Delibes: Sylvia

On this CD:

1. Sylvia, ballet
Composed by Leo Delibes
Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

2. Le Cid, opera Castillane
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

3. Le Cid, opera Andalouse
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

4. Le Cid, opera Aragonaise
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

5. Le Cid, opera Aubade
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

6. Le Cid, opera Catalane
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

7. Le Cid, opera Madrilène
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

8. Le Cid, opera Navarraise
Composed by Jules Massenet
Performed by National Philharmonic Orchestra with Desmond Bradley
Conducted by Richard Bonynge

Tracks:

Arabesque No. 1
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Le tombeau de Couperin: V - Menuet
Pelleas et Melisande: II - Fileuse
Pavane pour une infante defunte
The Birds: La Colomba
Sylvia Suite: II - Intermezzo: Valse lente
Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Faust Ballet Music: V - Moderato con moto
Damnation Of Faust: Ballet Of The Sylphs
Pelleas et Melisande: III - Sicilienne
Petite Suite: En Bateau
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
Pavane, Op. 50
Gymnopedie No. 1
Gymnopedie No. 3
Reverie

Customer Reviews:

CD- "Dinner Classics: THe French Album".......2006-07-03

I have bought 3 of these items, the first was an audio tape from Avon. The 2 CDs I bought from Amazon were bought because I knew how beautiful the music was. One was a gift and the other is for my classroom. They were in perfect condition,the music is incredibly beautiful and I highly recommend it to everyone!

PAR EXCELLANCE!.......2006-03-14

This is one of the best classical cd's for dinner music, relaxing,reading or even just putzing around the house. Elegant, pure classical and beautiful. Fills your home with a higher ambience if you are so mentally inclined. Everyone who hears it wants a copy. This the third one I have owned as I have worn out and given away one. I first purchased this in the early nineties and it still is timeless in it's symphonic artistry.

It will grow on you.......2005-12-11

I didn't know what I was getting when I first purchased this work. Now, I can't imagine being without it. Debussey's Claire De Lune is the best I've heard. This is the same piece that was used on the movie "The Right Stuff". I believe you will enjoy this compilation.

French Essentials.......2001-12-07

Maybe the best compositions of the impressionist epoca.
It includes the best performances of Debussy pieces I've ever listened.

CBS Masterworks French Album.......2001-12-07

This is a great starter CD to buy if you're just beginning to build your classical music collection. It only covers French composers, and the melodies are superb. When I bought this CD I was looking for the Debussy Arabesques, but arranged for an orchestra instead of just for piano. It turnes out THIS was the CD I was searching for without even knowing the title to it! Reason being, a few tracks from this CD is used as background music for a 15 minute presentation of the daily Holy Rosary on EWTN, the Catholic channel. It's the Rosary prayed by what seems to be a 12 year old girl in the middle of a big grass field who starts out praying alone then is joined by several people. The rich melodies complement this presentation very well. No one else has mentioned the fact that in the liner booklet there are several French recipes presented by Martha Stewart! I haven't tried any yet, but they seem easy enough to attempt and enjoy while playing this marvelous CD. I highly suggest purchasing it as a sample of some of the finest French classical pieces ever composed.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
3 CD's for under $10

A Night at the Ballet (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Famous Ballet Music ~ Gaîté Parisienne, The Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Les Sylphides / von Karajan, Berlin PO
25 Classical Dance Favorites
My Ballerina Album
Bayer: The Fairy Doll (Complete Ballet)
Music for Ballet Class

ASIN: B000002XEG
Release Date: 1997-10-24

Tracks:

The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Overture
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: March
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Waltz Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Trepak (Russian Dance)
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Coffee (Arabian Dance)
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Tea (Chinese Dance)
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Dance Of The Toy Flutes
The Nutcracker, Ballet Suite op. 71: Waltz Of The Flowers
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Dance Of The Swans
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Waltz
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Pas de deux
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Pas d'action
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Hungarian Dance
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Spanish Dance
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Neopolitan Dance
Swan Lake Suite, op. 20: Mazurka

Tracks:

Giselle: Ballet Music - Tchaikovsky
Coppelia: Ballet Suite - Tchaikovsky
Sylvia: Ballet Suite - Tchaikovsky
Faust: Ballet Music - Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Bolero
Rosamunde: Ballet Music
Reve Angelique
Wedding March Mazurka op. 20a
Champagne Polka, Op. 211
Egyptian March, Op. 335
Aida: Ballet Music
Fairy Of The Dolls: Ballet Suite

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-05-30

I was a dancer growing up and ave always appreciated and had a soft spot for classical music but ballet music in particular. The collection is fabulous. Highly recommended.

