Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 3 - 5 [Box set] [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Though Almost Exclusively Renowned for his Extensive Forays Into French Orchestral Repertoire Charles Munch was a Highly Versatile Conductor who Made Many Other Rewarding Recordings of Other Core Orchestral Fare as Well. These Outstanding Mendelssohn Recordings with his Beloved Boston Symphony Orchestra Are a Case in Point. Munch's Mendelssohn is Youthful, Highly Spirited, Full of Vigor and (Especially in the Outer Movements) Often Swings! the Newly Remastered Sound Mirrors the Recordings Original Vintage RCA Living Stereo Sonics- which Are Extraordinarily Good.

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.

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No. 1 Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Decca
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000095J85
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Wedding Bells - The #1 Wedding Album
Bridal Chorus - Wagner
Allegro - Peter Hurford
Trumpet Tune And Air - Philip Jones
Prelude - Pierre Cochereau
Air - J.S. Bach
Largo In F - Randall Wolfgang
Sheep May Safely Graze - J.S. Bach
Largo Ma Non Tanto - Regis Pasquier
My Heart Will Go On - Patricia Spero
Panis Angelicus - Luciano Pavarotti
Ave Maria - Lisa Otto
One Hand, One Heart - Jose Carreras
Alleluja (Allegro) - Arleen Auger
See The Conquering Hero Comes - Simon Preston
Let The Bright Seraphim - Joan Sutherland
Alla Hornpipe - Handel
Wedding March - Stephen Cleobury

Tracks:

Bridal Chorus - Stephen Cleobury
Trumpet Voluntary - John Wilbraham
Trumpet Tune In C - Purcell
Allegro - Maurice Andre
Sonata - The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Canon In D - Pachelbel
The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Sleepers Awake - Peter Hurford
Greensleeves - Goran Sollscher
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
O Mio Babbino Caro - Ranata Tebaldi
How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place - John Scott
Be My Love - Jose Carreras
Because - Placido Domingo
Rondeau - Simon Preston
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Wolfgang Marschner
Canzon In Imitation Of An English Bergamask - The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
La Rejouissance - Handel
Wedding March - Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 "Italian" & 5 "Reformation"

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Mendelssohn: Symphonies by Felix Mendelssohn, John Eliot Gardiner
Polished document of an inveterate musical self-critic
Mendelssohn Served with Utmost Elegance
Popular classics
Absolutely wonderful

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 "Italian" & 5 "Reformation"

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Op.45

ASIN: B00000I93Q
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Allegro vivace
2. Andante con moto
3. Con moto moderato
4. Saltarello. Presto
1. Andante - Allegro con fuoco
2. Allegro vivace
3. Andante - attacca
4. Choral (Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott) Andante con moto - Allegro vivace - Allegro maestoso
2. Andante con moto
3. Menuetto. Con moto grazioso
4. Saltarello. Allegro di molto

Amazon.com

Mendelssohn was not like Beethoven or Verdi--his second thoughts were not always better than his first. In fact, not one of the changes he made in his 1834 revision to the Italian Symphony--recorded here for the first time, alongside the original version of 1833--strikes me as an improvement; indeed, the later effort sounds more like a first draft, thinner, more repetitive, melodically less engaging. Nonetheless, it's good to have the composer's refashioning of the score on disc, especially when it's performed as confidently as here, if only to give us a renewed appreciation of what he achieved the first time around. For the familiar version of the Italian Symphony is certainly a masterpiece. And the performance it receives here from the Vienna Philharmonic and John Eliot Gardiner is one of the best currently available: polished and energetic, with plenty of the elegance one expects in Mendelssohn, even when he's at his most animated. The account of the Reformation Symphony, recorded live, is marginally less successful as an interpretation, though the orchestra's playing leaves little to be desired. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Mendelssohn: Symphonies by Felix Mendelssohn, John Eliot Gardiner.......2007-01-12

A super recording with a dynamic conductor

Polished document of an inveterate musical self-critic.......2006-08-10

The ease and elegance of his music makes it tempting to believe that for Felix Mendelssohn, one of the great musical prodigies of history, the creative process was spontaneous and effortless. This CD of both the original and the recently unearthed revision of one of his most beloved works, the "Italian" Symphony No. 4, gives the lie to this myth. After successfully premiering the work in London in 1833, Mendelssohn, dissatisfied with the score, almost immediately began revising the last three movements--he desisted from tinkering with the first only because he was convinced a complete rewriting would be necessary, and hesitated to tackle such a Herculean task. In fact the changes in the movements that were revised are noticeable even to a listener not following a score.

