Suites 1, 2 & 3 for Solo Cello

Track Listings

1. Suite No.1 in G major- Prelude

2. Suite No.1 in G major- Allemande

3. Suite No.1 in G major- Courante

4. Suite No.1 in G major- Sarabande

5. Suite No.1 in G major- Menuet 1 & 11

6. Suite No.1 in G major- Gigue

7. Suite No.2 in D minor- Prelude

8. Suite No.2 in D minor- Allemande

9. Suite No.2 in D minor- Courante

10. Suite No.2 in D minor- Sarabande

11. Suite No.2 in D minor- Menuet 1 & 11

12. Suite No.2 in D minor- Gigue

13. Suite No.3 in C Major- Prelude

14. Suite No.3 in C Major- Allemande

15. Suite No.3 in C Major- Courante

16. Suite No.3 in C Major- Sarabande

17. Suite No.3 in C Major- Bourree 1 & 11

18. Suite No.3 in C Major- Gigue

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
J.S. Bach Suites 1, 2 & 3 for Solo Cello

Suites 1, 2 & 3 for Solo Cello, Music, John Friesen, J.S. Bach

A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
Average customer rating:

A Beautiful Wedding

Wonderful!

Good CD for Wedding

A Day To Remember--Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day, O'Neill Brothers

great choice!

A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
O'Neill Brothers
Manufacturer: O'Neill Brothers
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Day to Remember vol II

Classical Wedding

25 Wedding Favorites

Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs

I Will Be Here: 25 of Today's Best Wedding & Love Songs

ASIN: B000066RG3
Release Date: 2002-04-25

Tracks:

Falling in Love - Tim and Ryan O'Neill
Wachet Auf - J.S. Bach
Air on a G String - J.S. Bach
Air (from Water Music) - Handel
Reminiscent Joy - Tim and Ryan O'Neill
Canon in D - Pachelbel
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
The Wedding Song (There is Love) - Stookey
Ave Maria - Schubert
I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman
The Gift of Love (Water is Wide melody)
Spring (from The Four Seasons) - Vivaldi
Ode to Joy - Beethoven
From This Moment On - Shania Twain
The Way You Look Tonight - Kern
Forever in Love - Kenny G

Album Description

After performing at more than 200 weddings, Tim and Ryan O'Neill recorded this beautiful CD of favorite wedding songs. It features a full hour of instrumental piano, string quartet, flute, and guitar music that can be played at your ceremony or reception.

It also gives suggestions for music at your wedding, including a special bridal website!
*Over 1,000 song titles listed
*Listen to samples of songs
*More ideas for each part of your ceremony, reception, and dance

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Wedding.......2007-07-10

This CD made all the difference in our wedding celebration. The songs were simply beautiful. The CD was delivered promptly. I would definitely buy from this vendor again.

Wonderful!.......2007-03-23

This is exactly what I was looking for for my wedding day. It's a beautiful cd, absolutely perfect.

Good CD for Wedding.......2007-03-21

All great music for weddings. It really does have all the music I want to use!

A Day To Remember--Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day, O'Neill Brothers.......2007-02-07

The music was just perfect for our wedding--not too formal, not too simple.

great choice!.......2007-01-10

There are so many different songs to choose from on this cd and it's a great buy. whether you want to play it while eating dinner at the wedding, to walking down the isle, it's wonderful!!!!

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Average customer rating:

Greatest baby gift ever
Great for the whole family
More Great Fun
One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!
Absolute joy, and endless fun!

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies
Mozart's Magnificent Voyage
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World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

ASIN: B0001I2C8O
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Average customer rating:

Woo Hoo!
Einstein
The baby danced.
A Lot of Fun for Playtime
Synthesized dreck

Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
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Baby Mozart
Baby Neptune
Baby Einstein: Music Box Orchestra

ASIN: B0006SSRP6
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Tracks:

Carmen Suite Medley
Snow Maiden, Dance Of The Birds
William Tell Overture, 'Lone Ranger'
Flight Of The Bumblebee
Humpty Dumpty/Child's Verse Medley
The Bartered Bride, Furiant
Minute Waltz
Gaite Parisienne, Vivo
Hey Diddle Diddle
Wellington's Victory, Op.91, 'England'
Wellington's Victory, Op.91, 'Victory Finale'
Swan Lake, Waltz
Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Happy Farmer
Farmer In The Dell
Jack & Jill
Symphony No.4
Dance Of The Hours
The Bartered Bride, Skokna
Voices Of Spring, Waltz

