Solo Cello Suites 1 2 & 6

On this CD:

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

2. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Ophelie Gaillard

3. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Ophelie Gaillard

Tracks:

suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: I: prelude
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: II: allemande
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: III: courante
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: V: menuet I -
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: menuet II - menuet I
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: VI: gigue
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: I: prelude
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: II: allemande
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: III: courante
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: V: bourree I -
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: bourree II - bourree I
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: VI: gigue
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: I: prelude
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: II: allemande
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: III: courante
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: IV: sarabande
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: V: gavotte I -
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: gavotte II - gavotte I
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: VI: gigue

Tracks:

suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: I: prelude
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: II: allemande
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: III: courante
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: IV: sarabande
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: V: menuet I -
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: menuet II - menuet I
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: VI: gigue
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: I: prelude
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: II: allemande
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: III: courante
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: V: bourree I -
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: bourree II - bourree I
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: VI: gigue
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: I: prelude
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: II: allemande
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: III: courante
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: V: gavotte I -
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: gavotte II - gavotte I
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: VI: gigue

Amazon.com

Mstislav Rostropovich is one of the few musicians who can create a larger-than-life experience through the combined forces of exceptional music, a beautiful instrument, and uncommonly facile communicative skills. In his performances of Bach's transcendent masterpieces for solo cello, Rostropovich finds a perfect balance between a romantic, rhapsodic interpretation and one that emphasizes the purely formal "aridity" of Bach's structures. Although it's nearly impossible to isolate one or two highlights, the Sarabande and Prelude from Suite No. 5 are among the most profoundly moving cello performances you will ever hear--the closest we probably will ever come to experiencing through music the soul of both Rostropovich and Bach. Not everyone will immediately appreciate the very resonant sound that emphasizes the cello's lower register. But after a few minutes your ears adjust, the music takes over, and nothing else seems important. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Dullsville!.......2007-06-01

I love the cover of this record, though. Reminds me of Don Quixote trying to play the cello standing up, like Woody Allen in a marching band! Slow and flat, with no dance or swing to it. Obviously there's a reason he never recorded them till he was past it (just as there's a reason they weren't played for 150 years). The suites are obscure and intimate, and there was little use for them before recording. Casals played them daily, to "consecrate the house" and found the special music in them. Some good Rostropovich is the Beethoven cello sonatas with Richter, but for Bach you should get Casals (1), Fournier (2), (or Starker or the earlier Ma if you find them on sale.)

Bach Cello Suites No.1~6 by Rostropovich.......2007-05-13

I meant to listen to Bach suites and I finally purchased. Unfortunatelly Rostropovich passing on. I am taking cello lesson and I can say that this CD is true classic and true cellist of dreams.

Deeply satisfying.......2005-12-01

When I heard these recordings for the first time, I almost wept. I don't know if this makes any sense, but the only way of saying how I felt was that it was like coming home. Rostropovich plays so simply and directly that one feels all pretense peel away. If art is an imitation of the glory that is nature, and performance an imitation of the art, then this is probably as close as you can come to removing the imitation and having a direct physical, emotional, and spiritual communion. Superlatives fail me and seem trite, so I think I should make this short. Bach's cello music is some of the most beautiful art ever created, and it has such remarkable power to heal the soul. Every human being who appreciates music deserves the priviledge of hearing this music. As I mentioned, the performance is superb, like an improvisation but so carefuly though out and so deeply felt. The recording quality is excellent too, capturing the meltingly beautiful sounds of Rostropovich's cello. Please listen to this; I hope you will be as moved as I was. If I can make a suggestion relevant to the time I'm writing this (Nov. 30th), make a present of this to someone you love for the holidays, the time of peace, as this is one of the great musical expressions of peace and boundless love.

The Best.......2005-10-26

Many people will argue that classical music is to be heard from a large symphony. I disagree. The ability of a single cello to convey an unlimited range of emotion and to personify the music is astounding. This performance of the Bach Cello suites is no exception, Rostropovich lacks the technical perfection of Yo Yo Ma, a good thing in my opinion, because it gives the music a certain personality and warmth. This is, and has been, my favorite collection of music, and to hear it played by Rostropovich justifys anyones love of it. It is simply the best cello collection on CD.

Exemplary Performances!.......2005-10-20

Mstislav Rostropovich has always been a world reknown cellist and one can definitely understand why when hearing these magnificent pieces being played by him. With also a great sound quality, it is truly a great album worth buying!

The Baroque period was one in which the science of musical interpretation was still growing. Many pieces of that period were generally unfriendly to a director or musician in terms of interpreting the meter: most notations were rather bare in that regard. A composer's meaning of 'adagio' could mean something very different to a stranger conducing the piece: how slow? Bach's cello sonatas are a perfect example which is even more respect to Rostropovich's interpretation and performance. A truly outsanding musician is demonstrated here in this recording. Rostropovich has a passionate and delicate interpretation that is neither overly rigid or romantic: they remain austere pieces but also have a spiritual quality to them that is most endearing.

This is a great set of albums for a complete set of Bach's cello suites. Rostropovich remains a highly respected performer and one will understand why when hearing these majestic pieces. A great buy!

Average customer rating:

The Marrow of Life in Sound
Bach Cello Suites - Pablo Casals
Cello in your living room
Remastered EMI or the Japanese Opus Kura?
A must - have!

