Baroque Fireworks

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
At the dawn of the Baroque era, Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli and his followers developed the concertato style of composition. One result of this innovation was to encourage composers throughout Europe to explore the expressive and technical solo possibilities of instruments like the bassoon, traditionally relegated to non-solo roles. More than a century later, late Baroque masters Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann and Jan Dismas Zelenka, all born within a three-year span, composed some of the finest and most challenging music ever written for the bassoon. This recording features several works from this era.

For this recording a bassoon, rather than the cello, was used as the bass continuo instrument in combination with the harpsichord, except in the Zelenka Trio, where the composer specified violone as one of the instruments of choice. Accordingly, the modern double bass was employed here.

Introduced to the bassoon while in public school in his hometown of Massapequa, New York, Frank Morelli studied with Stephen Maxym at the Manhattan and Juilliard Schools of Music, and was the first bassoonist to be awarded a doctorate by the Juilliard School. With over 140 recordings for major labels to his credit, his recording of the Mozart Bassoon Concerto with Orpheus on the DG label won international critical acclaim. The Orpheus CD "Shadow Dances," which features Morelli, won a 2001 Grammy. He has made eight appearances as a soloist in Carnegie Hall and has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on numerous occasions, including at the Whitehouse for the final state dinner of the Clinton presidency. A member of the renowned quintet, Windscape, ensemble-in-residence at the Manhattan School of Music, he also serves on the faculties of the Juilliard, Yale and SUNY Stony Brook. He is editor of the landmark excerpt book, "Stravinsky: Difficult Passages for! Bassoon", published by Boosey & Hawkes. Frank Morelli is principal bassoonist of the New York City Opera Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the American Composers Orchestra.

Baroque Fireworks, Music, Frank Morelli, Georg Philipp Telemann, Antonio Vivaldi, Jan Dismas Zelenka, Donald Palma, Marya Martin, Susan Palma-Nidel, Kenneth Cooper, Randall Wolfgang, Stephen Taylor, Bassoon Solo/Sonata, Cello with Keyboard, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Three Woodwinds with Keyboard/Continuo
25 Wedding Favorites
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Best Music Ever for Home Wedding
  • Excellent resource for wedding planners
  • Great item!
  • Preview your wedding day
  • 25 WEDDING FAVORITES
 25 Wedding Favorites

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

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ASIN: B00004Y6T1
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

  1. Wedding March (Lohengrin)
  2. Allegro I (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
  3. Trumpet Voluntary
  4. Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
  5. Canon in D Major
  6. Spring - Susan Lautenbacher
  7. Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
  8. Air (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
  9. Sheep May Safely Graze (Cantana No. 208)
  10. Arioso
  11. Bist Du Bei Mir' (Anna Magdalena Notebook)
  12. Panis Angelicus
  13. Weichet Nur' (Wedding Cantata)
  14. Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
  15. Ave Maria
  16. Sehet In Zufriedenheit' (Wedding Cantata)
  17. Ave Maria
  18. Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
  19. Air On The G String - Mainz Chamber Orchestra
  20. Pastorale (Messiah) - Eastman Chorale
  21. Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
  22. Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Utah Symphony Orchestra
  23. Hornpipe (Water Music)
  24. Wedding March
  25. Toccata (5th Symphony)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Best Music Ever for Home Wedding.......2007-07-20

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

5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

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

5 out of 5 stars Great item!.......2007-03-29

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

4 out of 5 stars Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

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

5 out of 5 stars 25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.
Baby Neptune
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • LOVE this Cd
  • Excellent for babies and family
  • A great CD for the car
  • Baby Neptune
  • Baby Neptune Review
 Baby Neptune

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
  2. Baby Galileo
  3. Baby Mozart
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ASIN: B00008BRCI
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

