Bach: Christmas Oratorio

1. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.1: Jauchzet, frohlocket, Chorus
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Conducted by Eugen Jochum

2. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.4: Bereite dich, Zion, Aria
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Elly Ameling
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

3. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.7: Er ist auf Erden kommen arm
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Hermann Prey
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

4. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.7: Wer will die Liebe recht erhöhn
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Hermann Prey
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

5. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.10: Sinfonia
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra Conducted by Eugen Jochum

6. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.12: Brich an, du schönes Morgenlicht
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Chorus and Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Eugen Jochum

7. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.15: Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Horst R. Laubenthal
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

8. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.17: Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra Conducted by Eugen Jochum

9. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.19: Schlafe, mein Liebster
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Brigitte Fassbaender
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

10. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.23: Wir singen dir in deinem Heer
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Chorus and Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Eugen Jochum

11. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.39: Flößt, mein Heiland, ,flößt dein Namen
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Elly Ameling
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

12. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.47: Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Hermann Prey
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

13. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.51: Ach, wann wird die Zeit erscheinen?
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Orchestra with Elly Ameling , Brigitte Fassbaender , Hermann Prey
Conducted by Eugen Jochum

14. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 No.59: Ich steh an deiner Krippe hier
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bavarian Radio Chorus and Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Eugen Jochum

Bach: Christmas Oratorio,Hermann Prey,Johann Sebastian Bach,Eugen Jochum,Bayerischen Rundfunkorchester,Bayerischen Rundfunkorchester und chor,Bayerischen Rundfunks Sinfonie-orchester,Chorus and Sinfonie orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks,Elly Ameling,Horst R. Laubenthal,Brigitte Fassbaender,Polygram Records,Choral,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Oratorio

Average customer rating: so amazing Essential Bach is OK Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music Exquisite Essential Bach Good

Essential Bach Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | 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 Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces Essential Beethoven Essential Tchaikovsky 25 Bach Favorites Chopin: Favorite Piano Works ASIN: B00004SPLF Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

1. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
3. Prelude in C major
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
5. Goldberg Variations: Aria
6. Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
7. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
8. Jesu, joy of man's desiring
9. Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
10. Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
11. Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
12. Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
13. Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
14. French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
15. Prelude in D Minor
16. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
17. Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

1. Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
2. Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
3. Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
4. Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
5. Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
6. Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
7. Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
8. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
9. Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
10. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
11. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
12. Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
13. Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
14. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
15. Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
16. Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
17. Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
18. Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
19. Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating: Great CD Mellow, Sleepy, Wonderful Soothing Bach Great for kids! My Kind of Bedtime

Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | 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 Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven at Bedtime: A Gentle Prelude to Sleep Mozart for Meditation Brahms at Bedtime: A Sleepytime Serenade Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away Mozart at Midnight ASIN: B0000041E0 Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Sheep May Safely Graze
2. Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: Andante
3. Concerto In A For Oboe d'amore: Larghetto
4. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor: Sarabande
5. Christmas Oratorio: Sinfonia
6. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E: Adagio
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Adante
8. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins: Largo ma non tanto
9. Concerto In F For Oboe: Siciliano
10. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: Affetuoso
11. Sonata No. 1 In G For Cello & Piano: Andante
12. Sinfonia, Part II 'Easter Oratorio': Adagio
13. Partita In D Minor: Sarabande
14. Suite in D: Sarabande

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-06-14

Great music, soothing, calming and perfect for bedtime quality time.

Mellow, Sleepy, Wonderful.......2005-10-27

I bought this CD for myself, a 60 year old. I have trouble sleeping and have been buying CDs by this company. They are all wonderful. I'm asleep in about 15 minutes!

