La Cetra 1

1. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in C major ("La cetra" No. 1), Op. 9/1, RV 181a
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
2. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in A major ("La cetra" No. 2), Op. 9/2, RV 345
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
3. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ("La cetra" No. 3) Op. 9/3, RV 334
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
4. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in E major ("La cetra" No. 4), Op. 9/4, RV 263a
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
5. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in A minor (also attributed to Giovanni Piantaneda), Op. 9/5, RV 358
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
6. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in A major ("La cetra" No. 6), Op. 9/6, RV 348
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Focus on the Recordings.......2007-07-23

I've made this small review of the Vivaldi Masterworks set because it is SO difficult to find a review of such a big collection.

The price is killer and you HAVE to buy it, but be warned: these are not the best recordings, you get what you pay for.

First of all, I'm not a Vivaldi expert, but I've heard his compositions throughout my life in so many different places and recordings and have a vague idea of how some have to be played. Secondly, I'm not a classical music connoisseur, but I love it and have over 300 discs of various composers and styles. Third, I know what a good audio recording should sound like and this will influence my critique of some discs in the collection. Finally, it's easy to get lost among all the tracks contained, so in some cases I will give you my favorite tracks in a disc.

I'm sorry, but I've only reached disc 20 of the box-set, as I listen to more this review will be expanded.

DISC 1:
Why would you use an AAD recording as a first impression for a 40 disc box-set and for the "Four Seasons", which is probably Vivaldi's best know work. The concertos are played enthusiastically, but lack any additional virtuosity to put it ahead of other much better recordings out there.

DISC 2:
Same as DISC 1, played and recorded by the same people.

DISC 3:
The pieces in this disc are VERY well played, nonetheless, you can hear heavy breathing from the soloist which can be a bit annoying.

DISC 4:
Very well performed as well, heavy breathing is less present.

DISC 5:
A very good recording, excellent execution by the hapsichord and good by the recorder.
Tracks 4, 6, 7 and the whole "La Notte" are extraordinary.

DISC 6:
Exquisitely recorded and performed by the Budapest Strings.

DISC 7:
Marvelous performance on the whole disc.
Tracks 22 & 24 are non-plus-ultra.

DISC 8:
Great performance too.
Suggested tracks: 7, 12, 15, 24

DISC 9:
To have an original baroque organ playing is a plus.
Solo strings are lacking in quality (for example: tracks 6 & 7).
Suggested tracks: 1, 4, 8, 15

DISC 10:
Despite being and ADD recording, the quality is fairly good. The cello is very well played.
Suggested tracks: 3, 4, 12
Excellent track: 13

DISC 11:
Same musical group and soloist as DISC 10. The contrabass is extremely distorted sometimes, and if you take into consideration that this is an ADD recording, it can get pretty bad. Some background noise is perceived.
Suggested tracks: 3, 6, 9

DISC 12:
The compositions are somewhat boring, either way the performance is plain decent.
Suggested tracks: 10, 12

DISC 13:
Good performance and sound quality.
Suggested tracks: 1, 4, 6, 7
Excellent track: 12

DISC 14:
Good performance and sound quality too.
Suggested tracks: 10, 14, 16
Excellent track: 5

DISC 15:
Badly mixed, the basoon is blocking the whole ensamble by being in the foreground.
The playing precision is lacking.
An AWEFUL thing about this recording is that you can hear the basson key-sticking with the instrument and the saliva. It's horrible.
Such a pity, the sound of the basson with other instruments can be pretty interesting.

DISC 16:
Violins sound a bit off tempo.
Suggested tracks: 4, 8

DISC 17:
Good sound quality and performance.
Suggested tracks: 1, 7, 9

DISC 18:
Despite being an old recording, it is a very welcome one.
The performance is very well above par. Tempo is fantastic.
The quality of the recording could have been better due to some string plucking that is heard and which can become bothersome.
These are some of Vivaldi's best know tunes.
Suggested tracks: 4, 6, 13
Excellent tracks: 1, 3

DISC 19:
Lively recording.
Track 6 is the same piece found in another disc in the collection, but with a better performance.

DISC 20:
By now you've heard all of this pieces before in the other discs. Nothing new here, nor better.

