Beethoven: String Quartet Nos. 15 & 16

On this CD:

1. String Quartet No. 15 in A minor ("Heiliger Dankgesang"), Op. 132
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Busch String Quartet

2. String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Busch String Quartet

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

The Most Beautiful Melodies of Classical Music, Vol. 1-10 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

The Most Beautiful Melodies of Classical Music, Vol. 1-10 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Romance of the Violin

ASIN: B00000G1JO
Release Date: 2000-07-07

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major 'Spring,' I. Allegro
Overture No. 3 BWV 1068: Air
Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
Orpheus and Eurrdice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Piano Sonata In A Major K. 331: Alla turca
Symphonie No. 3: Allegretto
String Serenade: Waltz
Foreign Countries And People op. 15 No. 1
Flute Concerto No. 1 In G Major, K. 313: Rondo. Tempo di Minuett
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor Op. 21: Larghetto
Quintet In A Major 'Trout': Theme & Variations
Waltz In A Flat Major
Impromptu In G Flat Major D 899,3
Sinfonia concertante In E Flat Major K 364: Presto

Tracks:

Voices Of Spring Waltz Op. 410
Serenade Op. 3 No. 5
Songs Without Words In E Major Op. 19,1
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major K. 447: Allegro
Fausts Verdammnis: Dances Of The Sylphes
Flute Concerto In G minor
Salomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Piano Concerto No. 23 In A Major K 488: Andante
Holberg Suite Op. 40: Prelude
Carmen: Intermezzo
String Serenade op. 22: Tempo di valse
Impromptu In B Flat Major D 935 No. 3
I Love You Op. 5 No. 3
Roses From The South, Waltz Op. 388

Tracks:

Peer Gynt: Morning
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarole
Melody In F, Op. 3 Nr. 1
The Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
Standchen
Etude In G Sharp Minor 'La Campanella'
Peer Gynt: Anitras Dance
Moment Musical D 780 No. 3
Canon In D
Overture No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major: Andante
Carmen: Seguedille
'Songs without Words': The Venetian Gondola
Eugen Onegin: Waltz
Romance For Violin And Orchestra In G major Op. 26

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Overture
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Waltz No. 1 Op. 18 In E flat major 'Grande Valse brillante'
Lullaby
L'Arlesienne: Intermezzo
The Seasons Op. 37b: Barcarole
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fairies' March
Clarinet Concerto In A Major K 622: Adagio
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
La Traviata: Prelude
Carmen, Suite No. 2: Chanson du Toreador
Happy Farmer
Menuet
On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz Op. 314

Tracks:

A Little Night Music K 525: Allegro
Sonata No. 2 In E Major BWV 1031: Siciliano
Op. 11 No. 5: Menuet
Songs Without Words: Duetto
The Nutcracker: Dance of the Toy Flutes
Fruhlingslied (Spring Song)
Waldszenen: Abschied
Mandolin Concerto: Allegro
Music For The Royal Fireworks: La paix: Largo alla Siciliana
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Waltz In B Minor Op. 69 No. 2
Romance Op. 5
Impromptu In A Flat Major D 935 Nr. 2
Tales from the Vienna Woods, Waltz Op. 325

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Humoresque Op. 101
Sleeping Beautiful: Panorama
Impromptu In E Flat Major, D899 No. 2
Melancholy
Waltz Op. 54,1
Nocturne In B Major Op. 9 No. 3
Caro mio ben
PARTITA IN D FLAT MAJOR: Pastorale
An den Fruhling
The Sleeping Beauty: Pas de quatre, Adagio
Rosamunde - Ballet In G Major
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor Op. 37: Largo
Emperor Waltz, op. 437

Tracks:

Harp Concerto In B Flat Major: Andante allegro
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Flute Concerto In F Major, Op. 10 'La Tempesta di Mare': Presto
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor Op. 13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile
Horn Concerto In E Flat Major K 495: Rondo. Allegro vivace
Poeme Op. 41 No. 6
Wilhelm Tell: Soldier's Dance
Liebestraum No. 3 In A flat Major
Violin Romance No. 2
Flute Concerto In E Minor: Rondo
Intermezzo In E Flat Major Op. 117,1
Carmen: Habenera
Symphony No. 3 'Scottish': Vivace non troppo
Vienna Bonbons: Waltz Op. 307

Tracks:

