Royal Strings

On this CD:

1. Octet for strings in E flat major, Op. 20 Allegro moderato
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

2. Fantasia on Greensleeves, for harp, flute, & strings (arranged by R. Greaves; from the opera Sir John In Love)
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

3. Serenade for string orchestra in E major, B. 52 (Op. 22) Moderato
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

4. Adagio, for violin, strings & organ in G minor (composed by Remo Giazotto; not by Albinoni), T. Mi 26
Composed by Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

5. Serenade for strings (or piano duet), in C major, Op. 48 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

6. Dido and Aeneas, opera, Z. 626 Dido's Lament
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Christine Jackson
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

7. String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op. 111 Un poco Allegretto
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

8. Ständchen ("Leise flehen meine Lieder"), song for voice & piano (Schwanengesang), D. 957/4
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Christine Jackson
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

9. String Quartet No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 131 Presto
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

10. String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135 Lento assai
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Charles Rosekrans

Royal Strings, Music, Christine Jackson, Tomaso Albinoni, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Antonin Dvorak, Felix Mendelssohn, Henry Purcell, Franz Schubert, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charles Rosekrans, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music, Adagio for Orchestra, British Baroque Opera, Chamber, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Music, Octet for Eight String Instruments, Opera, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Quartet for Four String Instruments, Quintet for Five String Instruments, Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard, Romantic Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento, Vocal

Average customer rating:

Great Product

Excellent Classical Wedding Music

Traditional and wonderful

Awesome!!!!

Great Gift for wedding

Classical Wedding
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Spring Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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25 Wedding Favorites

A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day

Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Classical Wedding Traditions

The Complete Wedding Album

ASIN: B000000V1V
Release Date: 1996-04-30

Tracks:

Hornpipe from The Water Music
Ode to Joy
Psalm XIX
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Trumpet Tune
Arioso in A
La Rejoissance from The Royal Fireworks
Ave Maria
Trumpet Voluntary
Canon in D
Air from The Water Music
Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares
The Lord's Prayer
Bridal Chorus
Fanfare and Bridal Chorus
Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Great Product.......2007-05-31

I bought this CD for my wedding. It is a very good product, great compilation of songs and great service.

Excellent Classical Wedding Music.......2007-05-14

Beautiful Classical Wedding music! CD has a wide varity of music; many favorites. Using ours for pre-wedding music, processional and recessional for our daughter's wedding! Thank you Amazon.com! MM

Traditional and wonderful.......2007-04-10

I bought this CD for my ballet classes and am really happy with it. It has all of the classics, and each is very true to it's original composition. There are a lot of horns, which are not my favorite, but the strings make it worth every penny!

Awesome!!!!.......2007-02-13

I purchased this for my daughters' wedding and it is so awesome, even heard songs on the cd that we just wonderful to use somewhere else during the ceremony.
Thanks,
L Juarez
Texas

Great Gift for wedding.......2007-01-13

I brought this for my friend's wedding. My friend is so happy to receive that and use it in the wedding process. Wonderful!

Average customer rating:

Excellent resource for wedding planners
Great item!
Preview your wedding day
25 WEDDING FAVORITES
25 Wedding Favorites

25 Wedding Favorites

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Classical Wedding
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The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney
Modern Bride Presents the Wedding Album

ASIN: B00004Y6T1
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Wedding March (Lohengrin)
Allegro I (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Trumpet Voluntary
Minuet (Music For The Royal Fireworks)
Canon in D Major
Spring - Susan Lautenbacher
Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
Air (Water Music) - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sheep May Safely Graze (Cantana No. 208)
Arioso
Bist Du Bei Mir' (Anna Magdalena Notebook)
Panis Angelicus
Weichet Nur' (Wedding Cantata)
Silent Worship (Tolomeo) - Mary Ann Hart
Ave Maria
Sehet In Zufriedenheit' (Wedding Cantata)
Ave Maria
Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
Air On The G String - Mainz Chamber Orchestra
Pastorale (Messiah) - Eastman Chorale
Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Hornpipe (Water Music)
Wedding March
Toccata (5th Symphony)

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource for wedding planners.......2007-04-05

I work regularly with people planning church weddings who want the service to be dignified, traditional and formal. Often they have "ear memory" of music they've heard in other weddings, but no idea about its composer or title. This CD is the best compilation I've found of music that fits those requirements. Selections include great music and performances make it easy to imagine how they would sound in a particular church or other setting. Includes works by Protestant, Catholic and secular composers.

