Handel: Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, etc [Import]

Track Listings

1. 1-6 Music For The Royal Fireworks, Hwv 351

2. 6- Water Music

3. 7-17 Suite In F Major, Hwv 348

4. 18-21 Suite In G Major, Hwv 350

5. 22-26 Suite In D Major, Hwv 349

Tracks:

Wedding March (Lohengrin)
Allegro I (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Trumpet Voluntary
Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Canon in D Major
Spring - Susan Lautenbacher
Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
Air (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sheep May Safely Graze (Cantana No. 208)
Arioso
Bist Du Bei Mir' (Anna Magdalena Notebook)
Panis Angelicus
Weichet Nur' (Wedding Cantata)
Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
Ave Maria
Sehet In Zufriedenheit' (Wedding Cantata)
Ave Maria
Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
Air On The G String - Mainz Chamber Orchestra
Pastorale (Messiah) - Eastman Chorale
Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Hornpipe (Water Music)
Wedding March
Toccata (5th Symphony)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

I work regularly with people planning church weddings who want the service to be dignified, traditional and formal. Often they have "ear memory" of music they've heard in other weddings, but no idea about its composer or title. This CD is the best compilation I've found of music that fits those requirements. Selections include great music and performances make it easy to imagine how they would sound in a particular church or other setting. Includes works by Protestant, Catholic and secular composers.

Great item!.......2007-03-29

Great CD! Perfect when planning your wedding music. There are a variety of songs from various composers.

Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding. The CD had a good song selection. My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.

25 Wedding Favorites.......2006-02-24

This is an excellent CD for a formal wedding, so-so for a casual one.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating:

25 Handel Favorites

25 Handel Favorites

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

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004Y6SY
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Hallelujah Chorus (Messiah)
Pastorale (Messiah)
Bourree (Music For The Royal Fireworks) - Anthony Newman
Overture (Water Music)
Adagio E Staccato (Water Music)
Allegro I (Water Music)
Air (Water Music)
Bourree (Water Music)
Hornpipe (Water Music)
Aria (Con Grosso No. 12 In B Minor)
Grand Fugue No. 3 In B Minor - Anthony Newman
Chorus & March (Judas Maccabaeus) - Anthony Newman
Allegro II (Concerto Grosso No. 5 in D Major)
Allegro V (Concerto Grosso No. 5 in D Major)
Overture (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
La Paix: Sarabande (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
La Rejouissance: Allegro (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
Lascia Ch'io Pianga (Rinaldo) - Madeline Tsingopoulos
And The Glory Of The Lord (Messiah)
For Unto Us A Child Is Born (Messiah)
All We Like Sheep (Messiah)
Why Do The Nations (Messiah)
Worthy Is The Lamb (Messiah)

Customer Reviews:

25 Handel Favorites.......2007-01-12

Absolutely what I expect of Handel! Good stuff, if this is your "bag".

Average customer rating:

LOVE this Cd
Excellent for babies and family
A great CD for the car
Baby Neptune
Baby Neptune Review

Baby Neptune

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
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ASIN: B00008BRCI
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

Orchestra Tune-Up
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Allegro, Handel
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Bourree, (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Passepied (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.3 In G, Gigue (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Menuet (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Alla Hornpipe (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Air (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Allegro (Handel)
Blue Danube Waltz (Strauss)
Concerto In A (Telemann)
Water Music, Bourree (Telemann)
Water Music, Harlequinade (Telemann)
Water Music, Ebb And Flow (Telemann)
Contradance No.11 (Beethoven)
Contradance No.12 (Beethoven)
Nocturne No.6, K239, 1st Movement (Mozart)
Nocturne No.6, K239, 3rd Movement (Mozart)
La Mer (Debussy)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, Fanfare And Overture (Handel)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, Menuet Medley (Handel)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance (Handel)

Product Description

The Baby Neptune Concert for Little Ears music CD is an imaginative 22-track, 39-minute concert celebrating the rhythm and motion of water. From the joyous melodies of Handel's Water Music to the timeless flow of Strass' Blue Danube Waltz, great classical compositions will immerse you and your little one in playful musical portraits. The Baby Neptune music CD features some of the classical scores heard in Baby Neptune Discovering Water, and more. Charming water themes from master composers are re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra.Musical Selections:* Orchestra tune-up* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Allegro, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Bourree, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Passepied, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 3 in G, Gigue, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Menuet, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Alla Hornpipe, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Air, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Allegro, Handel* Blue Danube Waltz, Straus* Concerto in A, Telemann* Water Music, Bourree, Telemann* Water Music, Harlequinade, Telemann* Water Music, Ebb and Flow, Telemann* Contradance No. 11, Beethoven* Contradance No. 12, Beethoven* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 1st movement, Mozart* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 3rd movement, Mozart* La Mer, Debussy* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Fanfare and Overture, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Menuet medley, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance, HandelAge: birth +Award: Billboard Magazine Top Midline Classical Albums (#6) - 2004

