Bach: Complete Lute Music

On this CD:

1. Suite for lute in E minor, BWV 996
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

2. Partita for lute in C minor, BWV 997
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

3. Prelude for lute in C minor, BWV 999
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

4. Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 Ciaccona
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

5. Partita for lute in E major, BWV 1006a
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

6. Suite for lute in G minor, BWV 995
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

7. Prelude, Fugue and Allegro for lute (or keyboard) in E flat major, BWV 998
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

8. Fugue for lute in G minor, BWV 1000
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Frederic Zigante

Tracks:

Three Lute Dances: Prelude: Courante
Sonata In E-Flat: Prelude: Adagio
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Prelude: Allegro
Water Music: Prelude: Suite No. 1- Air
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Te Deum: Processional: Prelude
Processional: Canon In D
Processional: Trumpet Tune
Lohengrin: Processional: 'Wedding March'
Cantata 147: Ceremony: 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring'
The Four Seasons: Ceremony: 'Spring' - Allegro
Ceremony: 'Ave Maria'
Five Mystical Songs: Ceremony: 'The Call'
Ceremony: 'Sheep May Safely Graze'
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Recessional: 'Wedding March'
Solomon: Recessional: 'Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheeba'
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: Recessional: First Movement
Organ Symphony No. 5: Recessional: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

Middle of the road wedding music.......2007-01-20

I bought this cd because I had everything in my wedding planned to the last tiny detail except the ceremony music. All the songs on the cd are nice traditional wedding songs. I did not use any of the music from the cd, but I am glad I bought it because it helped me realize that traditional wedding music was not what I wanted. All and all a nice classical music cd but not for brides who really want a personal ceremony. BTW I went with Enya and Lorena McKennitt.

just what I was looking for.......2007-01-10

We wanted traditional wedding music and found it in this CD. I'm no music expert, but the arrangements and performances seemed fine. I would definitely recommend this CD for any bride looking for a concise collection of traditional wedding pieces.

Most Chosen Selections.......2006-03-13

As a wedding officiant, my wife and I are often asked to assist the couple with other services for their ceremony, such as music. For this, we have a very large selection in our music library to choose from. We have put together a catalog of cd's that we loan out to the couple for their review, and most often, their selections come from BRIDE'S GUIDE TO WEDDING MUSIC.

If you're planning a traditional or formal wedding on a budget, this cd has it all. There are even two selections of Wagner's "Wedding March" to choose from. Only two of the selections have vocals, the rest are all extraordinary instrumental selections.

Often, even around the house or in my car, I find myself listening to this cd. The music is soothing, refreshing, uplifting and most enjoyable. I recommend this cd over all other wedding music cd's.

Another Great Reference CD.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume 2, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs; just about everything on here is standard fare for weddings. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over potential music selections with an organist, a string quartet, etc. Like my review for Volume 2, I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner. BTW: beware of reviewers who don't use their names, especially "A music fan." This is most likely the producer of the "Wedding Traditions" CD and he slanders other CDs so his will look better. You'd think that in the wedding music business people would have better ethics, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. The best advice I can give, as a classical musician myself, if to take time to listen to the sound clips, and if possible, try to find them on iTunes where they might sound higher quality. This is the only real way of knowing whether the CD is right for you.

A Nice CD.......2005-12-30

This is a very nice CD.
Our daughter used some of the songs on this CD
and some of the songs that are on the
"Classical Wedding Traditions" CD for the wedding.
She also used many of the songs on the
"New Wedding Traditions Volume I" CD
Amazon is a great place to find good wedding music

Average customer rating:

GORGEOUS!
Wonderful intro To MEHDl ...
great
The Complete Wedding Album
Almost the compete wedding album

The Complete Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
Classical Wedding Traditions

ASIN: B000006ONZ
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Rigaudon - Empire Brass
Sinfonia - Michael Murray
Toccata - Michael Murray
Wedding March - Michael Murray
The Prince Of Denmark's March - Michael Murray
Trumpet Tune In D Major - Michael Murray
Te Deum - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Canon In D Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Yolanda Kondonassis
Prelude No. 1 In C Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Entrance Of The Queen Of Sheba - Keith Clark
Air - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Hornpipe - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Rondeau - Empire Brass
Unchained Melody - Erich Kunzel
Through The Eyes Of Love - William Tritt
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet - William Tritt
The Wedding Song (There Is Love - Danny Donnelly
Dodi Li - Shira Kammen

