Christmas Piano Music

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Most of this disc is taken up with Liszt's Christmas Tree, an unusually modest suite based on Christmas carols. It also offers charming pieces by Reger, Tchaikovsky, Rebikov, and Lyapunov based on Christmas themes, and a couple of Bach transcriptions. Eteri Andjaparidze, whose first CD was a sensational Prokofiev collection, plays this music truly superb musicianship and the kind of pianistic color that has become a rarity. Her Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is the most beautiful I've heard since Dinu Lipatti's. And wait until you hear her delightful playing of Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride! It's deliciously witty and charming. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Thanksgiving
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Joy
Prelude
Carol Of The Bells
Night-Part One: Snow
Night-Part Two: Midnight
Night-Part Three: Minstrels
Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel
The Holly And The Ivy
Some Children See Him
Peace
A Christmas Song
Sleep Baby Mine

Amazon.com essential recording

December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit. --Richard Price

Amazon.com

A quintessential example of George Winston's "folk piano" style, December speaks to the spirit of the season. Mixing traditional carols, a couple of classical works, and his own originals, Winston drops notes with icy clarity into a winter silence, rippling through "Carol of Bells" and coaxing dark, introspective moods from his own suite, "Night." The pianist's liner notes are also a trip as he cites the numerous sources for his music. Who would've thought that the gentle melodies of "Peace" were inspired by the soundtrack to TV's The Outer Limits? This 20th anniversary edition, which includes two bonus tracks, is a vast sonic improvement over previous releases. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Twenty Years later... Still Excellent!.......2007-05-28

December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition, by George Winston is about as close to perfect as you can get. Winston phenomenal interpretations and originals form a masterpeice. Classified as a Holiday album, I agree with many of the other reviewers that this is an album to enjoy all through the year. Although each selection here is very good, Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel is simply a wonderful piece. I did have the pleasure of seeing George Winston in concert and I would receommend that any fan try to experience the music live with introductions by the pianist.

An outstanding 5 star CD.

a must have for a musical library.......2007-03-26

this cd album is extremely moving and has value because of the evocative power of some of the pieces it contains.

George Winston's December.......2007-03-09

I have a copy of the vinyl since it was released. Though I love the quality of the vinyl, I want to bring December with me wherever I go. The two additional cuts in the anniversary issue are lovely, but I would have been equally happy with the original.

Love this CD.......2007-03-08

Perfect for the holidays (but I listen to it all year)! Anything by George Winston is fabulous.

Multi-mood music.......2007-01-29

I love this CD! The best part about this music is that I can listen to it regardles of what mood I'm in and the music fits perfectly. The Sheet music for "Variations of the Kanon by Pachelbel" is a great bonus.

Average customer rating:

Selection is not good
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
Saved My Sanity
A Very Pleasant CD for Little Ones in the Car

Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
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Baby Mozart
Baby Neptune

ASIN: B0009AJK3O
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Orchestra Tune-Up
Bartered Bride Overture
Symphony 5, 1st Movement
The Four Seasons, Autumn, RV293, 1st Movement
Divertimento In F, K.138, 1st Movement
March Militaire
Symphony 5, 4th Movement
Annen Polka
Capriccio Espagnol, Alborada
Trish-Trash Polka
Concerto In C, RV537, 3rd Movement
Capriccio Espagnol, Fandango
The Four Seasons, Spring, RV269, 1st Movement
Serenade For Strings, Waltz
The Bartered Bride, Polka
Symphony 100, 'Military' 2nd Movement
Piano Sonata 15, Op.28, 4th Movement
Waltz In G Flat Op.70, No.1
Symphony 101, 'Clock' 2nd Movement
6 Children Pieces, Op.72, 2nd Movement
Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

Selection is not good.......2006-07-27

This tape is short and the melodies are not engaging for kids. It was waste of money.

Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies .......2006-02-23

Hello everyone,
This CD is great!
My son has ADD & when we are out & he gets Anxious I put this CD in his portibale CD player.
It seems to help him calm down & better cope with things.
I think that every parent should have this CD that has a special needs child.
Thanks so much for putting it online for people to buy.
Thanks Again,
A Greatfull Mom

Saved My Sanity.......2005-11-03

My husband and I are musicians so I inwardly groaned when we were given this CD as a gift--I'd rather play the originals rather than some synthesized kiddie version. However, on a recent road trip we got desperate when our colicky son would not stop screaming. We popped this in the CD player and it calmed him down immediately. I swear, it's like aural crack for babies. We now play it at bedtime to help calm him down and it still works. You may not love this CD, but your baby will.