Product Description

The Playtime Music Box music CD is a 20-track, 31-minute concert featuring a collection of up-beat classical melodies and traditional song favorites to inspire your little one to dance, clap and play! Each delightful piece was specially selected and produced to bring musical fun to any activity - playtime, travel time, tummy time and more. Playtime Music Box includes classical pieces such as Rossini's William Tell Overture and Schumann's Happy Farmer, as well as Old MacDonald Had a Farm.Musical Selections:1. Carmen Suite, Medley, G. Bizet2. Snow Maiden, Danse des Oiseaux, N. Rimsky-Korsakov3. William Tell Overture, G. Rossini4. Flight of the Bumblebee, N. Rimsky-Korsakov5. Humpty Dumpty, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)6. The Bartered Bride Suite, Furiant, B. Smetana7. Minute Waltz, F. Chopin8. Gaite Parisienne, Vivo, J. Offenbach9. Hey Diddle Diddle, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)10. Wellington's Victory, Op 91, England, L. Beethoven11. Wellington's Victory, Op 91, Victory Finale, L. Beethoven12. Swan Lake, Waltz, P. Tchaikovsky13. Old MacDonald Had a Farm, traditional14. Happy Farmer, R. Schumann15. Farmer in the Dell, traditional16. Jack & Jill, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)17. Symphony No. 4, Italian, F. Mendelssohn18. Dance of the Hours, A. Ponchielli19. The Bartered Bride Suite, Skocna, B. Smetana20. Voices of Spring, Waltz, J. Strauss IIAge: birth +

Customer Reviews:

Woo Hoo!.......2007-05-07

This is by far the best CD in the Baby Einstein collection--it will put your toddler in hyperactive playful mode and exhaust you as you try to keep up. But for today's overweight, tv- and game- addicted children, this is great!

Einstein.......2007-04-09

Anything that has an Einstein in the title my twins love. I used to play this for them at night while they slept.

The baby danced........2007-03-09

I gave Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box to a little boy on his first birthday. He loves it and dances and dances to the music.

A Lot of Fun for Playtime.......2006-01-04

This CD is a lot of fun. The music is bubbly and upbeat and makes you want to get up and dance or just jump around. It's a great way to spend some play time with your kids. And the classical music exposure is a bonus.

Synthesized dreck.......2005-08-13

Why did the producers use synthesizers for this music? It's awful. It's possible to hook kids on classical music using the actual instruments written for it - that's how I got hooked. That's what Mel Blanc and Disney did in their cartoons, Bugs Bunny and Fantasia. I do NOT recommend this CD to anyone. It was a shower gift. If you are not familiar with classical music, then I recommend "Baby Needs Beethoven", which is a collection of music using real instruments (albeit shortened - no full length symphonies here).

Average customer rating:

Dullsville!
Bach Cello Suites No.1~6 by Rostropovich
Deeply satisfying
The Best
Exemplary Performances!

Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
Rostropovich, Master Cellist
Bach: Cello Suites

ASIN: B000002RUY
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: I: prelude
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: II: allemande
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: III: courante
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: V: menuet I -
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: menuet II - menuet I
suite nr.1 (BWV 1007) In G Major: VI: gigue
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: I: prelude
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: II: allemande
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: III: courante
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: V: bourree I -
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: bourree II - bourree I
suite nr.4 (BWV 1010) In F Flat Major: VI: gigue
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: I: prelude
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: II: allemande
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: III: courante
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: IV: sarabande
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: V: gavotte I -
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: gavotte II - gavotte I
suite nr.5 (BWV 1011) In C Minor: VI: gigue

Tracks:

suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: I: prelude
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: II: allemande
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: III: courante
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: IV: sarabande
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: V: menuet I -
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: menuet II - menuet I
suite nr. 2 (BWV 1008) In D Minor: VI: gigue
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: I: prelude
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: II: allemande
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: III: courante
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: V: bourree I -
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: bourree II - bourree I
suite nr. 3 (BWV 1009) In C Major: VI: gigue
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: I: prelude
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: II: allemande
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: III: courante
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: IV: sarabande
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: V: gavotte I -
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: gavotte II - gavotte I
suite nr. 6 (BWV 1012) In D Major: VI: gigue

Amazon.com

Mstislav Rostropovich is one of the few musicians who can create a larger-than-life experience through the combined forces of exceptional music, a beautiful instrument, and uncommonly facile communicative skills. In his performances of Bach's transcendent masterpieces for solo cello, Rostropovich finds a perfect balance between a romantic, rhapsodic interpretation and one that emphasizes the purely formal "aridity" of Bach's structures. Although it's nearly impossible to isolate one or two highlights, the Sarabande and Prelude from Suite No. 5 are among the most profoundly moving cello performances you will ever hear--the closest we probably will ever come to experiencing through music the soul of both Rostropovich and Bach. Not everyone will immediately appreciate the very resonant sound that emphasizes the cello's lower register. But after a few minutes your ears adjust, the music takes over, and nothing else seems important. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Dullsville!.......2007-06-01

I love the cover of this record, though. Reminds me of Don Quixote trying to play the cello standing up, like Woody Allen in a marching band! Slow and flat, with no dance or swing to it. Obviously there's a reason he never recorded them till he was past it (just as there's a reason they weren't played for 150 years). The suites are obscure and intimate, and there was little use for them before recording. Casals played them daily, to "consecrate the house" and found the special music in them. Some good Rostropovich is the Beethoven cello sonatas with Richter, but for Bach you should get Casals (1), Fournier (2), (or Starker or the earlier Ma if you find them on sale.)

