Classical Guitar Christmas

Track Listings

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

3. Joy to the World

4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

5. Villancio de Navidad (Christmas Carol)

6. El Sueno de la Munequite (The Sleep of the Little Doll)

7. Jingle Bells

8. Silent Night

9. Winter's Chill

10. Christmas Youth

11. We Three Kings

12. Away in a Manger

13. Prelude, Cello Suite No. 1- J.S. Bach

14. Sarabande, Cello Suite No. 1- J.S. Bach

15. Angels We Have Heard on High/O Come, All Ye Faithful

16. The First Noel

17. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

18. Silent Night (with coloratura soprano Janet Chvatal)

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
It's a little known fact that Silent Night was actually written for the guitar. On Christmas Eve, 1818, the organ in the little Bavarian town of Oberndorf broke down, putting the church's plans for Midnight Mass in jeopardy. Undaunted, the organist, Felix Gruber, and the parish priest, Joseph Mohr, put their talents together and wrote what has become one of the best-loved pieces of holiday music ever composed, Stille Nacht - Silent Night. They wrote for what they had available, voices and guitar. The result was, and is, magic. On this charming CD by guitarist Scott Kritzer we get to hear two versions of Silent Night, one for solo guitar, and one with guitar plus the lovely voice of Scott's duo partner, soprano Janet Chvatal, making a welcome guest appearance. What do we love most about Christmas? Is it the gifts? The lights? The church services? Maybe in essence it's the feeling. The quiet, centered, thankful, and hopeful feeling we get when we grant ourselves the time to get in touch with our inner selves and our loved-ones. Peace on Earth. Peace in our hearts, our homes, our communities. The classical guitar is an ideal instrument to evoke those feelings. It's quiet, it's gentle, it's intimate. It practically resonates peace, especially in the hands of an artist who can really play it. If you're looking for the perfect holiday recording to create a mood of timeless serenity, you've found it. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Robert McBride

Classical Guitar Christmas, Music, Scott Kritzer, Janet Chvatal, "Maestro Scott Kritzer steps off the edge of the ordinary, displaying brilliance to a full house" David Stabler - The Oregonian

Heigh-Ho! Mozart
Average customer rating:

Delightful Disney Music

Uncle Walt would be quite honored!

Fabulous CD

sleeping to Disney

this is a treasure

Heigh-Ho! Mozart

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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ASIN: B000000709
Release Date: 1995-06-16

Tracks:

Colors of the Wind in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
Heigh-Ho! In the Style Of - Shanghai Quartet
Beauty and the Beast in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
Second Star to the Right in the Style Of - Voices of Ascension
Under the Sea in the Style Of - Millar Brass Ensemble
I Wanna Be Like You in the Style Of - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? - English Chamber Orchestra
With a Smile and a Song in the Style Of - Carol Rosenberger
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? [In the Style Of] [In the Style Of... - English Chamber Orchestra
Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra
Main Street Electrical Parade [in the Style Of Mozart] [In the Style of - Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Feed the Birds [In the Style Of...] - Shanghai Quartet
Little April Shower in the Style Of - Anthony Newman
Winnie the Pooh in the Style Of - Shanghai Quartet
Prince Ali in the Style Of - Millar Brass Ensemble
When You Wish upon a Star in the Style Of - English Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Disney Music.......2007-03-28

These Disney tunes done in the style of classic composers are so much fun. Children and adults alike will enjoy these songs over and over.

Uncle Walt would be quite honored!.......2006-12-20

For many a baby boomer, Walt Disney meant animation. But, besides that, music played an important part in the telling of the story. So interested in music was the animator that he fashioned one of his greatest triumphs ("Fantasia") on the works of the great masters.

Well, Donald Frasier and a bevy of musicians have compiled a wonderful collection of interpretations of familiar Disney tunes, many from Walt's time, along with a few latter day compositions.

Every selection is a winner, destined to make the listener reflect and recall the films from which they came. And if one is familiar with composer whose musical style is "copied" here, the album is a treasure.

Fabulous CD.......2006-10-04

Being a classical music connoisseur, I often listen to my local public classical radio station to hear the works of the great composers of old and of today. One day the station played "Colors of the Wind" and announced it was from this CD. I fell in love with it. I am a huge Disney fan who has over 350 Disney songs on my iPod. Pretty much the only music I listen to is either classical or Disney. And having them combined makes this CD euphoria for the ears.