Customer Reviews:

LOVE this Cd.......2007-03-08

Great music and soothing sounds for any babies and even older children. Our children really enjoy them in the car.

Excellent for babies and family.......2007-01-22

This CD is mandatory in the car and it relax everybody. It has classic music but without many sudden ups and downs. I would like to buy the whole collection next time.

A great CD for the car.......2007-01-04

We were given one from these series of CDs for babies and our daughter loves it, so we bought this one. It is a really nice collection of soft music and we usually play it in the car. A great addition to your baby's music collection.

Baby Neptune.......2006-03-18

I love all of the Baby Einstein DVD's, so the music CD has been just as good as the DVD's. I play it all the time when my son is in the car and it seems to calm him and keep his attention. I even listen to it in the car when my son is not with me. It is relaxing and soothing.

Baby Neptune Review.......2006-01-17

Our daughter loves the Baby Neptune CD. It makes for a relaxing musical interlude for long car trips.

Handel: Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks

Average customer rating:

best version ever ?
Sparkling, vibrant and authentic
Fresh and beautiful readings

Handel: Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 5 & 6/Orchestral Suite No. 1; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

ASIN: B000CEVU5I
Release Date: 2006-01-17

Tracks:

No.1 Overture/No.2 Adagio Staccato
No.3 And No.4 Andante
No.5
No.6 Air
No.7 Minuet
No.8 Bourree
Hornpipe
No.10
No.11
No.12 Alla Hornpipe
No.13 Minuet
No.14 Lentement
No.15 Bourree
No.16
No.17 Rigaudon, No.18
No.19 Menuet, No.20
No.21, No.22
Ouverture
Bouree
La Paix
La Rejouissance
Menuets I And II

Amazon.com

There's no dearth of fine recordings of these works on the market, but this recording goes straight to the top of the list. Kevin Mallon leads a Toronto-based, 34-person-group of period instrumentalists called the Aradia Ensemble: it's a terrific, ear opening show. The music is, above all, joyful, with dance movements galore and plenty of giddy pomp. Mallon has rethought the tempi, almost all of which, he feels, should be quicker than we're accustomed to hearing. These tempi work most of the time, and if, for example, you overlook the fact that at his tempi, the alla hornpipe of the Water Music Suite No. 2 and the Rigaudon of No. 3 could only have been danced by a dancer on speed, and just listen to how effortlessly entertaining the music is, you'll love it. He's not rigid in his fleetness, however--the final movement of Water Music Suite No. 1 is relaxed and he slows it down even further for its last few seconds, giving it the stature it requires.

Mallon also adds side-drum and tambourines to a couple of the movements, and they add jollity and jauntiness; only a whiner would object. When the trumpets and horns ring out they don't blare and say, in La Paix from the Royal Fireworks Music, when he uses transverse flutes (as suggested in the original manuscript but never before recorded that way), the effect is magical, rather than just mellow. Try the overture of the Royal Fireworks, with brass blasting, drums being banged with wooden-headed sticks, but all at a military tempo that implies forward propulsion rather than combative stodginess. This is both a bargain and a terrific reading. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

best version ever ?.......2007-02-06

I ordered this CD before its release after hearing part of it on the car radio, and was so delighted with it that I told anyone who might listen. So it was a bit of a relief to read reviews such as the one above by Robert Levine. It is great to hear this fine music played with such joy and innovation, they dance through the dance movements, and sometimes add drum and tambourine. If you can hear this Fireworks Music, what a grand joyfull noise they make, without beating on your imaginary timpani and side drum, then there is a chance you might be dead.
This is an excellent recording of excellent music at a super-bargain price, very highly recommended. Look out for other period instrument recordings by Mallon and the Aradia Ensemble.

Sparkling, vibrant and authentic.......2006-06-16

This has got to be one of the finest recordings available of Handel's famous WATER MUSIC and MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS.