Bach: Cello Suites

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
Bach: Suites for Solo Cello

ASIN: B0000CG8EF
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Menuet I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Menuet I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Bourree I & II
VI: Gigue

Tracks:

I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Bourree I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Gavotte I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Gavotte I & II
VI: Gigue

Customer Reviews:

The Marrow of Life in Sound.......2007-05-28

This music breathes, lives . . . is creation! Whatever recording one chooses of the Casals, by all means, acquire one. Not to disappoint the experts and perfectionists, I'm fine with this one, the EMI, occasionally hissing backdrops and all. Whenever I find myself in the slough of total despair, too dizzy to get off the mat, I spin the Casals, and listen: that's life talking!

Bach Cello Suites - Pablo Casals.......2007-05-14

Recently, I vacationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The place Pablo Casals made his permanent home from 1956 to his death in 1973. In my hotel, his recording of the Bach Cello Suites was played endlessly. The entire week I was there only this recording of Pablo Casals' Bach Cello Suites was ever heard in all the public areas of the hotel El Convento. I never tired of it. I am a violinist by profession and also have the Lynn Harrell recordings but not the YoYo Ma. When I came home I knew that I need to buy the Casals recording. It may be because they were recorded in 1935 and the methods of recording were so different from today. The more I listened the more I heard , I could even hear small errors when his bow didn't quite contact with the string on string changes. I loved this because it was done like a live recording - not done over and over for total perfection. It is human. Tempos, dynamics and ornaments were all to my liking. His playing comforts my soul. I also recommend reading Pablo Casals book, "Joys and Sorrows" written in 1970. This book is no longer in print but used copies are available through Amazon. Casals was one of the worlds greatest musicians and a great humanitarian. He was also one of the late Mstislav Rostropovich's teachers.

Cello in your living room.......2007-01-11

Intimate surroundings or just by yourself listening on headphones is the way to go. I enjoy this record and have played it numerous times over and over.

Remastered EMI or the Japanese Opus Kura?.......2006-11-12

I won't discuss the merits of Pablo Casals' version of Bach's Suites for Solo Cello, other reviewers have already done that. I will note that he ranks in the very top tier out of all the 12 versions I own. My other top tier favorites are Navarra, Fournier, Starker and Thedeen.

I do not own Ma's latest version nor Rostropovich's version, but I have heard them both. I find Ma to be too slick for his own good - he is indeed so technically correct that he plays the notes a bit too perfectly and in doing so somehow loses the essence of the music... if that makes any sense? Ultimately I do not find Ma convincing, a computer could be programmed to do the same thing. Rostropovich, however, is just the opposite, too sloppy (or some would say too romantic) - he just doesn't sound like Bach to me. I do like a few of his interpretations, but overall I think he misses the mark more than he finds it. I do not mean to suggest that both Ma and Rostropovich do not have their moments or that others have not found them satisfying, but overall there are other performers that just do a better job for me in terms of what I find important. My favorites are not going to be the same as yours all the time. But, at least now you know where I am coming from and where my biases are.

For Casals, the main issue is the sound quality of the various versions that are available. There is the older EMI version, the Remastered EMI, Naxos, Pearl, Opus Kura and Classica D'oro. Out of these choices, which one has the best trade off between noise reduction and the music? These are all sourced from old 78's recorded in the late 1930's, but each uses a different approach to noise reduction. I started off as most of you probably have by listening to the internet MP3 sound bites of all of the various versions - MP3s are not exactly the best way to make a judgment call on sound quality, but I did find that the two versions on CD that I did eventually purchase actually sound very much like the MP3s - there were no surprises in that regard.

So, from that listening perspective (MP3) I can tell you that I was not impressed by the Naxos version nor the Classica D'oro version. Naxos sounded hollow, boxed in and constricted and the Classica D'oro just sounded very processed. I realize that many reviewers praise the Naxos version, but I found the MP3 sound bite to be very constricted - again, this is only the MP3 sound bite, so take it for what it is worth. The MP3 of Opus Kura had a lot of hiss, the most of all these versions, but it also had a very full sound. The Remastered EMI MP3 also had a full sound, but with only moderate hiss. The Pearl sounded decent as well, but perhaps not quite as good as the Opus Kura or Remastered EMI. The Pearl was done somewhat earlier than all the others. So, I passed on the Naxos and the Classica D'oro for quality reasons. I also passed on the Pearl and instead purchased both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI versions, as those were also the ones done most recently and hopefully with the latest technology. The Japanese Opus Kura label also has a very solid reputation of valuing musical integrity over all else.

A quick comment on the two EMI versions. Most critics did not like the older EMI version because of overdone noise reduction. I have not heard that version, nor do I ever want to considering the many negative reviews I have seen! However, EMI remastered these performances in 2003 and this has apparently resulted in a much improved product.

O.K. now on to the comparisons; for hiss levels, both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI had quite a bit of hiss and surface noise. The Remastered EMI wins with less overall hiss noise and somewhat lower surface noise as well. The Opus Kura clearly has more hiss. It's not always a whole lot more, but it is more and it is more noticeable on some tracks versus others. But, note that the hiss levels can always be adjusted very easily with a graphic equalizer or more preferably with a noise gate. I did make an experimental CD-R copy of the Opus Kura on a CD-R with a noise gate (using Nero) and the result was very good and comparable to the Remastered EMI version in terms of hiss. Even so, if hiss is your major concern and you don't want to mess with a noise gate then just get the Remastered EMI version.

