Christmas Pastorale

Track Listings

1. Chorale Prelude "In Dulci Jubilo"

2. Fantasy on Two Well-Known Christmas Carols: The First Nowell/Good King

3. Christmas Pastorale: Hodie Christus Natus Est/Corde Natus/Adeste Fidele

4. Angels We Have Heard on High

5. Quem Vidistis, Pastores

6. Away in a Manger

7. Fantasia on Old Christmas Carols: What Child Is This?/The Man Shines Br

8. Silent Night

9. Chorus of Shepherds

10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

11. Venite in Bethlehem

12. Adeste Fideles

Tracks:

CHOPIN: Piano Concerto No. 1, Larghetto
DEBUSSY: Clair de Lune
MANFREDINI: Concerto grosso in C, I. Largo (Pastorale)
MOZART: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Andante
BEETHOVEN: Moonlight Sonata, Adagio
BACH: Goldberg
SIBELIUS: Swan of Tuonela
LISZT: Liebestraume
SCHUMANN: Dreaming
MASSENET: Meditation from "Thais"
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Greensleeves

Tracks:

HANDEL-WEINER: Sicilienne
A. CORELLI: Concerto grosso in G, Pastorale
VERDI: "When the evening becomes peaceful"
CHOPIN: Three Preludes
MOZART: Clarinet Concerto in A, II. Adagio
BRAHMS: Piano Sonata No. 3, II. Andante espressivo
TCHAIKOVSKY: Swan Lake (excerpt)
MENDELSSOHN: Three Songs Without Words
MAHLER: Symphony No. 3, IV. Sehr Langsam

Average customer rating:

Great Collection
A remarkable anthology
High-quality, marvelously varied intro to baroque music

Essential Baroque

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006L3IL
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection.......2007-01-19

Essential Baroque is a great collection, especially for the price. It has two CDs packd full of the best Baroque music. Like most Baroque collections, it has the best of some of the better known artists like Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi. However, unlike most other collections, it excels in adding some good pieces from lesser known artists from the period.

A remarkable anthology.......2005-09-08

A fine selection of pieces excerpted from the chamber ensemble, solo and opera repertory. Some recordings, though from paramount artists, are elderly; yet, performers are anyway flawless. It may be objected that a few of Vivaldi's masterpieces were disregarded.

High-quality, marvelously varied intro to baroque music.......2003-12-13

I am buying this as the perfect gift for Russian and Chinese scientist friends. They have knowledge of classical music but perhaps not much about baroque music, which achieved special popularity in the U.S. during the 1970's and 1980's. Russians seem to have more familiarity with romantic classical music, while the more recently arrived Asian classical buffs have special affinity to the "Classical" classical period and the great 19th Century romantics. How can a baroque sampler be better than with a span of music ranging from solo harpsichord to full orchestra and chorus, and from the very familiar (Pachelbel Canon and Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah) to a trio sonata by Zelenka and the Dardanus Overture by Rameau. Not only that, but both the period instrument and living tradition baroque styles are represented by noted performers (e.g. Trevor Pinnock and Christopher Hogwood; and Henryk Szeryng, Andras Schiff, Pepe Romero, and Alicia de Larrocha, respectively). The producers were careful enough to state that the "Albinoni Adagio in g minor" was actually composed by Remo Giazotto - though in fact Giazotto did use a fragment of Albinoni. This is definitely not a supermarket special, but a box of choice musical bonbons.

Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers

Average customer rating:

beauty sleep
Baroque Music: A Prelude To Sleep
Baroque to Comfort and Sleep By
Guys! Don't be put-off by the cover art!
Mellow, but not sleepy

Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away
Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading
Bach for Breakfast

ASIN: B00000DBVH
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Ancient Airs And Dances For Lute, Suite III: Italiana
The Four Seasons: Winter (Largo)
Oboe d'amore Concerto In A: Affettuoso
Sonata No. 2 In E-flat For Flute & Harp, BWV 1031: Siciliano
Concerto In D, RV 93 For Four Guitars: Largo
Ancient Airs And Dances For Lute, Suite III: Siciliana
Giazotto: Adagio
L'estro armonico - Op. 3, Concerto No. 5 in A, RV 519: Largo
Suite In A minor For Recorder, Strings & Continuo: Air a l'Italien
Concerto In D: Andante
Sonata In E
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In B Minor, Op. 6: Larghetto e piano
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Flute Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 10 ('La notte'), RV 439: Largo
Oboe Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat: Andante
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In G Minor, Op. 6 ('Christmas'): Pastorale: Largo
Flute Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, RV 439, Op. 10 ('La notte'): Il sonno, Largo
L'estro armonico, Op. 3 - Concerto No. 11 In D Minor, RV 565: Largo e spiccato
Concerto In E ('L'amoroso', RV 271): Allegro
Nulla in mundo pax, RV 630

Customer Reviews:

beauty sleep.......2007-05-30

This music is perfect for bed time.
Beautiful classic music that lulls you to sleep.

