Elgar: Chamber Works

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The music on this disc is as exquisite and beautifully crafted as anything by Ravel or Fauré. Indeed, the Nursery Suite of 1931, Elgar's last completed work and a nostalgic look back at the dreams of youth, might well be described as an English counterpart to Le tombeau de Couperin or the incidental music for Pelleas et Melisande. The best-known work on the disc, the Serenade for Strings, dates from 1892, and the program includes pieces from the first and second decades of the 20th century as well: "Dream Children" (1902), another wistful tribute to youthful innocence; "Sospiri" (1914) and the poignant "Elegy" (1909), both for strings; the Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra (1909-10); and the gently passionate nocturne "In Moonlight" (1903-04), originally conceived as the interlude to In the South. Here in a nutshell, then, is almost 40 years of Elgarian reverie, beautifully served up by the English Chamber Orchestra under the sympathetic guidance of Paul Goodwin. Best-known as one of the world's foremost Baroque oboists, Goodwin shows himself to be a gifted interpreter of this music, and one unafraid of expressing its sentimental mix of ardor, rapture, melancholy, and attenuated grief. The recording is first-rate. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Scenes Form Childhood: Foreign Lands And People
Scenes Form Childhood: Dreaming
Scenes Form Childhood: Child Falling Asleep
Dream Of Children: Andante
Dream Of Children: Allegretto Piacevole
Sicilienne
Study No. 5: Moderato
The Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky
Notebooks Of Anna Magdalena Bach: Minuets 4 and 5
The Indian Queen: Adagio
Album Leaves: Lullaby
Album Leaves: Cradlesong
Prelude In C Major - Bach
The Carnival Of Animals: The Swan
Gymnopedie I
Gymnopedie III
Album for the Young: Morning Prayer - Tchaikovsky
Album for the Young: My Dear Little Mother - Tchaikovsky
Album for the Young: Sweet Reveries - Tchaikovsky
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Nocturne No. 7 - Mendelssohn
Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major: Larghetto
Melody
Lullaby

Amazon.com

I think this music is intended for adults, though the photo on the cover is of a sleeping baby. In any event, Schumann's work, Scenes From Childhood, Op. 15, featured here is more likely to bolt you out of bed than put you to sleep, as the mike is far too close to the piano being played by Cyprien Katsaris. Purcell's Adagio from The Indian Queen is magnificent, performed by John Elliott Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists. The Weird Award goes to triple harpist Tim Hobrough and lutenist Stephen Barber for their bizarre, spiky rendition of Minuets Nos. 4 and 5 from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach. I would like to meet Bill Holland, producer of all these Atlantic Records classical compilations. He's programmed Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 on three different CDs, billed alternately as sensuous, romantic, and now here: good for a long snooze. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

What is all the hype about?.......2007-07-09

I purchased this CD on the basis of the reviews written on Amazon. I have to say I am terribly disappointed. My son hates the CD, I listened to it and I am not all that impressed either. It is ok but nothing like described by other users.

great cd.......2007-06-26

We play this cd every night at bedtime. It not only helps my baby stay asleep, but helps me fall asleep. The only issue I have is that one of the tracks near the end of the cd is a little louder than the tracks before it, so I just make sure I keep it on very quiet and it's wonderful.

My girls listen to this every night.......2006-11-10

My girls (ages 3 & 5) have a hard time winding down at night. We have a regular bedtime routine (bath, snack, teeth brushing, books, hugs), but they still take forever to settle down and sleep. Adding this CD to the bedtime routine has really helped.

I would give it more than 5 stars...........2005-11-18

I had this CD when my daughter was born 5 years ago, and it gave us such a soothing environment in which to bond during quiet times. We also put it on shortly before we'd put her down to sleep, and by 6 weeks she was sleeping through the night in her own crib. I think it was her sanctuary, and the music helped her feel comforted. We've since then completely worn out the CD (she listened to it through her 3rd year), and will have to buy a new one for our next little addition (coming soon!). I found it on this site and just listened to the samples from each track. Aahhh... very soothing for Mommy, too!
I also plan to get it as a baby gift for a friend. :)

Great CD: soothing music by best performers. Worth every penny........2005-08-05

I listened to this CD countless times ever since I first bought it from BMG music service back in 1997. Compositions of this CD are popular classical hits. That is, you will likely recognize at least some of them if you listen to the sampler.

What sets this CD apart is supreme music performance. Every composition is performed flawlessly, with real feeling and passion. There is a good reason why this CD that was released in 1997 is still around and costs over ten dollars. This reason is called quality.

