Grieg: Music for Violin and Piano

1. Sonata for violin & piano No. 1 in F major, Op. 8
Composed by Edvard Grieg
with Arnold Belnick , Adrian Ruiz

2. Sonata for violin & piano No. 2 in G major, Op. 13
Composed by Edvard Grieg
with Arnold Belnick , Adrian Ruiz

3. Sonata for violin & piano No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 45
Composed by Edvard Grieg
with Arnold Belnick , Adrian Ruiz

Grieg: Music for Violin and Piano,Edvard Grieg,Adrian Ruiz,Arnold Belnick,Cambria Records,Chamber,Classical,Classical Composers,Violin with Keyboard

Average customer rating: Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's. Good for relaxing pregnant women Too much opera Does what it set out to do, very well TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Johann Sebastian Bach , Léo Delibes , Gabriel Fauré , Erik Satie , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edvard Grieg , Johann Pachelbel , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Camille Saint-Saens , Henryk Gorecki , Antonio Vivaldi , Edward Elgar , Jocelyn Pook , Sergey Rachmaninov , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Luigi Boccherini , Jules Massenet , Ludwig van Beethoven , Jacques Offenbach , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Giacomo Puccini , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Alexander Borodin , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Samuel Barber Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe 25 Classical Favorites Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits ASIN: B00000I93Z Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

1. Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
2. Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
3. Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
5. Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
6. II. Andante - Stephen Hough
7. Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
8. In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
9. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
10. II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
11. The Swan - Osian Ellis
12. II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
13. II. Andantino - James Galway
14. II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
15. Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
16. Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
17. Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
18. Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

1. Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
2. Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
3. Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
4. II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
5. Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
6. I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
7. Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
8. II. Andante - Nigel North
9. II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
10. Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
11. I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
12. O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
13. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
14. II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
15. Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
16. II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
17. Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
18. Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Best Music Ever for Home Wedding Excellent resource for wedding planners Great item! Preview your wedding day 25 WEDDING FAVORITES

25 Wedding Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Manhattan Chamber Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Classical Wedding A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney ASIN: B00004Y6T1 Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Best Music Ever for Home Wedding.......2007-07-20

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

Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

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

Great item!.......2007-03-29

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

Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

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

25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.

Average customer rating: the most relaxing classical music in the university Relaxing Classical Music Stress-freedom Greatly enjoy! the most relaxing classical music in the universe

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Johann Sebastian Bach , Ralph Vaughan Williams , George Frideric Handel , Gustav Holst , Samuel Barber , Edvard Grieg , Jean Sibelius , Antonin Dvorak , Franz Liszt , Charles Gounod , Fryderyk Chopin , Alexander Borodin , Maurice Ravel , Antonio Vivaldi , Satie, Erik , and Various Artists Manufacturer: Denon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever! More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe Mozart for Relaxation ASIN: B00008RH16 Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

1. Canon - Pachelbel
2. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-Andante - Mozart
3. Fur Elise - Beethoven
4. String Quartet #1 - Tchaikovsky
5. Clair De Lune - Debussy
6. Idyl for Strings - Adagio - Janacek
7. Adagio in G Mnor - Albinoni
8. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair - Debussy
9. Air on a G String - Bach
10. Greensleeves - Vaughn Williams
11. Largo from Xerxes - Handel
12. Prelude in C - Bach
13. The Planets - Venus - Holst
14. Goldberg Variations - Aria - Bach
15. Adagio for Strings - Barber

Tracks:

1. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun - Debussy
2. Fur Elise - Beethoven
3. Holberg Suite - Sarabande - Grieg
4. Valse Triste - Sibelius
5. Concerto in F Minor - Largo - Bach
6. Serenade for String - Moderato - Dvorak
7. Liebestraume - Liszt
8. Ave Maria - Bach/Bounod
9. Etude in E Major - Chopin
10. String Quartet No 2 - Nocturne - Borodin
11. Arabesque - Debussy
12. Pavane for Dead Princess - Ravel
13. The Four Seasons - Largo - Vivaldi
14. Gymno0pedie 1 - Satie
15. Moonlight Sonata - Adagio - Beethoven
16. Piano Concerto No 21 - Andante - Mozart "Elvira Madigan"

Customer Reviews:

the most relaxing classical music in the university.......2007-05-12

All my favorites. I can start the CD player, which is wired to speakers in every room of my house, and just let it play, along with "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the World" and "The Most Relaxing Classical Guitar in the World." I enjoy an awareness of familiar and beautiful strains of my favorites all day long and never get tired of it.