Symphony No. 40 In G Minor K. 550: Molto Allegro
Preghiera - Mozarianna Suite: Ave Verum
Arietta Op. 12,1
Concerto BWV 1056: Arioso
The Four Seasons: Concerto Nr. 3 Autumn: Allegro
Des Abends (Evening)
Holberg Suite Op. 40: Gavotte
Melancholy Galliard
Flute Concerto No. 2 In D Major K. 314: Rondo. Allegretto
Spinning Song
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Valse Melancolique
Flute Quartet K. 285a: Tempo di Minuetto
Moment Musical In A Flat Major, D 780 No. 2
Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat Major K 271 'Jeunehomme': Rondo - Presto

Tracks:

String Serenade: Moderato
Traumerei Op. 15
Ave Maria
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Minuet In D Minor
Suite No. 1: Marche Miniature
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Notturno
Mazurka In D Major Op. 33 No. 2
Divertimento K 251: Andantino
On Wings Of A Song
Carmen: Nocturne
Melody
Sonata In C Major BWV 1033: Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor 'Winter Dreams': Adagio cantabile
Sound Of The Spheres, Waltz Op. 235

Tracks:

The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture
Sonata In C sharp Minor Op. 27,2 'Moonlight Sonata': Adagio sostenuto
German Dance No. 1
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor Op.posth.
Haffner Serenade: Minuet
Septet In E Flat Major Op. 20: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No. 4 Italian: Andante con moto
Prelude In D Flat Major Op. 28, No. 15 'Rain Drops'
'3 Small Pieces': Impromptu
'The Nutcracker': March
Romance In E Flat Major Op. 44
Piano Sonata No. 16 In C Major 'Sonata facile': Allegro
'The Nutcracker': Scene No. 10
Enjoy Your Life Waltz, Op. 340

Average customer rating:

25 Classical Heartbreakers

25 Classical Heartbreakers

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

Pavanes | 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

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | 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: B0007TFHCA
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

25 Classical Heartbreakers.......2006-11-29

Although these are popular and widely heard compositions (that's why I gave it 4 stars) they are very soothing when you want to mellow out. However, I can't understand why the title reads '20 Classical Heartbreakers' when there are 25 pieces.

Average customer rating:

World's Most Beautiful Music

Manufacturer: Spj Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000021YJ2
Release Date: 1998-04-07

Average customer rating:

Lyricism and Vitality
THE Performance
Great for the price, but...
Exquisite playing but there is something missing
pretty damn good for the price

Beethoven: String Quartets Nos.14 & 15

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

l. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
ll. Allegro Molto Vivace
lll. Allegro Moderato
lV. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile
V. Presto
Vl. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
Vll. Allegro
l. Allegro Sostenuto - Allegro
ll. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
lll. Molto Adagio (Heiliger Dankgesang Eines Genesenen An Die Gottheit, In Der Lydischen Tonart)
lV. Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace
V. Allegro Appassionato

Customer Reviews:

Lyricism and Vitality.......2006-01-09

In the area of recordings of Beethoven's string quartets, there is an abundance of choice. Many of the world's finest string quartet groups have recorded of the full cycle of the quartets over the years. Having heard Beethoven's string quartets interpreted by the Cleveland Quartet ("CQ") and the Alban Berg Quartet ("ABQ") amongst others, I would say that each of the several outstanding groups whose recordings I've heard brings its own qualities to its interpretations of these works.

In the end, Alan Lekan says it best in his 01/14/2005 Amazon.com review of the complete Beethoven cycle by the Quartetto Italiano: "competition is fierce and it really comes down to what stylistic nuances most appeal to you." In my own case, while I prefer the CQ's recordings of the Beethoven string quartets, I also greatly enjoy listening to the ABQ.

The CQ's recordings are notable for the tight unity with which the musicians play together, while also providing a crystal clear differentiation of the melodic lines of each instrument. There is a sublime lyrical beauty in their playing and this quality, together with the rich and smooth fullness of their sound, that evokes the dark sheen of highly polished wood, is what distinguishes the CQ from the ABQ.

However, the ABQ is certainly not lacking in depth of feeling or in sensitivity to the lyricism of the adagio movements in these string quartets. Their sensitivity in performing the adagio movements is quite evident on this CD, from the first movement of String Quartet No. 14 (Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo), which has enough tenderness in this performance to melt one's heart, to the famous long (15:03) third movement of String Quartet No. 15 (Molto adagio), with its sweet lyricism evoking a heavenly, trance-like mood. The crystal clear sound of the ABQ's tone is very much in evidence in these movements, giving it an exquisite and plaintive quality that comes through wonderfully in all of the instruments: the violins, the viola, and the cello.