3 CD's for under $10.......2000-05-17

What a wonderful compilation of ballet music! At a price that is extremely hard to resist! I use these CD's for personal listening and for teaching dance...it has been a genuine treat!

Classical Evolution: Famous Ballet Works

Average customer rating:

Classical Evolution: Famous Ballet Works

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

$5.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$5.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Evolution: Ballet Music From Operas
Classical Evolution: Waltzes
Classical Evolution: Rite of Spring
Classical Evolution: Famous Piano Works II
Classical Evolution: Famous Piano Works I

ASIN: B000065ARJ
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Sabre Dance - Hungarian State Orchestra
Slavonic Folk Melody With Variations - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Festive Dance And Waltz Of The Hours - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Notturno - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Music Of The Automats And Waltz - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Csardas - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Prelude - Les Chasseresses - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Intermezzo - Valse Lente - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Pizzicati - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Cortege De Bacchus - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Moderato - Sofia National Opera Orchestra
Allegretto - Sofia National Opera Orchestra
Allegro - Sofia National Opera Orchestra
Andantino - Sofia National Opera Orchestra
Coda Allegro - Sofia National Opera Orchestra

Average customer rating:

beautiful music

Delibes: Sylvia & Coppelia [Highlights]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The Most Famous Opera Arias

ASIN: B000002SBK
Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

Sylvia: Prde
Sylvia: Act 1 : Faunes et Dryades (scherzo)
Sylvia: Act 1 : Le Berger (pastorale)
Sylvia: Act 1 : Les Chassereresses (fanfare)
Sylvia: Act 1 : Valse lente
Sylvia: Act 1 : Cort rustique
Sylvia: Act 1 : Entrdu sorcier (final)
Sylvia: Act 2 : Pas des Ethiopiens
Sylvia: Act 2 : Chant bachique
Sylvia: Act 2 : Sc et danse de la Bacchante
Sylvia: Act 3 : Marche et cort de Bacchus
Sylvia: Act 3 : Sc
Sylvia: Act 3 : Barcarolle
Sylvia: Act 3 : Pizzicati
Sylvia: Act 3 : Violon solo
Sylvia: Act 3 : Pas des escalves
Sylvia: Act 3 : Variation - valse
Sylvia: Act 3 : Strette - galop (danse grale)
Sylvia: Act 3 : Le Temple de Diane (final)
Sylvia: Act 3 : Apparition d'Endymion (apothe)

Tracks:

Coppelia: Prelude
Coppelia: Act 1 : Valse
Coppelia: Act 1 : Mazurka
Coppelia: Act 1 : Scene
Coppelia: Act 1 : Ballade
Coppelia: Act 1 : Theme slave varie
Coppelia: Act 1 : Czardas
Coppelia: Act 2 : Musique des automates
Coppelia: Act 2 : Chanson a boire
Coppelia: Act 2 : Valse de la poupee
Coppelia: Act 2 : Bolero
Coppelia: Act 2 : Gigue
Coppelia: Act 3 : Fete de la cloche
Coppelia: Act 3 : Valse des heures
Coppelia: Act 3 : L'Aurore
Coppelia: Act 3 : La Priere
Coppelia: Act 3 : Le Travail (La Fileuse)
Coppelia: Act 3 : L'Hymen (Noce villageois)
Coppelia: Act 3 : La Discorde et la Guerre (Marche des Guerriers)
Coppelia: Act 3 : La Paix
Coppelia: Act 3 : Danse de fete
Coppelia: Act 3 : Galop final

Customer Reviews:

beautiful music.......2000-04-25

I have performed in the Ballet Copplia and the music is awesome even if you just listen to it for pleasure!