It would be pleasant to report that the later revisions make a lovely work even more satisfying. In truth, they leave a mixed impression. In the 1834 version Mendelssohn retouches many details of the orchestration, giving more prominence overall to the winds. He simplifies the solemn theme of the second movement, but undercuts the apparent aim of increased austerity with the richer and more colorful scoring. The third movement receives the most extensive changes. With the arguable exception of a new and interesting transition back to the main section from the central trio, none of the alterations in the melodic line is any more beautiful than the flowing, graceful original. The central trio discards the dotted rhythms of the earlier version in favor of smooth interjections from the violins, pointing up the relationship to the main section but losing the airiness and grace that most listeners find to be one of Mendelssohn's most appealing traits. In comparison the insertion of an additional section, repeating an earlier theme, in the Presto finale seems a relatively minor alteration.

Even Fanny Hensel, Mendelssohn's sister and an accomplished composer in her own right, occasionally lamented her brother's inability to leave a good thing well enough alone. Schumann in his later years revised many of his most famous early piano works. Posterity has judged his alterations to be inferior to the freshness and fantasy of the originals. One has the feeling that the revised "Italian" Symphony may suffer the same fate.

If indeed this is the case, it won't be the fault of the performances on this disc. Only in some slightly scrappy string passages in the first movement of the "Italian" do the Vienna Philharmonic and Gardiner sound a bit ill at ease. Otherwise orchestra and conductor capture the polished grace of both versions of the Symphony to perfection, and also make a strong case for the Symphony No. 5, the "Reformation," (actually written earlier than No. 4 and similarly unpublished during the composer's lifetime) bringing out its drama and varied moods, and minimizing its tendencies toward sanctimony. This CD is an essential addition to anyone's symphonic library.

Mendelssohn Served with Utmost Elegance.......2006-04-05

John Eliot Gardiner may have been specializing in choral works with his fine forays into the Bach cantata series and his recordings of opera and oratorio, but his ability to spring to life the old standards of the repertoire was never more evident than in this fine recording of the Mendelssohn Symphonies 4 and 5. And in keeping with his academic penchant for 'true performances' he has graciously included Mendelssohn's own revisions to his symphony No. 4. It makes for an interesting survey for the aficionado and proves that composers' second thoughts are at times not as engaging as their intial spurt of inspiration!

Gardiner conducts the Salzburg Vienna Philharmoniker in what seems to be the finest recorded version of Symphony No. 4 in A major ("Italian"), Op. 90 in the catalogue. It is sprightly, full of zest and warmth, and yet always elegant. It is a masterful performance. The added revisions are likewise well performed, but serve as only interesting addenda to the wonderful reading of the original.

Gardiner's performance of the Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor ("Reformation"), Op. 107 is also a model of superior architecture. His attention to inner voices and details in orchestration never impede the overall impact of the spirit of the symphony. Both of these symphonies are given fresh light and greater dignity and it is satisfying to hear the standard repertoire works handled so expertly. Grady Harp, April 06

Popular classics.......2006-01-07

Felix Mendelssohn was a Romantic composer who embraced the ideals of classicism when that trend in the Germanic countries were falling out of favor, save a few. The two symphonies represented on this disk show both the Romantic and Classicist: Symphony No. 4 "Italian" and Symphony No. 5 "Reformation".