However, if you ignore hiss as a factor, which version sounds better in the living room? And by the way I have an audiophile quality sound system. Here Opus Kura wins hands down. There is no comparison. Opus Kura has all the room ambiance and lower bass tone, overtones and frequency range that the Remastered EMI version has filtered out. The Remastered EMI has no low bass where all the overtones reside - it's just not there and as a result the mid bass stands out more. I must admit that this approach has it's own appeal as it gives the illusion that the recording is both sharper and tighter sounding than it really is and it does bring out more of the mid bass, but the reality is that you are not getting all of the music as originally recorded. Still, it does not sound "bad" and perhaps this is a good trade off. The Opus Kura, on the other hand, fills the room with all the music, including all the lower bass overtones and makes it seem like Pablo is in the room. If you turn the Opus Kura up loud and go into the next room you would think Casals is actually in there playing live. The Remastered EMI in the same test sounds cleaner, but without the deepest overtones it sounds less like a real cello and more like just a deep toned viola - this is a solo cello we are talking about and you don't just EQ out the tonal quality of the instrument (and the room ambience) without losing some of the realism. That being said, it really comes down to personal choice. After listening for a few minutes the ear adjusts to either version. If you did not have the more natural sounding Opus Kura to compare to you would never know what you are missing with the Remastered EMI version. On the other hand, some listeners will actually appreciate the different tonal emphasis on the mid bass that the Remastered EMI offers. I did an A-B blind test with a friend who noted immediately the lack of bass in the Remastered EMI, yet still enjoyed listening to that one as much as the Opus Kura. She did not have a particular preference for one over the other, but they sound so different from each other that at first she thought these were entirely difference performances from different artists! Obviously, some of you will only care about getting rid of "all the hiss", while others want "all of the music." You know who you are. The Opus Kura version strives to keep all the music regardless while the Remastered EMI compromises a bit to lower the noise levels.

A few comments on listening in the car; I really cannot tolerate much hiss in a small confined environment like the car where it can really drown out the music. So, I made my own CD-R recording of the Opus Kura with the NERO noise gate set at 62db for the level and 30db for reduction. This works very well in cutting the hiss down to size and still retaining the music. The only problem with noise gates is that people tend to overuse it - just a little is enough! I did the same with the Remastered EMI at a slightly higher level (70db) and 30db and this also gave a fine result in terms of acceptable hiss levels. Because the three-dimensionality and room ambiance is not as much of an issue in the car environment, I would say that either version (the Opus Kura or the Remastered EMI) would work fine in the car - and if you happen to also have a graphic equalizer the right adjustments might also help make a difference.

Here's the bottom line. For the best sound in your living room, my personal choice is the Opus Kura with the full range of sound, but with more hiss and more surface noise. The Remastered EMI, however, is a fair enough alternative with lower hiss levels and hardly any surface noise (most of the time) and an emphasis (rightly or wrongly) on the just the mid bass. For the car, I think either version works out o.k., but only if you do some remastering yourself with a noise gate to make your own personalized CD-R version that cuts down the hiss.

I hope this helps.

A must - have!.......2006-10-31

Among the annals of the definitive performances of the XX Century, these performances still stand out as an incandescent and refulgent star in the musical firmament. Casals devoted almost his entire life to get the supreme perfection at the moment to play these suites. And believe me, he followed his bliss and inscribed his name in the Pantheon of the Immortals.

An absolute must for any serious and dedicated listener.

Average customer rating:

A Man and His Art - Magnificently Captured
What can you say - it's Segovia!
EVERYBODY KNOWS
Immortal guitar
WOW

Art of Segovia
Andres Segovia
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
The Segovia Collection
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
The Best of Andrés Segovia: The Millennium Collection
Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00006B66L
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Andante
Andantino
Lento
Romance De Los Pinos
Madronos
Serenata Burlesca
Variations On A Theme From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'
Mesto E Calmo
Theme, Variations & Finale
Cancion Mexicana No.X
Sevillana, Op.29
Sarabanda
Capriccio Diabolico, Op.85
Tonadilla For Guitar On The Name Of Andres Segovia
No.1 In E Minor
No.3 In A Minor
Guitarreo
Segovia, Op.29

Tracks:

If My Complaints
Now, O Now I Need Must Part
Sarabande
1. Prelude (Transposed In D Major)
4. Tempo Di Bourree
Courante
3. Gavotte En Rondeau
Aria E Corrente
Moderato
Menuet In G Major
Andantino Variato
No.7 In A Major
2. Canzonetta
2. Quasi Lento (Preludio)
1. Andantino Poco Allegretto (Allegretto)
2. Il Vecchio Castello
Allegretto
Tres Calme Et Doucement Expressif
No.4 In E Flat Minor
5. Asturias. Leyenda - Preludio
7. Zambra Granadina
Estudio Sin Luz
Allegro Con Brio

Amazon.com

DG has put together a fascinating compilation of Segovia's art that reminds us what a protean figure he was. Segovia single-handedly put the instrument on the map by making classical guitar concerts popular events, broadening the instrument's repertory through commissions and transcriptions, and convincing even doubters that it could be a vehicle for serious music. He's heard here in brief pieces recorded between 1952 and 1969. Even in those made when he was well into his 70s, his fingers remain nimble and interpretations lively. Listening straight through, one hears many all-time Segovia favorites as Turina's Sevillana and Albeniz's Asturias and Zambra Granadina and renews appreciation for path-breaking composers like Castelnuovo-Tedesco. He wrote extensively for Segovia and his Capriccio diabolico and Tonadilla are pieces of real substance. Disc two is largely made up transcriptions and it's amazing how well so many of them work on the guitar, at least under Segovia's magic fingers. Thus the transformations of Bach's violin music and even a Chopin Prelude sound idiomatic, and the gorgeous melodies of the Canzonetta from Mendelssohn's Op. 12 String Quartet are irresistible here. An entrancing set. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A Man and His Art - Magnificently Captured.......2007-04-06