Average customer rating:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!
Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear
A little something for everybody

The Ultimate Guitar Collection

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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
Similar Items:

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
The Guitarist
El Diablo Suelto - Guitar Music of Venezuela
Spanish Guitar Music
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B0007TFH52
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

Suite Espanola, Op.47: Asturias (Leyenda)
Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Prelude
Triangular Situations
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Romance
Dance From La Vida Breve
Sonata In E Major, K 380
Como Llora Una Estrella (Valse-Cancion)
The Mission
El Colibri
Gymnopedie No.3
Courante
La Catedral
El Condor Pasa
Salut D'Amour
Malinke Guitars
Concerto For Lute (Guitar), Two Violins (Strings) And Basso Continuo In D Major, R.93: I. Allegro Giusto
The Entertainer

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
Gnossienne No.1
Cueca
Schindler's List
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
Pavane
Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
Sunburst
The Godfather
Scherzino Mexicano
Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
Saltarello
12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!.......2006-04-21

The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear.......2006-01-26

The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album. It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done. Not robotic like some freaks out there. This is true beautiful music. Runs together like a long summer drive in the country. It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.

A little something for everybody.......2005-06-15

First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Average customer rating:

Nice Mood Setting Music
This CD stays in my car player
Beautiful interpretations
great music! not so great sound variations!
A great, great collection!

Romantic Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Movie Adagios
Evening Adagios
Romantic Adagios 2
Violin Adagios
Cello Adagios

ASIN: B00004C8TG
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

Adagio For Strings: Barber: Adagio for Strings
Meditation (Thais): Massenet: Meditation (Thais)
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18
Gymnopedies 1 and 3: Satie: Gymnopedies 1 and 3
Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K622: Mozart : Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K622
Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (Spartacus): Khachaturian: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia
Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight': Beethoven : Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight'
Kol Nidrei: Bruch: Kol Nidrei
Nimrod (Enigma variations): Elgar: Nimrod (Enigma variations)
Symphony No. 5 In C Sharp Minor: Mahler: Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467: Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467
Andante cantabile (String quartet No. 1): Tchaikovski: Andante cantabile (String quartet No. 1)
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor: Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor
Symphony No. 9 in E minor ' From the New World': Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor ' From the New World'
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini: Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana): Mascagni: Intermezzo (Cavalleria rusticana)
Clair de Lune: Debussy: Clair de lune
Concierto de Aranjuez: Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio
The Carnival Of The Animals: Saint-Saens: The Swan
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Major, Op. 102: Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, op. 102 - Andante
Pavane, op 50: Faure: Pavane, op 50

Customer Reviews:

Nice Mood Setting Music.......2007-05-25

This is a very nice cd to listen to and sip red wine in one's back yard while reading a good book. Well worth to add to your collection.

This CD stays in my car player.......2005-07-25

This CD is one that I think even non-classical music lovers would like. It isn't too "classical" and some of the songs are the kind that keep going though your head until you can't help but play the disc again. It is a two disc set and priced no higher than most singles.

Beautiful interpretations.......2004-01-25

I agree with a previous reviewer on the minor problem
of variations in volume. Beyond that, I find every
piece beautiful. This interpretation of Barber's
Adagio is the most passionate I have ever heard. I also
find the Faure selection very touching. I love the
vocals. I recommend this set to anyone, if for no
other reason than the Barber piece.

great music! not so great sound variations!.......2003-07-07

The selections and the arrangements are truly excellent. There are some hard to find (on the same CD) pieces and adagios--Spartacus ; Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez; Mascagni's Intermezzo from Cavelleria...
But, better turn up the sound and then get away from the speakers. Parts of the selections are played so very softly that, when you turn up the volume to hear them, you will get blasted by those sections that have cresendos, or just plain louder sections. Too bad!
Very hard to enjoy in a car--or, even at home. if this problem did not exist, this is a 5 star plus!

A great, great collection!.......2001-10-01

I was stunned to see only two and a half stars for romantic adagios. I don't know how much you get to know by listening to only one "song" out of so many in this collection, but in my opinion this CD collection deserves a lot of credit. I had heard of Samuel Barber's Adagio for strings many times before and I was impressed but this was the first time that I was completely mesmerized. I highly recommend to any Barber fans to listen to this interpretation by David Zinman which is incredible. There seems to be so much passion and emotion! Also others such as Adagio of Spartacus and Clarinet Concerto just make the collection even better.

Julian Olevsky, Vol. 4: Violin Favorites by Kreisler & Others

Average customer rating:

Julian Olevsky, Vol. 4: Violin Favorites by Kreisler & Others

Manufacturer: Doremi Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Tangos | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000A2UBZW
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Romance Op.4
Adagio In E Major K.261
Perpetuum Mobile
Tango
Liebesleid
Liebesfreud
Malaguena Op.71 No.6
Piece En Forme De Habanera
Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven
Hora Staccato
La Capricieuse Op.17
Caprice Viennois Op.2
Tambourin Chinois Op.3
Schon Rosmarin
The Old Refrain
La Precieuse (In The Style Of Couperin)
Romance Op.4
Liebesleid
Liebesfreud
Praeludium E Allegro (In The Style Of Pugnani)
Sicilienne Et Riguadon (In The Style Of Francoeur)
Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven

Average customer rating:

Great music, what is it?
Beautiful Disc
A Bargain!
Wonderful!!!

