Lute & Guitar Music of the Baroque Era

On this CD:

1. Work(s)
Composed by Sylvius Leopold Weiss

2. Españoletta
Composed by Gaspar Sanz
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

3. Españoletas for guitar
Composed by Santiago de Murcia
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

4. Spagnoletta, for guitar
Composed by Giovanni Paolo Foscarini
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

5. Gagliarda, for guitar
Composed by Giovanni Paolo Foscarini
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

6. Baletto detto l'lmperiale, for guitar
Composed by Giovanni Paolo Foscarini
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

7. Fandango
Composed by Santiago de Murcia
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

8. Follias for lute & continuo (18th century)
Composed by Anonymous
Performed by Ralpf Mattes

9. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

10. Fugue for lute in G minor, BWV 1000
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

11. Variations on a Theme of Locatelli in G
Composed by Joachim Bernhard Hagen

12. Comment savez-vous, for lute
Composed by Sylvius Leopold Weiss

13. Menuett & Trio for lute in D major
Composed by Karl Ignatz Kohaut

Tracks:

Walsingham
Can she excuse my wrongs?
Ryght honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor Â…
Flow my tears
Have you seen the bright lily grow
Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson diedÂ…
The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark
The lowest trees have tops
And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letterÂ…
Fine knacks for ladies
From thenc I went to the Landgrave of HessenÂ…
Fantasy
Come, heavy sleep
Forlorn Hope Fancy
And from thence I had great desire to see ItalyÂ…
Come again
Wilt thou unkind thus reave me
After my departure I caled to mynde our conferenceÂ…
Weep you no more, sad fountains
My Lord WilloughbyÂ’s Welcome Home
Clear or cloudy
Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparationÂ…
In darkness let me dwell

Amazon.com

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Christina Roden

Album Description

StingÂ's Songs From The Labyrinth is an album of 17th century music composed by John Dowland and performed on the lute, an ancient acoustic guitar. After being given a lute nearly two years ago as a gift, Sting became fascinated and immersed himself with the instrument and the history of lute music. Reminded of his almost 25 year long enthrallment with the works of John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer who wrote songs for the lute, Sting has recorded a new album of vocal and lute music. All songs were composed by Dowland in the 17th century, but have been given new life in these fresh new recordings by Sting. Sting not only sings all the songs (accompanied by leading lutenist Edin Karamasov, who appears on two Andreas Scholl albums), but also plays lute on two instrumental duets with Edin and reads short extracts from a fascinating autobiographical letter by Dowland. Sting has also written a brilliant account of the album's genesis, along with notes on the individual tracks, which serves as the CD booklet.

Customer Reviews:

Vibe shift.......2007-07-10

Why bother? Still would like to say i love the 'shift' it takes to get into this music and how i (and my home) feel when i've enter this rather rarified realm of listening.

Gorgeous, pure and unexpected.......2007-07-06

This music is so pure, so clean, so well performed by two excellent musicians, Edin Karamasov, and Sting, that it put shivers up my spine. Edin is an excellent classical lutenist and Sting's tenor voice is perfect for the music. It was a surprise hearing a rock musician perform this music, but Sting always surprises, continuing to develop as a musican. I will hear this one in my sleep, echoing.

Soul music.......2007-07-05

Have you ever walked a labryinth? Let Sting walk with you either if you are new or an ole' timer at it. This is music for and from the soul.

An Elizabethan Sting.......2007-06-27

A very interesting compilation with a pop star singing music from a high period of Elizabethan music with feeling .style and effectiveness.

Labyrinth.......2007-06-09

What a waste of good talent! About the worst album I've ever heard.

