Guitar Concerto 1 / Concerto for Guitar

On this CD:

1. Concerto for guitar & orchestra No. 1 in D major, Op. 99
Composed by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
Performed by Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra with Alfonso Moreno
Conducted by Enrique Batiz

2. Guitar Concerto, for guitar & orchestra, A. 501
Composed by Heitor Villa-Lobos
Performed by Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra with Alfonso Moreno
Conducted by Enrique Batiz

3. Jeux d'enfants (Children's Games), twelve pieces for piano, four hands, Op. 22
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra with Alfonso Moreno
Conducted by Enrique Batiz

4. Dolly, suite for piano, 4 hands or orchestra, Op.56
Composed by Gabriel Faure
Performed by Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra with Alfonso Moreno
Conducted by Enrique Batiz

Tracks:

Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
II. Andante - Stephen Hough
Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
The Swan - Osian Ellis
II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
II. Andantino - James Galway
II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
II. Andante - Nigel North
II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

terrific
Get what you pay for.
Wonderful!
If only the Amazon discography was as good...
One of the best Vivaldi CDs on the market

25 Vivaldi Favorites

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

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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
Similar Items:

25 Mozart Favorites
25 Bach Favorites
25 Tchaikovsky Favorites
25 Beethoven Favorites
25 Handel Favorites

ASIN: B00000IPS5
Release Date: 1999-12-13

Tracks:

I. Allegro - Antonio Vivaldi
I. Allegro - Paul Grund
I. Allergro - I Musici di Zagreb
II. Largo - Edward Carroll
III. Alegro - Gli Accadmici di Milano
Et In Terra Pax - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
II. Adagio Molto - Susanne Lautenbacher
I. Allegro - Musici Di San Marco
II. Largo - Musici Di San Marco
III. Allegro - Melvin Berman
II. Largo - Anton Stingl
I. Allegro - Alois Sprach
II. Adagio - Susanne Lautenbacher
Stabat Mater Dolorosa (Opening Movement) - Margarethe Bence
III. Allegro - I Musici di Zagreb
II. Largo - Gunter Lemmen
III. Allegro - Hans-Martin Linde
III. Allegro - Susanne Lautenbacher
I. Allegro - Musici Di San Marco
III. Allegro - Susanne Lautenbacher
I. Allegro - Musici Di San Marco
II. Larghetto - I Musici di Zagreb
Chamber Concerto In G Minor For Recorder And Oboe - Baroque Trio Of Montreal
Opening Movement From 'Gloria' - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Concerto In C For 2 Trumpets, PV 75: III Allegro - Edward Carroll

Customer Reviews:

terrific.......2006-04-23

Vivaldi 25 favourites is marvelous ,it has been digitally enhanced and is certainly a keeper.Really am pleased with anything i have purchased from Amazon

Get what you pay for........2005-10-15

This CD is decent but does NOT sweep you off your feet into a soaring concert hall with your heart beating loudly and your breaths coming in faster. Why? I think its the quality of the recording and the caliber of the musicians maybe? But hey, $4.98 does not buy much more than a fast food meal- so no harm done! Happy Listening!
-Rupa

Wonderful!.......2004-11-26

I couldn't believe the wonderful, pure sounds that came from this low-priced CD. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it!!

If only the Amazon discography was as good..........2004-02-14

The majority of the musical selections is undeniably fine. If only the track listing (s) were accurate or agreed with each other and the actual selections as they are ordered on the CD!

One of the best Vivaldi CDs on the market.......2003-01-24

I don't know how SPJ Music Inc., based in the world-famous town of Hauppaage, NY, manages to do it, but they have released at least 24 of these "25 XXXX Favorites" CDs, and all those that I have heard are superb collections. OK, many of the performances on this album are by ensembles that few will have heard of in North America, such as the Wurttemburg Chamber Orchestra, Musica di San Marco, and I Musici di Zagreb, and maybe they are a bit old (no recording dates are given), so SPJ probably doesn't have to pay much in the way of royalties. But this collection of works by Vivaldi is truly second to none.

