English Festival

On this CD:

1. Enigma Variations for orchestra, Op.36
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by CSSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

2. Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, Op.39/1
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by CSSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

3. Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4 in G major, Op.39/4
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by CSSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

4. Salut d'amour for piano or orchestra, Op. 12
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by CSSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

5. Brigg Fair (An English Rhapsody), for orchestra, RT vi/16
Composed by Frederick Delius
Performed by CSSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

6. In a Summer Garden, rhapsody for orchestra, RT vi/17
Composed by Frederick Delius
Performed by CSSR Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)
Conducted by Adrian Leaper

Tracks:

I: Sostenuto Assai/Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II: Scherzo: Molto Vivace
III: Andante Cantabile
IV: Finale: Vivace
I: Allegro Assai Vivace
II: Allegretto Scherzando
III: Adagio
IV: Molto Allegro E Vivace
I: Zart Und Mit Ausdruck
II: Lebhaft, Leicht
III: Rasch Und Mit Feuer

Tracks:

I: Mit Energie Und Leidenschaft
II: Lebhaf, Doch Nicht Zu Rasch
III: Langsam, Mit Inniger Empfindung
IV: Mit Feuer
I: Introduzione: Adagio Mest/Allegro
II: Scherzo
III: Largo
IV: Finale: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I: Nauges
II: Fetes
I: Andante
II: Allegretto
III: Largo
IV: Allegretto Scherzando
I: Overture
II: Idylie
III: Cadenza
IV: Menuet
V: Finale Alla Marcia

Amazon.com

This inexpensively priced 3-CD set of music from the 2006 Lugano Festival with pianist Martha Argerich at its center presents a fascinating cross-section of chamber music, expertly performed. In addition to Argerich, we hear from 15 other instrumentalists - pianists, cellists, violinists, violists, a flugelhorn player (who plays along with Argerich in three of Schumann's Fantasiestücke, to very strange and not very welcome effect), and a wind ensemble made up of members of the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana that plays with cellist Gautier Caupcon in Friedrich Gulda's Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra: a jazzy, definitely eclectic, and playful finale to the third CD. The infrequently played but rapturous Schumann Piano Quartet is a particular treat. Ravel's transcriptions of two Debussy Nocturnes for two pianos played by Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner are a delight as well. This is an off-the-beaten-track collection that will fascinate true devotees of chamber music. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Lots of Schumann, not much Argerich, plus some real oddities.......2007-06-08

EMI has gotten into the pleasanat habit of issuing a 3-CD bargain box of Martha Argerich's summer music from Lugano, and they are caviar for chamber music lovers, mixing familiar and unfamiliar works in sterling live performances. It's hard to think of any comparable series meeting such high standards since the heyday of the Marlboro Festival under Rudolf Serkin in the Fifties and Sixties. This 2006 edition is no exception, my only disappointment being the absence of Argerich herself in so many works. She even gives up her place in the two-piano arrangement of Debussy's Nocturnes to her protege Sergio Tiempo (she has been a long-time devotee, if not addict, of two-piano arrangements that almost every other serious musician eschews).

The dominance of works by Schumann reflects Ms. Argerich's personal fondness for him, and she appears in the Piano Quartet, which has enjoyed a wonderful, highly personal reading by Glenn Gould and the Juilliard Qt. (Sony), among others. This one displays every virtue of live musicmaking, with Argerich's fervent, spontaneous playing leading the way. Compared to earlier sets, the 2006 collection contains more rarities and because of all the sSchumann, less representation by great composers. The flugelhorn arrangement of Schumann's Fantasiestucke for clarinet sounds like a joke. The once unknown Tanayev Piano Quintet gets a committed reading that should help to boost its popularity. The Debbusy Nocturnes actually bring pleasure in the two-piano arrangement. You won't be prepared for Gulda's concerto for Cello and Piano, which sounds like three-beer night at your local German jazz club. But its worth a smile and a listen.

In the end, however, this installment might be best left to connoisseurs while newcomers to Argerich's summer festivities should begin with the earlier, more conventional editions.

Here's the listing of works and personnel since Amazon doesn't supply it:

Martha Argerich / Renaud Capucon / Lida Chen / Gautier Capucon - Piano Quartet in Eb op.47 (Schumann).

Gautier Capucon / Gabriela Montero - Sonata for cello and piano No.2 in D op.58 (Mendelssohn).

Sergei Nakariakov / Martha Argerich - Fantasiestucke op.73 - version for flugelhorn and piano (Schumann).

Nicholas Angelich / Renaud Capucon / Gautier Capucon - Piano Trio in D minor op.63 (Schumann).