The Journey & The Labyrinth: The Music of John Dowland (DVD & CD)

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly enjoyable....
The Journey & The Labyrinth
To buy or not to buy, that is the question
Enchanting, visually stunning
The Journey & The Labyrinth: ---A real Journey

The Journey & The Labyrinth: The Music of John Dowland (DVD & CD)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)
In Perugia
My Funny Valentine: Sting at the Movies
The Police - Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out
Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994

ASIN: B000MGBTHA
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

Flow My Tears (Lachrimae)
The Lowest Trees Have Tops
Fantasy
Come Again
Have You Seen The Bright Lilly Grow
In Darkness Let Me Dwell
Hell Hound On My Trail
Message In A Bottle

Tracks:

'Come Again'
Project Origin
'Can She Excuse My Wrongs'
The Lute And The Labyrinth
'The Lowest Trees Have Tops'
'Flow My Tears'
Dowland's Exile
'Clear Or Cloudy'
Political Intrigue
'Have You Seen The Bright Lily Grow'
'Weep You No More Sad Foutain'
'Le Rossignol'
Religion
Sting And The Lute
'Come, Heavy Sleep'
'In Darkness Let Me dwell'
Choir Rehersal
'Fine Knacks For Ladies'
'Can She Excuse My Wrongs'

Amazon.com

Recorded at St. Luke's Cathedral in London, The Journey and the Labyrinth continues Sting and lute player Edin Karamazov's exploration of the music of John Dowland. The bulk of this material first appeared on 2006's Songs from the Labyrinth. Performed live and placed in a setting concurrent with the life of the 16th-century composer, the songs feel tied to their origins in profound ways. The grand room's ambiance is made apparent with the reverberating applause at the close of each selection. The closing two numbers show how this 400-year-old music has aspects very much in sync with relatively contemporary works. Both Robert Johnson's "Hellhound on My Trail" and Sting's own Police hit "Message in a Bottle" utilize crisply delineated melodies and spare but robust accompaniment. A DVD is included in the set, as well. Elegantly produced, it not only offers the live performance featured on the CD, but also provides Sting's own thoughtfully articulated connections to this still vibrantly romantic music. --David Greenberger

Album Description

On the heels of his acclaimed recording, Songs from the Labyrinth, Sting furthers his fascination with Elizabethan composer John Dowland (1563-1626) on The Journey and the Labyrinth: The Music of John Dowland. This new DVD/CD package includes an extended version of Sting's first-ever PBS special from Thirteen/WNET New York's Great Performances (airing February 26th, 2007), as well as a live bonus audio CD.

Sting recently released the striking CD Songs from the Labyrinth, which introduced audiences to his passion for Dowland. With an astounding thirteen weeks and counting as Billboard's #1 Traditional Classical album, the record, called "vivid and romantic" by the Wall Street Journal, has resonated with Sting and Dowland aficionados alike. The album also captured the top spot on the classical charts not only in the U.S. but also in England, Canada, France and Germany.

The Journey and the Labyrinth: The Music of John Dowland, directed and produced by the Emmy-award winning team Jim Gable and Ann Kim of Graying & Balding, Inc., delves deeper into Sting's relationship with the sixteenth-century figure, who has captivated generations with his songs composed primarily for lute, which Sting tackles along with esteemed lutenist Edin Karamazov. Filmed appropriately at Lake House, Sting's 16-century manor house in Wiltshire, and in the ancient gardens of Il Palagio, his home in Italy, the DVD also features the performers before a live audience at St. Luke's Church in London.

Interspersed between performances of such timeless Dowland songs such as "Can She Excuse My Wrongs," "Come Again," and "Flow My Tears," are discussions with musicologists David Pinto and Anthony Rooley of the composer's place in music history and his relevance today, plus recitations by Sting from Dowland's personal correspondence.

In a rare live appearance performing Dowland's music, Sting and Karamazov's concert at St. Luke's Church in London was also captured as a live audio recording and serves as the bonus CD included in the package. Featuring selections from Labyrinth, the CD also contains the consummate hit "Message in a Bottle" arranged for lute, as well as a rendition of the Robert Johnson blues classic, "Hell Hound."

More Sting

Fields of Gold

The Dream of the Blue Turtles

Songs from the Labyrinth

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly enjoyable...........2007-05-21

I have been a Sting/Police fan since my youth, and I have to admit - I was very skeptical when I first heard about this latest venture from Sting. After hearing some of the tracks, the disc began to grow on me. The DVD is the highlight here. Beautifully photographed, and intelligently produced. The performances in and around Sting's Tuscan villa are breathtaking. The live performances are nice as well. Very little was known about this John Dowland man, but he seems to have been quite the character. I'm glad I added this to my collection.

The Journey & The Labyrinth.......2007-05-13

The album was just fantastic! Very different from Sting's usual music. He should do more of it.