  1. Orchestra Tune-Up
  2. Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Allegro, Handel
  3. Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Bourree, (Handel)
  4. Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Passepied (Handel)
  5. Water Music, Suite No.3 In G, Gigue (Handel)
  6. Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Menuet (Handel)
  7. Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Alla Hornpipe (Handel)
  8. Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Air (Handel)
  9. Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Allegro (Handel)
  10. Blue Danube Waltz (Strauss)
  11. Concerto In A (Telemann)
  12. Water Music, Bourree (Telemann)
  13. Water Music, Harlequinade (Telemann)
  14. Water Music, Ebb And Flow (Telemann)
  15. Contradance No.11 (Beethoven)
  16. Contradance No.12 (Beethoven)
  17. Nocturne No.6, K239, 1st Movement (Mozart)
  18. Nocturne No.6, K239, 3rd Movement (Mozart)
  19. La Mer (Debussy)
  20. Music For The Royal Fireworks, Fanfare And Overture (Handel)
  21. Music For The Royal Fireworks, Menuet Medley (Handel)
  22. Music For The Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance (Handel)

Product Description

The Baby Neptune Concert for Little Ears music CD is an imaginative 22-track, 39-minute concert celebrating the rhythm and motion of water. From the joyous melodies of Handel's Water Music to the timeless flow of Strass' Blue Danube Waltz, great classical compositions will immerse you and your little one in playful musical portraits. The Baby Neptune music CD features some of the classical scores heard in Baby Neptune Discovering Water, and more. Charming water themes from master composers are re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra.Musical Selections:* Orchestra tune-up* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Allegro, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Bourree, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Passepied, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 3 in G, Gigue, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Menuet, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Alla Hornpipe, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Air, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Allegro, Handel* Blue Danube Waltz, Straus* Concerto in A, Telemann* Water Music, Bourree, Telemann* Water Music, Harlequinade, Telemann* Water Music, Ebb and Flow, Telemann* Contradance No. 11, Beethoven* Contradance No. 12, Beethoven* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 1st movement, Mozart* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 3rd movement, Mozart* La Mer, Debussy* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Fanfare and Overture, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Menuet medley, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance, HandelAge: birth +Award: Billboard Magazine Top Midline Classical Albums (#6) - 2004

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars LOVE this Cd.......2007-03-08

Great music and soothing sounds for any babies and even older children. Our children really enjoy them in the car.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent for babies and family.......2007-01-22

This CD is mandatory in the car and it relax everybody. It has classic music but without many sudden ups and downs. I would like to buy the whole collection next time.

5 out of 5 stars A great CD for the car.......2007-01-04

We were given one from these series of CDs for babies and our daughter loves it, so we bought this one. It is a really nice collection of soft music and we usually play it in the car. A great addition to your baby's music collection.

5 out of 5 stars Baby Neptune.......2006-03-18

I love all of the Baby Einstein DVD's, so the music CD has been just as good as the DVD's. I play it all the time when my son is in the car and it seems to calm him and keep his attention. I even listen to it in the car when my son is not with me. It is relaxing and soothing.

4 out of 5 stars Baby Neptune Review.......2006-01-17

Our daughter loves the Baby Neptune CD. It makes for a relaxing musical interlude for long car trips.
25 Thunderous Classics
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good selection
  • thunderous applause
  • Good Music at a Great Price
  • You will like this!
  • Good for the novice
 25 Thunderous Classics

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

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ASIN: B00004Y6SQ
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