This 2-CD set produced by Deutche Grammmophon and first released in 2002 is one set of the hundreds that could have been or the dozens that actually have been made and sold successfully all over the world. The exceptional feature of this particular collection is not, of course, the performer. Quite to the contrary, the miraculous consistency of stylings and performance are amongst the most remarkable aspects of the man who was, arguably, the 20th Centry's virtuoso supreme of the classical guitar, Andres Segovia (1893-1987.) Rather, it is the collection itself - the pieces chosen to be produced on this one set - this, to steal a German word, gestalt. While his style did not remain constant throughout his long life and career, by the time he had developed his most masterful skills that included doing his own arrangements - the era represented on this particular set (1951-1960) - his playing had become completely his own - unchallenged and unmatched by even other clearly great guitarists with whom he shared this era.

There are a total of 31 pieces played on these CDs and while a playlist would be an unnecessary use of space here, a list of the composers represented is not. More than the specific pieces Segovia gives us here, the range of composers chosen by the compilers and editors - with each piece rearranged by Segovia himself, tells us a great deal about his interests, talents and musical range. These composers include:
Isaac Albeniz, Johann Sebastian Bach, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, John Dowland, Manuel de Falla, Cesar Franke, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Edvard Grieg, George Frederic Handel, Felix Mendelsohn, Frederico Moreno Torroba, Modest Mussorgsky, Nicolo Paganini, Felipe Pedrell, Manuel Ponce, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Joaquin Rodrigo, Albert Roussel, Domenico Scarlatti, Alexander Scriabin, Segovia's own composition of Estudio sin luz, Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega, Joaquin Turina and Heitor Villa-Lobos. A truly magnificent and broad ranging collection held together by Segovia's unique personal style, approach and sound.

Largely self-taught, Andres Segovia did things with a guitar that others only imagined. He didn't just play Bach, for example - music written for an entirely different type of instrument (keyboards.) He went a step further, and recorder Bach's keyboard lessons written for his students (the Two and Three Part Inventions) and made them sound as if they had been written for the guitar! His artistry is evident to even the casual listener and in this collection, any devote of classical guitar and/or of Segovia as an individual artist, will not be disappointed.
Perfect listening for anytime. Hypnotic and, simply, unsurpassed. A necessary addition to any serious classical guitar collection.

What can you say - it's Segovia!.......2007-02-10

I saw Segovia perform live in my youth. What a treat! Anyone who loves Classical Guitar should love this collection.

EVERYBODY KNOWS.......2007-01-13

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT ANDRES SEGOVIA WAS/IS THE WORLD'S GREATEST CLASSICAL GUITAR PLAYER. THIS CD IS A COMPILATION OF HIS RECORDINGS FROM THE THE EARLY 50'S TO THE LATE 60'S. HIS GUITAR MASTERY IS UNQUESTIONED AND HE IS AN INSPIRATION. I WISH I COULD PLAY GUITAR LIKE ANDRES SEGOVIA (BUT I CAN'T AND I NEVER WILL!).

Immortal guitar.......2006-08-02

Two CD's with Segovia's immortal music - an incredible treat at a great price!

WOW.......2006-02-23

Even though there is hiss from the original analog recordings this one is a must. Segovia! What more can you say. Anyone who likes classical guitar will love this.

Average customer rating:

poor sound quality
SUPERB
In this case: I'm baroque
Come to laugh and stay to cry
Great Introduction to Beautiful Music

25 Baroque Favorites

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

25 Vivaldi Favorites
25 Mozart Favorites
25 Bach Favorites
25 Handel Favorites
25 Classical Favorites

ASIN: B0000058I7
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Canon
Concerto In D Minor For 2 Oboes & Strings, Op. 42, No. 2: I. Largo
Water Music: VI. Minuet
Trumpet Concerto In D: II. Adagio
Sarabande
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: II. Adagio
Concerto In D For Trumpet & Strings: III. Grave
Air On The G String
Adagio For Strings In G Minor
The Four Seasons: Spring, II. Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: II. Andante
Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets & Strings: II. Largo
Concerto Grosso In D Minor, Op.3 No. 11: I. Allegro
Concerto In D For 6 Trumpets & Strings: II. Adagio
Ombra mai fu: Handel's Largo
Trumpet Sonata No. 1 In F: II. Grave
Suite In F Major For Horn, 2 Oboes & Strings: III. Der Alster Echo
Concerto In C For Viola Pomposa & Strings: II. Andante
Concerto In D For Trumpet, 2 Violins, Viola, Basso & Continuo: I. Allegro
Hapsichord Concerto In G Minor, BWV 1058: First Mvt.
Sonata For Trumpet & Strings: I. Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 5 In D, Op. 6: I. Larghetto
Concerto in D for Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Continuo: I. Allegro
Concerto grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: II. Allegro
Trumpet Voluntary

Customer Reviews:

poor sound quality.......2004-09-29

a great selection of baroque favorites, but the sound quality, especially on the pachelbel canon, not great at all. for that reason, i cannot recommend getting it. what do you expect for five dollars, right !>? i would suggest spending a little more money and getting something that you can't bear to part with, for continued listening enjoyment.