To buy or not to buy, that is the question.......2007-04-24

When I was younger, I went on a wine-appreciation course. The first thing I was told was: "Don't let snobs dictate your taste to you: if you like chilled red wine with fish, *drink* chilled red wine with fish!"

Over the years, I have found this to be good advice, and not just about wine.

70 years ago, Andrés Segovia played the Bach Chaconne for the first time in Paris. He said "I could measure my success by the rage of the violinists." But the guitarists didn't care. Nowadays Bach on the guitar is commonplace.

50 years ago, lutenists criticised Julian Bream for playing their instrument like a guitar. He said "It's my job to blow the dust off these things."

It always miffs insiders when an outsider comes along and brings their speciality to a new audience, even though they may publicly applaud him for doing so: it will be a lucky outsider who doesn't get stick for not doing things the "correct" way.

So the Amazon (and other) reviewers of "Songs from the Labyrinth" fall (for the most part) into two camps: Early Music buffs, and Sting fans. As I joined the Lute Society in 1973, and reviewed Early Music for several years, I suppose I must be considered to fall more into the former category than the latter.

But, it seems to me that all the discussion of "authenticity", impassioned and learnèd though it may be, is irrelevant. The only important questions are: Has the performer made a serious attempt to understand what's going on in the music? and Does he bring something fresh to it?

In Sting's case, the answer is clearly Yes to both. And that said, the only other thing of importance is whether you like the result.

I do like it, and I'm glad to see I'm not alone, even among us old fogeys. And with music samples and now video samples available on-line, you don't have to play guessing games to know whether you will too.

The DVD
======

Over and above the value of the music, the DVD is very well put together. There are songs, lute music, anecdotes and historical discussions, all skilfully and entertainly intercut, and each complete in itself but not so long that the attention of the newcomer will start to wander. You can see Edin trying not to laugh when Tony Rooley and David Pinto almost get into an argument. And the whole thing is visually gorgeous. My favourite bit is where Sting fissions into four and sings a quartet with himself, sitting around a table.

By the way, there are a couple of "in" jokes that may go over the heads of those new to this music:

Sting ribs Edin about giving him the hard part in the anonymous lute duet "Le Rossignol"; in fact, the two parts are virtually identical, one being an echo of the other, merely four bars "out of phase".

More subtle is the somewhat unexpected appearance of "Hellhound on my Trail", which is of course by the noted blues singer Robert Johnson murdered in 1938 (but somehow copyright 1990, it says here). Another Robert Johnson, also a lutenist (and son of that John Johnson whose vacated position Dowland failed to secure at the court of Elizabeth I), was one of Dowland's colleagues at the court of James I. He was the composer of "Have You Seen the Bright Lily Grow", so the DVD contains works by two different Robert Johnsons.

Lutenists will be interested to note that Edin Karamazov plays (right hand) thumb under, although Dowland himself switched in mid-life from thumb-under to thumb-over -- presumably for what seemed to him to be good reasons. He is clearly a fine player with a great deal of facility, but I feel obliged to say that his Dowland Fantasy (P. 6, for those that are interested) seems to me a bit of a mess. Don't take my word for it; you already know Anthony Rooley, and his version is on Renaissance Fantasias. It's also on disc 8 of his mammoth 12-disc set, with his wife (the famous singer Emma Kirkby) and The Consort of Musicke: Dowland -- The Collected Works. Here are some more versions for comparison:

Christopher Wilson: Rosa
Julian Bream: Lute Music from the Royal Courts of Europe
Jakob Lindberg: Dowland -- Complete Solo Lute Music

Where to go from here
================

The person who spearheaded the revival of interest in Dowland, and the lute in general, was Julian Bream. No one ever breathed more life into this music, and if you're new to the lute, you can't go wrong with his recordings, many of which are still available.

On the other hand, if Sting is your thing, Bream's Dowland songs with Sir Peter Pears are unlikely to be. Nevertheless, you can hear them on Heavenly Love, Earthly Joy.

Of Bream's successors, one of his personal favourites certainly seems to be Nigel North: you can read Sir Julian's glowing tribute on Nigel's website. Only two volumes of Dowland's music by Nigel have so far appeared, though: (Vol. 1) & (Vol. 2).

