's cheaper. The audio quality isn't that good. I imported the entire collection to my computer using Apple Lossless, and it sounded fuzzy, not crisp, with background noise, and sounded like compressed music, cutting off the frequency response.
I then played the CD's through my home stereo, with the same results. I plugged in my SHURE E5c headphones and the sound was soft, uninviting, lacking punch, with significant backgound noise (not just from the headphones), which was especially distracting when the music would get softer. I have heard much of the music before, and it was much more dynamic, entertaining, this recording seems too flat.
The music selection is ok, but I was hoping for some more interesting selections from the vast classical genre.
Overall, not that great of a recording, but many might not notice the difference, so if you are new to classical or aren't like an audiophile, get this album because it's a great overview of pop-culture classical, and it's pretty inexpensive.

A must-have classical music set!.......2005-01-06

Classical music is, by far, my favorite type of music. It can make you happy or sad, it can make you laugh or cry, and it can make you want to fall asleep or get up and dance. This 6-disc set is a must-have for and classical music-lover! It has all the great composers like Handel, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bach, and Pachelbel. Some great songs include: Canon In D(Pachelbel), Morning: Peergynt(Grieg), Adagio For Strings(Barber), Cavatina(Myers), and much, much more. Every classical song you can think of is on here and the sound quality is great. So if you're looking for a good classical music CD, this set is all you need. Be prepared to be blown away!

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Music Review

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Music Review

Eurogliders [Import]

Six Cello Stes (Arranged for Double Bass)

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No.2, Prelude

Great Big Western Howdy!

Slice!

Silverthaw

Ritmo Loco! Vamos a Bailar: The 40 Greatest All-Time Latino Hits [Import]

Present/Future

Songs from the Big Chair [Deluxe Edition] [Import]

Robert Schumann: Radu Lupu - Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana/Humoreske

Muse Stew Live at the Zeitgeist Gallery [Live]

Serie Azul Tropical

Para Mi Amor

Alfred Cortot Plays Liszt

The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1