In the fifth and final movement of String Quartet No. 16, the Allegro appassionato could perhaps have been played with somewhat more passion. The ABQ seemed to be holding back a bit in this movement. However, this is a point of my own personal preference. This is still a five-star CD, with outstanding musicians giving a deeply felt performance.

If you can afford it, you may well want to buy both of the complete cycles by the CQ and the ABQ and enjoy listening to their different interpretations. Even if you have a preference for the sound of the CQ, as I do, and buy only one complete cycle, by the CQ, I would still recommend buying a couple of the individual CDs by the ABQ, in order to have an occasional point of comparison in listening to and enjoying two different performance styles. Since several of the ABQ's recordings of the Beethoven string quartets have now been issued on EMI's budget "Red Line" label, each individual CD, such as this one, is very low-priced and makes this a very feasible option.

THE Performance.......2004-12-22

I've heard several performances of late Beethoven, but nobody has come even close to what the Alban Berg Quartet does with these pieces. To me, they're the Pollini of string quartets: staggeringly good at the technical aspects of everything they touch, and much more emotionally deep than some people give them credit for. Their 131 is simply the definitive version, with utterly stunning attack and sense of rhythm, a deep lyricism and a VITALITY that sleepwalkers like Guarneri just miss completely. This is one to turn up so loud your ears bleed, lie on the floor in the dark and BASK to. They're no slackers on 132 either, and its third movement always leaves me tingling from head to toe. Recording is lovely as well, warm and excellent at capturing the quartet's glorious tone.

On the strength of this, I intend to buy the complete Berg quartets, and I expect it to be the best set I've ever purchased.

Great for the price, but..........2003-10-29

If you want to hear how the notes go together and get something of the feel of the piece, this CD is a steal at this price. It is what you would expect from Alban Berg--Precise intonation, metronomic rhythmic exactness, and an almost slavish devotion the the text. To me, that's just not Beethoven. Berg miss the boat in terms of interpretation. Beyond picking tempi that don't allow the music to come through, there is little rubato and there is not much shaping to the balance of the ensemble. Suffice it to say, the Heilige Gedanksang (one of *the* great string quartet movements) did not move me to tears, as Cleveland or Guarneri's does. If you can find it, get Cleveland. If you want to save money and see what the notes are, buy this.

Exquisite playing but there is something missing.......2001-02-28

The Alban Berg attack these two late Beethoven masterpieces with their customary intensity and technical polish. I particularly admire their scrupulous attention to dynamics and intonation. Follow the Alban Berg's playing with a score, and you will be amazed at how they observe every sforzando, crescendo, and accent (they also observe repeats, thank God). Few quartets that I've heard can match the hushed intensity that the Alban Berg attains while playing pianissimo.

With all of the "raw ingredients" in place, one would expect consistently great performances. Unfortunately, these performances are sometimes less than the sum of their parts, particularly in Opus 132. The quartet's famed precision is partly to blame, since it occasionally seems to get in the way of rhythmic flexibility. They observe an unrelenting metronomic beat, which makes for good playing measure-by-measure but makes it more difficult to shape those measures into phrases, sections, and movements. The beautiful slow movement of Opus 132 seems to end in the middle of nowhere, without a proper resolution. In the last movement, the first violin's opening "recitative" lacks the declamatory quality that it should have. What should sound momentous (and on other recordings, like the Juilliard and Concord quartets, it does!) comes across as perfunctory or, as an earlier reviewer put it, "sterile." Somehow, of the two quartets featured on this CD, the Alban Berg seem to respond much better to Opus 131, where they play with a warmth and lyricism that is missing from Opus 132. If I were to rate the two performances separately, I'd give five stars to Opus 132 and three stars to Opus 131.

pretty damn good for the price.......2000-08-15

This album is great in several ways. If you are looking for the essence of late Beethoven and the harmonic and thematic battles the composer was waging, this is an essential album. The Berg Quartet plays in a clean, Beethovenian style. I have heard recordings of the late quartets in which the performers try to turn Beethoven into Brahms. The Berg Quartet does an outstanding job at capturing the essence of early romanticism without moving outside the style of Beethoven. You won't hear a better Heileger Dankesang for the price. I highly recommend this recording.