Great item!.......2007-03-29

Great CD! Perfect when planning your wedding music. There are a variety of songs from various composers.

Preview your wedding day.......2006-08-14

This CD was inexpensive, and provided a great way to preview songs for my wedding. The CD had a good song selection. My fiance and I were able to get a better idea of how the songs would be at our wedding. Definitely an inexpensive tool that is worthwhile.

25 WEDDING FAVORITES.......2006-07-20

My daughter had to move her wedding 3 weeks before the event and the music she had arranged could not be there. I purchased this CD and we were thrilled with the price, the selections on the cd and how quickly it arrived. Thanks for providing the music for a beautiful wedding.

25 Wedding Favorites.......2006-02-24

This is an excellent CD for a formal wedding, so-so for a casual one.

Average customer rating:

Good selection
thunderous applause
Good Music at a Great Price
You will like this!
Good for the novice

25 Thunderous Classics

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

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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25 Classical Favorites
Symphony (25) Favorites
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ASIN: B00004Y6SQ
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Sunrise) - R. Strauss
Mars (The Planets) - Holst
Overture 1812 - Tchaikovsky
Entry Of The Gladiadtors - Fucik
Sabre Dance - Khachaturian
Procession Of The Sardar - Ippolitov Ivanov
Night On Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky
Anvil Chor (II Trovatore) - Verdi
The Thunderer March - Sousa
Thunder & Lightening Polka - J. Strauss
Prelude To Act III : Lohengrin - Wagner
The Ride Of The Valkryies - Wagner
Montagues & Capulets (Romeo & Juliet Ballet Suite) - Prokofiev
The Storm: Symphony No. 6 In F Major, 'Pastorale' - Beethoven
Rondeau - Edward Carroll
Overture: Fireworks Music - Handel
March To The Scaffold: Symphonie Fantastique - Berlioz
LesToreadors - Bizet
William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
Revolutionary Study - Abbey Simon
Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
Sym No. 1 'Titan' IV Sturmisch Bewegt (Excerpt) - Mahler
Augurs Of Spring From Rite Of Spring - Stravinsky
Russian Dance From Petrouchka - Stravinsky
The Great Gate At Kiev From Pictures At An Exhibition - Mussorgsky

Customer Reviews:

Good selection.......2005-10-02

I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples. I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it. That's why I gave it 5 stars. It's worth more than it costs by far.

thunderous applause.......2005-08-31

This is a who's-who of great pieces of music you have heard all of your life, and never knew the names and stories! I listened to it over and over in the car and had my own concert! A friend borrowed it to add music to his Home Movies and it was perfect!

Good Music at a Great Price.......2004-03-06

I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD (by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music.

You will like this!.......2004-02-19

I had purchased an abundance of the "Favorites" collection and some were better than others.

This CD is at the top of them all. They may be short, but not that short. Wondrous music.

I can almost guarantee that you will like this music.
Well worth the price!

Good for the novice.......2002-06-08

The recordings on this disc are pretty good. However, the editors selected only the *loud* parts, as indicated by the title. I was pretty disappointed to find that the pieces are, in many cases, edited to reflect the most famous themes, etc, instead of including the whole work. In general, I would recommend this to the classical music novice, or someone who wants to expand their knowledge of classical music in general. Those who already are familiar with these pieces will probably feel gypped.

Average customer rating:

LOVE this Cd
Excellent for babies and family
A great CD for the car
Baby Neptune
Baby Neptune Review

Baby Neptune

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Lullabies | Children's Music | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008BRCI
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

Orchestra Tune-Up
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Allegro, Handel
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Bourree, (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Passepied (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.3 In G, Gigue (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Menuet (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Alla Hornpipe (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.1 In F, Air (Handel)
Water Music, Suite No.2 In D, Allegro (Handel)
Blue Danube Waltz (Strauss)
Concerto In A (Telemann)
Water Music, Bourree (Telemann)
Water Music, Harlequinade (Telemann)
Water Music, Ebb And Flow (Telemann)
Contradance No.11 (Beethoven)
Contradance No.12 (Beethoven)
Nocturne No.6, K239, 1st Movement (Mozart)
Nocturne No.6, K239, 3rd Movement (Mozart)
La Mer (Debussy)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, Fanfare And Overture (Handel)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, Menuet Medley (Handel)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance (Handel)