Wait till you hear track 6, "Et in terra Pax from 'Gloria', by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, for instance, or track 14, from Stabat Mater Dolorosa, sung by Margarethe Bence with the Alto Pro Music Orchestra of Stuttgart. We are transported into the heights of the etherial world of sacred music, right up into the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, yet with that unmistakable touch of Vivaldi, who could be both consumately sacred and masterfully secular as he wished -- or even both at the same time. As has been proven again and again in the 20th century, Vivaldi was one of the greatest composers in history, and every classical music lover should have this CD in his or her collection.

I have a lot of Vivaldi recordings by period music ensembles like the virtuosic Il Giardino Armonico (who recorded the two best DVDs of Vivaldi works in existence, one with Cecilia Bartoli) and the somewhat more conservative Europa Gallante, led by Fabio Biondi. Then there are CDs by individual masters like Andrea Marcon (with the Venice Baroque Orchestra) and the immortal Nigel Kennedy (with the English Chamber Orchestra). Older classics re-released on CD include recordings by the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Orchestra of the 18th Century, and the Romero family (Los Romeros). And the list goes on and on. All are superb recordings that have given me hours of pleasure.

But this "bargain" CD rates right up there with the best of them, and I highly recommend it both for those who are just beginning to discover the wonders of Vivaldi's music and for "hardened" veterans. If it had been issued as a full price CD it might have had trouble getting known in such a crowded and competitive field, but it would have deserved every bit as much praise as I have given it here. As a collection of superb performances of many of Vivaldi's greatest masterpieces by a wide variety of different ensembles, it even has something to commend it over recordings by a single artist or a single ensemble. Buy it and enjoy!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Average customer rating:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss

not what i expected

excellent guitar performances

Essential Guitar...

Lives up to its Name!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces

Spanish Guitar Music

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

Art of Segovia

Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar

ASIN: B000069KIT
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss.......2007-04-04

This may be the best money I've ever spent. I got 2-1/2 hours of bliss for less than what I'd usually pay for one CD -- and you know how it is with music. You buy an album because of a song or two that you love, and you find that you like maybe half the songs on it. There's not a single selection in this one that I would've left out. It includes Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by Pepe Romero on the guitar with the Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields. I needed to replace my old LP recording of that. But I also get 30 other classical compositions and traditional Spanish pieces, each special in its own way.

Have you ever heard music that you wanted to last forever, maybe even to dive inside and live there for a while, immersing yourself in sound? That's how I feel about this collection. The only problem I have with it is that I bought it thinking it might be nice to listen to while I write. Not so. It's terrible for that. I'll sit with my hands poised above the laptop keyboard, assuring myself I'll get some work done while I listen. The music takes hold and carries me away.

I'm not expert at describing this or any type of music. I just know what I love. You might too, if you enjoy classical or Spanish guitar -- unless you have absurd expectations about combining listening with work.

not what i expected.......2007-03-26

This CD for me was a waste of money. Its just not what i thought it would be. Others may enjoy it but for me..it wasnt what i was hoping to hear.

excellent guitar performances.......2006-07-27

Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar..........2005-07-26

Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie. After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it! It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection. The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Buy it and enjoy!!!!

Lives up to its Name!.......2005-06-10

If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.

The recording quality is uniformly good, even on the tracks by Segovia. I don't know if they were remastered or recorded late in his career, but they're free of the surface noise present in so many of his recordings. The set clocks in at a generous 2 1/2 hours - one of the greatest deals in instrumental music; this is not a "bargain" quality set. Listen to the samples online - great stuff.