Bach Cello Suites No.1~6 by Rostropovich.......2007-05-13

I meant to listen to Bach suites and I finally purchased. Unfortunatelly Rostropovich passing on. I am taking cello lesson and I can say that this CD is true classic and true cellist of dreams.

Deeply satisfying.......2005-12-01

When I heard these recordings for the first time, I almost wept. I don't know if this makes any sense, but the only way of saying how I felt was that it was like coming home. Rostropovich plays so simply and directly that one feels all pretense peel away. If art is an imitation of the glory that is nature, and performance an imitation of the art, then this is probably as close as you can come to removing the imitation and having a direct physical, emotional, and spiritual communion. Superlatives fail me and seem trite, so I think I should make this short. Bach's cello music is some of the most beautiful art ever created, and it has such remarkable power to heal the soul. Every human being who appreciates music deserves the priviledge of hearing this music. As I mentioned, the performance is superb, like an improvisation but so carefuly though out and so deeply felt. The recording quality is excellent too, capturing the meltingly beautiful sounds of Rostropovich's cello. Please listen to this; I hope you will be as moved as I was. If I can make a suggestion relevant to the time I'm writing this (Nov. 30th), make a present of this to someone you love for the holidays, the time of peace, as this is one of the great musical expressions of peace and boundless love.

The Best.......2005-10-26

Many people will argue that classical music is to be heard from a large symphony. I disagree. The ability of a single cello to convey an unlimited range of emotion and to personify the music is astounding. This performance of the Bach Cello suites is no exception, Rostropovich lacks the technical perfection of Yo Yo Ma, a good thing in my opinion, because it gives the music a certain personality and warmth. This is, and has been, my favorite collection of music, and to hear it played by Rostropovich justifys anyones love of it. It is simply the best cello collection on CD.

Exemplary Performances!.......2005-10-20

Mstislav Rostropovich has always been a world reknown cellist and one can definitely understand why when hearing these magnificent pieces being played by him. With also a great sound quality, it is truly a great album worth buying!

The Baroque period was one in which the science of musical interpretation was still growing. Many pieces of that period were generally unfriendly to a director or musician in terms of interpreting the meter: most notations were rather bare in that regard. A composer's meaning of 'adagio' could mean something very different to a stranger conducing the piece: how slow? Bach's cello sonatas are a perfect example which is even more respect to Rostropovich's interpretation and performance. A truly outsanding musician is demonstrated here in this recording. Rostropovich has a passionate and delicate interpretation that is neither overly rigid or romantic: they remain austere pieces but also have a spiritual quality to them that is most endearing.

This is a great set of albums for a complete set of Bach's cello suites. Rostropovich remains a highly respected performer and one will understand why when hearing these majestic pieces. A great buy!

Average customer rating:

The Marrow of Life in Sound
Bach Cello Suites - Pablo Casals
Cello in your living room
Remastered EMI or the Japanese Opus Kura?
A must - have!

Bach: Cello Suites

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas
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Bach: Suites for Solo Cello

ASIN: B0000CG8EF
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Menuet I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Menuet I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Bourree I & II
VI: Gigue

Tracks:

I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Bourree I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Gavotte I & II
VI: Gigue
I: Prelude
II: Allemande
III: Courante
IV: Sarabande
V: Gavotte I & II
VI: Gigue

Customer Reviews:

The Marrow of Life in Sound.......2007-05-28

This music breathes, lives . . . is creation! Whatever recording one chooses of the Casals, by all means, acquire one. Not to disappoint the experts and perfectionists, I'm fine with this one, the EMI, occasionally hissing backdrops and all. Whenever I find myself in the slough of total despair, too dizzy to get off the mat, I spin the Casals, and listen: that's life talking!

Bach Cello Suites - Pablo Casals.......2007-05-14

Recently, I vacationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The place Pablo Casals made his permanent home from 1956 to his death in 1973. In my hotel, his recording of the Bach Cello Suites was played endlessly. The entire week I was there only this recording of Pablo Casals' Bach Cello Suites was ever heard in all the public areas of the hotel El Convento. I never tired of it. I am a violinist by profession and also have the Lynn Harrell recordings but not the YoYo Ma. When I came home I knew that I need to buy the Casals recording. It may be because they were recorded in 1935 and the methods of recording were so different from today. The more I listened the more I heard , I could even hear small errors when his bow didn't quite contact with the string on string changes. I loved this because it was done like a live recording - not done over and over for total perfection. It is human. Tempos, dynamics and ornaments were all to my liking. His playing comforts my soul. I also recommend reading Pablo Casals book, "Joys and Sorrows" written in 1970. This book is no longer in print but used copies are available through Amazon. Casals was one of the worlds greatest musicians and a great humanitarian. He was also one of the late Mstislav Rostropovich's teachers.