Baroque Music: A Prelude To Sleep.......2004-05-30

This album is from the popular series "Set Your Life To Music"
series. The theme for this one is "Baroque For Beauty Sleep" which seems to be a companion to "Baroque For Bathtime". Baroque music, especially the slower movements in many concertos, are exquisite nocturnal pieces that ease the transition from being awake to falling asleep. The beautiful, elegant, slow, graceful music of many of these pieces will definately relax you and even help you fall asleep. It's therapeutic. There are so many reasons one can buy this album. It can help you relax and soothe you, as already mentioned, and it can be played in the background of a message therapy session. It can serve as music for a romantic evening or dinner. And lastly, it hits the spot after a long day and you're ready to visit the world of dreams.

Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances, scored for lute and other Baroque period instruments, is the newest piece on the album. Respighi, a modern composer, was delving into neoclassic music and deliberately evoking the Baroque Era. It works wonderfully.
Naturally, no Baroque album is complete without Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Here is the Largo from "Winter" only it is played on panpipes by the New Age artist Zamfir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful. There is a sonata for flute and harp by Bach, the biggest name in the period and Vivaldi's "L'Estro Armonico" as well as Telemann's Suite in A for Recorder. One particular piece I enjoy and think you will too is the melodic and elegant Concerto Grosso No. 12 by Handel, the slow movement Larghetto E Piano. It is sheer tonal beauty. There is more concertos by Vivaldi, whose use of the flute is always very reflective and dreamy and even a solo aria from a motet of his, the soprano Elly Ameling sings "Nulla In Mundo Pax", a lyrical-coloratura showcase which crowns and concludes this gorgeous album.

Baroque to Comfort and Sleep By.......2004-02-16

Baroque is such a wide and wonderful musical discovery for us modern types. It is soothing and quieting to the soul, and in this case for the body as well.

Whether used as lullaby inducing or just listening pleasure and relaxation, this is nice collection. Including wide array of instruments: strings, flute, panpipes, oboe, flute, harp, guitar, recorder, piano, and voice --- this is truly enjoyable.

There is wide array of baroque composers as well --- Rephighi, Vivaldi, Bach, Albinoini, Telemann, and more.

Great price, great variety, great addition to your CD collection.

Guys! Don't be put-off by the cover art!.......2002-03-20

I commend the compilers for creating such a wonderful CD. The music is quite mellow, especially the pieces that are preformed by Zamfir, the famous panpipist. That whimsical woodwind gives a rustic, almost mythical feel the piece of music. You almost feel like you are in Arcadia awaiting a lecture by Chiron!

There is a good cross sampling of various Baroque pieces and Baroque artists. The variety is the spice that makes this CD worth buying and listening to over and over again. This CD also works well on shuffle, which remakes it into a brand new album.

There are a lot of oboes and string on this disc, and being a former oboist, I am electrified as I hear that instruments mellow honk!

Guys! Don't be put off by the cover-this is a good disc. Good for the mind, heart, and soul!

Mellow, but not sleepy.......2002-02-02

I don't know how to sum this one up. It is mellow, but you can't meditate to it. It's more upbeat than I would normally prefer to sleep to, but it works all the same. The music is performed so beautifully that I almost want to stay up and listen.