My only mild criticism is in the marketing. The advertising features John Williams and Julian Bream. Each contributes exactly one track. I would have enjoyed more pieces by them for stylistic comparison. But the less well-known (at least to guitar music neophytes like me) artists are every bit as good, and I intend to obtain more of their work.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II

Average customer rating:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II
Great music listein to while you read in bed
A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan.
A bliss of spirit.
Boring

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
Gabriel Faure , Frederic Chopin , Antonio Vivaldi , Gustav Mahler , Claude Debussy , Sir Neville Marriner , Maris Jansons , Lorin Maazel , Sir Adrian Boult , Miklos Rozsa , Riccardo Muti , Stephen Cleobury , Sir John Barbirolli , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus , Academy of St. Martin in the Fields , and Berlin Philharmonic
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
Mozart for Relaxation
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B00002439O
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze - Sir Neville Marriner
Serenade In G 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Sir Neville Marriner
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor, Op.26 - II. Adagio - Yedudi Menuhin
Nocturne No.2 In E Flat Op.9 No.2 - John Ogdon
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Schindler's List - Tasmin Little
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
Dance Of The Sylphs - Sir Neville Marriner
Water Music - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No.9: II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Jean De Florette - Toots Thielemans
Concerto For Lute And Two Violins - II. Largo - Anthony Bailes
Cello Concerto In E Minor Op.85 - III. Adagio - Jacqueline De Pre
Waltz No.15 In A Flat - Dame Moura Lympany
Romance - Piers Lane
Pavane - Maurice Handford
Woodbrook - Micheal O Suilleabhain
Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra

Tracks:

The Four Seasons - Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring' - Yehundi Menuhin
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Double Violin Concerto In D Minor - II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
Prelude No.7 In A Op.28 No.7 - Tzimon Barto
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
The Lark Ascending - Hugh Bean
'Pathetique Sonata Op.13 - II. Adagio Cantabile - Leonard Pennario
Pie Jesu - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Salut D'Amour - Richard Hickox
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (The Girl With Flaxen Hair) - Dame Moura Lympany
The Coventry Carol - Medeval Babes
Pavane For A Dead Princess - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Liebestraum No.3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Op.102 - II. Andante - Dmitri Alexeev
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Symphony No.5 In C Sharp Minor - IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Eveer, Volume II.......2006-08-28

Good selection of music, poorly performed and badly arranged. Good album for a tag sale. Same comment applies for Volume I.

Great music listein to while you read in bed.......2005-08-21

I have listened to this CD for the last several years before going to sleep at night. I love classical music, and this is great music to help make my soul feel at peace and unwind after a taxing day.

A must buy for the non-snobbish classical music fan........2004-10-22

I bought Vol. 1 of this series and was quite satisfied, but I have to say I'm more than satisfied with this one. If you can just mellow out and enjoy some great pieces, you'll love this CD. #15 on Disc 2 is almost worth the price alone!

A bliss of spirit........2004-09-18

That's disc will open You a wonderful, beautiful world of sounds, their harmony & emotion : you'll feel your heart full of
Joy, Tears, Love.
Good LUCK!

Boring.......2004-05-11

Yes this CD will put you to sleep in minutes. Its the most boring uninspiring classical music. The first CD was very good but this Vol. 2 is like most movie sequels....AWFUL !

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

Average customer rating:

PLEASE BE AWARE
Bubble Bath Baroque
Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions
Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music
A relaxing serenade

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach for Breakfast
Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night
Beethoven at Bedtime: A Gentle Prelude to Sleep
Mozart for Meditation
Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading

ASIN: B0000041DS
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Siciliano
The Four Seasons ( Winter): Largo
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D: Cantabile
Guitar Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe d'Amore Concerto In G: Adagio
Flute Concerto In G: Arioso
Concerto No 1 In B Flat For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Adagio
Oboe Concerto No 1 In B Flat: Largo
Concerto In A: Sicilienne
Concerto In G For Two Guitars: Andante
Concerto In D For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Grazioso
Concerto In C For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Introduzione (Larghetto)
Oboe Concerto In C: Siciliana
Water Music (Suite No 1 In F): Air
Oboe Concerto No 2 In B Flat: Andante
Suite No 1: Andante
Concerto In F: Preludio
Canon In D

Customer Reviews:

PLEASE BE AWARE.......2007-02-25

The audio samples given here are from the Vivaldi for Valentines CD in this same Philips series. NOT Bach.