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
PLEASE...
A great introduction to CB
Not her best work!
Sampler of Bartoli's recordings over the years

Art of Cecilia Bartoli (Dig)
Cecilia Bartoli
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cecilia Bartoli - Live in Italy / Jean-Yves Thibaudet
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Cecilia Bartoli - A Portrait
Cecilia Bartoli - An Italian Songbook (Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini)

ASIN: B00006JIC4
Release Date: 2002-10-01

Tracks:

Handel: Lascia ch'io pianga" (from Rinaldo)
Handel: "Scherzano sul tuo volto" (from Rinaldo)
Vivaldi: "Dell'aura al sussurrar" (from Dorilla in Tempe)
Vivaldi: "Gelido in ogni vena" (excerpt) (from Farnace)
Vivaldi: "Anch'il mar par che sommerga" (from Il Tamerlano)
Gluck: "Di questa cetra in seno" (from Il Parnaso confuso)
Gluck: "Se mai senti" (excerpt) (from La clemenza di Tito)
Mozart: "Non so piy cosa son, cosa faccio" (from Le Nozze di Figaro)
Mozart: "Voi che sapete" ((from Le Nozze di Figaro)
Mozart: "L` ci darem la mano" (from Don Giovanni)
Mozart: "Un moto di gioia" (from Le Nozze di Figaro)
Mozart: "Pa-Pa-Pa-Pa" (from Die Zauberflvte)
Rossini: "Nacqui all'affanno ... Non piy mesta" (from La cenerentola)
Rossini: "Dunque io son...tu non m'inganni?" (from Il barbiere di Siviglia)
Rossini: "Squallida veste, e bruna" (from Il turco in Italia)
Donizetti: "Una parola, o Adina ... Chiedi all'aura" (from L'Elisir d'amore)
Verdi: "Libiamo ne'lieti calici" (Brindisi from La Traviata)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2005-10-02

This is a fabulous album!!! Her arias by Handel, Gluck, Mozart, and Rossini are unbelievable. Her and Bryn Terfel sound great together, especially on the "Dun'que io son" from Il Barbiere di Siviglia. The Handel duet from Rinaldo, featuring the acclaimed countertenor David Daniels is brilliant!! I, however, do not care for the duets with Pavarotti. Her voice is too light to sing Verdi. Pavarotti's voice is also not what it used to be. I'm still rating it with five stars, because despite a couple of bad duets with Pavarotti, the album is a wonderful collection of Cecilia Bartoli.

PLEASE..........2005-08-31

I don't understand why Cecilia Bartoli is loved for a lot of people. In a many cases, there are high notes with estridence, gasping, and also the vibrato is excesive . If you want to enjoy a great Rossini's opera, listen Maria Callas and Victoria de los Angeles.

A great introduction to CB.......2003-10-13

Cecilia Bartoli has been around since the 1980s, and her career has been nothing short of spectacular. This CD provides a great introduction to her world, but most Bartoli lovers will already have most of the tracks on this CD. This CD opens with 2 extracts from her recording of Rinaldo, with David Daniels in the title role. She gives a moving performance of Lascia ch'io pianga, and a delightful rendition of the duettino with David Daniels. The CD then moves on to excerpts from Cecilia's most popular album to date - The Vivaldi Album. This album consists of mainly world premiere recordings, and the 3 samples we get here show Cecilia's ability to move, amazing coloratura ability, and the skill to popularize rare pieces. Indeed, the next samples, from the Gluck CD, also contains world premiere recordings, and we get to hear 'Di questa cetra in seno' beautifully sung, and also 'Se mai senti', which is devastatingly heartbreaking. Of course, we get a large portion of Mozart, a composer central to her career, and Cherubino's 2 arias, are delightfully sung, as is 'Un moto di gioia'. 2 duets with Bryn Terfel are also featured, from their album Cecilia and Bryn. Rossini is another composer associated strongly with her, and she show off her vocal acrobatics and extraordinary range in 3 excerpts, from Le Cenerentola, Il Barbiere, and Il Turco in Italia. Lastly, there are 2 previously unreleased duets with Pavarotti, which are more commercial, but they are fun nonetheless.

Overall, this is a great introduction to Cecilia and her singing, though if you are already a fanatic you will not find much new here.

Not her best work!.......2003-02-10

Don't get me wrong, Cecilia Bartoli is one of my favorite singers, but this just was not her best work! Most of the pieces on this CD are the'popular' arias, but are not the arias that represent her the best. If you want to hear cecilia at her best listen to her Rossini CD's, as well as her Italian Songbook CD.