Soothing Bach.......2005-04-29

It would probably help to first clear up a potential misconception in the unfortunate subtitle which refers to "lullabies" - a term that brings to mind for most people simplistic, sing-songy music hummed to babies in a crib. Lullabies are wonderful and have their place, but the music on the CD is not this (and Bach would probably have cringed a bit at the thought of his music here being called "lullabies.") What is here is a most wonderful, high-quality collection of Bach's Baroque music that is most condusive to creating a quiet, peaceful mood. The selections here include many famous pieces from Bach played by an impressive, all-star line up of notable musicians. Some listeners might take comfort in knowing that all selections have a similar, gentle tempo and mood without those unwanted changes in loudness from soft to LOUD that can startle one (the baby?) from sleep or quiet contemplation. The sound quality is good for the purpose of this collection - to provide relaxing background music or Rx for insomnia. I listen to this CD often if I wake up at night.

Johan Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a devout German Lutharan who devoted much of his life to composing music for various church functions and events in his position of 'head music master" in his different appointments. As such, we see often in Bach's music a "pastoral" quality - whose effect is to encourage, comfort and renew the spirit. No piece (and title) is more demonstrating of this quality then the opening "Sheep May Safely Graze" which is perhaps the finest recording of this magnificant and comforting piece by the Stuttgart Orchestra who brings a most expressive quality to the music. Its inter-weaving and delicate melodies give rise to serene visions of carefree green pastures and the sense that all is well. So, perhaps in that vein, this music has some commonality to traditional lullabies.

But, even though the music is serene, there is much musically to hear in these tunes - for those still awake. Bach's genius is seen here for setting a lyrical solo instrument (violin, oboe, cello) against a stable, comforting background orchestra pulsing away in Bach fashion. Many of these works are a typical style of Bach music known as "fugues" - which is a type of music where two-three instruments simultaneously play different melodies that all blend together in splendid harmony. This consistent, calming rhythm with gently soaring melodies are part of what makes such music suitable for bedtime. Finally, one who is just nodding off can appreciate that the last two selections are the most peaceful with the fewest notes coming from the solo guitar of Pepe Romero. They end in a whisper which should be right about the time you fall asleep and the CD player quietly clicks off. This is a really wonderful compilation of Bach's music that should be pleasing to both those just looking for some nice, relaxing music - or even to the long-term classical collector who already has 30 CD's of Bach's music but values the variety and soothing qualities of such 'even-temperament' collections.

Great for kids!.......2001-11-29

I bought this CD for my daughter when she turned six. It's been a year and she still listens to it a lot. Yes, she also listens to Britney and Christina, but on many nights she will request Bach (aka: that one with no words). It's great to know that they selected soothing, relaxing pieces. It's a wonderful way to broaden my daughter's horizons while also getting her to sleep.

My Kind of Bedtime.......2001-10-17

This CD is lovely and soothing, and I have to take exception to R. Loam's contention that the entire CD is in the minor key. I can determine from listening to the samples that certainly #1 and #5 are in the major key, and there are probably more. The minor key does not have to invoke meloncholia - it is many times in the eyes of the beholder.

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 All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( 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 Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | 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 All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | 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 Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Franck, César | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski Haunted Heart The Inner Voice : The Making of a Singer Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva ASIN: B000AM6OXK Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Jesu bleibet meine Freude
3. Dank sei dir, Herr
4. Ave Maria, D839
5. Laudamus te
6. Panis Angelicus
7. Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
8. Simple Song
9. Pie Jesu
10. Domine Deus
11. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
12. Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
13. Abends will ich schlafen gehn
14. L'Adieu des bergers
15. Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
16. 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: Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ? Gentle background music with lots of harp Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening Bach for any meal! Lovely!!!

Bach for Breakfast Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading Mozart for Meditation ASIN: B0000041D9 Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

1. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D
3. Concerto In D Minor For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Siciliano
4. Suite in D: Bourree I - II
5. Sonata In E-Flat For Flute & Harp: Sicilliano
6. Sonata In E-Flat For Flute & Harp: Allegro Moderato
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 In B-Flat: Adagio ma non tanto
8. Sonata In G minor For Flute, Harp & Cello: Allegro
9. Sonata In G minor For Flute, Harp & Cello: Adagio
10. Sinfonia: Christmas Oratorio
11. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C: Forlane
12. Sonata In C For Flute & Harp: Andante-Presto
13. Sonata In C For Flute & Harp: Menuetto I - II
14. English Suite No. 3 In G Minor: Allemande
15. Brandenberg Concerto No. 2 In F: Andante
16. Suite In E-Flat For Harp: Gavotte en rondeau
17. Concerto In D Minor For Violin & Panpipes: Adagio
18. Concerto In A For Oboe d'amore, Strings & Continuo: Allegro moderato