A Very Pleasant CD for Little Ones in the Car.......2005-11-01

I picked this up for driving around music and was very pleasantly surprised. Quite enjoyable (and my son seems to like it too!) and perfect for exactly what it says--traveling around. Easy listening and could possibly make your child smarter, great!

Average customer rating:

I hate to be rude, but . . .
Outstanding
Sacred Songs
My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far
Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski
Haunted Heart
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HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva

ASIN: B000AM6OXK
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Dank sei dir, Herr
Ave Maria, D839
Laudamus te
Panis Angelicus
Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
Simple Song
Pie Jesu
Domine Deus
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
Abends will ich schlafen gehn
L'Adieu des bergers
Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating:

good greatest hits collection
LOVE IT
The Hits Chapter One
This really Brings Back Memories
Pump it Up!!

The Hits--Chapter One
Backstreet Boys
Manufacturer: Jive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Backstreet Boys [ENHANCED CD]

ASIN: B00005QD4I
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

I Want It That Way
Everybody (Backstreet's Back)
As Long As You Love Me
Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely
Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)
All I Have To Give
Larger Than Life
I'll Never Break Your Heart
The Call
Shape Of My Heart
The One
More Than That
Drowning

Amazon.com

OhmygodtheBackstreetBoysrule!!!!!! OK, with that out of the way, let's review The Hits--Chapter One, which is one-stop shopping for the hunky pop group's three American albums--their 1997 self-titled debut, 1999's Millennium, and 2000's Black & Blue. The first disc really shines with "As Long as You Love Me," "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," and "All I Have to Give," capturing the Backstreet Boys' essence: sunny pop under the influence of blue-eyed soul. "I Want It That Way," from the second album, is an undeniable classic, while "The Call" has a deliciously frenzied sexual urgency and a strong, danceable beat. But the other tracks are uneven with the oddball fan-appreciation anthem "Larger Than Life" surrounded by somber, predictable ballads. The new single, "Drowning," is same-old same-old: lazy moaning over a drum machine. The Hits--Chapter One might be an optimistic name for this '90s retrospective. The future is cloudy for chapter two. --Courtney Kemp

Customer Reviews:

good greatest hits collection.......2007-07-23

Backstreet Boys was one of the few "boy bands" that I enjoyed during the 90s. I enjoyed their ballads the best. This is a good collection of their greatest hits.

LOVE IT.......2007-05-06

BSB RULES!!!!!!! I LOVED NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK (STILL DO). BSB PICKED UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF. ALL THE SONGS ON THIS CD WERE A HUGE HIT. HOWEVER, THE SONG THAT GOT THEM "STARTED" "WEVE GOT IT GOING ON" ISNT ON HERE. SOMETIMES GREATEST HITS ALBUMS TEND TO LEAVE OUT A HIT OR 2. I USED TO HAVE BSB PAJAMAS AND EVERYONE MADE FUN OF ME. OH WELL JUST GET THE CD. GREAT FOR PARTIES.

The Hits Chapter One.......2007-01-11

Nicely selected tunes for this greatest hits CD by Backstreet boys.

This really Brings Back Memories.......2006-11-23

I am so glad I got this CD, it has many of the old songs from the early days of Backstreet Boys, plus a song called "Drowning" which is a really good song. I happen to like all the songs on this CD. Keep an eye out for the Backstreet Boys' newest CD coming out this spring... and remember: KTBSPA or Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive, as they say in other reviews.

Pump it Up!!.......2006-09-19

This CD rocks! Great for working out, listening around the house or pumping it up on the dancefloor! You'll love it!

Average customer rating:

Un gran concierto
Give em a 3.5
The Most Enjoyable Evening IN !!!!!!!!!!!
Hmmmm....
Last Encore of songs missing off C.D.

