French Symphonies

On this CD:

1. Symphonie fantastique for orchestra ("Episode de la vie d'un Artiste...en cinq parties"), H.48 (Op. 14)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Sir Yehudi Menuhin

2. Le carnival romain, ouverture catactéristique (Roman Carnival Overture) for orchestra, H.95 (Op. 9)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Sir Yehudi Menuhin

3. Symphony, for orchestra in C Major ("Symphony in C")
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste

4. Symphony in B flat major, Op 20
Composed by Ernest Chausson
Performed by Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Conducted by Marek Janowski

Tracks:

Beethoven's Wig (5th Symphony, Beethoven)
Franz Liszt the Famous Pianist (Hungarian Rhapsody #2, Liszt)
Please Don't Play Your Violin at Night (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Mozart)
Can You Can Can? (Can Can, Offenbach)
Just For Elise (Fur Elise, Beethoven)
Haydn's Great Surprise (Surprise Symphony, Haydn)
Kings and Queens of England (Trumpet Tune, Purcell)
Drip, Drip, Drip (Pizzicato from Sylvia, Delibes)
Harmony (The Merry Peasant, Schumann)
Hey Guitar Teacher (Bouree, Bach)
Tchaikovsky's Cannonball (1812 Overture, Tchaikovsky)

Product Description

GENERAL FEATURES: Beethoven's Wig Sing Along Symphonies are zany stick-in-your-head lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music. Filled with fact and fancy about the world's most notable composers and their masterpieces, each Sing Along Symphony opens the door to "serious music" in a way that's fun. As a bonus, the orchestral performance of each classical piece is included without lyrics. Educational entertainment for all ages.

Amazon.com

Inspired and wildly imaginative, Beethoven's Wig is one of the best introductions to classical music you could give to your children. Featuring snippets of 11 classical music staples--Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, et al.--the disc and its creators, Richard Perlmutter and friends, pour on the silly lyrics the first time around to familiarize young ears to the old masters. Then in the last half of the record, the orchestra plays the same "serious" music pieces instrumentally. You might cheerfully recall Alan Sherman's popular spoofs of old classical works in Wig and you'll again chuckle at pieces like "Drip, Drip, Drip," which adapts Delibes's "Pizzicato from Sylvia." You'll also marvel at the expertise throughout the CD, with all the pieces well played yet thoroughly fun. Beethoven's Wig is an orchestral treasure with a sense of humor as old or as new as its listeners (and the fun questions that run throughout the CD's liner notes are almost as entertaining as the zany musical interludes). Highly recommended. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT CD to introduce kids (& adults) to classical music!.......2007-07-08

This CD is a must for every child. It is so important for children to appreciate the great composers. This CD is a wonderful introduction and a fun way for children to learn the facts and names to go along with the tunes. The selection of pieces for this disk are also wonderful. It is nice that the songs are also to where you can listen to them without the lyrics. My children love it and my husband loves to hear just the music (& he is more of a oldies rock n roll & country music man).

Tchaikovsky is my favorite composer, declares my [...]........2007-06-15

We originally received Beethoven's wig from a friend. My two year old and eight year old loved it so much that I had to buy #2 from www.amazon.com and got the third one used on www.ebay.com. Now I have them all on a playlist on my Ipod, and we play them non-stop in the car, and at home. (putting all three on my Ipod makes it more bearable since it is not always the same songs). Too bad www.Itunes.com hasn't caught on yet.

The best part was when my daughter told her Music Camp teacher, " Tchaikovsky is my favorite composer!" I thought she was going to faint.

Truly fun AND educational.......2007-06-01

We play this probably once a day in our home and my kids (one is almost 5, and 2 yr old twins) all enjoy it! Definitely appealing to kids, but also not offensive to the adult ear. I even find myself humming the words when I hear these classical pieces at other times of the day. I recommend for any household with small kids - it introduces classical music in a very fun, upbeat way.

My kids' hands-down favorite classical CD.......2007-05-18

My kids take piano lessons, and I was hoping that listening to classical music would help them enjoy their lessons a bit more, since many of their lesson pieces are variations of classical melodies, and, for whatever reason, they don't naturally enjoy classical music.