The complete lute music is available from Jakob Lindberg (mentioned above) and from Paul O'Dette (Complete Lute Works -- also as individual discs), two of my personal favourite players. If you liked "Le Rossignol", you will certainly enjoy them together on English Lute Duets.

The acknowledged authority on Dowland in her day was the late Diana Poulton. She is the author of the standard biography (Faber & Faber, ISBN 0-520-04687-0), and also editor of the Collected Lute Music (Faber Music, ISBN 0-571-10024-4).

The Lute
======

Lute sales have quadrupled, says the Lute Society. If you're thinking "well, I can play the guitar: how hard can the lute be?", think again. By all means take it up, but it's a *very* different instrument!

The British and American Lute Societies can both be found on line.

And now my 1,000 words are up. Good hunting!

Enchanting, visually stunning.......2007-04-18

It seems at first like Sting really stretched on this one, but if you're a dedicated fan, you'll see that his career has been leading here all along. Think of "St. Agnes and the Burning Train" on his "Soul Cages" CD. The four-hundred-year-old music of John Dowland is haunting, and Sting brings it to vibrant life with reverence and enthusiasm. Listen, and you'll be drawn into an older world that at times feels surprisingly familiar, a world of love with all it's faces, melencholy, religious persecution, and career ambition. The DVD was filmed at Sting's personal residences, and if you love atmosphere, it's all here. I recommend the DVD over the CD alone, because the images of Sting singing in those beautiful surroundings help overcome the cultural difference for those who have never heard music like this before. Also, you'll get to hear "Message in a bottle," arranged for the lute on this one, recorded on the companion CD.

The Journey & The Labyrinth: ---A real Journey.......2007-04-10

this was an awesome work. The music was great, and the documentary...really interesting.

if you love music or you are an artist, this is inspirational and entertaining.

this project was a wonderful surprise!!

Average customer rating:

EXCELLENT CD to introduce kids (& adults) to classical music!
Tchaikovsky is my favorite composer, declares my [...].
Truly fun AND educational
My kids' hands-down favorite classical CD
Grandson loves!

Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
Beethoven's Wig
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies
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ASIN: B000060OLA
Release Date: 2002-03-05

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!).

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Average customer rating:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss
not what i expected
excellent guitar performances
Essential Guitar...
Lives up to its Name!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000069KIT
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss.......2007-04-04

This may be the best money I've ever spent. I got 2-1/2 hours of bliss for less than what I'd usually pay for one CD -- and you know how it is with music. You buy an album because of a song or two that you love, and you find that you like maybe half the songs on it. There's not a single selection in this one that I would've left out. It includes Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by Pepe Romero on the guitar with the Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields. I needed to replace my old LP recording of that. But I also get 30 other classical compositions and traditional Spanish pieces, each special in its own way.

Have you ever heard music that you wanted to last forever, maybe even to dive inside and live there for a while, immersing yourself in sound? That's how I feel about this collection. The only problem I have with it is that I bought it thinking it might be nice to listen to while I write. Not so. It's terrible for that. I'll sit with my hands poised above the laptop keyboard, assuring myself I'll get some work done while I listen. The music takes hold and carries me away.

I'm not expert at describing this or any type of music. I just know what I love. You might too, if you enjoy classical or Spanish guitar -- unless you have absurd expectations about combining listening with work.

not what i expected.......2007-03-26

This CD for me was a waste of money. Its just not what i thought it would be. Others may enjoy it but for me..it wasnt what i was hoping to hear.

excellent guitar performances.......2006-07-27

Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar..........2005-07-26

Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie. After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it! It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection. The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Buy it and enjoy!!!!

Lives up to its Name!.......2005-06-10

If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.

The recording quality is uniformly good, even on the tracks by Segovia. I don't know if they were remastered or recorded late in his career, but they're free of the surface noise present in so many of his recordings. The set clocks in at a generous 2 1/2 hours - one of the greatest deals in instrumental music; this is not a "bargain" quality set. Listen to the samples online - great stuff.

My only mild criticism is in the marketing. The advertising features John Williams and Julian Bream. Each contributes exactly one track. I would have enjoyed more pieces by them for stylistic comparison. But the less well-known (at least to guitar music neophytes like me) artists are every bit as good, and I intend to obtain more of their work.