Performing on period instruments, the top-notch Aradia Ensemble, under the inspired direction of Irishman Kevin Mallon, delivers a recording that is a much needed breath of fresh air for admirers of this familiar music.

Citing the "lugubriousness" of other recordings, Mallon speeds up the tempi for both the WATER MUSIC and ROYAL FIREWORKS making those scores spring to life like never before. The quicker tempi may not sit well with some so-called purists, but only the most rigid won't be happily tapping their feet while listening. (Much of this is dance music, after all!)

To augement the period authenticity of the music, Mallon, in a stroke of artistic brilliance, adds purcussion to several tracks of this recording.(During Handel's time, it was common practice to include percussion in dances and overtures.) You've never heard a more rousing OVERTURE from THE ROYAL FIREWORKS until you've heard it with those regally pounding drums.

Additionally, this is the first recodring of FIREWORKS to properly include a transverse flute. The effect, of course, is pure magic and again lends an air of authenticity.

To top it all of, the great sound engineer, Norbert Kraft, has done it again for Naxos. The sound here is rich and natural, as is usally the case for this label.

Enthusiastically recommended for those who want to hear two well-known pieces again for the first time.

Fresh and beautiful readings.......2006-05-20

For years I've had the CD of these Handel compositions, recorded by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. That CD won a rosette from the Penguin Guide to Classical Music, but I couldn't stand listening to it anymore. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performance of these compositions was almost too-perfect and I found it seemed boring and too-structured.

Enter this recording, which I learned of when looking at things over at the Arkiv Music website. This recording on the Naxos label was a minimal investment (Naxos is a super resource for great music at low cost). What a delight to find such a high quality recording, played in a fresh and beautiful way. No, it is not note-perfect as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra plays it. But, it is lovely and refreshing to hear, a delightful experience that has life rather than mechanical reproduction of notes. An excellent investment!

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
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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.

Average customer rating:

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

A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005YD53
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Allegro - Andante - Allegro Da Capo
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Air
Water Music Suite No.1 (Excerpts): Minuet
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Bourree
Water Music Suite No. 1 (Excerpts): Hornpipe
Largo From Xerxes
Music For The Royal Fireworks (Excerpts): Overture
La Rejouissance, Allegro
The Harmonious Blacksmith: (Air And Variations In E Major From Suite No. 5)
Let The Bright Seraphim From Samson
Suite No. 11 For Harpsichord: Sarabande
Water Music Suite No. 2: Without Tempo Indication
Water Music Suite No. 2: Alla Hornpipe
Water Music Suite No. 2: Minuet
Water Music Suite No. 2: Lentement
Water Music Suite No. 2: Bourree
Minuet From Berenice
Organ Concerto No. 13 In F Major, 'The Cuckoo And The Nightingale': II. Allegro
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Come
Ode For The Birthday Of Queen Anne: Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Handel's Greatest Hits.......2007-02-26

I found this recording disappointing in many respects. The sound quality was much lower than expected, especially on track 7 "Largo" which on the origional, Ormandy had created such a quiet grandeur. In trach 11 "Let the Bright Seraphim" Wynton Marsalis overpowered the singing of Edita Gruberova, whereas the music should always be the backup of the singer, and not vice versa. I don't know what happened to the "Hallelujah Chorus," but it didn't come off very well at all.

CD

Music for feel joy and peace..........2006-11-03

...the music is one of the most authentic feelings from human soul...it says without words the real feeling of the composer and listener...enjoy this beautifyl music to serenate your spirit....thanks God for music..

All Handel's Greatest Hits are not created equal........2004-02-25

Nothing else tops this unusually gorgeous rendering. Leppard's is the finest conducting of Handel to this reviewers ears. Especially the Xerxes Largo and the Watermusic
Hornpipes and Fireworks Oveurture tempi, legato and orchestration is full of warmth and energy. A true chiara scuro interpretation. Fabulous!!!!

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel.......2001-08-08

This collection of George Frideric Handel's "Greatest Hits" leans more heavily towards "The Water Music Suite" than his oratorical work, which is my only serious complaint about this CD as an introduction to the composer's work. Although is does have "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Judas Maccabaeus and ends with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir doing the "Hallelujah Chorus," it does not have "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Messiah, which I consider a glaring omission. The "new" piece for me on this CD that is a nice discovery is "Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine)," performed by Wynton Marsalis and the English Chamber Orchestra.