Customer Reviews:

Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ?.......2005-10-04

This recording is a delightful morning brew of Bach's most beautiful and atmospheric instrumental music, even making use of an instrument that most music scholars forget he even wrote music for - the harp, as in the SLonatas for Flute, Harp and Cello, which on this recording, sound positively radiant coming from the likes of Sir Neville Marriner's Academy of St Martin In The Fields or the English Chamber Orchestra. The opening track is the ever popular Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, mostly a featured piece in Wedding Ceremonies. The Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, which I believe is marked "Overture" is regal and elegant. The English Suite No. 3 in G Minor is a lovely piece, as is the intimately slow andane of the Brandenbur Concerto No. 2. The Concerto for Violin and Panpies in D is a fresh new rendition. All in all, this is a very intimate CD, full of Baroque charm and romance. It is a fine way to start your day.

Gentle background music with lots of harp.......2005-06-26

In general, the Philips series "Set Your Life to Music" is one of the better, high-quality compilation series of classical music. This CD is a collection of Bach's Baroque-era music that is ideal for those unfamiliar to the often-intimidating world of classical music who mainly are looking for some pleasant and inspiring background music while learning a little about classical music. This Bach collection contains music that is rich in the soothing sounds of flute, harp, guitar and oboe along with a sampling of Bach's mild-mannered, songful orchestral music. Overall, the selections are all gentle and lyrical with a good sound quality. The concerto, oboe and orchestral works are some of Bach's finest compositions of sheer beauty and elegance and are performed by some of classical music's finest musicians. Some selections most everyone who has been ever been to a few weddings will recognize (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire). And no piece is as haughtingly lovely as the flute sonata slow movement (Siciliano) on track 5 - a highlight of the disc.

While 'classical purists' may raise their brow because of the many flute/harp selections (citing that Bach never composed any music for the harp), the person buying this CD for inspiring and relaxing mood music should be be delighted just fine with these "transcriptions" from piano to harp. The harp has a special niche for creating the most serene of atmospheres which it does not fail to do here. The solo Suite in E-flat was originally composed for solo violin but sounds much more smooth and dreamy on the harp - a piece very well done. However, some pieces are so serene that you might fall asleep at the breakfast table - hence, the sub-title "A leisurely way to start your day." Actually, it could easily be titled, "Bach for Bedtime" as the selections are all pretty relaxed and on the quiet side. So, if the hyper-energy of Mozart symphonies is too much for your mornings or if the sharp surges of Beethoven's music unsettle you, then these calmer Bach selections should be a better way to ease into the day.

If you like the flavor of Baroque music, "Bach for Book Lovers" in the same series is a good choice and has more solo piano selections for the piano lover. "Bach for Bedtime" is also a wonderful (non-duplicating) collection of some of Bach's most serene music and is also recommended. Perhaps the most calming and sedating music in this Philip's series is "Baroque for Bathtime" which can easily put you to sleep - in a good way - with or without the bath. All are high quality with well-selected pieces from the treasures of classical music's most influential composer of the Baroque era - Johann Sebastian Bach.

Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening.......2004-01-26

You will love this CD! Like many of the CD's from this series, the music was carefully chosen for home listening. I just love playing this CD at home.

The "songs" on this CD and from the series were chosen from the vast and excellent Phillips classical music catalog. The sound, performances, and song selections are world-class.

A lot of great classical music is great for an evening at the concert hall but not very good for listening at home. The crescendos can be loud and the themes too intense. I would rather listen to a breathtaking Mozart piano sonata (solo piano) at home than a grand Mozart symphony (large orchestra) at home. The music on this CD was chosen for home listening, such as when reading a book.

