Khachaturian: Piano Concerto/Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No.3

1. Piano Concerto, in D flat major (also arranged for 2 pianos)
Composed by Aram Khachaturian
Performed by Seattle Symphony Orchestra with Dickran Atamian , Larey McDaniel
Conducted by Gerard Schwarz

2. Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Seattle Symphony Orchestra with Dickran Atamian
Conducted by Gerard Schwarz

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

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

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Thunderous Classics
Thunder & Lightning
25 Thunderous Classics
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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00004SUVI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
The Nutcracker: Russian Dance
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Toy Flutes
Flight of the Bumblebee
Cannon in D Major
Sabre Dance
Happy Farmer
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade (Excerpts)
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Chickens In Their Shells
On The Beautiful Blue Danube (Excerpts)
Fse
Trout Quintet In A Major (Theme & Variations) - Schubert
The Syncopated Clock
The Typewriter
Rhapsody in Blue (Excerpts)
Spring Song In A Major - Mendelssohn
Lullaby

Tracks:

Peter And The Wolf - Classics For Kids
The Toy Symphony - Classics For Kids

Customer Reviews:

My 3 yr old loves it!.......2007-03-17

This is one of my three year old's top requests for listening. She simply loves it; She hums along and can name most of the songs. I am vey pleased.

My baby loves this CD!.......2006-11-05

Of all the many CDs we were given, this is my baby's favorite. Unlike most CDs of classical music for babies, this isn't just smooth, soft music. It does have some of that, but it also has more exciting pieces like the bouncy Nutcracker music, The Flight of the Bumble Bee, and The Sabre Dance. My baby bounces and dances to this music happily. And once she's a bit older, I'm sure she's going to love "Peter the Wolf," narrated by Jack Lemmon.

A Reasonable Collection.......2004-08-11

This is a reasonable selection of works to start with as a child's introduction to Classical music. There are two main flaws - a handful of the pieces are performed rather poorly and the sound quality is muffled. But keeping the intended audience in mind and the price, it's not a bad value.

William Kapell Edition Vol 4 - Khachaturian, Prokofiev

Average customer rating:

uncomparable
Khachaturian/Prokofiev concertos
The Kachaturian Piano Concerto belongs to William Kapell!
Genius

William Kapell Edition Vol 4 - Khachaturian, Prokofiev

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Concerto No.3, Op.26: Andante, Allegro Theme And Variations
Concerto No.3, Op.26: Tema: Andantino
Concerto No.3, Op.26: Variation I: Listesso tempo
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Customer Reviews:

uncomparable.......2007-02-14

The bravura, power, strenth, energy, virtuosity of the pianio in Khachaturian concerto is simply unbeliveble. Surprisingly to me, there are also moments full of poetry and nostalgia in second part.
And the orchesta with the Kusewicki - this is really strong support, and - despite the age of the recording - the details are quite well audible (I know Naxos edition, they made wonders!)
Simply amazing!
One of the greatest piano concerto recording I have ever heard (not the same with the concerto). Two great artists inspired to its heights by each other!
To comparision I know only another version of the piece - with Kapell again - the one with Ormady. The orchestra is not as marvelous as Boston.

Khachaturian/Prokofiev concertos.......2007-01-10

This is one of the the best Khachaturian and Prokofiev recordings ever!
Tiroui

The Kachaturian Piano Concerto belongs to William Kapell!.......2004-10-27

Please do not waste your time and money searching another other performance of Kachaturian . This is by far , the supreme jewel in the musical universe since its first release in 1945 in vynil .
Kapell simply was far beyond of being inspired , he threw over the concert and literally explored every little detail , you will feel the anxiety , the nostalgia , the delirium , the caucasion moods , the unbetable rage and the most passionated lyricism ever made in this concert .
And despite Koussevitzky with The Boston Symphony makes a great team . This orchestra , gifted with such tonal color , his strings and brass ; cellos and counterbass , winds and metals were simply a real tour de force .
The rapport was inmediat and this recording became in the hitherto of the Kachaturian Piano Concerto .
Believe me I ve heard this work since 1973 and not least than three hundred times . Its frenetic intensity , its febrile majesty and vibrating erotism is absolutely overpowered .
The Prokoviev is very interesting though I find it too fast in the first movement and somehow this hyperkinetism may work out if you do not know for instance the Samson Francois version in which S.F. articulates lyricism and powerful .
But despite this last commentary about the Third , the record is fundamental for you to acquire the essential and more astonishing performance of this Concerto .