I had heard rave reviews about the Classical Kids series of CDs (where a story is set to a composer's music), and, while my children enjoyed them, they didn't really want to hear the stories repeatedly, so the melodies didn't stick.

We got this CD from the library, and the minute they heard the first line of this CD, they were in hysterics. They just LOVED the silly lyrics, and they've listened to the CD repeatedly. They begged me to buy our own copy and to get the 2nd and 3rd CDs in this series. They ask questions about the music and the lyrics, trying to figure out what play on words and reality the creator of the CD was thinking about. They remember the music and who composed it. And they are much more interested in playing the pieces they know on the piano!

So, for our purposes, this CD has been perfect.

And yes, I put my money where my mouth is and purchased all three CDs in this set :) This one is still our favorite.

Grandson loves!.......2007-05-12

Because I don't live close to my almost 4 year old grandson, I had this shipped to him. My son (his father) says that he asks to hear this all the time. They have to take it in the car wherever they go and listen. Even though the words are silly, I am pleased to know that as he grows older, he will recognize classical music (of course he may always sing the silly words!).

Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies

Average customer rating:

Worse than BW 1 and 2
We love it!
Beethoven's Wig 3
Good overview of orchestral instruments
Fun exposure to classical music

Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies

Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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Beethoven's Wig

ASIN: B000F1IPPQ
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

Bull in a China Shop
Chap in a Cap
Play My Song
A Manly Man
Whistling Happily
Where Oh Where
Silver Winds
They're There
Here Lies Homer Jones
How to Succeed as Royalty
King Henry
Sawdust
Ramona
When the Angels Play
Anybody In There?
Take Me to Your Leader
Toreador Song from Carmen
Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat major
Work for Mandolin WoO 44a
Elephant from Carnival of the Animals
William Tell Overture
Funeral March of a Marionette
Dance of the Reed Flutes from The Nutcracker Suite
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Fossils from Carnival of the Animals
The Trophy from 4th Book of Harpsichord Pieces
Recorder Concerto in C major
Gavotte from Cello Suite No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012
Minuet & Trio from Concerto in D Major
Harp Concerto in Bb
Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Also Sprach Zarathustra

Product Description

This CD is a Grammy Award nominee and winner of 40 national awards for the series, Beethoven's Wig. Beethoven's Wig celebrates the instruments! With more zany lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music, these Sing Along Symphonies feature a variety of different instruments from the familiar to the fascinating. The instrument performance of each piece is also included without lyrics. A fun foundation for classical music that will last a lifetime. Includes songs such as Bull in a China Shop (Cornet: Toreador Song from Carmen), Chap in a Cap (French Horn: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat major), and Whistling Happily (English Horn and Flute: William Tell Overture).

Amazon.com

Outside of Kidz Bop and Disneymania!, you won't find a lot of kids' series racking up the kind of sales that merit three installment, which is why the creators of Beethoven's Wig ought to step out of the orchestra pit and take a bow. Not only have they made it to No. 3, they've done it with a concept that veers sharply and unswervingly into educational territory. From the toot of the first cornet to the timpani's final thump, not a tired note has surfaced yet. For newcomers, here's a primer: Head wig-flipper Richard Perlmutter leads a respectable-sounding ensemble of singers and musicians in the loopy lyricizing of classic symphonic pieces. Everything from Handel to Rossini gets the word treatment. Instead of random witticisms, though, the lyrics he ascribes are meant to impart something memorable about the music. Thus, Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 4 is wedded to a charming ditty called "Chap in a Cap" and Bizet's "Toreador" song from Carmen comes to life with images of a bull in a China shop. Where Beethoven's Wig 3 differs from the others is in its focus on individual instruments--clarinets, mandolins, bassoons and basses all get the Wig equivalent of a shout-out. Otherwise, it's a return to form: Liner notes crammed not only with lyrics, but with fun questions and answers (How many fingers do harpists use when they play? Eight), a second half devoted to unsullied versions of the sung symphonies, and blasts of familiar sound leeched of stuffiness. Cue it up for anybody under 12 and keep your fingers crossed. With any luck, Perlmutter and company will come through with a fourth volume. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Worse than BW 1 and 2.......2007-05-21

I am big fan of Beethoven's wig 1 and 2 but this number 3 is not as good.
Looks more like leftovers compiled from failed BW 1 and 2 songs to me. I gave even 3 starts mostly out of respect to the artist. BW 1 and 2 are always in CD holder of our family van. Number three will not be there (However, if I decide to make them mp3, I would add one on two songs from BW3 to the playlist).