Lilya Zilberstein / Dora Schwarzberg / Lucy Hall / Nora Romanoff-Schwarzberg / Jorge Bosso - Piano Quintet in G minor op.30 (Taneyev).

Sergio Tiempo / Karin Lechner - Three Nocturnes : Nuages / Fetes (Debussy transcribed for two piano Ravel).

Alissa Margulis / Polina Leschenko - Sonata for violin and piano No.1 (Schnittke).

Gautier Capucon / Alexander Rabinovich-Barakovsky - Concerto for cello and windband (Gulda).

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to Baroque music...
Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
Phenomenal Collection of Music
Phenomenal Collection of Music
DEFINES "CLASSIC"

Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Only Classical CD You'll Ever Need!
Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: The Ultimate Canon
Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: Canon in D
Mozart: Greatest Hits
Beethoven: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000003F5Y
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Canon
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Messiah: Overture
The Four Seasons: Spring: Allegro (Danza pastorale)
Orchestral Suite No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Guitar Concerto in D: Adagio
Xerxes: Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Allegro Assai (Theme From 'Firing Line')
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
Royal Fireworks Music: Overture (excerpt)
Water Music: Hornpipe
Brandenberg Concerto No. 5: Allegro
Adagio
The Four Seasons: Winter: Allegro non molto
Rondeau (Theme from 'Masterpiece Theatre')

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.

The demographics of this disc point to an intended mainstream audience. For example, the track listing includes references to which songs served as themes for television shows. For example, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 includes the byline "Theme from 'Firing Line'" and Mouret's Rondeau says "Theme from 'Masterpiece Theater'". So this collection does represent a popular collection of Baroque songs. And it plays that role very well.

Other standout tracks include: 2 movements from Vivaldi's justifiably famous "The Four Seasons", Bach's amazing "Air on the G String" and Handel's "Xerxes". The disc includes no vocal tracks. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Bach's Cantata No. 147 gets performed on a solo organ (the original has vocals and a string arrangement). So those uneasy with "classical style singing" will find no problems here.

All in all, this disc serves as a good introduction to a great period of music history. It could also serve as a starting point for selecting a favorite composer or as a guide for building a classical music collection.

Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque. But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music.

This CD will whet your appetite. You'll need to buy more, after you've heard the excerts of the great works here.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good, but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.

The Bells of St. Genevieve and Other Baroque Delights

Average customer rating:

One of my all-time classical favorites
The Bells! The Bells!
GREAT WORK MUSIC
Quite a nice little compilation.
Rock fan falls in love with Baroque's "greatest hits" album!

The Bells of St. Genevieve and Other Baroque Delights

Manufacturer: RCA
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Binding: Audio CD

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Marin Marais · Sainte-Colombe ~ The Greatest Masterworks / Spectre de la Rose
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Tous Les Matins du Monde/Dix Ans Apres
Arvo Pärt:Triodion Ode VII I Am the True Vine Music for Unaccompanied Choir
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ASIN: B000003F8U
Release Date: 1992-01-28

Tracks:

The Bells Of St. Genevieve
Concerto For Violin, BMV 1042: Allegro
Concerto For Flute No. 3, Op. 10: Allegro
'The Four Seasons': Summer: Presto
The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, BWV 1047: Allegro Assai
Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068: Air On The G String
Concerto For Violin (Transcribed From BWV 1056): Largo
Guitar Concerto, R. 93: Adagio
Orchestral Suite No. 2 BWV 1067: Minuet & Badinerie
Concerto For Violin, BWV 1042: Allegro assai
Trumpet Voluntary
Messiah: Overture
Brandeburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1048: Allegro
Rondeau

Customer Reviews:

One of my all-time classical favorites.......2005-12-12

I reach for this CD time and again. It is both relaxing and upbeat. I like every recording on this CD...even if they are selections and not the complete works. You cannot go wrong this this purchase!!

The Bells! The Bells!.......2005-10-12

I give this album an average rating as it does what it sets out to do which is give the average listener of classical music various average samples of average performances of great classical compositions. Albums such as these are always a great way to explore various or specific classical music styles with pieces that are usually not too intrusive to the common ear. The only downside of these albums is that they unfortunately, more often than not, introduce a new listner to only the most elementary of performances and leave them believing that all others sound as the ones they just heard when such differences in most cases are huge ones. I chose to review this particular album after hearing the Sonnerie "Bells" de Ste Genevieve on this album (originally composed by the unfortunately obscure Marin Marais) as it is a perfect example of what I am trying to convey.