Genius.......2004-06-05

William Kapell on this CD played with an incomparible fire. Both piano concertos are beautifull pieces and were fully realized on this album as great works of music.

Average customer rating:

Very touched
In Memorium
Priceless Souvenirs from a Rare Genius: Ave Atque Vale
Poetry without words
What Is Technically Difficult Is Not Always Pleasant To Hear

William Kapell Edition (Box Set)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mazurkas: Op. 7, No. 5
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Mazurkas: Op 17, No 3
Mazurkas: Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 30, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 41, No. 1
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Mazurkas: Op. 50, No. 2
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Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 1
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Mazurkas: Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op posth. - 'Notre temps'
Mazurkas: Op posth - In B Flat

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Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Allegro maestoso
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Scherzo: Molto vivace
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Largo
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Finale: Presto, non tanto
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Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Grave; Doppio movimento
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Scherzo
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Marche funebre
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Presto
Nocture, Op. 9, No. 1 In B Flat Minor
The Sheperd's Complaint: No. 5, Songs Without Words, Op. 67
Romance, Op. 28, No. 2 In F Sharp
Sonata No. 16, K. 570 In B Flat: II. Adagio

Tracks:

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction: Allegro vivace; Variation I: (Precedente)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation II: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation III: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation IV: Piu Vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation V: Tempo precedente
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation VI: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43:: Varation VII: Tempo 1
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation IX: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation X: Poco marcato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XI: Moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XII: Tempo di minuetto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIII: Allegro
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIV: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43:: Varation XV: Piu vivo scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVI: Allegretto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVII: [Allegretto]
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVIII: Andante cantabile
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIX: A tempo vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XX: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXI: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXIII: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Moderato; Allegro
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 In D Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 5 In D Major

Tracks:

Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Andante; Allegro
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Tema: Andantino
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation I: Listesso tempo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation II: Allegro
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation III: Allegro moderato (poco meno mosso)
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation IV: Andante meditativo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation V: Allegro giusto
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Tema: Listesso tempo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto: Allegro mastoso
Concerto: Andante con anima
Concerto: Allegro brillante
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 14 In E Flat Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 5 In D Major

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Allegro con brio
Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Largo
Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Rondo: Allegro scherzando
Moment Musical: Moment Musical In F Minor, D. 780, No. 3
Waltz: Waltz In B Major, D. 145, No. 2
Waltz: Waltz In B Major, D. 145, No. 6
Waltz: Waltz In E Major, D. 365, No. 26
Waltz: Waltz In F Major, D. 365, No. 32
German Dances: German Dance In B Flat Major, D. 783, No. 6
German Dances: German Dance In B Flat Major, D. 783, No. 7
Waltz: Waltz, In F Major, D. 365, No. 34
Landler: Landler, In G Major, D. 734, No. 1
Landler: Landler, In D Major, D. 734, No. 2
Impromptu: Impromptu In A Flat Major, D. 935, No. 2
Romance: Romance In F Sharp Major, Op. 28, No. 2
Intermezzo: Intermezzo In E Major, Op. 116, No. 6
Sonetto No. 104 del Petrarca - Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11 - Liszt
Mephisto Waltz No. 1 - Liszt

Tracks:

Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Ouverture
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Allemande
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Courante
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Aria
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Sarabande
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Menuet
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Allemande
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Courante
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Sarabandes 1 & 2
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Gigue
Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 380 - L. 23
Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
From Iberia: Evocacion
Piano Playtime: No. 1: Waltz Of The Rainbow
Piano Playtime: No. 4: By The Brook
Piano Playtime: No. 5: Dancing Bagpipes
Piano Playtime: No. 6: Tricky Trumpet
Children's Corner: Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: Jimbo's Lullaby
Children's Corner: Serenade For The Doll
Children's Corner: The Snow Is Dancing
Children's Corner: The Little Shepherd
Children's Corner: Golliwog's Cakewalk
Toccata ostinato