Tracks:

Rondeau - Michael Murray
Sheep May Safely Graze - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Michael Chertock
Clair De Lune - Michael Chertock
Adagio Sostenuto - Michael Chertock
Largo - Angel Romero
Largo - Larry Cooperman
Largo - Keith Clark
Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Adagio In G Minor For Strings - Keith Clark
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Leonard Slatkin
Adagio For Strings - Erich Kunzel
'Treulich Gefuart,' Bridal Chorus - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Wedding March - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

GORGEOUS!.......2007-06-13

I wish this CD had been around when I was planning my wedding as it would have been great for helping the bride to select music! Still, it's wonderful to listen to now.

Wonderful intro To MEHDl ..........2006-06-08

I've always enjoyed Great Wedding music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Tomaso Albinoni fan of, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I had them both in my multi-disc CD player during the wedding and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

great.......2006-02-19

Highly recommended. Even has suggestions for pre-ceremony, processional, ceremony, and recessional inside. 2 different versions of Midsummer Night's Dream march included - one with trumpet and organ and one with a full orchestra. Lots of great selections, well recorded.

The Complete Wedding Album.......2005-08-05

This album has a lot of great wedding music. It had all of the songs I was looking for. There also is great background music for the ceremony. Glad I purchased it

Almost the compete wedding album.......2004-05-07

I used this cd to help me plan which songs I wanted to use for each part of the wedding. This cd helps you suggest the placement for the prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional. The cd mainly has classical songs, but it does have a few of "today's" songs. There could have been a few more songs they could have added. But overall, its a good cd.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant music by great musicians
The Royal Family of Spanish Guitar
Spanish classical guitar
Sumptuous performances!
LOS ROMEROS TO PERFORM WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NJ

The Royal Family of the Spanish Guitar
Isaac Albeniz , Enrique Granados , Federico Moreno Torroba , Anonymous , Fernando Sor , Celedonio Romero , Francisco Tarrega , Robert de Visee , Luys de Narvaez , Vincenzo Galilei , Luis de Milan , Johann Sebastian Bach , John Dowland , Jean-Philippe Rameau , Gaspar Sanz , Harold Lawrence , The Romeros , Pepe Romero , Angel Romero , and Celin Romero
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
The Art of Pepe Romero: Guitar Favorites
Songs My Father Taught Me
Antonio Vivaldi: Guitar Concertos, Los Romeros
Los Romeros: The Rodrigo Collection

ASIN: B0000057NF
Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

Trad. Spanish Folk Melody: Sevillanas
Intermezo from Goyescas
Llamada
Sevilla From Suite Espanola
Obbligato on Etude in B Minor
Noche en Malaga
Lagrima (Preludio)
Romantic Prelude
Allegretto From Sonatina In A Major
Prelude No. 3 In A Minor
Suite In D Minor
Cuatro diferencias sobre
Suite Of Six Dances
Three Pavanas
Minuet
Bourree
Gavotte
King Of Denmark's Galliard
Gavotte en rondeau
Espanoleta

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant music by great musicians.......2007-05-09

I got this for my mother for her birthday, and she was thrilled. I listened to it with her, and it's simply delicious music. I recommend this to everyone who enjoys the guitar, Spanish music, and classical music.

The Royal Family of Spanish Guitar.......2007-05-07

Superb. There is just nothing more to say.