We love it!.......2007-03-09

Great for kids and moms also! I have a 4 yr old and 7 yr old and we have listened to this many times.

I would not choose this exclusively to teach classical music and such - our kids first listened to a lot of classical music and opera before adding this for fun.

Beethoven's Wig 3.......2007-01-05

This series is a great first way to introduce kids to classical music. There is no question that being familiar with something makes it more enjoyable, this is a fun and light-hearted way to do just that. Beethoven's Wig #3 is the best of the Beethoven's Wig series - we actually got it first, and loved it so much we then bought the other two, which were not as strong overall. There are some absolutely great songs on the #3 CD - and a few that are mediocre, but overall it is well worth the money if only for a good laugh!

Good overview of orchestral instruments.......2007-01-03

This is a good resource for introducing the intruments of the orchestra. The songs are just as entertaining as the first volume in this series. My dd enjoys this cd very much and has learned to recognize intruments and composers through listening to it.

Fun exposure to classical music.......2006-08-30

I bought Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2 last year, and my children (ages 6 and 10) begged me to get this one! Richard Perlmutter's voice is a little nasal (every once in a while you're reminded of Barney sing-a-longs) but the other voices that are on the CD are nice. This is an awesome way to familiarize children with classical music themes. I'm hoping that as my children grow up, they will be attracted to some classical music because they will have some familiar melodies in their memory banks. I highly recommend this CD to anyone with young children.

Average customer rating:

Good selection
thunderous applause
Good Music at a Great Price
You will like this!
Good for the novice

25 Thunderous Classics

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004Y6SQ
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Sunrise) - R. Strauss
Mars (The Planets) - Holst
Overture 1812 - Tchaikovsky
Entry Of The Gladiadtors - Fucik
Sabre Dance - Khachaturian
Procession Of The Sardar - Ippolitov Ivanov
Night On Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky
Anvil Chor (II Trovatore) - Verdi
The Thunderer March - Sousa
Thunder & Lightening Polka - J. Strauss
Prelude To Act III : Lohengrin - Wagner
The Ride Of The Valkryies - Wagner
Montagues & Capulets (Romeo & Juliet Ballet Suite) - Prokofiev
The Storm: Symphony No. 6 In F Major, 'Pastorale' - Beethoven
Rondeau - Edward Carroll
Overture: Fireworks Music - Handel
March To The Scaffold: Symphonie Fantastique - Berlioz
LesToreadors - Bizet
William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
Revolutionary Study - Abbey Simon
Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
Sym No. 1 'Titan' IV Sturmisch Bewegt (Excerpt) - Mahler
Augurs Of Spring From Rite Of Spring - Stravinsky
Russian Dance From Petrouchka - Stravinsky
The Great Gate At Kiev From Pictures At An Exhibition - Mussorgsky

Customer Reviews:

Good selection.......2005-10-02

I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples. I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it. That's why I gave it 5 stars. It's worth more than it costs by far.

thunderous applause.......2005-08-31

This is a who's-who of great pieces of music you have heard all of your life, and never knew the names and stories! I listened to it over and over in the car and had my own concert! A friend borrowed it to add music to his Home Movies and it was perfect!

Good Music at a Great Price.......2004-03-06

I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD (by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music.

You will like this!.......2004-02-19

I had purchased an abundance of the "Favorites" collection and some were better than others.

This CD is at the top of them all. They may be short, but not that short. Wondrous music.

I can almost guarantee that you will like this music.
Well worth the price!

Good for the novice.......2002-06-08

The recordings on this disc are pretty good. However, the editors selected only the *loud* parts, as indicated by the title. I was pretty disappointed to find that the pieces are, in many cases, edited to reflect the most famous themes, etc, instead of including the whole work. In general, I would recommend this to the classical music novice, or someone who wants to expand their knowledge of classical music in general. Those who already are familiar with these pieces will probably feel gypped.