The famous Symphony No. 4 is inspired after a trip to Italy, and so subtitled the Italian symphony. Like in his third symphony, the Scottish, Mendelssohn stays away from any direct quotes of folk music, but uses the ideas, modes, and dance rhythms of the culture in his symphony. The sunny first movement has the famous leaping melody, which literally drips with joy. The clarinets and bassoon have a secondary melody of simplicity, but still with optimism. The development, with whimsical strings, leads to a darker march, but all gloom is pushed aside for a happy conclusion. The mood quickly changes in the second movement with unison woodwinds and strings, and a mournful bassoon/oboe duet. The unswerving walking bass throughout gives the movement perpetual motion and an almost martial quality. Some serenity shines through when the flute ensemble sings, but the gloom prevails. The third movement is more a courtly dance in the style of Mozart. Woodwinds dot the string-based movement, and besides a bassoon/horn call, gentility presides. The whirlwind fourth movement is in the form of an Italian dance known as the Saltarello. The movement is almost menacing, with constantly repeated unison notes and an uneven switch between duples and triples. Gardiner chooses forward-moving tempos throughout, but especially in the Saltarello, where the Vienna Philharmonic show their virtuosity. He gives the triplets a fleet-footed quality, whereas the duples get extra weight, adding to the menacing sound. In addition, throughout the work, great work and detail has been put into the inner parts, which now receive as much attention by the listener, as the melody. Gardiner's love of the work is evident, and his swifter approach works well, without losing musicality. Many of the movements are based in dance forms, and the Vienna Philharmonic, whose history is steeped in dance forms, makes the music sparkle, not dwelling in unneeded heaviness or stuffiness. A fresh perspective of a popular work.

Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 (chronologically his 2nd) was written for the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, hence the subtitle Reformation symphony. A bit more serious sounding than the Fourth Symphony, it opens with a grand processional, and eventually into a faster section whose theme is a perfect fifth, much like a trumpet call. The action is interrupted occasionally, by a Dresden Amen cadence, a reminder of the religious subject. The second movement is a bit more upbeat, with an almost waltz-like feel. The third movement, primarily strings, seems to be a short prelude to the final movement, especially since there is no break. The finale is heralded on flute alone on the famous chorale, Ein feste Burg (A Mighty Fortress). An ingenious natural crescendo (by adding instruments) is very effective as it dramatically builds into an emotional cadence into the final fast section. The British march section (or so it sounds) has a stately melody mingled with quotations of the chorale, and a forceful conclusion. John Eliot Gardiner is faithful to the score, relishing in Mendelssohn's own dynamic and articulation markings, and bringing out the natural melodic materials. Again, great attention to detail, capturing a totally different mood than the previous symphony, with great success.

In addition, 20+ minutes of Mendelssohn's revisions of the Italian Symphony has been restored and performed. Probably only interesting to die-hard Mendelssohn fans, a unique addition to the disk. As mentioned, a fresh look at Mendelssohn's music, bringing out detail and the composer's innate classicism, with Vienna's lightness and fruity sound. An easy choice for anyone who wants these symphonies.

Absolutely wonderful.......2005-11-28

Wonderful recordings of Mendelssohn #4 & #5.

The recording of the conventional 4 is stunning. So clear and many inner parts come out which are not normally heard. So this is now my favourite recording of this wonderfully fresh piece.

#5 is done just as nicely: fresh and clear.

Interesting to have the other version of #4 too.

Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Nos. 1 - 6

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Stellar String Symphonies
The Perfect Thing

Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Nos. 1 - 6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 3

ASIN: B00000145E
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In C Major: Andante
Symphony No. 1 In C Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Major: Andante
Symphony No. 2 In D Major: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 In E Minor: Allegro di molto
Symphony No. 3 In E Minor: Andante
Symphony No. 3 In E Minor: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor: Grave-Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor: Andante
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Presto
Symphony No. 6 In E Flat Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In E Flat Major: Menuetto - Trio I - Menuetto - Trio II
Symphony No. 6 In E Flat Major: Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Stellar String Symphonies.......2007-05-25

This is the first of a three disc collection of Mendelssohn's youthful and energetic String Symphonies, and they are absolutely the top choice in not only performance and sound but also price. This is music from a charming, melodic, and lyrical young composer at his priceless best. Just listen to the way Volume 1 begins, and I challenge you to find a complete set that rivals these Naxos readings by Ward and the Northern Chamber Orchestra. I believe they truly bring out the Mozartian influence of Mendelssohn laced throughout these early works. There isn't much more to say- I give this cycle my highest recommendation. Snatch them up now while they're still in print: what a find!

The Perfect Thing.......2003-10-10

These little symphonies, composed by the barely teenaged Mendelssohn (begun at 12, done at 14!), are the perfect thing for many purposes, including homework, reading or other projects. The tunes are delightful, the playing likewise. This disc has six three movement symphonies, lasting just over an hour. All 62 minutes are delightful.