Each song is in the style of a different classical composer, and usually in the style of one of their more specific songs. One with a trained ear will hear chords and melodies in almost perfect similitude of the original.

I can listen to this CD over and over and never get bored. How could you be bored when you're hearing all of your favorite old Disney songs in a new exciting way?

sleeping to Disney.......2006-07-30

I am really pleased that there is a classical music cd that has only Disney classics so that I can play them for my infant daughter while she sleeps. We are big Disney fans and it's fun to play these instead of the regular classical music. They sound just like the original songs. I would have given 5 stars but I wish they would have had all instrumental music, one of the songs has a choir singing, but it still sound good.

this is a treasure.......2003-05-11

Disney music is always uplifting. Classical music is beautiful. Combine the two - and you get THIS! "Colors of the Wind" is glorious, followed by the enchanting title track. "Beauty and the Beast" is true to the romance of the original. "The Second Star to the Right" is magical. Everything is awesome - and flawless. I initially bought this because I love The Main Street Electrical Parade music, and that is definiely a highlight here - but so are ALL the other songs! This is GOOD STUFF! It is so excellent that it can be a very beneficial introduction to classical music - for kids AND adults.

Angelic Voices: The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir

Average customer rating:

It is a great CD
Found it to lack real depth
John P. Cutler

Angelic Voices: The Best of the Vienna Boys' Choir

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bach: Voices Of Angels

ASIN: B00000HY8N
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
Ave verum corpus - K. 618
Hear My Prayer: O, For The Wings Of A Dove
Messiah: Hallelujah
Requiem: Pie Jesu
Exsultate, jubilate - K. 165 (Excerpt)
Silent Night, Holy Night
Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim
Rinaldo: Lascia ch'io pianga
Zadok The Priest
Fruhlingsstimmen - Op. 410
The Keeper Would A-Hunting Go
Scarborough Fair
Loch Lomond
Shenandoah
Now Is The Hour
The Girl From Ipanema
El condor pasa
La Guantanamera
Cielito lindo
Heidenroslein
Kuckuck, Kuckuck, ruft's aus dem Wald

Customer Reviews:

It is a great CD.......2001-03-22

I get this item and I can say is great, if you really want to get an idea about the vienna boys choir's work, you have to get this, you can admire the soloist voice, Emanuel Cencic, he has an outstanding voice, principally the track "let the bright querubin" but in general is a great compilation, you can stop listening.

Found it to lack real depth.......2000-01-12

The songs are nice and the music pleasant to listen to, but the titles are fairly short and there is something missing. I just didn't find it to be very moving, perhaps it's just the recording.

John P. Cutler.......1999-12-29

This CD covers a wide range of music.The Vienna Boys Choir have done another great job. I believe this CD is a great choice, one that You will be happy with.

Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

Average customer rating:

Awesome guitar work
Have been loving this for over ten years!!
sonic rapture...
Not just a tribute
Wonderful, relaxing music

Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening plays Bach
Artistry of Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi Guitar Concertos & Warlock Capriol Suite
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

ASIN: B000002RQ8
Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

Castles Of Spain: Rumor de copla
Castles Of Spain: Siguenza
Castles Of Spain: Manzanares del real
Castles Of Spain: Romance de los pinos
Castles Of Spain: Turegano
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Tonadilla
Suite espanola: Espanoletas
Suite espanola: Rujero y paradetas
Suite espanola: La Minona de Cataluna
Suite espanola: Folias
Suite espanola: Passacalle de la cavalleria de Napoles
Suite espanola: Canarios
Villanesca
Torre bermeja
Estudio sin luz
Remembranza
Suite In D Minor: Preludio
Suite In D Minor: Allegro
Suite In D Minor: Zarabanda
Suite In D Minor: Gabota
Suite In D Minor: Despacio
Suite In D Minor: Giga
Suite catalan: La Filadora
Suite catalan: La Filla del marxant
Suite catalan: La Nit de nadal
Suite catalan: El Noi de la mare

Customer Reviews:

Awesome guitar work.......2007-01-12

Parkening sets the standard for others to compare to. Enjoyable tribute to Segovia. The type of guitar mastery that one can relax to after a hard days work. Enough said.