This music appeals to everyone. Classic musicians may snub this music because it's not grand like a full-blown opera. They ignore the fact that the great composers, like Bach recognized different musical genres such as chamber music for at home or the kings court, and grand symphonies for an evening at the concert hall.

The music on this CD is EXCELLENT for listening at home. It's both brilliant and mellow. When I listen to this music I marvel at the brilliance of Bach. I am very grateful for this music and other CD's in this series.

A fantastic CD!

Bach for any meal!.......2004-01-22

By far, one of the best "collection" CDs of Bach's music. On a couple of tracks, some liberties are taken, but overall, this is a must-have. It includes 6 tracks from the Flute Sonatas, and features a soloist with whom I was not familiar - Irena Grafenauer gives THE MOST EXQUISITE performances I have ever heard - Galway and Rampal, step aside!

Lovely!!!.......2002-04-06

Worth every penny! A must have in the car if you commute on busy highway daily to and from work -- help to ease road rage! It's great for relaxing after a long day of programming too!

Average customer rating: Baroque Masterpieces Great short Baroque piece collection Excellent Baroque Collection

Baroque Masterpieces Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Musettes | 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 Carl Philipp Emman. Bach | Bach, Carl Philipp Emman. | ( B ) | 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 Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( 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 Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | 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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Baroque Favorites The Best of Baroque Music Essential Baroque Greatest Hits ~ Baroque Baroque Guitar ASIN: B00005YQL6 Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Canon In D Major - Johann Pachelbel
2. Suites De Symphonies No. 1: I. Rondeau - Jean-Joseph Mouret
3. Adagio In G Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
4. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': I. Menuett In G Major, BWV Anh. 114 - Johann Sebastian Bach
5. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': II. Musette In D Major, BWV Anh. 126 - Johann Sebastian Bach
6. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': III. 'Bist Du Bei Mir', BWV 508 - Johann Sebastian Bach
7. Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': IV. Marche In D Major, BWV Anh. 122 - Johann Sebastian Bach
8. Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Christoph Willibald Gluck
9. Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
10. Solomon: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - George Frideric Handel
11. Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: Pastorale Ad Libitum - Arcangelo Corelli
12. Berenice: Overture - George Frideric Handel
13. Abdelazer: Rondeau - Henry Purcell
14. Xerxes: Largo - George Frideric Handel
15. Belshazzar: Martial Symphony - George Frideric Handel
16. Saul: Dead March - George Frideric Handel
17. Cantana BWV 147 Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
18. Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conquering Hero Comes - George Frideric Handel
19. Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim - George Frideric Handel
20. Suite For Strings: I. Sarabanda. Largo - Arcangelo Corelli
21. Suite For Strings: II. Giga, Allegro - Arcangelo Corelli
22. Suite For Strings: III. Badinerie. Vivace - Arcangelo Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Baroque Masterpieces.......2007-07-07

The music was very good but wish they had more to listen too. Not enough bang.

Great short Baroque piece collection.......2005-02-05

This CD has 17 pieces on 22 tracks including 7 by Handel, 2 each by Bach & Corelli, and 1 each by Pachelbel, Mouret, Albinoni, Gluck, Clarke, & Purcell. They are frequently the best known piece by the composer--and easily recognizable: Pachelbel's Canon, Mouret's Rondeau (theme from PBS' Masterpiece Theater), Albinoni's Adagio, etc. If you like high quality short pieces/excerpts, this CD is for you. My only qualification is: no Telemann, but it's just too good for a 4-star rating.

Excellent Baroque Collection.......2003-07-22

As I have stated in many of my previous reviews, I am a huge fan of the Sony Essential Classics (SEC) budget series. Most of the recordings feature classic and often definitive performances featuring the likes of George Szell, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Casadesus, Isaac Stern and Rudolf Serkin among others. Here we get a variety of orchestras and conductors including big names like Jean-Claude Malgoire, Raymond Leppard, Pierre Boulez, Sir Charles Groves and the great Eugene Ormandy. This disc features excellent performances of what is arguably the most popular Baroque music ever written. I am not usually one to give five-star ratings to greatest-hits style collections (particularly in classical), but the half-dozen performances by Ormandy make this disc a great purchase for both novices and serious collectors.