Although some but few classical chamber pieces can be played well by pretty much any average group, some pieces such as "The Bells" require a certain expertise in instrument and style that very few musicians can properly apply to bring out all of the desired qualities of the piece. The interpretation on this album is a perfect example. Marin Marais was a French Baroque composer who was one of several royal court composers for King Louis XIV in the 17th-18th centuries. He was a soloist prodigy in the viola da gamba which actually sound as if they're being played by cellos here instead. Aside from any change in instruments, they are played with such deficiency in terms of quality, interpretation, and execution,here that it is rather sad that this would be included in an album such as this one. The viola is an instrument with a lot of range as it has more strings and is larger than the cello and the notation is made for the range of such instruments. In particular, there are literally less than five musicians today who are anywhere near proficient with this type of music and those playing here aren't anywhere near the top contenders. All of these things take out an enormous aspect of the full potential of this piece in terms of how it is supposed to sound and performances such as the one here are literally mutilations instead of transcriptions or interpretations. Such performances in many ways cheat the curious listener who is exploring this music as to the music's real potential as intended by its genius source. I recommend to those who may have heard a sample of the 'Bells' here and liked it to then compare it to the performance of this piece by Jordi Savall and Le Concert Des Nations in the soundtrack for 'All The Mornings of the World" available on Amazon. You will hear what I mean and understand how there's simply no comparison. Jordi Savall is the undisputed master in performing on authentic violas that have completely different acoustics than their modern counterparts. Savall is also an established conductor of French Baroque music unlike those here who completely misinterpret the piece as a result. Buying classical music is not as simple as just buying a certain piece by any performer thinking it's great. Unless you really don't care too much and just want to use it as background muscac in your life, classical music requires fine tuning just like playing the instruments themselves as the musicians are in a sense the instruments of the composer and the conductor's interpretatation. Don't settle for second best because the catastrophic results such a choice entails is similar to the range on the Richter scale: the difference between a No. 1 and a No. 4 best performance is exponential as the difference with the 'Bells' version I have mentioned perfectly illustrates. There are differences between symphonic and chamber groups, conductors, soloists, instruments, specialities of technique, production, etc. All of these things fine tune the performance and make the difference between epic and atrocious.

In sum then, although this album is a great source of introductory material as to the range of classical styles and in some cases has reputed perfomers, it is certainly not a sample of the best performances around. These types of albums always require a closer look because you never know what you're gonna get anyway unless you know what you're looking for. Trusting record labels to find stuff for you is not always a good idea. More often than not, this is the place where mediocre professionals can make some form of living without having to wait for a major deal that's never gonna come. If you feel you like the style of music here once you've heard it, expand your horizons in terms of performances as many on this album and similar ones are often simply mediocre in one form or another and there's stuff that's so much better out there for your listening enjoyment of a particular composition and/or style. Hope this helps! Good luck!

GREAT WORK MUSIC.......2004-09-17

Great work music, great travel music. Wonderful upbeat and get-you-going music for all things you do. Even NAXOS brand CDs don't come close to matching the preformances on this disc. Like the Masterpeice Theater theme song? Brandenburg Concerto by Bach is done PEFECTLY on this album. All songs are absolutely brilliant and masterfully done. This is a MUST HAVE CD no matter what kind of music you enjoy. Surely to inspire YOU!

Quite a nice little compilation........2002-03-21

"The Bells of St. Genevieve" is a compilation of Baroque pieces that would serve as an excellent introduction for someone who would like to hear more of the Baroque style beyond "Spring" from "The Four Seasons" or "Canon" by Pachelbel. Granted, this cd does contain "Canon" (what Baroque compilation could resist including it), but it doesn't stop there.

I'm not an expert when it comes to Baroque music, but I am something beyond a beginner; I guess I'd consider myself a moderately knowledgable amateur. However, before purchasing this album, I had never heard the title piece, "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba," or track # 10 "Guitar Concerto" by Vivaldi. Some of the other tracks were familiar but not well-known to me. I was also pleased to see the inclusion of the turbulent Presto from "Summer" instead of the ubiquitous "Spring."

Compilations are often quite useful in helping neophytes get a better understanding and appreciation for classical music (I know they've helped me over the years). Not all compilations are a good mix or contain decent recordings; many seem like carbon copies of each other. This one, however, has good sound quality and great recordings from the likes of James Galway, Pinchas Zukerman, Canadian Brass, and James Levine.

I recommend this album to anyone wishing to branch out a bit in Baroque music but who is not sure where to start. I've discovered new favorites from listening to this album.

