The Introduction

1. Arrival

2. The Introduction

3. Ya Head Is Dead

4. Life Revival

5. Life's A Test

6. When I Enter His Mind

7. Gourmay May

8. There It Goes Again (Peace)

9. Alpoman

10. In Modest Color

11. Modesty

12. A & R Let Down

13. Stampede

14. Heeey

15. The Sadness

16. Ali

The Introduction,May May,Scotti Bros.,Hip-Hop,Pop,R&B,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

Average customer rating: classic music CD Good for beginners Great mix Good for first-timer 25 Classical Favorites cd

25 Classical Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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 Romantic Classics 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Bach Favorites ASIN: B0000058HT Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. Eine Klein Nachtmusik: (I. Allegro)
2. Nutcracker Suite: (Russian Dance)
3. The Four Seasons, Op. 8: (Spring: I. Allegro)
4. Hungarian Dance No. 5 In G Minor
5. Symphony in D, K. 161 - 163: (III. Presto)
6. Waltz In D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1
7. Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, S. 1048: (III. Allegro)
9. Swan Lake: (Dance Of The Swans)
10. Carmen Suite No. 2: (Habanera)
11. Messiah: (Overture)
12. Wind Serenade 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
13. Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 12: (III. Allegro)
14. Water Music: (Overture)
15. Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Op. 66: (Panorama)
16. Symphony No. 26 In E-flat Major, K. 184: (III. Allegro)
17. Waltz No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
18. Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, S. 1041: (III. Allegro)
19. Water Music: (Lentement)
20. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049: (II. Andante)
21. Habanera
22. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major, K. 447: (II. Romanza)
23. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: (Variation No. 18)
24. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
25. Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

classic music CD.......2007-06-27

The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.

Good for beginners.......2007-02-15

It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

Great mix.......2007-02-14

All the best composers! Over an hour of music. A samble of the greatest pieces.

Good for first-timer.......2007-01-22

This is the first time I have ever bought a classical music CD and I was very pleased with this one. It has a good variety of selections. I would buy it again.

25 Classical Favorites cd.......2007-01-06

This CD has so many of my favorite, lively classical music -- love it!!

Average customer rating: Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's. Good for relaxing pregnant women Too much opera Does what it set out to do, very well TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Johann Sebastian Bach , Léo Delibes , Gabriel Fauré , Erik Satie , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edvard Grieg , Johann Pachelbel , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Camille Saint-Saens , Henryk Gorecki , Antonio Vivaldi , Edward Elgar , Jocelyn Pook , Sergey Rachmaninov , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Luigi Boccherini , Jules Massenet , Ludwig van Beethoven , Jacques Offenbach , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Giacomo Puccini , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Alexander Borodin , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Samuel Barber Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Górecki, Henryk Mikolaj | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | 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Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever! The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe 25 Classical Favorites Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits ASIN: B00000I93Z Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: What more could one ask for? Definitive Is Right Definitive Recordings of Copland's Popular Ballet Scores From Bernstein, NYPO American Music at its Highest The best of Copland

Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony ASIN: B0000029XG Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
2. Appalachian Spring: Allegro
3. Appalachian Spring: Moderato
4. Appalachian Spring: Fast
5. Appalachian Spring: Subito Allegro
6. Appalachian Spring: As At First (Slowly)
7. Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento
8. Appalachian Spring: Moderato - Coda
9. Rodeo: Buckaroo Holiday - Allegro con spirito
10. Rodeo: Corral Nocturne - Moderato
11. Rodeo: aturday Night Waltz - Introduction - Slow Waltz
12. Rodeo: Hoe-Down - Allegro
13. Billy The Kid: Introduction. The Open Prairie
14. Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
15. Billy The Kid: Mexican Dance And Finale
16. Billy The Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game At Night)
17. Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
18. Billy The Kid: Celbration (After Billy's Capture)
19. Billy The Kid: Billy's Death
20. Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
21. Fanfare for the Common Man: Molto deliberato

Amazon.com essential recording

Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented as Leonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versions since they were first issued--better even than the composer's own, later recordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to the extended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three great Copland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the Common Man. Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also a typically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New York Philharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self- recommending. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

What more could one ask for?.......2007-06-27

Aaron Copland's masterful works are here interpreted by Bernstein. Nothing says the American sound like Copland, and there is no better interpreter than Bernstein. This recording is one of the best in my collection. I would recommend this to anyone (even non-classical music fans).

