Beethoven: 5 Overtures; Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3

On this CD:

1. Fidelio, overture, Op. 72c
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

2. Leonore Overture No. 3 in C major, Op. 72b
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

3. Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

4. Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus (The Creatures of Prometheus), ballet, Op. 43 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

5. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

6. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068 I. Ouvertüre
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

7. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068 II. Air
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

8. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068 III. Gavotte
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

9. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068 IV. Bourrée
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

10. Suite for orchestra No 3 in D major, BWV 1068 V. Gigue
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

Tracks:

Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
II. Andante - Stephen Hough
Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
The Swan - Osian Ellis
II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
II. Andantino - James Galway
II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
II. Andante - Nigel North
II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

Solid buy
Very soothing and relaxing to listen to
this will calm you down
My Fav. CD!
Excellent for Everyone!

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | 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

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
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The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000002SBF
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Air 'on the G string' (from Ste No. 3 in D, BWV1068) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Morning (from Peer Gynt Incidental Music Op. 23) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Canon in D - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (from Cantata No. 147) - Choir Of King's College
Gymnopedie No. 1 - CBSO/Louis Fremaux
Pno Con No. 21 in C 'Elvira Madagan', K. 467: II. Andante - Stephen Hough
Viens, Mallika (from Lakme) - Mady Masple/Danielle Millet
In Paradisum (from Requiem Op. 48) - Choir Of King's College
Clair de lune (from Suite bergamasque) - Dame Moura Lympany
Vn Con in e, Op. 64: II. Andante - Yehudi Menubin
The Swan (fron The Carnival of the Animals) - Jacqueline du Pre/Osian Ellis
Sym No. 3 'Sym of Sorrowful Songs': II. Lento e largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
Fl & Hpd Con in C, K. 299: II. Andantino - James Galway/Fritz Helmis
The Four Seasons (Con No. 4 in f 'Winter'): II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod (from 'Enigma' Vars, Op. 36) - London SO/Sir Adrian Boult
Song to the Moon (from Rusalka) - Lucia Popp
Rhap on a Theme of Paganini - Var 18 - Cecile Ousset
Pavane, Op. 50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

Zion hort die Wachter singen (from Cantata No. 140) - Suddeutshe Madrigalchor
Adagio in g - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Minuet (from Str Qnt in E, Op. 13 No. 5) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Kbd Con No. 5 in f, BWV1056 - Andrei Gavrilov
Meditation (from Thais) - Hans Kalafusz
Pno Son No. 14 in c# 'Moonlight', Op. 27 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Belle nuit, o nuit d'amour (Barcarolle) (from Les Contes d'Hoffman) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Jeannine Collard/Rene Duclos Choeurs
Prayer (from Coppelia) - Orch Du Theatre Nat De L'Opr De Paris/Jean-Baptiste Mari
Cl Con in A, K. 622: II. Adagio (opening) - Jack Brymer
Intermezzo (from Cavalleria rusticana) - Philharmonia Orch/Riccardo Muti
Str Ser, Op. 22: I. Moderato - London CO/Christopher Warren-Green
O mio babbino caro (from Gianni Schicchi) - Monstserrat Caballe
Fantasia on 'Greensleeves' (from Sir John in Love) - Sinfonia of London/Sir John Barbirolli
Pno Con No. 2 in c, Op. 18: II. Adagio sostenuto (opening) - Cecile Ousset
Noct (from Str Qt No. 2 in D#) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Concierto de Aranjuez: II. Adagio (opening) - Julian Bream
Adagio for Strs, Op. 11a - Philadelphia Orch/Eugene Ormandy
Entr'acte to Act III (from Carmen) - Orch Nat de France/Seiji Ozawa

Customer Reviews:

Solid buy.......2003-09-01

"Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory-"
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Music has a great power, and classical has to be the minds elixir. I've never met a classical album I didn't like, but this is one I would suggest to anyone. The variety and selection make it stand out among others like it. In the end, there is something left to be desired, but ...'C'est la vie'.