Rock fan falls in love with Baroque's "greatest hits" album!.......2002-03-16

"Bells of St. Genevieve" (BSG) is the cd that got me, a rock fan, into classical music (technically Baroque and Classical are 2 different periods/styles, but we rock fans call it all "classical":-). This is a "best of" album of some of the greatest, and most famous Baroque music. BSG focuses on the last 50 years of Baroque period, which lasted roughly from 1600 to 1750. Most of the pieces come from the "big 3" of the late Baroque period: Vivaldi (3 of the 16 cuts), Bach (7), Handel (2). The tempo is mostly "allegro" (fast and cheerful), although Bach's Concerto for Violin is "largo" or very slow (the only slow piece on the cd). Still, this album has a very uplifting, energetic feel to it. I doubt it will put anyone to sleep, even if they grew up listening to Zeppelin & the Stones! Even the most classical-clueless rock fan will recognize many of these pieces: "Roundeau" by Mouret is the theme from BBC's "Masterpiece Theatre." Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary" a.k.a. "The Prince of Denmark's March" is another "deja vous" song, often played in wedding processionals and I think was also BBC theme music. Likewise, Pachelbel's "Cannon" is a popular wedding march. In fact, this album contains many songs commonly played in wedding processionals, recessionals, and during dinner, so is good for anyone who needs quality classical recorded music for a wedding. Much of the music is played by chamber orchestras (small ensembles of up to about 9 instruments), so has more of an intimate feel than music played by large symphonies. I highly recommend this cd as an introduction to great Baroque music. However, once initated, I encourage folks to listen to these pieces in their entirety, such as Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos" to get the full picture of how these great composers intended their music to sound, complete with key and tempo changes.

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle

Average customer rating:

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
One of the most beautiful Christmas albums
A Christmas Collection For The Ages
Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas
Pure Joy

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle
Kathleen Battle , traditional/various , Leonard Slatkin , and Orchestra of St. Luke's with New York Choral Artists & Harlem Boys' Choir
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002ROL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

O Come All Ye Faithful
O Holy Night
Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabelle
Fum, Fum, Fum!
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Ave Maria
Gesu Bambino
Medley: I Saw Three Ships; The First Nowell; The Holly And The Ivy
Away In A Manger
Silent Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Mary's Cradle Song
Zither Carol
I Wonder As I Wander
Mary Had A Baby
Rise Up, Shepherd
What Child Is This?
Ave Maria
Finale and Reprise: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; Silent Night; O Come All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle.......2007-01-19

what can i say about the best of the best? As always, Miss Battle makes me wonder how anyone else would dare to sing this music after her rendition. A beautiful CD

One of the most beautiful Christmas albums .......2005-11-22

I love Kathleen Battle's voice, and to get such a great collection of beautiful sacred music, it was like a dream come true. She sings many traditional carols like Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, which is possibly my favorite here, you may think you have heard this song so many times, but Kathleen's voice really shines in it. Her English diction is so incredible, you can understand every word, which is not something many opera singers can achieve. Her singing is always so natural and lovely. Many other songs are oustanding on this album, I love the two version of Ave Maria and the Italian song Gesu Bambino. If you are looking for a really beautiful collection of Christmas music, this album is a great choice.

A Christmas Collection For The Ages.......2005-11-13

If there is one performer I miss hearing on a regular basis, it is Kathleen Battle. Anytime I knew that she'd be in a Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast, I knew it would be a performance to remember and more often than not, I was correct. She has a light voice that reaches the upper reregisters with ease and has as a gorgeous sound. She not a regular at many opera houses these days, and in likelihood, if she still did perform on the world's opera stages, we'd be hearing critics say her voice was not what it once was, but thanks to her recorded legacy, her voice will, always have that youthful, energetic sound.

Overall I believe that Ms. Battle performs better in complete opera recordings than recital albums, but most of her recital recordings are of at least good quality and this Christmas collection is outstanding. She handles all of the works with apparent similar ease, but since the recording is so varied, this is a compliment to her skill as a performer. She begins and ends with "O Come All Ye Faithful" where she does a few vocal acrobatics but it's never overdone. Each time I think of what the bets part of the collection is, my mind changes. She brings her skills from the operatic stage in her renditions of "O Holy Night," "Gesu Bambino" (only Pavarotti sings this better, but it's a very close second), and "The Zither Carol" which sounds so much like something that could come from the mouths of Oscar from UN BALLO or Zurbinetta from ARIADNE AUF NAXOS, two of her signature roles. The music from the African American Spirituals tradition and American background are well done and the accompaniment of the Harlem Boys Choir, used to great advantage here adds so much.

With so many Christmas collections from the world of opera available, choosing one can be difficult, but this is one collection that has proven to be a joy for almost fifteen years and will continue to give holiday pleasure for years to come.

Kathleen Battle, My Madam Christmas.......2004-12-28

I probably have 50 Christmas albums. I love many of them. This is my favorite. Leaves me astounded and breathless every time I enjoy it.