SUPERB.......2004-02-19

An introduction to the best baroque music by famous composers.
Great sound on this CD. There are over 10 CD's in this Farorites collection, and this by far is one of the best ones.

If you like the classical sounds of music, then you will like this. Check out the samples on this page that they provide, that's the best way to review.

In this case: I'm baroque.......2004-02-07

I'm not usually a classical listener kind of gal. The only reason I stumbled onto this cd is because my favorite tune from a movie is on it. Sarabande is also played on the movie Persuasion (author: Jane Austen). I wanted to have that tune. Followed the links and landed on the Baroque cd. Ordered it. Sarabande is my favorite, followed by Canon, four seasons: spring, etc. I love this cd! It feels happy and light. For me, as a writer and an animator, it adds extra emotional impact when creating as well as influencing my imagination more. I recommend this cd when people want to feel like spring.

Come to laugh and stay to cry.......2003-11-26

Circumspect at first about buying any CD with a "best of" title, this one really exceeds expectations. Also bought the Vivaldi disc in this series which is likewise exceptional. With the caveat that "Ombra mai fu" is repeated in various of the "25 favorites" collections, I recommend these recordings wholeheartedly, especially in terms of cost per track.

"Canon" is the flagship piece on this CD, a lush arrangement that will move a strong man to tears. Almost as powerful are Bach's "Air on the G String" and of course, Handel's "Ombra mai fu". The disc ends on an up note with "Trumpet Voluntaire".

At this price, you can send "Baroque favorites" to every Classical music lover you know. I would recommend sending this CD even to people who don't like Classical...you might just change their minds.

Great Introduction to Beautiful Music.......2000-07-08

The Baroque period (1600-1750) was one of the most important in the history of music because many of our modern musical forms come from this time. The baroque style is diverse, including such elements as contrast and a deep emotionalism. Although orchestras perform the songs, many individual instruments are highlighted. The baroque composers especially loved strings, the trumpet, and the oboe. The songs range from the vibrant and the lively to the slow and the sad. I have found this CD is excellent as background music for studying, reading, or driving in rush hour traffic, mainly because the music is calming and relaxing. Baroque masters such as Bach and Handel are still popular today and their songs are loved by many. Fans of popular music will recognize a few of the songs on this CD. "Air on the G String" (Bach) was used by Procol Harum in their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale." "Canon," one of the most popular baroque songs today, is often performed at weddings and has been incorporated into pop songs by artists such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Vitamin C, and Rod McKuen.

This CD is considered an introduction to baroque music. It includes some of the most famous composers and their best songs. For example, Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi each have three songs on this disc. The liner notes are sparse, but a brief history of baroque music is included. Because of the inexpensive price and the huge amount of music (25 songs, 74 minutes of music), I highly recommend this for anyone who already loves the baroque style or wants an excellent introduction to this beautiful music.

Bach: The Cello Suites Inspired By Bach, From The Six-Part Film Series / Yo-Yo Ma
Average customer rating:

No, Yo Yo ....

Inspired by Ma!

A must-have recording!

Bravo Yo Yo !

Very good

Bach: The Cello Suites Inspired By Bach, From The Six-Part Film Series / Yo-Yo Ma

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Vivaldi's Cello

Yo-Yo Ma - Simply Baroque II ~ Bach & Boccherini / ABO, Koopman

The Essential Yo-Yo Ma

Appassionato

Classic Yo-Yo

ASIN: B0000029YB
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Suite No. 1 In G Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Menuett 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Gigue - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Courante - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Menuett I 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Gigue - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Bourree 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Gigue - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Courante - J. S. Bach

Tracks:

Suite 4 in E flat Major: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
Suite 4 in E flat Major: Bouree 1- 2 - J.S.Bach
Suite 4 in E flat Major: Gigue - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Prelude - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Allemande - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Courante - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Gavotte 1 - 2 - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Gigue - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Prelude - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Allemande - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Courante - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Gavotte 1 - 2 - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Gigue - J.S.Bach

Amazon.com essential recording

Though they were long misunderstood as mere technical hurdles, Bach's six suites for unaccompanied cello are among those rare works of music that offer inexhaustible rewards for performer and listener alike. Yo-Yo Ma gave a pathbreaking account of the suites back in the '80s (Suites for Unaccompanied Cello ) but returns to them here impelled by a unique and interdisciplinary approach. For this project, Ma engaged the talents of artists in different fields--ranging from a landscape artist to a Kabuki actor and figure skaters--to produce six short films as a visual correlative for the highly distinctive character of each suite. While the success of the films in illuminating Bach's creativity is decidedly uneven, Ma brings the music itself to life with a searing, quasi-vocal eloquence. His interpretations are probing, characterized by imaginative bowing and attention to the spacious architecture of Bach's score. This is especially clear in Ma's preference for broad, expansive tempos and patient spinning of filigreed detail. True, the generally Romantic cast of his conception can seem overdone and exaggerated in statement, as if Ma is more intent on overlaying his own personality on the discipline of the music. But the prayerful, meditative concentration he brings to the Sarabandes--listen to the single-lined, anguished tone painting in Suite 5--is utterly convincing. There is a sense of profound introspection here, while in the Sarabande of Suite 6 Ma's phrasing suggests we are in the same spiritual terrain as Beethoven's late quartets. Yet there is no lack of blistering energy and extroverted high spirits in some of the more overtly dance-oriented movements. While purists may complain of distortion in these accounts, Ma once again proves he has something vital to say with this music. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

No, Yo Yo ...........2007-03-11

A sub-standard, glossy, and sometimes sentimental interpretation of the Suites. Skip this one and go for the Rostropovich - always intelligent and inspired - never sentimental.