Average customer rating:

Pleased
A wedding minister's review

Forever in Love

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
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Great Movie Love Themes: Five Star Collection

ASIN: B000000BM6
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Tracks:

Prelude: Air For The 'G' String - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Prelude: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - St. Louis Brass Quintet
Prelude: On Wings Of Song - Nancy Enslin
Prelude: Bach's Arloso - St. Louis Brass Quintett
Prelude: Bach's Prelude In C Major - Christiane Jaccottet
Prelude: Large From 'Xerxes' - London Festival Orchestra
Seating Of The Mothers: Schubert's Ave Maria - Nancy Enslin
Seating Of The Mothers: Bach/Gounod's Ave Maria - Nancy Enslin
Seating Of The Mothers: Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle
Processional: Bridal March From 'Lohengrin' (A. K. A. 'Here Comes The Bride') - Lubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Processional: Pachelbel's Canon In D Major - Collegium Aureum
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary - Lyn Larsen
Processional: Trumpet Tune In C Major - Carlo Curfey
Lighting Of the Unity Candle: O Perfect Love - Nancy Enslin
Prayer (After The Exchange Of Vows And Rings): The Lord's Prayer - Karyn List/Nancy Enslin
Recessional: Wedding March From 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - London Festival Orchestra
Recesionnal: Finale ('Ode To Joy') From Beethoven's Symphony No.9, 'Choral' - Nancy Enslin
Recessional: Le Rondeau ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme) - Collegium Aureum
Recessional: Alla Hornpipe From 'Water Music' Suite - London Festival Orchestra

Tracks:

Prelude: When I Fall In Love (Sleepless in Seattle) - Spectrum
Prelude: (Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Spectrum
Prelude: Unchained Melody 'Ghost' - Van Craven
Prelude: Endless Love - FLORIDA SYMPHONIC POPS
Prelude: The Wind Beneath My Wings (A. K. A. Hero) From 'Beaches' - Van Craven
Prelude: Through The Eyes Of Love From 'Ice Castles' - Karyn List/Nancy Enslin
Seating Of The Mothers: Forever In Love - Spectrum
Seating Of The Mothers: Save The Best For Last - Spectrum
Processional: A Time For Us From 'Romeo And Juliet' - Nancy Enslin
Processional: Vangeli's Hymne - Nancy Enslin
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: I Love You Always Forever - Spectrum
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: One Hand, One Heart From 'West Side Story' - FLORIDA SYMPHONIC POPS
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: The Wedding Song (A. K. A. There Is Love) - FLORIDA SYMPHONIC POPS
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: All I Ask of You From 'The Phantom Of The Opera' - Van Craven
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: Whither Thou Goest - Karyn List/Nancy Enslin

Customer Reviews:

Pleased.......2006-07-31

I was very pleased with this product, my sister recently got married and I was responsible for the music.... I am happy that I made this selection, everyone was happy with the music chosen for the ceremony, I would recommend it to any one looking for wedding music

A wedding minister's review.......2000-01-16

I just love this album. I am a wedding minister and many couples ask me about music for their ceremony. I am happy to recommend they buy this album for a wonderful selection of wedding music both traditional and contemporary performed by orchestras, keyboardists, harpists and others including a lovely soprano. One disc is traditional wedding selections and the other is contemporary. The selections are arranged in the order of a ceremony with choices for each part of the ceremony. The CD would be appropriate to use in a wedding if live music is not planned. I plan to add a link to this site from my website just so couples can check this album out for themselves.

Love, Honor and Cherish: Music for Your Wedding

Average customer rating:

Great CD - Received Damaged
Disappointing

Love, Honor and Cherish: Music for Your Wedding

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008ZZ60
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Amazed - Trammell Starks
Could Not Ask for More - Trammell Starks
Truly Madly Deeply - Trammell Starks
I Do, Cherish You - Trammell Starks
When I Fall in Love - Spectrum
Save the Best for Last - Spectrum
I Will Always Love You - Spectrum
Lost Without You - Allen & Allen
May It Be - Taliesin Orchestra
Cherish the Day - Spectrum
You Mean the World to Me - Spectrum
Forever in Love - Spectrum

Tracks:

Arioso
Ave Maria
Air for the "G" String - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
On Wings of Song
Largo [Xerxes] - London Festival Orchestra
Shubert's Ave Maria
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Prelude in C Major
Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle,
Pachulbul's Canon in D Major
Trumpet Voluntary - Lyn Larsen
Bridal March (Here Comes the Bride) [Lonengrin]
Trumpet Tune in C Major - Carlo Curley
Lord's Prayer
O Perfect Love - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Rondeau (Masterpiecs Theatre Them) - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Wedding March [A Midsummer Night's Dream] - London Festival Orchestra
Handel's Alla Hornpipe [Water Music Suite] - London Festival Orchestra
Finale: Ode to Joy [Symphony No. 9 Choral]

Customer Reviews:

Great CD - Received Damaged.......2007-06-27

This CD was to be used for my May 19,2007 bride for her ceremony music.
The CD arrived damaged and Amazon did not have anymore in stock.
Thank God for an understanding bride.

Disappointing.......2004-10-31

A mostly music compilation that sounds like a creative mixing genius put it together. Saddly, the wedding entrance march is sung in German (I think). Some of the music is a little "thin" instead of being "full bodied". The wedding exit march will put listeners to sleep. I wish listening samples had been available or I would have saved the money.

Average customer rating:

For Your Wedding

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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For After Hours
For Guilty Pleasures
Just For Fun
For Evening Passions (Dig)
For an Autumn Afternoon (Dig)

ASIN: B00008RV1T
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Air On A G String - Johann Sebastian Bach
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
Canon In D - Johann Pachelbel
Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
Bridal Chorus From Lohengrin - Richard Wagner
Trumpet Tune And Air - Henry Purcell
Allegro From Suite - John Stanley
Prelude From Te Deum - Marc Antoine Charpentier
Allegro From Sonata - Henry Purcell
Rondeau (Masterpiece Theatre Theme) - Jean-Joseph Mourey
Ave Maria - Bach
Sleepers Awake - Johann Sebastian Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze - Johann Sebastian Bach
Ave Maria, D 839 - Franz Schubert
Wedding March From Midsummer Nights Dream - Felix Mendelssohn
Hornpipe In D From Water Music Suite - Georg Frideric Handel
La Rejouissance From Music For The Royal Fireworks - Georg Frideric Handel
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen From Lyric Pieces - Edvard Grieg

Average customer rating:

nice but same old stuff

Relaxing With The Classics

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B00000JR06
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Le Rondeau
'The Four Seasons': Allegro - 'The Spring'
Canon In D Major
'Water Music': Alla Hornpipe
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - Bach
Air For The 'G' String - Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No.5: Allegro - Bach
Adagio For Strings And Organ
'Solomon': Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Orchestral Suite No.2: Minuet And Badinerie - Bach
Concerto For Two Violins And Orchestra: Vivace - Bach
Oboe Concerto: Adagio - Marcello
Prelude And Fugue In C Major - Bach
'Brandenburg' Concerto No.3: Allegro - Bach
'Royal Fireworks Music': La Rejouissance
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1: Intro - Tchaikovsky
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
Piano Concerto No .2: Adagio sostenuto
Symphony No.4 Italian: Into - Mendelssohn
Polovstian Dance No. 17: Excerpt Polovstian Dance No. 17
Slavonic Dance No. 1
'On The Beautiful Blue Danube': Excerpt from 'On The Beautiful Blue Danube'
'La Boheme': Che gelida manina
'Cavalleria rusticana': Intermezzo
'Aida': Triumphal March
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers - Tchaikovsky
'Pictures At An Exibition': Promenade
Prelude to 'Lohengrin'
Symphony No. 9 'From The New World': Largo
'1812' Overture: Finale - Tchaikovsky
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can
'William Tell' Overture: Finale

Customer Reviews:

nice but same old stuff.......2007-03-18

I was looking for seomthing new to listen to during massage, and I like classic music. What I realized when I listened to this and several more like it, is that it is all kind of boring. The reason I suppose is because there were only a limited number of composers in the last couple of centures, especially 17th through 19th centuries, so we've all heard it all before...

Nevertheless, this is a nice CD, very pleasant versions of classic works.