Average customer rating: LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT! Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain? At this price, how can one complain?

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booklet) The Arts: World Themes Rise to Globalism Walden and Other Writings (Modern Library Classics) Twentieth-Century World History ASIN: B00004YYRT Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
2. Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
3. Gloria - Oxford Camerata
4. Pavane - Red Byrd
5. Canon - Capella Istropolitana
6. Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
7. Prelude - Laurence Cummings
8. Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
9. Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
10. Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
11. Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
12. Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
13. Andante - Failoni Orchestra
14. Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
15. Adagio - Jeno Jando
16. Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
17. Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Ingrid Kertesi
2. Un Bal - Pinchas Steinberg
3. Wedding March - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Minute Waltz - Idil Biret
5. Larghetto - Alexander Rahbari
6. Ride Of The Valkyries - Uwe Mund
7. Prelude - Alexander Rahbari
8. Hungarian Dance No.3 - Budapest Symphony
9. Scene - Ondrej Lenard
10. Slavonic Dance No.1 - Balazs Szokolay
11. Nimrod - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
12. Clair De Lune - Keith Clark
13. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Prelude In C Sharp Minor - Idil Biret
15. Fountain Of The Villa Medici At Sunset - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
16. Overture - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
17. O Fortuna - Slovak Philharmonic Chorus
18. Playful Pizzicato - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
19. Violin Concerto - Adele Anthony

Amazon.com

Is it a two-CD set with a particularly thick booklet, or a 562-page book with a compilation album attached? Either way, the unpretentious text by Keith Anderson offers an introduction to the lives and works of dozens of composers, together with recommended recordings from the Naxos and Marco Polo catalogs. Anderson includes a useful 59-page glossary of musical terms and an extensive listing of classical pieces used in films. The odd thing about the 36 extracts and complete pieces on the CDs is that they do not form an A-to-Z at all. Rather, they are arranged chronologically, from 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant to the opening movement of contemporary composer Philip Glass's Violin Concerto. Between these two points is the early music of Palestrina and Byrd; the Baroque glories of Vivaldi and Bach; the 19th-century Romantic masters, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky; and such 20th-century greats as Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Opera, song, and chamber music are barely represented, but only so much can fit into 151 minutes. Essentially a deluxe sampler of the vast Naxos catalogue, the discs offer a good introduction to some of the most famous and melodic music ever composed, while the book will be very useful to newcomers to the potentially confusing world of classical music. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated bok, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Like the Naxos range of recording itself, A-Z of Classical Music is a rich source of inspiration for anyone either just embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment or for whom classical music has long been a way of life. Included within is an extensive glossary of musical terms plus a unique guide to classical music used in acclaimed films. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained in the accompanying CDs.

Customer Reviews:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!.......2003-01-19

It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a
glossary of musical terms and a unique guide to the classical music used in 360 top films.

Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?.......2002-08-30

Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price. These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better. This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics. If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics. Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?.......2001-09-30

This is pretty much a CD version of a mini-Naxos and Marco Polo catalog. All the pieces and extracts are ordered chronologically on the 2 CDs and are of very acceptable quality, but don't expect excellence in every track. Personally, I was particularly disappointed with one of my favourite Pachelbel pieces. The Naxos Canon & Gigue lacks all the emotion of my favourite versions.

Still, any possible weaker performances are of little importance after you get your hands on the fat booklet with over 500 pages. The booklet offers a short intro about the great composers, a glossary of musical terms, a list of works used in films and dozens of illustrations of several composers.

Overall, at this price, this is a must-have pack for any beginner, and might be useful for the occasion "quick check" of the work of many composers. Do not expect many detail, nor references to all the works of some composers; I often got frustrated with the lack of detail in some cases, but in general, the booklet is very effective for a quick reference.
You will need more titles that offer more complete information, and you won't truly learn to love classical music just by reading it, but it is small and compact.