Inspired by Ma!.......2006-01-20

The music on this second recording of Yo-Yo Ma's is fantastic. Admittedly, the packaging is a little confusing (the title itself is a little misleading-- as if it were not comprised of Bach compositions). But the only real complaint is that the fourth suite is split in half on the two CDs. This would be easily solved by by putting 1, 3 & 5 on one CD & 2, 4 & 6 on the other.

But the important thing is the MUSIC & I'll nevertheless give this CD set 5 stars-- this is essential listening!

I think of Bach's cello suites like the Dao De Jing-- it is open to so many endless possibilities in translation. But what I find so appealing in this recording is Ma's fine sense of balance between a 'classical' & 'romantic' approach to the cello suites. Ma is certainly not metronomically rigid with his reading, but neither is it too free. I think he strikes just the right balance in these recordings.

The famous Prelude of the first suite is at a surprisingly fast tempo (so I thought) but it flows-- it is not hurried-- one almost gets the impression of movement but stillness at the same time.

Though for a solo instrument, Bach's cello suites often sound like two, sometimes even three instruments playing at once! And what is amazing is Ma takes on the different 'voices' like an actor playing out all the parts-- the different implied musical lines of this virtual polyphony are brought out by Ma's playing by differences in bowing, volume & character.

The recording itself is so amazingly warm-- you can really feel the wood in the recording. Yo-Yo Ma's cello dances, leaps, sings & soars here.

The sixth suite is my personal favourite, especially the gavotte. It was listening to the sample here on Amazon that convinced me that I needed to own this recording. It is one of the most beautiful things Bach ever wrote I think.

I have three other recordings of the cello suites, but I confess that this is by far the most human & the most warm. Bach's cello suites are perhaps some of the greatest music EVER written & Ma simply channel's the music so exquisitely here.

You have not lived if you haven't listened to Bach's suites for cello! Do yourself a favour & get this recording-- you won't be sorry! I will cherish this recording always...

A must-have recording!.......2005-08-25

OK... I'm very late to weigh in on this CD as I see there are already so many reviews about it but I've been enjoying this CD so much that I just had to share my thoughts with you.
The fluidity of Yo-Yo Ma's playing is incredible. What I've come to appreciate more and more is his willingness - eagerness to have fun and take risks. From his recordings with Bobby McFerrin to his Obrigado Brazil recordings to simply Baroque all these recordings show a man who is so totally comfortable in any style or setting in which he might choose to play.
My congratulations to the recording staff "behind the scenes" as they most certainly had to have been inspired, judging by the quality recording they have produced. Too many times, really great performances can fail to convey the sense of presence that this recording has captured. They have given us a gift no matter what price you've paid for this CD; he's in your room, complete with the sense of ambiance and room boundaries that he was recorded in.
Don't bother with all the surround sound settings! Throw that all away and simply listen in two-channel stereo.
When people have written about what nice background music this makes I can only grin inside. Yes, it's charming. Yes, it's easy to live around but it also can compel you to sit and listen. How often does that happen?
This is a lovely recording of a masterful performance by one heck of a talented musician.

Bravo Yo Yo !.......2005-06-28

Comparé à sa version de 1983, Yo Yo Ma semble ici plus intériorisé(version 1994). Son approche est plus réfléchie
avec des aspects plus méditatifs, quoiqu'un peu «pathos» à certains moments.
Bonne version si vous cherchez autre chose que l'accent baroque.
Merci d'avoir lu mon humble avis. R.R

Very good.......2005-03-24

This set could possibly be the best you can get for the complete Bach Cello Suites. The people who write bad reviews for Yo-Yo Ma's recordings probably think, as I myself used to, that he is overrated and not very professional. However, I have come to realize that Yo-Yo Ma is a very professional musician, and really is one of the best cellists alive. I have seen him play concerts on TV, and every gesture and sound he makes seems deeply inspired and it truly seems like he understands the music. This recording is no exception. Each cello suite is marvelously performed (and from what I hear, even better than the older recording he made), and the sound quality is extraordinary. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!
Good Music
A very complete selection of ceremony music!
Comprehensive Classical Selection
Just one note...

A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II
The Ultimate Wedding Album
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
25 Wedding Favorites

ASIN: B00005YD53
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites: Performed on Double Bass

Average customer rating:

Still my favorite bass cd
Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites:Perfromed on Double Bass
3 4 & 6 please!
An absolute delight
Fantastic

Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites: Performed on Double Bass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Meyer & Bottesini Concertos
Uncommon Ritual
Edgar Meyer
Music for Two (Bonus DVD)
Short Trip Home

ASIN: B00004WK4A
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Suite for Solo Cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: I. Prelude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
IV. Sarabande
V. Menuett I & II
VI. Gigue
Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prelude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
IV. Sarabande
V. Menuett I & II
VI. Gigue
Suite for Solo Cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: I. Prelude
II. Allemande
III. Courante
IV. Sarabande
V. Gavotte I & II
VI. Gigue

