Meditations for a Quiet Night

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As long as we're slapping arbitrary titles on CDs that compile snippets from classical favorites, let's call this one, The Laura Ashley Album. Floral prints and lace curtains from start to finish, the entire disc is performed by the English String Orchestra under the baton of William Boughton. In spite of its packaging, this is actually a great CD for those who enjoy a cup of tea with their classical music. The featured composers include Vaughan Williams, Delius, and Elgar. The slow, pastoral, single-movement selections are lushly played and easy on the ear in every respect. Very nice. I'd like some lampshades to match. --Gwendolyn Freed

Tracks:

String Symphony No. 4, 2nd Movement: Andante
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Canon
Florida Suite: By The River
Capriol Suite: Peids-en-l'air
Adagio For Strings
Wand Of Youth: Moths And Butterflies
Fantasia On A Theme by Thomas Tallis
Pelleas et Melisande Suite: Pastorale
Rodeo: Corral Nocturne
Lady Radnor's Suite: Slow Minuet
Sospiri

Amazon.com

As long as we're slapping arbitrary titles on CDs that compile snippets from classical favorites, let's call this one, The Laura Ashley Album. Floral prints and lace curtains from start to finish, the entire disc is performed by the English String Orchestra under the baton of William Boughton. In spite of its packaging, this is actually a great CD for those who enjoy a cup of tea with their classical music. The featured composers include Vaughan Williams, Delius, and Elgar. The slow, pastoral, single-movement selections are lushly played and easy on the ear in every respect. Very nice. I'd like some lampshades to match. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

An Exceptionally Lovely CD.......2005-10-17

This is the most soothing, beautiful composite classical recording that I have ever come across in my extensive experience with classical music. It is so lovely and calming that I listen to it often, and have bought copies for my closest friends.
We came across this recording in an unexpected, unique way. My father recently succumbed to Alzheimer's, in a hospice home. We loved him deeply, and made sure that classical music was always played for him during the day and evening. On his last evening, we were able to pinpoint the half-hour in which he passed on. He was listening to a public radio classical station at the time. We obtained their program list, and ordered the five pieces that he may have heard as he left us. One was "By the River" from the Florida Suite by Delius, and this CD was listed as the source.
Of all the pieces we ordered, this was by far the most soothing, richly cheerful, and warming. I can offer no finer recommendation than my hope that this is the piece my father listened to.
The classical content of this CD is very solid. The selections are marvelously well-selected to support each other, and are sequenced as such. Barber's Adagio for Strings, which many of you will remember was played on many public radio stations after the minute of silence on 9/11/02 to honor the anniversary of the Twin Towers tragedy, will find that it is appropriately placed between two less gripping pieces. The emotions are taken gently from one mood to another mellifluously. I had known most of these pieces before hearing this CD, although some were new to me. I was very impressed by the choice and sequencing of the selections. The performing and recording qualities are also excellent.
This recording is a genuine treat throughout. I wish you much enjoyment.

Some wonderful "non-routine" inclusions.......2002-09-03

This CD was put together so well. I have given it as a gift many times. It has all of the standards (Barber's adagio, Pachelbel Canon etc.) but it has some delightful surprises too. The Delius "Florida Suite", Elgar "Sospiri" and Elgar's "Moths and Butterflies" are just too much fun to miss. We play this CD for patients in our ICU.

Beautiful and very relaxing!!!.......1998-09-25

Meditations for a Quiet Night is perfect for those times when you just want to relax. This CD will de-stress you the moment you hear the first soothing song. I especially enjoyed Pachelbel's Canon, but the whole CD is wonderful. Great background music while you are reading, cooking or working on the computer etc. I only wish it was longer. Highly recommended!