Spanish classical guitar.......2007-04-23

If you are in the mood for some beautiful Spanish guitar music than this disc will fill that void. The Romeros have been recording elegant music for years as the gift of guitar playing has been passed down generations. What is especially nice about this disc is that it features a variety of composers major works. The Romeros interpret Issac Albeniz, Enrique Granados, Federico Torroba, Villa-Lobos and Bach amongst many others. Curiously enough, the works of Rodrigo are misssing. To avoid confusion in your buying this disc it is important to note that all the Romeros do not play guitar together on this disc. There is the occasional duet and group performance on guitar but for the most part these are individual solos. The solo guitar of each Romero is enough to capture your attention but it is important to note that Celedonio Romero dominates this disc. The inclosed booklet is very informative and educational regarding the history of each composition; it is nice reading material while you are listening to these early music time pieces. Although the individual pieces are composed by different people there is a flow to the music. This is great music to relax the mind to , perfect for reading or participating in some quite endevor. Recommended for Spanish classical guitar aficionados.

Sumptuous performances!.......2006-03-16

Since their early years this curious ensemble has detached due their impeccable phrasing, sublime expression and admirable phrasing. (We should remind the case of the Abreu brothers in the Seventies as other emblematic example of familiar ensembles) This special circumstance has allowed them to achieve a very high place in guitar' s world.

Their elegant refinement is not wrangled with the sensitive and required mood. They have maintained the perfect balance, becoming an obligated reference every time they release a new album in the market.

His Rodrigo's performances possess that verve so characteristic of the great interpreters. Listening pieces as Madrigal Concerto, the original Concerto for three guitars and the unbeatable performance of Fandango.

This album contains some of the most representative miniaturist pieces of the Spanish repertoire.

So please, don' t think it over and acquire this album that will reward you every time you listen it.

LOS ROMEROS TO PERFORM WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NJ.......2005-12-29

THIS IS A GREAT CD! COME SEE THE LOS ROMEROS THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THE GUITAR PERFORM LIVE WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2006, AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 2:00 P.M.

FOR TICKETS: www.edisonsymphony.com and www.statetheatrenj.org

Average customer rating:

Above All Others
The Great Master, of Masters
THIS GORGEOUS GUITAR MUSIC BEGS FOR LISTENING. . .
beautiful selection of the decca segovia
There's Only One Segovia

The Segovia Collection

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Art of Segovia
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Andres Segovia: In Portrait
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2

ASIN: B000060O5J
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Amazon.com

The vastly improved sonics which the Deutsche Grammophon production team achieves with its 24/96 remastering of the guitarist's 1952-1969 mono and stereo performances for Decca allow listeners to finally experience the rich tonal palette and intimate nature of Segovia's performance art in a manner commensurate with the fidelity of the original LP releases (minus the edgy digital glare and graininess of the MCA reissues). What emerges is a portrait of the artist as a lightning rod for great composers, such as Manuel Ponce, Federico Torroba, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Isaac Albéniz, and Enrique Granados, all of whom enriched the 20th-century repertoire of solo and chamber works by custom-crafting works for this innovative guitarist (Segovia's interpretation of Joaquín Rodrigo's "Fandango" is a paradigm for his role in popularizing the modern Spanish idiom). Likewise, Segovias's work as an arranger in recasting baroque and medieval works for modern guitar, as well as his deep affection for 19th-century masters of the instrument such as Dionisio Aguado and Fernando Sor, shines forth on discs two and three. However, it is Segovia's romantic touch in transposing Bach's Partitas for Solo Violin--as on his virtuoso turns on the "Chaconne in D Minor"--that best illustrate his poetic conception of the instrument. --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

Above All Others.......2006-10-16

John Williams, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Julian Bream, et. al. all owe a great deal to this now departed giant. If you own ANY classical guitar recordings, you should purchase this collection. It's not only the finest remastering available, but an equisitely fine selection of Segovia's contribution to the genre and the art.

The Great Master, of Masters.......2005-06-28

Andrés Segovia was the great master of classical guitar. This set show us 400 years of music taken for the guitar, he was the first in give the guitar place like a cult instrument in 20th century through his works invaluable transcriptions of several instruments (cello, lute, etc.) of composers like Bach, Dowland, Manuel M. Ponce, Fernando Sor, Tárrega, etc.

The scope from Segovia has leaved footsteps in the great world of classical music, for his research and investigations about it. In this set we can listen pieces like "six pavanas" from the ending Age Middle of Luis Milán, and begginig of Rennasaince like Dowland's songs togheter Roncali Ludovico between others on CD 3.
Also show us the great spanish composer Enrique Granados, Torroba, Sor, icons of guitar music. I Basically bought this cd for "Pavane" 1-6 and that better found it in this GREAT SET. If you're a lover of Classical Music, or classical guitar this one of the greatest set box ever made in any genre!!!.