Average customer rating:

terrific
Get what you pay for.
Wonderful!
If only the Amazon discography was as good...
One of the best Vivaldi CDs on the market

25 Vivaldi Favorites

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

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III. Allegro - I Musici di Zagreb
II. Largo - Gunter Lemmen
III. Allegro - Hans-Martin Linde
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Customer Reviews:

terrific.......2006-04-23

Vivaldi 25 favourites is marvelous ,it has been digitally enhanced and is certainly a keeper.Really am pleased with anything i have purchased from Amazon

Get what you pay for........2005-10-15

This CD is decent but does NOT sweep you off your feet into a soaring concert hall with your heart beating loudly and your breaths coming in faster. Why? I think its the quality of the recording and the caliber of the musicians maybe? But hey, $4.98 does not buy much more than a fast food meal- so no harm done! Happy Listening!
-Rupa

Wonderful!.......2004-11-26

I couldn't believe the wonderful, pure sounds that came from this low-priced CD. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it!!

If only the Amazon discography was as good..........2004-02-14

The majority of the musical selections is undeniably fine. If only the track listing (s) were accurate or agreed with each other and the actual selections as they are ordered on the CD!

One of the best Vivaldi CDs on the market.......2003-01-24

I don't know how SPJ Music Inc., based in the world-famous town of Hauppaage, NY, manages to do it, but they have released at least 24 of these "25 XXXX Favorites" CDs, and all those that I have heard are superb collections. OK, many of the performances on this album are by ensembles that few will have heard of in North America, such as the Wurttemburg Chamber Orchestra, Musica di San Marco, and I Musici di Zagreb, and maybe they are a bit old (no recording dates are given), so SPJ probably doesn't have to pay much in the way of royalties. But this collection of works by Vivaldi is truly second to none.

Wait till you hear track 6, "Et in terra Pax from 'Gloria', by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, for instance, or track 14, from Stabat Mater Dolorosa, sung by Margarethe Bence with the Alto Pro Music Orchestra of Stuttgart. We are transported into the heights of the etherial world of sacred music, right up into the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, yet with that unmistakable touch of Vivaldi, who could be both consumately sacred and masterfully secular as he wished -- or even both at the same time. As has been proven again and again in the 20th century, Vivaldi was one of the greatest composers in history, and every classical music lover should have this CD in his or her collection.

I have a lot of Vivaldi recordings by period music ensembles like the virtuosic Il Giardino Armonico (who recorded the two best DVDs of Vivaldi works in existence, one with Cecilia Bartoli) and the somewhat more conservative Europa Gallante, led by Fabio Biondi. Then there are CDs by individual masters like Andrea Marcon (with the Venice Baroque Orchestra) and the immortal Nigel Kennedy (with the English Chamber Orchestra). Older classics re-released on CD include recordings by the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Orchestra of the 18th Century, and the Romero family (Los Romeros). And the list goes on and on. All are superb recordings that have given me hours of pleasure.

Tracks:

Spanish Dances: No. 4 Villanesca
Spanish Dances: No. 12 Arabesca
Etudes For Guitar: No. 7 In E Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 3 In D Major
Etudes For Guitar: No. 5 In C Major
Etudes For Guitar: No. 12 In A Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 2 In A Major
Etudes For Guitar: No. 8 In C - Sharp Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 11 In E Minor
Etudes For Guitar: No. 1 In E Minor
Estudo No. 1
3 Pieces For Guitar: No. 1 Largo
3 Pieces For Guitar: No. 2 Tranquillo
3 Pieces For Guitar: No. 3 Un poco mosso
Suite populaire bresilienne: Mazurka - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Schottish - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Valsa - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Gavotta - Choro
Suite populaire bresilienne: Chorinho

Tracks:

Sonata In D Major, K. 290, L. 206
Sonata In E Minor, K. 292, L. 24
Sonata In E Major, K. 380, L. 23
Sonata In A Major, K. 208, L. 238
Sonata In A Major, K. 209, L. 428
Sonata In D Minor
Sonata In A Major
Sonata In B Minor
Sonata In A Major, Op. 3, No. 1
Variations sur les Folies d'Espagne, Op. 45
Sonata In E Minor, Op. 3, No. 6
Gran Sonata Eroica In A Major, Op. 150: Allegro maestoso
Spanish Dances: No. 1 Minuetto
Spanish Dances: No. 5 Andaluza (Playera)
Spanish Dances: No. 3 Zarabanda