Average customer rating:

Delibes: 3 ballets
Some serious competition for Tchaikovsky
Delibes + Bonynge, ¡que combinacion!
Great performances of very good music.
Great performances of the under-rated ballets

Delibes: The 3 Ballets

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Fete du Ballet: A Compendium of Ballet Rarities
Bayer: The Fairy Doll (Complete Ballet)
Adolphe Adam: Giselle
Delibes: Coppélia (complete in three acts) / La Source (suites)
Adam: La Filleule des Fées (Complete Ballet)

ASIN: B000026CFV
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Coppelia: Prelude et Mazurka
Coppelia: Valse lente
Coppelia: Scene
Coppelia: Mazurka
Coppelia: Scene
Coppelia: Ballade de l'epi
Coppelia: Theme slave varie
Coppelia: Czardas (Danse hongroise) - Sortie
Coppelia: Finale
Coppelia: Entr'acte et valse
Coppelia: Scene
Coppelia: Scene
Coppelia: Musique des automates - Scene
Coppelia: Scene
Coppelia: Chanson a boire et scene
Coppelia: Scene et valse de la poupee
Coppelia: Scene
Coppelia: Bolero
Coppelia: Gigue
Coppelia: Scene

Tracks:

Coppelia: Marche de la cloche
Coppelia: Introduction
Coppelia: Valse des heures
Coppelia: L'Aurore
Coppelia: La Priere
Coppelia: Le Travail (La Fileuse)
Coppelia: L'Hymen (Noce Villageoise)
Coppelia: La Discorde et la guerre
Coppelia: La Paix
Coppelia: Danse de fete
Coppelia: Galop final
Sylvia: Prelude
Sylvia: Scherzo
Sylvia: Le Berger (Pastorale)
Sylvia: Les Chasseresses
Sylvia: Intermezzo
Sylvia: Valse lente
Sylvia: Scene
Sylvia: Cortege rustique
Sylvia: Scene
Sylvia: Entree du sorcier (Finale)

Tracks:

Sylvia: Entr'acte
Sylvia: Orion (Scene)
Sylvia: Pas des Ethiopiens
Sylvia: Chant bacchique
Sylvia: Scene et danse de la bacchante
Sylvia: Scene finale
Sylvia: Marche et cortege de Bacchus
Sylvia: Scene
Sylvia: Barcarolle
Sylvia: Pizzicati
Sylvia: Andante
Sylvia: Pas des esclaves
Sylvia: Variation: Valse
Sylvia: Strette: Galop
Sylvia: Le Temple de Diane (Finale)
Sylvia: Apparition d'Endymion (Apotheose)
La Source: Prelude
La Source: Scherzo
La Source: L'Ephemere: Scene dansee
La Source: Scene
La Source: Marche de la caravane
La Source: Berceuse

Tracks:

La Source: Pas de la guzla
La Source: Pas de la guzla
La Source: Scene
La Source: Scene dansee: Apparition de Naila
La Source: Valse
La Source: Scene et danse
La Source: Danse des Sylphes et des lutins
La Source: Variation de Naila
La Source: Scene et danse
La Source: Galop
La Source: Scene finale
La Source: Introduction
La Source: Scene
La Source: Scene: Arrivee de Nouredda
La Source: Pas des voiles
La Source: Andante
La Source: Variation
La Source: Finale: Danse circassienne
La Source: Scene
La Source: Pas de Naila: Scherzo-polka
La Source: Scene et pas d'action
La Source: Scene
La Source: Scene
La Source: Marche dansee et finale
La Source: Introduction
La Source: Scene
La Source: Romance
La Source: Scene et danse

Customer Reviews:

Delibes: 3 ballets.......2006-03-11

I bought this set because of the very favorable review in Penguin, and have not been disappointed.
Vic