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Average customer rating:

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

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0001I2C8O
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

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

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

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.

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Average customer rating:

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

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Manufacturer: Utv Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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25 Classical Favorites
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ASIN: B00004GOZA
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Ken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Scott Joplin: Greatest Hits
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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Book & CD)

ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating:

Canadian Brass is COOL!
Bold and Brassy
The Comical Yet Excellent Recording
Canadian Brass Strikes Again!
great!

Bolero & Other Blockbusters

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FVD
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

2001 Theme
Concerto For Two Trumpets: Allegro
Sarabande
Bolero
Turkish March
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Rondeau
Music From The Royal Fireworks
Lord Nelson Mass: Gloria
Xerxes: Largo
Minute Waltz
Toreador Song
Sonata No.11: Turkish Rondo
Cor Royale
Sleeping Beauty: Overture
Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours
The Glow-Worm
Peer Gynt: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Gaite Parisienne: Can-Can
Jerusalem
La Virgen de la Macarena
Aida: Grand March
Guadeamus Igitur
Overture To H.M.S. Pinafore
Golyardes' Grounde
Farewell Anthem

Customer Reviews:

Canadian Brass is COOL!.......2007-04-11

Brass virtuosos offer familiar pieces in refreshing way. Great listening!

Bold and Brassy.......2006-05-10

You either like the sound of brass instruments or you don't. I do. I especially like them in the hands of competent musicians playing tunes I like (mostly), I like this album.

It's a hodgepodge of mostly very short pieces and not all of them are "classical" although that is the main thrust of the work. Intermixed with Handel's MUSIC FROM THE ROYAL FIREWORKS and Ravel's BOLERO you will find such pieces as the CAN-CAN or GLOWWORM. It's all very enjoyable.

The Comical Yet Excellent Recording.......2004-09-15

This CD absolutely shows the absolute talent in the absolute Canadian Brass. These short little songs might be abused, but they showed the great skills the players had. The tuba was heard clearly in one of the song's end. Trombone had a lot of solo that showed hard technique, and the trumpets are surprisingly outstanding! The French horn might not be heard quite easily, but it was played fantastically good.
Great recording for sure, all famous songs, and some great classical ballads.

Canadian Brass Strikes Again!.......2000-06-01

This is a fun cd to listen to. The recording is very clear and crisp, each instrument shines. Also, the cover photo is comical. I have several other Canadian Brass recordings and I think they are all interesting. A truly talented band of skillful musicians.

great!.......1999-08-31

This is a truly splendid CD. Each song is wonderfully played and Arranged. In turkish rondo, the french horn player and the trumpets do a great job. And in Sarbande by Handel, and Bolero by Ravel, htey do even better! Two big thumbs up!

Gounod: The 2 Symphonies; Faust Ballet Music

Average customer rating:

Another Marriner Miracle; A Set of Two Nigh-unknown Gems
Unknown symphonies deserve more performances
It Dances!
Gounod's neglected symphonies
Excellent Performances of works that deserve recognition.

Gounod: The 2 Symphonies; Faust Ballet Music

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Bruch: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00000JLFE
Release Date: 1999-07-20

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In D: 1. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 1 In D: 2. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 1 In D: 3. Scherzo. Non troppo presto
Symphony No. 1 In D: 4. Finale. Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 2 In E-Flat: 1. Adagio - Allegro agitato
Symphony No. 2 In E-Flat: 2. Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 In E-Flat: 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 2 In E-Flat: 4. Finale. Allegro, leggiero assai
(Faust) Ballet Music: 1. Les Nubiennes, valse (Allegretto)
(Faust) Ballet Music: 2. Adagio - Animato
(Faust) Ballet Music: 3. Danse antique (Allegretto)
(Faust) Ballet Music: 4. Variations de Cleopatre (Moderato maestoso)
(Faust) Ballet Music: 5. Les Troyennes (Moderato con moto)
(Faust) Ballet Music: 6. Variations du miroir (Allegretto)
(Faust) Ballet Music: 7. Danse de Phryne (Allegro vivo)

Customer Reviews:

Another Marriner Miracle; A Set of Two Nigh-unknown Gems.......2007-02-13

Opera composer Charles Gounod's two symphonies may be touched only rarely, but they are wonderful indeed. This is a romantic version of Haydn almost; yet he is quite individual.