Could use more oratorical works, but nice intro to Handel.......2001-08-08

Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks

Average customer rating:

Authenticity Versus Arrangements
Gardiner's Handel is a gem
Ultimate "Water Music" On Record
A splended HIP recording.
I say again... Gardiner is the best of all time!

Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Mozart: Divertimento In E

ASIN: B00005IB5A
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

Water Music: Variant in F, HWV 331/1
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: I. Ov: Largo - Allegro
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: II. Adagio E Staccato
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: III. Allegro
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: IV. Andante
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: III. (Without Indication) (Da Capo)
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: V. Presto
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: VI. Air
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: VII. Minuet
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: Bouree
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: IX. Hornpipe
Water Music: Ste No.1 in F, HWV 348: X. (Without Indication)
Water Music: Ste No.3 in G, HWV 350: XVI. (Without Indication)
Water Music: Ste No.3 in G, HWV 350: XVII. Rigaudon/XVIII. (Without Indication)
Water Music: Ste No.3 in G, HWV 350: XIX. Menuet/XX. (Without Indication)
Water Music: Ste No.3 in G, HWV 350: XXI. (Without Indication)/XXII. (Without Indication)
Water Music: Ste No.2 in D, HWV 349: XI. Allegro
Water Music: Ste No.2 in D, HWV 349: XII. Alla Hornpipe
Water Music: Ste No.2 in D, HWV 349: XIII. Minuet
Water Music: Ste No.2 in D, HWV 349: XIV. Lentement
Water Music: Ste No.2 in D, HWV 349: XV. Bouree
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: I. Ov
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: II. Bouree
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: III. La Paix
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: IV. La Rejouissanjce
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: V. Menuets I & II

Amazon.com

These digital recordings from 1983 and 1991 make a fine bargain at mid price. John Eliot Gardiner and his period instrument ensemble produce a lovely, smooth sound in these very well played performances, which use Handel's versions for strings and winds. Balances are fine; playing and recording collaborate to produce a treasurable clarity in which every line registers. For those who like their Handel sounding vital yet genteel, this is an ideal release. For those who want something more raucous, and at an even lower price, Jean-Claude Malgoire's CD on Sony will be preferable. Malgoire's scrappy band, La Grande Ecurie et la Chambre du Roy, plays less well than Gardiner's, with edgy horn sound and less precise ensemble throughout. Yet their performances are dancier and more exciting than Gardiner's. Since these recordings complement each other, revealing different aspects of Handel's music, the ideal choice would be to have both, which their respective manufacturers have cooperated in making an affordable decision. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Authenticity Versus Arrangements.......2006-11-10

I have heard and played several different arrangements of Handel's Water Music and Royal Fireworks, but none do justice to the original music. John Elliot Gardiner is known for his authentic interpretations of baroque music because he uses period instruments. What makes this version stand out is the exquisite phrasing and dynamic constrast used in the different musical phrases. The music demands the listener's attention because of the fine way the dynamic contrasts are brought out in the music. This professional presentation encourages the listener's engagement of the music through the way the melodies and harmonies intermingle.

Gardiner's Handel is a gem.......2006-09-27

This recording is everything one could want in a performance of the Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks: genteel yet exciting, allowing the dance rhythms to dance but not getting out of control, well-paced, neither too fast nor too slow. Gardiner and his band also do seem very "at home" with this music; as another commenter has suggested, it may be they experience a certain Englishness in Handel and find it congenial. Whatever the reason, the playing is superb (I love the horns in the F-major Water Music suite), the interpretations are spot-on, and the whole experience is quite enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Ultimate "Water Music" On Record.......2005-09-27

When it comes to George Frederic Handel's music, both orchestral and operatic, the words that best describe the tone and overall impression of the music are elegant, regal, grand and sublimely beautiful. Handel's music was very popular, sometimes I feel much more so than the rigid music of Bach, which was far more complex and less "relaxing" than Handel's. The leisurely, beautiful and grand style of his Water Music is in fact what he is most known for. This is music fit for European royalty as it was indeed first performed for the King of England's boat ride on the Thames river. This is now reduced to elevator music or Muzak in five-star hotels and restaurants, or even cellular phone ringtones. The Water Music on this recording sounds absolutely brilliant, with no sterile moments or broad, boring tempi. The perfection of this particular recording is to be commended. Sir John Elliot Gardner and his English Baroque Soloists know the music like the palm of their hands. Maybe it's because he feels the music is, in part, English in spirit, since Handel spent most of his career in London, though he was born in Germany. Gardener is actually slower in his tempi when compared to other works he conducts, particularly in operas. His specialty is Baroque and it shows in this recording.