Some serious competition for Tchaikovsky.......2003-06-26

Tchaikovsky's music often seems to dominate the world of ballet. But it's worth remembering that Tchaikovsky himself admired Delibes, whose work elevated music for the ballet to new heights.
Coppelia is the best known and most often performed of the Delibes ballets. It's easy to see why: the mazurka is lively, the czardas stirring. The music for the mechanical dolls has a wonderful music-box quality, and the melodic waltz of the hours is every bit as memorable as Tchaikovsky's waltz of the flowers.
Sylvia is seldom performed in its entirety, but the pizzicatti is instantly recognizable. Balanchine added the Sylvia pas de deux to his production of Coppelia, an interpolation that is often copied. (An oddity of ballet history: Coppelia was performed en travesti, with women taking the men's parts - hence Coppelia has no pas de deux of its own.)
La Source was originally created as a kind of musical contest, with half written by Delibes and half by Minkus. This album includes the full score, so you can judge for yourself why Delibes stayed in Paris and Minkus went to Russia.
My only criticism is the awkward way the three ballets are divided among four CDs. But conductor Bonynge has a definite flair for 19th century music. He has done us all a favor by putting full-length versions of all three Delibes ballets in this boxed set.

Delibes + Bonynge, ¡que combinacion!.......2000-06-07

Los ballets de Delibes marcan un punto de ruptura en la tradición de la música para ballet, ya que se puede decir que hasta este momento, la música que acompañaba a los bailarines prácticamente no tenía la menor importancia, solo era un fondo adecuado para que las estrellas de la danza hicieran sus evoluciones en el escenario. Delibes cambió esto al crear música realmente grandiosa, la cual puede escucharse perfectamente de forma independiente. Fue tal el impacto que tuvo Delibes sobre sus predecesores, que el mismo Tchaikovsky reconoció la enorme influencia que ejerció sobre sus obras maestras, los ballets "el lago de los cisnes", "la bella durmiente" y "el cascanueces". Los tres ballets de Delibes ("La source", "Coppelia" y "Sylvia") en la actualidad siguen representándose con cierta frecuencia en los escenarios (sobre todo los dos últimos), y junto con el "Gisselle" de Adam y los tres mencionados de Tchaikovsky, forman la base sobre la que se construyó prácticamente todo el ballet moderno; así que si Ud. es aficionado a este tipo de representaciones, estos discos deben estar en su colección. La interpretación de Bonynge a estos ballets de Delibes lo identifican fácilmente como uno de los mejores directores "de foso", llamados así debido a sus estupendas conducciones a música de escenario, como óperas y ballets. Si le interesa este disco, le recomiendo muchísimo también la colección con los 3 ballets completos de Tchaikovsky, también con Bonynge, verá que no se arrepentirá y que los escuchará con placer una y otra vez.

Great performances of very good music........1999-12-26

Leo Delibes had a special talent for writing captivating ballet music. Tchaikovsky, the greatest ballet composer of all, was an ardent admirer of Delibes' ballets. While Coppelia is Delibes' masterpiece, both Sylvia and La Source are worthy compositions. You will never hear these works performed better than in these recordings by Richard Bonynge -- THE oustanding conductor of 19th century stage and programmatic music. This set is both a bargain and a treat.

Great performances of the under-rated ballets.......1999-11-22

Not only are the ballets under-rated and obscured, Leo Delibes (1836-1891) continued to be forgotten figure in French Romantic music. Whereas Piotr Illyich Tchaikovsky of Russia, his near contemporary, was the instrumental force in the development of ballets after the mid 19th century, so was Delibes. His ballets, especially Sylvia (to which Tchaikovsky greatly admired) continued to be popular until the 1920s, when productions of these works decreased noticeably.

Recordings therefore play an important role of allowing us to explore and appreciate the "hidden treasures." What is even more wonderful is that rival complete recordings of these works are now available (except La Source, which is still under one recording). The three ballet compilation was taken from previously recorded works under Bonynge on separate 2-disc sets (Bonynge recorded Sylvia twice, one with the National Philharmonc and the other with the Swiss Romande Orchestra, both equally well played, with polish, passion, and affection).

Richard Bonynge, always a pioneer in recording neglected works of composers (like Offenbach, Lehar, Strauss, Adam, and so forth), brough out the passion and discipline from his orchestras in this entire 4-compact disc set. The National Philharmonic (with Coppelia), the New Philharmonia (with Sylvia), and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (with La Source) provided us with sparkling, affectionate performances. The compilation is well done with the recording sound very realistic and natural (and sparkling as well).