Tracks:

Canon In D Major - Johann Pachelbel
Suites De Symphonies No. 1: I. Rondeau - Jean-Joseph Mouret
Adagio In G Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': I. Menuett In G Major, BWV Anh. 114 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': II. Musette In D Major, BWV Anh. 126 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': III. 'Bist Du Bei Mir', BWV 508 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Little Suite From The 'Anna Megdalena Notebook': IV. Marche In D Major, BWV Anh. 122 - Johann Sebastian Bach
Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Christoph Willibald Gluck
Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
Solomon: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - George Frideric Handel
Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: Pastorale Ad Libitum - Arcangelo Corelli
Berenice: Overture - George Frideric Handel
Abdelazer: Rondeau - Henry Purcell
Xerxes: Largo - George Frideric Handel
Belshazzar: Martial Symphony - George Frideric Handel
Saul: Dead March - George Frideric Handel
Cantana BWV 147 Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conquering Hero Comes - George Frideric Handel
Samson: Let The Bright Seraphim - George Frideric Handel
Suite For Strings: I. Sarabanda. Largo - Arcangelo Corelli
Suite For Strings: II. Giga, Allegro - Arcangelo Corelli
Suite For Strings: III. Badinerie. Vivace - Arcangelo Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Baroque Masterpieces.......2007-07-07

The music was very good but wish they had more to listen too. Not enough bang.

Great short Baroque piece collection.......2005-02-05

This CD has 17 pieces on 22 tracks including 7 by Handel, 2 each by Bach & Corelli, and 1 each by Pachelbel, Mouret, Albinoni, Gluck, Clarke, & Purcell. They are frequently the best known piece by the composer--and easily recognizable: Pachelbel's Canon, Mouret's Rondeau (theme from PBS' Masterpiece Theater), Albinoni's Adagio, etc. If you like high quality short pieces/excerpts, this CD is for you. My only qualification is: no Telemann, but it's just too good for a 4-star rating.

Excellent Baroque Collection.......2003-07-22

As I have stated in many of my previous reviews, I am a huge fan of the Sony Essential Classics (SEC) budget series. Most of the recordings feature classic and often definitive performances featuring the likes of George Szell, Leonard Bernstein, Robert Casadesus, Isaac Stern and Rudolf Serkin among others. Here we get a variety of orchestras and conductors including big names like Jean-Claude Malgoire, Raymond Leppard, Pierre Boulez, Sir Charles Groves and the great Eugene Ormandy. This disc features excellent performances of what is arguably the most popular Baroque music ever written. I am not usually one to give five-star ratings to greatest-hits style collections (particularly in classical), but the half-dozen performances by Ormandy make this disc a great purchase for both novices and serious collectors.

Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12

Average customer rating:

A little known treasure
Sparkling Music
Manfredini is 'da MAN! So Underrated his works are!!!
Vivaldi with a touch of Mozart
Unsung Baroque Master

Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 1-6
Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12
Geminiani: Concerti Grossi Vol. 1
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 1-6
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 7-12

ASIN: B000026CWI
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Con in F, Op.3, No.1: Allegro Assai-Adagio
Con in F, Op.3, No.1: Presto
Con in F, Op.3, No.1: Allegro
Con in a, Op.3, No.2: Presto-Adagio
Con in a, Op.3, No.2: Allegro
Con in a, Op.3, No.2: Allegro
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Allegro
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Largo
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Presto
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Presto
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Allegro
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Adagio
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Presto
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Allegro
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Adagio
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Allegro
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Andante E Piano Sempre-Adagio
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Allegro
Con in D, Op.3, No.6: Allegro
Con in D, Op.3, No.6: Adagio-Presto-Adagio
Con in D, Op.3, No.6: Allegro
Con in G, Op.3, No.7: Allegro
Con in G, Op.3, No.7: Adagio
Con in G, Op.3, No.7: Presto
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Grave-Allegro
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Adagio
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Presto-Adagio
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Presto
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Adagio
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Presto
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Largo
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Allegro
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Adagio
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Allegro
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Largo
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Presto
Con in c, Op.3, No.11: Allegro
Con in c, Op.3, No.11: Adagio
Con in c, Op.3, No.11: Allegro
Con in C, Op.3, No.12 (Con Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale): Pastorale: Largo
Con in C, Op.3, No.12 (Con Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale): Largo
Con in C, Op.3, No.12 (Con Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale): Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A little known treasure.......2007-06-08

I really enjoy the Capella Istropolitana. They have such a wonderful and bright sound. I find the works on this CD to be well played and the tempo selection for each movement very good. I listen to Baroque on my daily commute to and from work. I have a particular affinity for Italian Baroque and Manfredini does not disappoint me. He has nice melodic Concerti Grossi. This is a very pleasant and uplifting CD.