The first movement of the First Symphony opens lively, continuing to show us Gounod's talent in construction every moment of its duration. The second movement is not cast in the usual slow tempo. Instead Gounod gives us an Allegro Moderato, wonderfully pointed, the theme of Schubertian grace, the fugue of Tchaikovskian beauty. The third movement is a scherzo that sounds almost like a minuet. After a slow introduction the finale carries the listener effortlessly to the end.

The Second Symphony is a bit more serious, but still enthralling in every way. A slow introduction prefaces the main theme of the graceful first movement as in the finale of the First Symphony. After a nine minute slow movement comes a minor scherzo possessing echos of many things, but in general, remains quite Gounod. In the finale we again see traces of Haydn, only adding to the character of this original work.

As a fabulous bonus we also receive the Faust Ballet Music, sounding fresh indeed from Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. It is quite convincing, even on its own. Seven movements of wonderful melodies, particularly the Danse antique. These miniatures will certainly delight more than just ballet fans.

The performance and recording match the verve in all of this music quite well. Marriner again proves his effective communication in Romantic music. There are no idiosyncrasies, and this disc is exceptionally well filled (over 74 minutes). Highly recommended indeed.

Unknown symphonies deserve more performances.......2005-06-24

If you live in USA, the chance of hearing either of the Gounod symphonies is very poor. American orchestras rarely play short, easygoing symphonies like these two works. Even the early Schubert symphonies are rarely played. These two works of Gounod are not great masterpieces but they are delightful and these performances are magnificent. As a bonus there is the wonderful ballet music from "Faust", a real masterpiece.

It Dances!.......2004-01-30

Like the reviewer who preferred John Lubbock's performance of these symphonies on ASV, I gave high marks to Lubbock's disc elsewhere on the Amazon Web site. But listening again to this Philips CD (to tell the truth, I have so many CDs that I forgot it was in my collection!), I found Marriner not at all opaque or lumbering. Instead, I think he captures just as well as Lubbock the gentility and sprightliness of these very fine little symphonies that inspired Bizet's glowing Symphony in C. Yes, that scherzo from the Second Symphony is a pencil sketch for the more famous "Funeral March of a Marionette," but jazzed up and with a more Puckish drollery. Wonderful. And the last movement, maybe the finest in both symphonies is this Frenchman's own "apotheosis of the dance." Marriner and his well-oiled machine of an orchestra capture it all with grace and elegance. Great music this is not, but I hope there is a place for such first-rate second-rank music!

With the Faust Ballet Music we have the product of a perhaps more skilled and experienced musician, but he's pandering here to the French taste for spectacle, and even though the music has its moments, it's somewhat trashy compared with the urbane utterance of the symphonies, for my money. Still, it's good, clean fun and underlines the essentially balletic nature of Gounod's orchestral music-making--true right up to the marvelous Petite Symphonie of the composer's last years.

In the Ballet Music, that protean ASMF Orchestra sounds properly beefier and heftier, producing gorgeous sounds that most pit orchestras (the Met Orchestra excluded) could never produce. Add to this a very refined recording from Philips--finer, I think, than the one on ASV--and you have a better bargain with this excellent Marriner disc.

Gounod's neglected symphonies.......2004-01-29

Possibly inspired by fellow Frenchman Georges Bizet, Charles Gounod composed two symphonies in 1855, the same year Bizet wrote his only true symphony. (Bizet also composed an extended symphonic work, "Roma," that is sometimes called a symphony.) Bizet's symphony was not performed in his lifetime; in fact, the first performance of it didn't occur until 1935, 80 years after it was written.

Gounod's symphonies suffered similar neglect. In fact, Gounod's two symphonies are seldom performed or recorded even now, while Bizet's symphony has enjoyed numerous performances and recordings. It's really hard to understand why Gounod's symphonies continue to be neglected. As these fine recordings demonstrate, the music is very charming and filled with emotion, while obviously influenced by Haydn and Beethoven. It is known that Paris tended to be musically conservative and certainly Gounod recognized that; nevertheless, he failed to attract much attention with these works.