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies Nos. 1-5

Average customer rating:

Uneven, look elsewhere.
Fine recordings of all of Mendelssohn's very fine symphonies
Very adequate compilation
Masur's Finest Mendelssohn Symphony Cycle
Overall, good recording, some minor differences

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies Nos. 1-5

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000000FL7
Release Date: 1995-01-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op 11: Allegro di molto - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op 11: Andante - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op 11: Menuetto - Allegro molto - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op 11: Allegro con fuoco - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 2 In A Minor, Op 56: Andante con moto - Allegro un poco agitato - Assai animato - Andante come prima - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In A Minor, Op 56: Vivace non troppo - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In A Minor, Op 56: Adagio - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In A Minor, Op 56: Allegro vivacissimo - Allegro maestoso assai - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Symphony Maestoso con molto - Allegro - Allegro un poco agitato - Adagio religioso - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Chorus Allegro moderato maestoso - Animato: Alles, was Odem hat, lobe den Herrn! - Allegro di molto: Lobet den Hrrn mit Saitenspiel - Soprano And Women's Choir: Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Tenor - Recitativ: Saget es, die lhr erloset seid - Aria: Allegro moderato, Er zahlet uns're Tranen - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Chorus, A tempo moderato, Saget es, die lht erloset seid - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Duet (Soprano and Chorus) Adante: Ich harrete des Herrn - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Tenor - Aria, Allegro un pocco agitato: Stricke des Todes hatten uns umfangen - Allegro assai agitato: Wir riefen in der Finsternis - Soprano - Recitativ, Die Nacht ist vergangen - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Chorus Allegro maestoso e molto vivace: Die Nacht ist Vergangen - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Chorale, Adante con moto: Nun danket alle Gott, Un poco piu animato: Lob, Ehr' und Preis sei Gott - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Duet (Soprano And Tenor) Andante sostenuto assai: Drum sing'ich mit meinem Liede - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 52 - 'Lobgesang': Finale Chorus, Allegro non troppo: lhr Volker, bringet her dem Herrn - Piu vivace: Alles, was Odem hat, lobe den Herrn - Leipzig Radio Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In A Major Opus 90 - 'Italian': Allegro vivace - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 4 In A Major Opus 90 - 'Italian': Andante con moto - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 4 In A Major Opus 90 - 'Italian': Con moto moderato - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 4 In A Major Opus 90 - 'Italian': Saltarello presto - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor Opus 107 - 'Reformation': Andante - Allegro con fuoco - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor Opus 107 - 'Reformation': Allegro vivace - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor Opus 107 - 'Reformation': Andante - attacca - Kurt Masur
Symphony No. 5 In D Minor Opus 107 - 'Reformation': Chorale: Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - Andante con moto - Allegro maestoso - Piu animato poco a poco - Kurt Masur

Customer Reviews:

Uneven, look elsewhere........2006-09-15

Mendelssohn's 5 symphonies are not played as often as the Beethoven or Brahms, which is a real shame. All of them are wonderful pieces, even the first two, which are hardly ever played. As to the complete set here, I would avoid it. The first two symphonies do receive fine performances, especially No. 2, which is a symphony and a cantata merged together. The Scotch (No. 3) is absolutely dreadful, having about as much life as the stones on the moon. No. 4 is better but hardly exciting. And while No. 5 is not as bad as No. 3, it still is pretty mediocre. For a complete set, I would go with Abbado.

Fine recordings of all of Mendelssohn's very fine symphonies.......2005-12-29

I do not know why Amazon.com lists this as only available from used item dealers. I just purchased it at a large book and music store and BMG Classics still lists it in its catalog. While I have notified Amazon.com of this, they have not yet corrected the page.

In any case, this is a wonderful and very affordable collection of all five Mendelssohn symphonies. Contrary to current musical fashion, these are all fine works and very much worth hearing. You can go to the concert hall of any symphony orchestra and most weeks you will hear works inferior to these. True, they are not works on the order of Beethoven's symphonies, but whose are? That is a ridiculous standard and you would limit your listening choices far too severely.

Mendelssohn's wrote his first symphony when he was fifteen. It is a very competent work written more along classical than romantic lines. The "Reformation" symphony that we now call number five (because it was published posthumously). He wrote it during 1829-30 to honor Martin Luther and the 300th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. He not only never published it, but later condemned it as mere juvenilia (Mendelssohn was all of 21 years in 1830). Some say he considered burning the work. We are grateful he did not and that we have it today. I remember playing it in high school orchestra and was very moved. For one thing, as a trombone player, it has a great part for my instrument!