The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994

Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The 3 Tenors in Concert 1994 / William Cosel

ASIN: B000002IZE
Release Date: 1994-08-30

Tracks:

Le Cid: O Souverain, O Juge, O Pere
Maravilla: Amor, Vida De Mi Vida
Werther: Pourquoi Me Reveiller
Spring Is Here: With a Song In My Heart
Granada
Non Ti Scordar Di Me
'A Tribute to Hollywood': My Way
Tribute To Hollywood: Moon River
Tribute To Hollywood: Because
'A Tribute to Hollywood': Singin' In the Rain
Tu, Ca Nun Chiagne
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba
Turondat: Nessun Dorma!
'Around the World': America
'Around the World': All I Ask Of You
'Around the World': Funiculi, Funicula
'Around the World': Sous Les Ponts De Paris
'Around the World': Brazil
'Around the World': Be My Love
'Around the World': Marechiare
'Around the World': Lippen Schweigen
'Around the World': Santa Lucia Luntana
'Around the World': Those Were the Days
'Around the World': Te Quiero Dijiste
'Around the World': Torna A Surriento
Encores: La Donna E Mobile
Encores: Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici

Amazon.com

It's not opera; it's not a pop concert; it's not Broadway. It's all of these and none of them. Once you accept the fact that this sequel to the original blockbuster concert recording is less about music and more about entertainment and the power of musical personalities, you can appreciate what you're hearing as an event--phenomenal and bizarre, momentous and frivolous. This is an occasion to celebrate the voices and egos of three huge superstars, and to have fun listening as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras interact, bouncing lines off each other and playing to the overwhelmingly enthusiastic audience. Much of the fun and flavor of the concert is dependent on seeing the action, though, and without the visuals you notice flaws in the singing much more. Domingo comes off as the more solid performer, and his voice is in far better shape than the other two. But if you crave big, high, and loud--and you don't take your opera too seriously--you'll love this disc. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Un gran concierto.......2005-07-19

Yo tenia el Cd de este concierto, pero sin duda el DVD presenta la realidad, lo sublime de este evento, porque ademas de ver las interpretaciones, trae varios puntos y canciones extras. Carreras creo que esta bien, saca la tarea. Placido Domingo en Amor vida de mi vida, logra llevar el concierto a su punto mas alto en ese momento, punto superado unicamente por Pavarotti en Nessum Dorma. Pavarotti como siempre sublime como dije en Nessum Dorma, Ave maria y en los popurris. La calidad del DVD es genial, con full screen y sonido digital. Otro punto buenisimo es la aparicion de Frank Sinatra en la cancion My way y de otras luminarias del cine y la política. Espero que este comentario sirva de ayuda para aquellos que quieran este DVD.

Give em a 3.5.......2004-01-25

The Three Tenors has/have become a cottage industry, churning out one CD after another for every imaginable event and in every combination. This does not mean that the results are necessarily inferior but it does imply a commercial, layman's approach. And maybe this is better - spreading the joys of fine music to the masses. After all, where besides figure skating and cartoons do most people have a chance to even hear opera?

This event, like the first one in Rome, has a magnificent setting but, like Rome, the show was marketed mainly to the American audience. They still include the dreadful "Maria" with the hilarious pronunciation and even added "With a Song In My Heart" (or, as Carreras is wont to sing, "Weeth a Soeeng een My Haht"). Though some may deride the choice of encores, they were almost perfect. The Three Tenors, despite their prior celebrity, are creations of our culture of entertainment in ways that Caruso could only dream about.

Synopsis: Carreras stands out, Domingo substitutes volume for quality and Pavarotti soars when he doesn't have to.

The Most Enjoyable Evening IN !!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-05-01

I am not a regular Opera fan, hoever these THREE are the Best. their songs they sing together are SUPER!!! And the range of NOTES REACHED ARE REMARKABLE. tHE MIXTURE of songs is a treat for all, even if you are not an OPERA FAN!!!! Great show!!!!!!

Hmmmm...........2002-04-21

Not what I thought it was going to be. I like only about 4 of the 20+ tracks on this CD. I shoudl have just bought the DVD instead and actually watched them perform. Much, much more entertaining.

Last Encore of songs missing off C.D........2002-02-06

The Three Tenors are my absolute favourite singers. The 1994 Concert was undoubtedly their best in my view. I taped this live concert from the television, and have played and played and played it!! I also taped it on a cassette, however, when I bought the C.D. I was really disappointed that they did not include the last set of encore songs, which included O Sole a Mio (don't know if I've spelt that correctly), where Placido and Jose try and outdo Luciano!! It received such a fantastic reception from the crowd, (one of the many standing ovations), and really showed how much the Three Tenors seemed to enjoy performing the concert. How come this was not included? I don't know if it was on the Video because I play my own.