Product Description

The Baby Neptune Concert for Little Ears music CD is an imaginative 22-track, 39-minute concert celebrating the rhythm and motion of water. From the joyous melodies of Handel's Water Music to the timeless flow of Strass' Blue Danube Waltz, great classical compositions will immerse you and your little one in playful musical portraits. The Baby Neptune music CD features some of the classical scores heard in Baby Neptune Discovering Water, and more. Charming water themes from master composers are re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra.Musical Selections:* Orchestra tune-up* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Allegro, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Bourree, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Passepied, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 3 in G, Gigue, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Menuet, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Alla Hornpipe, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Air, Handel* Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D, Allegro, Handel* Blue Danube Waltz, Straus* Concerto in A, Telemann* Water Music, Bourree, Telemann* Water Music, Harlequinade, Telemann* Water Music, Ebb and Flow, Telemann* Contradance No. 11, Beethoven* Contradance No. 12, Beethoven* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 1st movement, Mozart* Nocturne No. 6, K239, 3rd movement, Mozart* La Mer, Debussy* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Fanfare and Overture, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, Menuet medley, Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks, La Rejouissance, HandelAge: birth +Award: Billboard Magazine Top Midline Classical Albums (#6) - 2004

Customer Reviews:

LOVE this Cd.......2007-03-08

Great music and soothing sounds for any babies and even older children. Our children really enjoy them in the car.

Excellent for babies and family.......2007-01-22

This CD is mandatory in the car and it relax everybody. It has classic music but without many sudden ups and downs. I would like to buy the whole collection next time.

A great CD for the car.......2007-01-04

We were given one from these series of CDs for babies and our daughter loves it, so we bought this one. It is a really nice collection of soft music and we usually play it in the car. A great addition to your baby's music collection.

Baby Neptune.......2006-03-18

I love all of the Baby Einstein DVD's, so the music CD has been just as good as the DVD's. I play it all the time when my son is in the car and it seems to calm him and keep his attention. I even listen to it in the car when my son is not with me. It is relaxing and soothing.

Baby Neptune Review.......2006-01-17

Our daughter loves the Baby Neptune CD. It makes for a relaxing musical interlude for long car trips.

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

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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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.

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to Baroque music...
Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
Phenomenal Collection of Music
Phenomenal Collection of Music
DEFINES "CLASSIC"

Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Only Classical CD You'll Ever Need!
Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: The Ultimate Canon
Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: Canon in D
Mozart: Greatest Hits
Beethoven: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000003F5Y
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Canon
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Messiah: Overture
The Four Seasons: Spring: Allegro (Danza pastorale)
Orchestral Suite No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Guitar Concerto in D: Adagio
Xerxes: Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Allegro Assai (Theme From 'Firing Line')
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
Royal Fireworks Music: Overture (excerpt)
Water Music: Hornpipe
Brandenberg Concerto No. 5: Allegro
Adagio
The Four Seasons: Winter: Allegro non molto
Rondeau (Theme from 'Masterpiece Theatre')

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.

The demographics of this disc point to an intended mainstream audience. For example, the track listing includes references to which songs served as themes for television shows. For example, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 includes the byline "Theme from 'Firing Line'" and Mouret's Rondeau says "Theme from 'Masterpiece Theater'". So this collection does represent a popular collection of Baroque songs. And it plays that role very well.

Other standout tracks include: 2 movements from Vivaldi's justifiably famous "The Four Seasons", Bach's amazing "Air on the G String" and Handel's "Xerxes". The disc includes no vocal tracks. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Bach's Cantata No. 147 gets performed on a solo organ (the original has vocals and a string arrangement). So those uneasy with "classical style singing" will find no problems here.

All in all, this disc serves as a good introduction to a great period of music history. It could also serve as a starting point for selecting a favorite composer or as a guide for building a classical music collection.

Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque. But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music.

This CD will whet your appetite. You'll need to buy more, after you've heard the excerts of the great works here.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good, but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.

Average customer rating:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!
Good Music
A very complete selection of ceremony music!
Comprehensive Classical Selection
Just one note...

A Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, Vol. II
The Ultimate Wedding Album
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
25 Wedding Favorites

ASIN: B00005YD53
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

Beautiful, but perhaps not so suitable for a wedding.