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Lento; Allegro moderato
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Allegro scherzando
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Andante
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Allegro mosso; Meno mosso; Moderato; Piu vivo
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Allegro appassionato
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Andante un poco adagio
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Allegretto grazioso
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Vivace
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Adagio
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Un poco presto e con sentimento
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Presto agitato

Tracks:

Piano Sonata (1941): Molto moderato
Piano Sonata (1941): Vivace
Piano Sonata (1941): Andante sostenuto
Nocturne In E - Flat - Op 55, 2
Mazurka In C - Op 33, 3
Polonaise-Fantasie In A - Flat - Op 61
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Gnome
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Tuileries
Pictures At An Exhibition: Bydlo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Unhatched Chicks
Pictures At An Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Limoges - The Market
Pictures At An Exhibition: Catacombs
Pictures At An Exhibition: Con mortuis In lingua Mortua
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Hut On Fowl's Legs
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate At Kiev
No 1 - Kinderszenen: About Foreign Lands And People
Sonata In E (K 380) - L. 23

Tracks:

Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV. 828: Allemande (Beginning)
Sonata No. 10 In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato (Beginning)
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: 1. Allegro maestoso (Beginning)
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: 3. Largo
Mazurka In A Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: 2. Adagio
No. 4, Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
Interview With William Kapell

Amazon.com essential recording

Blessed with transcendent technique and an affinity for big, bold Romantic works, William Kapell has been hailed as America's greatest homegrown pianist. This comprehensive collection of his complete recorded output, previously unreleased recordings, and broadcast tapes adds luster to a reputation that's become legendary since his tragic death in a plane crash at age 31. The earliest recordings, from the mid-1940s, bristle with raw energy and virtuosic flourishes tempered by an innate musicality that rises above mere display.

The disc coupling Khachaturian and Prokofiev concertos is charged with excitement; the Rachmaninoff pairing of the Paganini Variations and the Concerto No. 2 weds the Grand Romantic style to poetic lyricism; and an inspired Liszt group is charged with dynamic energy. Best may be the two Chopin discs: spontaneous, rhythmically flexible sonatas and mazurkas. The later recordings demonstrate the repose that comes with artistic maturity, and the "live" broadcasts reveal Kapell's warmth and spontaneity in concert. Splendid transfers help make this long-awaited set appealing to music lovers in general, as well as piano buffs. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Very touched.......2006-09-24

I wrote my doctoral dissertation on William Kapell (we share the same school, and my teacher was a student of his), and to still see the outpouring of admiration and love for Kapell's art is still very moving for me.

In Memorium.......2005-10-29

I heard William Kapell play the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with the fledgling Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in the late 1940's or very early 1950's. My only memory of the occasion is that I was enthralled. Kapell has held me in thrall ever since.

A few years later, in the middle 50's, I bought Kapell's recording of the same work, with Fritz Reiner and the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra (alias of The Philadelphia Orchestra). I still have that LP, though I wore it out long ago. It was the beginning of my musical education. But since 1998, we have had this wonderful box of reissues from the vaults of RCA. The sound is mostly excellent, considering the age of the monophonic originals. To this day, Kapell's Rachmaninov Rhapsody remains-in my opinion-the most impassioned, yet the most musical, reading of the piece ever recorded. No one had, or has, Kapell's combination of white-hot temperament, technical brilliance, and musical insight. We have had musical geniuses; technical wizards abound. It is the combination of these gifts, as Kapell possessed them in particular, married to his incendiary passion, that made him unique.

He was still learning, and he was learning at such an astounding rate! He had moved from Khachaturian to the most unforgettable Chopin B minor Sonata ever recorded in little more than a decade. His deep throated, noble, and articulate Bach has caused some to speculate that Glenn Gould might have found his inspiration in Kapell. One Gould biographer, and a New York critic, wrote that the reverse was true. The critic acknowledged the error, in print, noting that Kapell could not have been influenced by Gould's style since he had been dead for two years by the time of Gould's debut recital in New York City in 1955.