It really puzzles me why Naxos did not include a full index of composers, a serious omission. To find a particular composer you will have to look for it yourself in over 500 pages. Also, the separation of the text is not so good, making the search even a bit slower. The lack of the index is truly annoying and I am sure it will be corrected in future editions.

Even with a few weaker pieces and the lack of the index, at this price, there isn't much to argue about. This is truly a bargain that you should not miss. I would also recommend the A-Z of Opera, which offers a bigger booklet with over 700 pages, focusing on opera works and mentioning several composers that are absent from the A-Z of Classical. That other booklet has a very complete index, and much clearer text layout and separation, that's the way both booklets should have been designed.

The two sets complement each other very well. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Great collection of sacred music An Inspiring and Heartening Compilation making a joyous sound A correction I AM A SIMPLE WOMAN

Kiri Te Kanawa - Ave Maria Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 Te Kanawa, Dame Kiri | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | 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 Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Kiri Kiri Te Kanawa Classics Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song Ave Maria Christmas with Kiri ASIN: B0000040X1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. O Divine Redeemer
2. Laudate Dominum
3. Bist Du Bei Mir
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
5. Sanctus
6. Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges: On Wings Oof Song
7. Panis Angelicus
8. Ave Verum K. - KV 618
9. Ave Maria Op.52-6
10. Trumpet Tune
11. Let The Bright Seraphim
12. Let Their Celestial Concerts

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of sacred music.......2005-12-23

What a great collection, many real sacred classics, all delivered in very heartfelt, but simple way, and Kiri's voice is just so beautiful. And I like the fact that there are many different moods, there are some songs which are very soothing, slow pieces but also different ones, and the the final songs are Let The Bright Seraphim which is so uplifting and bright and Let Their Celestial Concerts. They are both from Samson, it's refreshing to hear these tracks instead of the usual pieces from Messiah.
My favourite songs are Bist du bei mir and especially Mozart's Ave Verum, so perfect when sung by Kiri, I know so many different versions but these are probably the best I have heard.
Mozart's Laudate Dominum is done very nicely, good tempo and such great singing. Kirir has a great trill! Panis Angelicus is good too, I wish Kiri would do something else instead of this worn classic, but her version of Schubert's Ave Marias on this album is actually very good. This is a great, refreshing collection overall, well put together, with very tasteful arrangements. There is also a nice chorus, they only sing in few pieces but they sound really good.
There is a small problem with the sound level on this album, it's true, but Kiri's voice still sounds beautiful, just crank up the volume a little bit, so you can hear her better. Maybe the bright seraphim will hear her too!

An Inspiring and Heartening Compilation.......2004-07-12

Kiri Te Kanawa voice never fails to inspire me and uplift my spirit. Her rendition of "Ave Maria" is just so beautiful and moving that its effect on the listener can not be expressed in mere words. Kiri's voice and intuitive nature of delivering the inner strength and emotion of each selection on this CD is just inspiring.

making a joyous sound.......2003-07-03

Dame Kiri's voice shines in these beautiful sacred pieces, and as her biographer David Fingleton, in his excellent liner notes for this CD points out, that going back to her youth and first voice teacher, who was a Sister of Mercy, church music has always been a part of her repertoire, even though she is mostly noted as an operatic soprano.
Favorites include Gounod's exquisite "O Divine Redeemer" ("Repentir"), the two Mozart pieces, "Laudate Dominum" (from "Vesperae solennes de confessore" KV 339), and "Ave Verum" KV 618, and the luminous performance of Schubert's popular "Ave Maria".

Track # 11, Purcell's "Trumpet Time", is a trumpet solo by Crispian Steele-Perkins, and there is also a good and jolly trumpet on track # 11, Handel's "Let the Bright Seraphim" from "Samson", which is the piece Dame Kiri sang in St. Paul's Cathedral for the Prince and Princess of Wales, at their wedding in 1981, and has become one of her most often requested songs.
This recording was made in 1984, at the All Saints' Church in Tooting, England, and the sound is not great but quite adequate. The boys of the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral sing like little angels, and the English Chamber Orchestra is led by Barry Rose. Total time is 47:40.
This would make a nice change of pace CD during the Christmas Season, and for fans of this wonderful soprano, hearing her voice is a joy any time of the year.

