Toccata & Fugue, Great Organ Works

On this CD:

1. Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor, BWV 565
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Peter Hurford

2. Cantata No. 147, "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben," BWV 147 Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Peter Hurford

3. Adagio, for violin, strings & organ in G minor (composed by Remo Giazotto; not by Albinoni), T. Mi 26
Composed by Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni
Performed by Peter Hurford

4. Trumpet Tune in D major
Composed by Jeremiah Clarke
Performed by Peter Hurford

5. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61 Wedding March
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Peter Hurford

6. Chorals (3), for organ, M. 38-40
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Peter Hurford

7. Carillon, for organ
Composed by Herbert Murrill
Performed by Peter Hurford

8. Solemn Melody for organ
Composed by Sir Henry Walford Davies
Performed by Peter Hurford

9. Toccata from Organ Symphony No. 5 Toccata
Composed by Charles-Marie Widor
Performed by Peter Hurford

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Bach Collection.......2007-07-05

I am a professional musician, composer and teacher. this collection is wonderful, recorded in Europe, and all that one would expect from talent in that part of the world (which on this set includes Nordic countries as well).
If you are into studying bach, euro recordings, musicology, this is a good purchase.
Only criticism is on a few recordings the balance/mix is not the best. However, it all sounds wonderfully recorded.

Wonderful way to enjoy all of Bach.......2007-06-28

One reason to buy this set is simply to acquire recordings of all Bach's surviving Cantatas. The only downside I've discovered so far is that I would have preferred his harpsichord music played on a piano.

Bach .......2007-06-08

Arrived in excellent condition -price was higher that I liked by a little bit

An Absolute Essential for any Classical Music Enthusiast.......2007-05-22

This comprehensive collection of all known Bach works is simultaneously the easiest and the most difficult set to review. "Easiest" because in a single set of some 150 CD's, one immediately has the entire Bach repertoire at one's hands, with the majority of individual recordings consisting of solid performances and good recording quality. "Difficult" because, due to the sheer number of performances, it would take many pages to individually and meaningfully write up a description that accurately conveys the range of entries within the set. But in a sense, this entirely misses the point. It is simply impossible to understate what Brilliant Classics has done for the classical music world with the release of a set like this. For the first time, one can own a comprehensive Bach collection for little more than the price of a single, good restaurant meal for two people. The fact can hardly be overstated: this set makes acquiring such a collection no longer the domain of only the wealthiest amongst us. This is most certainly the "democratization" of classical baroque music.

Over the years, I have certainly spent what often feels like exorbitant amounts of money on individual, and sometimes, box sets, of classical music. There is no denying the human skill possessed at the major recording labels, including experiential knowledge of the proper placement of microphones, the best mixing techniques, the optimal types of equipment selected for use, and then, of course, access to the world's greatest performers. We would never wish to lose that combination of talent, and there is no attempt here at minimizing either the value or the enjoyment that can be experienced through such endeavors. Quite the contrary. Such undertakings are both an art form and a technical skill that provides immense value to the world at large. And we should give kudos to those major labels who in recent years have begun to reissue classic records in box sets at much lower prices (Detusche Grammophon's "Collector's Editions" immediately comes to mind, as well as Philip's "Duo Series," and many others, not the least of which also includes Philip's recent reissue of the "Complete Mozart Edition.") But what we have here completely surpasses these in every respect, and opens up new possibilities for the average listener who does not have mountains of disposable income to put towards the acquisition of a classical music collection. There can be no question in my own mind that the people who put this set together did it far more for the sake of classical music as an art form rather than a money-making exercise. It is truly a meaningful contribution to the music world at large.

And what of the quality of the performances and the recordings? For the discs which I have already played, there are simply no real disappointments here. Some of the performances are on par with the "best of the best," and many of them are absolutely gorgeous. With a set this large, it is beneficial to read the multiple reviews individuals are posting to get a better sampling of the various sections of the overall set, but I've been quite pleased with what I've heard so far. I will likely update this post with more specific comments over time, but for now, let me just say that you should BUY THE THING BEFORE IT DISAPPEARS. You won't regret it, will probably be increasingly pleased over the years that you did, and hopefully will receive many years of enjoyment from the collection. Ten stars out of five, but even more important than that, a genuine "Thank you" to Brilliant Classics for what they have done for all of us here.