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets Nos 12-16

Average customer rating:

A colossal set!
Extraordinary recordings of the most beautiful music
Soul searching music playing from Lindsay Quartet
Incredible Performances
The best introduction to the greatest music ever written

Beethoven: The Late String Quartets Nos 12-16
Lindsay String Quartet
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 59 Nos. 103 'Razumovsky'
Bethoven: String Quartets
Beethoven: String Quartets
Beethoven: The Late String Quartets
Beethoven: String Quartets Op. 18

ASIN: B0000030PT
Release Date: 1993-12-18

Tracks:

Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: I. Maestoso-Allegro
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: II. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile-Andante Con Moto...
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: III. Scherzando Vivace
Qt No.12 in E flat, Op.127: IV. Finale

Tracks:

Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo-Allegro
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: II. Presto
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: III. Andante Con Moto Ma Non Troppo-Poco Scherzoso
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: IV. Alla Danza Tedesca-Allegro Assai
Qt No.13 in B flat, Op.130: V. Cavatina: Adagi Molto Espressivo
Grosse Fuge in B flat, Op.133
Alternative Finale To Str Qt, Op.130

Tracks:

Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo E Molto Espressivo
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: II. Allegro Molto Vivace
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: III. Allegro Moderato
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: IV. Andante Ma Non Troppo E Molto Cantabile-Piu Mosso-Andante...
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: V. Presto
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: VI. Adagio Quasi Un Poco Andante
Qt No.14 in c#, Op.131: VII. Allegro

Tracks:

Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: I. Assai Sostenuto-Allegro
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: II. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: III. Molto Adagio: Conzone Di Ringraziamento Offerta Alla Divinita...
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: IV. Alla Marcia, Assai Vivace-Piu Allegro-Presto
Qt No.15 in a, Op.132: V. Allegro Appassionato
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: I. Allegretto
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: II. Vivace
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: III. Lento Assai, Cantante E Tranquillo
Qt No.16 in F, Op.135: IV. Grave Ma Non Troppo-Allegro (Der Schwer Gefasste Entschluss)

Customer Reviews:

A colossal set!.......2005-05-24

Keeping in mind these performances may be placed in a triumphant third place after The Budapest Quartet (in their forties) and Vegh (both performances from the fifties and early seventies) that is by itself an extraordinary ackonwledgement for that ensamble.
The articulated voices and the rhythmic pulsations is first order, the Beethovenian harsh dissonances are expressed with absolute conviction and artistic commitment.
Highly recommended.

Extraordinary recordings of the most beautiful music.......2001-10-25

I rate Beetoven's late quartets as the most beautiful music ever written. Especially, I'm fond of op 131. Lindsays and Vegh like none else capture the moment in this music bringing the true soul of Beethoven to us. Like one other reviewer said : I am more happy person because I know Beethoven's late quartets and Lindsays. I trully agree with that.

Soul searching music playing from Lindsay Quartet.......2001-06-03

Most beautiful music making from the Lindsays. They get much closer to the heart & soul of Beethoven than Alban Berg Quartett. The playing is spacious & warmly recorded.

Incredible Performances.......2000-04-02

I have several versions of the Beethoven Late Quartets including the Alban Berg and Guarneri sets. The Lindsays are the ones I keep playing however. Their interpretations bring extra depth to these profound works. These works require repeated listenings so that one can begin to hear and grasp the sublime wonders that lie within. The Lindsays help illuminate the road to discovery, as they seem to understand all the nuances. The natural tempos, the conversations amongst the players and the musicality that is inherent in each phrase make for a rewarding experience. Highly recommended!

The best introduction to the greatest music ever written.......1999-05-03

The Lindsays bring you into the special world of late Beethoven like no other ensemble. I'd agree with the previous reviewer that they aren't technically perfect. But listen to the striving sonorities of the Grosse Fuge, of the throbbing emotions of the Cavatina in Op. 130, or the joyful finale of Op.135, and see if you complain. The Lindsays introduced me to late Beethoven many years ago, and I'm still waiting to hear any greater expression of the human spirit.

Average customer rating:

The word "ultimate" is subjective, but this is nice, indeed.