Definitive Is Right.......2007-02-27

I have the SACD version of these recordings (except for the "Fanfare" which, in this case, is the version taken from Bernstein's recording of Copland's Third Symphony) and I must agree with others here that the performances are definitive. The "Rodeo" has more energy than any other recording I know of, in fact it can almost go over the top! "Billy the Kid" is quiet and tender, dramatic and bold and "Appalachian Spring" is dead-on. The last section of this ballet is one of my very favorite pieces of music and Bernstein's tempo and phrasing here could well be called perfect.

Definitive Recordings of Copland's Popular Ballet Scores From Bernstein, NYPO.......2007-02-11

Without question, this splendid CD is my favorite recording of some of Aaron Copland's most popular orchestral ballet scores. In Leonard Bernstein he had both a good friend and a devout ally, who successfully championed Copland's music, helping to ensure his reputation as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - 20th Century American composer. Sony has done a superb job in digitally remastering this recording, offering some of the best sound I've heard from a vintage Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic recording. But more importantly than the recording's superb sonic quality is the quality of these performances of Copland's scores. Bernstein leads in New York Philharmonic in these virtuoso performances, replete with lush, vibrant playing from the winds, horns and strings. His warm, truly heart-felt interpretation of "Applachian Spring" is truly mesmerizing, and the best I have heard from a recording. And yet, I am am just as impressed with his conducting of both "Rodeo" and "Billy the Kid"; the latter replete with superb solos from the orchestra's timpanist. An elegant performance of "Fanfare for the Common Man" closes out this CD recording. Fans of Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra shouldn't hesitate in acquiring this superb CD.

American Music at its Highest .......2007-02-04

If I was forced to recommend one CD of American music, I would feel very safe in backing this one. These interpretations have yet to be surpassed, and not even Copland himself could muster the same type of perfection that Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic did in this recording. Bernstein's way with Rodeo is unbelievable, and this alone is worth the price of the disc. The music on this recording has a lot to do with why, as Americans, we can all be proud of our place in the history of western music.

With 39 reviews under me, I will dispense with the adjectives to try and describe each interpretation of each piece on this disc, and simply say that these performances have been recommended by almost everyone (professional critics included of course) since they appeared; get it and find out why.

The best of Copland.......2007-01-09

For the Aaron Copland fan, this CD has the essentials: the most popular and easy listening of the Copland body of creations. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Awesome CD He started dancing as soon as we put it on! Better than baby einstein great music at a great price A Wonderful CD for all ages

Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Children's Favorites Classics for Kids Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" ASIN: B000002XE8 Release Date: 1997-10-24

Tracks:

1. Clair de Lune
2. Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance: Andante
3. Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sestonuto
4. Minute Waltz
5. On The Beautiful Blue Danube
6. The Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance
7. El Amor Brujo: Danca del Terror
8. Grand Valse Brillante, Waltz No. 1 op. 18
9. Scenes Of Childhood Op. 15: Knight Of The Rocking Horse; Important Event
10. Goldberg Variations: Aria
11. The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
12. Symphony No. 7: Allegro molto
13. Symphony No. 94: Menuetto: Allegro molto
14. The Nutcracker Suite: March
15. Sonata In C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile

Customer Reviews:

Awesome CD.......2007-05-11

Have enjoyed this CD immensely with our four-year old. Great price for the quality. Thank you.

He started dancing as soon as we put it on!.......2007-01-09

My 12 month old loves this CD and happily bops away to the music (in the car he sometimes even starts singing!). We like it too and not being very well versed in Classical music, it is a nice mix for us.