Remixed
Average customer rating:

Groovy Classics

Remixed

Exciting!

Remixed not recommended for "re-listening".

Good remixes

Remixed
Bond (string quartet) , Grant / Bond Crichton Stuart / Black , Trevor / Bond Crichton Stuart / Gray , Michelle de / Vries, Marius de Crichton Stuart / Vries , Magnus Fiennes , Tonci Huljic , Gil Nevo Yoad / Brown , Orion , Pussy Galore , Mark Wright Andy / Jolley , Brian Gascoigne , Julian Kershaw , Z. Vracevic , Millennia Strings , Clem Clempson , Estaban Antonio , London Session Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Kuljit Balma , Luis Jardim , Phil Todd , Craig Pruess , Gareth Cousins , Anita Kelsey , and Shashi Pandit
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classified

Explosive: The Best of Bond

Shine

Born

Bond - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

ASIN: B0000C3ICL
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

Viva - Orion Mix
Victory - Sharp Boys Wild Strings Edit
Wintersun - Bobby D'Ambrosio Mix
Speed - Crash Club Mix - Radio Edit
Fuego - Caliente Mix
Homecoming
Atlanta
Shine - Dubshakra Mix
Time
Duel - Hectic Mix
Bond On Bond - Hectic Mix
Jingle Bell Rock - Pussy Galore Mix

Customer Reviews:

Groovy Classics.......2007-01-09

A great way to introduce the classics to the person who is too hip to listen to Mozart!

Remixed.......2006-06-01

Hmmmm....what can I say? Remixed is the 3rd album Bond has released, consisting of remixes of old favorites and several new tracks. For those of you who don't know, Bond is a rock string Quartet made up by 4 young women. Similar in style old Vanessa Mae.

The Album starts with an exciting opening, of Viva! (Orion Mix). This is made up from a remake of Antonio Vivaldi's Allegro from Winter (The Four Seasons). Its an enjoyable piece, very simple, but the drums and the occasional shouting of "VIVA!" makes it a great song.

The second track is a remix of one of Bond's more famous piece. Victory was a huge success, but the remix wasn't so in my opinion. The 'Sharp Boys Wild Strings Edit' was a strange one. It didn't contain much of the original. After a tedious drum beat and strange sounds for about 1 minute and 10 seconds, a short clip of strings come on the original melody. For the next minute more drums, then more repeating of the melody heard in the middle.

Third track was a remix of Wintersun. Wintersun (Bobby D'Ambrosio Mix) was basically the same, but a bit more of a disco style.

Again, with Speed (Crash Club Mix). Sam thing, but a lot more of the disco sounds. I actually found myself enjoying it more than the original! It really sounds like some one is...driving a car or something.

Fuego's remix (Caliete Mix) I also enjoyed more than the original. It has a longer introduction, and more music to back up the strings. It also has a very fast sita (sp?) solo in the middle, making it sound very Spanish!

Homecoming, Atlanta and Time are new tracks. Not my most favorites, but they are very calm, remind me of Asia. Except for Time which sort of gives you the feeling that all the clocks are moving at the same time. Bond also uses Clock sounds in the middle for effect.

Shine (Dubsharka Mix) is by FAR the best song on the album. Its a fantastic dance track, with a fantastic solo and playing in the song. Its a Bollywood styled song, making you think of India. I was a little disappointed however, since this song was released on their earlier album (Shine, 2002). Although I love it, they should have put the Indian Summer Mix on instead, which cant be found anywhere except on Atlanta/Time

Duel and Bond on Bond (Both 'Hectic Mixes') I just couldn't stand. They were absolutely ridiculous. Just having the tracks played twice as fast. If I wanted to do that, I could have gone into Media player and pressed Fast Forward x2.

The Last song is Jingle Bell Rock (Pussy Galore Mix). Its an interesting one, just jazzing up the original Jingle Bell Rock.

Overall, this album is great for something like a party, for its mainly disco music. Not the best Bond Album, but very good anyway.

However, If you are a big bond fan, I would suggest you get the Import (Includes 2 videos of Victory and Fuego) or the Japanese Edition (Includes and Extra mix of Viva!, original Jingle Bell Rock, Duel Indonesian Mix and Innocent)

Hope you enjoy this CD!