Pure Joy.......2003-12-07

In a world where disturbing things are all too common, Christian scripture guides us to dwell on that which is lovely. Kathleen Battle's blessed voice is most certainly one of those lovely things.

I bought this CD in the early 1990's, and I am here to buy it again because I have worn out the original with scratches, etc. I only listen to it during the Christmas season, but I enjoy it enough to hear it all year.

The 'Christmas Celebration' CD should be enough to convince you to also purchase Kathleen's 'A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert'. Ms. Battle's wonderful soprano voice is joined by that of the mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the blending is more than memorable. There are a couple of songs which are on both CD's, but you'll want to hear both. In fact, the video of the PBS special is also available, and I recommend buying all three. You won't regret it.

Some of my favorite selections from 'Christmas Celebration' include 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle' and 'Fum, Fum, Fum', both of which are from a culture different from my own. I found such glimpses into unfamiliar favorites to enhance my own enjoyment of the Christmas season, as long as all of my traditional American favorites were included. They were. "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" are there among the other favorites.

Tracks:

Canon In D: Pachelbel: Canon in D - Ettore Stratta
Brandenberg Concerto No. 3: Bach: Brandenberg Concerto No. 3 - Allegro - Rudolf Baumgartner
The Four Seasons: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: Winter - Largo - English Chamber Orchestra
Suite No. 3 In D: Bach: Air on the G String (from Suite No. 3 in D) - Rudolf Baumgartner
Quintet No. 11: Boccherini : Minuet (from Quintet No. 11)
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro - Erich Leinsdorf
Concerto No. 21: Mozart: Concerto No. 21 - Andante
Symphony No. 5: Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - Allegro con brio - Erich Leinsdorf
William Tell Overture: Rossini: William Tell Overture (excerpt)
L'Arlisienne Suite No. 2: Bizet: L'Arlisienne Suite No. 2: Farandole
The Flight Of The Bumblebee: Rimsky-Korsakoff: The Flight of the Bumblebee
Aida: Verdi: Aida - Grand March
Blue Danube Waltz: Strauss: Blue Danube Waltz
Nutcracker Suite: Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite - Waltz of the Flowers
Sabre Dance: Khachaturian: Sabre Dance
1812 Overture: Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture (excerpt) - Tchaikovsky

Customer Reviews:

Great selection, but quality could be better........2006-12-26

First off, this cd has some of my favorite classical songs on it. The songs themselves are great, and many are instantly recognizable for all those who didn't know their names.

The recording quality of this cd isn't great. For most people with average ears and average hardware, that won't make a difference. For the extermely intent listeners, the recording quality isn't great, and, while I would recommend any of the music on here to anyone, I just wouldn't reccomend this particular cd to those who high-powered hardware and are picky.

A Must have for amateur and veteran classical fans!.......2001-01-01

Perfect for getting acquainted to classical music for the first time! All the best pieces on one cd which makes it a stand-out selection in anyone's collection. Once you've heard this one, you will want more and the RCA Victor classical music series is highly recommended and affordable. For the die-hard classical fan, this is the perfect one to take along with you in the car or the office.

A beautiful masterpiece for the arts........1999-05-15

This is for any one who loves classical music. Its beautiful sounds truely captivate the human spirt. A great piece of work.

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale

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Traditional Christmas Music
The quintessential Christmas recording
A Top List Christmas CD
The best
How do you describe perfection?

A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale
Robert Shaw Chorale
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
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Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
The Many Moods of Christmas (1963 RCA Victor Version) Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra
Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
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A Festival of Carols in Brass

ASIN: B000003EPA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Medley: Good Christian Men - Rejoice - Silent Night - Patapan - O Come - All Ye Faithful
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Shepherd's Carol
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
Medley: O Sanctissima - Joy To The World - Away In A Manger - Fum, Fum, Fum - March Of The Kings
I Wonder As I Wander
We Three Kings
My Dancing Day
Medley: What Child Is This? - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Bring A Torch - Jeanette - Isabella - Angels We Have Heard On High
Coventry Carol
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Carol Of The Bells
Medley: Break Forth - O Beauteous Heavenly Light - The First Nowell - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Christmas Music .......2007-01-24

If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

The quintessential Christmas recording.......2005-12-09

This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.

However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!

A Top List Christmas CD.......2004-12-28

I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best.......2004-01-02

I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers. I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony. This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite. The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control. Buy and enjoy!