The lyrical side of romantic music is not what Kapell was or is known for, not his "style" as people remember him now. But listening to the lyrical music in this set shows a side of him that was, nevertheless, as real as any, and perhaps more revealing. It also gives us a notion of what we might have expected of William Kapell had he lived a normal span of years and played a normal variety of music. In a live performance, he plays Chopin's Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 1, with melting legato and exquisite timing: his innate sense about when to tug on the beat and when to surge forward makes the music breathe. His use of dynamic variety demands the greatest respect: at one point, the repetition of a melodic phrase is but a pale echo of its first statement. His tonal palette is no less wondrous. When a deep bass note suddenly appears, early in the A section of the ABA structure, it sounds-not loud nor quiet, not muffled nor distinct-but awesomely subterranean. Kapell begins the piece without much sustaining pedal, but in the B section, he subtly adds more and more. Then, when the A section returns near the end, the pedal disappears. This dramatic change in color-along with Chopin's change of key-seems like the parting of clouds. We are in the hands of two masters here, Chopin and Kapell. Kapell gave this performance in Carnegie Hall in February of 1945, when he was twenty-two years old.

In the Bach and Chopin works I've discussed, the steely, percussive tone that some speak of is nowhere to be heard. Rather, we hear a full, rich, and complex piano tone. In the Chopin Sonatas, the Debussy pieces, and the Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Debussy, and Albeniz, the sound Kapell produces is beautiful and varied.

He was a chamber musician of the first order, as his collaborations with Heifetz prove. (He was one of the very few musicians who had the force of personality to make Heifetz accompany HIM. And you can hear it.) And if you've never heard Rachmaninov's great Cello Sonata, played here with the grand Russian/German cellist Edmund Kurtz, you're in for a treat. There are several fine, modern stereo recordings, but this one is special. The piano part is very important-Rachmaninov did write it, after all-and Kapell is magnificent. This was Rachmaninov's next published work after the 2nd Piano Concerto, to give you an idea of its melodic grandeur. If there is a flaw here, it is that the piano is recorded too far back, relative to the cello.

Kapell died on October 30, 1953. He had just turned thirty-three. He played his last recital in Geelong, Australia, on the 22nd. It included the Chopin 2nd Piano Sonata which contains the well-known "Marche funèbre." That performance is included here, transferred from the original acetates. It is a great performance but very hard to listen to now, in light of what was to follow just over a week later. I am writing this one day short of the 52nd anniversary of Kapell's death. Had he lived until today, he would be younger than either Earl Wild or Ivan Moravec, both of whom are still making magnificent music. For those of us who love William Kapell's music, it is heartbreaking to consider, and fruitless. Thank Heaven we have recordings like the ones in this set. They are essential for any lover of good music.

John Pendley

Priceless Souvenirs from a Rare Genius: Ave Atque Vale.......2005-10-28

During the last century we have had many tragic losses in the arts, often affecting men and women who are at the peak of their careers, shimmering with excellence, only to be silenced by death and all too often, by accidental death. The names of Anton Webern, Fritz Wunderlich, WG Sebald, Sylvia Plath, Dinu Lipatti, and so many others arise, but none as tragic as the death of William Kapell in 1953.

William Kapell is still considered by most as the America's greatest pianist, even fifty odd years after his death at the age of 31 in a plane crash. Those who heard him perform still rhapsodize over the magic he created. Those of us who are left with only recordings, such as this spectacular boxed set of all of his recordings, can only be uplifted by the man's genius, his extraordinary technical facility, and his intuitive, profound approach to the great works of music.

All styles of music were easily accessible to Kapell. Listen to the Mozart, Bach, Scarlatti, Paganini and Mendelssohn and try to imagine performances of more clarity and finesse than these. His Chopin is well represented in this set and glows with the uncanny power and tenderness that Chopin combined in his works. His works for solo piano by Rachmaninov and Shostakovich are the gold standard, and yet his Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Mussorgsky and Liszt raise the bar for excellence that has since not been excelled. Joyously this set includes concerti including Prokofiev, Beethoven, Khachaturian, and Rachmaninov with the various conductors who saw Kapell's gifts and championed them.