What the word "aesthetic" means!.......2007-05-14

On the grand work of this box set, I perceive what the adjective, asethetic, means. Besides excellent performance, I was especially attracted by the tone quality. (of course made by bravo performance, and the recording that I wish to make it noticeable!). The tone quality also reflects the quality of this box set.
Listening to violin concerto, you will naturally vision the orchestra playing in the concert hall. It's the real relaxation after tensely working one day!

Average customer rating:

Excellent resource for wedding planners
Great item!
Preview your wedding day
25 WEDDING FAVORITES
25 Wedding Favorites

25 Wedding Favorites

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

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A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
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ASIN: B00004Y6T1
Release Date: 2000-09-05

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.

Average customer rating:

Just what you would expect
Wonderful collection and price!
Like Floating On A Cloud
Bach
Good CD, especially for novices

25 Bach Favorites

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

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ASIN: B0000058I1
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Toccata In D Minor For Organ
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: I. Allegro
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G: I. Allegro
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: II. Affetuoso
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: I. Vivace
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor: I. Allegro
Violin Concerto No. 2 In E: I. Allegro
Magnificat In D: Magnificat
Magnificat In D: Deposuit potentes
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude 1
Concerto For 3 Harpsichords In C: II. Adagio
Concerto For 2 Harpsichords In C Minor: II. Adagio
Concerto For 4 Harpsichords In A Minor: First Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Toccata, Adagio & Fugue In C: II. Adagio
Partita No. 3 For Solo Violin: Prelude
2-Part Invention: No. 8 In F
Wachet Auf: Sleepers Awake
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: III. Presto
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F: III. Allegro assai
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: III. Allegro
Orchestral Suite No. 2 In B Minor: VII. Badinerie
Mass In B Minor: Gloria
Mass In B Minor: Dona Nobis Pacem

Customer Reviews:

Just what you would expect.......2007-05-19

I was looking for a CD of exclusively Bach music, not necessarily played by a famous artist or orchestra. This had a lot of his well-known pieces and was exactly what I was looking for.

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Like Floating On A Cloud.......2006-09-20

My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.

Bach.......2006-08-27

Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.

Good CD, especially for novices.......2005-10-12

I was looking for a recommended Bach CD - certain music by a certain orchestra - and stumbled on this. It is an excellent choice for a new library. I think when there was more than one movement to a piece, it would have made more sense to go ahead and keep the movements together instead of separating them, but a novice listener would not notice. A great way to become exposed to a great composer.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful. Fresh. Spiritual. Music as pure as you ever heard before.
Bach Lives
Sublime
Awesome and original
Bach would have loved this!

Bach & Beyond - Gabriela Montero

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000HC2PC2
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

J. S. Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring from " Herz und Mund und Tar und Leben" BWV 147
J. S. Bach: Presto from Italian Concerto
Montero: Beyond Bach
J. S. Bach: Air in G - Orchestral Suite #3 BWV 1068
J. S. Bach: Aria from Goldberg Variations BWV 988
J. S. Bach: Adagio from Violin Concerto No. 2 in E BWV 1042
J. S. Bach: Prelude in C BWV 846 from Well Tempered Clavier Book 1
J. S. Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze from Hunt Cantata BWV 208
J. S. Bach: Two-Part Invention in D Minor BWV 775
J. S. Bach: Allegro from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G BWV 1048
J. S. Bach: Adagio from Keyboard Concerto in D Minor BWV 974
J. S. Bach: Tocatta in D Minor BWV 565

Amazon.com

Taking as her base 12 works of Bach, Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero proceeds to play variations on each. The works are familiar and most Classical fans will recognize their melodies instantly. But Montero, who is closer to a jazz improvisationalist than a classical pianist merely embellishing, alters rhythm as well as melody, and the results are invariably both surprising and delightful. The Presto from the Italian Concerto is positively wacky, but "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" sticks to the piece's mood with truth and originality. Montero plays "beyond" Bach with good taste and respect, and always with intense musicality. The results may seem improvised, but I doubt they are---they seem to well worked through---but that is more of a plus than a minus. You'll revel in hearing old favorites "interpreted" and find some unexpected pleasures here. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful. Fresh. Spiritual. Music as pure as you ever heard before........2007-04-02

This is a true masterpiece. The artist takes themes from Bach and transforms them in trully original compositions, beeing hard to beleive they are improvisations. They are never boring, always beautiful. She takes one or several Bach themes, puts to work her classical backround, adds some jazz and south american rythms, and comes up with some of the most moving and inspirational music I ever heard. Bravo for Gabriela, this CD is a must for every music lover, classical or not.

Bach Lives.......2007-03-08

Bach was known to be at the very top echelon of improvisers; not only was he fond of playing around with his own tunes but he was also known to have borrowed a lick or two from his contemporaries. I have no doubt that he would have enjoyed, if not have been stunned by, the similar efforts of this pianist, Gabriela Montero. This pianist is a very nice techician with lovely lyrical gifts. Her reworkings of some of Bach's most famous tunes range from very close "inhabitings" of Bach's pieces (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring), to some rather tangental takes on them (Air in G). However, it seems clear that she always undertakes the improvisations with great reverence and humility. Surely in this last trait, she is worthy to ride on Bach's legacy. I particularly enjoyed her infusions of Argentinian rhythms and sensibilities (tango, gaucho) to her reworkings. Repeated listening produces only slightly diminished results. In large part, I began to enjoy the pieces for themselves, not merely as dependants of their originals. I really only have two quibbles with the CD. First, her own piece called 'Beyond Bach' seems more like Bach than beyond him. The title does rattle me for it seems a bit presumptious and not in keeping either with the humility of her playing or her liner notes. Second, Montero's endings to her improvisations never seem to convince me. Her timid exits surely do not follow in the keystrokes of her mentor, the pianist Martha Argerich, one of the best in the business. All in all, minor quibles. In lieu of actually seeing and hearing this pianist at work, this is an enjoyable CD from a young pianist of whose rare gifts we should all take note.

Sublime.......2007-01-22

This is compositional improvisation at the highest possible level - stunning - with everything that music is or is supposed to have: the highs, the lows, the emotions, the amazingly transparent technical ability. Not only is she a brilliant performer of such composers as Chopin, Bach, Debussy, Granados and some of the modernists like Prokofiev, but she has entirely absorbed the musical idiom of each one and can call upon it at will in dazzling fashion. I listen to a lot of everything and I am completely blown over with her depth of expression and transcendent musical ability. I have been listening to this CD for the entire weekend and it is recorded well in every respect, from the capturing of the sound of the piano to the spontaneous performances themselves. The highest compliment I can pay her is this: her talent is such that she could make a skeptic believe in God; her many hours of practice aside, I truly believe that's the only place where her amazing musical and compositional gift could possibly come from; for she has said herself that it is not filtered through the mind. I hope to hear her live when I have the chance. What a musical discovery...a treasure.

Awesome and original.......2007-01-15

I simply give Gabriela`s ability to improvise an A+. While listening to her performance I traveled from the 17th. century to the 20th. back and forth; from Leipzing to central Venezuela with a stop somewhere in the jazz country. I hope this is the first one in a series and that we will soon be enjoying Gabriela improvising on Mozart's and Chopin's.

Bach would have loved this!.......2007-01-14

Gabriela Montero shows how brilliant an innovator she is, not only in the reworking of some of Bach's classical works but how she seamlessly weaves the connections between his time and ours. Some of the innovations are jazzy, some evoke Latin American rhythms, and some remind me of the beauty of birdsong.

Anyone who appreciates creativity, intelligence and classicism will love this CD.

Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Barber: Toccata Festiva

Average customer rating:

A Missed Opportunity?
A Sound Spectacular
The Organ at Verizon Hall
Great Concert; Great Recording--Wish the Levinson Piece was Here
Superb Barber--variable Poulenc and Saint-Saens

Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Barber: Toccata Festiva

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in c minor [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000LP4OII
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

Toccata Festiva,Op.36 For Organ And Orchestra
Andante
Allegro Giocoso
Subito Andante Moderato
Tempo Allegro, Molto Agitato
Tres Calme. Lent
Tempo De L'Allegro Initial
Tempo Introduction. Largo
I. Adagio Allegro Moderato
Poco Adagio
II. Allegro MOderato Presto Allegro Moderato
Maestoso-Allegro-Molto Allegro Pesante

Amazon.com

This disc is drawn from the concerts inaugurating the new organ in Philadelphia's concert hall, a fine instrument well-captured by the engineers. But along with the sense of occasion, organist Olivier Latry and the orchestra deliver stunning playing of a stimulating program. Barber's celebratory overture is an apt opener, full of color and sparkle. The Poulenc is especially notable for the intensity soloist and the orchestra bring to one of the finest modern concertos in the repertory. Saint-Saëns' Symphony is almost on the same level, slightly marred by a sluggish slow movement but with plenty of excitement elsewhere. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this disc is the playing of the orchestra, full of life and vitality. The sheer sound of the Philadelphia strings is captivating enough, but the fetching wind solo turns and section work remind us of the continuing greatness of this ensemble. Latry too, is outstanding in the Barber and Poulenc works and an incisive presence in the Saint-Saëns. -- Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A Missed Opportunity?.......2007-06-20

For a long time I have admired Christoff Eschenbach as a pianist and accompanist; my Eschenbach/Fischer-Dieskau/Schumann is delightful. This is my first exposure to him as a conductor - sadly, I am disappointed.

The Barber and Poulenc I quite liked although, to me, they were of secondary importance as I bought the CD for the Saint-Saëns/Dobson/Latry/Philadelphia partnership; one that works very well on this disc - a superior recording responsible for most of the four stars awarded. The factor out of balance in this equation is Eschenbach.

Solti could be irritatingly slow but he was, by comparison with Eschenbach in this performance, positively Toscanini-esque. All four sections of the Organ Symphony were taken at much too slow a pace but the "poco adagio" was thoroughly somnambulant and the "maestoso" section anything but. That the Philadelphia Orchestra was able to maintain the excellent cohesion displayed at this less-than-pedestrian pace is a measure of their quality.

If it is the Saint-Saëns that you want, you could do much better elsewhere. This work requires a powerful organ with convincing plein jeu (preferably but not necessarily in the French symphonic tradition) but so many recordings have either employed asthmatic instruments or, as to a degree obtains in this case, contrived a solo/orchestra imbalance. This balance is unusually difficult to achieve but, in my view, was nicely accomplished by Jane Parker-Smith and the London Philharmonic in 1982/83. The two dates arise from the orchestral and solo parts being separately recorded at different times and at different venues. Perhaps this is a "cheat" but it resulted in what I consider the best recording of this work and the one I would recommend.

A Sound Spectacular.......2007-05-15

This is a must have recording! It's just fantastic. The organ and symphonic playing are mesmerising.

The Organ at Verizon Hall.......2007-05-09

Quite a debut! Three great works for organ and orchestra on one SACD. My landmark for the Saint-Saens is a live perfomance at Symphony Hall in Boston with E. Power Biggs and Charles Munch when the organ was in its prime. This would be "The" performance for me. Biggs released the same organ with the Poulenc and the Barber on an Allen. When the pedal point comes in on the Biggs-Burgin, it still sets the floor vibrating. Biggs and Munch were not able to 'release' because of contracts [Biggs to Columbia and Munch to RCA] but hopefully that can be found in the BSO Transcription Trust and released now. In the meantime, this recording is very, verrrrry satisfying. The Dobson Organ is a treasure to Philadelphia. My only reservation is: Does Eschenbach really, REALLY grasp the Philadelphia strings in these three pieces!

Great Concert; Great Recording--Wish the Levinson Piece was Here.......2007-04-25

I attended many of the events of the Premiere Organ Festival, including one of the concerts from which this recording originated. I join many of the other reviewers who wish the Gerald Levinson commission was here instead of the Poulenc concerto. I had always found the Poulenc work curiously lifeless and mechanical in the past. However, a later performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony with Michael Stairs (I think) was a revelation.

Both the Barber and the Saint-Saens show the new organ to be a masterful partner with the Philadelphia Orchestra. As a subscriber, I'm looking forward to many grand events in the forseeable future!

The Organ Symphony in particular was well-balanced in peformance and recording. I have at least one recording of this work where the pianos are missing. Here they are right where they supposed to be.

As many of you may know, the Cooper Memorial Organ is provided with two mutually exclusive consoles and playing actions. One is a moveable electronic action console and the other a mechanical tracker action key desk. Both are used here. The Barber, the Poulenc and the missing Levinson were played on the floor on a beautiful curvilinear console which emphasizes horizontal lines and appears to be as large as an aircraft carrier. The Saint-Saens was played from the mechnical key desk above [there is a television monitor instead of the traditional mirror}. One can see both in the candid photo of the concert on page 20 of the CD's booklet.

Oddly enough, the booklet DOES NOT have a listing of the organ's specifications. I guess you will have to wait for a recital disc which I hope is forth-coming!

Superb Barber--variable Poulenc and Saint-Saens.......2007-04-25

This disc features at terrific account of the Barber--by far the best performance and recorded sound I've yet heard. Five stars all around! Eschenbach does a superb job of making this under-rated work make sense to me. Marin Alsop does a fine job on her Naxos Barber disc, but you must hear this Phialdelphia performance if you want to dig deeper.

The Poulenc, unfortunately, is less than noteworthy. I am the last person to know the finer points of Poulenc, but it just seems this performance cannot make up its mind where it wants to go. There are some shifts in tempo that fail to sound convincing, for instance. At this point in listening to the disc, I also came to feel the recorded balance was not as good as in the Barber.

I feel better qualified to say something about the Saint Seans, since I own over a dozen recorded performances of this work on CD--from the classic Munch/BSO forward in time. I feel that Eschenbach would certainly have benefited from a bit more of the energy that Munch brought to that reading in spades, but, of course, there can be little doubt that Eschenbach enjoys far superior sonics.

They are not the best sonics I believe this work has received on CD, however. My impression, at least from this recording, is that the Verizon Hall has less liveliness than other venues. Perhaps this is a trade-off that comes with making a live recording in a packed hall--more bodies mean less liveliness in the hall than otherwise. I am not sure. All I know is that I was dissapointed to hear the orchestra sound backwardly placed and have little "air" around it, and to hear the organ--while certainly massive and arresting in sound--seem less than convincingly placed in relation to the orchestra. As for the performance, I feel there are also better combinations of grandeur and warmth to be found on CD, for example the Levine, Maazel, Dutoit and Barenboim accounts. All of these readings feature different couplings, so you have some additional factors to consider in a purchase.

My personal favorite--among my dozen or so--remains one I bought as an afterthought in a Glasgow, Scotland record shop last summer: an EMI CD by Andrew Litton and the Royal Liverpool Orchestra recorded in Liverpool Cathderal back in 1987. From the first note to the last, it holds all the elements of this French masterpiece in balance, and the recorded soundstage is entirely believable--in fact, it is wonderfully open and airy (as one would expect, given the venue). And what an organ! It is a joy to hear and is also recorded in real time with the orchestra. Of course, there is more reverberation than some might think ideal in this recoding, but I am willing to look past it as the performace is so compelling. Sadly, this disc is now out-of-print. My fond hope is that it will make a return soon. Until then, I'd recommend all lovers of this work to seek it out: You will be richly rewarded if you can find it!

In summary, a first-rate Barber that is real treasure and almost reason enough to purchase this disc. You will find better versions of the other coupling elsewhere. Very fine--if not exactly ideal--sound all around.

Average customer rating:

so amazing
Essential Bach is OK
Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
Exquisite Essential Bach
Good

Essential Bach

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces
Essential Beethoven
Essential Tchaikovsky
25 Bach Favorites
Chopin: Favorite Piano Works

ASIN: B00004SPLF
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
Prelude in C major
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
Goldberg Variations: Aria
Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
Prelude in D Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating:

masters of classical music
A good basic collection
An excellent introduction to classical music
Very Beautiful!!!!!1
Still Stuck on Beethoven