  1. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Sunrise) - R. Strauss
  2. Mars (The Planets) - Holst
  3. Overture 1812 - Tchaikovsky
  4. Entry Of The Gladiadtors - Fucik
  5. Sabre Dance - Khachaturian
  6. Procession Of The Sardar - Ippolitov Ivanov
  7. Night On Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky
  8. Anvil Chor (II Trovatore) - Verdi
  9. The Thunderer March - Sousa
  10. Thunder & Lightening Polka - J. Strauss
  11. Prelude To Act III : Lohengrin - Wagner
  12. The Ride Of The Valkryies - Wagner
  13. Montagues & Capulets (Romeo & Juliet Ballet Suite) - Prokofiev
  14. The Storm: Symphony No. 6 In F Major, 'Pastorale' - Beethoven
  15. Rondeau - Edward Carroll
  16. Overture: Fireworks Music - Handel
  17. March To The Scaffold: Symphonie Fantastique - Berlioz
  18. LesToreadors - Bizet
  19. William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
  20. Revolutionary Study - Abbey Simon
  21. Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
  22. Sym No. 1 'Titan' IV Sturmisch Bewegt (Excerpt) - Mahler
  23. Augurs Of Spring From Rite Of Spring - Stravinsky
  24. Russian Dance From Petrouchka - Stravinsky
  25. The Great Gate At Kiev From Pictures At An Exhibition - Mussorgsky

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good selection.......2005-10-02

I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples. I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it. That's why I gave it 5 stars. It's worth more than it costs by far.

5 out of 5 stars thunderous applause.......2005-08-31


This is a who's-who of great pieces of music you have heard all of your life, and never knew the names and stories! I listened to it over and over in the car and had my own concert! A friend borrowed it to add music to his Home Movies and it was perfect!

5 out of 5 stars Good Music at a Great Price.......2004-03-06

I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD (by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music.

5 out of 5 stars You will like this!.......2004-02-19

I had purchased an abundance of the "Favorites" collection and some were better than others.

This CD is at the top of them all. They may be short, but not that short. Wondrous music.

I can almost guarantee that you will like this music.
Well worth the price!

3 out of 5 stars Good for the novice.......2002-06-08

The recordings on this disc are pretty good. However, the editors selected only the *loud* parts, as indicated by the title. I was pretty disappointed to find that the pieces are, in many cases, edited to reflect the most famous themes, etc, instead of including the whole work. In general, I would recommend this to the classical music novice, or someone who wants to expand their knowledge of classical music in general. Those who already are familiar with these pieces will probably feel gypped.
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • CD set is misnamed
  • Do not Buy
  • Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
  • Seek better versions
  • It Is What It Is
 Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

  1. Canon In D
  2. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
  3. The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
  4. Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
  5. Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
  6. 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
  7. Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
  8. Introduction To Symphony No. 5
  9. 'William Tell' Overture: Finale
  10. 'Aida': Triumphal March
  11. On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
  12. 'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
  13. '1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

  1. Sabre Dance
  2. 'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
  3. Carmen: The Toreadors
  4. ' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
  5. Radetzky March
  6. Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
  7. 'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
  8. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  9. Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
  10. Sleepers, Wake
  11. Water Music: Hornpipe
  12. Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
  13. Emperor Waltz
  14. 'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
  15. 'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
  16. L'Arlesienne: Farandole
  17. 'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
  18. 'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
  19. 'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
  20. 'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
  2. Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
  3. Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
  4. 'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
  5. Adiago For Strings
  6. 'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
  7. 'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
  8. The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
  9. (Rondo) Alla Turca
  10. Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
  11. Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
  12. 'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
  13. Clair De Lune
  14. Bolero

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars 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.

1 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

2 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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.
Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A great introduction to Baroque music...
  • Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
  • Phenomenal Collection of Music
  • Phenomenal Collection of Music
  • DEFINES "CLASSIC"
 Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003F5Y
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

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

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

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

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

4 out of 5 stars Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

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

5 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

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

5 out of 5 stars DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.
25 Handel Favorites
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • 25 Handel Favorites
 25 Handel Favorites

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

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ASIN: B00004Y6SY
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

  1. Hallelujah Chorus (Messiah)
  2. Pastorale (Messiah)
  3. Bourree (Music For The Royal Fireworks) - Anthony Newman
  4. Overture (Water Music)
  5. Adagio E Staccato (Water Music)
  6. Allegro I (Water Music)
  7. Air (Water Music)
  8. Bourree (Water Music)
  9. Hornpipe (Water Music)
  10. Aria (Con Grosso No. 12 In B Minor)
  11. Grand Fugue No. 3 In B Minor - Anthony Newman
  12. Chorus & March (Judas Maccabaeus) - Anthony Newman
  13. Allegro II (Concerto Grosso No. 5 in D Major)
  14. Allegro V (Concerto Grosso No. 5 in D Major)
  15. Overture (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
  16. La Paix: Sarabande (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
  17. La Rejouissance: Allegro (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
  18. Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
  19. Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
  20. Lascia Ch'io Pianga (Rinaldo) - Madeline Tsingopoulos
  21. And The Glory Of The Lord (Messiah)
  22. For Unto Us A Child Is Born (Messiah)
  23. All We Like Sheep (Messiah)
  24. Why Do The Nations (Messiah)
  25. Worthy Is The Lamb (Messiah)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 25 Handel Favorites.......2007-01-12

Absolutely what I expect of Handel! Good stuff, if this is your "bag".
A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!
  • Good Music
  • A very complete selection of ceremony music!
  • Comprehensive Classical Selection
  • Just one note...
 A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney
  2. Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II
  3. The Ultimate Wedding Album
  4. Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
  5. 25 Wedding Favorites

ASIN: B00005YD53
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Wagner: Bridal Chorus
  2. Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
  3. Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
  4. Gabrieli: Canzon V
  5. Charpentier: Te Deum
  6. Purcell: Trumpet Tune
  7. Mussorgsky: Promenade
  8. Pachebel: Canon In D
  9. Handel: Larghetto
  10. Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
  11. Handel: Water Music, Air
  12. Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
  13. Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
  14. Melchior: Adagio
  15. Gounod: Ave Maria
  16. Schubert: Ave Maria
  17. Franck: Panis Angelicus
  18. Faure: Pie Jesu
  19. Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
  20. Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
  21. Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

  1. Mendelssohn: Wedding March
  2. Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
  3. Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
  4. Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
  5. Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
  6. Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
  7. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
  8. Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
  9. Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
  10. Widor: Toccata
  11. Dubois: Toccata
  12. Walton: Crown Imperial
  13. Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
  14. Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
  15. Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
  16. Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
  17. Faure: Sicilienne
  18. Offenbach: Barcarolle
  19. Faure: Berceuse
  20. Saint-Saens: The Swan
  21. Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
  22. Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

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

5 out of 5 stars Good Music.......2006-07-05

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

4 out of 5 stars A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

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

5 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

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

4 out of 5 stars Just one note..........2003-06-07

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

Beautiful, but perhaps not so suitable for a wedding.
Baby Einstein: Music Box Orchestra
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A lifesaver!
 Baby Einstein: Music Box Orchestra

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
  2. Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
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  4. Baby Galileo
  5. Baby Neptune

ASIN: B0009AJK3E
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

  1. Tune Up And Fanfare Based On Themes From 'The Magic Flute'
  2. Piano Sonata In C Major, K545, 1st Movement
  3. Piano Sonata In C, K330, 1st Movement
  4. Concerto For Flute And Harp In C, K299, 1st Movement
  5. Sonata IN D For Two Pianos, K448, 1st Movement
  6. Tune Up And Fanfare Based On A Theme From Tocata In D
  7. Flute Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031, 3rd Movement
  8. Brandenburg Concerto No.6, BWV 1051, 3rd Movement
  9. Goldberg Variations, Canons, BWV 988
  10. Brandenburg Concerto No.2, BWV 1047, 3rd Movement
  11. Symphony No.1, Op.21, 1st Movement
  12. The Ruins Of Athens, Turkish March, Op.113
  13. Sonatina In G
  14. Music For The Royal Fireworks, Fanfare And Overture
  15. Prelude No.7 In A, 'The Polish Dance', Op.28
  16. On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Op.314
  17. Nocturne In F Sharp No.2, Op.15

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A lifesaver!.......2006-01-14