Tracks:

Suite No. 4 In E Major: Prelude
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Loure
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Gavotte en Rondeau
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Menuett
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Bourree
Suite No. 4 In E Major: Gigue
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Preludio
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Fuga
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Sarabande
Suite No. 2 In A Minor: Gigue - Double
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Granada (Serenata)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Cataluna (Curranda)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Cadiz (Cancion)
First Suite Espagnola, Op. 47: Cuba (Capricho)

Amazon.com

Manuel Barrueco is one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. Listen to his own arrangement of Albeniz's Suite Española and you'll have trouble believing it's only two hands on one guitar. But Barrueco doesn't use his technique to show off. He's a solid musician, as expressive in Bach as in Villa- Lobos. He also makes transcriptions that respect the origins of the music. This is a wide-ranging guitar collection, but all the music is worth hearing, especially in performances like these. The disc is one of the best bargains among all guitar recordings, and Vox's recordings still sound like a guitar. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Illuminating.......2007-07-04

I'm a thoughtful and introspective person with a diverse background. Of all the old countries, Spain's diverse background appealed to me. This music reflects that appeal.

Essential recordings.......2007-04-06

Not much else really to say about this. It is a collection of brilliant interpretations and the guitar has the most amazing sound I've ever heard on a recording. You will find yourself almost spiritually bound to share this recording with any classical guitar playing friends and aficionados.

Exquisite.......2006-12-14

I was browsing Amazon, shopping for gifts, and when I listened to the snippets of this, I couldn't resist ordering it for myself. It's a 3CD set of beautiful, varied music played by a brilliantly skilled and sensitive master. Barrueco has an extraordinary touch that seems perfect for each piece, from Bach to Paganini to Villa-Lobos. Anyone who likes classical guitar would treasure this set.

The "cool school" of guitar playing.......2006-10-26

This three CD collection is a reissue of Cuban born virtuoso Manuel Barrueco's early Vox LPs, recorded in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Included in this set is his stunning performance of selections by Spanish composers Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados. This 1978 Albéniz/Granados recording is perhaps the greatest example of what I call the "cool school" of guitar playing, eschewing color and warmth in favor of restraint, taste, and note perfect execution. One complaint: in this reissue VoxBox inexplicably spread the Albéniz/Granados selections over three CDs.

Bach and others on the Guitar.......2006-08-10

A wonderful combination between the Great Bach and a master of Guitar

Average customer rating:

so amazing
Essential Bach is OK
Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
Exquisite Essential Bach
Good

Essential Bach

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces
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ASIN: B00004SPLF
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Say Hey-ho for Yo-yo No Disappointment Here
Super Enjoyable
Absolutely Amazing
You mouth open in Awe.
Hard to believe!

Vivaldi's Cello

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Yo-Yo Ma - Simply Baroque II ~ Bach & Boccherini / ABO, Koopman
The Essential Yo-Yo Ma
Simply Baroque
Classic Yo-Yo
Bach: The 6 Unaccompanied Cello Suites

ASIN: B0001IN11Q
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Cosi Sugl' Occhi Miei
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
La Gloria Del Mio Sangue
Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Ma Non Molto
Noli, O Cara, Te Adorantis
Laudamus Te
Quanto Magis Generosa
Dite Oihme

Amazon.com

The great Yo-Yo Ma has recently (in addition to his world music explorations) moved to the baroque cello, a so-called period instrument, and his transition has been remarkably smooth. He is indeed a musical polyglot, and this CD finds him solidly in the heart of the Baroque period, with music by Vivaldi. In addition to three concerti the composer wrote for cello, there are some fascinating transcriptions. The Largo violin solo from the "Winter" concerto of the Four Seasons is here beautifully played on cello, its darker tone added substituting gravity for chill in the wintry landscape. A concerto originally for viola d'amore, lute and strings has been transformed into one for cello, organ, strings and continuo, with Baroque expert Ton Koopman as transposer and organist (and sympathetic, energetic conductor throughout). And oddest of all, Koopman has created cello solos out of arias (one of which is helped by a perky bassoon) originally composed for female voice from a couple of operas, the oratorio Juditha Triumphans, and the familiar "Laudamus te" from the famous "Gloria." Leave it to these musicians to re-invent Vivaldi with respect and a clear ear for musical values--not to mention sheer entertainment and a forward propulsion which makes it all so invigorating. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Say Hey-ho for Yo-yo No Disappointment Here.......2007-03-05