My brother visited me recently and noticed it right away. That will be another order for this fabulour music.

Relaxing Classical Music.......2007-01-08

I was not really a classical music fan but I am now. I purchased this cd for my 14 year old grand-daughter, not knowing we would both enjoy the music so much. She has always enjoyed classical music along with all of the other teen music, rap, rock, country, etc.
Also, it really helped being able to listen to parts of the music before purchasing.

Stress-freedom.......2006-03-14

Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

Greatly enjoy!.......2006-02-23

I first developed a taste for this music a number of years ago when my daughter started playing in the orchestra. The reason I made this purchase however, was because I have a great deal of difficulty with anxiety and I was looking for ways to find help. I love these CDs. It helps so much to sit and close my eyes and enjoy the music. The CDs are full of beautiful music.

the most relaxing classical music in the universe.......2005-09-21

it's the best next to the first one...

Average customer rating: Greatest baby gift ever Great for the whole family More Great Fun One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it! Absolute joy, and endless fun!

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies Mozart's Magnificent Voyage Mr. Bach Comes To Call World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English! ASIN: B0001I2C8O Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
2. Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
3. Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
4. Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
5. Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
6. Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
7. Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
8. A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
9. Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
10. Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
11. Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
12. Instrumental Performances:
13. Light Cavalry March, Suppe
14. La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
15. In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
16. Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
17. Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
18. Trout Quintet, Schubert
19. Humoresque #7, Dvorak
20. Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
21. Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
22. Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Average customer rating: CD set is misnamed Do not Buy Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music Seek better versions It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe ASIN: B000003QWH Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating: Waste of money Great Music Compilation If you like classical music don't buy this CD. A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music A great compilation

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits Manufacturer: Utv Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music 25 Classical Favorites The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II ASIN: B00004GOZA Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

1. Adagio In G Minor
2. Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
3. Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
4. March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
5. Celebrated Minuet
6. Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
7. Cradle Song
8. 'Minute' Waltz
9. Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
10. Largo
11. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
12. Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
13. Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
14. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
15. Liebestraum
16. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
17. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
18. 'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
19. The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

1. Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
2. Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
3. Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
4. Canon In D
5. Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
6. Turandot: Nessun dorma
7. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
8. Bolero - Conclusion
9. The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
10. William Tell Overture - Finale
11. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
12. Gymnopedie No. 3
13. Ave Maria
14. Blue Danube Waltz
15. Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
16. Firebird Suite - Finale
17. 1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
18. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
19. Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
20. The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
21. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Average customer rating: A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set] Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chabrier | Chabrier, Alexis Emanuel | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, 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Divertimentos Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | 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Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rhapsody in Blue - Ultimate Piano Collection [20 CD Set] Little Night Music - Ultimate Mozart Collection [20 CD Set] Rendezvous of Angels - Concert Collection [20 CD Set] Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set] Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music ASIN: B00012QLTQ Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating: GREAT WEDDING MUSIC! Good Music A very complete selection of ceremony music! Comprehensive Classical Selection Just one note...

A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Charpentier | Charpentier, Marc-Antoine | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gabrieli, Giovanni | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works 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A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque 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Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

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

Good Music.......2006-07-05

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

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

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

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

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

Just one note..........2003-06-07

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

Beautiful, but perhaps not so suitable for a wedding.

Average customer rating: Simply Gorgeous !

