Russian Classics

On this CD:

1. Scheherazade, symphonic suite for orchestra, Op. 35
Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov
Performed by Victor Aitay

2. Prince Igor, opera (completed by Rimsky-Korsakov & Glazunov) Dance of the Polovtsian Maidens & Polovtsian D
Composed by Alexander Borodin
Performed by Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Seiji Ozawa

3. L'oiseau de feu (The Firebird), ballet in 2 scenes for orchestra
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Seiji Ozawa

4. Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Paris Orchestra with Alexis Weissenberg
Conducted by Seiji Ozawa

Tracks:

Scheherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Scherherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince
Scheherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Scheherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: Festival At Bagdad - The Sea - The Ship Goes To Pieces On A Rock Surmounted By A Bronze Warrior - Conclusion
Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36
Capriccio espagnol: Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34

Customer Reviews:

Stellar Performance.......2007-06-27

Having been a professional violinist and pianist for thirty years, I have developed a special appreciation for classical music. Scheherezade is one of the great orchestral pieces. This version clearly highlights the great skill of the composer and the orchestra. All the pieces on this cd are performed at a high skill level and the recording quality is excellent. It is on a par with the great performances by other orchestras, and I highly recommend it.

Nostalgia.......2007-06-27

My father was a classical musician in the days when every major theater had a pit orchestra of concert-level musicians. Boris Morros, a Russian born impresario paid tribute to them, saying: "the impact of these luxurious film theaters on the culture of America has never been properly emphasized. In one of our marble movie temples every tired scrub-lady could feel like a queen--for fifty cents--and every bootblack like a king as they lounged back in more comfortable chairs than monarchs ever enjoyed. I was impressed by the ever-growing popularity of the so-called good music the large symphony orchestras in these theaters played at each performance. From the day they opened they had thrilled audiences of ordinary people (who were supposed to have appreciation only for ragtime and sentimental ballads) with first-rate renditions...." Anyway, when those theaters and orchestras went, the substitute was a cult of mediocrity, so I was just indulging myself listening to all the horn work in Korsakov and remembering all those 'good ol days.'

Best Classical CD bargain on Amazon, IMHO.......2007-03-29

I'm surprised this CD isn't displayed on the Classical Blowout store. Perhaps it's *too* good a bargain? I purchased this CD for one piece: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince. My children and I love this work, as it is orchestrated like a story ("tone poem" is the correct term I think) - insert your imagination as to how it plays out.

This a wonderful CD to play on a cold winter night, with a roaring fire and a glass of wine. If you want a fine introduction to the 'oomph' of Easter European composers, you can do no wrong with this CD. I also recommend the Edwin Elgar Pomp & Circumstance CD from this bargain Seraphim collection.

Cheap? Only in price.......2007-02-22

First - how can one go wrong buying this cd at this price? The answer is - one cannot go wrong buying this cd at this price. Not even at three times this price. It's a lush recording and is every bit as good as anything recorded yesterday in a state of the art studio. At least some people have never heard of Rimsky-Korsakov. This is a cheap way to be introduced nicely. Others have these pieces by three or four different orchestras. Add this one - you'll be glad you did if for no other reason than when it arrives you'll listen once again to music you've put away for some time.

It's truly wonderful.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade.......2006-11-10

I love Russian composers. They have so much fire. I received the CD timely and in great condition. Thank you.

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

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

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

25 Classical Favorites
Symphony (25) Favorites
25 Tchaikovsky Favorites
25 Mozart Favorites
25 Beethoven Favorites

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.

The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics

Average customer rating:

Wonderful choir music CD
Best of American Choral Singing!
A good album, but--
Awesome

The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics
Robert Shaw Festival Singers , and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Choral Masterpieces
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The #1 Choral Album
Sea Shanties
O Magnum Mysterium

ASIN: B000003D10
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

Dies Irae
Tuba Mirum
Pie Jesu
O Fortuna
Dies Irae
Rex Tremendae
Confutatis
Lacrimosa
Polovtsian Dances
Missa: Kyrie Eleison
Hallelujah Chorus
The Shepherd's Farewell
Sanctus
The Heavens Are Telling
'Va, pensiero' (Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves)
Nyne Otpushchayeshi (Now Let Thy Servant Depart)
Dies Irae

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful choir music CD.......2007-07-12

I just enjoy in it very much. The best of the choir music in very good performance.

Best of American Choral Singing!.......2003-02-08

This CD could be the cornerstone of your choral music library! Wonderful performances of all of the essential choral pieces give a wonderful introduction to choral music for someone new to it, and also give a nice sampler of the best pieces for someone already familiar with the music. Listening to each excerpt may inspire you to purchase the entire work!

As you would expect of performances by Robert Shaw's groups, these performances are really extraordinary and show the best of American choral singing.

A good album, but--.......2001-12-28

The three stars I have given this album are not for the performances, which are all tremendous and deserve five stars or more, but for the idea of releasing this sort of compilation. Every single one of these selections is part of a larger Shaw-recorded work already released by Telarc, and you are far better off seeking the complete recordings that all these pieces are from, than just buying a mere "sampler". (Shaw, however, never did get around to recording the complete " L' Enfance du Christ".) Of course, that can be very expensive for some people, and if one cannot afford all those recordings, I suppose this is the next best thing. One can't shake off the feeling, however, that because Shaw is no longer with us, Telarc is desperately trying to give the impression that "new" Shaw recordings are constantly being released by them, when the truth is that nearly all the new ones are mere recyclings. (The last complete Robert Shaw album released by Telarc was Dvorak's "Stabat Mater", a CD well worth buying.)

Awesome.......2000-04-04

This album is so up-lifting. As the music soars, so do your spirits.

Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster

Average customer rating:

An Outstanding Collection
Gorgeous playing, beautiful pieces.

Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster
Jules Massenet , Sergey Rachmaninov , Pablo de Sarasate , Alexander Glazunov , Fritz Kreisler , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Henryk Wieniawski , Lawrence Foster , Itzhak Perlman , and The Abbey Road Ensemble
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits
Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more
Ithzak Perlman: Encores
Classic Perlman: Rhapsody

ASIN: B000002RVH
Release Date: 1996-03-12

Tracks:

Meditation (Thais)
Mazurka-Obereque: Mazurka - Obereque
Vocalise, Op.34, No.14
Zigeunerweisen, Op.20
Fantasy On Russian Themes
Meditation, Op.32
Scherzo, Op. 42 No. 2
Legende, Op.17
The Old Refrain
Introduction & Tarantelle, Op. 43
Schon Rosmarin

Customer Reviews:

An Outstanding Collection.......2002-02-12

Here is Perlman at the top of his game- performing short Romantic and turn-of-the-century gems. Perlman has always seemed to revel in this specific era in classical music. From Glazunov's fiery Mazurka, to Pablo de Sarasate's virtuosic jaunt, to the simple, romatic charm of Kreisler's "Schon Rosmarin", Itzhak Perlman and the Abbey Road Ensemble deliver with graceful mastery. I've never heard Massenet's Meditations from "Thais" performed with more passion and elegance.
A lot of violinists, myself included, feel that Perlman has had a rather inconsistent recording career, and A La Carte should be impressive and refreshing for his critics. The exceptional sound quality of this recording makes it a very involving experience and great addition to any audiophile's collection. I never tire of this album, and it is a mainstay and a favorite in my collection. I recommend it 100%.

Gorgeous playing, beautiful pieces........1998-10-29

This collection of rarely performed pieces is a fantastic record. Perlman's playing, as usual, is a feast for the ears. The lush accompaniment is equally beautiful. The pieces are accessible to the classical connoisseur as well as the novice. This is the perfect album for a winter afternoon around the house.

Average customer rating:

Unique historical icon
Memories of the past
Outstanding!
A True Classic
It was ok

Soviet Army Chorus & Band

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Best of the Red Army Choir
Russian Favourites
Echoes of a Red Empire
Balalaika: Russia's Most Beautiful Songs
Best of Communism: Revolutionary Songs

ASIN: B000002ROZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Song Of Youth
A Birch-Tree In A Field Did Stand
Far Away
Volga Boat Song
You Are Always Beautiful
Along Peter's Street
Tipperary
Ah! Lovely Night
Kamarinskaya
Annie Laurie
Song Of The Plains (Meadowland)
Kalinka
Bandura
Oh No! John!
Snow Flakes
Ukranian Poem
The Decembrists: Soldier's Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Unique historical icon.......2007-04-11

Wonderfully atmospheric choral singing in the distinctive style of these cultural ambassadors for the Soviet regime. In their day they had a worldwide and appreciative audience as the Soviet Authorities sought to attach an attractive "human" persona to their mighty military machine.The power, precision and technical proficiancy of these (and other) performers served, whether justifiably or not, to enhance the Soviet military image.Wonderful Russian bass and tenor voices gave western ears fresh insights into 'music of the people' from both sides of the Iron Curtain. The propaganda effect was priceless and we are left today with a nostalgic example of the effective political use of music.

Memories of the past.......2007-02-13

My parents bought the vinyl recording of the Album when it first came out and I used to listen to it a lot. It is wonderful to have it available on CD without the scratches that go along with records. They sound as brilliant and stirring as the first day I heard them. I especially love The Soldiers Chorus from the play The Decembrists.

Outstanding!.......2005-08-27

I first discovered this album as a LP in the late 1960s. Granted, the recording techniques then are not as sophisticated as they are now, but the quality of the voices on this CD is excellent, and the music will send chills down your spine.

There are subsequent albums of the "Red Army" (whom I've seen in person) -- while good, the original "Soviet" is still the best.

If you love great soloists, outstanding choral work, and stirring music, you will appreciate this album.

A True Classic.......2004-12-17

Rich and often powerful music. Much magnificent singing and orchestration. The effort of the chorus to sing "Tipperary" in english is, alone, well worth the price of purchase.

It was ok.......2004-08-15

It's an ok album. The songs are nice but I bet half of the tracks are in mono, which was disappointing. I would recommend "Best of The Red Army Choir" instead.

Average customer rating:

Faulty titling
For the beginner
Opera or not
Superlative collection

100 Best Opera Classics

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Best Classics 100 Volume 2
Best Classics 100 Volume 1
100 Best Film Classics
100 Best Piano Classics
The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000GPIPQU
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

Voi Che Sapete - English Chamber Orchestra
Porgi Amor - English Chamber Orchestra
Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Batti, Batti, O Bel Masetto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Der Holle Rache - Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper
O Isis And Osiris - Cornelius Hauptmann
Temerari...Come Scoglio - Philharmonia Orchestra
La Calunia E Un Venticello - London Symphony Orchestra
Nei Giardin Del Bello (Veil Song) - Carlo Maria Giulini
Casta Diva - Maria Callas
Se Quel Guerrier...Celeste Aida - Zubin Mehta
Tenesta La Promessa...Addio Del Passato - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Niun Mi Tema - Berliner Philharmoniker
Un Bel Di Vedremo - Sir John Barbirolli
E Lucevan Le Stelle - Philharmonia Orchestra
Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi - Mirella Freni
In Quelle Trine Morbide - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Signore, Ascolta - London Symphony Orchestra
Recitar...Vesti La Giubba - Philharmonia Orchestra
Amor Ti Vieta Di Non Amar - Orchestra Of The Royal Opera House

Tracks:

Le Veau D'or Est Toujours Debout - Boris Christoff
Ou Va La Jeune Hindoue - Alain Lombard
L'amour, L'amour...Ah! Leve-toi, Soleil - Michel Plasson
Allons! Il Le Faut Notre Petite Table - Michel Plasson
Toute Mon Ame Est La...Pourquoi Me Reveiller - Orchestre De Paris
Quand La Flamme De L'Amour - Jose Van Dam
L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Victoria De Los Angeles
A Cette Voix... Je Crois Entendre Encore - Alain Vanzo
Une Puce Gentille - Gabriel Bacquier
Je Vais Mourir... Adieu, Fiere Cite - Regine Crespin
Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix - Rita Gorr
Wie Todesahnung... O Du Mein Holder Abendstern - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Johohoe! Traft Ihr Das Schiff Im Meere An? - Anja Silja
In Fernem land - Jess Thomas
Heil Dir, Sonne! - Siegfried Jerusalem
Mild Und Leise - Helga Dernesch

Tracks:

Che Faro SEnza Euridice? - Agnes Baltsa
Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja - Walter Berry
Finch'han Dal Vino - Nicolai Ghiaurov
E Susanna Non Vien!... Dove Sono - Barbara Hendricks
Abscheulicher! - Christa Ludwig
Ne M'Abandonne Pas, espoir De La Vengeance... Asile Hereditaire - Nicolai Gedda
Largo Al Factotum - Tito Gobbi
Ella Giammai M'Ammo! - Ruggero Raimondi
La Donna E Mobile - Alfredo Kraus
Di Quella Pira - Franco Corelli
Esultate! - James McCracken
Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar - Placido Domingo
Vissi D'Arte, Vissi D'Amore - Maria Callas
In Questa Reggia - Ghena Dimitrova
Tanto Amore - Janine Micheau
O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
Ed Ache Beppe Amo - Luciano Pavarotti
Poveri Fiori - Maria Callas
Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio - Roberto Alagna

Tracks:

Les Grands Seigneurs... Ah! Je Ris De Me Voir Si Belle - Victoria De Los Angeles
Marie, Avec L'Enfant Jesus - Jules Bastin
Heureux Petit Berger - Janine Micheau
Connais-Tu Le Pays - Jane Rhodes
Elle Ne Crooyait Pas Dans Sa Candeur - Nicolai Gedda
Votre Toast, Je Peux Vous Le Rendre... Toreador - Victoria De Los Angeles
les Oiseaux Dans La charmille - Mady Mesple
Maintenant, Chantons..., Devant La Maison De Celui Qui T'Adore - Gerard Souzay
Depuis Le Jour - Beverly Sills
Da Geht er Hin - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Einsam In Truben Tagen - Regine Crespin
Dich, Teure Halle - Hildegard Behrens
Leb Wohl, Du Kuhnes, Herrliches Kind - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Hojotoho! Hojotoho! - Ute Walther

Tracks:

Non Piu Andrai - Thomas Allen
La Ci Darem La Mano - Graziella Sciutti
Duo: Pa-Pa-Pa - Andreas Schmidt
Soave Sia Il Vento - Delores Ziegler
Mira, O Norma - Maria Callas
Il Dolce Suono - Edita Gruberova
Com'E Gentil - Alfredo Kraus
Una Voce Poco Fa - Maria Callas
Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - Alfredo Kraus
Gualtier Malde!... Caro Nome - Michele Pertusi
Ritorna Vincitor - Birgit Nilsson
Ave Maria - Katia Ricciarelli
Nessun Dorma - Franco Corelli
Che Gelida Manina - Nicolai Gedda
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Barbara Hendricks

Tracks:

Mes Amis, Ecoutez L'Histoire - Nicolai Gedda
Mieux Vaut Mourir... Amour Sacre De La Patrie - Alfredo Kraus
Ah, Je Veux Vivre Dans Ce Reve - Mady Mesple
Puisqu'on Ne Peut Flechir... Vainement, Ma Bien-Aimee - Henry Legay
Suis-je Gentille Ainsi?... Je Marche Sur Tous Les Chemins - June Anderson
Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Jessye Norman
La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee - Jose Carreras
C'est Toi!... Au Fond Du Temple Saint - John Aler
Werther, Werther, Qui M'Aurait Dit... Ces Lettres! - Tatiana Troyanos
Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
Ah! Je Suis Seule Enfin... Dis-Moi Que Je Suis Belle - Beverly Sills
Alerte, Alerte!... Anges Purs, Anges Radieux - Placido Domingo
Boris's Farewell - Boris Christoff
Schreckensschwur! - Gary Lakes
Die 'Selige Moorgentraum-Deutweise'... Selig, Wie Die Sonne - Peter Schreier
Was Am Besten Er Kann... Nothung! Nothung! - Siegfried Jerusalem

Customer Reviews:

Faulty titling.......2007-05-30

The music is wonderful. HOWEVER, only the first disc has the correct song titles and artists. The other five discs have most of the same song titles and artists as Disc #1, although the music on each disc conforms to what is listed in the catalog. When we attempted to rip the music onto our "Windows Media Player", where we keep all our music stored to play through our hi-fi system, we could copy only the first disc. All the other discs had those same song titles and artists (although the music was different) and the program reported only that the song was already copied. Apparently your quality control was off work that day.

Have you had other such complaints? One wouldn't know about this if one were to simply play the discs on a CD player. They would seem to be fine. Is there any recourse for those of us who have a computer-based hi-fi system?

For the beginner.......2007-03-08

This is a great collection for someone who knows they like opera music but don't know where to start. This will probably be all the opera I will ever need now.

Opera or not.......2007-02-13

For those new to opera, this set is an excellent provider of a wide variety of operatic works, rendered by artists well known even to non-opera officionados.

Superlative collection.......2006-10-11

A collection of 100 individual arias and ensembles from the EMI catalogue of complete opera recordings made between 1955 and 2003. It includes a wide selection from popular operas by Italian, Austrian, German, Russian and French composers. The French are especially well represented unlike most such anthologies. And a few more obscure contributions are thrown in, like an aria from Catalani's La Wally. A judicious balance of musical periods and styles, and the very best singers of the last half of the last century. And remarkably, the whole collection of 6 CDs, over 7 hours of music, is being sold for the cost of only 1 CD !

Average customer rating:

5 golden stars to Rolando
Versatility
Rolando Villazon
Villazon Shows His Range
Another winning recital

Opera Recital [Includes Bonus DVD]

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Italian Opera Arias
Rolando Villazon - Gounod · Massenet Arias
Donizetti - L'Elisir d'Amore / Eschwe, Netrebko, Villazon, Wiener Staatsoper
Gitano
Anna Netrebko & Rolando Villazón: Duets

ASIN: B000BU9988
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

Il Etait Une Fois A La cour D'Eisenach
Allons! Courage Et Confiance
Recondita Armonia
Mamma, Quel Vino
Amor Ti Vieta
Ach So Fromm
Jungfrau Maria
Kuda...Kuda...
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
Forse La Soglia Attinse
Com' E Gentil
Favorita Del Re
La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee
A Cette Voix...Je Crois Entendre Encore
Padre, Con Essi Intrepido...Odi Il Voto...Sprezzo La Vita

Customer Reviews:

5 golden stars to Rolando.......2006-08-29

I was beginning to fear that there wouldn't be anyone to take over the throne from my favourite tenor - José Carreras, as all up-and-coming tenors I've heard lately has failed to impress me. That is, until now. I watched the concert with Domingo, Netrebko and Villazón from this years' football world championship and I immediately fell in love with Villazón. His charm as well as his extraordinary singing capabilities won me over. His tone is golden, warm and dark and - thank God - he's much less nasal than Domingo. His breath control is also outstanding and his singing seems effortless. I bet he can hold a note longer than even Pavarotti back in his heydays could......

Anyway, I bought this album which includes a bonus dvd and I haven't been able to tear myself away from the television set ever since. It's really fun watching Villazón in the studio making the cd. He's very dedicated to his singing, but the overall tone in the recording studio is jovial and he's joking and having fun with everyone while still managing to deliver some seriously wonderful singing. And the way he interrupts himself at the beginning of "La fleur" is just charming. I couldn't help but laugh when he slaps himself in the back of his head because he was interrupted and corrected when he sang something wrong in Russian. What more can I say? I'm hooked. I love all the arias on the cd, but the ones that really stand out are the Russian "Kuda.... Kuda..." and "Je crois entendre encore". They make my spine tingle - and my knees go woobly....... Really, there's only one thing to say about this cd/dvd - BUY IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Versatility.......2006-08-21

This is another stunning recital by the ever more exciting Rolando Villazon and the key to its success is his amazing versatility not only in the musical styles it emcompasses but in the elegance and directness he brings to his words. The bonus DVD shows what a charming and hard-working artist he is and allows one to see why he is so thrilling in the theatre: without exaggerating he clearly throws his whole self into the character and situation of each aria. For me, perhaps the most exciting number on the disc is `Je crois entendre encore` which perfectly illustrates his mastery of the French style; I tingle with pleasure at the seeming effortlessness and sweetness of tone when, at the climactic note, he moves up into a head-voice and seamlessly descends from it.

Rolando Villazon.......2006-07-10

As musicians ourselves, we are of the opinion than Rolando Villazon is one of the greatest, if not the greatest tenor of this time. His voice reminds of great ones of the past like Gigli and Frits Wunderlich.

Villazon Shows His Range.......2006-03-27

On his third solo CD, Rolando Villazon shows again the wonderful qualities that make him stand apart from other tenors of his generation. The sheer sound of his voice - dark and virile in the lower and middle registers, bright and glowing on top - immediately seizes the listener's attention. But beyond that, Villazon impresses by his musical sensitivity and intelligence and, above all, by his remarkable focus on expressing his texts.The energy and subtle nuances of his singing all seem to come from his response to the words. And here he engages creatively with texts in four languages, rather than a single language as in his previous disks. The two arias that especially make this disk a keeper are Bizet's "Je crois entrendre encore" ("The Pearl Fishers") and Tchaikovksky's "Kuda, kuda" ("Eugene Onegin"). The Bizet is a superb example of soft singing spun out on long breaths with gorgeous high notes, some sung in an ethereal head voice. Beautifully sung and expressed, "Kuda, kuda" is full of passion and regret - mesmerizing! Here Villazón shows with his voice alone the great actor that he is live on the stage! I highly recommend the accompanying DVD made from the recording sessions. It's absolutely delightful and shows the humor, charm, and high energy that make Villazón such an appealing performer and personality. But be warned: Rolando Villazón is absolutely habit-forming! After hearing him, all other current young tenors, with the exception of Floréz, pale by comparison.

Another winning recital.......2006-03-09

Wow! Villazon, in his 3rd recital for EMI/Virgin manages to deliver the goods yet again. Try and get this version as it comes with a 40 minute bonus DVD of the recording sessions. After watching this documentary, you will realise why Villazon is so highly sought-after

Average customer rating:

My 3 yr old loves it!
My baby loves this CD!
A Reasonable Collection

Classics for Kids (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Children's Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classics for Kids
Children's Favorites
Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics
50 Kids Favorites

ASIN: B00000IGUV
Release Date: 2000-11-15

Tracks:

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
The Nutcracker: Russian Dance
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Toy Flutes
Flight of the Bumblebee
Cannon in D Major
Sabre Dance
Happy Farmer
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade (Excerpts)
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Chickens In Their Shells
On The Beautiful Blue Danube (Excerpts)
Fse
Trout Quintet In A Major (Theme & Variations) - Schubert
The Syncopated Clock
The Typewriter
Rhapsody in Blue (Excerpts)
Spring Song In A Major - Mendelssohn
Lullaby

Tracks:

Peter And The Wolf - Classics For Kids
The Toy Symphony - Classics For Kids

Customer Reviews:

My 3 yr old loves it!.......2007-03-17

This is one of my three year old's top requests for listening. She simply loves it; She hums along and can name most of the songs. I am vey pleased.

My baby loves this CD!.......2006-11-05

Of all the many CDs we were given, this is my baby's favorite. Unlike most CDs of classical music for babies, this isn't just smooth, soft music. It does have some of that, but it also has more exciting pieces like the bouncy Nutcracker music, The Flight of the Bumble Bee, and The Sabre Dance. My baby bounces and dances to this music happily. And once she's a bit older, I'm sure she's going to love "Peter the Wolf," narrated by Jack Lemmon.

A Reasonable Collection.......2004-08-11

This is a reasonable selection of works to start with as a child's introduction to Classical music. There are two main flaws - a handful of the pieces are performed rather poorly and the sound quality is muffled. But keeping the intended audience in mind and the price, it's not a bad value.

Average customer rating:

One of Two Versions
Wonderful introduction to "The Art of Dessay"

The Miracle of the Voice

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Natalie Dessay: Greatest Moments on Stage
Russian Album
Mozart Heroines; Natalie Dessay
Natalie Dessay - French Opera Arias
Gitano

ASIN: B000F3T3B4
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Delibes: Lakmé- Où va la jeune hindoue (Bell song)
Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann- Les oiseaux dans la
Meyerbeer: Le Pardon de Ploërmel- Ombre légère4-5.
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette- Ah! Je veux vivre dans le
Chabrier: Le Roi melgré lui- Il est un vieux chant de
Donizetti: La Fille du régiment- Salut à la France9-12.
Offenbach: Orphée aux Enfers- Duo de la mouche
Offenbach: Robinson Crusoë- Conduisez-mois vers celui

Tracks:

Mozart: Popoli di Tessaglia!
Handel: Delirio amoroso- Per te lasciai la luce
R. Straus: Ariadne auf Naxos- Groβmachtige Prinzessin
J. Strauss: Frühlingsstimmenwalzer
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Alabiev: Salavieï (The Nightingale)
StravinskY: Le Rossignol- Song of the Nightingale
Ave Maria from the original soundtrack of the film `Merry
Monk/Nougaro: `Round Midnight'
Bernstein: Candide- Glitter and be gay

Customer Reviews:

One of Two Versions.......2007-01-31

This excellent 2-disc version has 18 tracks.

Another version, containing 26 tracks, is available on iTunes for $19.98. It contains additional tracks from Lucie de Lammermoor and Die Zauberflote (Der Holle Rache should not be missed!).

Wonderful introduction to "The Art of Dessay".......2007-01-21

Natalie Dessay's "The Miracle of the Voice" is a welcome addition to the recording oeuvre. She covers much territory in this 2 CD work--from Offenbach to Donizetti to Gounod to Delibes to Massenet to Stravinsky and Bernstein (Candide). I'll mention sample selections below, rather than going through each one separately.

She shows the ability to do well in the bel canto repertoire, featuring an agile, light voice that can get to the high notes and master coloratura techniques (trills and so on). In "The Bell Song" from Delibes "Lakme," her clear voice handles this work well. Fleming and Sutherland have darker voices; Dessay's is quite a bit lighter, more typical of what we think of as a coloratura voice (even though coloratura singing is manifest from basses to sopranos). She demonstrates nice trills and an ability to hit high notes accurately. In "Olympia's Song" from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffman," she captures nicely the "mechanical" voice of her character. Once more, nice trills and agility with the notes.

Of course, the "Mad Scene" from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" (here, sung in French) is prime coloratura territory. Dessay essays this nicely. In the slower earlier parts of this long scene, she shows a certain pathos, appropriate for a young woman who has gone mad over love and betrayal. When she gets to what in Italian would be "Spargi d'amaro pianto," she does well. Again, she exemplifies agile vocal technique. The second time through, she displays nice ornamentation. Given that she can trill well, it is somewhat surprising that this technique is not deployed better and more often. Nonetheless, well done.

From Mozart's "Die Zauberflote," Dessay takes on The Queen of the Night's "Der Holle Rache." Again, well done. She hits the high notes easily and without strain (not something that all sopranos can say). And now for something completely different. . . . Johann Strauss' "Fruhlingsstimmenwalzer." A delightful romp. A Strauss waltz. Nice vocal technique. One wonders if Dessay could not have made this more "fun," since it is a waltz. Nonetheless, this is an easy and pleasant "listen." I once heard (is my memory correct on the name?) Theresa Stich-Randall sing this, and the effect was similar.

Stravinsky's "Song of the Nightingale" from "Le Rossignol" is another change of pace. Nessay shows the range of her repertoire with this piece. Thelonius Monk's "'Round Midnight" was adopted for the French language here, with Claude Nougaro joining Dessay on vocals. Another interesting departure from the earlier operatic sound--an engaging piece. Her operatic skills do not overwhelm this song or work against Nougaro's voice. Finally, Leonard Bernstein's "Glitter and Be Gay" from "Candide." This is a credible effort at somewhat lighter music, while she still exhibits the vocal skills that she has.

This is the first CD from Dessay that I have listened to. It won't be the last. A remarkable range of singing, done well across a variety of genres. This is a good introduction to the art of Dessay for those who have not heard her before.

Average customer rating:

Love It!
Best of the Best
GREAT compilation!!!
Very well organized
The greatest parts from all your favorites

Mad about The Classics

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Opera Goes to the Movies
Mad about Piano
Mad About Mad About
Mad About Baroque
Mad About Guitars

ASIN: B000001GKR
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

Thus Spake Zarathustra: Sunrise
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
Carmen Suite: March Of The Toreadors
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
Orpheus In The Underworld: Can Can
Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1): Morning Mood
William Tell Overture: Finale
Symphony No. 9 ('From The New World'): Largo (Theme)
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries
Prince Igor: Flowing Dance Of The Polovtsian Maidens-Men's Dance
Hungarian Dance No. 6
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
The Four Seasons: 'Spring' - Allegro
Jesu, Joy Of The Man's Desiring - Bach
Canon In D
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio
Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1): In The Hall Of The Mountain King
The Firebird Suite: Finale
1812 Overture: Finale - Tchaikovsky

Customer Reviews:

Love It!.......2005-08-11

I first received this CD as a Christmas present more than 6 years ago. My old copy was too scratched to play any more. I was so happy to see that Amazon carried this CD, it has all the best classics on it!

Best of the Best.......2005-05-11

I listen to a variety of music from Cajun to classic rock, to classical---depending on my mood or the situation. This clasical ensemble truly encompasses some of the most hauntingly beautiful music ever to have been written by our civilization's most talented people. I never tire of listening to it.

GREAT compilation!!!.......1999-07-27

I can only wish that popular music (rock, rap, dance) compilers could take a hint from this album, and include only the GOOD songs. This has all of the well-known classical songs. I really wanted to get the title of a particular classical song, and I looked for 4 weeks on the Internet until I remembered I had this album. I put it in, and the second song, "O Fortuna", was it.

Very well organized.......1999-06-25

I really like to llisten your these MAD ABOUT series. However, I could not buy these series in Japan. Please let me now how to buy these series. And tell me what kind of albums you have in stock, and how much if I need air persel. Thanks.

The greatest parts from all your favorites.......1998-10-18

From 2001: A Space Odyssey's theme, to Beethoven's fifth, this CD has the all time best compilation of Classical and Romatic music I have ever heard. The only thing that comes close is Polygram's Really Mad About the Classics.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

Recommended Music:

Between Angels & Insects Pt. 2 [Import]

Music Review: A Drummer's Tale, Episode One

Favourite Choral

Music: Soul in Motion [CD-single] [Import]

Holding Out for a Hero

Grand Avenue

Classic Hymns: 25 Timeless Hymns for Children

Gewandhaus-Quartett

Every Time

Diez

Friendships Often Fade Away

Flamenco Master

I Saw You Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Renegade Heaven

Wait for Me: The Best from Rebecca St. James