A correction.......2003-05-28

I don't know where this comment belongs, but I have a correction to make:
Track 2 is Laudate Dominum from Vespearae solennes de confesore (K.337) and not Vespeare de Dominica (K.321) as the listing says.
Both Mozart's arias are beautiful, though.

I AM A SIMPLE WOMAN.......2003-02-08

I LEARNED TO PLAY CHOPSTIX AND THE RIGHT HAND PART OF BLUE MOON FROM MY FATHER WHEN I WAS LITTLE. I LEARNED TO SING FRERE JAQUES FROM HIM TOO AND WE SANG IT TOGETHER IN ROUNDS. I KNOW WHERE MIDDLE C IS ON THE PIANO AND THIS IS THE EXTENT OF WHAT I KNOW ABOUT MUSIC. SO YOU EXPERTS CAN JUST GO TO THE NEXT REVIEW IF YOU LIKE AND I WONT BE OFFENDED. I AM A KNUCKLEHEAD BY YOUR STANDARDS AND I WOULDN'T PAY ATTENTION TO ME EITHER IF I WERE YOU. BUT FOR THE REST OF YOU, LET ME SAY THAT THIS WOMAN'S VOICE IS LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER HEARD. THE MUSIC SHE CHOSE TO SING FIRST OF ALL, IS BEATUIFUL, JUST BEAUTIFUL. YOU'LL GET GOOSEBUMPS. BUT HER VOICE IS THE THING. IT'S LIKE GOOD COLD SPRING WATER. IT'S CLEAN AND CONFIDENT, NO FUZZY EDGES OR BIG SHOWY SWOOPS. IT'S SOFT AND STRONG AND BIG AND TINY JUST WHEN IT SHOULD BE, I THINK. YOU WILL JUST FIND YOURSELF LISTENING AND SOMETIMES YOU WILL JUST BE HOLDING YOUR BREATH, HARDLY BELIEVING YOUR GOOD LUCK THAT YOU ARE HEARING THIS. I ACTUALLY SHUSHED MY HUSBAND AND TOLD HIM TO STOP TRYING TO TALK TO ME WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID I WOULD MISS SOMETHING. I LOVE A GOOD VOICE AND/OR A GOOD SINGER. THEY AREN'T ALWAYS THE SAME THING. SO I WILL ADD THIS WOMAN AND HER MUSIC TO MY COLLECTION OF FAVORITES THAT INCLUDE THE MUSIC OF JANIS JOPLIN, NINA SIMONE, JONI MITCHELL, CECILIA BARTOLI, MARIAH CAREY, MR. PAVOROTI AND SOME OTHER GOOD GIRLS AND GUYS. AND POUR YOURSELF A GLASS OF WINE THE FIRST GO AROUND...

Average customer rating: The Best Of Baroque Collection Outstanding sampler

Greatest Hits ~ Baroque George Frideric Handel , Jean-Philippe Rameau , Antonio Vivaldi , Johann Sebastian Bach , Jean-Joseph Mouret , Marc-Antoine Charpentier , Johann Pachelbel , Henry Purcell , Tomaso Albinoni , Alessandro Marcello , Jeremiah Clarke , New York Sinfonietta , Philadelphia Orchestra , Columbia Symphony Orchestra , Hartmut Haenchen , Jean-Claude Malgoire , Raymond Leppard , Richard Kapp , Max Goberman , Eugene Ormandy , Vladimir Goischmann , Glenn Gould , Carolyn Watkinson , Teiko Maehashi , La Grande Ecurie et la Chambre du Roy , and William Bennett Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | 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. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( 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 Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | 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 Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rameau | Rameau, Jean Philippe | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Marcello | Marcello, Alessandro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | 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 | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | 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 Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The