Fauré

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Contained on this one disc are some of the major French compositions of this century. Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin (1917) was written to the memory of friends of Ravel who were killed in World War I. Astonishingly, Ravel gives to the tombeau (an 18th century dance) a quirky 20th-century feel. A true masterpiece. Also here are two of the three Gymnopedies of Erik Satie, orchestrated by Debussy. Fauré is represented by his "Pelleas et Melisande" suite. The miracle here is that they translate well to the chamber orchestra size. The Orpheus group were born playing this music. --Paul Cook

Tracks:

L'Isle Joyeuse
Pavane
Arabesque No. 1
Vocalise
Pastorale
Emmanuel
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
Gymnopedie No. 3
Prelude
Piece en forme de Habanera
Sicilienne
Serenata
The Old Castle

Customer Reviews:

Love the soprano sax.......2007-05-18

If you don't already love the soprano sax, this should do it for you.

Incredibly Musical Peformance.......2006-03-20

In my opinion, this is one of the best Classical CDs ever produced. I listen to it often and I am amazed at what an incredibly MUSICAL performance Branford Marsalis had. If you like saxaphone, I think you will love it. If you don't, I think you will still find it valuable because the technique, the phrasing are quintissential.

Just a small point of rectifition.......2004-12-28

None of the works presented here precede the invention of the saxophone. Please look this up. You will find the saxophone invented around 1840, yes early romantic. And in addition, I believe many of the composers here used the saxophone at least once in their music. This is certainly true of Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel and Villa-Lobos. (Villa-Lobos used the saxophone in at least 40 works!)

What am I missing?.......2003-12-19

I think it is very admirable that Marsalis has attempted to produce a classical CD, however, this is not the sublime, masterpiece that so many previous reviewers have labelled it. His tone is particularly unstable, and not very even, his soprano playing is miles better than his alto however. This is a real shame, as the primary solo instrument in the saxophone family is the alto, anyone beginning study in classical saxophone would need to get this sorted first. His tuning is barely acceptable, but only for a jazzo, he would be shot if he played so out for a real saxophone teacher. Please have a listen to some real repertoire for saxophone, played by a real player, such as Bornkamp, Rousseau, Delangle, Fourmeau, Michat, Londeix, etc. This is a good INTRODUCTION to classical music, if for the first time, but please don't accept this as being the be all and end all of classical music, and of saxophone.

Beautiful!!.......2003-03-17

I hae been a fan of Branford Marsalis for a while, but I had no idea that he had created a classical album. All of the songs are beautifully rendered. This CD is a treasure at any price.

Average customer rating:

CD- "Dinner Classics: THe French Album"
PAR EXCELLANCE!
It will grow on you
French Essentials
CBS Masterworks French Album

Dinner Classics: The French Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000026XN
Release Date: 1990-05-17

Tracks:

Arabesque No. 1
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Le tombeau de Couperin: V - Menuet
Pelleas et Melisande: II - Fileuse
Pavane pour une infante defunte
The Birds: La Colomba
Sylvia Suite: II - Intermezzo: Valse lente
Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Faust Ballet Music: V - Moderato con moto
Damnation Of Faust: Ballet Of The Sylphs
Pelleas et Melisande: III - Sicilienne
Petite Suite: En Bateau
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
Pavane, Op. 50
Gymnopedie No. 1
Gymnopedie No. 3
Reverie

Customer Reviews:

CD- "Dinner Classics: THe French Album".......2006-07-03

I have bought 3 of these items, the first was an audio tape from Avon. The 2 CDs I bought from Amazon were bought because I knew how beautiful the music was. One was a gift and the other is for my classroom. They were in perfect condition,the music is incredibly beautiful and I highly recommend it to everyone!

PAR EXCELLANCE!.......2006-03-14

This is one of the best classical cd's for dinner music, relaxing,reading or even just putzing around the house. Elegant, pure classical and beautiful. Fills your home with a higher ambience if you are so mentally inclined. Everyone who hears it wants a copy. This the third one I have owned as I have worn out and given away one. I first purchased this in the early nineties and it still is timeless in it's symphonic artistry.