Sampler of Bartoli's recordings over the years.......2002-12-01

Soprano Cecilia Bartoli garnered international acclaim with her first recording fourteen years ago and has continued to build on that success. This CD is a sampler of her recorded work over those years, supplemented by two new duets with Luciano Pavarotti. Ranging from the languid sorrow of Handel's Lascia ch'io pianga to the good cheer of Verdi's Libiamo ne' lieti calici, these operatic duets and arias are a wonderful cross-section of Bartoli's career to date, demonstrating her remarkable range of emotional expression.

Bartoli is a master of technique, as shown in her astounding performance of Vivaldi's frenetic show-stopper Anch'il mar par che sommerga. She also has a glorious timbral command, darkening her tone color to superb effect in that same composer's Gelido in ogni vena. This is one of the highlights of the disc, as Bartoli adds an eerie breathy quality to her voice, singing at the softest possible dynamic level, exactly matching the effect of the text "I feel my blood like ice coursing through every vein./The shade of my lifeless son afflicts me with terror."

Although the majority of pieces are from Bartoli's favored Baroque and Classical period, she also dips into the Romantic era, including works by the Italians Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti, and Giuseppe Verdi, although the inclusion of these last two works seems to be at least partially for the marketing strength of Pavarotti's name. Most of the music will be unfamiliar to all but the most devout of operatic connoisseurs, but the "greatest hits" format should draw a wider audience. Only the Verdi and Mozart pieces are likely to be well-known. Certainly the limpid beauty of Bartoli's voice, the artistry of her interpretation, and her unsurpassed technical skill makes this disc worth owning.

Cecilia Bartoli - Gluck Italian Arias ~ Dreams & Fables
Average customer rating:

An informed performance of rare works that really shines

Think twice before buying it

Can music get any better?

Cecilia

The art of singing, perfected . .

Cecilia Bartoli - Gluck Italian Arias ~ Dreams & Fables
Christoph Willibald Gluck , Bernhard Forck , Cecilia Bartoli , and Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cecilia Bartoli - Rossini Arias / Patanè

Cecilia Bartoli - An Italian Songbook (Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini)

ASIN: B00005ND3K
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Tremo Fra' Dubbi Miei
Di Questa Centra In Seno
Misera, Dov Son!...Ah! Non Son Io Che Parlo
Ciascum Siegua il Suo Stile...Maggior Follia
Quel Chiaro Rio
Ah, Taci, Barbaro...Come Potesti, Oh Dio!
Se Mai Senti Spirarti Sul Volto
Berenice, Che Fai?

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

On this recording of eight unfamiliar arias by Gluck, Cecilia Bartoli once again demonstrates her peerless vocalism and communicative power. Using texts by Pietro Metastasio, the leading librettist of his day, from whose poetry the disc's title is taken, Gluck composed music of heartwarming and heartbreaking beauty. The arias encompass an infinite variety of style, mood, character, and expression, and Bartoli's mastery of them is complete. The sheer beauty of her voice and her consummately effortless coloratura are unique: endless cascading runs, ranging from below the staff to high D's and E-flat's, flow out flawlessly placed and articulated, like strings of perfect, shining pearls. But what makes her singing so fascinating and unforgettable is Bartoli's ability to color and change her voice to fit the music, going in an instant from lighthearted parody to tempestuous fury, half-mad desperation, and lamentatious pleading. Equally captivating is her ability to create real characters by purely vocal means. The pyrotechnics are stunning, the fiery outbursts thrilling, but it is the slow, lyrical, inward arias that are most moving and memorable. She can spin out a long melody like a golden thread, with a focused, centered sound and a concentrated intensity of expression that cast an irresistible spell over ear and heart. Most of these arias are in da capo form, but she ornaments the repeats freely and imaginatively without becoming excessive. The Berlin Academy for Ancient Music, playing on period instruments tuned to a low A, supports her with a wonderfully clear, transparent sound and great stylistic empathy. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

An informed performance of rare works that really shines.......2005-08-02

I think this is the best singing by Bartoli that I've heard since she recorded Idomeneo with Placido Domingo in the early 90's. It is historically informed and well played by the orchestra. The arias are rare gems that sparkle and are moving.

It is definitely a must have for all fans of Bartoli along, and not just the early-music crowd but all lovers of classical music.

Bravo!

Think twice before buying it.......2004-06-27

I used to give Ms Bartoli infinite credit, so I bought this Gluck album without much hesitation. Yet the dissapointment it brought was double: i) the passion of Ms Bartoli's interpretation overflows too often at the wrong place and ii) this selection of pieces proves that Gluck was not always inspired enough to hit the good string, having also produced dull, insipid musak. I think the composer has to bear most of the responsibility for this failed project. 3 stars for Ms Bartoli alone.

Can music get any better?.......2003-10-18

Cecilia Bartoli shows in this fantastic CD what a composer Gluck actually was from his early years. The music is fantastic, orchestrated well, and Bartoli delivers wonderful performances of these neglected pieces. Each one is so fantastic and full of life, and Bartoli is surely the one of the greatest artists of her or any time. Let's just hope she continues producing such fantastic work!

Cecilia.......2003-07-06

She is a light,high mezzo-soprano, so it sounds like she's a soprano. I fell in love with the second aria. I could play it over and over again, and the baroque music is very beautiful.

The art of singing, perfected . ........2003-04-01

Can you improve on perfection? Cecilia BARTOLI certainly can . . , and elevates a grateful GLUCK to new heights.
Now how can I top my raves for her VIVALDI Album? Here she
uses her vital energy to float an even more arid project.
And regales us with amazing vocal artistry. A tour-de-force
shining new light on a quasi-forgotten composer, who found
in Cecilia his most valiant knight. The orchestra under
B. Forck a class act. And the graphic presentation/booklet
an achievement in itself, it's a labour of love you'll
feel tempted to leave on your coffee table for conversation.
Make this your CD of the month, and be amazed.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Selection From Beginning To End
Heavenly beautiful
Celestial beauty, magnificent recording

Vivaldi Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Albinoni's Adagios
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Baroque Adagios
Beethoven's Adagios

ASIN: B00000J9GP
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: 'Winter' - (Largo)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: 'Spring' - (Largo)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: 'Summer' - (Adagio)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: 'Autumn' - (Adagio)
Concerto For Guitar In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G Major - (Andante)
Concerto For 2 Oboes In D Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For 2 Violins & 2 Cellos In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Piccolo In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 12 In G Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 2 In E Minor - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concero No. 3 In G Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 4 Iin A Minor - (Grave)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 5 In A Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 6 In G Minor - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 7 In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 7 In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 9 In F Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 10 In C Minor - (Adagio)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 11 In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Recorder In A Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For Oboe In F Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Flute In C Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For Guitar And Viola D'Amore in D Minor - (Largo)
Concerto In A Major - (Largo)

Tracks:

Concerto For Recorder In G Minor, 'La Notte': Largo
Concerto For 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns & Violin In F Major: Grave
Concerto For 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns & Violin In F Major: Grave
Concerto For 2 Horns In F Major: Larghetto
Concerto For Bassoon In A Minor: Larghetto
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 8 In D Minor - Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 9 In B-Flat Major - Largo e spiccato
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 10 In G Major - Largo cantabile
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 11 In C Minor - Adagio
La Cetra, Op. 9: Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 6 In A Major - Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 7 In B-Flat Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 6 In C Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 7 in D Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 8 In G Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 9 In D Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 10 In B-Flat Major 'La Caccia' - Adagio
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 11 In D Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 12 In C Major - Largo
Concerto For 2 Cellos In G Minor: Largo
Concerto For 2 Flutes In C Major: Largo

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Selection From Beginning To End.......2005-11-13

The first CD in this 2-CD set might be sub-titled "Vivaldi's Greatest Adagio Hits" while the second CD has a wonderful compilation of adagio movements that are less well-known. The quality of the musicianship and of the recorded sound is excellent from the beginning to the end of these two CDs. I had heard all the selections on the first CD before, but the second CD had many selections that I heard for the first time. These two CDs show why Vivaldi was truly one of the greatest composers who ever lived. Every melody is wonderful and each track on these CDs flows smoothly to the next. This is a very well selected compilation of adagios that I have listened to many times with great pleasure. Very highly recommended.

Heavenly beautiful.......2004-12-09

I have got 4 CDs from the "Adagio" series of Decca (Violin, movie, piano, Vivaldi). All of them are beautiful. But this one is absolutely my most favorite. I listened it again and again in the sunny weekend mornings or in the tranquil nights, I listened it when I was reading, strolling on line or just before sleeping. It is so beautiful, I did enjoyed every movement from it.

Celestial beauty, magnificent recording.......2000-09-01

Although no longer a professional musician, I listen to classical music constantly, and unlike many of my former colleagues, I greatly enjoy listening to collections of movements from different pieces. Some of these collections work better than others, and having listened multiple times to all of the Adagio collections available, I am extremely fond of the Vivaldi. Some of the pieces are familiar, many are not, and that is part of the charm of this set. Vivaldi is a great melodist, and these tranquil pieces will transport you. Buy this set--you will listen to it again and again.

Average customer rating:

50 Ultimate Classical Favorites

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
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4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000AAF22Q
Release Date: 2005-08-02

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60 Best-Loved Classics

Manufacturer: Martingale
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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25 Classical Favorites

ASIN: B000679MYM
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Allegro
Miniature Overture
Clair De Lune
Andante
Largo
Andante
Allegro
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Andante Con Moto
Water Music Suite 3 In G Major 'Riguadon'
Adagio Cantabile
Scherzo (Molto Vivace)
Presto, Presto
Apres Un Reve
Allegretto
Allegro Assai
Nocturne No. 2 In E Major Op. 62
Allegro
Gavotte/Musette/Gavotte
Songs My Mother Taught Me

Tracks:

Peer Gynt, Suite 1 'Morning' Op. 46
Menuet/Trio/Da Capo/Trio/Da Capo
Adagio
Allegro Con Spirito
Bewegt
Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Allegretto
Allegro Non Molto
Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino)/Presto Ma Non Assai
Intermezzo
Petit Mari, Petit Femme
Rondo-Allegro Vivace
Sinfonia In C Minor BWV 21
Water Music Suite 2 In D Major 'Menuet'
Introduction
Finale: Allegro
The Rejoicing
Panorama
Wie Melodien

Tracks:

Andante
Adagio
Allegro
Adagio Sostenuto
Scherzo/Tri, Piu, Lento
Feierlich
Spiritoso
Adagio
The Swan
Andante
Allegro Maestoso
Air
Traumerei
Largo
Menuetto/Allegro Vivace
Mazurka Op. 63 No. 3 In C-Sharp Minor
Allegro
Swan Lake, Act I 'Scene'
Beau Soir
Menuetto/Allegretto

Album Description

60 Best Loved Classics contains over four hours of the finest in Classical music from composers such as Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin among others. These familiar selections are performed by leading American and European orchestras, ensembles and solo performers, all collected in one beautiful 3-CD set for less than the cost of most single classical releases.

Monteverdi: Madrigals / Rooley, The Consort of Musicke

Average customer rating:

The 'step' toward a new style
Hear the Renaissance dissipate before your ears...

Monteverdi: Madrigals / Rooley, The Consort of Musicke
Claudio Monteverdi , Emma Kirkby , Evelyn Tubb , The Consort of Musicke , Anthony Rooley , Mary Nichols , Joseph Cornwell , Paul Elliott , Andrew King , and David Thomas
Manufacturer: Oiseau Lyre
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Monteverdi - Madrigali guerrieri et amorosi / Rooley, The Consort of Musicke
Monteverdi: Quinto Libro de Madrigali (Fifth Book of Madrigals)
Monteverdi: Il Sesto Libro de Madrigali
Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610/Venetian Vespers
Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons

ASIN: B0000042HQ
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Fourth book of madrigals: I. Ah dolente partita!
Fourth book of madrigals: II. Cor mio, mentre vi miro
Fourth book of madrigals: III. Cor mio, non mori?
Fourth book of madrigals: IV. Sfogava con le stelle
Fourth book of madrigals: V. Volgea l'anima mia
Fourth book of madrigals: VI. Anima mia perdona Prima parte
Fourth book of madrigals: VII. Che se tu se'il cor mio Seconda parte
Fourth book of madrigals: VIII. Luci serene e chiare
Fourth book of madrigals: IX. La piaga c'ho nel core
Fourth book of madrigals: X. Voi pur da me partite
Fourth book of madrigals: XI. A un giro sol de begl'occhi
Fourth book of madrigals: XII. Ohime, se tanto amate
Fourth book of madrigals: XIII. 'lomi son giovinetta'
Fourth book of madrigals: XIV. Quel augellin che canta
Fourth book of madrigals: XV. non piu guerraa pietate
Fourth book of madrigals: XVI. Si chi io vorrei morire
Fourth book of madrigals: XVII. Anima dolorosa
Fourth book of madrigals: XVIII. Anima del cor mio
Fourth book of madrigals: XIX. Longe da te cor mio
Fourth book of madrigals: XX. Piagn' e sospira
Con che soavita, labbra odorate
Mentre vaga Angioletta
Tempro la cetra

Tracks:

Fifth Book of madrigals: I. Cruda Amarilli
Fifth Book of Madrigals: II. O Mirtillo, Mirtil',anima mia
Fifth Book of Madrigals: III. Era l'anima mia
Fifth Book of Madrigals: IV. Ecco, Silvio
Fifth Book of Madrigals: V. Ma se con la pieta
Fifth Book of Madrigals: VI. Dorinda, ah! diro
Fifth Book of Madrigals: VII. Ecco, piegando
Fifth Book of Madrigals: VIII. Ferir quel petto
Fifth Book of Madrigals: IX. Ch'io t'ami
Fifth Book of Madrigals: X. Deh! bella e cara
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XI. Ma tu, piu che mai dura
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XII. Che dar piu vi poss'io
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XIII. M'e piudolce il penar
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XIV. Ahi, come a un vago sol
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XV. Troppo ben puo
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XVI. Amor, se giusto
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XVII. 'T'amo mia vita!'
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XVIII. E cosi a poc a poco
Fifth Book of Madrigals: XIX. Questi vaghi concenti
Fifth Book of Madrigals: Ogni amante e querrier

Customer Reviews:

The 'step' toward a new style.......2003-03-18

This is a very fine presentation of some of the greatest madrigals ever written. Part of a whole series of recordings of the famous Books of Madrigals by Monteverdi, this double CD presents earlier recordings made by a group of distinguished singers led by Emma Kirkby together with Anthony Rooley's Consort of Musicke. One of the seminal groups of the Early Music movement, the Consort is known for its contributions to the performance of Renaissance music through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
I found this collection useful for the historical connotations of the program. One of the most important aspects is the birth of the new style in the first years of the seventeenth century. With the last six pieces of the Fifth Book, Monteverdi specifically demands the use of continuo instruments and through this he clearly marks the transition to the Baroque era. The seconda pratica (second practice) characterizes most of these two books of madrigals. The opening of the madrigal "Sfogava con le stelle" (Communing with the stars) represents an ensemble declamation on one chord in the rhythm of the text. In the new style, the words should govern the music, the sonorities must be in accordance with the textual images and ideas. The theatrical style is reinforced in the pieces of the Fifth Book by the particular dissonance treatment, such as unprepared sevenths and ninths. They were characterized at the time as improper.
The importance of the text is also evident through the thinner textures that Monteverdi uses at different moments in a piece. The composer writes passages where only alternating pair voices sing or if there are three voices at a time, one of them has a functional role while the other two move in parallel thirds, as in "Io mi son giovinetta" (I am young). Polyphony is not abandoned (a few madrigals have reminiscences of the prima pratica), but enhanced to smaller groups of voices competing or completing with each other.
The present recording sets apart through the clarity of the voices and the delicate ornamentation of certain passages, including a perceptible vibrato often used to enrich the sonority of such a small group. An impeccable vocal technique, which doesn't show off but serves the communication of emotions, an elegant treatments of the dynamics, including expressive accents, and an impeccable Italian diction are defining elements of this performance. Balance is sometimes a very difficult task in the context of Monteverdi's madrigals, but these singers are well coordinated and prove a highly trained sense of awareness.
To give this recording an even more interesting angle, the collection is rounded off by other four substantial accompanied madrigals. "Con che soavità" and "Tempro la cetra" come from the 7th Book, while "Mentre vaga Angioletta" and "Ogni amante è guerrier" are taken from the 8th Book. These pieces give the listeners an idea about the direction of Monteverdi's music.

Hear the Renaissance dissipate before your ears..........2001-03-26

... dissipate and morph into something quite extraordinary: the early Baroque in the hands of its first great master, Monteverdi!

Never has a composer been so generous in gradually but persistently 'easing' his audience into a new art, a new music. True the fourth book of madrigals has Sfogava con le stelle (marvelously rendered with the rest of the book here by the Consort of Musicke), but the fifth - therein lies the rub. It all begins with the familiar (but dissonant and daring!) sonorities of the Second Practice, but by the end these teeming harmonies have been reduced to chordal instrumental accompaniments to the most gorgeous monody and, yes, Baroque choral singing... you can quite literally hear the Renassiance tradition slowly dissolve into the Baroque, one of the most engaging 'moments musical'. It takes a mind of rare genius to father a new age of music... Monteverdi did just that and in THESE very madrigals.

Customer Reviews:

A Fabulous Feast fron Fabio.......2007-03-27

This is a reissue of 5 of the many recordings made by Fabio Biondi for Opus 111 in the 1990s, they are still in their original packaging in a cardboard slip cover but at a bargain basement price. As Europa Galante directed by Fabio Biondi are, in my opinion, the best interpreters of the Italian Baroque we can take it as read that the performances on all 5 discs are first rate, and the sound quality on all 5 discs is excellent, too. Writing a full review of all 5 discs is too large a task, as is reading 5 reviews in one go, so I will try to briefly inform the reader about the music on each of the CDs, roughly in the order of dates of composition.
The first CD is titled " Invenzioni Stravaganze", which really does not need translation, covers the period of Italian music in the early-mid 17th century, up to the time of Corelli. This is the period in which the violin, which started as a new instrument, became the most important. Compositions from eight composers are offered, the earliest work from 1613 and the latest 1674. While most of the names were vaguely familiar, I knew little about them or their works before I acquired these CDs. I particularly enjoyed the compositions of Uccelli, Mazzerferetta and Falconio, For these recordings Europa Galante uses 2 violins, viola, cello, theorbo and harpsichord; I also liked the way the theorbo was used as a constant but discrete companion of the harpsichord.
I enjoyed this CD, which I probably would not have bought if it had not been in this discount reissue, and warmly recommend it to anyone interested in the baroque who would like to hear what it sounded like before Corelli.

The second CD is devoted to the works of Francesco Geminiani, 1687-1762, a pupil and disciple of Corelli, who went to London in 1714 where he could make a comfortable living as a free lance composer and violinist. The program opens with the last concerto of his opus 1, which is a transcription of Corelli's opus 5 violin sonatas, the very well known variations on the old tune " La Follia", madness. The remainder of the program is the six concerti grossi of his opus 3, published in 1732. The concertino is 2 violins, viola and cello, accompanied by/opposed by 3 first and 3 second violins, viola, cello, bass, harpsichord and/or chamber organ. These are tuneful and cheerful, and beautifully played, in fact the six excellent concerti, particularly no 1, are to me, highlights of the baroque.

The third CD contains some of the works of Petro Antonio Locatelli, 1685-1768. In his early years he was chiefly known as a great violinist, in his later years, after he moved to Amsterdam, he concentrated on composition. The works on this CD are four of the twelve concerti grossi of his opus 1, published in 1721 but written some years earlier, a sinfonia 'for the funeral of his lady which took place in Rome', and a concerto from opus 7, 'Ariadne's Lament'. The forces used to play this music are the same as those for Geminiani above. I find the choice of the funeral and the lament rather puzzling; they are little known and seldom recorded. There is a lot of Locatelli from which to choose, and I would have preferred a concerto from his famous opus 3, 'L'Arte del Violino'.

Giuseppe Tartini, 1692-1770, is the composer on our next disc, he was known as a virtuoso performer, a great techer and as a prolific composer for the violin, with 135 violin concertos and about 200 violin sonatas to his name. Like Geminiani and Locatelli he was a great admirer of Corelli, although he quickly adopted the Vivaldi three movement model. In my opinion his early works sound more Vivaldian than Corellian, but as he matured he found a voice that was very much his own. On this CD we have 5 sonatas for violin and basso continuo, here cello, harpsicord and theorbo, two from opus 1, there is doubt as to when they were written, possibly 1728, one from opus 2, published in 1743, but probably written much earlier, and two named sonatas, probably later works. The late works, concertos and sonatas, belong in the very late Baroque; they could be referred as Classical. These sonatas are very well played by Fabio and friends.

The last of the 5 CDs takes us well into the Classical period with the cello quintets of Luigi Boccherini, 1743-1805. The cello quintet (2 violins, viola and 2 cellos) was Boccherini's creation, and he wrote 113 of them when employed in the court at Madrid, and beautiful music it is, stately, melodic and quietly joyful. Europa Galante, now a cello quintet, plays them very well too, but somehow not quite as well as more recent recordings, e.g. those of the Vanbrugh quartet with the extra cello played by Richard Lester. I noticed that Biondi was a very young man when this was recorded, 1992, busy establishing himself as a master of the Italian Baroque, and that his later recording of Boccherini cello quintets has been highly praised.

In summary this bargain re-release of Fabio Biondi's earlier recordings on Opus 111 is wonderful value for money and well worth 5 stars. It would be great to see more of these early CDs re-released, as they are now hard to come by

great value on five of biondi's excellent recordings!.......2005-02-11

This box includes five individual discs. Four of the five discs are devoted to individual composers: Boccherini's quintets, Geminani's concerti grossi op.3, Locatelli's concerti grossi op.1, and Tartini's violin sonata's. The fifth disc is of mixed Italian composers. Excellent recordings and performances. The individual discs list for $17.95 each, so this box is an excellent value too!

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Monteverdi: Madrigali

Manufacturer: EMI Classics Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Monteverdi: Selva morale e spirituale
Claudio Monteverdi: Ottavo Libra dei Madrigali - Madrigali Guerrieri et Amorosi
Monteverdi: Concerto Settimo Libro dei Madrigali
Monteverdi: Madrigals / Rooley, The Consort of Musicke
Biber: The Mystery Sonatas

ASIN: B000093U3L
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Average customer rating:

Beautiful and underrated Vivaldi

Vivaldi: La Cetra

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Vivaldi: La Stravaganza
Vivaldi: L'estro Armonico
Concert for the Prince of Poland
Vivaldi - L'Estro Armonico / AAM · Hogwood
Vivaldi - Il Proteo / Coin, Il Giardino Armonico

ASIN: B0000041L1
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Concerto No.1 In C Major, RV 181A: I. Allegro
Concerto No.1 In C Major, RV 181A: II. Largo
Concerto No.1 In C Major, RV 181A: III. Allegro
Concerto No.2 In A Major, RV 345: I. Allegro
Concerto No.2 In A Major, RV 345: II. Largo
Concerto No.2 In A Major, RV 345: III. Allegro
Concerto No.3 In G Minor, RV 334: I. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.3 In G Minor, RV 334: II. Largo
Concerto No.3 In G Minor, RV 334: III. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.4 In E Major, RV 263A: I. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.4 In E Major, RV 263A: II. Largo
Concerto No.4 In E Major, RV 263A: III. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.5 In A Minor, RV 358: I. Adagio - Presto
Concerto No.5 In A Minor, RV 358: II. Largo
Concerto No.5 In A Minor, RV 358: III. Allegro
Concerto No.6 In A Major, RV 348: I. Allegro
Concerto No.6 In A Major, RV 348: II. Largo
Concerto No.6 In A Major, RV 348: III. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.7 In B Flat Major, RV 359: I. Allegro
Concerto No.7 In B Flat Major, RV 359: II. Largo
Concerto No.7 In B Flat Major, RV 359: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No.8 In D Minor, RV 238: I. Allegro
Concerto No.8 In D Minor, RV 238: II. Largo
Concerto No.8 In D Minor, RV 238: III. Allegro
Concerto No.9 In B Flat Major, RV 530: I. Allegro
Concerto No.9 In B Flat Major, RV 530: II. Largo e spiccato
Concerto No.9 In B Flat Major, RV 530: III. Allegro
Concerto No.10 In G Major, RV263A: I Allegro molto
Concerto No.10 In G Major, RV263A: II. Largo cantabile
Concerto No.10 In G Major, RV263A: III. Allegro
Concerto No.11 In C Major, RV 198A: I. Allegro
Concerto No.11 In C Major, RV 198A: II. Adagio
Concerto No.11 In C Major, RV 198A: III. Allegro
Concerto No.12 In B Minor, RV 391: I. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.12 In B Minor, RV 391: II. Largo
Concerto No.12 In B Minor, RV 391: III. Allegro
Concerto For 2 Oboes In D Minor, RV 535
Concerto For Piccolo In C Major, RV 443

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and underrated Vivaldi.......2001-02-26

As great as the Four Seasons is, the impression one gets sometimes that it is Vivaldi's only masterpiece is terribly wrong. The concertos from La Cetra are every bit as fine, complex, tuneful, and captivating. These performances by the Academy are superb, with warm analogue sound. The violin solos are particularly beautiful. Great music to relax by.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

The Brilliant Failure

Via Crucis / Repons Du Vendredi Saint

TV Favorites

Music: Gideon Gaye

World of Our Own, Pt. 2 [CD-single] [Import]

Very Best of [Import]

Worship

Villa-Lobos, Ponce, Lauro and others

Wake Up Darlin' Corey

Trilogia Ancestros, Vol. 2

Weezer (Green Album)

Untitled [Import]

World of Asia Bar [Import]

Symphonies 2 & 8

Violent by Nature