Andrés Segovia, Marquis of Salobreia, was born near Jaen, Granada, Spain. He became a guitarist against the double opposition of his parents. First, they opposed his learning the guitar and got him cello and piano teachers instead. When he persisted in teaching himself guitar, they opposed his becoming a musician. He sought a guitar teacher at the Granada Institute of Music when he studied there, but found none, so continued learning the instrument on his own. He made his debut at the Centro Artística in Granada at the age of 15. He played so skillfully that he was urged to become a professional soloist. He played in Madrid in 1912, at the Paris Conservatory in 1915, and in Barcelona in 1916, and made a wildly successful tour of South America in 1919. He made his formal debut in Paris on April 7, 1924, in a program which included a new work written for him by Albert Roussel, named Segovia. It was the first of many works which were written for him by distinguished composers, enriching the instrument's repertory as Segovia had elevated its artistic potential. His U.S. debut was at Town Hall, New York, on January 8, 1928.

Being self-taught, his technique was unique. It was, in fact, superior to that which was being taught at the time, and extended the flexibility and expressive possibilities of the instrument. The main difference was in the method of using the right hand for strumming and picking the strings: Segovia's method paid much attention to the means of attack: whether hard parts of the fingers, fleshy parts, or the nails were used; other subtleties that affected the dynamics of the instrument; and an economy of motion that allowed longer and more sustained playing. There were classical guitarists before him, and distinguished ones even when he appeared, but it was not an instrument that was regarded as a serious vehicle for classical music. Segovia personally changed that, and not by accident. No doubt affected by his parents' attitude toward his chosen career, he had a driving desire to make it so. He wrote numerous transcriptions of older music for lute and for the Spanish vihuela. He transcribed music of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Chopin, Handel, and others. He commissioned works by Castelnuovo-Tedesco (notably the great suite Platero and I), Falla, Turina, Tansman, Villa-Lobos, Torroba, Ponce, and Rodrigo, whose Fantasia para un gentilhombre was written for him. His reinstatement of the guitar as a solo instrument was sealed by his becoming one of the great teachers of music history. He established guitar schools or courses at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, Siena, Santiago de Compostela, and the University of California in Berkeley. His students included Alirio Diaz, Oscar Ghilia, and John Williams.

Segovia become one of the great names in classical music, whose mere name was enough to sell out houses worldwide. He received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Grand Cross of Isabela and Alfonso, the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society of London, and many honorary degrees. The house where he was born had a commemorative plaque attached to it in 1969 proclaiming him the "leading son of the city." King Juan Carlos of Spain ennobled him as the Marquis of Salobreia in 1981, and in the same year a Segovia International Guitar Competition was established in his honor. He continued to give recitals and concerts until an advanced age, and had the rare opportunity, in 1984, of playing at a gala concert honoring the 75th anniversary of professional debut.

THIS GORGEOUS GUITAR MUSIC BEGS FOR LISTENING. . ........2004-02-24

__________________________________________________________________________________

. . . and I literally begged for this boxed set as a gift a while back and got lucky. The technical quality of the remastering is exquisite - the first 2 CD's especially sound as if you're in a recording studio with the master himself. (disc one includes "Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre" & "Concierto Del Sur" and disc two "Castillos De Espana")

I've found they are now selling the individual CD's separately in the same packaging, so if you're on a limited budget you can collect them at your own speed or limit yourself to those selections you most want. I sincerely recommend them all however and if you buy the boxed set you get the added bonus of an excellent booklet.