Cello in your living room.......2007-01-11

Intimate surroundings or just by yourself listening on headphones is the way to go. I enjoy this record and have played it numerous times over and over.

Remastered EMI or the Japanese Opus Kura?.......2006-11-12

I won't discuss the merits of Pablo Casals' version of Bach's Suites for Solo Cello, other reviewers have already done that. I will note that he ranks in the very top tier out of all the 12 versions I own. My other top tier favorites are Navarra, Fournier, Starker and Thedeen.

I do not own Ma's latest version nor Rostropovich's version, but I have heard them both. I find Ma to be too slick for his own good - he is indeed so technically correct that he plays the notes a bit too perfectly and in doing so somehow loses the essence of the music... if that makes any sense? Ultimately I do not find Ma convincing, a computer could be programmed to do the same thing. Rostropovich, however, is just the opposite, too sloppy (or some would say too romantic) - he just doesn't sound like Bach to me. I do like a few of his interpretations, but overall I think he misses the mark more than he finds it. I do not mean to suggest that both Ma and Rostropovich do not have their moments or that others have not found them satisfying, but overall there are other performers that just do a better job for me in terms of what I find important. My favorites are not going to be the same as yours all the time. But, at least now you know where I am coming from and where my biases are.

For Casals, the main issue is the sound quality of the various versions that are available. There is the older EMI version, the Remastered EMI, Naxos, Pearl, Opus Kura and Classica D'oro. Out of these choices, which one has the best trade off between noise reduction and the music? These are all sourced from old 78's recorded in the late 1930's, but each uses a different approach to noise reduction. I started off as most of you probably have by listening to the internet MP3 sound bites of all of the various versions - MP3s are not exactly the best way to make a judgment call on sound quality, but I did find that the two versions on CD that I did eventually purchase actually sound very much like the MP3s - there were no surprises in that regard.

So, from that listening perspective (MP3) I can tell you that I was not impressed by the Naxos version nor the Classica D'oro version. Naxos sounded hollow, boxed in and constricted and the Classica D'oro just sounded very processed. I realize that many reviewers praise the Naxos version, but I found the MP3 sound bite to be very constricted - again, this is only the MP3 sound bite, so take it for what it is worth. The MP3 of Opus Kura had a lot of hiss, the most of all these versions, but it also had a very full sound. The Remastered EMI MP3 also had a full sound, but with only moderate hiss. The Pearl sounded decent as well, but perhaps not quite as good as the Opus Kura or Remastered EMI. The Pearl was done somewhat earlier than all the others. So, I passed on the Naxos and the Classica D'oro for quality reasons. I also passed on the Pearl and instead purchased both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI versions, as those were also the ones done most recently and hopefully with the latest technology. The Japanese Opus Kura label also has a very solid reputation of valuing musical integrity over all else.

A quick comment on the two EMI versions. Most critics did not like the older EMI version because of overdone noise reduction. I have not heard that version, nor do I ever want to considering the many negative reviews I have seen! However, EMI remastered these performances in 2003 and this has apparently resulted in a much improved product.

O.K. now on to the comparisons; for hiss levels, both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI had quite a bit of hiss and surface noise. The Remastered EMI wins with less overall hiss noise and somewhat lower surface noise as well. The Opus Kura clearly has more hiss. It's not always a whole lot more, but it is more and it is more noticeable on some tracks versus others. But, note that the hiss levels can always be adjusted very easily with a graphic equalizer or more preferably with a noise gate. I did make an experimental CD-R copy of the Opus Kura on a CD-R with a noise gate (using Nero) and the result was very good and comparable to the Remastered EMI version in terms of hiss. Even so, if hiss is your major concern and you don't want to mess with a noise gate then just get the Remastered EMI version.

However, if you ignore hiss as a factor, which version sounds better in the living room? And by the way I have an audiophile quality sound system. Here Opus Kura wins hands down. There is no comparison. Opus Kura has all the room ambiance and lower bass tone, overtones and frequency range that the Remastered EMI version has filtered out. The Remastered EMI has no low bass where all the overtones reside - it's just not there and as a result the mid bass stands out more. I must admit that this approach has it's own appeal as it gives the illusion that the recording is both sharper and tighter sounding than it really is and it does bring out more of the mid bass, but the reality is that you are not getting all of the music as originally recorded. Still, it does not sound "bad" and perhaps this is a good trade off. The Opus Kura, on the other hand, fills the room with all the music, including all the lower bass overtones and makes it seem like Pablo is in the room. If you turn the Opus Kura up loud and go into the next room you would think Casals is actually in there playing live. The Remastered EMI in the same test sounds cleaner, but without the deepest overtones it sounds less like a real cello and more like just a deep toned viola - this is a solo cello we are talking about and you don't just EQ out the tonal quality of the instrument (and the room ambience) without losing some of the realism. That being said, it really comes down to personal choice. After listening for a few minutes the ear adjusts to either version. If you did not have the more natural sounding Opus Kura to compare to you would never know what you are missing with the Remastered EMI version. On the other hand, some listeners will actually appreciate the different tonal emphasis on the mid bass that the Remastered EMI offers. I did an A-B blind test with a friend who noted immediately the lack of bass in the Remastered EMI, yet still enjoyed listening to that one as much as the Opus Kura. She did not have a particular preference for one over the other, but they sound so different from each other that at first she thought these were entirely difference performances from different artists! Obviously, some of you will only care about getting rid of "all the hiss", while others want "all of the music." You know who you are. The Opus Kura version strives to keep all the music regardless while the Remastered EMI compromises a bit to lower the noise levels.

A few comments on listening in the car; I really cannot tolerate much hiss in a small confined environment like the car where it can really drown out the music. So, I made my own CD-R recording of the Opus Kura with the NERO noise gate set at 62db for the level and 30db for reduction. This works very well in cutting the hiss down to size and still retaining the music. The only problem with noise gates is that people tend to overuse it - just a little is enough! I did the same with the Remastered EMI at a slightly higher level (70db) and 30db and this also gave a fine result in terms of acceptable hiss levels. Because the three-dimensionality and room ambiance is not as much of an issue in the car environment, I would say that either version (the Opus Kura or the Remastered EMI) would work fine in the car - and if you happen to also have a graphic equalizer the right adjustments might also help make a difference.

Here's the bottom line. For the best sound in your living room, my personal choice is the Opus Kura with the full range of sound, but with more hiss and more surface noise. The Remastered EMI, however, is a fair enough alternative with lower hiss levels and hardly any surface noise (most of the time) and an emphasis (rightly or wrongly) on the just the mid bass. For the car, I think either version works out o.k., but only if you do some remastering yourself with a noise gate to make your own personalized CD-R version that cuts down the hiss.

I hope this helps.

A must - have!.......2006-10-31

Among the annals of the definitive performances of the XX Century, these performances still stand out as an incandescent and refulgent star in the musical firmament. Casals devoted almost his entire life to get the supreme perfection at the moment to play these suites. And believe me, he followed his bliss and inscribed his name in the Pantheon of the Immortals.

An absolute must for any serious and dedicated listener.

Average customer rating:

A Man and His Art - Magnificently Captured
What can you say - it's Segovia!
EVERYBODY KNOWS
Immortal guitar
WOW

Art of Segovia
Andres Segovia
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006B66L
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Andante
Andantino
Lento
Romance De Los Pinos
Madronos
Serenata Burlesca
Variations On A Theme From Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'
Mesto E Calmo
Theme, Variations & Finale
Cancion Mexicana No.X
Sevillana, Op.29
Sarabanda
Capriccio Diabolico, Op.85
Tonadilla For Guitar On The Name Of Andres Segovia
No.1 In E Minor
No.3 In A Minor
Guitarreo
Segovia, Op.29

Tracks:

If My Complaints
Now, O Now I Need Must Part
Sarabande
1. Prelude (Transposed In D Major)
4. Tempo Di Bourree
Courante
3. Gavotte En Rondeau
Aria E Corrente
Moderato
Menuet In G Major
Andantino Variato
No.7 In A Major
2. Canzonetta
2. Quasi Lento (Preludio)
1. Andantino Poco Allegretto (Allegretto)
2. Il Vecchio Castello
Allegretto
Tres Calme Et Doucement Expressif
No.4 In E Flat Minor
5. Asturias. Leyenda - Preludio
7. Zambra Granadina
Estudio Sin Luz
Allegro Con Brio

Amazon.com

DG has put together a fascinating compilation of Segovia's art that reminds us what a protean figure he was. Segovia single-handedly put the instrument on the map by making classical guitar concerts popular events, broadening the instrument's repertory through commissions and transcriptions, and convincing even doubters that it could be a vehicle for serious music. He's heard here in brief pieces recorded between 1952 and 1969. Even in those made when he was well into his 70s, his fingers remain nimble and interpretations lively. Listening straight through, one hears many all-time Segovia favorites as Turina's Sevillana and Albeniz's Asturias and Zambra Granadina and renews appreciation for path-breaking composers like Castelnuovo-Tedesco. He wrote extensively for Segovia and his Capriccio diabolico and Tonadilla are pieces of real substance. Disc two is largely made up transcriptions and it's amazing how well so many of them work on the guitar, at least under Segovia's magic fingers. Thus the transformations of Bach's violin music and even a Chopin Prelude sound idiomatic, and the gorgeous melodies of the Canzonetta from Mendelssohn's Op. 12 String Quartet are irresistible here. An entrancing set. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A Man and His Art - Magnificently Captured.......2007-04-06

This 2-CD set produced by Deutche Grammmophon and first released in 2002 is one set of the hundreds that could have been or the dozens that actually have been made and sold successfully all over the world. The exceptional feature of this particular collection is not, of course, the performer. Quite to the contrary, the miraculous consistency of stylings and performance are amongst the most remarkable aspects of the man who was, arguably, the 20th Centry's virtuoso supreme of the classical guitar, Andres Segovia (1893-1987.) Rather, it is the collection itself - the pieces chosen to be produced on this one set - this, to steal a German word, gestalt. While his style did not remain constant throughout his long life and career, by the time he had developed his most masterful skills that included doing his own arrangements - the era represented on this particular set (1951-1960) - his playing had become completely his own - unchallenged and unmatched by even other clearly great guitarists with whom he shared this era.

There are a total of 31 pieces played on these CDs and while a playlist would be an unnecessary use of space here, a list of the composers represented is not. More than the specific pieces Segovia gives us here, the range of composers chosen by the compilers and editors - with each piece rearranged by Segovia himself, tells us a great deal about his interests, talents and musical range. These composers include:
Isaac Albeniz, Johann Sebastian Bach, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, John Dowland, Manuel de Falla, Cesar Franke, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Edvard Grieg, George Frederic Handel, Felix Mendelsohn, Frederico Moreno Torroba, Modest Mussorgsky, Nicolo Paganini, Felipe Pedrell, Manuel Ponce, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Joaquin Rodrigo, Albert Roussel, Domenico Scarlatti, Alexander Scriabin, Segovia's own composition of Estudio sin luz, Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega, Joaquin Turina and Heitor Villa-Lobos. A truly magnificent and broad ranging collection held together by Segovia's unique personal style, approach and sound.

Largely self-taught, Andres Segovia did things with a guitar that others only imagined. He didn't just play Bach, for example - music written for an entirely different type of instrument (keyboards.) He went a step further, and recorder Bach's keyboard lessons written for his students (the Two and Three Part Inventions) and made them sound as if they had been written for the guitar! His artistry is evident to even the casual listener and in this collection, any devote of classical guitar and/or of Segovia as an individual artist, will not be disappointed.
Perfect listening for anytime. Hypnotic and, simply, unsurpassed. A necessary addition to any serious classical guitar collection.

What can you say - it's Segovia!.......2007-02-10

I saw Segovia perform live in my youth. What a treat! Anyone who loves Classical Guitar should love this collection.

EVERYBODY KNOWS.......2007-01-13

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT ANDRES SEGOVIA WAS/IS THE WORLD'S GREATEST CLASSICAL GUITAR PLAYER. THIS CD IS A COMPILATION OF HIS RECORDINGS FROM THE THE EARLY 50'S TO THE LATE 60'S. HIS GUITAR MASTERY IS UNQUESTIONED AND HE IS AN INSPIRATION. I WISH I COULD PLAY GUITAR LIKE ANDRES SEGOVIA (BUT I CAN'T AND I NEVER WILL!).

Immortal guitar.......2006-08-02

Two CD's with Segovia's immortal music - an incredible treat at a great price!

WOW.......2006-02-23

Even though there is hiss from the original analog recordings this one is a must. Segovia! What more can you say. Anyone who likes classical guitar will love this.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

French Suites - 70th Anniversary Edition

Average customer rating:

So many insights
realy, really fast
Controversial, yet unsurpassed
Worth Owning
Excellent!

French Suites - 70th Anniversary Edition
Glenn Gould , and Bach
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006FI81
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Customer Reviews:

So many insights.......2007-07-11

Of all the many French Suite recordings I've heard, in spite of its eccentricities, this is the recording I return to, because every time I hear it, I hear something new and fresh. It has everything - and no other recorded-performer comes anywhere near such understanding, enthusiasm and dancing-qualities.

realy, really fast.......2007-02-09

Glenn Gould bach is really irregular. I love the three goldbergs (1954, 1981, an live recording in Salzburg), but these French suites are really, very fast, in the first minutes the music sound lively, and pretty, but almost an hour of staccato fast music, It's really like a ta ta ta ta ta ta ta sound.

I much more prefer gould playing bach's fugues, he use to be more slow

Controversial, yet unsurpassed.......2006-08-03

Gould was a character, in every sense of the word. Reading his numerous articles, one is inspired and challenged by his complex and elegant thought... His music, especially his Bach interpretations, have been criticized and praised alike, by people who know eons more about Music Theory than I do.

I can, however, share with you my intense appreciation of these suites. This is absolutely the work of a genius. His rendering of Bach's music for keyboard is utterly original, superbly balanced, deliciously nuanced, and stand alone as an untouched benchmark.

Listen carefully to his wise melancholy in the First Suite, especially the 2 menuettos. This is an interpretation which would astonish Bach himself, I am sure. No other performer will give you what you will hear in (at least) these specific two movements: such living beauty, such exquisite heartbreak... vibrant and fragile, an absolute joy.

Worth Owning.......2005-11-15

I listen to this CD all the time. There is a simplicity and clarity to it that just puts my mind at ease. At times a bit frenetic, but always precise and of an even temper. Very much recommended.

Excellent!.......2005-05-18

I am becoming a huge Glenn Gould fan. I first heard him about 15 years ago from a recording from my father. Listening to the Bach "French Suites" is an amazing experience. It is interesting to do some googling to learn more about Gould the man as well.

Average customer rating:

good music
THE modern orchestra recording to have of the complete Water Music
My Favorite
Can't hear the keyboard accompaniment

Handel: Water Music Suites

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos
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Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 5 & 6/Orchestral Suite No. 1; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77

ASIN: B00000IOMC
Release Date: 1999-04-20

Tracks:

Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: I - Overture, Maestoso, Allegro
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: II - Adagio e staccato
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: III - Allegro, Andante, Allegro
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: IV - Moderato (Minuet)
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: V - Air
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: V - Minuet
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: VI - Bourree
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: VII - Hornpipe
Suite No. 1 in F Major - Water Music: VIII - Allegro, molto
Suite No. 2 In D Major: I - Allegro
Suite No. 2 In D Major: II - Hornpipe
Suite No. 2 In D Major: III - Minuet
Suite No. 2 In D Major: IV - Lentement
Suite No. 2 In D Major: V - Presto (Bourree)
Suite No. 3 In G Major: I - Minuet
Suite No. 3 In G Major: II - Rigaudon, Rigaudon II, Rigaudon da capo
Suite No. 3 In G Major: III - Minuet, Andante
Suite No. 3 In G Major: IV - Country Dance (Gigues)

Customer Reviews:

good music.......2007-03-28

really like this cd~ kinda bought it on a whim, there was a discount...beautiful recording, sensitively played.

THE modern orchestra recording to have of the complete Water Music.......2005-10-01

Riccardo Muti's recording of Handel's "Water Music" with the Berlin Philharmonic, recorded in 1985 in DDD sound, is THE recording to have of the complete "Water Music" played by a modern instrument orchestra. Muti's tempos are so sensible and musical. There is a harpsichord in the texture, and the Berlin Philharmonic seems a little leaner than in other recordings, taking into account no doubt that this is Baroque music. Muti doesn't shy away from slow tempos in some movements, such as the closing movement of Suite I, to make the points needed to be made. The Allegros really move and sizzle, and the orchestra never sounds scrawny or puny. Yet it is not the big orchestra treatment of Ormandy (CBS), Szell/London Symphony (Decca), Steinberg (Seraphim) for the 6 movement suite, or Van Beinum/Concertgebouw (Philips LP) for the complete "Water Music". Perhaps it would be safe to say that Muti/Berlin can satisfy the Baroque purist, as well as those loving a great modern orchestra sound.

This is my favorite recording of the complete "Water Music". I also like Van Beinum, and the Warchal/Capella Istroplitana (Naxos) is good, but a smaller ensemble and sound. For period instruments, I like Pinnock/English Concert (DG Archiv) and Hans Martin Linde (Virgin Classics). For such a small amount of cash, you can't go wrong with Muti's "Water Music."

My Favorite.......2001-06-12

This is my favorite recording of this piece. The pacing is faster than some, but not too fast. I have heard much slower pacings that put me to sleep. This recording just grabs me. I love Muti and the BPO.

Can't hear the keyboard accompaniment.......2000-10-16

This is a good performance, reasonably priced and includes all the selections. BPO play well, and Muti leads them pretty good, though Handel is probably not his forte. The keyboard accompaniment, vital to the score, gets lost in the background. At the moment, I don't have any alternatives to suggest other than to say that I am disappointed by the sound of period instrument ensembles. Baroque trumpets don't sound very good. I hear Sir Neville Marriner has two really good recordings with the modern instruments of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, a good recording on London, and an excellent digital one on EMI which I plan to buy in the future.