Have been loving this for over ten years!!.......2003-09-26

I bought this cassette over ten years ago (1992) when I started taking classical guitar lessons. Would listen to it on the way home from work, then had a baby nine years ago and have used it for lullaby music (works like a charm) for afternoon naps and nighttime. Still listen to it in the car when the kids fight and they mellow out instantly.

Finally buying it on CD because I think I wore a spot out on the cassette! I have listened to this masterpiece at least a thousand times and have never, ever tired of this most excellent work of art.

If you are a classical guitar fan, you will absolutely adore every single note played on this album/CD. I promise!! :)

sonic rapture..........2003-06-03

If anyone knows of a better sonically intoxicating cd than this please let me know. Possibly only Julian Bream's unreal 1982 Granados and Albeniz cd would top this one for me. Anyway just thought I would pass this thought along to anyone who may visit here. The tone is absolutely magical on this cd. This is the cd to listen to at night to chill out and get mellow while being enchanted to the max. Peace. I must go on... the tone, the tone. My god the tone.

Not just a tribute.......2001-07-31

Parkening shows how much he learned from Segovia. I have many of these pieces played by the Master. Parkening plays with a similar timbre, simlar dynamics and with a musicality just as deep as Segovia's. IF you like classical guitar you should own this one.

Wonderful, relaxing music.......2001-01-27

This cd will spend much time on my player. It is so lively, yet comforting music to listen to.

Parkening provides wonderful tribute to Segovia with Spanish compositions especially loved by the master, even some of them performed on one his Segovia's guitars.

Tracks:

Water Music Suite No. 2: Alla Hornpipe
Violin Concerto In E Major, RV269 'Spring': I. Allegro
Adagio
Orchestral Suite In B Minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie
Concerto For Guitar, 2 Violins & Basso Continuo In D Major, RV 93: II. Largo
First Symphonic Suite: Rondeau
Orchestral Suite In D Major, BWV 1068: Air (Excerpt)
Mandolin Concerto In C Major, RV 425: I. Allegro
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria
Te Deum In D Major: Introduction
The Anna Magdelana Notebook: Minuet
Canon For 3 Trumpets And Strings
Xerxes: Largo ('Ombra mai fu')
Abdelazer: Rondeau
Le Tambourin
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: II. Adagio
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canata No. 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Piano Concerto In F Minor, BWV 1056: II. Largo
Lute Suite In E Major, BWV 1006a: I. Prelude
Prince Of Denmark's March
Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8 'Christmas Concerto': II. Largo. Pastoral ad libitum
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Baroque Collection.......2004-02-22

This compilation album features some well-known Baroque Era musical works and serves as a perfect introduction to classical music. The great Baroque composers are showcased here - Bach, considered the greatest of them all, Handel, Vivaldi, Corelli and others. The Baroque period (from 1600 to 1750) was a time of great development and change in music. Before the Baroque Era, music was single-melody and primitive, in much the same way it had been since the Old World of the Greeks and Romans. Plaintive chorus was the only new invention of the medieval days- the Gregorian monk chant and Hildegard Bingen's nuns' chant. But during the Baroque Era, instruments were created and with them a new sound. Flutes, oboes, clarinets, drums, violins, violas and most significantly the trumpet, was played in a new medium called the orchestra. This music was played before royalty, kings of England, Germany and France, and often elitist aristocratic crowds. The same applied to Baroque Opera, which re-told Greek legends and classical heroes through music and the human singing voice of opera. Finally, music broke out from the old and into the new.

Johann Sebastian Bach is regarded as the best of the Baroque composers. He wrote prolifically for orchestra, for harpsichord (the earliest piano or keyboard instrument), as well as the organ. Among Bach's popular pieces are the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (which is the theme for "Dracula" and was made into an orchestra version by conductor Leopold Stokowski as seen in the Disney film Fantasia of 1940), his Brandenburg Concertos- a total of six concertos that showcase the tone color of several instruments of the orchestra and are considered the height of the Baroque musical style. The Brandenburg Concerti that are most famous are th 3rd and 5th. Bach's Golberg Variations for keyboard are also very virtuosic as well as his Organ Preludes. Bach's Orchestral Suites are the skeletons of the first symphonies, even if it it's not exactly a symphony form, and Bach's cantatas and Mass In B have long been hailed as the best works of chorus.