It will grow on you.......2005-12-11

I didn't know what I was getting when I first purchased this work. Now, I can't imagine being without it. Debussey's Claire De Lune is the best I've heard. This is the same piece that was used on the movie "The Right Stuff". I believe you will enjoy this compilation.

French Essentials.......2001-12-07

Maybe the best compositions of the impressionist epoca.
It includes the best performances of Debussy pieces I've ever listened.

CBS Masterworks French Album.......2001-12-07

This is a great starter CD to buy if you're just beginning to build your classical music collection. It only covers French composers, and the melodies are superb. When I bought this CD I was looking for the Debussy Arabesques, but arranged for an orchestra instead of just for piano. It turnes out THIS was the CD I was searching for without even knowing the title to it! Reason being, a few tracks from this CD is used as background music for a 15 minute presentation of the daily Holy Rosary on EWTN, the Catholic channel. It's the Rosary prayed by what seems to be a 12 year old girl in the middle of a big grass field who starts out praying alone then is joined by several people. The rich melodies complement this presentation very well. No one else has mentioned the fact that in the liner booklet there are several French recipes presented by Martha Stewart! I haven't tried any yet, but they seem easy enough to attempt and enjoy while playing this marvelous CD. I highly suggest purchasing it as a sample of some of the finest French classical pieces ever composed.

Average customer rating:

Not the best recording
Stunning Goldberg Aria
Great CD
Piano Perfection!
A Classic in Every Sense!

50 Most Loved Piano Classics

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

'Aria' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude No.1 In C Major, BWV 846 - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
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Moment Musicaux No.3 In F Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Venetian Gondola - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

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Waltz Op.64 No.1 In D-Flat Major Minute Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Prelude Op.28 No.15 Raindrop Prelude In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.9 No.1 In B-Flat Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Etude Op.10 No.12 Revolutionary - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Nocturne Op.27 No.2 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
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Prelude Op.28 No.4 In E Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Waltz Op.69 No.1 In A-Flat Major Farewell Waltz - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Kindererszenen (Scenes From Childhood) Op.15 No.7: Traumerei (Dreaming) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Fantasiestucke (Fantasy Pieces) Op.12 No.1: Des Abends (In The Evening) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Widmung (Dedication) - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Consolation No.3 In D-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics
Aria - 50 Most Loved Piano Classics

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Hungarian Dance No.5 In F-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Intermezzo Op.118 No.2 In A Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Waltz Op.39 No.15 In A-Flat Major - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
June - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Berceuse - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Tango - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Granada - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
To A Wild Rose - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Clair DE Lune - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Arabesque No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Gymnopedie No.I - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
The Maiden And The Nightengale - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.3 No.2 In C-Sharp Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
Prelude Op.23 No.5 Ini G Minor - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs
I. Pavane - 50 Most Loved Piano Songs

Customer Reviews:

Not the best recording.......2007-07-15

The songs were played flawlessly, however, it's really quiet. When you turn up the volume, you will hear hissing in the background.

Stunning Goldberg Aria.......2006-02-21

Who is the performer of that amazing recording of the Goldberg Aria??!?! It must be Gould.

Great CD.......2006-01-29

Nice set of songs. I enjoyed it a lot, I see no reason why anyone wouldn't like this CD set.

Piano Perfection!.......2005-10-16

Saw it on TV and thought the music was beautiful, but forgot to write the information down... but managed to buy it online (now I see it frequently at the music stores)and I absolutely love this album -- all my favorite pieces! (I'm not big on writing comments or reviews, but was compelled by the artistry and passion I heard throughout this CD!)

A Classic in Every Sense!.......2005-10-12

I overheard some people at the record store talking about this album - one guy was actually a piano teacher and couldn't stop raving about it. I bought the album on his recommendation and couldn't be happier - it's stunningly beautiful. Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is haunting and Chopin's "Minute Waltz" is spectacular in its precision and speed! This will make a great stocking stuffer at Christmas for my friends (... I'm getting them now cause I've gone to a couple places and they're out of stock). If you're into piano, this is truly a classic!

Essential Piano: The Ultimate Piano Collection

Average customer rating:

Essential Piano: The Ultimate Piano Collection

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00076YNIC
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Aria - Andras Schiff
II. Adagio Sostenuto - Zoltan Kocsis
Grande Valse Brillante In E Flat Major, Op.18 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Traumerei, Op.15 No.7 - Radu Lupu
Consolation No.3 - Jorge Bolet
Gymnopedie No.1 - Pascal Roge
Adagio - Stephen Kovacevich
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julius Katchen
II. Andantino Semplice - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Melody In F Major, Op.3 No.1 - Shura Cherkassky
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
II. Andante - Radu Lupu
Moment Musical No.3 In F Minor - Radu Lupu
Bagatelle In A Minor, WoO 59 (Fur Elise) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Waltz In D Flat Major, Op.64 No.1 'Minute' - Jorge Bolet

Tracks:

Clair De Lune - Pascal Roge
Romance (Excerpt) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
II. Adagio Cantabile - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Golliwogg's Cake Walk - Pascal Roge
Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.90 No.3 - Radu Lupu
Rondo Alla Turca - Andras Schiff
II. Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Fruhlingrauschen (Rustle Of Spring) - Joseph Cooper
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
II. Andante - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Nocturne, Op.33 No.1 - Pascal Roge
II. Andante - Cristina Ortiz
Sevilla - Alicia De Larrocha
Liebestraum No.3 - Jorge Bolet

Average customer rating:

THANK YOU
Soothing...
James Galway's triumphant Deutsche Grammophon return
Some Good Galway Crossover Selections

James Galway: Wings of Song

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002MNELS
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Gymnopedie No.3
Ave Maria
The Dawning Of The Day
En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Based On The 2nd Movement Of 'Concierto De Aranjuez')
Siciliano
Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
Casta Diva
Pie Jesu
Barcarolle
Der Engel
Che Faro Senza Euridice?
Lento
Wiegenlied
A Lord Of The Rings Suite
Annie's Song

Amazon.com

This is James Galway's first CD with a new label, and it presents him at his most lyrical. Every selection is long-melodied and soothingly played, including an interesting transcription of the 2nd movement of Rodrigo's Concerto de Aranjuez. Who would have guessed that a flute could substitute so handsomely for a guitar? Schubert's "Ave Maria" is mellow and sweet, Brahms's "Lullaby" is nicely accented, and he's well-matched with his wife in the "Barcarolle" from The Tales of Hoffmann. Two bonus tracks offer the world premiere of a haunting suite from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, composed by Howard Shore, and a new version of John Denver's "Annie's Song," perhaps Galway's most famous piece. Along the way, there's a mesmerizing transcription of Ravel's "Pavane pour une Infante défunte" (originally for piano), a moving version of "Che faro…" from Gluck's Orfeo ed Eurydice, and more. Fans of Galway's won't want to miss this relaxing, beautifully recorded CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

THANK YOU.......2007-05-25

I purchased this CD as a gift. It was so convenient to order it on-line and have it sent directly to my sister.

Thank you!

Anne

Soothing..........2007-05-06

I suppose that James Galway is about the most reknowned flautist of our time. I would file this CD under the category of "light" classics. As such, it is a masterpiece. Not only does every track feature a beautiful melody, but as a whole the recording creates a mood of peace and calm. It is utterly soothing and relaxing. Of special interest for all of you "Lord of the Rings" is a suite based on thems from the movie trilogy. It has an appealing Celtic feel.

This CD takes you from the busy world and puts you out in "space".

James Galway's triumphant Deutsche Grammophon return.......2005-02-27

Fans of James Galway may not realize that he recorded on Deutsche Grammophon in the past, as a key member of the Berlin Philharmonic during the early 1970s; this CD is a splendid "return" to this recording label. It is a brilliant mixture of classical and popular music, representing Galway's uncanny ability of playing superb "Mood Music", aided by ample orchestral support from the London Symphony Orchestra. Among the bonus tracks are a new version of John Denver's "Annie's Song" for which Galway has earned ample worldwide recognition and a haunting suite from film composer Howard Shore's scores for "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, playing themes associated with the Hobbits and their beloved The Shire.

Some Good Galway Crossover Selections.......2004-12-28

This new recording Sir James's First for DG in quite a long time.

Is a selection of uplifting pieces of music arrainged for flute

and orchestra. Ably abbetted by the LSO and assisted by his wife

Jeanne, who plays quite well too, Sir James shows that he can

still play the flute and the tin whistle with more than enough

talent and feeling. While some people may condemn this as "mood"

music, I find it quite refreshing. Although I can still hope that

there will be a couple recordings of flute concerti comming from

Mr. Galway in the near future. I have never had a problem with

classical artists doing what is now called "Crossover" I think

it gives them a much needed change of pace. After all one can

only play the classic flute liturature so much, and Sir James is

not the first solo artist to make such recordings. His

His performances of the selections on this CD are all quite good

to say the least. My favorites are the "Barcarolle" and "Annies

Song" and the Schubert "Ave Maria", which I think is the best

instrumental recording of this work since Isaac Stern's violin

recording for CBS. Klauspeter Siebel and the London Symphony

Orchestra do a wonderful job accompaning him in these works.

The recorded sound is more than acceptable and I can only hope

that this will be the first of many new James Galway CD's from

DG. Perhaps Sir James can do a disc or Two with the London

Mozart Players as well for DG too>

Average customer rating:

Some Interesting Arrangements of Early 20th Century French Music
B. Marsalis delights, but does not surprise
The Disc Title Says it All
Fairly lackluster, but interesting to hear
Shivers down my spine

Creation

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005A8I4
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Gymnopedie No.3
Children's Corner Ste: The Little Shepherd
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
La Creation Du Monde, Op.81
Requiem, Op.48: Pie Jesu
Sorocaba (Saudades Do Brasil No.1), Op.67
Scaramouche Ste, Op.165c: I. Vif
Scaramouche Ste, Op.165c: II. Modere
Scaramouche Ste, Op.165c: III. Brazileira
Corcovado (Saudades Do Brasil No.7), Op.7
Sumare (Saudades Do Brasil No.9), Op.67
Concertino Da Camera: I. Allegro Con Molto
Concertino Da Camera: II. Larghetto
Concertino Da Camera: III. Animato Moto
Laranjeiras (Saudades Do Brasil No.11), Op.67
Children's Corner: Golliwogg's Cake-Walk

Amazon.com

This CD is the long-awaited follow-up to jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis's 1986 debut, Romances for Saxophone with the English Chamber conducted by Andrew Litton. Since that project, Marsalis has led his own jazz combos and worked with The Grateful Dead and Sting. On this recording, Marsalis's superb soprano and alto sax are buoyed by the wonderful, conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble that was featured on Herbie Hancock's Gershwin's World. Marsalis's clear sound and mature phrasing imbue French classics like Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante défunte," Debussy's ragtime-rhythmed "Golliwogg's Cake-Walk," and Fauré's "Pie Jesu" with verve and vitality. Marsalis navigates the New World syncopations of Darius Milhaud's "Saudades do Brasil" with the same ease he displays on the composer's jazz-inspired ballet, "La création du monde." On Jacques Ibert's showcase for the alto saxophone, "Concertino da camera," Marsalis's negotiation of its florid melody and his swing-spiced cadenza show that the innovations of jazz improvisation have enriched and extended the classical tradition. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Some Interesting Arrangements of Early 20th Century French Music.......2007-02-04

A few years back, I remember hearing Branford Marsalis interviewed as part of an intermission feature of a broadcast from, the Metropolitan Opera. He was speaking about the one opera that made him fall in love with the musical form. Most people who fall in love with opera usually name a work such as LA BOHEME or RIGOLETTO as a first love, but for Marsalis the choice was TRISTAN UND ISOLDE. As he began stating his reasons for choosing one of Wagner's monumental and challenging works, he began discussing the composer's intricacies of the vocal and orchestral components and the originality of the work. It was obvious we were hearing a musician's musician speak. Marsalis has the same appreciation for what a composer intends in this collection of early twentieth century French compositions and just like the interview, demonstrates that he is a musicians' musician.