The Vivaldi was great, though.

Bubble Bath Baroque.......2005-09-27

Light some candles, run a bubble bath, put in bath beads, pop this CD into your stereo and indulge in a bath that would mean you've pampered yourself in extremis. This particular recording from the popular Set Your Life To Classical series is a real treat for Bathtime, or in my opinion, anytime. It is indeed, as the title suggests, a relaxing serenade to wash your cares away. It is therapy, a perfect companion to a massage, reading a book, drinking tea, anything you can do alone to pamper yourself and to relax. Iona Brown, a female conductor, takes Sir Neville Marriner's place and conducts the Academy of St Martin In The Fields performing such works as the opening track - the Lute Concerto by Vivaldi as well as Track 4's Largo from the Winter movement in The Four Seasons, track 12's Concerto For Two Guitars by Corelli and the Oboe Concerto in D by Telemann. Also featured on here Oboe Concerti by Handel and Water Music Suite, and other conductors featured on here are Raymond Leppard and his English Chamber Orchestra. The Canon in D has never sounded more radiant than on here as it is conducted by Sir Neville Marriner and closes the CD nicely. A more relaxing way to take a bath you'll be hard-pressed to find. This music is gorgeous, it's affordable (on the Used Item section and the regular price) and is as always, a great intro to classical music and a fun, innovative way to enjoy it.

Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions.......2003-01-09

This is pleasing, pastoral music picked to relieve that which tenses up our bodies and souls.

Turn on this excellent baroque collection from the likes of Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel and Pachelbel (among others) superbly played by such virtuosos as Rampal, Holliger et al.

Sweeping instrumental arias are so relaxing! This one will soothe the savage beast as well as those tired bods.

Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music.......2002-12-22

The cd series "Set Your Life To Classical Music", composes a variety of baroque, classical and romantic instrumental music that serves the purpose of leisure and background while you engage in the day or evening's activities. The purpose is therapeutic. There are other titles in the series, such as "Bach For Breakfast", "Beethoven For Book Lovers" "Chopin And Champagne", "Baroque For Bedtime", "Puccini and Pasta", "Mozart For The Morning Commute", the series goes on and on. It is a great way to soothe your tensions and provides stress-free, nearly New Age style music that you'd more than likely hear at a masseur's place of business. One can also make the argument that this is the music you'd hear at an elevator. What I like about all these series is that they are also a great introduction to instrumental/classical music. The ensembles performing the classical works are virtuosic and well known in world of classical performance, such as Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin In The Fields, I Musici and the New Age, Yani-style musician, Zamfir, who specializes in rare instruments such as pan pipes.

On this recording, specifically designed to accompany your bubble bath, there are beautiful, slower-paced movements from Baroque flute, violin and oboe concertos. There are the Sicilian style movements of such composers as Vivaldi, Bach and Telemann. The largo from the Winter movement is a richly melodic and dreamy piece for strings, and the concluding work, Canon In D Major, is an elegant, graceful and heartfelt chamber piece that has become iconic in Baroque music. It was used in the film, Ordinary People and is very popular in classical music for weddings. I strongly recommend all the cds in the series. They are a perfect way to get you into some of the most beautiful classical music ever written, and are a great way to involve music as the wordless, instrumental soundtrack in your life.

A relaxing serenade.......2000-12-28

This is a wonderful collection of Baroque pieces that will truly relax and wash away stress and tension. I especially like the oboe and classical guitar pieces. If you are a fan of the pan flute, this is also a good CD for you, but the pan flute actually is the down side of the CD for me. All the songs are first rate!