Exciting!.......2004-09-07

I got Bond's debut album a couple years ago. Although not as exciting as Vanessa-Mae's album "Storm," it was better than Vanessa-Mae's debut crossover album "The Violin Player" and approximately equal to her third album, "Subject To Change." The Bond debut had a lot of energy, but to me it was begging for a little stronger beat.

So when I found a Bond remix album late last summer, I grabbed it! How cool can that be--a Bond remix album! Whoo-hoo!!!

When I got it home and listened to it, I was a bit disappointed because it wasn't quite remixed enough. I wanted the mixes to be hotter, and the bass and drums more pronounced. But under-remixed is far preferable to over-remixed, which is a problem with Vanessa-Mae's song "Storm." This is my favorite Vanessa-Mae song; the four-minute album length is not nearly long enough for me, so when I learned there was an 8-minute remix, I just had to have it! I had to buy this Vanessa Mae CD single from a store in England (via Amazon's used CD vendors) since I could not find it stateside. And I was very disappointed: The remixer had so vastly remixed it that not only did it lose all its energy, it wasn't even recognizable! So between over-remixing and under-remixing, I prefer under-remixing, thus I am happy enough with the remixes on this Bond album. But they could have done better, I think.

Although I was a little disappointed that the mixes not being spruced up quite enough, it does not mean I do not like this album. Au contraire! I love this album! It is an album full of energy, life, vitality! It is an album that I nearly always play very LOUD! It as an album that I play when I'm wound up, feelin' good!!! Nearly every song is fast, and the beat never stops!

The album opens with "Viva!", a song that is also found on their DVD, which I bought around the same time I got this album. What a perfect song to start this album with! A sample of a group of females shouting 'VIVA!" plays from time to time throughout, adding to the energetic playing of the strings. On the DVD, this song is backed with video footage from their concert at the Royal Albert Hall in England; in the video, when the shouts "VIVA!" are heard, fireworks shoot out from the balconies and the stage at the theater--so exciting!

The next song is the remix of their first radio hit, "Victory," which starts out with a hot Latin beat and Spanish guitars. "Victory" and another track, "Fuego," feature frenetic string playing. The best song on the CD for dancing--and my second favorite song on the album--is "Duel." This has a driving bass line and percussion beat, an upfront electronic synthesizer riff, and a beautiful ethereal female nonverbal vocal accoutrement, with tubular bells even added toward the end. Spine-tingling! Wonderful!

Although "Duel" and my favorite song "Viva!" rule supreme in the degree of spine-tingling awesomeness, they're not the only ones to bring such a pleasurable reaction to me. "Wintersun" is played with deep heartfelt emotion; "Atlanta" also is full of emotion. I like "Speed" and "Time" because of their European technopop sound, especially "Time," which has a nice melodic, minor key electronic keyboard riff. "Shine" has a bit of a Spanish or Italian flair, another of many romantic flavors of this album.

There are only two songs on the album that I don't care for. One I absolutely don't like is "Jingle Bell Rock," but that's because I hate the song, not because I don't like their version of the song. If I am forced to listen to that song, I would likely choose their version. The other one I like okay, but it doesn't do for me what the rest of the songs on the album do: "Bond on Bond." This is a track of them doing the James Bond theme. A cool idea, and it works, but again, doesn't float my boat. Fortunately, these two songs are at the end of the album, so I can just end the album at the third to the last song, which is also my second favorite song, "Duel"!

Most of the DVD's music comes from their first album, while this remix CD has the best of their first two albums. I now have their third studio album, "Classified," which I like better than their first album (I don't have their second), but no surprise to me, this remix album of theirs is clearly my favorite. "Storm" by Vanessa Mae is my favorite secular album of all time, all genres combined, so naturally in the genre of classical crossover it is my favorite. Bond's "Remix" is my second favorite classical crossover album. It reaches down and touches the heartstrings of my musical soul and stirs them up to make a fabulous and emotional listening experience for me!

Remixed not recommended for "re-listening"........2004-07-27

Bond has impressed critics with their somewhat controversial performances of classical-crossovers. From using trance beats to the sounds of African drums... there is no limit to how much and what they can do to enhance classical music that they play.

With Bond Remixed however; it is quite a drag to put it simply. The album is a total re-mix album, so think of it as a compilation of single re-mixes put together. But also, there are three original tracks by Bond: Homecoming, Atlanta, and Time. All three of these tracks rely a lot on synth sounds and trance beats. Which get boring after listening to all these re-mixes, but keeping in mind that it is a RE-MIX album after all... so although the originality of Bond's previous albums: Born and Shine are not there, it is because they are re-mixed.