George Frederic Handel, a German-born composer, adapted the Italian musical technique, especially the new invention of opera, but performed publically in England, even writing the famous "Messiah" oratorio in English. Handel's skills were most keen in the orchestra. His "Concerti Grossi" which total a number of 12, are virtuoso and expressive of instrumental color. The Water Music and the Royal Fireworks music are also very famous and written in a grandiose style that was quintessentially Baroque. Vivaldi, a former priest, became a composer who specialized in small-scale chamber music. He created the "tone poem" long before it was even called that in the 19th century. His "Four Seasons" are his most acclaimed. The music expresses the four seasons of fall, winter, spring and summer. The violins, the woodwinds, the trumpets, each deliver a picture of pastoral scenes. Vivaldi also wrote numerous other concerti, including some for mandolin, an early guitar.

This collection is a must have for music lovers.

Outstanding sampler.......2001-02-25

It is impossible of course to capture Baroque music on a single CD, but if you want just one it doesn't get any better than this. Outstanding and generous selection of many of the best known excerpts of the period, excellent performances throughout, and superior sound quality. Even the casual listener will recognize many of these great works, such as the theme from Masterpiece Theater, Pachelbel's Canon, Handel's Water Music, and so on.

L.A. Guitar Quartet: Dances from Renaissance to Nutcracker

Average customer rating:

A great CD for your collection
wonderful music
From Renaissance to Nutcracker is brilliant.

L.A. Guitar Quartet: Dances from Renaissance to Nutcracker
William Byrd , John Dowland , Giovanni Gabrieli , Thomas Morley , Michael Praetorius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Peter Warlock , Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) , Andrew York , John Dearman , Scott Tennant , William Kanengiser , and LA Guitar Quartet
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

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For Thy Pleasure
Best of L.A.G.Q.
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LAGQ: Latin

ASIN: B0000006YH
Release Date: 1993-10-27

Tracks:

Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Nutcracker Suite Op.71a: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Bransle, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Volte I, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Bouree 1 & 2, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Courante 1, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Courante, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Ballet, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Dance Suite: Gavottes 1, 2, 3 & 6, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quarte
Dance Suite: Volte II, Arr in Dance Suite for Guitar Quartet
Capriol Suite for String Orchestra: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Capriol Suite for String Orchestra: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Capriol Suite for String Orchestra: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Capriol Suite for String Orchestra: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Capriol Suite for String Orchestra: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Capriol Suite for String Orchestra: Arr for Guitar Quartet
My Lord of Oxenfordes Maske: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Galliard "Can She Excuse": Arr for Guitar Quartet
Response Pavin: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Joyne Hands: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Canzon Per Sonar Primi Toni: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Sonata XIII: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Canzon XI: Arr for Guitar Quartet
Canzon VI: Arr for Guitar Quartet

Customer Reviews:

A great CD for your collection.......2002-09-15

If you are a music teacher this CD is a must. If you aren't, it STILL is a must. This CD is full of light but amazing classical guitar. I can hardly wait to pop it in at Christmas. Even if you aren't a huge fan of classical guitar I bet this will amaze you so much you'll want to keep listening. LAGQ flawlessly performs countless dances you'll wonder how they do it. The music classroom can use the Renaissance music for medieval topics and dances. A great CD to have for some high quality back ground music - relaxing music.

wonderful music.......2002-03-04

It just doesn't get better than this. If you want to hear Tchaikovsky played by super classical guitarists, this is the CD for you. Its the BEST!

From Renaissance to Nutcracker is brilliant........1999-11-28

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's Nutcracker Suite is a triumph for guitar arrangement. This selection is an excellent choice for one's holiday listening enjoyment. In the Renaissance dance suites included here, the L.A.G.Q. masterfully utilize a number of the percussive timbres available on the body of the classical guitar to complete the instrumentation and invoke the spirit of the pieces. Though the recording is not as loud as most of the other L.A.G.Q. recordings, the quality of the performances more than makes up for it.

Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers

Average customer rating:

beauty sleep
Baroque Music: A Prelude To Sleep
Baroque to Comfort and Sleep By
Guys! Don't be put-off by the cover art!
Mellow, but not sleepy

Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away
Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading
Bach for Breakfast

ASIN: B00000DBVH
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Ancient Airs And Dances For Lute, Suite III: Italiana
The Four Seasons: Winter (Largo)
Oboe d'amore Concerto In A: Affettuoso
Sonata No. 2 In E-flat For Flute & Harp, BWV 1031: Siciliano
Concerto In D, RV 93 For Four Guitars: Largo
Ancient Airs And Dances For Lute, Suite III: Siciliana
Giazotto: Adagio
L'estro armonico - Op. 3, Concerto No. 5 in A, RV 519: Largo
Suite In A minor For Recorder, Strings & Continuo: Air a l'Italien
Concerto In D: Andante
Sonata In E
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In B Minor, Op. 6: Larghetto e piano
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Flute Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 10 ('La notte'), RV 439: Largo
Oboe Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat: Andante
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In G Minor, Op. 6 ('Christmas'): Pastorale: Largo
Flute Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, RV 439, Op. 10 ('La notte'): Il sonno, Largo
L'estro armonico, Op. 3 - Concerto No. 11 In D Minor, RV 565: Largo e spiccato
Concerto In E ('L'amoroso', RV 271): Allegro
Nulla in mundo pax, RV 630

Customer Reviews:

beauty sleep.......2007-05-30

This music is perfect for bed time.
Beautiful classic music that lulls you to sleep.

Baroque Music: A Prelude To Sleep.......2004-05-30

This album is from the popular series "Set Your Life To Music"
series. The theme for this one is "Baroque For Beauty Sleep" which seems to be a companion to "Baroque For Bathtime". Baroque music, especially the slower movements in many concertos, are exquisite nocturnal pieces that ease the transition from being awake to falling asleep. The beautiful, elegant, slow, graceful music of many of these pieces will definately relax you and even help you fall asleep. It's therapeutic. There are so many reasons one can buy this album. It can help you relax and soothe you, as already mentioned, and it can be played in the background of a message therapy session. It can serve as music for a romantic evening or dinner. And lastly, it hits the spot after a long day and you're ready to visit the world of dreams.

Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances, scored for lute and other Baroque period instruments, is the newest piece on the album. Respighi, a modern composer, was delving into neoclassic music and deliberately evoking the Baroque Era. It works wonderfully.
Naturally, no Baroque album is complete without Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Here is the Largo from "Winter" only it is played on panpipes by the New Age artist Zamfir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful. There is a sonata for flute and harp by Bach, the biggest name in the period and Vivaldi's "L'Estro Armonico" as well as Telemann's Suite in A for Recorder. One particular piece I enjoy and think you will too is the melodic and elegant Concerto Grosso No. 12 by Handel, the slow movement Larghetto E Piano. It is sheer tonal beauty. There is more concertos by Vivaldi, whose use of the flute is always very reflective and dreamy and even a solo aria from a motet of his, the soprano Elly Ameling sings "Nulla In Mundo Pax", a lyrical-coloratura showcase which crowns and concludes this gorgeous album.

Baroque to Comfort and Sleep By.......2004-02-16

Baroque is such a wide and wonderful musical discovery for us modern types. It is soothing and quieting to the soul, and in this case for the body as well.

Whether used as lullaby inducing or just listening pleasure and relaxation, this is nice collection. Including wide array of instruments: strings, flute, panpipes, oboe, flute, harp, guitar, recorder, piano, and voice --- this is truly enjoyable.

There is wide array of baroque composers as well --- Rephighi, Vivaldi, Bach, Albinoini, Telemann, and more.

Great price, great variety, great addition to your CD collection.

Guys! Don't be put-off by the cover art!.......2002-03-20

I commend the compilers for creating such a wonderful CD. The music is quite mellow, especially the pieces that are preformed by Zamfir, the famous panpipist. That whimsical woodwind gives a rustic, almost mythical feel the piece of music. You almost feel like you are in Arcadia awaiting a lecture by Chiron!

There is a good cross sampling of various Baroque pieces and Baroque artists. The variety is the spice that makes this CD worth buying and listening to over and over again. This CD also works well on shuffle, which remakes it into a brand new album.

There are a lot of oboes and string on this disc, and being a former oboist, I am electrified as I hear that instruments mellow honk!

Guys! Don't be put off by the cover-this is a good disc. Good for the mind, heart, and soul!

Mellow, but not sleepy.......2002-02-02

I don't know how to sum this one up. It is mellow, but you can't meditate to it. It's more upbeat than I would normally prefer to sleep to, but it works all the same. The music is performed so beautifully that I almost want to stay up and listen.