Very soothing and relaxing to listen to.......2003-05-26

I'm not really much of a classical music fan, more like casual. Sometimes I do need a break from listening to the loud, abrasive beats of KMFDM and VNV Nation and put in something more soothing and relaxing to chill out to. Most of the music I enjoy chilling out to is in the vein of techno and ambient fused with Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of classical and baroque music. Before I became addicted to new wave music of the '80s, I was into Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi. I rarely buyh classical cds nowadays because I am afraid that there would be more filler and less substantial songs. I bought "The Most Relaxing Classical Album..." compilation because I was familiar with at least 85% of the songs. "The Most Relaxing Classical Album..." is a gorgeous compilation filled with some of the most exquisite songs known to mankind. Songs like Elgar's "Nimrod" and Mascagni's "Intermezzo" absolutely takes my breath away and even brings a tear to my eyes every time I listen to, especially the later because I think of the movie "Steel Magnolias" and the scenes following the passing of Julia Roberts' character. A very emotional song to say the very least. The most personal favorite song on this 2 cd set that I hold very dear to my heart is Pachelbel's "Canon". That song is just one of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard, not just classical, but any song that I have heard over the years. Although I am no opera fan, I absolutely adore Delibes' "Flower Duet". I can never tire of hearing that song, no matter who sings it. It is rare to find a cd where the title fits the contents of the cd, and "The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!" is that cd. No words can describe the beauty of the music I have heard here.

this will calm you down.......2003-04-02

Hi everybody out there. Guess what. This cd is wonderful. I am a VERY discerning ear for classical music. I usually don't go for the "BEST OF" collections. But ya know what...sometimes ya just need the "overplayed" stuff to calm you down. I mean, for some of these pieces, there are better performances out there. But, that doesn't really matter when you're just wanting to relax. This is great for someone learning about classical music. It will give you a good sense of what you might like in the future. who cares if it's not the TOP performers, i am not displeased with any of the tracks. it always does the trick when i need it to. :)

My Fav. CD!.......2003-04-01

Who ever said this was an awful CD full of no big hits was not too smart. This CD is HUGE! It has only famous composers, and only the best. They are all HUGE hits! It is the best CD I have ever owned. I am a professional musician.

Excellent for Everyone!.......2002-09-05

This CD was a wonderful surprise! Unlike so many "compliation" albums, it is made up of one beautiful, quality piece of music after another, without the usual boring "fillers". My friends who are classical aficionados love it. My friends who think they "hate" classical music, love it. My children and my parents love it. Everyone who hears it playing asks, "What IS this?!It's wonderful." The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I found the choral arrangements of a couple of the pieces oddly discordant, in the beautifully relaxing flow of the pure instrumental orchestration of the rest of the album

Baby Dance:Toddler's Jump on the Classics

Average customer rating:

Not great, kids need to really be in the mood
A different "baby classics" album
We all love this cd.
Valuable resource
My preschooler really likes this one!

Baby Dance:Toddler's Jump on the Classics

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Build your baby's brain through the power of Mozart: Brain 2

ASIN: B000005EDA
Release Date: 1994-09-06

Tracks:

A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Catch a Sabre Tooth Tiger
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: They'll Have The World On A String
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: That's Rameau Not Rambo
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Viva Vivaldi
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: A Little Bachanalia
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Make Mine Mussorgsky
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Cinderella, Choose Your Fella
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Get a Little Nuts
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Meet The Master Of Movement
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Choose Your Partners
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Dad, Is This the Waltz Of The Reindeer?
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Say Hello To Haydn
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Actually It's Two Minutes
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Forward March!
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oboe
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Spanish Passion
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Mostly Mozart
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Classic Choreography
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Quite a Fella, Falla
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: May I Have This Waltz?
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Baby Goes Baroque
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: I Love Ludwig

Customer Reviews:

Not great, kids need to really be in the mood.......2003-04-07

I bought this for my 5-year old daughter who loves litening to my classical music. She did not like it. It failed to grab her attention.

A different "baby classics" album.......2002-11-12

I've bought many CDs for my son (who is now 2), including various classical compilations for babies. However, most of them seem to comprise of the same two dozen or so "favourites" from the Baroque and Classical periods. Also, most of the selections are usually in slow tempo (in order to pass as "lullabies") whereas I find that babies respond better to rhythmic, upbeat tunes. I like this CD because it includes beautiful selections that are less overused, come from different epochs and styles, and are very suitible for small kids. The pieces are brief (babies have a short attention span)and upbeat. They won't put your child or yourself to sleep, but you can listen to them repeatedly without getting tired.