Amazon.com

The double bass only recently began to be regarded as a solo instrument, largely thanks to outstanding players who inspired composers to write for it. Until then, its repertoire consisted mostly of transcriptions, usually made by bassists themselves. Edgar Meyer, renowned as a bass virtuoso as well as a versatile, multifaceted composer, has now transcribed the Bach Cello Suites, three of which he plays on this disc. It is a brave and noble undertaking and a remarkable achievement. His command of instrument and bow, including a splendid chord-technique, is awesome, his articulation clean and variable, his intonation impeccable, although, presumably for stylistic reasons, he uses hardly any vibrato. This makes the sound hollow and remote, especially in the low register, which undercuts the expressiveness of the music and Meyer's obvious passionate love for it. His phrasing has a spoken quality; he builds up great climaxes and produces a wonderful resonance with the open strings, changing the Suites' tonality up or down a tone to fit the bass. He favors slow Minuets, and sometimes gets a bit ponderous, but gives the fast dances a lively bounce. His sense of structure and voice-leading is admirable, his rhythm supple but rock-steady, though he inexplicably cuts short some final long notes before repeats. Forget the sound of the great cellists you associate with these works, and listen to this record with a fresh ear. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Still my favorite bass cd.......2006-05-17

Without the tone of the instrument, you would never guess that a bass was playing at this level of precision. The pharisees of classical music who critique Meyer's performance for not sounding enough like a cello or not being Baroque enough is the equivalent of criticizing an apple for not tasting more like an orange. This cd is inspiring for any musician, but particularly for bassists tired of being relegated to simple droning on their instruments.

Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites:Perfromed on Double Bass.......2006-03-23

Excellent, I wish there were a dozen more like it!

3 4 & 6 please!.......2005-10-14

i desperatly hope that meyer will record suites 3, 4 and 6. he is utterly amazing. i can't imagine what the 6th suite will sound like on double bass. it seems almost impossible really. cheers to mr. meyer!

An absolute delight.......2005-07-25

Incredible, subtle, mesmerizing, rewarding, creative, addictive, relentless, matchless, soulful, powerful. And more.

Meyer has redefined the Bach Cello Suites in ways heretofore unimaginable. The deep notes of his double bass can give you goose bumps at times. The phrasings are superb, and his mastery of techniques is truly awe inspiring. Bach himself would have been pleased!

The only complaint I have is that this CD contains only three of the six suites. Here's to hoping that Meyer will do the rest of them in the future!

Fantastic.......2005-01-16

Edgar Meyer shows his virtuosity in this recording. If you enjoy the sound of a double bass and classical music, you'll love this album. (Amazon.com is missing the second movement of the fifth suite.)

Average customer rating:

exquisite
Musically very pleasing, though not the best.
Better performances available
Music for the Heart
Aristocratic Bach!

Bach: Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Vivaldi's Cello
Yo-Yo Ma - Simply Baroque II ~ Bach & Boccherini / ABO, Koopman
Bach: The Cello Suites Inspired By Bach, From The Six-Part Film Series / Yo-Yo Ma
Classic Yo-Yo
Simply Baroque

ASIN: B0000025QM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Suite No. 1, S. 1007 In G Major: Prelude
Suite No. 1, S. 1007 In G Major: Allemande
Suite No. 1, S. 1007 In G Major: Courante
Suite No. 1, S. 1007 In G Major: Sarabande
Suite No. 1, S. 1007 In G Major: Menuett
Suite No. 1, S. 1007 In G Major: Gigue
Suite No. 4, S. 1010 In E-Flat Major: Prelude
Suite No. 4, S. 1010 In E-Flat Major: Allemande
Suite No. 4, S. 1010 In E-Flat Major: Courante
Suite No. 4, S. 1010 In E-Flat Major: Sarabande
Suite No. 4, S. 1010 In E-Flat Major: Bourree
Suite No. 4, S. 1010 In E-Flat Major: Gigue
Suite No. 5, S. 1011 In C Minor: Prelude
Suite No. 5, S. 1011 In C Minor: Allemande
Suite No. 5, S. 1011 In C Minor: Courante
Suite No. 5, S. 1011 In C Minor: Sarabande
Suite No. 5, S. 1011 In C Minor: Gavotte
Suite No. 5, S. 1011 In C Minor: Gigue

Tracks:

Suite No. 2, S. 1008 In D Minor: Prelude
Suite No. 2, S. 1008 In D Minor: Allemande
Suite No. 2, S. 1008 In D Minor: Courante
Suite No. 2, S. 1008 In D Minor: Sarabande
Suite No. 2, S. 1008 In D Minor: Menuett
Suite No. 2, S. 1008 In D Minor: Gigue
Suite No. 3, S. 1009 In C Major: Prelude
Suite No. 3, S. 1009 In C Major: Allemande
Suite No. 3, S. 1009 In C Major: Courante
Suite No. 3, S. 1009 In C Major: Sarabande
Suite No. 3, S. 1009 In C Major: Bouree
Suite No. 3, S. 1009 In C Major: Gigue
Suite No. 6, S. 1012 In D Major: Prelude
Suite No. 6, S. 1012 In D Major: Allemande
Suite No. 6, S. 1012 In D Major: Courante
Suite No. 6, S. 1012 In D Major: Sarabande
Suite No. 6, S. 1012 In D Major: Gavotte
Suite No. 6, S. 1012 In D Major: Gigue

Amazon.com

This is Yo-Yo Ma's first recording of Bach's Cello Suites, digitally recorded in 1983 and first issued on LP. He has since made a second recording of the Suites in 1998, taken from the soundtrack of a video series, so it's interesting that the earlier set remains available. If you've been lucky enough to hear Ma play this music in concert, you'll realize that neither set represents his Bach at its best. This rendition is generally quite straightforward, beautifully played and musically sound but sometimes not very emotional. The second set is more expressive but frequently seems self-conscious. Either of these recordings is a worthy representation of Bach's superb music, but neither attains the mature eloquence of Starker's final recording, a level Ma will probably reach himself in his third recording. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

exquisite.......2007-07-05

The most exquisite classical recording you will ever buy. I have owned the vinyl for years and bought the CD's for convenience - car, kitchen. Ma is the best, and the sound quality is extraordinary - you can sometimes hear him breathing!