How do you describe perfection?.......2003-12-14

This is my favorite Christmas CD. Nothing comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed learning much of the music in high school choir over 30 years ago. The music has never left me. The four medleys are the arrangements of Robert Russell Bennett titled "The Many Moods of Christmas". The arrangements seem to have a freshness about them even after listening numerous times.

Interspersed with the medleys are a cappella carols.

All of this music is wonderfully performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, the a cappella selections recorded in 1957 and the medleys in 1963.

Four decades have proven that this is the standard in choral music. The clarity of text, the richness of tone, the beauty of harmony combine to present the message of Christmas in the manner that only music can do.

Tracks:

Dream A Dream (Elysium)
O Come, All Ye Faithful
The Little Drummer Boy
Mary's Boy Child
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
Winterwonderland
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Coventry Carol (Lully Lullay)
Joy To The World
When A Child Is Born
What Child Is This?
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Draw Tua Bethlehem/Far Over Bethlehem
Ave Maria
Gabriel's Message
O Holy Night
Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
Silent Night

Amazon.com

Everybody's favorite precocious sprite of a soprano comes out with her third album in Dream a Dream. It's only been two years since Charlotte Church's smash debut, Voice of an Angel, but that's a big chunk of the Welsh singer's life span so far. This latest is basically a Christmas album, so full of festive cheer you'd never guess it was recorded in the summer. Even the glummest of moods will disappear when you hear Charlotte's infectious take on chestnuts such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Little Drummer Boy" (and having the London Symphony Orchestra as your backup band doesn't hurt either). And on top of that is a really special treat: the title song (borrowing an unforgettable classical melody) which blends Church's soaring vocals with the tender voice of young country prodigy Billy Gilman. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Dream a dream.......2007-04-03

I bought this CD after watching the music video of the same name. Their performance of "dream a dream" is exquisite. The fact that they wrote the lyrics just adds icing to an already magnificent cake!

This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!.......2007-03-01

You know charlotte church has received so much harsh critismn about her,I find that people were jeolous of her voice, and of how a young girl can sing, she is definetly my dream ome true, (So back off johnathan flanders),this girl in the past has done some wonderful music which is inspirational and she is a wonderful person, I dont care whether she has changed, anyway her rock albumn has given me a lease on life and has given me potential in my singing,I love your voice very much, and this reviewer hasnt been written by a kid at all,if charlotte church is reading this,good on yeah girl,you definetly my dream come true,and I hope I will see you one day. your best friend JJCox

This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!.......2007-03-01

A must-have for Christmas music lovers.......2006-12-07

this cd is pure magic...almost 20 great christmas songs on one cd sung by the voice of an angel herself..there may be a few mixed reviews by some people who must be opera voice teachers because there is nothing wrong with this cd...it is flawless....charlotte's soaring vocals, the beautiful orchestra and background singers, the whole cd has the christmas feel to it..."o come all ye faithfull" has to be heard to be believed...it is breathtaking...i love charlottes take on "winter wonderland" and "ding dong merrily on high" ..made me want to go dance in the snow or something.....she hits every note beautifully..buy this cd...i bought it back in 2000 and have listened to it at every Christmastime since or Christmas doesnt feel the same.

Gorgeous! .......2005-12-07

Charlotte Church has done it again! She is extremely talented. Even if she was 25 when she put this out, she'd be amazing. But she was only 14-15 years old when she recorded this! Beautiful. This album has great choral accompaniments and fabulous orchestra arrangements. It is a little on the high side in certain songs, but it still sounds amazing. I love her voice.

Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Joy To The World........a joy indeed!
If you like classical Christmas music, this is for you
"Joy To The World . . . The Lord Has Come . . . And Heaven And Nature Sing"
Christmas music done in Ormady's rich "Philadelphia Sound"
A Timeless Christmas Classic

Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Christmas Festival
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ASIN: B000003EPC
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Hark! The Hearld Angels Sing
Away In The Manger
The Little Drummer Boy
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Waltz of the Flowers
What Child Is This
Sleigh Ride
The First Nowell
Carol of the Bells
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Joy to the World
I Wonder As I Wander
Good King Wenceslas
Silent Night
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Angels We Have Heard On High
Silver Bells
Messiah: Pastoral Symphony (Messiah)
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Joy To The World........a joy indeed!.......2007-03-16

This wonderful CD has everything to celebrate the great joy of the Christmas season. Recorded in the early 1970's it still sounds as fresh and timeless as it did way back then.
The orchestrations are majestic and imaginative without being mushy or too symphonic in structure.The addition of the chorus in most of the carols is an added bonus. The singers and orchestra blend wonderfully without either dominating the other too much. The programme of selected songs is excellent and with some lovely orchestra only tracks the CD is not tiring to listen to creating a well balanced programme.
Maestro Eugene Ormandy conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra with great zeal and a passion for the music that is felt by the listener.The chorus master is the very talented Robert Page and the carols are arranged and orchestrated by the great Arthur Harris.
The sound quality is excellent and the CD has been beautifully remastered without any loss of crispness or dynamics.The stereo balance and instrument placement sound superb with the singers centre stage.
This is a remarkably good CD from the RCA Gold Seal range and is a must for lovers of really good seasonal music played with love and passion for the joys of the Christmas season.
Thank you for taking the trouble to read my review and I wish one and all much enjoyment from this lovely CD.

Happy listening!

If you like classical Christmas music, this is for you.......2007-01-13

A truly great collection of classical Christmas music. Highly recommended.

"Joy To The World . . . The Lord Has Come . . . And Heaven And Nature Sing".......2006-12-15

For those of you who, like me, love traditional and old-fashioned Christmas carols with a chorus and a full orchestra, this album is just a perfect listen this Yuletide season. It's always been a delight listening to this classic Christmas CD, "Joy to the World with Eugene Ormandy and The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus." It creates a nostalgic feeling and an atmosphere of an old-fashioned Christmas that reminds me so much of the past Christmas celebrations I had with my late parents. This is the kind of Christmas music they so loved.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Robert Page performed ten of the nineteen tracks and The Philadelphia Orchestra performed the rest of the tracks without the Chorus under the baton of one of the most respected names in conducting and orchestration, Eugene Ormandy. Arthur Harris beautifully and traditionally arranged all the songs. This is one of the greatest Christmas albums ever recorded and a worthy addition to your Christmas collection.

The true essence of Christmas is captured by the artful blend of voices from the chorus combined with the sublime orchestration from the first carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to the last piece, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah."

Each and every track is a highlight and sacredly performed. My top favorites are "Silent Night," Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from "The Nutcracker," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Away In A Manger," "What Child Is This? (Greensleeves), and "Joy To The World."

"Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing."

Joyfully recommended!

Christmas music done in Ormady's rich "Philadelphia Sound".......2004-12-04

"Joy to the World" has Eugene Ormandy with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus providing a rich selection of Christmas songs, both classical and traditional, arranged by Arthur Harris. It is the former that are most impressive, although there are fewer of them, starting with Mendelssohn's "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from "The Nutcracker," then ending with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire," and the "Pastoral Symphony" and "Hallelujan Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."

Eugene Ormandy (born Jenö Blau in Budapest) was one of the most famous of the popular American conductors of the 20th century, known best for his long time relationship with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Originally gaining public notice with the orchestra when he served as a last-minute replacement for an ill Arturo Toscanini in 1931, Ormandy would serve as Musical Director in Phialdelphia from 1938 until 1980. Under his baton the Philadelphia Orchestra became known for its warm tones, textured romantic "Philadelphia Sound," which is well represented on this Christmas album. I always thought Ormandy's interpretation of Rachmaninoff was particularly strong, although I do not know enough about classical music to articulate a coherent defense of that position beyond noting that when Vladimir Horowitz played Rachmaninoff's Third Concerto on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his Carnegie Hall debut, he picked Ormandy as the conductor of the orchestra that night.

There is over an hour's worth of music here for you to enjoy if you like more of the classical approach to your Christmas music. But Ormandy's work is always marked by an ability to bring out the emotions of music being played by a symphonic orchestra. That is why the standout tracks here are "The Little Drummer Boy," "I Wonder as I Wander," and "What Child Is This?" You would not normally think of these songs as working as well song by a chorus that by a single individual, but this album will get you to rethink your position. In terms of choirs at Christmas I still have a preference for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Ray Conniff Singers (I embrace the extremes), but in terms of listening to an orchestra play Christmas music, this is as good as it gets.

A Timeless Christmas Classic.......2003-12-08

I'm a lover of traditional Christmas music and I've acquired about 20 CDs of it. There's nothing my family likes better in December than putting on some good Christmas music and getting in the mood for the season, hearing once again the old favorites you've known since childhood. Of all the Christmas music CDs I've tried, I have two desert-island favorites, the two I always reach for first. This is one of them. I think it's one of the greatest recordings of traditional Christmas music ever made. The arrangements (by Arthur Harris) are joyous, beautiful, and soul-stirring; the performances are heartfelt and magnificent. If you can listen to this CD and not feel filled by the Christmas spirit, you must be (a) named Ebeneezer Scrooge, or (b) deaf. This one is a timeless Christmas classic, not to be missed. Warmest recommendation.

Average customer rating:

Nice music but...
Great CD
A Noble and Festive Christmas
Meat and Potatoes
Totally Awesome

A Festival of Carols in Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000024Q6
Release Date: 1991-07-16

Tracks:

Deck The Halls With Broughs Of Holly
Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming
Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
The First Nowell
Angels We Have Hard On High
We Three Kings Of Oreint Are
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O Sanctissima
O Tannenbaum
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Good King Weceslas
Silent Night, Holy Night
Joy To the World
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Conventry Carol
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Good Christian Men Rejoice
O Holy Night
What Child Is This?
Wassial Song
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Away In A Manger
We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Customer Reviews:

Nice music but..........2007-03-08

I liked the music and the performances a lot, but there is no booklet to depict the performers, nor analyse the music or the arrangements, which are superb

Great CD.......2007-02-16

This is a great holiday CD. We used it for several holiday dinners this year.

A Noble and Festive Christmas.......2007-01-21

This is the best Christmas album you could ever get. It is the most stable as you do not have to think about it. This is the album you really sing along to. Brass makes everything festive, grand and noble; so will your Christmas! A gem for every year!

Meat and Potatoes.......2007-01-18

Since the release of this fine recording in 1967 there have been many fine
brass groups:The Canadian Brass, the Empire Brass, just to name a few.
Whereas these latter groups have all resorted to "gimmicks" such as unique arrangements to sell their albums this group of brass players from the Philadelphia Orchestra give us an album of good old "meat and potatoes" playing spiced with fine tone,good ensemble playing, and good tempos.

Totally Awesome.......2007-01-12

I love listening to this cd at christmas. The brass is so crisp, almost like being right there. You have to add this to your holiday collection, and for those of you who like brass, you will love it. I play the french horn and I esp. love hearing the french horn in it.

Average customer rating:

Can I give it more than 5 stars? Sublime.
It will become part of your Xmas
Shockingly beautiful...
It doesn't get any better than this.
Superb Christmas Cd From A Sublime Soprano,Ms.Norman!

Jessye Norman - Christmastide
George Frideric Handel , Christmas Traditional , Felix Mendelssohn , Adolphe Adam , Research Composer , Franz Xaver Gruber , Jr. Hopkins John Henry , Anonymous , John Francis Wade , Robert de Cormier , and Jessye Norman
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000040YQ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Christmastide: O Come, O Come Emanuel
Christmastide: Once In Royal David's City
Christmastide: Unto Us A Child Is Born
Christmastide: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Christmastide: Good Christian Men Rejoice
Christmastide: O Holy Night
Christmastide: The Holly And The Ivy
Christmastide: See Amid The Winter Snow
Christmastide: I Saw Three Ships
Christmastide: This Christmastide
Christmastide: Coventry Carol
Christmastide: In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Christmastide: Silent Night
Christmastide: Angels We Have Heard On High
Christmastide: We Three Kings Of Orient Are
Christmastide: Joy To The World
Christmastide: Adeste fideles
Christmastide: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Can I give it more than 5 stars? Sublime........2006-12-01

It's a treat to play year after year December after December. I love the order of the songs, the lavish orchestral acompaniment, and the boy choir supporting Jessye Norman's astonishing voice. A beautifully produced CD, by far my favorite Christmas album.

It will become part of your Xmas.......2005-12-04

It's a reference. Start your Christmas season with this CD.
Jessye is perfect as always.
The harmonization is another pearl in this work. The balance between her voice and the boy's choir completes the ambience.
Pay special attention to "See Amid the Winter's Snow"

Shockingly beautiful..........2005-12-04

This album is shockingly beautiful. Norman's voice is amazing. The first track alone brings tears to my eyes. This is one of my favourite Christmas albums of all time. If you like Jeysse Norman and you like beautiful, sacred Christmas music, then you should also check out Jeysse Norman At Notra Dame.

It doesn't get any better than this........2005-08-22

This is one of the most perfectly beautiful recordings of any kind in existence. The pure glory of Jessye's voice is enhanced by the moving, glowing arrangements and thrilling accompanying performances. You will not find a better Christmas album, this is a true work of love and art in the spiritual realm. While it fills your ears with resplendant sound it fills your heart with love and hope.

Superb Christmas Cd From A Sublime Soprano,Ms.Norman!.......2003-08-22

Christmastide is heavenly listening!Excellent sound & glorious arrangements.Jesseye Norman was in stupendous voice while making this recording.I listen to it every christmas,and I'm taken away every year by Jesseye's tremendous achievement.Her O Holy Night brings me to tears.She sings with much joy and with much sacred intensity too.Bringing an unigue interpretation to every single track on this album.Christmastide is destined to become a classic,thanks to Ms.Normans supreme contribution she brought to the making of this album.

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