We all love this cd........2002-03-31

My kids love this cd. We kept checking it out from the library, so we finally decided to buy it. The kids like the picture of the baby running on the piano and they pretend they are doing the same thing while we listen to it. I love the music, so much of it is familiar and well loved.

Valuable resource.......2001-08-01

As a music educator, preschool teacher, and mother of three young children, I have reviewed many recordings for children. When evaluating a product, I do not necessarily look for songs I like to listen to, but selections that are well received by children. The producers of "Baby dance" did a wonderful job in choosing beautiful pieces with a fast tempo that encourage toddlers as young as 13 months to march, hop, and dance. Not all songs are from the typical classical music sampler tapes, introducing adults to other, lesser-known beautiful masterpieces. Most selections are less then 2 minutes long, wich proved the perfect time span for the attention of a 2-year old. I videotaped my youngest son when he was dancing to this tape as a 2-year old. He interpreted the feelings the music conveyed and moved his body according to these emotions - from wiggling to standing still and tuning in to crawling on all fours. I give workshops to early childhood educators and always recommend this title.

My preschooler really likes this one!.......2001-01-29

We first purchased this CD when my son was 18 months old, and he's really enjoyed it ever since. He's now 3 years old, and still asks for it to be played. The selections are short, but high energy and and lots of fun. This is a GREAT CD to have handy on those rainy days when you can't get out of the house! Incidentally, it's also recommended for preschoolers by Ed Hirsh, of the Core Knowledge series (What Your Kindergartener Needs to Know, What Your First Grader Needs to Know, etc), on his coreknowledge.org site.

Average customer rating:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:
Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player
Most Excellent
Awesome!
Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise...

Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet

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

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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David Hickman, Trumpet
Orchestral Excerpts For Horn
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Thomas Stevens Trumpet Sonatas

ASIN: B0000038JG
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Trumpet concerto: Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - Trumpet Concerto
Petrouchka
Pictures at an Exhibition
Leonore Nos. 3&2
Ein Heldenleben
Symphony No.5
Scheherazade
Don Juan
Fetes
Piano Concerto In G
Piano Cto. No. 1
Pines Of Rome
Concerto For Orchestra
Carmen Prelude
Firebird Suite
Parsifal Prelude
La Mer
Symphony No. 2
Symphony No. 3 (Post Horn)
Capriccio Espagnol
American In Paris
Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:.......2003-05-08

I carry this recording around with me in my case, and listen to it before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, etc. It's simply how the excerpts (along with trumpet playing in general) should sound. Smith's virtuostic playing, coupled with his vast orchestral experience, really teach the parts. All trumpet players, top to bottom, have something to learn from this CD--and while the entire work (with orchestra) and part should be studied (Smith actually recommends this), it is still very useful to hear one of the finest players on earth performing just the trumpet part.

Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player.......2001-05-24

If any principal orchestral trumpet player has succeeded Adolph Herseth as the "state of the art," the probable consensus among his peers would be Philip Smith of the New York Philharmonic. His virtually flawless technique, gourgeous sound, rarified musicianship and exceptional leadership make him virtually unique in his field, and his more than 20 years with the Philharmonic (plus his early years with the Chicago Symphony) have firmly established him as one of the greats in the history of orchestral brass performance.

Measured simply as a documentation of his skills, this recording would be an extraordinary document - the playing throughout is stupendous. But this is much more than that; Mr. Smith proves to be as articulate (mild "New Yoahk" accent and all) as he is talented, and his performance suggestions are truly helpful, even for those of us without his superhuman abilities. The recorded sound is superb, and overall this is a joy to listen to at every level. I recommend it without reservation for any trumpet player aspiring to a higher level of musicianship and performance - and if you play it at full volume shortly after your warmup, your neighbors will be very impressed.

Most Excellent.......1999-12-13

As a trumpet player, I must say that Phil Smith's comments during each track are immensely beneficial. His thoughts have produced profound understanding in my trumpet playing, and despite the fact that this CD is intended as a grouping of Phil Smith's insights into common Orchestral Excerpts and his following demonstration, I have countless times listened out of pure enjoyment than to gain expert insight. His tone is the most beautiful I have ever heard, and it shows on this CD. I recommend this particularly for any aspiring trumpet student.