Our baby loves it! We tried this CD in the car and are now avid roadsters again. This and the other soothing CD "Nursery Lullaby" are the best! Wish we tried it earlier!
Handel: Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • best version ever ?
  • Sparkling, vibrant and authentic
  • Fresh and beautiful readings
 Handel: Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Mahler: Symphony No. 8 "Symphony of a Thousand"
  2. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
  3. Chopin Valses (Waltzes)
  4. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos
  5. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 5 & 6/Orchestral Suite No. 1; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

ASIN: B000CEVU5I
Release Date: 2006-01-17

Tracks:

  1. No.1 Overture/No.2 Adagio Staccato
  2. No.3 And No.4 Andante
  3. No.5
  4. No.6 Air
  5. No.7 Minuet
  6. No.8 Bourree
  7. Hornpipe
  8. No.10
  9. No.11
  10. No.12 Alla Hornpipe
  11. No.13 Minuet
  12. No.14 Lentement
  13. No.15 Bourree
  14. No.16
  15. No.17 Rigaudon, No.18
  16. No.19 Menuet, No.20
  17. No.21, No.22
  18. Ouverture
  19. Bouree
  20. La Paix
  21. La Rejouissance
  22. Menuets I And II

Amazon.com

There's no dearth of fine recordings of these works on the market, but this recording goes straight to the top of the list. Kevin Mallon leads a Toronto-based, 34-person-group of period instrumentalists called the Aradia Ensemble: it's a terrific, ear opening show. The music is, above all, joyful, with dance movements galore and plenty of giddy pomp. Mallon has rethought the tempi, almost all of which, he feels, should be quicker than we're accustomed to hearing. These tempi work most of the time, and if, for example, you overlook the fact that at his tempi, the alla hornpipe of the Water Music Suite No. 2 and the Rigaudon of No. 3 could only have been danced by a dancer on speed, and just listen to how effortlessly entertaining the music is, you'll love it. He's not rigid in his fleetness, however--the final movement of Water Music Suite No. 1 is relaxed and he slows it down even further for its last few seconds, giving it the stature it requires.

Mallon also adds side-drum and tambourines to a couple of the movements, and they add jollity and jauntiness; only a whiner would object. When the trumpets and horns ring out they don't blare and say, in La Paix from the Royal Fireworks Music, when he uses transverse flutes (as suggested in the original manuscript but never before recorded that way), the effect is magical, rather than just mellow. Try the overture of the Royal Fireworks, with brass blasting, drums being banged with wooden-headed sticks, but all at a military tempo that implies forward propulsion rather than combative stodginess. This is both a bargain and a terrific reading. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars best version ever ?.......2007-02-06

I ordered this CD before its release after hearing part of it on the car radio, and was so delighted with it that I told anyone who might listen. So it was a bit of a relief to read reviews such as the one above by Robert Levine. It is great to hear this fine music played with such joy and innovation, they dance through the dance movements, and sometimes add drum and tambourine. If you can hear this Fireworks Music, what a grand joyfull noise they make, without beating on your imaginary timpani and side drum, then there is a chance you might be dead.
This is an excellent recording of excellent music at a super-bargain price, very highly recommended. Look out for other period instrument recordings by Mallon and the Aradia Ensemble.

5 out of 5 stars Sparkling, vibrant and authentic.......2006-06-16

This has got to be one of the finest recordings available of Handel's famous WATER MUSIC and MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS.

Performing on period instruments, the top-notch Aradia Ensemble, under the inspired direction of Irishman Kevin Mallon, delivers a recording that is a much needed breath of fresh air for admirers of this familiar music.

Citing the "lugubriousness" of other recordings, Mallon speeds up the tempi for both the WATER MUSIC and ROYAL FIREWORKS making those scores spring to life like never before. The quicker tempi may not sit well with some so-called purists, but only the most rigid won't be happily tapping their feet while listening. (Much of this is dance music, after all!)

To augement the period authenticity of the