I find the first symphony, written in D major, the more enjoyable of the two. It often reminds me of Bizet's symphony in C major, but it definitely has originality and deserves to be heard more often.

Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields give very competent, enjoyable performances of the symphonies. They really excel in the showy ballet music Gounod composed for his 1859 masterpiece, the opera "Faust." French opera HAD to include ballet in those days because the patrons, especially the wealthy, aristocratic members of the Jockey Club, expected it. There was, of course, some scandal connected with "Faust" because of its religious themes. Gounod followed Goethe's interpretation of the Faust legend of Faust repenting, being forgiven, and being taken to heaven by angels.

The ballet music, however, definitely is more in keeping with the presence of the devil, who continues to tempt and "encourage" Faust in his worldly pursuits. It has always been one of the very lively operatic ballets and the performance here maintains the excitement.

Excellent Performances of works that deserve recognition........2001-12-01

These are excellent performances of works that deserve better recognition. Gounod's symphonies are delightfull. Fully remininscent of Haydn (esp. Goudnod's first Sym.) and early Beethoven (Gounod's Second). Marriner and the ASMF provide excellent playing; superbly recorded. The Faust ballet suite is the icing on the cake.

Average customer rating:

A note...
18th Century Masterpieces

Paul Wranitzky: Symphonies

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005UC3G
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

Symphony In D Major, Op. 36: I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
Symphony In D Major, Op. 36: II. Russe. Allegretto - Minore - Maggiore
Symphony In D Major, Op. 36: III. Polonese - Trio
Symphony In D Major, Op. 36: IV. Finale: Largo - Rondo. Allegro
Symphony In C Minor, Op. 11: I. Grave - Allegro Assai
Symphony In C Minor, Op. 11: II. Adagio
Symphony In C Minor, Op. 11: III. Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio
Symphony In C Minor, Op. 11: IV. Presto
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: I. The Revolution. Andante Maestoso - Allegro Molto
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: English March
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: March Of The Austrians And Prussians: Tempo Di Marcia. Maestoso - Piu Allegro, Tempo Primo
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: II. The Fate And The Death Of Louis. Adagio Affettuoso, Con Sordini
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: Funeral March
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: III. English March: Tempo Dir Marcia. Movibile
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: March Of The Allies
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: The Tumult Of A Battle. Allegro
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: IV. The Prospects Of Peace. Andante Grazioso
Grand Characteristic Symphony For The Peace With The French Republic, Op. 31: Rejoicing At The Achievement Of Peace. Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

A note..........2006-07-28

I quite agree with the reviewer below in every respect! I just wish to point out that much of Wranitsky's music may be found under the original Czech (Bohemian actually) version of his name, Vranicky-- "Wranitzky" being a Germanized version. (Just as Kramar's music is often under the Germanized name of Krommer, and so forth.)
Thank heaven we are starting to have such wonderful and unjustly neglected music available to us!

18th Century Masterpieces.......2004-09-04

Paul Wranitzky, born in 1756 (same year as Mozart), was a composer of Bohemian descent. He, like many muscicians of the time, moved to Vienna where he was a part of the bustling musical scene. He was friends with Mozart, and the two composers knew eachother's music.

These symphonies, Op. 36, 11, and 31, represent some of the finest examples of the 18th century symphony. Composed in the late 1790s, they exhibit a full and rich command of the classical style, with overtones of the romantic age. They are addictivly melodic, and wonderfully innovating with regards to orchestral textures and part writing. Op. 36 and 11 are for full orchestra, while Op. 31 is scored for strings alone- but what these strings can do! It is a characteristic or programmatic symphony, and finds its premiere recording on this disk. Much credit must be awarded to Bamert for his wonderful "Contemporaries of Mozart Series", of which this is a part.

These symphonies are definately on par with Mozart. Very seldom do I come across a Mozart comtemporary like this one. Look out for the music of Paul Wranitzky (not to be confused with Anton Wranitzky, his brother).

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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