I often play European-classical music during massage treatments. My clients love hearing this CD again and again!

Super Enjoyable.......2007-01-03

Very nice. If you're a novice to classical, you'll really enjoy this CD. Perfect for a Sunday morning coffee or rainy afternoon.

Absolutely Amazing.......2006-01-27

I love this album from beginning to end. RV 531 will blow your socks off, especially the first and third movements! Yo-Yo and Ton have done it again, thank you for such a wonderful record. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

You mouth open in Awe........2005-06-15

This album is complete. My mouth was open in Awe when I heard Allegro off this album, it's no.1 on this album. I couldn't stop picturing them all playing this. The piece was astouding! The dynamics, accents, just everything! I don't know what else to say about this album!

Hard to believe!.......2005-04-23

This album is just exquisite... At times there are no words to describe the depth and beauty -- his incredible bow control, intensity and passion, impeccable pitch, sense of dynamic movement... It's all there! The first time I heard "Largo" from Winter I had to hold my breath -- it is such a dazzling rendition! I say that this album deserves twice as many ears as there are people in the world today!

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II

Average customer rating:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II
Great music listein to while you read in bed
A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan.
A bliss of spirit.
Boring

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
Gabriel Faure , Frederic Chopin , Antonio Vivaldi , Gustav Mahler , Claude Debussy , Sir Neville Marriner , Maris Jansons , Lorin Maazel , Sir Adrian Boult , Miklos Rozsa , Riccardo Muti , Stephen Cleobury , Sir John Barbirolli , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus , Academy of St. Martin in the Fields , and Berlin Philharmonic
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00002439O
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze - Sir Neville Marriner
Serenade In G 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Sir Neville Marriner
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor, Op.26 - II. Adagio - Yedudi Menuhin
Nocturne No.2 In E Flat Op.9 No.2 - John Ogdon
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Schindler's List - Tasmin Little
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
Dance Of The Sylphs - Sir Neville Marriner
Water Music - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No.9: II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Jean De Florette - Toots Thielemans
Concerto For Lute And Two Violins - II. Largo - Anthony Bailes
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 - III. Adagio - Jacqueline De Pre
Waltz No.15 In A Flat - Dame Moura Lympany
Romance - Piers Lane
Pavane - Maurice Handford
Woodbrook - Micheal O Suilleabhain
Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra

Tracks:

The Four Seasons - Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring' - Yehundi Menuhin
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Double Violin Concerto In D Minor - II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
Prelude No.7 In A Op.28 No.7 - Tzimon Barto
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
'Pathetique Sonata Op.13 - II. Adagio Cantabile - Leonard Pennario
Pie Jesu - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Salut D'Amour - Richard Hickox
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (The Girl With Flaxen Hair) - Dame Moura Lympany
The Coventry Carol - Medeval Babes
Pavane For A Dead Princess - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Liebestraum No.3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Op.102 - II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor - IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II.......2006-08-28

Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged. Good album for a tag sale. Same comment applies for Volume I.

Great music listein to while you read in bed.......2005-08-21

I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night. I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan........2004-10-22

I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone!

A bliss of spirit........2004-09-18

That's disc will open You a wonderful, beautiful world of sounds, their harmony & emotion : you'll feel your heart full of
Joy, Tears, Love.
Good LUCK!

Boring.......2004-05-11

Yes this CD will put you to sleep in minutes. Its the most boring uninspiring classical music. The first CD was very good but this Vol. 2 is like most movie sequels....AWFUL !