The other complete recordings of the ballets, such as those featuring Dorati/Fistoulari in the Mercury Living Presence Recordings (3 CD set) or Zinman under Philips (in Coppelia) or Mogrelia under Naxos (in Sylvia) are also well done. However, Boynynge has the upper hand in the emotionism and excitement he and his orchestras were able to bring out, although Dorati/ Fistoulari were not far behind. Furthermore, the London Decca compilation of the ballets offers us the best overall sound surrounding the performances of the ballets. The London Decca recordings are most effective in bringing out the vividness Delibes' ballets require. the recordings are just simply fresh and natural. Extremely well done.

Highly recommendable and an obvious first-choice! (although the Dorati/Fistoulari recordings are close runner ups while the others are not too far behind).

Tracks:

Russian Dance
Pizzicatti
Waltz
Puss 'N Boots & The White Cat
Les Sylphides
Dance Of The Reed Pipes
Sabre Dance
Polonaise
Dance Of The Hours
Prld To Scene II
Hungarian Dance
Dance Of The Sugarplum Fairy
Dance Of The Cygnets (Part I)
The Broken Doll
Dance Of The Cygnets (Part II)
Arabian Dance
Chinese Dance
Waltz Of The Doll
The Enchantment
Waltz Of The Flowers

Amazon.com

The Classical Child at the Ballet, awarded the 1997 Gold Award by the National Association of Parenting Publications, makes a wonderful addition to any child's music library. A volume in the Classical Child series, this disc features 20 pieces of varying volume and tempo from ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty--all scored by Tchaikovsky--to The Fairy Doll by Joseph Bayer and Coppelia by Leo Delibes. As the lovely rhythms and melodies play, young darlings will be inspired toward movement--scampering about like sugarplum fairies, foot tapping to "Les Sylphides," and tippy-toe dancing to "Waltz of the Flowers." --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Charming Classical Music for Your Princess.......2007-06-18

I bought this for my little girl when she was a second grader. We both loved the choices. It has all of the famous classical little ballerina pieces.Although she is now a junior in high school-I still enjoy listening to this CD when I want some very recognizable classical music. If you have a little girl who loves to dance and dress up as a princess or watch princess movies, this CD is for you. I believe little boys would enjoy the classical melodies too.

Bed Time Favorite.......2002-01-17

My daughter has played this tape to fall asleep every night since she was 2. She is now 6. She was thrilled when we went to the Nutcracker and they were playing her "Go to Sleep" Music.
I am buying it for my 1-year old niece.

Engaging and Appealing.......2001-12-31

My children (ages 3 1/2 and 18 months) enjoyed this CD so much that it quickly became a favorite, over and above any of their other children's CDs. The music is engaging, the selection appeals to their ears (and feet!) and I would highly recommend it.

Warning: Electronic, not Symphonic.......2001-01-04

The music on this CD is electronically synthesized, not produced by traditional instruments. While this is not necessarily a horrible idea, it is apparent from the first moment of the first track and it did not suit our tastes.

The classical Child at the Ballet.......2000-06-19

Relaxing,moving, and upbeat-this CD has it all! I have a 2 year old who has loved it since the day she was born ,now she loves to dance to it! So, I thought I would bring it into my pre-ballet class that I teach and it was a hit!

Average customer rating:

Infectious Mood, Glorious Tunes
Le roi s'amuse: reason enough to own this CD

The Best of French Ballet

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000013JQ
Release Date: 1992-12-01

Tracks:

Slav Theme & Variations
Festival Of The Clocks & Dance Of The Hours
Notturno
Music Of The Automata & Waltz
Czardas
Prelude: The Huntresses
Intermezzo & Slow Waltz
Pizzicato
Cortege De Bacchus
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Variation
Circassian Danse
Gaillarde
Pavane
Scene Du Bouquet
Lesquercarde
Madrigal
Passepied
Final
Trepak

Customer Reviews:

Infectious Mood, Glorious Tunes.......2004-09-04

Before purchasing this CD I had never heard of Léo Délibes (1836 -1891), and it is a measure of the confidence I had (and still have) in Naxos that I bought the disc anyway. And I was not disappointed. I suppose you could in one sense say that ballet music without the visual experience of the ballet is like using toothpaste when you don't have any teeth; but the music on this disc tastes so good that it's really worth listening to anyway. Délibes was obviously a master of this genre, and here on this CD there are gathered some of his best tunes in his wonderfully varied and rich orchestrations. This is a hum-along, foot-tapping job, but with plenty of musical detail to keep one's mind busy, too. The "Airs de danse dans le style ancien" from the play "Le Roi s'amuse" have kept me fascinated ever since I first heard the disc: they don't sound in the least like the French music of a century or two earlier, but still they manage to evoke a bygone age. And the brief extracts from Coppélia, Sylvia, La Source and Kassya all contain delightful material that is certainly more than just a backdrop for a troupe of ballet dancers.

The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra under Ondrej Lénard seems to have greatly enjoyed making the disc (at three recording sessions in 1988 and 1989). The musicians go at it with great gusto, and the mood is quite infectious. If I fail to award this disc five stars, then it is for the following reasons: 1. The recorded sound, although adequate, is not at all top-notch. A fellow Amazonite has described the early Naxos sound as "cavernous". I'm not sure that's the word I would choose, but at all events you have to imagine the microphones as being placed quite well away from the orchestra so as to capture the entirety of the sound better than the detail. Naxos does not manipulate its sound, which is positive, but the dynamic differences between the very loud passages and the quieter ones often mean that as a listener one feels that the more piano passages are not loud enough; if you turn the volume up, you get your ears blasted when the whole orchestra comes into play. 2. Connected with this is my feeling that the percussion could, in some instances, have been amplified: crashing cymbals should crash, but these sound almost as though they are behind the stage and not on it. 3. The documentation is, again, adequate, but I found the description of the plot of Coppélia confusing. Some more information about the music itself would also have been welcome but was not forthcoming.

Note added on 20 October 2005: It is perhaps a measure of the success of the Naxos disc that it motivated me to purchase the entire Coppélia ballet on DVD (in the historically accurate and wonderfully-produced performance of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on BBC Opus Arte). What a superb piece of entertainment this is!

Le roi s'amuse: reason enough to own this CD.......2002-04-10

The music from "Le Roi S'Amuse" is reason enough to own this CD. While they imitate older musical forms (much like Respighi's "Ancient Airs and Dances"), these seven tracks also exhibit the virtues of Delibes' more familiar ballet music: tuneful, elegant, and eminently danceable.
The music from La Source is such a tiny sample, it's almost a tease. But the Coppelia tracks capture the highlights of that ballet. While I prefer recordings of the complete ballet, there's no denying that Ondrej Lenard coaxes very spirited renditions from his orchestra. The "Music of the Automata and Waltz" has a music-box quality that is very charming, and the Czardas is strong and resonant without being exaggerated.
To those interested in ballet and unfamiliar with Delibes - whose work set a new standard in ballet and inspired Tchaikovsky - this CD is a wonderful introduction. But even if you already have Coppelia in your collection, this CD is worthwhile because of "Le Roi S'Amuse."

Average customer rating:

Listen,Learn, & Grow: Playtime
Grandkids love it!

Listen, Learn, & Grow: Playtime

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Listen, Learn and Grow Lullabies
Listen, Learn and Grow
Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Children's Favorites

ASIN: B00005LMZT
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
The Four Seasons: Autumn: Allegro
Symphony No.6 'Pastoral': Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No.41 'Jupiter': Menuetto Allegro
Fair At Sorochintsy: Gopak
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours
Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
La Mer: Play Of The Waves
Humoresque
Sheep May Safely Graze
Masques Et Bergamasques: Ouverture
The Gadfly: Barrel-Organ Waltz
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Fugue
Symphony No.104 'London': Allegro Finale

Tracks:

Orpheus In The Underworld: Can-Can
William Tell: Overture
Four Overtures: Rakoczy March
Perpetual Motion: A Musical Joke
Pizzicato Polka
Minute Waltz
Concerto For Two Horns: Vivace
Pomp And Circumstance
Parade Of The Sandwich Board Men
Thunderbird Suite: Wolf Song
Indian Scenes: On The Jocko
Lieutenant Kije
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
Radetzky March
The Tale Of The Tsar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Walkyries
The Bartered Bride: Dance Of The Comedians

Tracks:

Gayane: Sabre Dance
Carmen Suite: March Of The Toreadors
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 In D Minor (Excerpt)
Suite No.2: Badinerie
Fireworks Music: Allegro Finale
Children's Corner Suite: Golliwog's Cake Walk
Parade Of The Tin Soldiers
Carnival Of The Animals: Fossils
Sleeping Beauty: Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Giselle: Allegro
Giselle: Gallop
Peter And The Wolf: Peter In The Meadow/The Bird
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Chickens
Masquerade: Gallop
Sylvia: Pizzicato
Italian Polka
The Red Poppy: Russian Sailor's Dance
Shepherd's Hey
Emperor Waltz
Peer Gynt: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
A Night In The Tropics: Festa Criolla
Hungarian Dance No.5

Customer Reviews:

Listen,Learn, & Grow: Playtime.......2007-05-14

The music is excellent, with high quality sound. Not irritating as some classical music can be. Plus the tempo's are varied which is great depending if you need something fast paced or more slow. Best of all, the kids enjoyed it!

Grandkids love it!.......2007-01-03

How to gently insert a little culture into the grandkids' lives without Mom freaking out.....send this set of CDs for Christmas. Dad's into heavy metal and Mom, although she has a long history of listening to Classical music as a child, is now into Country. Nothing wrong with that, but how are the three little ones going to hear any of the Classics with Grandma living more than 600 miles away? "Play this in the background while they're having creative time," said I, "and see if they don't enjoy it." When I talked with them a week later the 4 year old couldn't wait to tell me how much he liked the "playtime music" I'd sent him. The quality of the recording is good and the variety of rhythms and tempos make it interesting. Yes they're a little trite and you're going to have to explain that the theme to "the Bad News Bears" really is Classical, but that's okay. If they skipped the genius of Mozart as an infant, or even if they teethed to "the Magic Flute", these CDs will give them a taste of a variety of good music and who knows how far into the Classical realm it may send them as they mature?

Average customer rating:

Ballet Favorites [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD]
Brahms, Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00063IQW0
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

Fanfare
Finale: Grand Valse Brilliante, Op. 18
Waltz
Cortege De Bacchus
Grand Pas De Deux
Waltz Of The Flowers
Sabre Dance
Grand Pas De Deux
Polka
Spanish Dance
Finale No. 8
Russian Sailor's Dance
Waltz
Galop
Finale
Garland Waltz
Galop
Can-Can

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly touching

Delibes: Sylvia (Highlights)

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Delibes: Coppélia [Highlights]

ASIN: B00004VW09
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

Sylvia (Highlights): Prld
Act I: Faunes Et Dryades (Scherzo)
Act I: Le Berger (Pastorale)
Act I: Les Chasseresses (Fanfare)
Act I: Valse Lente
Act I: Cortege Rustique
Act I: Entree Du Sorcier (Final)
Act II: Pas Des Ethiopiens
Act II: Chant Bacchante
Act II: Scene Et Danse De La Bacchante
Act III: Marche Et Cortege De Bacchus
Act III: Scene
Act III. Barcarolle - Daniel Deffayet
Act III. Pizzicati (Polka)
Act III. Vn Solo - Roger Andre
Act III. Pas Des Esclaves
Act III. Var - Valse
Act III. Strette - Galop (Danse Generale)
Act III. Le Temple De Diane (Final)
Act III. Apparition d'Endymion (Apotheose)

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly touching.......2001-02-05

Luckily I'm exposed to ballet music by Delibes, suggested by a friend. I'm far from being a hardcore fan of ballet but I'm still surprised why I haven't heard of this masterpiece before. For those who are under the similar situation as me, and love Tchaikovsky's ballets, go get this one and find out what treasure you have missed before!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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