Be Mine: The Ultimate Romance Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Romantic Adagios

ASIN: B0006SSNAK
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

Vocalise, Op.34, No.14 - Version Orchestra
Nocturne
No.1 - Lent et Grave, No.3 - Lent et douloureux
Clair de lune
Rrie
3. Menuet
Pavane pour une infante dnte - Orchestral version
Andantino quasi Allegretto (La Fileuse)
The Swan
1. En bateau
Intermezzo
Lento, ma non troppo
Gaily, but not too quick
Chanson de Matin, Op.15, No.2
2. Air
2. Adagio un poco mosso

Customer Reviews:

The word "ultimate" is subjective, but this is nice, indeed........2005-01-30

I'm always leary of words like "ultimate" in a title. Ask 100 classical music lovers what their ultimate romance album might be and you'll get 100 different answers, and even if they all agreed on the same selections, there are 100 different recordings by 100 different orchestras and conductors.

I note that Amazon does not (yet) include a track listing. That would help. Go to iClassics.com or iTunes if you want to see the track listings and hear samples, or even make your own romance album. So, why this album? First, it's on Decca, so the recording quality speaks for itself. They have an extensive enough library from which to pick some excellent pieces. And the choices certainly do help define a romantic mood. You really can't go wrong with this even if you would've picked 16 different pieces. You will have to supply your own candlelight and wine, though.

Shostakovich - String Quartets Nos. 14, 15 - Beethoven Quartet (CD)

Average customer rating:

Shostakovich - String Quartets Nos. 14, 15 - Beethoven Quartet (CD)

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Classical
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000LSKMFE

Product Description

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) String Quartet No. 14 in F sharp major, Op. 142 1. Allegretto 2. Adagio 3. Allegretto String Quartet No. 15 in E flat minor, Op. 144 4. Elegy. Adagio 5. Serenade. Adagio 6. Intermezzo. Adagio 7. Nocturne. Adagio 8. Funeral March. Adagio molto 9. Epilogue. Adagio The Beethoven String quartet: Dmitry Tsyganov, 1st violin; Nikolai Zabavnikov, 2nd violin; Fedor Druzhinin, viola; Sergey Shirinsky, cello On tracks 4-9 Yevgeny Altman replaced Shirinsky Recorded in 1974 (1-3), January 22nd, 1975 (4-9)

Average customer rating:

Cost-conscious classics for the frugal consumer!

Piano by Candlelight Favorites

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Piano By Candlelight
A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
25 Wedding Favorites
Piano Favorites
Classical Wedding

ASIN: B000000LP8
Release Date: 1996-12-03

Tracks:

Serenade ' A Little Night Music ': Allegro
Prelude in C sharp minor op. 3-2
Canon in D major
The Planets: Venus
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
Nutcracker Suite: Flower Waltz
La Traviata: Overture
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration of the Earth (Beginning)
Peer Gynt-Suite: Solveig's Air
Bolero (short version)
The Four Seasons: Spring: Allegro - Largo - Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No. 8, op. 13 in C Minor 'Pathetique': Grave - Allegro di molto
Sonata No. 8, op. 13 in C Minor 'Pathetique': Adagio Cantabile
Sonata No. 8, op. 13 in C Minor 'Pathetique': Rondo: Allegro
Clair de Lune
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11
Sonata No. 14 op. 27-2 in C Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': Adagio sostenuto
PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 OP. 23: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 26 in D minor K537 'Coronation': Larghetto
For Elise: Bagatelle in A minor Wwo 59
Hugarian Rhapsody in C sharp minor
Grande Valse Brillante: Valse in E flat major op. 18
Prelude op. 28-15 'Raindrops' in D flat major
Sonata No. 16 In C Major K545 'Sonata Facile': Allegro
Rondo Alla Turca: Allegretto K 33 1-3
Fantasy op. 73 - Tender and with expression
The Rustle of Spring op. 32-3
Piano Concerto No. 24 K 491 in C minor: Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 'Elvira Madigan': Andante
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 1 In B Flat Major Op. 23: Allegro con fuoco
Love Dream No. 3 in A flat major (piano solo)
Piano Pieces Moment Musical No. 3 D780: 'Air Russe' in F minor Scherzo No. 1 D593
Piano Pieces Moment Musical No. 3 D780: in B flat major
Nocturnes: Op. 9 No. 2 in E flat major

Customer Reviews:

Cost-conscious classics for the frugal consumer!.......2005-05-27

Wanna start with a "grab-bag" of familiar classical themes? Then, this box set is for you. Chocked full of selections that are known by the novice, as well as the experienced, "Piano by Candlelight Favorites" is a very good beginning set.

With the seemingly unfortunate demise of classical labels in the music industry, it is hoped that such compilations as this one might cause an upheaval in interest in the much-respected musical genre.

And with the dollar buying less than it did in the past, this presentation offers much value for the buck.