Handel: Messiah Choruses

On this CD:

1. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Overture
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

2. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And the glory
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

3. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And He shall purify
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

4. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Behold, a virgin shall conceive
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Matthew White
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

5. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 O thou that tellest
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Matthew White
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

6. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 For unto us a Child is born
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

7. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Pifa
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

8. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 There were shepherds
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

9. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And lo, the angel of the Lord
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

10. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And the angel said unto them
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

11. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And suddenly there was with the angel
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

12. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Glory to God
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

13. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 His yoke is easy
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

14. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Behold the Lamb of God
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

15. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Surely He hath borne our griefs
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

16. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 And with His stripes we are healed
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

17. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 All we like sheep have gone astray
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

18. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 All they that see Him
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Benjamin Butterfield
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

19. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 He trusted in God
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

20. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Lift up your heads
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

21. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Unto which of the angels
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Benjamin Butterfield
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

22. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Let all the angels of God
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

23. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 The Lord gave the word
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

24. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Their sound is gone out
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

25. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Why do the nations
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Brett Polegato
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

26. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Let us break their bonds
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

27. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Hallelujah
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

28. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Since by man came death
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

29. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Then shall be brought to pass
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Matthew White
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

30. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 O death, where is they sting?
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Benjamin Butterfield, Matthew White
Conducted by Ivars Taurins

31. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 But thanks be to God
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

32. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Worthy is the Lamb
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

33. Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56 Amen
Composed by George Frideric Handel

Conducted by Ivars Taurins

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Ken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

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

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004SUVI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
Gloria - Oxford Camerata
Pavane - Red Byrd
Canon - Capella Istropolitana
Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
Prelude - Laurence Cummings
Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
Andante - Failoni Orchestra
Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
Adagio - Jeno Jando
Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

Ave Maria - Ingrid Kertesi
Un Bal - Pinchas Steinberg
Wedding March - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Minute Waltz - Idil Biret
Larghetto - Alexander Rahbari
Ride Of The Valkyries - Uwe Mund
Prelude - Alexander Rahbari
Hungarian Dance No.3 - Budapest Symphony
Scene - Ondrej Lenard
Slavonic Dance No.1 - Balazs Szokolay
Nimrod - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Clair De Lune - Keith Clark
Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Prelude In C Sharp Minor - Idil Biret
Fountain Of The Villa Medici At Sunset - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Overture - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
O Fortuna - Slovak Philharmonic Chorus
Playful Pizzicato - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Violin Concerto - Adele Anthony

Amazon.com

Is it a two-CD set with a particularly thick booklet, or a 562-page book with a compilation album attached? Either way, the unpretentious text by Keith Anderson offers an introduction to the lives and works of dozens of composers, together with recommended recordings from the Naxos and Marco Polo catalogs. Anderson includes a useful 59-page glossary of musical terms and an extensive listing of classical pieces used in films. The odd thing about the 36 extracts and complete pieces on the CDs is that they do not form an A-to-Z at all. Rather, they are arranged chronologically, from 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant to the opening movement of contemporary composer Philip Glass's Violin Concerto. Between these two points is the early music of Palestrina and Byrd; the Baroque glories of Vivaldi and Bach; the 19th-century Romantic masters, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky; and such 20th-century greats as Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Opera, song, and chamber music are barely represented, but only so much can fit into 151 minutes. Essentially a deluxe sampler of the vast Naxos catalogue, the discs offer a good introduction to some of the most famous and melodic music ever composed, while the book will be very useful to newcomers to the potentially confusing world of classical music. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated bok, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Like the Naxos range of recording itself, A-Z of Classical Music is a rich source of inspiration for anyone either just embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment or for whom classical music has long been a way of life. Included within is an extensive glossary of musical terms plus a unique guide to classical music used in acclaimed films. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained in the accompanying CDs.

Customer Reviews:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!.......2003-01-19

It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a
glossary of musical terms and a unique guide to the classical music used in 360 top films.

Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?.......2002-08-30

Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price. These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better. This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics. If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics. Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?.......2001-09-30

This is pretty much a CD version of a mini-Naxos and Marco Polo catalog. All the pieces and extracts are ordered chronologically on the 2 CDs and are of very acceptable quality, but don't expect excellence in every track. Personally, I was particularly disappointed with one of my favourite Pachelbel pieces. The Naxos Canon & Gigue lacks all the emotion of my favourite versions.

Still, any possible weaker performances are of little importance after you get your hands on the fat booklet with over 500 pages. The booklet offers a short intro about the great composers, a glossary of musical terms, a list of works used in films and dozens of illustrations of several composers.

Overall, at this price, this is a must-have pack for any beginner, and might be useful for the occasion "quick check" of the work of many composers. Do not expect many detail, nor references to all the works of some composers; I often got frustrated with the lack of detail in some cases, but in general, the booklet is very effective for a quick reference.
You will need more titles that offer more complete information, and you won't truly learn to love classical music just by reading it, but it is small and compact.

It really puzzles me why Naxos did not include a full index of composers, a serious omission. To find a particular composer you will have to look for it yourself in over 500 pages. Also, the separation of the text is not so good, making the search even a bit slower. The lack of the index is truly annoying and I am sure it will be corrected in future editions.

Even with a few weaker pieces and the lack of the index, at this price, there isn't much to argue about. This is truly a bargain that you should not miss. I would also recommend the A-Z of Opera, which offers a bigger booklet with over 700 pages, focusing on opera works and mentioning several composers that are absent from the A-Z of Classical. That other booklet has a very complete index, and much clearer text layout and separation, that's the way both booklets should have been designed.

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Average customer rating:

Great Value, Some Recordings Any Collector Would Want
Pretty but dull
don't analyse, listen
Kathleen Battle and Barbara Hendricks were outstanding.

Divine Sopranos

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003D1A
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Tracks:

The Creation: On Mighty Wings - John Cheek
Vocalise - Sylvia McNair
Requiem: Pie Jesu - James Morris
Absence - Elly Ameling
Ihr Habt Nun Traurigkeit - Arleen Auger
In Trutina - Hakan Hagegard
Laudamus - Dawn Upshaw
Rejoice Greatly - Kaaren Erickson
Im Abendrot - Arleen Auger
Ach, Ich Fuhl's - Barbara Hendricks
Ebben? ... Ne Andro Lontano - William Tritt
My Favorite Things - Hakan Hagegard
Yum-Yum's Song: The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze - Anthony Rolfe-Johnson
Excerpt From Movement. V, - Kathleen Battle

Customer Reviews:

Great Value, Some Recordings Any Collector Would Want.......2004-05-31

This is a very good CD, but a better value for only $10. The weakest singers are definitely mezzo Frederica von Stade (showtune) and Barbara Hendricks (beyond light lyric). Battle's aria from Mahler's 2nd is exceptionally out of place. The CD opens brightly with Dawn Upshaw's version of "On mighty wings" from Haydn's 'The Creation.' It's a strong, colorful piece that takes a bit of a beating from her nasality. Sylvia McNair is stupendous, possibly even surpassing Anna Moffo (the authoritative Rachmaninof Vocalise). Elly Ameling is in her usual good form with this Faure art song. McNair shines even more on "Rejoice Greatly" from Haendel's "Messiah." This may be the best version I've ever heard and possibly surpass Kathleen Battle's, considered one of the better of all time. The Laudamus Te is the crown jewel of the entire CD, it's from Vivaldi's Magnificat. This is truly well-sung by Dawn Upshaw and Judith Blegen, this is the reason you should buy the CD and go out and purchase the Shaw CD in its entirety. Marie McLaughlin sounds a bit weak on her aria from "The Mikado." To be honest, albeit she's English, she's a much better lyric soprano for Mozart, Haydn, Strauss not English through-composed and Operetta.

Pretty but dull.......2000-01-20

This album contains a lot of beautiful music. And a lot of boring music, too. But since not all of the singers are the same quality, let me briefly give an overview of some of their performances. I've never thought Dawn Upshaw was a very good classical singer. Her voice gets a little whiny sometimes and her vowels are abominably American. Sylvia McNair has a lovely voice, and the Rachmaninov is good, but I've heard better (Renee Fleming and Anna Moffo come to mind), and she makes the piece even longer than usual by taking the two repeats. The second of her pieces has none of the joy that it should have and is very dull, if technically good. Judith Blegen, Elly Ameling, and Arleen Auger are average sopranos giving pretty but emotionless readings of their songs and arias. Barbara Hendricks RACES through "Ach ich fuhls" like it was Lakme's Bell Song, and sounds HORRIBLE. Kathleen Battle is good but Mahler seems out of place here, but not as out of place as Gilbert and Sullivan or Rogers and Hammerstein. In fact, what is Frederica Von Stade doing on this album of divine "sopranos" anyway? She has a lovely mezzo-soprano voice. Diana Soviero seems a bit out of place too, with her not-too-pretty but more powerful and interesting voice.

All in all, if you can get past the blandness of the performances, the album is pretty. But I like my sopranos to be made of much sterner stuff than these.

don't analyse, listen.......1999-11-24

My scariest nightmare is that of some one breaking into my house and stealing this CD while I am at work.

The selection of excerpts is absolutely pleasing.

Of course I am carried away saying this is the most beautiful thing I know. If you belong to those who don't let anything carry them away, don't buy this CD.

Kathleen Battle and Barbara Hendricks were outstanding........1999-06-18

The vocal talents of Kathleen Battle and Barbara Handricks were far superior to any of the others on this collection. Kathleen Battle's clarity of note and the depth of tonal resonnance of Barbara Hendricks clearly outshone all of the other ladies. Ms. McNair and Ms. Upshaw, listen and take note.

Average customer rating:

Highlights from stately classic version of Messiah
Good performances, mediocre sound quality
A signature Christmas album (at least for me)

Handel: Messiah - Arias & Choruses

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Handel: Messiah

ASIN: B00004Z1BB
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

No. 2 Recitative: Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye My People - Kenneth McKellar
No. 3 Aria: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted - Kenneth McKellar
No. 4: And The Glory Of The Lord - London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
No. 8 Recitative: Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive; No. 9 Aria: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion - Grace Bumbry
No. 12: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
No. 16: Recitative: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel; No. 17: Glort To God In The Highest - Joan Sutherland
No. 18 Aria: Rejoice Greatly, O Duaghter Of Zion - Joan Sutherland
No 40 Aria: Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage Together? - David Ward
No. 41: Let Us Break Their Bonds Asunder - London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
No. 44: Hallelujah! - London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
No. 45 Aria: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Joan Sutherland
No. 47 Recitative: Behold I Tell You A Mystery; No. 48 Aria: The Trumpet Shall Sound - David Ward
No. 53: Worthy Is The Lamb - Amen - London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Highlights from stately classic version of Messiah.......2005-12-11

This recording by Sir Adrian Boult and the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus dates from the early 1960s, and seems now very much an old-school rendering of Handel's beloved masterpiece. As such it still has its pleasures, among them the skilled singing of the chorus and two major stars, Joan Sutherland and Grace Bumbry, in their youthful primes. Though there are no "added accompaniments" of the kind that used to be routine and unwelcome additions to Handel's original, lean orchestration, modern connoisseurs of Baroque music may find the choruses, particularly the famous "Hallelujah," and final "Amen," altogether too leaden in pacing and glutinous in texture. In general the performance practice is restrained, with barely an ornamented da capo to be found, and even essential vocal appoggiaturas omitted. The selection of numbers on this highlights disc is not particularly satisfying; an apparent desire to give all soloists and chorus more or less equal time results in some jarring skips in continuity and unfathomable omissions, as well as equally strange inclusions. I would have opted for hearing the chorus "Lift up your heads, O ye gates" over a complete, nine-minute "Trumpet Shall Sound," for example, since there is not one ornament in the da capo and bass David Ward is taxed by the high tessitura. Nevertheless, the overall authority of Boult's interpretation makes this venerable Messiah still worth a listen, especially at this bargain price.

Good performances, mediocre sound quality.......2004-11-29

The remastering of this CD was not top notch. The sound quality is far inferior to my DDD from Hyperion starring Lynn Dawson,Katherine James et al.
But I'm still looking for the perfect Messiah recording.

A signature Christmas album (at least for me).......2002-12-24

I remember this playing in the background in the house back when I was a kid. It defined Christmas for me. I've heard several versions of "The Messiah" but this one, from the London Symphony Orchestra, is the most full and robust. There seems to be no rival, in my opinion. I highly recommend this for new families. Whether you're religious or not and celebrate Christmas/the year-end holidays as a religious event or a simple but important time for a family get-together, either the lyrics and/or the sound of the music will stay with you for many Christmases to come. The stand out song is Hallelujah. Though, I'm not a complete aficionado of classical music (especially of the religious kind), this must be one of Sir Adrian Boult's finest. But I'm speaking from the LP and tape versions. I can only imagine the sound from the CD version. I highly recommend this recording.

UPDATE: Yup, this is the tape I remember. Down to the quality. I dunno about anybody else, but that's part of the charm for me. It reminds me of the tape and that reminds me of Christmases past. I love it.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Christmas Music

Sing, Choirs of Angels
Anonymous , Guillaume Dufay , Tylman Susato , Christmas Traditional , Vincent Lubeck , Johannes Brahms , Franz Xaver Gruber , Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck , Michael Praetorius , Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina , Zoltan Kodaly , Gustav Holst , Jacques Arcadelt , Johann II Strauss , Arnold von Bruck , Unspecified , John Francis Wade , George Frideric Handel , Felix Mendelssohn , Malle Babbe Women's Choir , and Leny van Schaik
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Paradise Road
Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
Christmas at Trinity
A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High

ASIN: B00000DD8Z
Release Date: 1998-10-06

Tracks:

Come, Let Us Sing Together
Hail, Queen Of Heaven
O Joyous One
Sonata From Christmas Cantata
Silent Night
Glory To God In The Highest
O Christmas Night, More Beautiful Than Any Day
Silent Night
Praise The Virgin Mother Of Christ
Behold, Mary
Come, Ye Shepherds
Silent Night
Hail, Holy Queen
Queen Of Heaven
Hail, Mary
Mary Walked Through A Forest
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Nonnenchor (From The Operetta Casanova)
Grant Us Peace
Ave Maria
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Mary Had A Baby
I Saw Three Ships
Yodeler Prayer/Glory To God In The Highest/OCome, All Ye Faithful
Silent Night
Christmas Medley From Song Of Survival

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Christmas Music.......1999-12-11

We first heard this CD on NPR while returning home from a business trip. We ordered the CD as soon as we could. The music is as close to perfect as choral music can be. The songs are short, so the pace changes appropriately. Most of the selections are familiar Christmas carols with a few surprises. We've sent copies to our friends to enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Utterly disapointing
Great!
charming
Something for everyone!

The #1 Choral Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Choral Masterpieces
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics
Dies Irae-The Essential Choral Collection
Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ

ASIN: B000060P5G
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Hallelujah! & Other Great Sacred Choruses

Average customer rating:

As good as it gets -- in THIS life!
"symphonic in scale & eternal in their appeal"

Hallelujah! & Other Great Sacred Choruses

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Choral Masterpieces
Songs of Faith and Inspiration
Bach: B Minor Mass
Hallelujah: 35 Great Sacred Choruses
Khachaturian: Concerto for violin in Dm; Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78

ASIN: B00004WFOA
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Messiah: Hallelujah Chor
A German Requiem: How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place
Requiem: Lacrimosa
Missa Solemnis: Kyrie
The Creation: The Heavens Are Telling
Eljah: He, Watching Over Israel
Mass in G: Credo
St. Matthew Passion: Rest Well

Customer Reviews:

As good as it gets -- in THIS life!.......2006-04-13

Four years ago today (April 12) my Mom died. Dad says she passed out into the next life, listening through headphones on her 'Walkman,' to a tape of her children's choir of forty years earlier, performing (amazingly for mostly 12-year-olds) in four-part harmony, this most famous 'chorus' by Handel.

I'll always be partial to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's delivery of the "Hallelujah Chorus" -- backed by my favorite orchestra, the Philadelphia Symphony, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. But this version has displaced all others in my heart . . . apart from the choir of young voices that will forever sing, in my mind's ear, the most perfect "Hallelujah."

----

This rendition of Handel's masterwork -- by Robert Shaw's 200 assembled voices, plus the Cleveland Orchestra -- is a brilliantly-engineered recording; with the sort of spatial definition that places the listener right in the midst of the most glorious music this side of heaven.

Equally breathtaking highlights on this CD include "The Creation: The Heavens are Telling," by Haydn, and Mozart's "Lacrimosa." An extravagance of riches!

Oh yes, and the tempo of Handel's masterwork, as conducted by Shaw, seems perfect to my ears . . . which is to say EXACTLY the pace at which our kids' choir of forty years ago was conducted by "Mom" -- Grace Blackburn of Ottawa Canada.

----

On this anniversary of her passing (into a world where we may hope even more celestial music reigns) a friend who sang alongside me in that children's choir -- Brenda Zanin of Ottawa recalls,

"When you are 12 years old, your perspective of grown-ups tends to be pretty narrow.

"To me, Grace Blackburn was the soft-spoken choir director at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, who persisted week-after-week, to teach us Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. We had no written music in our hands. She taught us the high notes and ethereal phrases by rote, in small groups . . . a few bars at a time . . . until we knew it in our sleep.

"We were just kids, so, deprived of proper tenors, she transposed those lines for our higher voices. And it worked. To this day I can sing the entire chorus verbatim - and did so this past Easter in my church choir.

"What a delightful surprise to read (in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper) that all these years later, the recording we were so proud of way back in the early 1960s played softly in Mrs. Blackburn's ears as she passed on.

"And what an eye-opener to discover that this kindly lady had made such significant contributions to the wider community (including a United Nations environmental award).

"I am sure she is enjoying the heavenly music of an infinitely greater chorus, while here below we continue to enjoy the many fruits of the labors from which she now rests."

"symphonic in scale & eternal in their appeal".......2000-12-04

RCA Victor presents Robert Shaw the preeminent choral conductor of our time and The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus in sacred choral works that are symphonic in scale, and eternal in their appeal. Newly remastered with state-of-the-art 24/96 technology, this superb album presents the magic of these performances in the widest range of musical reproduction ever.

If you love the sound of a full chorus, this CD is for you - made up of students, secretaries, teachers, doctors, engineers, mechanic - all races and national origins. They sing for the "love" of it, and when they perform the "MESSIAH:HALLELUJAH CHORUS" by Handel, at that moment when all 200 voices abound you feel the heaven-sent with all it's glory...as in "THE CREATION: THE HEAVENS ARE TELLING" by Haydn, "pure" power and heart-felt emotion as only a large choral gathering can interpret.

It's difficult to imagine - these masterpieces from world renown composers - Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schubert and Bach were recorded in 1961, the clarity is astounding...a must have for your ever-growing collection of music that will live on forever and forever - HALLELUJAH!