Many thanks for your time,

Tracks:

CHOPIN: Piano Concerto No. 1, Larghetto
DEBUSSY: Clair de Lune
MANFREDINI: Concerto grosso in C, I. Largo (Pastorale)
MOZART: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Andante
BEETHOVEN: Moonlight Sonata, Adagio
BACH: Goldberg
SIBELIUS: Swan of Tuonela
LISZT: Liebestraume
SCHUMANN: Dreaming
MASSENET: Meditation from "Thais"
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Greensleeves

Tracks:

HANDEL-WEINER: Sicilienne
A. CORELLI: Concerto grosso in G, Pastorale
VERDI: "When the evening becomes peaceful"
CHOPIN: Three Preludes
MOZART: Clarinet Concerto in A, II. Adagio
BRAHMS: Piano Sonata No. 3, II. Andante espressivo
TCHAIKOVSKY: Swan Lake (excerpt)
MENDELSSOHN: Three Songs Without Words
MAHLER: Symphony No. 3, IV. Sehr Langsam

Average customer rating:

FORGOTTEN (BY ME) BEAUTIES
MENDELSSOHN'S 48
Portraits at exhibition!
Second-tier Mendelssohn and Boringboim to boot
Excellent!

Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words, etc.

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs Without Words
Schumann: Complete Piano Trios

ASIN: B000001GYC
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

Lieder ohne Worte op. 19: No. 1 In E Major - Andante con moto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 19: No. 2 In A Minor - Andante espressivo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 19: No. 3 In A Major 'Hunting Song' - Molto allegro e vivace
Lieder ohne Worte op. 19: No. 4 in A Major - Moderato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 19: No. 5 In F Sharp Minor - Piano agitato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 19: No. 6 In G Minor 'Venetian Gondola Song' - Andante sostenuto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 30: No. 1 In E Flat Major - Andante espressivo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 30: No. 2 In B Flat Minor - Allegro di molto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 30: No. 3 In E Major - Adagio non troppo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 30: No. 4 In B Minor - Agitato e con fuoco
Lieder ohne Worte op. 30: No. 5 In D Major - Andante grazioso
Lieder ohne Worte op. 30: No. 6 In F Sharp Minor 'Venetian Gondola Song' - Allegretto tranquillo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 38: No. 1 In E Flat Major - Con moto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 38: No. 2 In C Minor - Allegro non troppo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 38: No. 3 In E Major - Presto e molto vivace
Lieder ohne Worte op. 38: No. 4 In A Major - Andante
Lieder ohne Worte op. 38: No. 5 In A Minor - Agitato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 38: No. 6 In A Flat Major - Andante con moto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 53: No. 1 In A Flat Major - Andante con moto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 53: No. 2 In E Flat Major - Allegro non troppo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 53: No. 3 In G Minor - Presto agitato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 53: No. 4 In F Major - Adagio
Lieder ohne Worte op. 53: No. 5 In A Minor 'Folksong' - Allegro con fuoco
Lieder ohne Worte op. 53: No. 6 In A Major - Molto allegro, vivace

Tracks:

Lieder ohne Worte op. 62: No. 1 In G Major - Andante espressivo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 62: No. 2 In B Flat Major - Allegro con fuoco
Lieder ohne Worte op. 62: No. 3 In E Minor 'Funeral March' - Andante maestoso
Lieder ohne Worte op. 62: No. 4 In G Major - Allegro con anima
Lieder ohne Worte op. 62: No. 5 In A Minor 'Venetian Gondola Song' - Andante con moto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 62: No. 6 In A Major 'Spring Song' - Allegretto grazioso
Lieder ohne Worte op. 67: No. 1 in E Flat Major - Andante
Lieder ohne Worte op. 67: No. 2 In F Sharp Minor - Allegro leggiero
Lieder ohne Worte op. 67: No. 3 In B Flat Major - Andante tranquillo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 67: No. 4 In C Major 'Spinning Song' - Presto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 67: No. 5 In B Minor - Moderato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 67: No. 6 In E Major 'Wiegenlied' - Allegretto non troppo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 85: No. 1 In F Major - Andante espressivo
Lieder ohne Worte op. 85: No. 2 In A Minor - Allegro agitato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 85: No. 3 In E Flat Major - Presto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 85: No. 4 In D Major - Andante sostenuto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 85: No. 5 In A Major - Allegretto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 85: No. 6 In B Flat Major - Allegretto con moto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 102: No. 1 In E Minor - Andante, un poco agitato
Lieder ohne Worte op. 102: No. 2 In D Major - Adagio
Lieder ohne Worte op. 102: No. 3 In C Major - Presto
Lieder ohne Worte op. 102: No. 4 In G Minor - Un poco agitato, ma andante
Lieder ohne Worte op. 102: No. 5 In A Major - Allegro vivace
Lieder ohne Worte op. 102: No. 6 In C Major - Andante
Kinderstucke op. 72: Allegro non troppo
Kinderstucke op. 72: Andante sostenuto
Kinderstucke op. 72: Allegretto
Kinderstucke op. 72: Andante con moto
Kinderstucke op. 72: Allegro assai
Kinderstucke op. 72: Vivace
Gondellied: Allegretto non troppo
2 Klavierstucke: Andante cantabile
2 Klavierstucke: Presto agitato
Albumblatt op. 117: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

FORGOTTEN (BY ME) BEAUTIES.......2007-05-14

Until I purchased this bargain (two discs for the price of one), recording of Mendelssohn's "Songs without Words" that are played exquisitely by Daniel Barenboim, I, in the past, have listened mainly to Mendelssohn's chamber music, Concertos and/or Symphonies kind of forgetting about these most beautiful compositions, What a real pleasure this recording has been for me. I believe that Mendelssohn composed these" Songs without Words" (also included are Mendelssohn's "Kinderstucke", op 72, "Albumblatt", op. 117 and 2 short pieces) through out his short life. Daniel indeed plays all of the works including the "demanding" ones (there are surprisingly for me some very demanding ones) most beautifully never forgetting that the compositions are above all else "Songs". Daniel Barenboim always lets the melodies be heard above all else and there are some very beautiful melodies to hear.

This recording was made in the early 1970s; however, DGG has done a wonderful job of transferring them to the CD format--the sound is rich, lush and clear.

If you want to hear some beautiful compositions that are played most beautifully, buy this recording.

MENDELSSOHN'S 48.......2006-09-01

Bach's 48 preludes and fugues seem to me to be to some extent a diary of the composer's feelings, and I get much the same impression from Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words, which are also 48 in number. To me, they are beautiful and touching minor masterpieces and when I hear them I am not disturbed, or even visited, by the thought that they are not masterpieces to rank with Bach's. However I am not as exacting in evaluating a performance of them as I would be with Bach either, and when I willingly award this set 5 stars I know that I'm setting the bar lower. There are limits to what any interpreter, even the greatest, of the Songs Without Words can find in them, but for all that some interpreters are greater than others, and I happen to know even better accounts of some of these pieces than you will find on these two discs from Barenboim.

It was high time in any case that I had a complete set of these lovely works. My collection up to now had only stretched to 14 of them, but - I have to say it again - those 14 are enough to teach me the difference between fine performances and great ones. Barenboim's accounts should be easily good enough for most of us most of the time, and in addition to the Songs he throws in the Children's Pieces plus a few other short numbers that Mendelssohn, for reasons known principally to himself, chose not to publish. With one solitary exception, Barenboim's touch is affectionate, warm and beautiful, and is well served by the 1974 recording. Speeds adopted sound about right to me in general, and the interpretations offered are full of insight and loving care, and free from eccentricity or egotism. Barenboim can be powerful when he needs to be, but the requirement for power is very limited in what we have here, and the overall impression that the set leaves is rightly one of tact, sympathy and enthusiasm. My single regret concerns my own favourite of all the Songs - the Duetto op 38/6. Something goes quite unaccountably wrong here. I'd call the speed too fast in the first place, and I would have liked the pseudo-voices brought out more strongly against the arpeggio accompaniment, but the real affront to my sensibilities comes when the two voices sing forte in octaves, and Barenboim bangs out the melody in a bad-tempered and cacophonous way that reminds me of one of Kissin's off-days.

One botched effort out of 58 is not a bad ratio nevertheless. I can play the Duetto to my own satisfaction anyway, or I can listen to it on my old Turnabout LP played by Guiomar Novaes. Novaes seems to be all but forgotten these days, but she was a great player, recognised as such by no less than Debussy when she was a teenager. Her idea of the Duetto is slower than mine, indeed for an amateur like me the piece, which lies beautifully and naturally under the hands, seems practically to dictate its own speed. However it's not the tempo that makes the impression. In this piece as in many others starting with the very first of all the Songs, what transfixes me is the haughty and highlighted clarity of Novaes's melodic line and the magnificence of her left-hand tone. It also happens that in the disc that accompanies the biography of Serkin by Stephen Lehmann and Marion Faber there are two of the Songs in Novaes's selection - a solemn and gripping op 62/1 and a coruscating Spinning Song worthy of Horowitz or Cziffra for virtuosity. The point is simply this - there is an aura of greatness that surrounds the playing of Serkin and Novaes in practically anything they do. Admirable as he is, Barenboim is not quite in that league, although I don't consider the balance of advantage to be totally one-sided, and it may be that Barenboim actually makes a more appealing job of the Spring Song.

Nevertheless I have only 14 of the Songs from Novaes, and all of two from Serkin, in somewhat antiquated sound at that. Barenboim gives me all 48 plus some bonus extras, played with love and appreciation of the soul of this beautiful and affecting music. This is a set I am going to be returning to for solace and balm to the spirit, I can tell already. The recorded sound is not wondrous, but it's good 1974 quality. The liner note is from the distinguished pen of Joan Chissell, but I can't say it seems to me to amount to much. Moreover she nails her colours to the mast with the ringing challenge `No 19th-century composer exceeded Mendelssohn in respect for Classical tradition, and such ordered modes of expression as fugue...' I dispute this strenuously. Not only are Mendelssohn's fugues not his best or most professional work, as Tovey makes very clear, they are inferior in respect for classical precedent and thoroughness of workmanship to Schumann's, as the same sage also points out. Besides which Brahms was a musical scholar of minute and profound learning, particularly steeped in the great German musical tradition, to an extent that Mendelssohn never rivalled. What Mendelssohn can claim is to be sui generis, what he does best he does better than anyone, and some of his most intimate musical thoughts are to be found in the Songs Without Words. For the pleasure and comfort they bring me I thank Mendelssohn's shade and the loving and expert guidance of Barenboim.

Portraits at exhibition!.......2006-04-09

In contrast to many other musicians, Mendelssohn had an evident, fruitful and fortunate association with the visual arts. Keeping in mind his education was conceived as part of the Renascence man, so we should not ignore his classical-humanistic education, so that explains why his Symphonies maybe basically, considered such arresting visual landscapes: the Scottish, Italian and Reform would seem confirm it.

The Songs without words conform ostensibly, a great stylistic and conceptual unity. It could not be other way, noticing the fact John Field was essentially the grandfather of the nocturnes for piano and Chopin the most expressive and intimate explorer of the human soul, Mendelssohn had all those variables in mind and decided to create a portrait album. As other artists as Liszt and Goethe the exerted fascination after being in Venice would work out as febrile inspiration. Every little page of this kaleidoscopic reflects different state anima; they are structured and interweaved similarly respect Robert Schumann with his Carnival or Childhood scenes; with profound lyric and evocative accent, destined to recreate the tourist memory. He achieved then to make a voluminous album of feelings but without that marked introspective mood of Frederic Chopin, for instance.

Daniel Barenboim decided to record these ebb tide piano pieces with personal conviction and lyric imagination. The result was simply refulgent and deeply inspiring.

Second-tier Mendelssohn and Boringboim to boot.......2002-10-21

The majority of Mendelssohn's works consisted of fluff and flutter reminisent of Mozart on an off-day and these piano pieces certainly aren't among Mendelssohn's small number of masterworks.The fact that these compositions are no more than trifles is made worse by Barenboim's insistence in trying to infuse an element of profundity to them.The result is tedium and annoyance.I owned this 2 disk set for more than 2 years and didn't listen to it more than 7-8 times.Every time I would try and listen boredom would set in and within a few minutes listening became a matter of endurance.I finally traded it off and haven't missed it in the least.It may be a 2 for the price of 1 set but,as usual,such "bargains" are hardly a bargain.

Excellent!.......2002-02-18

This is one of my top 5 classical piano CDs. It has a relaxing, easy-to-listen-to sound that I never get tired of. Every song in this 2-cd set is great.

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Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice.
Why do people think this guy can sing??
Relaxing
Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts
A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era

Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Renee and Bryn: Under the Stars

ASIN: B000B8ISN2
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Ave Verum Corpus, K.618 - Adapted by Chris Hazell
Deep River - Arranged by Chris Hazell
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
I'll Walk Beside You - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Stabat Mater
Still, Still, Still Weils Kindlein Schlafen Will
Simple Gifts - Arranged by Chris Hazell
How Great Thou Art
Panis Angelicus - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Bless This House - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Ave Verum Corpus
Cavatina - Arranged by Chris Hazell
The Rose
Amazing Grace - Arranged by Chris Hazell
God's Mercy
Morning Has Broken - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Nearer My God To Thee - Arranged by Chris Hazell
Ave Maria
Send In The Clowns - Arranged by Jonathan Tunick
God Will Be With You

Amazon.com

Everything about Bryn Terfel is over-life-size: his physique, his personality, his breath-control, and of course his extraordinarily beautiful voice. This recording displays his stunning vocalism and versatility to full advantage, but its title belies its content. Alhough it does include some simple pieces, the execution is fussy, overdone, and calculated for maximum external effect. The program ranges from Mozart, Pergolesi and pseudo-Bach to Sondheim in arrangements that are pure Hollywood, complete with throbbing strings and rolling drums, often destroying the spirit as well as the letter of the original compositions. It begins with Mozart's heavenly "Ave verum" arranged for baritone solo and chorus, frustratingly cut off after a few phrases (another setting of the same text by Karl Jenkins, written for Terfel, is more satisfying, being complete and original). The splendid baritone Simon Keenlyside joins him here as well as in the opening number of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater;" originally for soprano and alto, this must be the baritones' revenge on female singers who usurp songs written for men, like Schubert's and Schumann's cycles. Franck's "Panis angelicus" also inexplicably becomes a duet; unfortunately, Terfel's and tenor Aled Jones' voices do not match. Bach-Gounod's popular "Ave Maria" is all swells and exaggerations. The rest of the program consists of folksongs, hymns, show and film tunes, inflated to operatic proportions and generally ending in a fade-out or a flourish. Even the title song is anything but simple. This record is not for purists who like their music performed the way the composer wrote it, but aficionados of great singing will love it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice........2007-05-13

Bryn Terfel has a beautiful voice. Listening to him is very pleasant and definitely something to look forward to. I read a review saying he would replace tenor Pavroti. However, I believe that Mr. Terfel is a Baritone and not a Tenor. That does not detract from the fact that he should be considered one of the world's top male singers. His voice is truly impressive. This CD by Bryn Terfel is one from our collection that is outstanding and a favorite.

Why do people think this guy can sing??.......2007-04-27

Sorry, I think this guy is one of the most overrated singers out there today. He always sounds like he is singing holding his nose shut. VERY nasal sounding.

If you want to listen to an incredibly beautiful voice, buy one of Josh Groban's CD's--you won't regret it! He has the voice of the century!

Relaxing.......2007-02-03

Excellent selection of music. It covers many different types. My wife likes being able to hear the words with out instruments drowning out the vocals. I find it relaxing and many of the songs are familiar and very well done.

Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts.......2006-02-25

Simply superb. I don't know what our local (Wash DC) paper was talking about when they said Deep River was the weakest link. I was enthralled from beginning to end. I have had the pleasure of hearing Bryn Terfel live in recital at the Kennedy Center. I can assure you that his voice has only improved with age. He was wonderful then and is spectacular now!

A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era.......2006-02-15

Bryn Terfel harkens back to earlier American operatic stars such as Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill who crossed grenres to satisfy their unquenchable need to sing any and all songs that moved them to an appreciative public. These great singers all had their origins singing sacred music from their respective religions and learned to lay their considerable talents before the altar of the simple inspirational song.

This recording is wonderful on many levels. The selections are an unusual mixture of classical sacred music, spirituals, hymns, Lieder, Austrian Christmas and Gaelic songs, musical numbers and movie theme songs harmoniously combined to touch the soul of the listener in a gentle ebb and flow of devotion, intensity and tenderness. All of these songs are beautiful in and of themselves and in his hands, we experience them anew.

Bryn Terfel sings with the commitment necessary to make the awesome challenge of simplicity look easy. To my way of thinking, he is the most communicative and articulate singer today, bar none. He is a poet who savors the sound, feeling and meaning of each and every word and marries it uniquely and faithfully to the music. He transports the listener into the life of a song and transfixes us each and every moment. His enormous talent is not overwhelming or distractive and is inextricably and wholly intertwined with the music. This is greatness and it is very, very rare today.

I like the inclusion of the choir in several of the numbers as it reflects on the nature and context of the songs. I am less fond of the selections with the guest soloists as I feel they do not match his ability to "get inside" a song. The orchestra and orchestations are sensitive and enhancing.