Better than baby einstein.......2006-02-26

This is a great CD, with great music, at a great price. Everyone seems to love Baby Einstein, but I don't like the plinking music on those CD's, I like real orchestral pieces to stimulate my child. This is exactly what parents need, at a good price!

great music at a great price.......2006-02-02

I got this cd to use as background when putting my 18 month old to sleep and for car rides. So far it has not made it out of the car. The cd is wonderful. The first song is the Luftansa airline comercial song (that is what my husband calls it) and is beautiful. I didn't think my husband would enjoy the cd at all but he doesn't mind one bit listening to it, he actually will put it on himself when we get in the car. My daughter loves it and will often start nodding her head back and forth to songs. I actually listen to it even when my daughter is not in the car. The music is soft and relaxing but not boring. It is also one of the only cd's that my in laws don't mind listening to when they are in the car with us.

I only paid like $4 here on amazon for it and I gladdly would of paid more for such a great cd. Its a great cd for such a great price!

A Wonderful CD for all ages.......2002-11-03

My whole family has enjoyed this CD. It is very upbeat and easy to listen to. I think there is something for everyone on this one.

Average customer rating: something to have Excellent Music buy now Lovely Aesthetically Pleasing

The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever! Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe The Most Relaxing Jazz Music in the Universe The World's Favorite Piano Music ASIN: B000059Q4Q Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

1. II: Andante - Stephen Hough
2. I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
3. Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
4. Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
5. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
6. II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
7. Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
8. Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
9. Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
10. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
11. Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
12. La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
13. Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
14. Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
15. Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
16. Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
17. Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
18. II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

1. II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
2. II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
3. Aria - Maria Tipo
4. II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
5. Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
6. Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
7. II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
8. An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
9. Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
10. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
11. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
12. Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
13. II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
14. Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
15. Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
16. Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
17. Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
18. Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

Average customer rating: Ladies in Lavender Ladies in Lavender Soundtrack Ladies in Lavendar - Movie Soundtrack Ladies In Lavender CD LADIES in LAVENDER

Ladies in Lavender Nigel Hess , and Joshua Bell Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Soundtracks | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Romance of the Violin Ladies in Lavender The Red Violin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Voice of the Violin Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B00080EUNA Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. Ladies In Lavender
2. Olga
3. Teaching Andrea
4. Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra
5. Meditation From Thais
6. Our Secret
7. On The Beach
8. Introduction And Tarantella Op. 43
9. The Letter
10. Zabawa Weselna (Polish Dance)
11. Stirrings
12. Potatoes
13. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
14. A Broken Heart
15. Two Sisters
16. The Carnival Of Venice

Amazon.com

The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its quiet, emotional dignity via neo-classical orchestral arrangements that feature real life young virtuoso Joshua Bell on solo violin. Hess' intimate original compositions form a virtually seamless tapestry with the story's requisite classical repertory choices, which range from Massenet and Debussy to Bell's delightful variations on Paganini's "The Carnival of Venice." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Ladies in Lavender.......2007-07-18

The music and melody is romantic and artistically precious. I enjoy this album everyday.

Ladies in Lavender Soundtrack.......2007-05-13

I love this CD. The music carries you away and it is wonderful to go to sleep by. It was such a great movie and the music is delicious.

Ladies in Lavendar - Movie Soundtrack.......2007-03-29

The violin music is wonderful! I knew I wanted a copy of this soundrack when I saw the movie on DVD. Joshua Bell in a wonderful artist.

Ladies In Lavender CD.......2007-03-19

The film "Ladies In Lavender" is touching and a tear jerker, but, so well done. Having the film on DVD was not enough, I needed to have the CD to play when I am driving. The violin virtuosity of Joshua Bell is magnificient and so pleasing to hear when relaxation is desired.

LADIES in LAVENDER.......2007-02-19

This is the most amazing and beautiful CD I've heard in a long time. Joshua Bell excells on his violin with this touching and haunting music. I listen to it often.
Sarah

Average customer rating: AWESOME!! MacRae and Jones soar in this tragic R&H musical Great Music Response to David Pabian's review below Gummed up an Original

Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack) Shirley Jones , Claramae Turner , Robert Rounseville , Cameron Mitchell , Barbara Ruick , Robert Rounseville , Richard Rodgers , Oscar Hammerstein II , and Gordon MacRae Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack) The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack) South Pacific (1958 Film Soundtrack) Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast) The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack) ASIN: B00005A7XD Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Introduction - Gordon MacRae/William Le Massena
2. Main Title: The Carousel Waltz - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
3. You're A Queer One, Julie Jordan - Barbara Ruick/Shirley Jones
4. When I Marry Mr. Snow - Barbara Ruick
5. If I Loved You - Shirley Jones/Gordon MacRae
6. June Is Bustin' Out All Over - Claramae Turner/Barbara Ruick
7. June Is Bustin' Out All Over Ballet - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
8. Soliloquy - Gordon MacRae
9. Blow High, Blow Low - Cameron Mitchell
10. When The Children Are Asleep - Robert Rounseville/Barbara Ruick
11. A Real Nice Clambake - Barbara Ruick/Claramae Turner/Robert Rounseville/Cameron Mitchell
12. Stonecutters Cut In On Stone - Cameron Mitchell
13. What's The Use Of Wond'rin - Shirley Jones
14. You'll Never Walk Alone - Shirley Jones/Claramae Turner
15. Ballet - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
16. If I Loved You (Reprise) - Gordon MacRae
17. You'll Never Walk Alone (Finale) - Shirley Jones
18. Carousel Waltz (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman

Amazon.com

Richard Rodgers always considered Carousel his favorite score, even though it didn't generate the number of popular hits of some of the other shows he produced with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Their adaptation of the Ferenc Molnar play Liliom is marked by three especially sublime moments. "The Carousel Waltz," Rodgers's alternative to the traditional Broadway overture, serves as an orchestral backdrop to the opening scene and is one of the best miniatures ever written for the theater. "If I Loved You," which establishes the romance of carnival barker Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae, a late replacement for Frank Sinatra) and nice girl Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones), is a musical minidrama in which the pair's discussion of how they are not in love reveals just how much they are in love. "Soliloquy" is Billy's powerful solo that foreshadows the action to come in Act II. Add the inspirational anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," and you have Rodgers and Hammerstein's most extraordinary, near-operatic score. On the soundtrack for the 1956 film, MacRae and Jones are in exceptional voice (following their success in 1955's Oklahoma) and the orchestra sounds glorious, but unfortunately some of the numbers were shortened, most notably "If I Loved You." Extensive production notes, an interview with Jones, and a synopsis are included. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME!!.......2007-05-12

LOVE SOUND TRACTS FROM OLD MOVIES - SING ALONGS AND THE BEST ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING AND CAN SING LOUD. IT IS A KEEPER

MacRae and Jones soar in this tragic R&H musical.......2007-02-11

This film adaptation of Carousel came shortly after the Oklahoma! film and reunited Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Although the film was not well-received at the box office, the soundtrack shows MacRae, Jones and the superb cast performing their roles to their heart's content. Their performance helps bring out the pathos in this tragic R&H musical, which Rodgers himself considered his favourite of all his works.

MacRae shines vocally as Billy Bigelow, bringing an open-hearted musicality and sincerity to his stout-hearted portrayal. MacRae stands out in Billy's pivotal Soliloquy, which some reviewers have considered one of the finest vocal performances of the 20th century. He is well-partnered by Shirley Jones, who lends her tender voice and personality to her portrayal as Julie. Listen to the chemistry they exude during the pivotal If I Loved You duet, as if they're overcoming their shyness and drawing sustenance from each other with their love. The supporting cast also gives its all in performing their roles. Claramae Turner's hearty Nettie brims with sincerity, warmth and tenderness, and she leads a rousing rendition of June is Bustin' Out All Over and renders You'll Never Walk Alone touchingly. Barbara Ruick and Robert Rounseville are superb as Carrie and Mr. Snow, although I admit I would have liked a little more humour. I also admit I would have liked Cameron Mitchell as Jigger to sound more sinister, like Fisher Stevens did in the 1994 Broadway revival recording. But even as it is, everyone sings gloriously and is given sumptuous backing from Alfred Newman's superb arrangements and the 20th-Century Fox Orchestra, when it shines out in the ballets.

If I'm adding to the praise of these critic-proof performance, you'll wonder, why am I giving only 4 stars? Well, it's because the extra sound effects from the unreleased sequences tend to jar after a while. I know some of you are complaining that the dance sequences are plagued by extraneous sound effects and noise. I share the same feelings too and also wish that the producers had utilised the original studio pre-recordings for a sumptuous listening experience. However, let us at least be grateful that Didier Deutsch and his production team have made these unreleased sequences available on a soundtrack CD reissue. At least it's a step in the right direction before the entire canon of R&H film soundtracks (yes, including South Pacific and The Sound of Music) gets its due as deluxe 2-CD sets, complete with underscore.

However, don't let this gripe dissuade you from buying this soundtrack. It offers a complete musical experience that one could only dream of in the previous CD reissues of the soundtrack. And it demonstrates the element that Rodgers & Hammerstein were discovering in their musicals.

Great Music.......2007-01-04

Rogers and Hammerstein were in a different league when it came to writing musicals. Their music, lyrics and story are never alike. These two partners were exceptional and their music shows it. Carousel is a tragic story but also shows that human nature can rise above adversity. The music is wonderful and the characters believable. A great movie.

Response to David Pabian's review below.......2004-06-30

Response to David Pabian's review:

My review was not in error, as Mr. Pabian expects. The review was for the original CD release, not this expanded version. Amazon lifted it out of that spot and dropped it here, which of course makes it anachronistic. Why they did it without reading it is certainly an inept decision.

Gummed up an Original.......2003-06-10

This overblown "completeitis" has got to stop. The original soundtrack album Carousel Waltz is now relegated to Appendix status, and terrible sonics accompany dancers' footstomping in the "new" expanded musical sequences, taken directly from the soundtrack rather than from still-existing musical tracks. There was a reason soundtrack recordings were studio performances. The proportions were right, the timings were correct for an overall BALANCED listening experience. These gawdawful expanded editions, often with dialogue thrown in, completely throw off those balances. An argument might be made for expanded sequences appropriate to a CDs longer playing time than the standard L.P. 45min., but possibly only if those sequences are from their original studio-recorded, pre release-print mix -- which could have easily been done in this case. A quick word on one of the above reviews: This is not the first time the complete Carousel Waltz is heard in stereo. There were two previous CD remasterings of the original soundtrack whereon it was included. And the reprise of "If I loved You" was part of every soundtrack release, mono and stereo.

Average customer rating: Intelligent and musical fun.- The Genius of Anna Russell If you enjoy laughing.. Anna Russell strikes again! Anna Russell is a SCREAM!

The Anna Russell Album Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Encore? Anna Russell Again? Anna Russell Takes On... Nabucco & The Magic Flute Anna Russell - The (First) Farewell Concert Anna Russell - Crown Princess of Musical Parody: Her Television Appearances 1964, 1976, 1977 ASIN: B0000027JD Release Date: 1991-07-26

Tracks:

1. Introduction To The Concert (By the Women's Club President)
2. How to Write Your Own Gilbert And Sullivan Opera
3. Coloratura Aria 'Canto Dolciamente Pipo'
4. British - Pure But Dull: 'I Love The Spring'
5. Russian Folk Song: 'Da, Nyet, Da, Nyet'
6. For Loud Singers With No Brains: 'Ah, Lover!'
7. For Singers With Tremendous Artistry But No Voice: 'Schlumph; Je N'ai Pas La Plume De Ma Tante'
8. For The Dramatic Soprano: 'Schreechenrauf'
9. The Ring Of The Nibellungs (An Analysis)