One of my personal favorite tracks is Viva [Orion Mix], which for those who have the Bond Live at Royal Albert Hall DVD all should know (For those who do not know, it is an extra video on the DVD, a live performance of Viva). Though I would have to say it takes repetition of classical music to its red line. Another great track to listen to is Jingle Bell Rock [Pussy Galore Mix]. Great example of good trance, combined with classical sounds. Bobby D'Ambrosio's mix of Winter, originally named Wintersun, is interesting enough by creating a new intro into the song. The rest of the song is shorter with a different beat.

The rest of the tracks seemed to use the original songs, but just add a different beat, more bass, and more synth. It puts the name of "re-mix" to a shame. Besides Speed [Crash Club Mix] which adds more excitement to the song as it is called Speed, the listener is better off listening to the originals. The prime example of horrible remixing is Duel [Hectic Mix] and Bond on Bond [Hectic Mix] (It's funny how both of these songs were badly mixed by the same person). In Duel, Hectic makes the song more faster-paced and adds a synth sound to the beat, which has a deeper bass. The song relatively stays the same. As goes the same for the Bond on Bond mix, where there is only a different, harder dance beat added to the original song. Also, Shine [Dubshakra Mix], doesn't even sound different. After listening carefully, you will notice the very subtle addition of more tambourines. But it sounds exactly the same; I listened back and forth from the "mix" to the original on the "Shine" album, and could not really tell.

If you want re-mixed Bond songs, this is terrible album to try to find some. Re-mixes are supposed to be a variation of the original song, almost as if the mix was a whole new song. But these "re-mixes" are sad to listen to. I am ashamed for whoever compiled this horrible playlist of tracks. Also, the original tracks by Bond are not what Bond is noted for, as if they were rushed to do these tracks.

A lot of artists do a "filler" album. Bond may have used a re-mix album to give themselves a year off, either for time off recording, or to make more time to record their 4th album, "Classified". Most likely it was to give the girls some well-deserved time off after releasing "Born" and "Shine".

Any fan of Bond will most likely find this album oddly dissatisfying, leaving a caustic taste in the mouth, and a penetrating headache. I would not recommend this album, unless you are a die-hard fan. But please, if you are a first-time listener to Bond, listen to "Born" or "Shine".

*There is two videos that can be played on your computer however; a video of Fuego and Victory, are fun to watch. But they are from their other albums, Victory from "Born" and Fuego from "Shine".

Good remixes.......2004-06-19

I generally stay away from remix albums simply because it's tough to improve on an original. However, I'm a huge fan of techno music and these remixes are heavier fixed with the sound of the dancefloor than the original tracks are. As you can tell by some of the reviews, some people love this, and some hate it. I think the ones that hated this CD are not fans of modern dance music and miss the whole point of dance CDs to begin with, so you can't judge anything by what they say.
This is a great dance CD, period. For the more consertive use of dance beats, see any of Bonds other releases, but this one is definately for the club fans out there. Another killer dance CD I want to suggest is Mr.Deviant's "Techno Obsession" which mixes power rock with killer dance beats to create some very original dance music. Both CDs are great!

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse

Average customer rating:

A very good collection of moving compositions.
Nothing but the Best
Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell
Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture

ASIN: B0002XV30Q
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

I. Andante - Allegro Assai
II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
III. Allegro Con Fucco
I. Andante Sostenuto
II. Allegro Scherzando
III. Presto
I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)
II. Andante
III. Allegro Non Troppo
I. Allegro Animato
II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo Quasi Andantino
III. Molto Allegro
Wedding Cake - Caprice-Valse Op.76
Africa Fantaisie Op.89

Customer Reviews:

A very good collection of moving compositions........2007-05-07

We heard the Piano Concerto No. 5 in F on National Public Radio and decided that we must have this piece of music in our CD collection. We selected this CD since the two CDs allowed us to purchase all 5 of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concertos. This CD has become one of our favorites and we play it often, discovering more interest in the work of Saint-Saens with each playing.

Camille Saint-Saens' sense of drama, his lyric runs, his ability to evoke mystery, all make this listening experience highly recommended. I am fascinated by the way Saint-Saens creates rich variations of his themes as he takes us from movement to movement. Saint-Saens has the ability to develop ethereal melodies and variations on themes that are hypnotic and mystical. His piano runs are pushed for dramatic effect. The creative and amusing variations of his themes are pleasant and amusing.