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

25 Classical Favorites
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
The Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music, Vol. 6-10
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ASIN: B000001VU5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Piano Concerto In A Major, K 488: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Flute Concerto In D Major, K 314: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Clarinet Concerto KV 622: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Serenade, K 375: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Turkish March - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Violin Concerto, K 216: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Divertimento, K 334: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Horn Concerto, K 447: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Cassation, K 99: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Tracks:

Overture No. 4 In Major: Rejouissance - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 3 In D Major: Air - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro - J.S.Bach
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 2 In B Minor: Menuet & Badinerie - J.S.Bach
Prelude In C Major - J.S.Bach
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - J.S.Bach
Prelude In C Minor - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 1 In C Major: Passepied - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio - J.S.Bach
Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter, Chorale - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: II. Allegro - J.S.Bach
Violin Concerto In E Major: I. Adagio - J.S.Bach
St. Matthew Passion: Finale Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder' - J.S.Bach

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Violin Romance No. 2 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Minuet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major: Allegretto scherzando - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Coriolan: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Egmont: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Die Fledermaus (Excerpts) - Johann Strauss
Wine, Woman And Song - Johann Strauss
Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauss
The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss
The Gypsy Baron: Introduction - Johann Strauss
Annen Polka - Johann Strauss
Vienna Blood - Johann Strauss
The Gypsy Baron: Einzugsmarsch - Johann Strauss

Tracks:

Tannhauser: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Prentices - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude Act 3 - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Aufzug der Meistersinger - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Lohengrin: Prelude - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tristan und Isolde: Prelude And Liebestod - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo - Peter Tchaikovsky
String Serenade: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto: Andante - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action - Adagio - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Capriccio italien Op. 45 - Peter Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Scene No. 10 - Peter Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Peter Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: Spring - VIVALDI, Antonio
Siciliano - VIVALDI, Antonio
Concerto In D Minor:: (Allegro Assai) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Summer - VIVALDI, Antonio
Oboe Sonata In B Flat Major, RV 34: Adagio - Allegro - Largo - Allegro - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: Autumn - VIVALDI, Antonio
Oboe Concerto: Allegro non tasto - Largo - Allegro non molto - VIVALDI, Antonio
Concerto In D Minor: (Largo e spiccato) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: Winter - VIVALDI, Antonio

Tracks:

Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20 - Frederic Chopin_
Three Nocturnes, Op. 9: No 3 In B Major - Frederic Chopin_
Twelve Etudes, Op. 10: No 5 In G Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
Twelve Etudes, Op. 25: No 10 In B Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrops' - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor - Frederic Chopin_
Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31 - Frederic Chopin_
Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18 - Frederic Chopin_
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Frederic Chopin_
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 3 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 4 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_

Tracks:

Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
Impromptu In E Flat Major - Franz Schubert
Standchen - Franz Schubert
Trout Quintet: Tema con variazioni - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 1 - Franz Schubert
Moment Musical In A Flat Major - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 2 - Franz Schubert
Moment Musical No. 3 In F Minor - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Ballet Music No.2 - Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

Nabucco: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
Nabucco: Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate - Verdi, Giuseppe
Aida: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
II Trovatore: Verdi! le fosche notturne (Gypsies' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
II Trovatore: Or co' daddi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
Aroldo: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata:: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori - Verdi, Giuseppe
La forza del destino: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe

Customer Reviews:

masters of classical music.......2007-03-26

A nice collection for the classical listener. Great variety of composers and the music quality of the cds are very good.

A good basic collection.......2006-11-10

With selections from numerous composers, it is an easy way to familiarize oneself with some of the most popular classical works and excerpts. A pleasant listen for the initiated too.

An excellent introduction to classical music.......2006-10-18

This is an excellent introduction to classical music. Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1.......2006-10-05

If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven.......2006-08-22

I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...

My interest started in this genre of music because I'm researching my ancestry in Prussia and this is the music of those times. Never mind my ancestors were poor peasants who probably never got the chance to hear such wonderful music... when listening to these CDs, I'm taken back in time... to a royal court in Europe... to another place in time. The music is inspiring, relaxing, invigorating.

I have yet to listen to all the CD's in the set. I'm stuck on Beethoven! Wasn't he AWESOME!?!

I think this set is a wonderful introduction to classical music!!!!!

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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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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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.