Musically very pleasing, though not the best........2007-05-18

It would be harsh - with such great exponents of these suites recorded before him, to compare Mr. Ma's playing with other great cellists.
I agree that if you concentrate on the dances in the suites, you will find the best of Ma's interpretation. They are musical, soulful and beautiful. Elsewhere, like in Preludes, the required depth and nuance are some what missing. Listen to Rostropovich, for example, an immediate difference surfaces.
Even so, a 4 star rating is still well-deserved, bearing in mind that Mr. Ma was not yet 30 years old when he recorded this album.

Better performances available.......2007-03-27

Although some would call this performance "straightforward," it lacks the depth and richness of available recordings by Fournier, Casals, and Rostropovich. Before purchasing, take the time to listen to the Suite No. 1 Prelude of all four cellists. Whereas Fournier, Casals, and Rostropovich are movingly expressive, Yo-Yo Ma's is "on point" but lacking emotion.

I wanted to buy this CD but had no performer in mind. I first chose Yo-Yo Ma just because I'd heard of him. After a quick review of other customer comments and my own test runs, I decided to buy Fournier, Casals, AND Rostropovich, just because I was excited to hear a familiar piece played so beautifully in three different ways. Note that Yo-Yo Ma didn't make the cut.

Music for the Heart.......2006-12-25

The experience of music doesn't get better than this, and rarely as good. The Bach cello suites take you into an inner space that most folks in this culture never visit, and Ma takes you there effortlessly, with nothing to separate you from this imperishable gift that Bach gave the world. Listen to it over and over again, and you will only grow deeper into this music. Mediate with it, and if you have animals in your life, play it for them and just watch what happens.

Aristocratic Bach!.......2006-03-28

Yo Yo Ma has inscribed his name in the sacred Pantheon of the great cellists of the story with this impeccable work. Bach' s Suites for Cello are the maximum artistic peak into the literature for this instrument.

And Yo Yo Ma climbed that glorious peak. Go for these treasured recordings.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Wedding Album
The Best!
A beautiful CD - wedding or not
The best of my Wedding CD's
When they say Ultimate, they mean it!

The Ultimate Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
The Complete Wedding Album
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II

ASIN: B00000427S
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
Xerxes: Largo
The Water Music: Air
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Because
West Side Story: One Hand, One Heart
Be My Love
The Water Music: Hornpipe In D
Fifth Symphony: Toccata
Trumpet Tune And Air
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Wedding Album.......2007-06-01

The perfect album for anyone planning a wedding. Both traditional and contemporary wedding favorites. Sound quality is excellent.

The Best!.......2007-05-24

Send this to every future bride and groom - yes. But even better, send a copy to the PARENT(S) of the future bride and groom!!! It gets everyone in the mood and filled with excitement! Also, it allows them to hear some choices other than "Here Comes the Bride." This CD can also be a lasting pre-wedding shower gift.

A beautiful CD - wedding or not.......2007-01-11

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding or just want some sweet music to listen to - this album is it. A terrific collection of some of the most beautiful music ever written.

The best of my Wedding CD's.......2007-01-10

I purchased quite a few Wedding CD's but for me, this Album has the most elegant and classic pieces. Ultra modern, trendy girls...don't you dare go here. Classic, beautiful, refined women...this is your CD.

Pamela

When they say Ultimate, they mean it!.......2006-03-14

This album really is great. As of writing the review I haven't gotten married yet, but I am definetly using it in my June wedding. It has all of the classics that we always associate with weddings and only weddings ("Bridal Chorus" for the bridal processional, "Wedding March" for a recessional, etc.) PLUS plenty of other music for the wedding party processional, unity candle lighting, prelude music, etc. I purchased another CD, but only because that music was used in EVERY ceremony at my high school and it has sentimental value to me. I didn't need to, as the album cover even sorts the tracks by Prelude, Processional, Ceremony, and Recessional.

The songs are so peaceful, well performed, and just plain pretty. Those with organ truly remind me of being in church as a child. I plan to keep the CD in my IPod and listen to it when I need some "chill out" time. Those which are not AS specific to weddings ("Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Air on the G String," etc.) sort of make you feel like you're in a classy coffee shop or in a bakery in an Italian villa.

Overall, a very well-rounded album. You could get by with this CD alone for all of your ceremony music and save hundreds of dollars on hiring an organist and soloist. With a decent sound system at your ceremony site, guests who didn't know any better would wonder where the orchestra is.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

A Capitol Rockabilly, Pt. 1 [Import]

Death of the Hired Man [CD-single]

Bread of Life

Music: Trance the Vocal Session, Vol. 4 [Import]

Disneyland Park in California: The Official Album

Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention [Explicit Lyrics]

Cyclorama [DualDisc] [Enhanced]

Dragnet

Dance All Night

Brumel: Missa; Josquin Desprez: Berzerette savoyenne

Cellar Door [Explicit Lyrics]

Directo Del Caribe

Center of Attraction

While the Door Is Open

Mountain Light