Sparkling Music.......2007-03-15

In the 1990s the Capella Istropolitana recorded for Naxos all, or nearly all,the concerti grossi of Corelli, Geminiani, Locatelli and Manfredini. The Corelli was pretty good, you used to hear it on classic music radio, the Geminiana and Locatelli recordings were less so, but all were good enough to interest me so that in later years I bought better recordings of all of them. This CD, the Manfredini, was the most successful of them. The recording is of the twelve concerti grossi of his opus 3, just about all of his surviving work. Each of the twelve is a little gem, tuneful, joyful music that sparkles like the morning sun on dew. The performance is unprentious, but precise and articulate, and the first and only ( ? )recording of this music. If my memory is correct the CD won a Rosette from Penguin. It is well worth 5 stars, and at Naxos's bargain price is a steal, please buy it, it may spur interest your interest in the wonderful world of Baroque music.

Manfredini is 'da MAN! So Underrated his works are!!!.......2004-11-18

WOW WOW WOW!

I love rhythmic baroque music. Such as Vivaldi's presto's and Telemann's Sinfonia Spritiuosa. But we've all heard of Viv and Tele, and Bach etc... Then I hapt across (thank to the internet) this dude named Francesco Onofrio MANFREDINI! This guy is awesome. The strings bounce and move with rhythmic strength and joy from end to end of this steller 18th century master.

I hope I'm not missing out on any other Baroque composer's at this level. After all I just hapt across the one, the only, the MAN! Manfredini and this groovin' Concerti Grossi, Op.3!!! Hmm now to search for opus 1,2,4,....

And did I mention it was $7 bucks! Absolutely hilarious they want $17.00 for the latest brittney spears CD and only $7 for this timeless masterwork of sonic beauty by Manfredini.

Vivaldi with a touch of Mozart.......2003-06-25

How Manfredini could remain unknown after composing music this beautiful is both a mystery and a shame. The concerti are very reminiscent of Vivaldi, but with a melodic refinement and sensitivity that belong to a later era. The performance is outstanding, and the recording is crystal clear. Highly recommended for any music lover, and note that [Amazon.com's]sample tracks are just a foretaste - the best numbers are later in the CD.

Unsung Baroque Master.......1999-10-21

Manfredini is one of the unsung masters of the Italian Baroque. This recording is the first commitment of his complete and enchanting Opus 3 to CD. The concertos are energetic and polished and showcase the considerable melodic gifts of this fine composer. The 12th concerto will be familiar to many as the "Christmas" concerto which is a fine and beautifully crafted finale to the opus. Let us hope more of Manfredini's music will soon make its way into recordings.

Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Average customer rating:

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

Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Christmas Festival
The Glorious Sound of Christmas
A Festival of Carols in Brass
The Joy of Christmas
A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale

ASIN: B000003EPC
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

Happy listening!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joyfully recommended!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

excellent entertainment
The Christmas I Love
A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun
Wonderful; marvellous
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL

The Christmas I Love
Andre Rieu , and Johann Strauss Orchestra
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tuscany
At The Movies
The Homecoming
The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart
Romantic Moments

ASIN: B0000041OB
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

O Daughter Of Zion
White Christmas
Sleigh Ride
From Heaven High I Come To You: Tomorrow's The Day Children/Gloria In Excelsis Deo...
Ave Maria
Transeamus
Softly Falls The Snow: Ring Out Little Bell/O Come Al Ye Faithful
Evening Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
Jingle Bells
Lullaby: O Sweet Child Jesus/Let Us Be Happy And Jolly
Mille Cherubini In Coro (Lullaby)
Christmas Rose
The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
O Christmas Tree: The Little Drummer Boy/Lullaby
Every Year A New: Oh, How Joyfully/Never Have The Bells Sung More Sweetly
Dearest Believe Me
Come Little Children
The Christmas Concert: Pastorale
The Holy City
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

excellent entertainment.......2007-01-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas DVD . I want to buy more of Andre Rieu.

The Christmas I Love.......2007-01-10

I was very pleased with the CD and would recommend it to everyone.

All of Andre Rieu's music is very enjoyable to listen to.