The Suites are all played with finesse, with chamber-like elegance and with no riotous frenzy or fast pacing. It is a slow ride down the Thames. We are seduced by the sounds of flutes, violin strings, and trumpet. The famous Trumpet Suite has never sounded better than in this recording. The Minuets and Bourres are all masterfully performed and the English Baroque Soloists let us hear every detail of the music. There are still other fine versions out there, but few outshine this one. A second choice would be Sir John Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields. Or perhaps an Orchestra that specializes in period instruments and in the Baroque repertoire. If you love more of this type of music by Handel, I also recommend his 12 Concerto Grossi. Bach's Brandenburg Concerti certainly exceed the Water Music in beauty and in musical mastership but the Water Music continues to be a popular work featured in Classical Music radio, television, movies and even movie theater bathrooms!

A splended HIP recording........2003-01-23

These two recordings seem to be both lauded and hated, but I for one love them. The balance of the ensemble is great, bringing out all the wonderful colors that Handel could do better than any other Baroque composer (discounting Monteverdi 125 years beforehand).

While simple at times, Water Music is a great collection of wonderful, tuneful music. Gardiner often takes this music at what one might call breakneck speed, but it works. Addtionally, he adds a couple "varients" as a bonus, which are really just a couple of the movements played in a different key -- nice to have.

The Royal Fireworks music was in fact originally without strings -- here it's played in the string version. Here too the tempos are on the fast side, especially in the final movement. And once again, it works great.

One thing to note about this recording is that, as with many HIP Baroque performances, the instruments are tuned lower. So if one compares it with a modern instument recording, it will sound lower. For this music especially this seems to work well -- the higher tone seems brighter (it's a physics thing that I can't get into here) and this music needs the more open tone that the larger (relative) intervals give with the lower tuning.

So I can easily recommend this disk to anyone who enjoys this music, and likes/doesn't mind HIP. If you need modern instruments, stay away, but otherwise this is a great addition to anyone's collection.

I say again... Gardiner is the best of all time!.......2002-11-25

The combination of the Water Music as well as the Royal Fireworks on the same cd, makes this WELL worth the price. The interpretation of both these works is unsurpassed. Of course all recorded on period instruments! GET THIS CD. You will not be sorry.

Average customer rating:

It has all the songs we needed.
You will be happy with this CD
Great Wedding CD
excellent variety of familiar songs
Exactly what I was looking for!

Classical Wedding Traditions

Manufacturer: New Traditions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00004TLNX
Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

Bridal Chorus (string quartet)
Bridal Chorus (trumpet and organ)
Air
Brandenburg No. 3
Sleepers Awake
Hornpipe
Trumpet Voluntary (flute and strings)
Trumpet Voluntary (trumpet and organ)
Greensleeves
A Little Night Music
Ode To Joy
Hallelujah Chorus
Spring
Canon in D
La Rejoissance
Bridal March

Customer Reviews:

It has all the songs we needed........2007-01-10

This CD had all the songs we needed to have our wedding.

You will be happy with this CD.......2006-07-14

this CD is very good quality. I would recommend it after wedding time.

Great Wedding CD.......2006-02-26

This CD is going to be great for our wedding. It has many songs to use for the processional and recessional, including songs to play while guests are waiting. A great CD.

excellent variety of familiar songs.......2006-02-19

Much prettier versions of the bridal chorus than I've been able to find elsewhere (it doesn't just BANG it out), although I'm still probably not using the bridal chorus. Nice variety (Sleepers Awake is a nice little harp-y flute thing). Trumpet voluntary is otherwise known as The Prince of Denmark's March, FYI. The flute & strings version here is very nice. I also like this version of Mendelsshon's bridal march (from Midsummer Night's Dream).

You'll recongnize pretty much all of these songs, even if you don't recognize the names.

Exactly what I was looking for!.......2005-09-20

This was a great purchase. It actually sounded like a real orchestra. It was also a good variety of songs. I highly recommend.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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Exubrancia

1. 1-6 Music For The Royal Fireworks, Hwv 351
2. 6- Water Music
3. 7-17 Suite In F Major, Hwv 348
4. 18-21 Suite In G Major, Hwv 350
5. 22-26 Suite In D Major, Hwv 349