Tracks:

Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 - Spring: Allegro
Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 - Spring: Largo e pianissimo
Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 - Spring: Allegro - Danza pastorale
Gymnopedie No. 1
Op. 55 No. 4: Solveig's Song
Op. 46 No. 3: Anitra's Dance
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Larghetto
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Andante
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Adagio
Sonata In G Minor, Op. No. 2, HWV 360: Presto
Moonchild's Dream (Conlusion)
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Triste
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Andante
Sonata No. 3 In F Minor: Vivace
Conerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 - 4th Movement: Vivace - Allegro - Pastorale ad libitum
Melody And Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Op. 43, No. 4: Little Bird
Op. 43 No. 1: Butterfly
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Largo
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Vivace
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Grazioso
Sonata No. 5 In D Minor - For Treble Recorders: Allegro
Concerto For Recorder And Orchestra, Op. 133: Lento
Concerto Op. 10 No. 3 In D: II Gardellino - III. Allegro

Tracks:

Two Norwegian Dances, Op. 35: No. 1
Two Norwegian Dances, Op. 35: No. 2
Air From Suite In D
Concerto In F For Soprano Recorder: Allegro
Concerto In F For Soprano Recorder: Andante
Concerto In F For Soprano Recorder: Allegro assai
Variations
Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031: Allegro moderato
Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031: Siciliano
Sonata In E Flat, BWV 1031: Allegro
Nele's Dances: No. 15
Nele's Dances: No. 16
Nele's Dances: No. 17
Nele's Dances: No. 18
Dance Suite, Op. 29 - V -: Molto Vivace
Sonata In G Minor - Devil's Trill: II. Allegro
Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Largo
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Presto 'Fantasmi'
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Largo
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Presto
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Largo 'Il sonno'
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Allegro
Op. 54, No. 3: March Of The Trolls
Op. 71, No. 1: Once Upon A Time
Souvenir: An Encore For Michala

Customer Reviews:

More than the sum of the parts........2001-02-04

I bought this as wallpaper music - and got a very pleasant surprise!

Several of the pieces stopped me in my tracks, made me sit down and forced me to listen.

Michala Petri demonstrates a masterly control of her instrument and a high level of musicianship in a wide ranging selection of material - from reconstituted Bach to specially composed 20th Century pieces.

Outstanding for me was the Sammartini Concerto: Ms Petri shows a lightness of touch combined with serious enthusiasm and an obvious delight that literally stopped me from working and made me listen. The support given by the Moscow Virtuosi also deserves mention.

Koppel's pieces are fun, as are the arrangements from Grieg and Satie.

Overall, although this could be taken as a glorified sampler... it is much more - there are complete works played intelligently and lighter, throw away pieces you'll want to chase after and listen to again.

A Great First CD.......2000-06-22

After falling in love with the recorder, I started searching for CDs and this was the first I bought. It quickly became a favorite CD. I like the fact that it ranges over a wide period--Baroque to Modern, and showcases the instrument in different settings. The liner notes are quite comprehensive as well. In a word--enchanting.

The sublime collection.......2000-06-18

I must confess up front to being a Michala Petri fanatic. I also play the recorder, although after listening to this album, I feel like throwing my instruments into the nearest dumpster.

Michala Petri is a national hero in Denmark, and a recognized name among classical music fans in Europe, Asia, and Canada. If you listen to this album, you will ask yourself how the music business in the USA can frantically promote "The Three Tenors" while mostly ignoring the genius of this amazing young woman.

This is not your kid's recorder. Ms Petri's complete technical and musical mastery of her instrument transforms the recorder into the equal of other familiar solo instruments, but with its own peculiar sound, penetrating but sweet, that sets it apart.

This album is made up mostly of tracks from her many earlier recordings. Some are transcriptions of well-loved piano miniatures (the Grieg numbers are perhaps more charming here than on the piano, if that is possible); of baroque works for flute, recorder, or strings; of modern recorder music written for Ms Petri by contemporary masters. Some are accompanied by small orchestra and others by Ms Petri's husband, the excellent guitarist and lutist Lars Hannibal. The combination of recorder and guitar is an intimate match made in heaven, and I recommend also this duo's complete album, 'Air'.