Average customer rating:

Good compilation- of bits and pieces
Good and inexpensive collection

Best Classics 100 Volume 1

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | 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

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Best Classics 100 Volume 2
100 Best Film Classics
100 Best Piano Classics
100 Best Opera Classics
100 Best Baroque

ASIN: B000GPIPQA
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - Sir Neville Marriner
I. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin
Toccata In D Minor BWV565 - Wayne Marshall
III. Rondo (Allegro Vivace) - Barry Tuckwell
I. Allegro Con Brio - Philharmonia Orchestra
1812 Overture - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No.9 In D Minor Choral Op.125 - The Westminster Choir
I. Allegro Molto Moderato - Cecile Ousset
Alla Marcia - Halle Orchestra
Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity - Philharmonia Orchestra
I. Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Horacio Gutierrez
Symphonic Poem, Op.26 - Halle Orchestra
Gloria All'egitto - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Montagues And Capulets - The Philadelphia Orchestra
Radetzky March - Willi Boskovsky
Pomp And Circumstance March No.1 - Royal Choral Society
I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto - Mikhail Rudy
Symphony No.3 In C Minor Organ Op.78 - Mathias Eisenberg

Tracks:

Air On The G String - Sir Neville Marriner
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Canon In D - Sir Neville Marriner
II. Adagio - Sabine Meyer
Aria - Julia
Adagio In G Minor - Sir Neville Marriner
I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
II. Andantino - James Galway
II. Andante - Yehudi Menuhin
II. Andante - Stephen Hough
II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
II. Adagio - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
II. Adagio - Julian Bream
The Lark Ascending - Migel Kennedy
IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset

Tracks:

Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Nicolai Gedda
Song To The Moon - Lucia Popp
Dome Epais - Mady Mesple
La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Nicolai Gedda
Che Faro Senza Euridice - Agnes Balsta
Casta Diva - Maria Callas
Che Gelida Manina - Roberto Alagna
O Mio Babbino Caro - Angela Gheorghiu
Bailero: Chants D'Auvergne - Victoria De Los Angeles
Vogliatemi Bene - Carlo Bergonzi
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Es Lebt' Eine Vilja - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Ombra Mai Fu - Richard Lewis
Ave Maria - Gerald Moore
Minuit, Chretiens - Roberto Alagna
Nessun Dorma - Jose Carreras

Tracks:

Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude - Sir Neville Marriner
I. Allegro - Emil Gilels
Trumpet Voluntary - Maurice Andre
Judex - Halle Orchestra
Overture - Polish Chamber Orchestra
Sarabande - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Waltz Of The Flowers - Andre Previn
Troika - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasia On Greensleeves - Sir John Barbirolli
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
Scene Act II, No.10 - Andre Previn
Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco
II. Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra
Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra
Walzer, Op.314 - Berliner Philharmoniker

Tracks:

Cavaleria Rusticana - Philharmonia Orchestra
II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Morning - Sir Neville Marriner
Romance - Piers Lane
Adagio For Strings - Philadelphia Orchestra
The Story Of The Kalender Prince - Philadelphia Orchestra
Meditation - Anne-Sophie Mutter
Prince Igor - Beecham Choral Society
Adagio Of Spartacus And Phrygia - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasy Overture - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
II. Allegretto - Philharmonia Orchestra
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
Schindler's List Theme - Tasmin Little
Dance Of The Reed Flutes - Andre Previn
V. Allegretto - The Philadelphia Orchestra

Tracks:

Zadok The Priest - Royal Choral Society
Zion Hort Die Wachter - Suddeutscher Madrigalchor
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Sanctus - Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
L'Enfance Du Christ - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Sanctus - Heinz Hoppe
In Paradisum - Peter Barley
Laudate Dominum - Edda Moser
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
Ave Verum Corpus K618 - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Elizabeth Harwood
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Pie Jesu - Victoria De Los Angeles
Lacrimosa - David Bell
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers

Customer Reviews:

Good compilation- of bits and pieces.......2007-07-02

I was excited to see such a great collection of classics, but I was really disappointed to listen and discover that many tracks are shortened dramatically. A fraction of Rhapsody in Blue- a ridiculously short fragment of Bethoveen Ninth Symphony- "Ode to Joy" a tiny part of the first movement of Rachmoninov's Piano Concerto no.3.