Amazon.com

This set of Anna Russell's inspired satirical monologues should be labeled with a warning notice. Why? Because after listening to her whirlwind explication of Wagner's Ring Cycle, even the most confirmed Wagnerite will be unable to listen to the Ring for weeks to come. Just listening to Russell declare in an incredulous voice: "I'm not making this up, y'know" is enough to induce you to shed bucketloads of laughter-induced tears. Gilbert and Sullivan fans will find their heroes savaged in her concoction of a typical G&S product, complete with a soprano lead who "loves below her station." Other targets include "the nymphs and shepherds" style of quavery English singing, complete with "hey-nonny-nonny's," coloratura mad scenes, and much else, including Russian folk songs, like her "Da, nyet, da, nyet." This disc is packed with laughs, chuckles, smiles, and everything. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Intelligent and musical fun.-.......2007-01-13

Due to the recent passing away of the legenday Anna Russell I bought this record and certainly did not regret it.- Inspite of having been originally recorded in 1952 and 1953 the sound is very good.- Ms. Russell combines a great sense of humour with profound musical knowledge, a wonderful timing of her jokes, and the talent of a gifted and very musical singer.- She captures the essence of the German lied, the French mélodie, the efforts of a dramatic soprano to make herself heard over the huge Wagnerian orchestra, culminating in her famous, already classic, 22 minutes long analysis of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs.- I listened to this recording three times in a row and had great fun.- Only Victor Borge can be compared to her with respect to this rare combination of deep musicianship with a real gift for comedy.- If you don't know yet these numbers, don't hesitate - buy the record, you will not be sorry.-

The Genius of Anna Russell.......2006-03-15

If you love music, but are happy to see the funny side of even the great composers, then this album is for you. Anna Russell is a singer of note but a comedian of greatness. She finds the pivotal styles of composers and caricatures them to great effect. The explanations she gives of the basics of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas and the way she dissects Wagners Ring Cycle bring tears to the eyes with laughter. I recommend this album to all music lovers with a twinkle in their eyes. Truly a great comic experience.

If you enjoy laughing.........2006-02-23

I love opera, but I also enjoy spoofs of opera. Anna Russell was a classic "spoofer" of operatic stories and conventions. Nobody does it better. My favorite on this album is her take-off on Wagner's "Ring."

This CD can probably also be enjoyed by those who have only a nodding acquaintance with opera, but may not be enjoyed by those who take opera with 100% seriousness.

Anna Russell strikes again!.......2005-10-14

I have heard all of these Anna Russell selections at one time or another, but having them all together in one place, and on a CD, is a real plus. She is absolutely riotously funny. I teach a course in "Introduction to opera" and use her segments on Gilbert and Sullivan and on the Ring Cycle in class, just to lighten things up a bit for the students.

Anna Russell is a SCREAM!.......2005-08-05

I've had the vinyl of this album for over 20 years; the CD purchase was to update my system. For anyone who loves classical vocal music, and in particular the Wagner Ring Cycle and Gilbert and Sullivan, this album is a MUST. You will split your sides laughing; Ms. Russell is so very accurate in her comedy. Also, truth to tell, her Ring synopsis gave me, a newcomer to Wagner (years ago) a solid understanding of the musical plot and story line.

Average customer rating: A Wonderful Gift jack@earthlink.com Great Purchase Remarkable album - poor sound quality Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff Rachmaninoff Plays Chopin Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29) Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works ASIN: B000003FGS Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

1. Concerto No.1, Op.1: Vivace
2. Concerto No.1, Op.1: Andante
3. Concerto No.1, Op.1: Allegro vivace
4. Concerto No.4, Op.40: Allegro vivace
5. Concerto No.4, Op.40: Largo
6. Concerto No.4, Op.40: Allegro vivace
7. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Intro: Allegro vivace
8. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var I: (Precedente)
9. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
10. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var II: L'istesso tempo
11. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var III: L'istesso tempo
12. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var IV: Piu vivo
13. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var V: Tempo precedente
14. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VI: L'istesso tempo
15. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
16. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VIII: Tempo I
17. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var IX: L'istesso tempo
18. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var X: Poco marcato
19. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XI: Moderato
20. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XII: Tempo di minuetto
21. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XIII: Allegro
22. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: : Var XIV: L'istesso tempo
23. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XV: Piu vivo scherzando
24. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVI: Allegretto
25. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVII: [Allegretto]
26. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVIII: Andante cantabile
27. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XIX: A tempo vivace
28. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XX: Un poco piu vivo
29. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXI: Un poco piu vivo
30. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
31. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXIII: L'istesso tempo
32. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso

Tracks:

1. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Moderato; Allegro
2. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Adagio sostenuto
3. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Allegro scherzando
4. Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Allegro ma non tanto
5. Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Intermezzo: Adagio
6. Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Finale: Alla breve

Amazon.com

Unlike most composer/pianists, Rachmaninoff's instrumental prowess was fully commensurate with his creative gifts. He embraces his youthful First Concertos as if he had encountered an old lover, consumating his passion with stupefying fingerwork in the first movement cadenza. Conversely, the composer seems bored in the Third. He laconically dispatches its torrents of notes, opts for the easier ossias in difficult passages, and makes cuts in the first and third movements. And pianists like Arturo Michelangeli and Earl Wild have recorded more incisive, demonic Rach Fourths. No question about the Paganini Rhapsody and Second Concerto, where Rachmaninoff's fierce authority and luscious, molten tone permeate every bar. RCA's transfers, however, could have been better. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Gift.......2007-07-07

I consider this a true gift in this age to hear the composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff perform his own music as he intended. This CD is a marvelous opportunity for any one who is already a lover of Concertos 2 and 3, or the Variations on a Theme by Paganini. It is a simply a fine introduction to a truly great 20th Century composer.

jack@earthlink.com.......2007-06-27

This is Rachmaninov playing Rachmaninov - the master playing his own works. The audio quality is not what we might expect from modern recordings, but this is not a modern recording. If we ignore the hiss and concentrate on the artistry, we find a wonderful rendering of the Rachmaninov works. There is little opportunity these days to hear the masters play their own works, but this is an exception. Rachmaninov's piano music is extraordinary. If you enjoy classical piano music, this is a "must have".

Great Purchase.......2007-05-13

To hear such a master play his own work is priceless. I bought this for my 17 year old son who is a cellist and classical music fan. He plays it over and over. It is remastered, of course, but it is very high quality sound considering that it was not recorded on modern equipment, and does not sound crackly or difficult to listen to. If you are a fan of Rachmaninoff's work how can you resist getting this CD?

Remarkable album - poor sound quality.......2007-03-28

I agree with reviewers heaping superlatives about Rachmaninoff playing Rachmaninoff. It is truly a rare gem. However, buyers should be aware that the recording quality is marginal and tape hiss nearly unbearable. No blame here - it was probably the best technology of its day. If you are used to modern recordings of concert performances, you will need to set an equalizaton to moderate the high tape noise. A good DSP unit might be able to extricate the music from the noise. In any case, once acclimated to the sound quality, you will adore the underlying performance.

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff.......2007-02-08

These recordings were all originally issued on 78-rpm discs by RCA Victor. In all of the music, Rachmaninoff was the soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra in sessions held in the historic Academy of Music, renowned for its acoustics until remodeling in the mid-1950s reportedly changed that (as Eugene Ormandy always complained).

Rachmaninoff and Leopold Stokowski began making an acoustical version of the second piano concerto in 1924, near the end of the acoustical era. Already the Bell Laboratories and Western Electric were perfecting the electric recording process that would be adopted the following year by both Victor and Columbia. For some reason, the acoustical recording was never finished; Victor later issued it (in 1973) in their boxed sets of the complete Rachmaninoff recordings, filling out the gaps with sides from the electrical recording that Rachmaninoff and Stokowski made a few years later.