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

Average customer rating:

PLEASE BE AWARE
Bubble Bath Baroque
Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions
Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music
A relaxing serenade

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041DS
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Siciliano
The Four Seasons ( Winter): Largo
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D: Cantabile
Guitar Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe d'Amore Concerto In G: Adagio
Flute Concerto In G: Arioso
Concerto No 1 In B Flat For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Adagio
Oboe Concerto No 1 In B Flat: Largo
Concerto In A: Sicilienne
Concerto In G For Two Guitars: Andante
Concerto In D For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Grazioso
Concerto In C For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Introduzione (Larghetto)
Oboe Concerto In C: Siciliana
Water Music (Suite No 1 In F): Air
Oboe Concerto No 2 In B Flat: Andante
Suite No 1: Andante
Concerto In F: Preludio
Canon In D

Customer Reviews:

PLEASE BE AWARE.......2007-02-25

The audio samples given here are from the Vivaldi for Valentines CD in this same Philips series. NOT Bach.

The Vivaldi was great, though.

Bubble Bath Baroque.......2005-09-27

Light some candles, run a bubble bath, put in bath beads, pop this CD into your stereo and indulge in a bath that would mean you've pampered yourself in extremis. This particular recording from the popular Set Your Life To Classical series is a real treat for Bathtime, or in my opinion, anytime. It is indeed, as the title suggests, a relaxing serenade to wash your cares away. It is therapy, a perfect companion to a massage, reading a book, drinking tea, anything you can do alone to pamper yourself and to relax. Iona Brown, a female conductor, takes Sir Neville Marriner's place and conducts the Academy of St Martin In The Fields performing such works as the opening track - the Lute Concerto by Vivaldi as well as Track 4's Largo from the Winter movement in The Four Seasons, track 12's Concerto For Two Guitars by Corelli and the Oboe Concerto in D by Telemann. Also featured on here Oboe Concerti by Handel and Water Music Suite, and other conductors featured on here are Raymond Leppard and his English Chamber Orchestra. The Canon in D has never sounded more radiant than on here as it is conducted by Sir Neville Marriner and closes the CD nicely. A more relaxing way to take a bath you'll be hard-pressed to find. This music is gorgeous, it's affordable (on the Used Item section and the regular price) and is as always, a great intro to classical music and a fun, innovative way to enjoy it.

Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions.......2003-01-09

This is pleasing, pastoral music picked to relieve that which tenses up our bodies and souls.

Turn on this excellent baroque collection from the likes of Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel and Pachelbel (among others) superbly played by such virtuosos as Rampal, Holliger et al.

Sweeping instrumental arias are so relaxing! This one will soothe the savage beast as well as those tired bods.

Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music.......2002-12-22

The cd series "Set Your Life To Classical Music", composes a variety of baroque, classical and romantic instrumental music that serves the purpose of leisure and background while you engage in the day or evening's activities. The purpose is therapeutic. There are other titles in the series, such as "Bach For Breakfast", "Beethoven For Book Lovers" "Chopin And Champagne", "Baroque For Bedtime", "Puccini and Pasta", "Mozart For The Morning Commute", the series goes on and on. It is a great way to soothe your tensions and provides stress-free, nearly New Age style music that you'd more than likely hear at a masseur's place of business. One can also make the argument that this is the music you'd hear at an elevator. What I like about all these series is that they are also a great introduction to instrumental/classical music. The ensembles performing the classical works are virtuosic and well known in world of classical performance, such as Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin In The Fields, I Musici and the New Age, Yani-style musician, Zamfir, who specializes in rare instruments such as pan pipes.

On this recording, specifically designed to accompany your bubble bath, there are beautiful, slower-paced movements from Baroque flute, violin and oboe concertos. There are the Sicilian style movements of such composers as Vivaldi, Bach and Telemann. The largo from the Winter movement is a richly melodic and dreamy piece for strings, and the concluding work, Canon In D Major, is an elegant, graceful and heartfelt chamber piece that has become iconic in Baroque music. It was used in the film, Ordinary People and is very popular in classical music for weddings. I strongly recommend all the cds in the series. They are a perfect way to get you into some of the most beautiful classical music ever written, and are a great way to involve music as the wordless, instrumental soundtrack in your life.

A relaxing serenade.......2000-12-28

This is a wonderful collection of Baroque pieces that will truly relax and wash away stress and tension. I esp