I'd rather have fewer tracks and the complete movements.

Good and inexpensive collection.......2007-03-17

EMI's Best Classics 100 provides six CDs with seven hours of selected classical music. The cover does a poor job of portraying who does the selecting and who performs the piece -- information inside however does detail the symphonies being recorded. Recordings from the Polish Chamber, Berlin Symphonies, Royal Philharmonic etc are mentioned. The recording quality is good and the price is low, representing a good purchase for a general collection.

Average customer rating:

The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection
Classic
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!
Excellent!!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Spanish Guitar Music
Baroque Guitar
Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B00004T0P4
Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

Romance
Pavane
Sunburst
Una Limosna Por el Amor de Dios
Asturias
Gymnopedie No. 3
El Condor Pasa
Verano Porteno
Scherzino Mexicano
Berceuse
Natalia
Dance from la Vida Breve
Planxty Madame Maxwell
Epitafios
Prelude from Lute Suite
I. Prelude from Suite for Lute (Guitar) No. 4 in E Major, BXV 1006a - From The Seville Concert
Sonata in E Major, K. 380 (L. 23) - From The Baroque Album
III. Allegro from Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, RV 82 - From John Williams Plays Vivaldi Concertos
II. Adagio From Conceirto de Aranjuez For Guitar And Orchestra

Amazon.com

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar. But this isn't just a best-of collection (though some of his greatest work is included here) since the disc contains three new recordings. Among the new tracks, Fauré's Pavane is a real stunner, a short but gorgeous piece originally meant for orchestra and choir, where Williams's guitar sounds as though it always belonged there. We get Williams at his most interpretative--his arrangements of Satie's Gymnopedie No. 3 and Piazzolla tango Verano porteno--and his most serene (the "Cavatina" theme from the movie Deer Hunter). Let's face it, some fine classical guitarists can lull their listeners into near comatose states with their instrument; Williams, on the other hand, is just the opposite. His gorgeous tone, inventive arrangements, and interesting repertoire continue to make the classical guitar sound exciting. In short, a great introduction to Williams and a real gem for lovers of classical guitar. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection.......2007-03-01

The second movement adagio of the Aranjuez concert is one of my favourite pieces, a very difficult one to get right. I've listened to well over a dozen variations, the one on this CD, track 19, is an absolute gem. Just by itself is reason enough to own this CD. The only other Aranjuez performance that's even worth mentioning in the same breath is Julian Bream's, track 2 of the CD titled just "Julian Bream", with the Monteverdi orchestra. Both are just stunning performances, as close to perfection as it gets. Julian's is a bit stronger on the guitar than the one here.

Classic.......2007-01-26

Excellent CD for those interested in classical music. All the tracks are great in sound quality!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar.......2007-01-20

Loved the songs....loved the guitar renditions. Would highly recommend!

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!.......2006-04-19

If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams. A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.

As a guitarist myself who has been struggling all these years with "Cavatina", it always amazes me how effortlessly John makes the tune sound so simple and as if two guitarists are playing, one for the accompanyment and one for the melody and yet it's all him! Not only are the tracks representative of John's great talent but they also represent some of the most famous and challenging pieces to play.

Another great example of this is "Asturias(Leyenda) by Albeniz, a hauntingly beautiful and deceptively simple-sounding piece. We also get pieces that span the centuries from J.S. Bach and Vivaldi to Stanley Myers and York ending with the brilliant second movement of Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez".

Although the sound quality isn't brilliant as some tracks sound better mastered than others, overall this is a great one disc introduction to John Williams' work and comes highly recommended.

Excellent!!.......2006-03-06

This is a delightful compilation. The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

Average customer rating:

Bravo!
Outstanding compilation of the Italian classics,

Dinner Classics: The Italian Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Paganini, Niccolò | ( P )