This CD is highly recommended. In addition to the 5 Piano Concertos, Saint-Saens' Wedding Cake Caprice and the Africa Fantaisie are included. I found Jean-Phillippe Collard's interpretation to be masterful and rich, capturing the vast complexity and variation that Saint-Saens created in his compositions.

Nothing but the Best.......2007-04-01

To the other reviewer, you are a fool to give these CDs anything less than 5 stars, and you should be banished to hearing Fur Elise permanently until you repent of your ways. As a classical piano composer and teacher, I am definetely spoiled with piano music, it's true. But this is a real gem, TRUE ART, where even a metronome is rendered petty and useless to this, thank you very, very, much. Saint-Saen's 5 Piano Concertos, and David Helfgott's performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto IS as good as it gets. This is art with a soul, their is no hidden agenda, no undercurrent to this music. This recording is fine, don't listen to the other reviewer. I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. Much of these 2 CDs is compltely unique in the realm of piano music. The 2nd Mov. of the 5th Concerto is unforgettable, just to name one. Go ahead and get this one, if you don't, you are sinning, right now.

Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto.......2006-06-01

There are two albums of Saint-Saens' complete piano concerti available in the Amazon catalogue. This from EMI classics, and one from Decca. With two extra tracks thrown in (the "Wedding Cake" waltz, Opus 76, and "Africa Fantaisie," opus 89), this is the better bargain. Plus it's cheaper. I highly recommend it for these reasons, especially if your only interest is familiarization with all of Saint-Saens' five piano concertos, as was mine. Whether the Charles Dutoit performance is better, I can't say as I don't own it.

As for the performances in this disc:

My interest in Saint-Saens' piano concertos was fired up when I first heard his 2nd Piano Concerto performed by Cecile Licad. That stupendous performance (yes, I considered that adjective very carefully and find it absolutely appropriate) was also conducted by Andre Previn and accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (another Brit orchestra). That recording is also available in Amazon catalogue. Do buy it if you are a connoisseur of Saint Saens' second piano concerto. It is a definitive performance, one that am sure even Saint-Saens would approve of VERY enthusiastically. Just listen to the cadenza of the first movement in the Music Sampler and hear for yourselves.

Now back to this album. As noted earlier, it is also conducted by Andre Previn. But what a difference a pianist makes. I refer here to the performance of the second piano concerto. I skip it, actually. Having been spoiled--blissfully, ecstatically--by the Licad stunner, I cannot bear the stultifying interpretation in this one. I just listen to the other piano concertos and enjoy them. These piano concertos are excitingly atmospheric, with the composer's unmistakable mix of boister and mystery. As noted from an Amazon review of the Decca album, a recording of all of Saint Saent's five piano concerti is rare enough. So for that reason and the cheap price, this album is a good buy. I just try not wonder how other pianists, like Licad for instance, would play them. I just enjoy Saint Saent's piano music, The other performances are still very enjoyable, excluding other considerations. After I received this album from my sister as her Amazon gift, I now know that Saint Saen's piano concertos really rock!!! They are for me.

For the price and the extra tracks I'd give this album four stars. But for its dismal second piano concerto (cringe, cringe), three stars.

Average customer rating:

A must own!
Music for a desert isle
Very nice set, but the Brahms is outstanding
INCREDIBLE VOILIN
King David

David Oistrakh

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
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The Devil's Trill: Showpieces for violin & piano

ASIN: B000001GQI
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Konzart Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo A-moll BWV 1041: Allegro Moderato
Konzart Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo A-moll BWV 1041: Andante
Konzart Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo A-moll BWV 1041: Allegro Assai
Konzert Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo E-dur BWV 1042: Allegro
Konzert Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo E-dur BWV 1042: Adagio
Konzert Fur Violine, Streicher Und Continuo E-dur BWV 1042: Allegro Assai
Konzert Ur 2 Violinen, Streicher Und Continuo D-moll BWV 1043: Vivace
Konzert Ur 2 Violinen, Streicher Und Continuo D-moll BWV 1043: Largo Ma Non Tanto
Konzert Ur 2 Violinen, Streicher Und Continuo D-moll BWV 1043: Allegro
Romanze Fur Violine Und Orchester Nr. 1 G-dur Op.40
Romanze Fur Violine Und Orchester Nr. 2 F-dur Op.50

Tracks:

Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op. 77 In D Major: Allegro Non Troppo
Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op. 77 In D Major: Adagio
Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op. 77 In D Major: Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace
Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op.35 In D Major: Allegro Moderato
Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op.35 In D Major: Canzonetta. Andante
Konzert Fur Violine Und Orchester D-dur Op.35 In D Major: Finale. Allegro Vivacissimo

Customer Reviews:

A must own!.......2007-03-07

The Bach concertos are amazing. I don't think I've heard a better violin tone in my life than what is captured here. The Brahms concerto is also great. I didn't love the Tchaikovsky concerto compared to some other recordings I've heard, but that is just personal taste. I would highly recommend picking up this double disc.

Music for a desert isle.......2007-02-05

The entire disc is wonderful, but if I could only take one recording on a shipwreck, it would be this version of the Bach E major concerto. Oistrakh's vibrancy and warmth of tone are unparalleled. Available recordings of this great artist are regrettably few; any fan of the violin should grab this collection while they can.

Very nice set, but the Brahms is outstanding.......2004-08-13

Though I usually prefer a bit more briskness in the faster movements, the Bach pieces for both single and double violins are given fine performances. Especially lovely is the Oistrakhs' reading of the adagio in BMV 1043. Thankfully, the sound does not exhibit the kind of steeliness or stridency fairly often characteristic of other Baroque and Early Classical period recordings....The two Beethoven Romances with Eugene Goossens and the Royal Philharmonic are given expectedly warm, songful readings.

On disc two, the Tchaikovsky Concerto is not as well recorded as the Brahms (discussed later). In comparison, it sounds just a tad boxy and muddy, but it's still okay. At various times in the first movement the pace is a bit slow, with Konwitschny sharing the responsibility. Overall, though, it's a nice performance, with the last movement being particularly enjoyable. This said I still prefer Oistrakh's stereo reading with Ormandy. My absolute favorite is the stunning Heifetz/Reiner.

The biggest attention getter for me in this compilation is the Brahms Concerto. The obvious comparison is with Oistrakh/Klemperer. For quite some time I have considered that performance among the finest---and I still do. But I do not get as much satisfaction from it as this one (in very fine mono) with Konwitschny and the Dresden Staatskapelle. One key reason is that Oistrakh is miked closer than he is with Klemperer. I hear more of his violin, and it sounds wonderful. A sense of warmth and richness is more apparent. Oistrakh seems more relaxed as well. With Klemperer, by comparison, he seems less attuned to beauty, more business-like and slightly restless. With Konwitschny, he seems to be enjoying more thoroughly what he is doing, more focused on making music as opposed to just playing notes. Hear how he brings more suppleness and sensitivity to the adagio. Indeed, throughout the entire performance he is no less virtuostic than he is with Klemperer yet he seems more able to let his emotions speak with greater expressiveness. Though I still enjoy the Oistrakh/Klemperer with its more massive and powerful orchestral approach, it is this Oistrakh/Konwitschny, along with a very different account, the Heifetz/Reiner, that sits at the top of my list of favorites in this magnificent work.

INCREDIBLE VOILIN.......2003-06-27

THIS GUY IS GREAT, YOU SEE HIS FACE AND YOU THINK HE'S A REDNECK BUT HIS FINGERS "PLAYS" WITH THE VIOLIN.
HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES

King David.......2001-09-15

Oistrakh, that great Russian violinist of sentiment and technical prowess is shown at his best in this collection. The Heifetz/Reiner version of Brahms on RCA seems to be the most famous, but this performance by Oistrakh and Konwitschny is better. Oistrakh has much more heart than Heifetz. Heifetz has always been cold blooded. If you want warmth and sentiment, Oistrakh is your man. Oistrakh also has a Brahms concerto with Klemperer, in stereo. If you must have one in stereo, the one with Klemperer will suffice, since Oistrakh's performance with Szell has not yet been issued on cd. The Beethoven romances are filled with such warmth and emotion, it's bound to give you goose bumps. The Tchaikovsky is also played in the grand, warm Oistrakh manner. Once you hear Oistrakh's deep sense of emotion, you will be hard pressed hearing it by others. There are many good performances, but get Oistrakh's. You'll be glad you did.

Music Track:

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