Dance of the Blessed Spirits

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Music for Solo Harp
Romantic Music for Flute and Harp
The Magic Of The Harp
Great Works For Harp
The Harmonious Harp

ASIN: B000009OM9
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

Dance Of The Blessed Spirits From Orfeo ed Euridice
Sicilienne, Op. 78
Berceuse, Op. 16
Sicilienne
Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2
Arabesque No. 1
Gymnopedie No. 1
Gymnopedie No. 2
Gymnopedie No. 3
Ave Maria
Siciliano From Sonata No. 2 In F Flat Major, BWV 1031
Carmen: Intermezzo
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Salut d`Amour, Op. 12
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Morning
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: Solveig's Song
Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune
String Quartet, Op. 11 No. 5 (G275): Minuetteo
Tambourin

Customer Reviews:

Great music, what is it?.......2004-12-03

I love the music on this cd. The back cover lists the music and track but lists them in a different order than they are played. If the literature were printed correctly then this would be a five star product.

Beautiful Disc.......2002-04-10

This is a wonderful disc with beautiful arrangements for harp and flute of many popular classics. Many of these works were originally composed for full orchestra but these arrangements work. The arrangements seem to work especially well for the works of the French composers (Satie, Faure, Ravel, Debussy). Whether you want a nice disc as background music (for dinner, work, relaxing) or really want to focus and listen this CD will provide a pleasurable listening experience.

The two instruments compliment each other and the performances from both Nore Shulman, flute, and Judy Loman, Harp, are sensitive and flawless. In addition the sound is wonderful. Flute recordings can sometimes sound harsh or piercing but the tone here is perfeect.

One comment: The track listing provided above is as it reads on the CD tray insert, however the CD actually starts with Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" and Gluck's work pops in at track 12. Other than that all other tracks run in the order - if not track number - listed.

A Bargain!.......2000-02-05

Very well done, and what a bargain at this price! Would recommend this to anyone who likes soft, easy listening music.

Wonderful!!!.......1998-10-30

I simply loved this CD. It's the most wonderful thing I have ever heard; it's simply awesome. They got the Gounod's "Ave Maria" and played it using harp and flute, and it brought me close to tears. I believe beautiful music brings you close to heaven, and I sure feel surrounded by angels whenever I listen to this CD.

Average customer rating:

Works for String Quartet and Orchestra

Manufacturer: Arabesque Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Borodin: String Quartets
In the Shadow of World War I
Piano Quintet in F Min / Complete String Quartets (1, 2, 3)

ASIN: B00000IX9V
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

Concerto Grosso, Op.6, No.7: Largo-Allegro
Concerto Grosso, Op.6, No.7: Largo e piano
Concerto Grosso, Op.6, No.7: Andante
Concerto Grosso, Op.6, No.7: Hornpipe
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra (After The Concerto Grosse, Op.6, No.7 By G.F. Handel): Largo
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra (After The Concerto Grosse, Op.6, No.7 By G.F. Handel): Allegro
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra (After The Concerto Grosse, Op.6, No.7 By G.F. Handel): Largo
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra (After The Concerto Grosse, Op.6, No.7 By G.F. Handel): Allegretto grazioso
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra (After The Concerto Grosse, Op.6, No.7 By G.F. Handel): Hornpipe - Moderato
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra In A Minor, Op. 131: Allegro Moderato
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra In A Minor, Op. 131: Adagio
Concerto For String Quartet And Orchestra In A Minor, Op. 131: Rondo - Allegretto
Introduction And Allegro for String Quartet And Orchestra, Op.47: Moderato

The Parlour Grand: Piano Favorites from a Bygone Era

Average customer rating:

The Parlour Grand: Piano Favorites from a Bygone Era

Manufacturer: Marquis Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Fur Elise
Spinning Song
Traumerei
Rustle Of Spring
Reverie
Si Oiseau J' 'Etais
Romance In E-Flat
Liebestraum
Salut D'Amour
Arabesque
Menuet A L'Antique
Melodie
To A Wild Rose
Romance Sans Paroles
Prelude
Humoresque
The Dying Poet
Le Secret

Tracks:

Serenade
Spring Song
Tango
Rosemary
Le Coucou
The Musical Snuffbox
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
The March Of The Little Lead Soldiers
Au Matin
Scarf Dance
Invitation To The Dance
Alt-Wien
Simple Aveu
Country Gardens
The Prayer Granted
Narcissus
Le Papillon
Valse In C Sharp Minor

Album Description

This two-CD set, performed by renowned pianist Robert Silverman, includes all the great music from The Parlour Grand Volume 1 and The Parlour Grand Volume 2.