Awesome!.......1999-10-25

The previous reviewer of this CD missed the point of the CD. Lets say your working on the Carmern Prelude or Stravinsky Pétrouchka you buy this CD, and learn how Philip Smith (one of the greatest symphonic trumpet players in the world) would interpret and play it. Thats why its entitled Orchestra Trumpet Excerpts.

Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise..........1999-05-31

This CD would be excellent for aspiring orchestral trumpeters and soloists; although Philip Smith conveys his expertise exceptionally well, this short snips of music on this CD are no substitute for the actual full-orchestra recordings.

Average customer rating:

Amazing!
Could have been a lot better
The Perfect music for the Perfect Mood
Good Collection- 4.3 Stars
A pleasant compilation that could set the mood....

Sensual Classics

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Sensual Classics II

ASIN: B000000SIP
Release Date: 1993-05-11

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2: Adagio Sostenuto
Carmen: Entracte To Act 3
Mandolin Concerto In D Major: Adagio
String Quartet No. 2: Notturno
Piano Sonata Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio Sostenuto
Oboe Concerto, Op.9 No. 2: Adagio
Spartacus: Adagio
Daphnis et Chloe: Lever du Jour
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Le Cygne (The Swan)
Symphony No. 5: Adagio
Prelude Op. 28 No. 4 In E Minor
The Firebird: Berceuse
Kinderszenen: Dreaming
Bolero
Suite In D Major: Air

Amazon.com

The cover photo to this disc shows a woman ripping the clothes off her lover. That's how we know that the Adagio Sostenuto from Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 is about sex. So goes the logic here. But the disc's droopy account of the Entr'acte to Act III of Bizet's Carmen by Lorin Maazel and Orchestre National de France lights no fire. The Adagio from Vivaldi's Mandolin Concerto in D major has been piped into shopping malls for too many years for it to awaken much beyond the urge to buy shower curtains and blue jeans. Pianist Rudolf Buchbinder is pretty convincing in his account of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, Op. 27, and much has been made of the work's dedication to the lovely 17-year-old Countess Giulietta Giucciardi. As to the Adagietto from Mahler's Fifth Symphony, I always thought it was about something other than sex. Silly me! --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

Amazing!.......2006-03-20

This is fantastic music to play whilst I smash myself in the face with a hammer.

Could have been a lot better.......2004-08-29

While I like all the pieces on this CD, many of them are incomplete (i.e., they fade out before the finish) and most of the performances are not very inspiring. It's disappointing when you know they could have done a better job by leaving off a couple of tracks so everything would fit in the original length. And the cover photo is a bit much... but you can re-fold the liner so people in the office don't get the wrong idea about your taste in CD's.

The Perfect music for the Perfect Mood.......2004-02-06

A personal favorite of mine for a quiet evening with my husband when the kids are asleep and the mind turns to more romantic matters. The relaxing, melodic music herin is a wonderful way to start things off on the right foot with that special someone in your life.

This CD, along with a few candles, a bottle of champagin, a bubble bath, or a relaxing massage is the perfect recipie for a lovely time with your loved one.

Romantic Classics can also be a great selection to play for stress reduction while driving through rush hour, or just to relax and read a book.

Good Collection- 4.3 Stars.......2004-01-06

Good collection of classical songs
Review of the cd
1.Rachmaninov piano concerto no.2- 4 stars
2.Bizet Carmen- 4 stars
3.Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto-4.5 stars
4.Borodin string quartet no.2- 4 stars
5.Beethoven ((Moonlight Sonata))- 5 out of 5 stars
6.Albinoni oboe concerto- 4 stars
7.Khachaturian Spartacus- 4.5 stars
8.Ravel Daphnis Et Chloe- 4 stars
9.Mahler Symphony no.5- 4 stars
10.Saint- saens carnival of the animals- 4.5 stars
11.Rachmaninov symphony no.2- 4 stars
12.Chopin- Prelude no.4- 5 out of 5 stars
13.Stravinsky the firebird- 4 stars
14.Schumann Kinderszenen-3.9 stars
15.Ravel Bolero-4.8 stars
16.Bach -air from suite in d- 5 stars
Overall good collection of classical music/worth the money

A pleasant compilation that could set the mood...........2000-05-15

I do agree with the editorial review that most of the individual pieces do not have anything to do with sex, per se, but I am not sure that is the point. Most of the music here (along with its sequel CD) is in my (subjective) opinion, quite romantic -- soft and melodic. I am not sure what classical pieces an album like this should include if sex were the real point -- popular music gets there a lot more directly. There certainly is nothing to offend here, and perhaps something to inspire. Think of this as the album you put on while in front of the fireplace with a bottle of wine when you are with the person you love. It should set the mood for some good conversation and whatever follows.