The recording of the second concerto has always had been something of an enigma because it doesn't have the best sound of that era, when Victor used a single microphone placed either in front of the orchestra or over the conductor's head. For some reason, the recording is a little muddy or distant at times; nevertheless, one can clearly hear the brilliant playing of the composer, as well as the astonishing, very capable accompaniment by the Philadelphia Orchestra. It is clearly one of the best performances of the concerto ever recorded, even if one wishes it were a bit clearer. Perhaps further advances in digital restoration will someday improve the situation. Having heard both the original 78-rpm discs and the 1973 LP version and the first of the CD versions, it is clear that the sound is somewhat disappointing, while the performance is outstanding.

In 1934, soon after the world premiere in Philadelphia, Rachmaninoff and Stokowski again joined forces to record the "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini." It's clear from the original discs and the various reissues that RCA Victor had made tremendous strides in its recording techniques. This recording has much improved sound over the second concerto. The performance is astonishing and brilliant at times; Rachmaninoff clearly displays the virtuosity that so amazed listeners who heard him in person. He was clearly much of the vein of Chopin and Liszt, whose music he often performed and recorded.

In 1939-40, when Eugene Ormandy was gradually assuming responsibility for the Philadelphia Orchestra as Stokowski cut back his involvement, Rachmaninoff recorded the first, third, and fourth piano concertos. All of these performances benefited from even greater advances in recording; the quality was generally exceptional, too. Yes, some have said that Vladimir Horowitz's 1930 recording of the third concerto was better (and was even admired by the composer), but there is still something to be said for hearing Rachmaninoff play his own music.

Rachmaninoff in the 1930s and early 1940s was often criticized for being old-fashioned, while older listeners said he was becoming too modern. With the passage of time, we can appreciate his music for its genius and beauty. In these recordings we have a clear glimpse of one of the last great Romantic composers and pianists.

Average customer rating: Yes A decent introduction to the music of Rachmaninoff Great Collection of "Hits" One of the best CD I own

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Etudes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Etudes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Debussy's Greatest Hits Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits Grieg: Greatest Hits Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits Chopin: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002A1L Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: III. Allegro scherzando
3. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: 18th Variation
4. Symphony No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 27: III. Adagio
5. Prelude In G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5
6. Prelude In G-Sharp Minor, Op. 32, No. 12
7. Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2
8. Cello Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: II. Allegro scherzando
9. Etude-tableau In D Major, Op. 39, No. 9
10. Six Pieces, Op. 11: Scherzo
11. Six Pieces, Op. 11: Slava
12. Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai

Customer Reviews:

Yes.......2003-04-03

This is a marvelous collection. There were a few pieces I wish that it would include, such as the rest of his Piano Concerto No.2, or perhaps The Rock, but the fact that the performances are generally great and the recording quality is near-perfect makes up for that.

I would recommend this to anyone who is just starting to become interested in the works of Sergei Rachmaninov.

A decent introduction to the music of Rachmaninoff.......2001-08-12

Sergi Rachmaninoff was the last of the great Romantic composers, especially since the Romantic period had ended for European artists when he was at his height. Although a composer and a conductor, Rachmaninoff was also a virtuoso pianist, which explains why his best compositions feature the piano, either in solo work or with an orchestra. His "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor," which he wrote when he was 20, made him famous throughout the world. This collection also includes several other preludes, "Vocalise," and the famous 18th Variation (Andnate cantible) from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. My only serious complaint about this collection as an introduction to Rachmaninoff is that it only has one movement from his Second Piano Concerto and I have other CDs that include the entire work, which I thing is a good idea.

Great Collection of "Hits".......2000-06-22

This is actually not a bad collection of Greatest Hits. Usually the problem with collections like these is that they have bad recordings and not very good performances but some of these ones are actually okay, and it features performances by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax among others. In general these are the works of art you think of when you think of Rachmaninoff and so these pieces are a perfect representation of his style.

One of the best CD I own.......1999-12-30

This is one of the best I own. The music is so great, hard to explain...so moving, especially the first track. It reminds me of Russia a lot. I listen to it everyday while driving to work. I highly recommend it.

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