The "Lobgesang" ("Hymn of Praise") is now called the second symphony. It is part symphony and part cantata and obviously has Beethoven's ninth as an inspiration, but nothing like the drama of that work. It is a glorious work that was immensely popular in the nineteenth century. However, its straightforward faith and worship of God is probably difficult for our modern sense of ironic detachment to swallow. I love the work (probably because my ironic view of irony allows me to enjoy faith and worship outright) and would love to hear it performed more frequently. It sounds as fun to sing as it is to hear. Mendelssohn wrote it as part of a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg and printing (because of the role printing played in the Reformation).

The "Scottish Symphony" (now also called the symphony no. 3) was also very popular in Mendelssohn's lifetime. Some, like Wagner - who bore a personal grudge towards the composer - have found it too depressed in mood and not strong enough in affect for their taste. For me, it is a perfectly wonderful work and a treasure of the symphonic form. Again, it may not be the biggest or brightest star in the symphonic firmament, but considering the innumerable number of lesser stars that still get some notice, this work should be on the list of prominent celestial objects of the first or second magnitude. This work is still performed, as it should be.

Mendelssohn's "Italian Symphony" (the present symphony no. 4) is the work most favored by modern audiences. I confess that it is my favorite as well. There is everything to enjoy in its brilliance, scope and language, and little to criticize. The autograph score is dated March 13, 1833 and was premiered in May of that year. He left the score with his friend the pianist Moscheles. According to page 276 in Larry Todd's magnificent recent biography of Mendelssohn (strongly recommended to you) began revising the score in 1834 by preparing, from memory, a score of the last three movements. However, he was unhappy with the first movement (!!!??!?!?) and abandoned the project. Moscheles and Cipriani Potter conducted a few performances of the work in 1834, 1837, and 1838, however after Felix died it was left unperformed until it was finally published in 1851. The issue of the way the "standard" version of this symphony has come to us has been the subject of dissertations and books. My advice is to simply revel in the glory of this music and put aside Mendelssohn's own perfectionist reservations.

These recordings are by the Leipzig Gewandhaus conducted by Kurt Masur in the early 1970s. It is appropriate that this orchestra perform these works because of all that Mendelssohn meant in putting that orchestra on the map. These recordings sound great and are beautifully performed. It doesn't feel like anyone is holding back or doubting the importance of these works. Every recording, including the "Hymn of Praise" is full of heart, energy, and beauty.

Recommended.

Very adequate compilation.......2002-10-18

I've had this set for over a decade, and over the years I've found more thrilling, dynamic recordings of the Italian and Scottish symphonies (#3 and #4). But as a low-priced introduction to Mendelssohn's symphonies, or for that matter to M.'s music, this set is perfectly adequate. In particular I wish to direct attention to Symphony #2, the infrequently recorded "Lobesang" for chorus and orchestra. The symphony is maybe an hour long and extremely gratifying to the ear, though I have no idea what all the singing is about, as I don't speak or understand German, and the lyrics are not printed in the CD booklet. Still, repeated experimentation has proved that this Masur recording of the "Lobesang" symphony is a foolproof soporific, if one sincerely wishes to doze off, but cannot (for whatever reason). This is not a backhanded criticism, either; I'm utterly serious and very grateful to everyone involved with the recording. If you are seeking music to relax you, look no further.

Masur's Finest Mendelssohn Symphony Cycle.......2001-11-11

Kurt Masur's first Mendelssohn Symphony cycle with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra is regarded by many as his best, preferable to the later, digital version he recorded with Teldec. Since I haven't heard the Teldec cycle, I don't know whether this is indeed a valid comparison. Yet this cycle contains some of the most electrifying performances of Mendelssohn's symphonies I've heard, most notably the "Reformation" symphony. The sound quality is decent, not great, but should not be a primary consideration for purchasing this set. Nor should the absence of liner notes. Certainly this inexpensive CD set should be regarded as a primary recommendation for a Mendelssohn symphony cycle.

Overall, good recording, some minor differences.......2001-08-26

Solid and precise, yet sensitive. The Lobegesang is especially good, with the vocalists. Also the trombones highlight the theme "Alles was Odem hat" very well. For the most part the tempos match the music quite well, although the Reformation Symphony is a little too fast for my personal tastes.