Ultimate Collection is Gross Understatement.......2000-03-28

This is by far the best "sampler" I have ever heard. The playing is so superb and the recorder so perfect a vehicle that I found myself listing to too often played pieces like Satie's Gymopedie No.1 as if for the first time. Same for the Grieg. It is very hard to believe these renderings aren't the original intention of the composers. This is a guaranteed winner.

Average customer rating:

Great Collection
A remarkable anthology
High-quality, marvelously varied intro to baroque music

Essential Baroque

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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25 Baroque Favorites
The Best of Baroque Music
Baroque Masterpieces
Greatest Hits: Harpsichord
Baroque Guitar

ASIN: B00006L3IL
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection.......2007-01-19

Essential Baroque is a great collection, especially for the price. It has two CDs packd full of the best Baroque music. Like most Baroque collections, it has the best of some of the better known artists like Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi. However, unlike most other collections, it excels in adding some good pieces from lesser known artists from the period.

A remarkable anthology.......2005-09-08

A fine selection of pieces excerpted from the chamber ensemble, solo and opera repertory. Some recordings, though from paramount artists, are elderly; yet, performers are anyway flawless. It may be objected that a few of Vivaldi's masterpieces were disregarded.

High-quality, marvelously varied intro to baroque music.......2003-12-13

I am buying this as the perfect gift for Russian and Chinese scientist friends. They have knowledge of classical music but perhaps not much about baroque music, which achieved special popularity in the U.S. during the 1970's and 1980's. Russians seem to have more familiarity with romantic classical music, while the more recently arrived Asian classical buffs have special affinity to the "Classical" classical period and the great 19th Century romantics. How can a baroque sampler be better than with a span of music ranging from solo harpsichord to full orchestra and chorus, and from the very familiar (Pachelbel Canon and Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah) to a trio sonata by Zelenka and the Dardanus Overture by Rameau. Not only that, but both the period instrument and living tradition baroque styles are represented by noted performers (e.g. Trevor Pinnock and Christopher Hogwood; and Henryk Szeryng, Andras Schiff, Pepe Romero, and Alicia de Larrocha, respectively). The producers were careful enough to state that the "Albinoni Adagio in g minor" was actually composed by Remo Giazotto - though in fact Giazotto did use a fragment of Albinoni. This is definitely not a supermarket special, but a box of choice musical bonbons.

Average customer rating:

one of my favorites

For a Lazy Afternoon (Dig)
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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For a Summer Evening (Dig)
For Your Dreams (Dig)
For A Sunday Morning
For When You're Alone (Dig)
Dinner for Two

ASIN: B000065VBT
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Pachelbel: Canon in D
JS Bach: Concerto For Two Violins & Orchestra in D minor: Largo
Corelli: Concerto Grosso in G minor: Adagio. Allegro. Adagio
JS Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
JS Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 2: Badinerie
Handel: Water Music Suite No. 1: Air
Purcell: The Fairy Queen: Rondeau
Vivaldi: Concerto for Guitar in D: Largo
Marcello: Oboe Concerto in D minor: Adagio
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto: Adagio
Vivaldi: Flute Concerto in D: Cantabile
Mozart: Divertimento No. 2 in D: Menuetto
JS Bach: Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude
Mozart: Sonata for Piano and Violin in C: Andante Sostenuto
Mozart: Divertimento No. 2 in D: Menuetto (2nd)
Handel: The Arrival Of the Queen Of Sheba

Customer Reviews:

one of my favorites.......2002-07-31

A nice mix of classics that are soothing without being boring. I have this in my office and have found myself both happier and more relaxed when I play it. Because there are no real extremes in volume I can put it one low and have it in the background during a meeting or turn it up when I'm by myself.
I recommend it was antidote to stress and crabbiness.

Average customer rating:

A must!
dale warland singers
Very fine collection - well sung
One of the great choral recordings
Well-compiled and sung lesser-known works for the holidays.