There are very few CD's in my collection that I derive as much sheer pleasure listening to. This is indeed a 5 star Segovia collection!

beautiful selection of the decca segovia.......2003-10-02

there probably wasn't a classical guitarist alive in the 1950's and 60's who didn't know by heart all of segovia's decca albums and julian bream's spectacular recordings for rca and westminster. this set will be a stroll down memory lane for everyone with segovia schott editions in the attic, and essential listening for anyone interested in the classical guitar or in discovering a genuine musical genius -- the equal on his instrument of casals, rubenstein or heifitz on theirs.

segovia literally created the 20th century classical guitar out of an instrument with a cachet not far above the banjo. the booklet to the boxed set gives a fine overview of segovia's career and recording practice, though omitting many key details. (segovia innovated guitar concerts in large concert halls because he was among the first to use his fingernails, rather than bare fingertips, to pluck the strings, and pushed guitar makers to build larger, brighter and more sonorous instruments.)

each of the 4 separately cased cds generously samples (up to 80 minutes each) from (1) the guitar concerto; (2) 20th century compositions dedicated to segovia; (3) pieces for lute, vihuela and 19th century guitar, with some albeniz transcriptions thrown in; and (4) segovia's transcriptions of pieces by j.s. bach.

the digital sound in these recordings (almost all from the 1950's) is really superb, giving contour to every detail of the master tapes. it also reveals the changing recording standards of the early lp: though the sound is consistently vivid and balanced, the guitar is sometimes distant and echoy (a "tile bathroom" sound characteristic of the earliest lp's), or intimate but slightly muffled, or bright and contrasty with a hint of added reverb at the top. i was a little taken aback by the uneven dynamics and nail clatter that i hadn't noticed years ago in segovia's playing: modern recording and performance practice have changed expectations toward a more homogenous and finished sound. but there is a spontaneity, fire, grace, color, imagination and wit in segovia's playing that you won't find anywhere else ... well, excepting julian bream.

it's picky to second guess editorial decisions in a set as generous as this ... but what the heck: i really missed tansman's lovely suite of polish dances ("cavatina"), regretted the absence of a complete sonata or suite by manuel ponce, and would trade the boccherini "guitar" (transcribed cello) concerto for the castelnuovo-tedesco guitar concerto. that said, the performances here of rodrigo's "fantasia para un gentilhombre" and ponce's "concerto del sur" are among the best available, and the generous sampling sor etudes will remind all us graying guitarists of the many happy hours we spent practicing these pieces from the only edition then available -- segovia's own.

deutsche grammaphon has also released a 2-cd set of segovia recordings ("the art of andres segovia"), which duplicates only four pieces from this 4-cd boxed set, and veers more toward colorful transcriptions and single movement selections from longer works. together they make a 6 cd collection of many of the finest recordings by the man who started it all, spawned thousands of heirs and imitators -- and set the bar for them very, very high.

There's Only One Segovia.......2002-07-19

This is the PERFECT retrospective boxed set. DG has outdone itself with this career retrospective of Spanish classical guitar legend Andres Segovia. The set was released on the 15th anniversary of Segovia's death in 1987. From the famous "Fantasia para un gentilhombre" to transcriptions of J.S. Bach for the guitar, all four CDs showcase nothing but the genius of Segovia. The remastered DG recordings sound terrific and the accompanying booklet, complete with photographs from throughout the master's life in Spain, is excellent. If you love Spanish classical guitar and adore the 19th-Century romantic style of playing championed by Segovia, buy this set. You won't be disappointed. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Average customer rating:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!
Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear
A little something for everybody

The Ultimate Guitar Collection

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

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:

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
The Guitarist
Spanish Guitar Music
El Diablo Suelto - Guitar Music of Venezuela
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B0007TFH52
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

Suite Espanola, Op.47: Asturias (Leyenda)
Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Prelude
Triangular Situations
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Romance
Dance From La Vida Breve
Sonata In E Major, K 380
Como Llora Una Estrella (Valse-Cancion)
The Mission
El Colibri
Gymnopedie No.3
Courante
La Catedral
El Condor Pasa
Salut D'Amour
Malinke Guitars
Concerto For Lute (Guitar), Two Violins (Strings) And Basso Continuo In D Major, R.93: I. Allegro Giusto
The Entertainer

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
Gnossienne No.1
Cueca
Schindler's List
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
Pavane
Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
Sunburst
The Godfather
Scherzino Mexicano
Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
Saltarello
12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!.......2006-04-21

The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear.......2006-01-26

The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album. It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done. Not robotic like some freaks out there. This is true beautiful music. Runs together like a long summer drive in the country. It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.