CREATION is a collection of early twentieth century works arranged for saxophone and orchestra. Marsalis is joined by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for arrangements that are original yet also respect the intention of the composers. Overall CREATION is a great relaxation disc, with the exception of some of the Milhaud pieces (the arrangement of LA CREATION DU MONDE is perhaps the one piece that makes this collection of what could be termed background music somewhat startling). Our local classical music radio station often plays some of the pieces from this collection and calls the pieces "tracks to relax." The selections are varied from Debussy, Satie, Ravel and Faure to the more experimental sounds of Darius Milhaud. The choice of selections shows the variety of the music and in many ways shows that the line between classical and jazz in the twentieth century is not always as fixed as it seems.

This collection provides great musical entertainment and offers some interesting interpretations of great music that's certain to be enjoyed by many.

B. Marsalis delights, but does not surprise.......2005-08-16

Can an album seem pleasant, become a bit predictable, and then drift into the beautiful category? Here is graceful playing by one of the best saxophonists alive today, but there is no perspiration in the music. Why perspiration? Because when playing like this is so effortless, it does not ask much of the listener to join in with the musician's effort.
Then I realize this is all BS. Just listen to one of the best instumentalists playing very nice tunes. It is not his fault if it is so smooth, and clean. Just great.

The Disc Title Says it All.......2004-10-14

"Creation" is probably the best word one could choose for this fine effort. This is an interesting recording, one that mostly excels, but also has some shortcomings.

Branford's playing is a lot of things here, studied, practiced, prepared, thorough, and strong. It could have been more sensitive and collaborative. This is not something that necessarily need be laid at his door; it could be a "group" thing as much as anything. Other reviewers have noted that ensemble players often have difficulty working within an orchestra setting, and that the presence of a conductor could have kept things in check.

But that was not the point of this effort. If Orpheus and Branford had wanted a conductor they would have hired one. So one must use a more nuanced and blended yardstick to measure this . The compositions themselves clearly have a strong jazz influence, so the conceptual approach of the players is not only entirely appropriate but interesting. And that's what in the end separates jazz music from classical music. You may not like what people play or the way they play it, but at least it's not the same old stale sh-t. Branford's history of exploring a variety of musical stylings comes in well here; I appreciate his playfulness and almost joyful approach to some of these pieces. That's the way I think they ought to be played.

Highly Recommended.

Fairly lackluster, but interesting to hear.......2001-12-08

Branford Marsalis is an excellent jazz saxophonist.

However, he runs into the same problems many jazz musicians have when trying to "cross over" into classical: too little emphasis on tone quality, rough articulation, trouble blending with the strings, and in some cases, sloppy ensemble technique.

Perhaps this latter problem has more to do with the lack of a conductor than a lack of skill.

Marsalis plays quite respectably on the Ibert. He doesn't take the ossia altissimo passages, but many "classical" artists don't either, so I can't fault him for that.

The "Scaramouche" comes off the best of all the traditional recital pieces on this disc. Marsalis caputures the fleeting playfulness of the first movement, and his technique is flawless here.

His tone is unacceptably bright and raucous in the "Creation du Monde," however. His playing in that piece is beyond the range of any interpretation I've ever heard. Much of this has to do with the placement of the microphones and the production of the recording as well.

I would have preferred that the disc include fewer transcriptions, but Marsalis seems to enjoy recording transcriptions instead of the more serious works for classical saxophone. It would be interesting to hear him play some of the heavier repertoire: the Glazonov concerto, the Dubois Concerto, the Dahl concerto, etc.

Shivers down my spine.......2001-08-03

If you're a Branford Marsalis fan, you'll be on the edge of your seat 4 seconds into the opening cut. Imagine his exquisitely clear alto sax intoning the melody of Satie's Gymnopedie. And with Orpheus's incredible group energy (it's an orchestra whose members conduct themselves) and you'll understand.

Tracks:

Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane - Paul Tortelier
The Planets: Venus - Sir Charles Mackerras
Old And Lost Rivers - Christoph Eschenbach
Prld To The Afternoon Of A Faun - Dmitri Kitaenko
Summer Pastorale - Jesus Lopez-Cobos
Masques Et Bergamasques: Pastorale - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Summa - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle - Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wounded Heart - Jonathan Rees
Ser in e: Larghetto - Andrew Litton

Tracks:

Apollon Musagete: The Birth Of Apollo - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Adagio for Strings - City Of London Sinfonia
The Swan Of Tuonela - Paavo Jarvi
Enigma Vars: Nimrod - RPO/Andrew Litton
Petite Ste: En Bateau (Orch. Busser) - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Holberg Ste: Air - Jonathan Rees
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Christopher Warren-Green
Gymnopedie No. 3 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
The Last Spring - Jonathan Rees
Thais: Meditation (From Thais) - Paul Tortelier
Vocalise - Andrew Litton
Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden - Dmitri Kitaenko
Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard

Customer Reviews:

If stranded on an island and had one disc..........2006-01-23

I'd be tempted to make this the one, and I own over 2,000. I agree with what has been said above, but have a few thoughts of my own. I live near a major city with a known orchestra. Why are classical audienced declining? Maybe they're overplaying hackneyed works, and not playing some neglected masterpieces. In this double album there are some well known works, but some exquisite finds, like Picker's Old and Lost Rivers, Honegger's Pastorale, Arvo Part's Summa (!!!). Most highly recommended, with a good bottle of red wine.

Truly inspired collection.......2004-12-07

I came upon this compilation while researching a somewhat obscure piece called "Summer Pastorale", which is contained in the collection. One look at the play list and I was sold - here were most of my favorite tone poems, adagios, and assorted short works, all on one CD (OK, two CD's...)

Another gem here that I had never heard before is Pick's "Old and Lost Rivers". Ravel's final movement from Mother Goose is one of his best orchestrations and at the top of my 'A' list.

About the only pieces I missed here were Debussy's Engulfed Cathedral and Respighi's fourth church window, St. Gregory the Great. Perhaps they would be a bit too dramatic for this collection, though.

The only shortcoming of this collection is the lack of liner notes, but this is a minor issue. The music is superb.

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc that passes muster with neophytes and long time classical music lovers alike. I humbly suggest -- make that BEG -- that Virgin Classics turn "Classical Dreams" into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical collection I have yet heard. Encore!

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's miraculous (and criminally underrated) "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc both neophytes and long time classical music lovers can approve of. I humbly suggest that Virgin Classics turn Classical Dreams into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical compilation I have yet heard. Encore!

Surprised and ... inspired.......2002-05-10

What a pleasant surprise this double CD turned out to be. I bought it used just for Picker's gorgeous and poetic "Old and Lost Rivers" but fell in love with the whole thing. I'm not usully one for "Best Of ---" or themed classical collections, but this one's in a class by itself. The selections are unusual and achingly lovely in themselves and as a whole. This is my new favorite disk. It's a relaxation or concentration tool... hell, it's a companion - it goes wherever my laptop and headphones go. You get over two hours of gorgeous and lyrical - never mushy, sentimental or tired - classical music, the perfect backdrop for everything from dinner dates to writing code. This CD has added sustained moments of beauty and poise to a busy life - which is more than I could have asked for!

Average customer rating:

The most beautiful music
easy listening in classicall
Romantic Music From America's Orchestra
Pop it in.
Outstanding Canon

Pops in Love

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000040XS
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pavane
Clair de lune
Adagio in G major
Le Cygne
Gymnopedie No. 1
Andante cantabile
La fille aux cheveux de lin
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Gymnopedie No. 2
Canon
Fantasia on Greensleeves

Customer Reviews:

The most beautiful music.......2006-02-16

I can and do listen to this CD over and over again. The tracks are compelling and wonderful. The music is so beautifully composed and performed, to experience it puts you into a calm and happy place.

easy listening in classicall.......2004-12-03

This is great mood music. This should replace one or more of your "easy listening" cds.

Romantic Music From America's Orchestra.......2003-09-02

Although many of John Williams' Boston Pops Orchestra recordings showcase music from popular entertainment venues such as Broadway and Hollywood, in Pops In Love the emphasis is on short classical pieces by composers from various eras, ranging from the late Baroque to the post-Romanticism 20th century.

Because the Boston Pops is the Superman to the Clark Kentish Boston Symphony Orchestra, it is not surprising that the quality of the performances in this CD is matchless, and the music here is suitable for romance-minded couples to listen to -- perhaps as accompaniment to a candlelight dinner. The 11 selections chosen by conductor Williams and ace producer John McClure are gentle, soft, and like love itself, at times wistful and melancholy. Some may even be familiar to movie watchers: Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel's famous Canon was heard in Robert Redford's 1980 film "Ordinary People," and Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor was heard -- with heart-rending effect in Peter Weir's "Gallipoli."