The Most Unforgettable Glorious Classics Ever

Average customer rating:

The Most Unforgettable Glorious Classics Ever

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

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000026KZ5
Release Date: 1999-01-26

Tracks:

Minuet - ASMF/Sir Neville Mariner
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: II. Allegretto Scherzando - The Philadelphia Orch/Riccardo Muti
Cant No.208: Sheep May Safely Graze - ASMF/Sir Neville Mariner
'Peer Gynt' Incidental Music: Morning - RPO/Sir Thomas Beecham
Humoresque - Moura Lympany
Andante Cantabile - ASMF/Sir Neville Mariner
Canon in D - Halle Orch/Maurice Handford
'Dolly' Ste, Op.56: Berceuse - Orch Nat de l'ORTF/Sir Thomas Beecham
The Damnation Of Faust, Op.24: Dance Of The Sylphs - ASMF/Sir Neville Mariner
Petite Ste: En Bateau - Orch Nat De I'Ortf/Jean Martinon
Carmen, Act 3: Intermezzo - Orch Nat De I'Ortf/Jean Martinon
The Wand Of Youth Ste No.1: Ser - Royal Liverpool PO/Vernon Handley
Str Son No.1 in G: I. Moderato - Polish CO/Jerzy Maksymuik
Divert in D, K.334: III. Menuetto - Stockholm CO/Franz Welser-Most
'Scene By The Brook' From 'Pastoral' Sym No.6 in F, Op.68: II. Andante Molto Mosso - The Philadelphia Orch/Riccardo Muti

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Classical Offering
Isaac Albeniz , Johann Sebastian Bach , Ludwig van Beethoven , Georges Bizet , Claude Bolling , Johannes Brahms , Arcangelo Corelli , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , R. Patterson , Franz Schubert , Shaker Traditional , Bettine Clemen , Richard Patterson , and Ware-Patterson Duo
Manufacturer: Sugo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000005Z0
Release Date: 1993-03-15

Tracks:

Reverie
Fur Elise
Air On A G Str
Standchen
Irlandaise
Venetian Boat Song (No.1)
Prld
Cordoba
Sym No.3 (Third Movt)
Carmen: Entr'alte
Inside Passage
Moonlight Son
Simple Gifts

Beethoven: 5 Overtures; Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3

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Classic Kempe, If You Don't Already Have It

Beethoven: 5 Overtures; Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3

Manufacturer: Testament
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006BC7Q
Release Date: 2002-12-10

Customer Reviews:

Classic Kempe, If You Don't Already Have It.......2004-02-24

Those of you who have read my reviews previously know how much I love the Testament label. This small independent UK label has made a mission out of rescuing brilliant golden-age stereo performances from the vaults of labels like EMI and Decca. Sure they cost full-price, but the glowing accounts are generally worth it. However, a few of the recent batch of reissues featuring legendary conductor Rudolf Kempe will be hard for many to justify buying. Not because of the performances, which are breathtaking, but because the material on a couple of the titles is not new to CD. On this title for example, four of the five 1957 stereo recordings of Beethoven Overtures have been previously issued. The Overtures to "Fidelio," "The Creatures of Prometheus" "Leonore" and "Egmont" have been available already on several now out-of-print EMI titles that serious collectors will have already picked it up years ago. It's too bad Testament didn't shuffle the tracks around on this CD in order to pair the unissued performances of the "Coriolan" Overtures and the Bach Orchestral Suite No. 3 (from 1956 by the way) with the Mozart Overtures and Serenade from Testament 1273 (see my review), though I'm not sure it would've all fit on one disc.

Average customer rating:

Terrific

Romantic Evening Music (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music