December Stillness
The Dale Warland Singers
Manufacturer: American Choral
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers
Cathedral Classics
Harvest Home
Blue Wheat
Christmas Echoes, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000003M4S
Release Date: 1995-09-30

Tracks:

Long, Long Ago
Song Of Cherubim
The Rune Of Hospitality
Corpus Christi Carol
Magnificat
All Night Vigil, Opus 37: Praise The Name Of The Lord
The Oxen
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Four Motets For Christmastime: Quem vidistis pastores dicite
Evensong
Little Tree

Customer Reviews:

A must!.......2005-09-26

One of the most beautiful, well-made choral CDs to be released anywhere in recent memory. A must for any choral enthusiast. Wonderfully fresh, gorgeous, and challenging program. One or two of the tracks, such as Busto's Ave Maria and Part's Magnificat are slightly below the choir's standard of excellence, but it is easy to forgive considering the incredible performances on the rest of the CD. The Penderecki, Houkom, and Paulus in particular are absolutely ravishing; I truly don't think choral singing has ever gotten closer to perfection.

dale warland singers.......2005-07-01

once again the dale warland singers have produced a recording of wonderful singing and terrific (while perhaps slightly obscure) repertoire. this eclectic recording of lesser-known choral works is truly worth purchasing. from the simplistic beauty of "little tree" to the fresh dissonances of "the rune of hospitality", this recording is a treasure. however, i would recommend it to those with an experience ear.

Very fine collection - well sung.......2003-06-12

At times I have not been terribly impressed with albums like this from American choirs, but this one is very good indeed. It's certainly an eclectic collection, including music from around the world. The singing is almost always exceptional, with some outstanding interpretations of the lesser-known works. My favourites would have to be the two settings of 'Ave Maria' by Stravinsky and Javier Busto (a Basque composer, who has developed a wonderful choral-writing style). Also of note are Part's 'Magnificat' and Poulenc's 'Quem Vidistes Pastores'.

I highly recommend this recording - as other reviewers have said, it's worth playing all year round (in New Zealand, the stillness is in July anyway - not December!).

One of the great choral recordings.......2002-04-20

Minneapolis-based conductor Dale Warland directs this superb chorus that specializes in 20th-century music. The collection here is an outstanding demonstration of the group's artistry, with some compositions by well-knowns such as Stravinsky and Arvo Prt, and others that are relatively unknown.

It's hard to choose favorites from such a line-up, but the vocal and artistic highlight for me is Penderecki's "Song of Cherubim" - an absolutely stunning piece sung with the precision that is one of the hallmarks of this group. Alf Houkom's "The Rune of Hospitality" has a gorgeous melody that resonated in my head for days afterward. I also like Trond Kverno's magnificent "Corpus Christi Carol," and Stephen Paulus' quietly moving "Evensong." But every single track is a gem, and throughout the program, this remarkable group demonstrates impeccable technique and ensemble unity.

American Choral Classics has done this project justice with sound of crystal clarity and presence. When coupled with such artistry, the result is one of the finest choral recordings I have ever heard.

Don't be deterred by the "holiday" nature of the collection. The music and the performances are of such a high caliber, you'll want to listen to it year-round.

Well-compiled and sung lesser-known works for the holidays........1999-08-27

This is a very well-conceived collection of mostly lesser-known choral gems for the holidays, combined with a few more famous selections. For years, Warland has championed the cause of otherwise obscure choral works, as well as choral composers whose works deserve a broader audience. The benefit to these composers, their works, and the discerning listener, is the consummate professionalism, musicianship, artistry, and craftsmanship with which Dale Warland, his singers, and even the recording engineers and technicians lend to their album projects.

As a former student of Dr. Alf S. Houkom, composer of "The Rune of Hospitality" (found on this recording), and a choral conductor myself, I rejoiced in the knowledge that this work, and others like it, are finally getting the exposure, as well as the professional treatment, that they so richly deserve. Bravo, Mr. Warland, and thank you for the gift of this album. This is truly in the spirit of the season.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Simply Believe [Import]

Virtuoso Orchestra

True to Yourself

Return to Form [Live]

Graduated Fool

Tony Terry

Ultimate Collection [Import]

The World of Rondo Classico [Import]

What About Me? Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Vivaldi Edition Vol.1 [Box set]

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
3. Joy to the World
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
5. Villancio de Navidad (Christmas Carol)
6. El Sueno de la Munequite (The Sleep of the Little Doll)
7. Jingle Bells
8. Silent Night
9. Winter's Chill
10. Christmas Youth
11. We Three Kings
12. Away in a Manger
13. Prelude, Cello Suite No. 1- J.S. Bach
14. Sarabande, Cello Suite No. 1- J.S. Bach
15. Angels We Have Heard on High/O Come, All Ye Faithful
16. The First Noel
17. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
18. Silent Night (with coloratura soprano Janet Chvatal)