The memory of this great artist is felt throughout the year, but never as acutely as on October 29th which marks the date of his cruel death. The world was brightened for too short a time by William Kapell, yet because of his recorded legacy his legend lives on. This is an impossibly fine box set of treasures. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Poetry without words.......2004-12-14

In listening ot this collection, I think of the other 20th century pianistic genius who died tragically young: Dinu Lipatti (d. 1950). Both men excelled at Chopin but each had a thoroughly individual sound. In addition to Chopin, the Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev are especially fine. Highly recommended.

What Is Technically Difficult Is Not Always Pleasant To Hear.......2004-10-02

Piano enthusiasts might find this set incredible, but I prefer my music to be pleasant. Consider your tastes before buying.

Average customer rating:

Sarah Chang -- unparalleled even at 9!
Interesting historical document

Debut
Pablo de Sarasate , Edward Elgar , Niccolo Paganini , Fritz Kreisler , Aram Khachaturian , Fryderyk Chopin , Dmitry Shostakovich , George Gershwin , Franz Liszt , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Sergey Prokofiev , Sarah Chang , and Sandra Rivers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Simply Sarah
Fire & Ice
Sarah Chang - Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35; Brahms: Hungarian Dances
Sarah Chang ~ Lalo - Symphonie Espagnole · Vieuxtemps - Concerto No. 5 in A minor
Sarah Chang - Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 ~ Saint-Saëns: Havanaise / Sawallisch

ASIN: B000002RSJ
Release Date: 1992-08-18

Tracks:

Concert Fantasy on Carmen, Op.25: Allegro Moderato
Concert Fantasy on Carmen, Op.25: l Moderato
Concert Fantasy on Carmen, Op.25: ll Lento assai
Concert Fantasy on Carmen, Op.25: lll Allegro moderato
Concert Fantasy on Carmen, Op.25: lV Moderato
Salut d'amour, Op. 12
La Caprecieuse, Op. 17
Sabre Dance form Gayane
Tempo di Minuetto In The Style Of Pugnani
Caprice No. 1 In E, Op. 1
Caprice No. 15 In E minor, Op. 1
Nocturne No. 20 In C Sharp Minor, Op. post. - Frederic Chopin
Prelude No. 10 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 34
Prelude No. 15 In D, Op. 34
Porty & Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So
Consolation No. 3 In D Flat
Melody in E flat, Op. 42/No. 3
The Love For Three Oranges: March

Amazon.com

This miraculous recital was Chang's debut recording, made when she was nine years old. In Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy you can hear some very minor flaws in the technique, which were gone when I heard her play it two years later. There's nothing else to indicate that this is a young violinist, not even the tone Chang draws from a quarter-size violin. While none of these pieces is very heavy in musical content, she shows a wide range of sympathies, from the singing lyricism of Chopin to a very hip-sounding "It Ain't Necessarily So" from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Sarah Chang -- unparalleled even at 9!.......2001-01-20

What can I say that does not smack of praise for this debut album by one of the most gifted young violinists ever of the millennium?

The one thing that I find lacking in most violinists' playing is ... fire. Oh, of course, techincal ability ranks high on the list but one has to agree that most of the prodigial virtuosi we've heard so far have most of that particular area of playing down-pat. Chang certainly has the lightning-quick fingers required for virtually all of the songs she plays here, but as the Amazon.com review states -- she also plays with a good deal of _bite_. The deciding pieces are, in no particular order: Sarasate's very famous miniatures from Carmen, the Sabre Dance from Gayane (wonderfully played, with the tempo bright and fast-moving), Gershwin's It Ain't Necessarily So (when I first heard this track, I was in heaven! What jazzy playing for one so young! The violin literally sings and swoons in her capable hands), and Prokofiev's March from The Love of Three Oranges. The last piece, compared to Midori's version (which can be found on her "Encore!" CD), I feel, is better performed -- the speed and spear-driven flashes of the bow are just right. Midori overperforms on a song that's supposed to be a march.

Interesting historical document.......1999-01-06

Immaculate technique, remarkably good tone for a quarter-sized violin, and wonderful musicality for a nine-year-old. Of course, she still has some room for improvement artistically.