A Christmas Collection That Is Just Plain Fun.......2005-11-19

Sometimes I think the only person who is happy that Public television is financially challenged, other that certain legislators who believe that it is too liberal and the culmination of all that is evil, is Andre Rieu. Now don't get me wrong, this happy Dutch musician who models himself after Johan Straus is not a cruel or vindictive person. At least from what I can tell he's not, but let's face it. If PBS did not have financial woes, Andre Rieu, one of its favorite stars, would not have received the exposure he has, and his sales in the United States would probably be next to nothing. Of course for anyone who has ever seen one of his extravaganzas, we would be missing something enjoyable. He's musically sound and he knows how to entertain, and quiet frankly, though some classical purists may cringe at his name, I don't believe the composers whose music he uses are rolling in their graves because it's become popular once again.

Of all his concerts and CDs, I enjoy THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE the most. The jitterbug version of "Jingle Bells" shows that an old tune can produce new tricks. His arrangement of "The Holy City" (a.k.a. "Jerusalem") is almost as moving as when it is performed with a vocalist. The recording has a number of medleys that include favorites from all over Europe show how Christmas has such an international flair. For me, however, this album provides true variety. Many of the carols are not familiar to Americans, so we hear something different yet also authentic to the holiday season.

I'm surprised that there have not been other Rieu Christmas discs. He's an original musician and a consummate showman, so I'm sure there's more he could do with holiday music, but maybe he knows he has a classic with this collection and it will stand the test of time.

Wonderful; marvellous.......2000-09-30

Andre Rieu proves again he is the best of the best! I bought this CD in october 1997, a few weeks before Andre's concert In Quebec city. In this CD, you'll find all the classics of Christmas. They are well played because Andre and his orchestra know how to bring us the atmosphere of Christmas. The desing of the CD is well done. If you,re looking for good music, please try this CD You'll enjoy it. If you have the occasion to see his Christmas concert on TV, watch it. It's very beautiful.

This his not the first CD made by Andre. In 1992, he released "Spielt Die Schonten Weihnachtslieder".

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.......1999-08-18

Another wonderful Andre Rieu CD. All the Rieu recordings and videos are a breath of fresh air - a joy to the soul.

Average customer rating:

Arresting works, masterfully played
Dohnanyi: Complete Piano Works Vol. 1

Dohnányi: COMPLETE PIANO WORKS Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Dohnányi: Piano Music
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ASIN: B00002EPRY
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Six Con Etudes, Op.28 in a
Six Con Etudes, Op.28 in D flat: Presto, Leggiero
Six Con Etudes, Op.28 in e flat: Sotto, Sempre Staccato
Six Con Etudes, Op.28 in b flat: Poco Maestoso
Six Con Etudes, Op.28 in E: Leggiero
Six Con Etudes, Op.28 in f: 'Capriccio'. Vivace
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Theme: Rubato
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.1: Dolce
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.2: Vivace
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.3: Andante
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.4: Vivace
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.5: Tranquillo
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.6 Leggiero
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.7: Allegro
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.8: Vivace
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.9: L'istesso Tempo
Vars On A Hungarian Folk Song, Op.29: Var.10: Andante Rubato
Pastorale (Hungarian Christmas Song): Allegretto Tranquillo
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 1. Allegretto, Molto Tenero
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 2. Presto, Ma Non Tanto
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 3. Andante Poco Moto, Rubato
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 4. Vivace
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 5. Allegro Grazioso
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 6. Adagio Non Troppo
Ruralia Hungarica, Op.32a: 7. Molto Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Arresting works, masterfully played.......2002-05-21

I have found this to be a consistently fascinating recording. In repeated listenings, I have noticed no metronomic quality in the pianist's work -- only a perfect fluency and masterful ease, keeping pace at every point with the brilliant torrent of Dohnanyi's ideas. Nor have I noticed any harshness of recorded tone. It may be that I am not yet the pianist or listener that the preceding reviewer is. I am gratified that these rich, heartfelt, and exciting compositions should now be winning reknown.

Dohnanyi: Complete Piano Works Vol. 1.......2001-08-25

Generally speaking, a very competent performance of some unjustly neglected compositions for solo piano. Pianist Markus Pawlik has unlimited technique, but his phrasing tends more to the metronomic than to the rhapsodic. That's too bad, because these pieces cry out for an ultra-romantic sensibility. The Naxos recording has a vivid and full presence which sometimes exaggerates the brightness of Pawlik's instrument and possibly contributes to the harsh sound evident in passages where big, fortissimo playing is required. Still, for the budget price, it's a great introduction to some fabulous piano compositions in the great Romantic style.

Average customer rating:

I'm Mad About Baroque
Amazing!