Average customer rating:

poor sound quality
SUPERB
In this case: I'm baroque
Come to laugh and stay to cry
Great Introduction to Beautiful Music

25 Baroque Favorites

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

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25 Vivaldi Favorites
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25 Handel Favorites
25 Classical Favorites

ASIN: B0000058I7
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Canon
Concerto In D Minor For 2 Oboes & Strings, Op. 42, No. 2: I. Largo
Water Music: VI. Minuet
Trumpet Concerto In D: II. Adagio
Sarabande
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: II. Adagio
Concerto In D For Trumpet & Strings: III. Grave
Air On The G String
Adagio For Strings In G Minor
The Four Seasons: Spring, II. Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: II. Andante
Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets & Strings: II. Largo
Concerto Grosso In D Minor, Op.3 No. 11: I. Allegro
Concerto In D For 6 Trumpets & Strings: II. Adagio
Ombra mai fu: Handel's Largo
Trumpet Sonata No. 1 In F: II. Grave
Suite In F Major For Horn, 2 Oboes & Strings: III. Der Alster Echo
Concerto In C For Viola Pomposa & Strings: II. Andante
Concerto In D For Trumpet, 2 Violins, Viola, Basso & Continuo: I. Allegro
Hapsichord Concerto In G Minor, BWV 1058: First Mvt.
Sonata For Trumpet & Strings: I. Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 5 In D, Op. 6: I. Larghetto
Concerto in D for Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Continuo: I. Allegro
Concerto grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: II. Allegro
Trumpet Voluntary

Customer Reviews:

poor sound quality.......2004-09-29

a great selection of baroque favorites, but the sound quality, especially on the pachelbel canon, not great at all. for that reason, i cannot recommend getting it. what do you expect for five dollars, right !>? i would suggest spending a little more money and getting something that you can't bear to part with, for continued listening enjoyment.

SUPERB.......2004-02-19

An introduction to the best baroque music by famous composers.
Great sound on this CD. There are over 10 CD's in this Farorites collection, and this by far is one of the best ones.

If you like the classical sounds of music, then you will like this. Check out the samples on this page that they provide, that's the best way to review.

In this case: I'm baroque.......2004-02-07

I'm not usually a classical listener kind of gal. The only reason I stumbled onto this cd is because my favorite tune from a movie is on it. Sarabande is also played on the movie Persuasion (author: Jane Austen). I wanted to have that tune. Followed the links and landed on the Baroque cd. Ordered it. Sarabande is my favorite, followed by Canon, four seasons: spring, etc. I love this cd! It feels happy and light. For me, as a writer and an animator, it adds extra emotional impact when creating as well as influencing my imagination more. I recommend this cd when people want to feel like spring.

Come to laugh and stay to cry.......2003-11-26

Circumspect at first about buying any CD with a "best of" title, this one really exceeds expectations. Also bought the Vivaldi disc in this series which is likewise exceptional. With the caveat that "Ombra mai fu" is repeated in various of the "25 favorites" collections, I recommend these recordings wholeheartedly, especially in terms of cost per track.

"Canon" is the flagship piece on this CD, a lush arrangement that will move a strong man to tears. Almost as powerful are Bach's "Air on the G String" and of course, Handel's "Ombra mai fu". The disc ends on an up note with "Trumpet Voluntaire".

At this price, you can send "Baroque favorites" to every Classical music lover you know. I would recommend sending this CD even to people who don't like Classical...you might just change their minds.

Great Introduction to Beautiful Music.......2000-07-08

The Baroque period (1600-1750) was one of the most important in the history of music because many of our modern musical forms come from this time. The baroque style is diverse, including such elements as contrast and a deep emotionalism. Although orchestras perform the songs, many individual instruments are highlighted. The baroque composers especially loved strings, the trumpet, and the oboe. The songs range from the vibrant and the lively to the slow and the sad. I have found this CD is excellent as background music for studying, reading, or driving in rush hour traffic, mainly because the music is calming and relaxing. Baroque masters such as Bach and Handel are still popular today and their songs are loved by many. Fans of popular music will recognize a few of the songs on this CD. "Air on the G String" (Bach) was used by Procol Harum in their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale." "Canon," one of the most popular baroque songs today, is often performed at weddings and has been incorporated into pop songs by artists such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Vitamin C, and Rod McKuen.

This CD is considered an introduction to baroque music. It includes some of the most famous composers and their best songs. For example, Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi each have three songs on this disc. The liner notes are sparse, but a brief history of baroque music is included. Because of the inexpensive price and the huge amount of music (25 songs, 74 minutes of music), I highly recommend this for anyone who already loves the baroque style or wants an excellent introduction to this beautiful music.

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1. Suite No.1 in G major- Prelude
2. Suite No.1 in G major- Allemande
3. Suite No.1 in G major- Courante
4. Suite No.1 in G major- Sarabande
5. Suite No.1 in G major- Menuet 1 & 11
6. Suite No.1 in G major- Gigue
7. Suite No.2 in D minor- Prelude
8. Suite No.2 in D minor- Allemande
9. Suite No.2 in D minor- Courante
10. Suite No.2 in D minor- Sarabande
11. Suite No.2 in D minor- Menuet 1 & 11
12. Suite No.2 in D minor- Gigue
13. Suite No.3 in C Major- Prelude
14. Suite No.3 in C Major- Allemande
15. Suite No.3 in C Major- Courante
16. Suite No.3 in C Major- Sarabande
17. Suite No.3 in C Major- Bourree 1 & 11
18. Suite No.3 in C Major- Gigue