This recording is simply wonderful and should have a broad appeal. It will move and inspire the believer, satisfy and fulfill the otherwise spiritual, calm the troubled and renew a flagging soul.

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beautiful beautiful
Ave Maria
Ave Maria - penetrating hymns
the Ave Maria Album
My Dad used to sing this while shaving

The Ave Maria Album

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

beautiful beautiful.......2007-06-27

This CD was a gift for someone who loves the classic Ave Maria, and it delivers an assortment of the most beautiful recordings of the hymn ever made. Just lovely!

Ave Maria.......2007-05-30

Some very good renditions of various versions, but some were rerecordings and not remastered, so were grainy and sounded like old 33.3 RPM recordings. I was disapppointed in those, but most were excellent for my purpose in becoming familiar with the music.

Ave Maria - penetrating hymns.......2006-01-26

Other CD's have various versions of Ave Maria, as does this one. What distinguishes this CD is the quality of the recordings, the reverent tone of the vocalists, and the impressive blending of the singers and orchestras. Some versions inpsire an awesome silence, attracting our focus on these hymns and their solemnity. Ave Maria continually provides a respite from the world--it is so intense. These Ave Maria hymns are captivating enough by their music alone. The meaning adds the intended spiritual dimension. This album comes highly recommended.

the Ave Maria Album.......2005-10-03

My husband and I listen to this all the time .. whatever
version is your preference, you can probably find it on this
album. Excellent.

My Dad used to sing this while shaving.......2005-06-11

This beautiful aria is interpreted 16 ways by several renown singers and composers, so I'm sure you'll find your own personal favorites among the different versions. Each rendition has its own descriptor, and I found myself thinking "riveting", "exhilerating", "captivating", "evocative", "inspiring", or even "heartbreaking" for the same compelling music. To me, even the old fashioned, ragged recordings herein had a certain charm, and I don't mind the 'scratchiness' at all. I believe my Dad would sing Franz Schubert's 'Ave Maria' as interpreted by tenor Jerry Hadley -- I swear it literally brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. As a child, I remember the delight I took in hearing my Dad sing with all the passion and drama of an artiste -- and you know, for a man who didn't even know all the lyrics, he sounded pretty darn good in our old bathroom! Seriously, this is a wonderful collection, even without the reminiscent sentimentality. I highly recommend it.

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First-class recordings of musical gems for viola and piano

English Music for Viola
Paul Coletti , and Leslie Howard
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005QJG1
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Customer Reviews:

First-class recordings of musical gems for viola and piano.......2007-02-01

This CD was initially recorded in 1993 and was reissued in 2001. That is fortunate for those of us who missed it the first time around, for Paul Coletti has produced one of the finest recorded examples of viola playing to be found. Coupled with the sensitive and thoughtful piano playing of Leslie Howard, this makes for benchmark renditions of these musical gems. Hyperion's sound is gorgeous and perfectly balanced throughout. The listener is drawn into the music making, with all its expressive and tonal nuances.

The Rebecca Clarke Sonata, for many years out of print, is stunning for its technical and emotional range, especially given the fact that it was written in 1919 and by a woman violist. The classical music world is thankfully quite different today, but there was a time when female composers or performers could be counted on one hand. When the sonata begins with the rhythmic motive "Re-bec-ca Clarke" marked 'Allegro impetuoso', one can imagine her playing her own piece and simultaneously announcing her arrival as a violist and a composer. Coletti manages to make the movement (as well as the entire piece) sound powerful yet, dare I say, feminine, without macho bravura. The 2nd movement, Scherzo, taken at breakneck speed, is a stunning display of technical proficiency and easily qualifies as the equal of any recorded violin performance. The 3rd movement incorporates modal and `olde English' musical references, drawing to a triumphant close. The return of the sonata's initial theme is now a confident self-affirmation, admirably played by the two performers.

Frank Bridge's two pieces are given seamless execution, hiding the fact that they are extraordinarily difficult. Listening to the end of Allegro Appassionato, you are not aware of shifts and bow-changes, only the musical line. The Percy Grainger pieces cannot be considered great music, but are played faultlessly by Coletti, which is the mark of a true artist. The Vaughn-Williams Romance is simply beautiful, as are the remaining pieces on this outstanding CD. All are played with a beautiful sound, flawless intonation, and impeccable musicianship.

Not to be missed by violists, lovers of English music, or of the finest string playing.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

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