Mad About Baroque

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001GKF
Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Rondeau (Masterpiece Theater Theme)
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Water Music: Allegro-Andante(Allegro da capo)
Water Music: Air
Water Music: Bourree
Water Music: Hornpipe
Xerxes: Largo
Sound Of The Trumpet, Sound
The Four Seasons 'Winter': Largo
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Adagio In G Minor
Music For The Royal Fireworks: La Rejouissance
Concerto For Lute In D Major: Largo
Christmas Concerto: Allegro, Pastorale. Largo
Concerto No. 1 For Oboe & String Orchestra: Adagio - Allegro
Concerto No. 12 In B Minor: Aria. Larghetto e Piano
Le Coucou
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

I'm Mad About Baroque.......2007-01-05

I love this CD and am so pleased to have purchased it. I put it on almost daily at work -- it is the perfect length equipt with the perfect choice music.

Amazing!.......2002-12-18

I thouroughly enjoy this CD! The music is beautiful enough to listen to all by itself, but also quiet and peaceful enough to listen to while studying for exams or doing homework. Mad about Baroque has been in my discman for many weeks and accompanied to the library many times. This is a great CD!

Average customer rating:

A new musical Christmas tradition
Christmas Songs from Many Nations - Flawlessly Sung

Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers
The Trapp Family
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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The Original Trapp Family Singers
At Home with the Trapp Family Singers
Christmas With the Von Trapp Children
The Von Trapp Children, Vol. 2
Volume 1

ASIN: B0002KV296
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen (Speierisches Gesangbuch, K 1599) - (German Chorale)
Hirrten, wachet auf!
Zu Bethlehem geboren
Deck the hall with boughs of Holly
A la nanita nana
Il est ne divin enfant
La canzone di natale
Es hat sich halt eret
Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head
Shepherds come a-running
Lobt Gott, ihr Christen alle gleich
Es wird schon glei dumpa
Nu det jul igen
Ihr Kinderlein, kommet
Der Scheibendudler
Carol of the Drum - Transcribed by C.R.W. Robertson
Deine Wangelen
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Angelus ad pastores ait
In Nativitate Domini
Puer natus est nobis
Beata Viscera
Pastorale
Quem pastores - Den die Hirten
Senex Puerum Portabat

Customer Reviews:

A new musical Christmas tradition.......2004-12-14

This recording was my first experience with the Trapp Family Singers (other than knowing the story from The Sound of Music). I cannot state how pleasently surprised I was.

First of all, the technical quality of the recording is extraordinary. The selections were originally mastered between 1951 - 1953 by Deutsche Grammophon. Yet, despite the early dates, they sound like they were recorded yesterday.

The performances are even more extraordinary. The a capella settings of these traditional Christmas songs are rich in harmony and performed with a clarity rarely heard today. Of particular interest is the Michael Praetorius setting of Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen (Lo how a rose err blooming), Deck the hall with boughs of holly, and the Bach setting of Lobt Gott, ihr Christen alle gleich.

The family is conducted by Dr. Franz Wasner and the enclosed booklet offers a wonderful history of the family by writer Steven Ledbetter.

Overall, this recording has quickly become a new Christmas favorite of mine. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Christmas Songs from Many Nations - Flawlessly Sung.......2004-10-14

The first 18 tracks on this CD are from an LP of the same name that was a family favorite of ours since the 60s. The vocals are very precise, with noticeable German accents (especially on "Jesus Rest Your Head"). The Trapps, directed by Fr. Wasner, perform songs from their native Austria, including the hauntingly beautiful Scheibendudler (a kind of solemn jodler). Some listeners may not much like their rendition of traditional English or American songs (Deck the Halls, Jesus Rest Your Head). The less familiar Latin and foreign songs are a real treat. Favorites are "A la Nanita" (Spanish), Nu ar de Jul Igen (Swedish), and "Zu Bethlehem Geboren" (German). Most songs are done a capella, although there is recorder accompaniment on one or two. A songbook containing the first 18 songs with music is available from Amazon. All in all, a fine recording and great change of pace from the more usual Christmas music.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

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Christmas With the Rat Pack

1. Chorale Prelude "In Dulci Jubilo"
2. Fantasy on Two Well-Known Christmas Carols: The First Nowell/Good King
3. Christmas Pastorale: Hodie Christus Natus Est/Corde Natus/Adeste Fidele
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