Albinoni's Adagio and Maurice Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante defunte" (Pavane for a deceased princess) are perhaps the loveliest, if perhaps saddest, selections of this CD, which was recorded in Boston in June of 1985. Of the two, Albinoni's composition is noteworthy because it's not really an Albinoni composition at all. Rather, it is perhaps the cleverest musical forgery in history. Although it is based on fragments of an Albinoni piece, its true author was Remo Giazotto, one of Albinoni's biographers. No matter who wrote it, the Adagio is a moving, melancholy piece.

Ravel's "Pavane for a Deceased Princess" is also singularly beautiful, with a repeated melodic refrain that is gentle yet haunting, I remember this piece having been adapted for a one-man show starring the actor who played Officer "Gross" Grossman in "Chips." The melancholy melody provided a sweet yet somber backdrop to this actor's bittersweet recollection of his marriage and the death of his beloved wife to cancer. Listeners getting over the end of a relationship may wish to skip these two tracks if they don't want to be moved to tears.

The album also highlights Ralph Vaughn-Williams' "Fantasia on Greensleeves," a melody that dates as far back as the 16th century; legend has it that its composer was none other but Henry VIII himself.

Pop it in........2003-03-31

I'm not an expert on the subject, but I do know that this is a wonderful, romantic, classical collection. Good for anyone who wants to become more familiar with the music and composers. Also good for backround music during dinner, etc.

Outstanding Canon.......2000-05-24

For those unfamiliar with Pacobel's Canon for Strings in D Minor, the piece features three sections of violins performing the same music, each section starting several measures behind the other (think of a round for classical music). This version of Pacobel's Canon is the ONLY one that I've heard that has the violas pitzachatta (the muscian's plucking the viola strings) in the background, all the other recordings that I've heard omit them. The viola section anchors the piece with their rhythm, lending a sense stability as this piece soars.

Tracks:

Air on G String from Orchestral Suite 3, BWV 1068 - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Largo from Guitar Concerto in D Major - English Chamber Orchestra, George Malcolm
Pavane - Charles Dutoit,
Canon in D - Karl Mger, , Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Pavane from Capriol Suite - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Romance for String Orchestra Op. 11 - Narciso Yepes
Gymnopedies Nos. 1 and 3 - Charles Dutoit,
Gymnopedies Nos. 1 and 3 - Charles Dutoit,
Variation No. 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 in D - BBC Concert Orchestra, James Judd, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Swan from Carnival of the Animals - Marie Goosens, Jascha Silberstein
Pieds-En-L'Air from Capirol Suite - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields,
Largo from Keyboard Concerto No. 5, BMV 1056 - English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Vocalise No. 14 Op. 34 - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields,
Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21, K467 - English Chamber Orchestra, Uri Segal
Pavan for a Dead Princess - Bernard Haitink, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Simply Wonderful!.......2005-10-09

Are you ever searching for a great, relaxing, classical album that has more than just a single composer such as Chopin or Vivaldi? This is the album for you. Great classical composers all together on one album that can help soothe the day's stresses away. Great from start to finish and one of my favorites in my collection of classical music.

A Fine Way to Spend One's Evening.......2005-06-14

To start, I'll say my family (with the possible exception of my sister) is a fan of classical music. I was raised on Mozart adagios and Beethoven symphonies. When I came across this album in my parents collection not long ago, I began to listen quite avidly to it. The "Air on G String from Orchestral Suite 3, BWV 1068" is quite probably my favorite JS Bach pieces (probably due to its usage in "End of Evangelion") and the "Canon in D" has long inspired emotional scenes in my novels. While I'm sure many disagree, I find other recordings of the piece less emotional from my experience.

I rarely listen to the second half of the CD (my favorites are in the first quarter of the album), but all are relaxing and have excellent tone. The one piece I do not enjoy is the Vivaldi's Lute Concerto in D. For some reason, the sound of a classical guitar doesn't lull me into relaxation.

Overall, a very relaxing CD with great voice.