Her interpretation of Gershwin's "It ain't necessarily so" is the most sensuous (almost lascivious!) one I've ever heard--such abundant, luscious, provocative slides! Nonetheless, I love it!

Tracks:

Gayne: Sabre Dance (Punchline)
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2: Friska (Who Framed Roger Rabbit?)
La Boheme: Che gelida manina (Moonstruck)
La Boheme: Love Duet (Moonstruck)
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz (Moonstruck)
Madama Butterfly: Un bel di (Fatal Attraction)
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (A Room With A View)
La rondine: Chi il be sogno di doretta (A Room With A View)
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo (Raging Bull)
Lieutenant Kije: The Wedidng Of Kije (Crossing Delancey)
Four Last Songs: Beim schlafengehen (The Year Of Living Dangerously)
Rhapsody In Blue: Andante (Manhattan)
Cavatina (The Deer Hunter)
Concerto No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056: Largo (Hannah And Her Sisters)
Canon In D: Canon In D (Ordinary People)
Mandolin Concerto, RV 425: Allegro - 1st Movement (Kramer Vs. Kramer)
La Wally: Ebben? Ne andro lontana (Diva)
Love Story: Theme From Love Story (Love Story)
Romeo And Juliet: Time For Us - Theme (Romeo And Juliet)
West Side Story: Tonight (West Side Story)

Average customer rating:

Highly Disappointing...
I'm not an expert on classical music...
Terrible recordings of great songs.
Massive Classics: Music You Can't Relax To

Massive Classics

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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25 Thunderous Classics
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Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection

ASIN: B00008H2KO
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

Dies Irae - Riccardo Muti
Polovtsian Dance No.4 - Charles Mackerras
The Kinghts' Dance (Excerpt) - Libor Pesek
O Fortuna - David Hill
Sabre Dance - Ingo Metzmacher
Ride Of The Valkyries - Berliner Philhamoniker
Summer (Presto) - Europa Galante
Mambo - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Introduction - London Symphony Orchestra
Marche 1.28 - Orchestre De L'Opera De Lyon
In The Hall Of The Mountain King - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Mars, The Bringer Of War - Charles Mackerras
Fanfare For The Common Man - Carl Davis
Danse Infernale - London Symphony Orchestra
The Hut On Hen's Legs - Charles Mackerras
The Heroes' Gate At Kiev - Charles Mackerras
Rumble (Excerpt) - Edo De Waart
Scherzo/Allegro (Excerpt) - Andrew Litton
Bolero (Excerpt) - Libor Pesek
IV. Allegro - Roger Norrington

Customer Reviews:

Highly Disappointing..........2007-04-08

I picked this CD up in the bookstore after listening to it. I'm a big fan of the powerful classics, such as Carmina Burana O Fortuna, and, of course, Verdi's Dies Irae. I already owned those two pieces as well as a few others when I purchased this album. I had figured if they were on it, it was going to be one impressive CD.

I knew something was wrong the moment I started listening to it. Like others have mentioned, the musicmanship is poor. It sounds rushed most of the time. Plus, I compared Massive Classic's versions of Verdi's Dies Irae to the version I already had, and no way do they stand up. One sounded professional, practiced, and powerful. The other, on this CD: wimpy, weak, and lacking.

This CD couldn't take the time to get the best performances of these classics. Don't waste your time listening to it. Find a different album--there are better ones. My suggestions is The Greatest Choral Show on Earth, which features performances from the world's best orchestras and choirs.

I'm not an expert on classical music..........2006-03-08

But MAN do I love this CD! It's fantastic. Most of the songs you've heard from various movies or television shows, and now they're finally all together. I love listening to it while I drive - I find that I don't scream at traffic as much.

Terrible recordings of great songs........2003-12-20

The song selecting is awesome, but the performances and recordings (or the remastering) are awful. The balance seems off (very tinny sound), and the musicianship is weak (Vivaldi's "Summer" sounds like eigth-notes!).

NOTE: this review is for my CD from the BMG music club. I don't know if the CDs are different from what Amazon sells.

Massive Classics: Music You Can't Relax To.......2003-11-19

Exciting and Inspiring! So good my uncle is keeping my CD after he 'borrowed' it, and I have to buy another copy. And I hope it comes soon! Fun to listen to during rush hour traffic!