A little something for everybody.......2005-06-15

First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Average customer rating:

J.S. Bach: Complete Lute Suites

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Spanish Guitar Recital
Greatest Hits
Latin Romances for Guitar
Journey to the Amazon
Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar

ASIN: B00008LP1Q
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

Prelude
Loure
Gavotte En Rondeau
Menuet I & II (De Capo Menuet I)
Bourree
Gigue
Prelude: Tres Vite
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Gavotte I & II (En Rondeau)
Gigue
Praeludio: Passaggio Presto
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Bourree
Gigue
Prelude
Fugue
Sarabande
Gigue
Double

Average customer rating:

Masters of the Guitar

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Masters of the Keyboard
Masters of the Bow: Cello
Masters of the Bow
Masters of the Voice: Tenor
Masters of the Trumpet

ASIN: B0007CEXO0
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Allemande - Andreas Segovia
Bouree - Andres Segovia
Canarios - Alexandre Lagoya
Sonata In E Major - Alexandre Lagoya & Ida Presti
Variations On A Theme By Mozart - John Williams
Romanza: Piu Tosto Largo. - Edardo Fernandeaz
Sevilla - Angel Romero
Asturias (Leyenda) - Narciso Yepes
Spanish Dance No. 5, Op. 37 'Andaluza' - Pepe Romero
Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Narciso Yepes
Garrotin - Julian Bream
Soleares - Julian Bream
Preludio. Lento - Goran Sollscher
Andante Solemne - Goran Sollscher
Allegretto - Goran Sollscher
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios - Alexander-Sergei Ramierez
Valse Criollo - John Williams
Homenaje 'Le Tombeau De Debussy' - Julian Bream
Cacion De Cuna (Berceuse) - Goran Sollscher
Etude No. 1 For Guitar In E Minor - John Williams
Choro No. 1 - Eduardo Fernandez
Ayer Y Hoy (Guajiras) - Paco Pena

Tracks:

(Allegro Giusto) - Goran Sollscher
Largo - Goran Sollscher
Allegro - Goran Sollscher
Allegro Maestoso - Eduardo Fernandez
Andante Siciliano - Eduardo Fernandez
Alla Polacca - Eduardo Fernandez
Villano Y Ricercare (Adagietto/Andante Moderato) - Andres Seovia
Espanoleta Toques De La Caballeria De Napoles - Andres Seovia
Danza De Las Hachas (Allegro Con Brio) - Andres Seovia
Canario (Allegro Ma Non Troppo) - Andres Seovia
Allegro Con Spirito - Pepe Romero Christine Pendrill
Adagio - Pepe Romero Christine Pendrill
Allegro Gentile - Pepe Romero Christine Pendrill

Average customer rating:

Guitar Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

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

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

Guitar Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000DJZ7L
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Sevilla - Eduardo Fernandez
Granada - Andres Segovia
Tango, Op. 165, No. 2 - Pepe Romero
Spanish Dance No. 5, Op. 37 'Andaluza' - Pepe Romero
Asturias - Pepe Romero
Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Eduardo Fernandez
Soleares - Eduardo Fernandez
Malague Pepe Romero
Romance D'Amore - Goran Sollscher
Bouree - Narciso Yepes
Gavotte - Pepe Romero
Canarios - Alexandre Lagoya
Sonata In E Major, K.380 (L23) - Pepe Romero
Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
Largo - Goran Sollscher
Allegro - Pepe Romero
Adagio - Pepe Romero
Villano Y Ricercare (Adagietto - Andante Moderato - Andres Segovia

Average customer rating:

a guitar music lover
This CD is wonderful! What a thrill!!
Excellent Choice
Bach Comes To Life
Not a favorite, but valuable nonetheless

Bach: Complete Lute Suites

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar
Journey to the Amazon
Dreams of a World
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur
Sharon Isbin

ASIN: B000002SRT
Release Date: 2002-12-23

Tracks:

Ste BWV 1006a in E: Prelude
Ste BWV 1006a in E: Loure
Ste BWV 1006a in E: Gavotte en rondeau
Ste BWV 1006a in E: Menuet I and II
Ste BWV 1006a in E: Bourree
Ste BWV 1006a in E: Gigue
Ste BWV 995 in g performed in a: Prelude/tres vite
Ste BWV 995 in g performed in a: Allemande
Ste BWV 995 in g performed in a: Courante
Ste BWV 995 in g performed in a: Sarabande
Ste BWV 995 in g performed in a: Gavotte I & II (en rondeau
Ste BWV 995 in g performed in a: Gigue
Ste BWV 996 in e: Praeludio: Passaggio/Presto
Ste BWV 996 in e: Praeludio: Allemande
Ste BWV 996 in e: Praeludio: Courante
Ste BWV 996 in e: Praeludio: Sarabande
Ste BWV 996 in e: Praeludio: Bourree
Ste BWV 996 in e: Praeludio: Gigue
Ste BWV 997 in c Performed in a: Prelude
Ste BWV 997 in c Performed in a: Fugue
Ste BWV 997 in c Performed in a: Sarabande
Ste BWV 997 in c Performed in a: Gigue
Ste BWV 997 in c Performed in a: Double

Customer Reviews:

a guitar music lover.......2006-11-06

This is one of the guitar cd you got to have. I play this cd every night at bed time. The music is calm and pleasant. My entire family really enjoy and love this cd.

This CD is wonderful! What a thrill!!.......2004-07-13

I've read that Sharon Isbin studied for 10 years with the greatest Bach scholar and keyboard artist of our time, Rosalyn Tureck, with whom she created and published the editions recorded in this CD. It's no wonder her Bach performances are so remarkable! Their collaborative editions are based on original manuscripts from Bach's time and follow closely the tradition of Baroque performance practices, including the composer's own embellishments with elaboration in repeats, a component astonishingly and neglectfully omitted in other guitar recordings!

I can easily understand why this recording is rightfully acknowledged to be the landmark in the world of Bach performance on guitar. It reaches a depth and scholarship untouched by any previous guitar recording of Bach I've heard (and I've heard them all). I'd have to say Isbin's music bring Bach to life better than all the others. She portrays a brilliant synthesis of scholarship and heart, knowledge and expression, structure and nuance. This is the highest standard you'll hear.

In addition to the amazing and creative ornamentation, I was very struck by Isbin's beautiful phrasing, striking timbral and dynamic contrasts, clarity of lines...breathtaking virtuosity.

It is no surprise that this recording has received so many awards and is lauded in the world of Bach performance as a model. Once you hear Bach in the hands of Sharon Isbin, you'll never be satisfied by anything less.

So here's my humble opinion:

Run, don't walk, to get this one!

The best 'test' is to use your own ears and hear Isbin's playing. I'm sure J.S. himself would heartily agree - Isbin takes Bach into the realm of the ethereal, where he and she both belong.

Excellent Choice.......2004-07-11

This is one of Sharon Isbin best CDs. I highly recommend this album to anyone wanting a true classical album with such style and grace as only Ms. Isbin can deliver. Excellent!

Bach Comes To Life.......2004-07-10

Although I have listened to many versions of Bach's Lute Suites, none have held my attention as critically as Sharon Isbin's work on this CD. To say that she has achieved artistic mastery is to minimize the beauty of her interpretation of the works. It is no wonder that critics praise her as one of the most preeminent guitarists of our time. I am fortunate to have this CD in my collection, especially when I have other classical music afficionados visiting. You too will be enthralled by this CD, which is complemented by Isbin's amazing "Baroque Favorites for Guitar". I recommend purchasing both together for true classical guitar bliss.

Not a favorite, but valuable nonetheless.......2004-06-07

First the disclaimers for my criticism:
1) Anyone capable of accurrately playing any arrangement all four of the Bach lute suites on guitar is an amazing musician.
2) This recording has an abundance of useful ideas regarding ornamentation for Bach, including some interesting techniques that were fairly uncommon at the time of this recording (those techniques are now standard practice). I also have the transcriptions for these performances and they are by far the most difficult to perform of any of the 3 editions I own.
3) Miss Isbin is an exciting player despite those who feel she is too mechanical. Listen to Journey to the Amazon, I think it's her best recording (despite some of the 'overdone' arrangements).