Adagio: A Windham Hill Collection Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Prayer: A Windham Hill Collection Windham Hill Chill: Ambient Acoustic The Bach Variations: A Windham Hill Sampler Touch-Windham Hill 25 Years of Guitar Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection ASIN: B000089YAX Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

1. Air 'On The String' - Philippe Saisse
2. Ave Maria - Paul McCandless
3. Arioso - Tracy Silverman
4. Nocturne - Steve Erquiaga
5. Sarabande - Paul Schwartz
6. Intermezzo No.6 - David Benoit
7. Adagio - Brian Dunning
8. Adagio - Patrick O'Hearn
9. Prelude In C-Sharp Minor - Edgar Meyer
10. Adagio - Richard Schonherz
11. Adagio For Strings - Philip Aaberg
12. Largo - Tim Story

Amazon.com

Adagio follows in the rosin-dusted footsteps of The Impressionists, A Different Mozart, and A Different Prelude. As with those releases, it was produced by Dawn Atkinson and features many of the same artists. The results are as varied as the musicians. Violinist Tracy Silverman cuts one of his patented echo-delayed pizzicato violin arrangements of a Bach arioso, while Patrick O'Hearn drapes a somber keyboard shroud around the Adagio from Rodrigo's Fantasy for a Gentleman. Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning find the Celtic air in the Adagio from Handel's Sonata in G, while Philip Aaberg discovers infinity between the notes of Barber's ubiquitous Adagio for Strings. He stretches the melody across his piano in finely drawn lines, subtlety filled out with synthesizer undertones. Subtlety is a casualty on Philipe Saisse's bongos, bells, and synth arrangement of Bach's Air on a G String. It's also sacrificed in a corny confection of Handel's Sarabande by Paul Schwartz. His ham-fisted electronic keyboards would've sounded dated even before Switched-On Bach. But Adagio features plenty of musicians who are willing to surrender themselves to their elegiac themes, including guitarist Steve Erquiaga, Mike Marshall, and Edgar Meyers. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Simply Gorgeous !.......2003-10-05

This is the first Windham Hill compilation I've purchased in a long, long time, and I am thrilled with the music.
The artistry is stunning, the artists bring themselves to the music while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the original piece.
My favorite is Grieg's Nocturne, arranged and performed by Steve Erquiaga. I have been in love with his music from the moment
I heard his CD "Cafe Paradiso" (Imaginary road Records). It is absolutely stunning!
When I saw that he was on "Adagio" I went for it. I'm so happy that I did ...
Other hightlights for me are Philip Aaberg's "Adagio for Strings", Tracy Silverman's "Arioso" ..... they're all beautiful.
Thank You for this wonderful music.

Average customer rating: perfect selection for commencement/ graduation Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices **An Exquisite Album** Samples Great Sampler!

Simply the Best Classical Anthems Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Requiem: Dies Irae
2. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
3. The Planets: Mars
4. The Ride Of The Valkyries
5. Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
6. Fanfare For The Common Man
7. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
8. Aida: Grand March
9. Summer - Four Seasons: Presto
10. Te Deum: Prelude
11. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra
12. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
13. Symphony No. 5: First Movement
14. Spartacus: Adagio
15. Sabre Dance
16. Symphony No. 40: First Movement
17. Zadok The Priest
18. Turandot: Nessun Dorma

Tracks:

1. Also Sprach Zarathoustra
2. Romeo And Juliet: Dance Of The Knights
3. Requiem: Dies Irae
4. 1812 Overture
5. Piano Concerto
6. Spring - Four Seasons: Allegro
7. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
8. The Royal Fireworks: La Ruissance From Music
9. Flight Of The Bumble Bee
10. Symphonie Fantastique: March To The Scaffold
11. Carmen: Overture
12. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
13. Jerusalem
14. The Planets: Jupiter
15. Symphony No 9, 'Ode To Joy'
16. Swan Lake: Scene
17. Enigma Variations: Nimrod
18. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini [Variation 18]
19. Pictures At An Exibitions: Promenade
20. Symphony For Organ No 3: Finale, Symphony For Organ No 3

Customer Reviews:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation.......2007-06-11

We were concerned after reading some other reviews that this version of Pomp and Circumstance wouldn't be the correct movement or the full length version. This selection has the song for graduation AND the extended length, so it gives plenty of time for processionals. If this is what you need, this is the CD to get.

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices.......2004-08-13

"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music. By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces. If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.

The CD contains 36 songs composed by the legends of Classical Music Composers from the past. The bulk of the works come from Composers in the the 19th and 20th century, but there are works from the Romantic and Classical eras of the late 18th and early 19th century (such as Beethoven and Mozart). In general you will find most of the major names of Composers you would expect to find - names such as Tchiakovsky, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Elgar, and Bach are all there. The only major composer who I would have expected to see on this CD that I don't see is Frederic Chopin. The composers of the late 20th century are not included on this collection - so you won't see Leonard Bernstein or John Williams on this set. While these Composers are excellent, I do think style of the tracks on this collection pre-date their style.

The recordings themselves are done by the great Orchestras around the world. For the most part, European Orchestras were used to deliver the tracks. There are a few exceptions: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra delivers "The Ride of the Valkyries"; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra delivers "Dance of the Knights"; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Some of the European Orchestras that are well known include: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Philhamonique de Strasbourg, and more. Also included are performances by well known names in the Classical space such as Marie-Claire Alain (Bach's "Toccate and Fogue in D Minor" and Saint-Saens' "Symphony for Organ No 3"), Piero Toso (Vivaldi's "Allegro From Spring - Four Seasons"), and Placido Domingo appears on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".

The 2 Disc collection contains a total of over 2 hours and 6 minutes of music. The selections that are included in the set will sound very familiar to you when you play them. You probably have both heard and seen the names of tracks such as: Oref's "O Fortuna"; Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Beethoven's "First Movement from Symphony Number 5" and "Ode To Joy"; Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Many of the other tracks will also sound familiar, but maybe not so much by name - such as Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries", Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathoustra"; Grieg's "Piano Concerto", and "Dies Irae" (versions included by Mozart and Verdi - you can compare the two and judge for yourself). As for the Discs themselves, I think most of the casual fans will like the selections on Disc Two better, but Disc One is still very good. On a sidebar, the Israel Philharmonic's version of "1812 Overture" is by far the best you will hear - particularly at the end, the booming drums create almost a 3 dimensional vision of fireworks being launched into the air.

There one big negative on this collection is some of the recording quality. The clarity of the recording is there, but some of the recording levels leave a lot to be desired. On some of the softer parts, it is barely audible without significantly turning up your volume. This is very evident on "O Fortuna" where you will hear almost dead silence during from the 30 second to 1:30 mark of the track unless you crank your volume up. Same with the first few seconds of Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathoustra" and Tchiakovsky's "1812 Overture". When the volume is cranked up you will hear them - but then the other sections will be way too loud. I'm surprised with modern technology that this couldn't be addressed better.

The liner notes are pretty thin. You do get the Composers, Performers/Orchestras, and recording dates. There isn't any more details than that and you won't learn anymore insight on the tracks than this information. Despite some of the shortcomings of the liner notes and recording volume, I still think this is an excellent place to start and do recommend this CD if you are a novice to Classical Music and are looking for a great place to start listening to what the Classics have to offer.

**An Exquisite Album**.......2004-02-21

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

Simply The Best Classical Anthems is a compilation album of `36 of the most powerful Anthems on Earth'. But, it is also said to be something else. It is said to be a gateway. A gateway to another world. A world where our imagination can run free without being shackled down by any borders or boundaries or rules or limits. A world that we have all seen or perhaps more accurately have all heard of but for many of us a world that we have never dared to enter. Never dared to enter because of fear. The fear of being ostracised and shunned by our community.

THE MYTH
`Classical Music!', I can hear some of you cry. `That isn't another world. That's just music for the upperclass, the high-brow, and the pompous.' Surprisingly, I too felt this way for a long time until I accepted the invitation made to me by Simply The Best Classical Anthems. I always felt that Classical Music was nice to listen to as background music for a Levis ad or a Car ad but I would consider people strange if they chose to hear it on its own. However, after having listened to this album I realised how wrong I was in my assumptions.

THE TRUTH
Music as with all forms of amusement helps to take you away from where you are now. It helps to relax you when you are stressed with anger; it helps to give you strength when you are vulnerable; it helps to keep your spirits up when you have faced tragedy or loss. It helps. And, for me the type of music that best conjures up the most passionate emotions (love, hate, courage and anger) at our most testing times is Classical Music.
How? I don't know.
Why? I don't know.
I can only promise you that in my experience it does.

THE CHEST
The album, in visual terms, is very difficult to overlook amongst the plethora of records that may surround it. This is because the album has a very distinct purple sleeve cover. Not any kind of purple mind you but the Cadbury's kind of purple. The kind of purple that carries with it an invitation. An invitation that if accepted promises you a treasure inside.
And since, I have always enjoyed the treasure within the purple Cadbury's Dairy Milk wrapper, I asked myself why would an album carrying the same invitation promise to be anything different? Thus, I parted with my tuppence worth and went back home to open this purple chest of promised treasures.

THE PROMISED TREASURE
As you may have guessed, the contents of the album are somewhat different to the contents of a Cadbury's bar. When I opened the album, I was presented with two compact discs. At first glance, there did not seem to be anything special about them. They were just your average, everyday, run of the mill compact discs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed because I suppose I had hoped for something more.
However, looks can be deceptive. (Afterall, a Cadbury's Dairy Milk does not seem very appetising until you taste it!) And, also come November each year, I am always bemused and surprised at how the shabby contents of a cardboard box can both light up the sky and light up the faces of the neighbourhood. Thus, I pushed aside my assumptions and I ignited the discs (not literally of course, I just pressed the play button on the CD player). And, I let the fireworks begin.

THE KEY
From the very beginning, you will feel like you have unlocked the doorway to something special. And, after a full two hours of listening to both discs, you will feel like you have been taken out of this world and transported to another. Welcome to the world of Classical Music.

GUIDANCE
In the beginning, continue to listen to both discs in one go (i.e. one after the other). After a while, you will know which tracks you enjoy listening to the most. For those tracks you enjoyed the most make a promise to yourself that you will listen to the whole of the piece from which that track came from.
Good Luck on your quest if you choose to accept it.
Ride amongst the Valkyries, listen to the Flight of the Bumblebees, and use The Planets to keep you on the path.

I am not a good reviewer because as with all of my reviews I refuse to comment too much about what is inside the product but rather more about what effect the product has had on me. (Me, me, me. Vain & Egotistic, I know, so my friends and family keep telling me). But, I just want to cause a raucous about the product, enough not to spoil but enough of a raucous to let you experience it for yourself.

So my final words are:
Simply The Best Classical Anthems is an invitation. An invitation to the world of classical music. A world where you can begin a never-ending quest of curiosity. A curiosity that will always be rewarded with fulfilment.

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

Samples.......2003-11-23

The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices.

Great Sampler!.......2002-03-20

This is a good sampler, since it covers what you would want in a classical music CD. Looking at the tracks, it has the classic hits, such as "Ride of the Valkyries," "Toccata and Fugue," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "'Jupiter' from `The Planets,'" "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," and "Hallelujah Chorus."

There are also some new pieces that I have fallen in love with, such as "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," "'Promenade' from Pictures at an Exhibition." The compilers did an interesting double take by including both Verdi's and Mozart's "Dies Ire." I'm not sure which is better.

This music is good for the brain and good for the soul. There is a power and passion that the blaring and glaring music that makes up most of the FM band. I'm reminded of the religious man who said that there is no music in hell. Probably because they wouldn't appreciate it there.

These CDs has a good transfer from the analogue tapes; there is no hiss or fuzziness. The packaging hearkens back to 2001: A Space Odyssey, with the black monolith. And appropriately, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" is the opening track on Disk 2.

Track Listings:

1. Gubaydulina: Pro et Contra; Concordanza
2. Hark, How the Bells
3. Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 4-6
4. Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 7-10
5. Hommage A Louis Vierne
6. Igor Markevich Conducts Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky
7. Juan del Enzina: Romances & Villancicos - Hesperion XX
8. Kiev Camerata, Vol. 1
9. Kiev Camerata, Vol.2
10. Korngold in Vienna

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Demons at the Beeb [Live]

Korngold & Rosza

Jo Fletcher

Complete Savoy and Dial Recordings [Import]

Rock Music rock-music-54

Many Different Roads

In Good Health

Music as a Second Language

It Don't Get Any Better Than This

Hits in Concert [Live]

Kontakte [CD-single]

Le Mal D'Adam

Kickin Hard V.6 [Import]

Stephen Hough's Spanish Album

The Shirelles - 25 All-Time Greatest Hits