Average customer rating:

Tunes For Workout

Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Release Date: 2000-02-15

The Most Popular Classical TV Themes In The Universe

Average customer rating:

Wow....better than I first thought..

The Most Popular Classical TV Themes In The Universe

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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TV Guide: 50 All-Time Favorite TV Themes
One Hundred Greatest TV Themes

ASIN: B0002NRRPG
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

Sesame Street - STRAUSS: Also Sprach Zarathustra, Sehr breit
Looney Tunes - SUPPE:
The Four Seasons Theme - VIVALDI; The Four Seasons, Summer, Presto
Polo - HOLST: Jupiter from "The Planets"
Monty Python's Flying Circus Theme - SOUSA: Liberty Bell March
Disney Cruises - SAINT-SAENS: "Aquarium" from Carnival of the Animals
Bank of America - SATIE: Gymnopedie No. 1
Green Hornet Theme - RIMSY-KORSAKOV: Flight of the Bumblebee
Huntley-Brinkley Report Theme - BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 2nd Movement
Gatorade - BACH: Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude
Bailey's - OFFENBACH: Barcarolle from "Tales of Hoffman"
AT&T Wireless - DVORAK: New World Symphony, II. Largo
Lexus - PROKOFIEV: Romeo and Juliet, The Montagues and the Capulets
Quaker Oats - TCHAIKOVSKY: 1812 Overture (Conclusion)

Tracks:

Looney Tunes - WAGNER: Flying Dutchman Overture
M.A.S.H. - MOZART: Clarinet Quintet, I. Allegro
Scrubbing Bubbles - KHACHATURIAN: Sabre Dance
American Experience, "MacArthur" - ALFORD: Coloney Bogey March
IBM - BEETHOVEN: Fur Elise
Ren and Stimpy - TCHAIKOVSKY: Nutcracker, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies
Ren and Stimpy - TCHAIKOVSKY: Nutcracker, Dance of the Reed Flutes
Looney Tunes - BRAHMS: Hungarian Dance
"Pizzicato Pussycat" - CHOPIN: Minute Waltz
Land Rover - HANDEL: Largo from "Xerxes"
Boursin - DEBUSSY: Clair de Lune
Peugeot - SMETANA: The Moldau
Pontiac GTO - HOLST: Mars from "The Planets"

Customer Reviews:

Wow....better than I first thought.........2007-04-12

I came across this CD (from a "Relaxation" series) by accident and thought, oh no, just another compilation of classical music tidbits---and taken from TV commercials/shows yet---oh, spare me! But how wrong I was. Despite its boast of being, "The Most Popular Classical TV Themes in the Universe" title (and because the price was reasonable for a 2-CD set), I bought the CD and was amazed by the quality of the recordings. I was disappointed when neither the manufacturer nor Amazon.com provided a listing of the artists on the recordings; as after hearing some of the tracks, I wanted to buy the artists' complete renditions. My favorite track on this CD, Debussy's "Clair de Lune," is performed so movingly, so stirringly, so hauntingly, that I wish I knew who recorded it. Not all tracks are arranged for orchestra. An example is Handel's "Largo from Xerxes," which is arranged for harp-and-flute, an arrangement which I found delightful and reminiscent of times in the 18th century when the elite held their salons and provided such music at these events. There is no singing on any tracks; it's pure instrumental. I didn't purchase my copy for "relaxation," as the series promotes, for the CD is just as enjoyable to play anytime, anywhere, and especially with a quality headset!

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Pop Boutique, Vol. 2

The Verdehr Trio: Trios for Violin, Clarinet and Piano

Very Best Of [Import]

Music: Southern Classics

Unhand the World [Enhanced]

Walked Outta Heaven [CD-single] [Import]

Windows

The World of Gregorian Chant [Import]

Treadin' Water

Tango [Limited Edition] [Import]

Twinlights

Vol. 6-Cooking Vinyl Sampler [Import]

Velfarre V.17 [Import]

Bach: Apocryphal St. Luke Passion BWV.246, Anh.II,30

Bossas and Ballads: The Lost Sessions