Now for the criticism:
This is the most laborious recording of the Lute Suites that I own (I own 6 versions). I listen to it at least a couple times a year, just hoping that maybe I'll hear something I didn't hear before... maybe it'll grow on me. The result is always the same.
This disc bores (...) me. The sonics of this recording are VERY POOR. You can hear everything ok, but there is no sweetness or presence. I don't think her instrument sounds that great either. If you are a fellow guitar player, it's a useful CD to own, I can attest that I've learned a few things from it, but I just don't enjoy listening to it. She's just too excessive. The tempos are also questionable. Some of the movements that you would expect to be too slow are very fast and some, like the Allemande from BMV 996 are way too slow. If JS Bach wanted it to be played like a Sarabande, he would have labeled it that way.
Here are a few analogies. It's like a gourmet dinner that looks beautiful in its preparation, but doesn't taste very good or like a really comfortable-looking chair in a museum (you just can't sit in it). I suggest the John Williams (vol#1, not vol#2), Paul Galbraith, and Julian Bream (in that order). recordings before considering this account.

Average customer rating:

A Joy To the Ears
The best of the best
expected better
might as well

Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur
Journey to the Amazon
Dreams of a World
Latin Romances for Guitar

ASIN: B000068FX7
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez: I: Allegro Con Spirito
Concierto De Aranjuez: II: Adagio
Concierto De Aranjuez: III: Allegro Gentile
Suite In E Minor BWV 996: I: Praeludio : Passaggio - Presto
Suite In E Minor BWV 996: II: Allemande
Suite In E Minor BWV 996: III: Courante
Suite In E Minor BWV 996: IV: Sarabande
Suite In E Minor BWV 996: V: Bourree
Suite In E Minor BWV 996: VI: Gigue
Suite In E Major BWV 1006a: I: Prelude
Suite In E Major BWV 1006a: II: Loure
Suite In E Major BWV 1006a: III: Gavotte En Rondeau
Suite In E Major BWV 1006a: IV: Menuets I & II
Suite In E Major BWV 1006a: V: Bourree
Suite In E Major BWV 1006a: VI: Gigue
Concerto For Guitar & String Orchestra In D Major: I: Allegro
Concerto For Guitar & String Orchestra In D Major: II: Largo
Concerto For Guitar & String Orchestra In D Major: III: Allegro

Tracks:

Asturias
Mallorca
La Catedral: I: Andante Religioso
La Catedral: II: Allegro Solemne
Etude No.8
Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre: Invocacion Y Danza
Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre: I: Villano Y Ricercare
Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre: II: Espanoleta
Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre: III: Fanfare De La Caballeria De Napoles
Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre: IV: Danza De Las Hachas
Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre: V: Canario
American Landscapes For Guitar & Orchestra: Part I: Slow And Free; Andante - Allegro Vivace - Andante
American Landscapes For Guitar & Orchestra: Part II: Variations On The 'Wayfaring Stranger'
American Landscapes For Guitar & Orchestra: Part III: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A Joy To the Ears.......2004-07-10

This CD has been one of the most actively played in my collection. It is one of those rare CDs that contains just the perfect mix of gorgeous guitar music played by an astounding guitarist. What a pleasure to listen to these compositions, sit back and be transported to another place and time. This is one of the best classical guitar "Greatest Hits" CDs available. If you have not had the opportunity to listen to Sharon Isbin in the past, you should not only order this CD immediately, but should add to your order her amazing "Lute Suites" CD as well. Your ears and soul will thank you.

The best of the best.......2004-07-08

All of Sharon Isbin's greatest rolled into one package! Make this CD part of your collection and you won't be sorry. I usually don't spend my money on Greatest Hits packages, but this one was an exception, and I wasn't disappointed.

expected better.......2004-05-16

I expected better after hearing how good she is, but the technical and emotional sides are lacking, the sound/tone is weak, and the programming could be better.

might as well.......2004-03-18

I haven't heard this one,but it's probably just as trippy as the others!

Music Track: