Ponce

Amazon.com
Puerto Rico-born, Miami-based actor-singer Carlos Ponce is the full multimedia package. Since 1997 he's been a show-stopping entertainer who packs them in on the road, and he's also appeared on the American TV show Beverly Hills 90210 and on several Spanish-language telenovas, or soap operas. This self-titled CD is Ponce's third recording as a leader. It features his torrid tenor backed by the award-winning production team of the Miami Sound Machine kingpins Emilio Estefan and Joel Someillan. With the techo-tropic sounds, Ponce soothes and grooves through songs of love and life, from "Canela," the zesty "Mujer con Pantalones" (which roughly translates as "Woman with Trousers"), and "Concebido sin Pecado," which also happens to be the title of popular Mexican soap opera he stars in. In audio or video, Carlos Ponce is the real deal. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Ponce,Carlos Ponce,EMI International,Latin,Latin Music,Latin Pop

---

Average customer rating: Serenity in Music Beautiful! Voice of the Violin Disappointed Voices of the Violin

Voice of the Violin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( 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 Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | 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 Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( 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 Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | 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 General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Romance of the Violin Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy The Essential Joshua Bell Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert) ASIN: B000H7JD1I Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
2. Ave Maria
3. Pourquoi me riller from Werther
4. Aprun r, Op. 7, No. 1
5. Song to the Moon from Rusalka
6. Laudate Dominum from Vesperae solennes de confessore for soloists, chorus & orchestra, K. 339
7. None but the Lonely Heart, Op. 6/6
8. Una furtiva lagrima from L'Elisir d'Amore
9. In trutina from Carmina Burana
10. May Breezes from Songs without Words, Op. 62, No. 1
11. Beau soir
12. Estrellita
13. Nana (Bercuese) from Siete conciones populares Espanolas
14. Je crois entendre encore from The Pearl Fishers
15. Morgen! Op. 27, No. 4

Amazon.com

Constantly exhorted to "sing," string players naturally try to emulate that most beautiful musical instrument, the human voice; no wonder they literally want to get their fingers on the treasures of the vocal repertoire. Joshua Bell has appropriated some of its best-loved songs and operatic arias, from Mozart through the romantics to Orff. Slow, sustained, lovely and yes, singing, these beguiling melodies and wide emotional range are eminently well suited to the violin. Credit for most of the arrangements is given to J.A.C. Redford, a well-known film and television composer, and indeed the throbbing strings and jarring modulations typical of sound-tracks invade his orchestrations, in startling contrast to the composers' own. In Debussy's "Beau soir," pianist Frederic Chiu partners Bell so beautifully that one wishes he had supplanted the orchestra in all the songs with piano accompaniment. The violin transcriptions of the vocal line closely follow the originals, except for Redford's compulsive habit of adding octaves in the repeats and jumping from the lowest to the highest register. Of course, Bell is very good at all this, and it's the playing that's really the thing. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, warm on the G-string, radiant up high, and always deeply expressive. His love and innate feeling for the music---its inward simplicity, romantic yearning and passionate ardor---speak straight to the heart. In the only authentic violin part, the obbligato of Richard Strauss' "Morgen!" he is joined by the golden-voiced soprano Anna Netrebko; at first overly intense, she relaxes into a blissful, magical ending. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Serenity in Music.......2007-07-29

This is a beautiful cd. The playing is exquisite, there is a lovely variety of music and it just flows. If you're feeling stressful, this is the music to listen to, if you're feeling thoughtful, this music will make the process even more meaningful. If you need a spirtual tonic, this music can help fill you. It is now one of my favorites and I play it often!

Beautiful!.......2007-06-14

I think the reason I love this cd is because the music was not primarily written for the violin. Joshua Bell makes the violin "sing" the pieces. I especially liked Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart." I've loved it since we sang it many years ago in our High School chorus and it is not on any of my classical cds.

Good choice.

Voice of the Violin.......2007-06-13

I was disappointed in Bell's popular music style. I love him playing Mozart with his verve and energy - as Mozart would have wanted his music played. This seemed slow and draggy.

Disappointed.......2007-05-17

I had heard one of the tracks on the radio, so I bought the CD. It was too high-ended, a little screechy.

Voices of the Violin.......2007-05-17

Voices is no only a great listen because of Joshua Bell, but it is relaxing and calming - for me that is a great way to let stress melt away.

Every song is well done. Of course Joshua Bell is a favorite.

Average customer rating: The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection Classic Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There! Excellent!!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | 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 Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Spanish Guitar Music Baroque Guitar Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces ASIN: B00004T0P4 Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

1. Romance
2. Pavane
3. Sunburst
4. Una Limosna Por el Amor de Dios
5. Asturias
6. Gymnopedie No. 3
7. El Condor Pasa
8. Verano Porteno
9. Scherzino Mexicano
10. Berceuse
11. Natalia
12. Dance from la Vida Breve
13. Planxty Madame Maxwell
14. Epitafios
15. Prelude from Lute Suite
16. I. Prelude from Suite for Lute (Guitar) No. 4 in E Major, BXV 1006a - From The Seville Concert
17. Sonata in E Major, K. 380 (L. 23) - From The Baroque Album
18. III. Allegro from Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, RV 82 - From John Williams Plays Vivaldi Concertos
19. II. Adagio From Conceirto de Aranjuez For Guitar And Orchestra

Amazon.com

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar. But this isn't just a best-of collection (though some of his greatest work is included here) since the disc contains three new recordings. Among the new tracks, Fauré's Pavane is a real stunner, a short but gorgeous piece originally meant for orchestra and choir, where Williams's guitar sounds as though it always belonged there. We get Williams at his most interpretative--his arrangements of Satie's Gymnopedie No. 3 and Piazzolla tango Verano porteno--and his most serene (the "Cavatina" theme from the movie Deer Hunter). Let's face it, some fine classical guitarists can lull their listeners into near comatose states with their instrument; Williams, on the other hand, is just the opposite. His gorgeous tone, inventive arrangements, and interesting repertoire continue to make the classical guitar sound exciting. In short, a great introduction to Williams and a real gem for lovers of classical guitar. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

The Aranjuez Adagio is Perfection.......2007-03-01

The second movement adagio of the Aranjuez concert is one of my favourite pieces, a very difficult one to get right. I've listened to well over a dozen variations, the one on this CD, track 19, is an absolute gem. Just by itself is reason enough to own this CD. The only other Aranjuez performance that's even worth mentioning in the same breath is Julian Bream's, track 2 of the CD titled just "Julian Bream", with the Monteverdi orchestra. Both are just stunning performances, as close to perfection as it gets. Julian's is a bit stronger on the guitar than the one here.

Classic.......2007-01-26

Excellent CD for those interested in classical music. All the tracks are great in sound quality!

Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar.......2007-01-20

Loved the songs....loved the guitar renditions. Would highly recommend!

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!.......2006-04-19

If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams. A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.

As a guitarist myself who has been struggling all these years with "Cavatina", it always amazes me how effortlessly John makes the tune sound so simple and as if two guitarists are playing, one for the accompanyment and one for the melody and yet it's all him! Not only are the tracks representative of John's great talent but they also represent some of the most famous and challenging pieces to play.

Another great example of this is "Asturias(Leyenda) by Albeniz, a hauntingly beautiful and deceptively simple-sounding piece. We also get pieces that span the centuries from J.S. Bach and Vivaldi to Stanley Myers and York ending with the brilliant second movement of Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez".

Although the sound quality isn't brilliant as some tracks sound better mastered than others, overall this is a great one disc introduction to John Williams' work and comes highly recommended.

Excellent!!.......2006-03-06

This is a delightful compilation. The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

Average customer rating: Point of Information Estrellita Ugly Carmen Excellent disc

Beverly Sills Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Koechlin, Charles | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Delibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Liszt, Franz | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Poulenc, Francis | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Beverly Sills Art of Beverly The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato ASIN: B00000FCKP Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

1. Parlez-moi d'amour
2. Ouvre ton coeur
3. Oh, quand je dors
4. Waltz From Mireille
5. Si tu le veux
6. Les filles de le Cadiz
7. Les chemins de l'amour
8. Plaisir d'amour
9. Villanelle
10. Goyescas: Interludio
11. Goyescas: La maja y el ruisenior
12. Estrellita
13. La morena de mi copla

Customer Reviews:

Point of Information.......2007-07-06

Folks, please read the recording data! This album does not present merely the "older Sills" of 1975. Tracks 10 to 13 were recorded in February 1961, when Sills was about three months shy of 32 years old. To hear her any younger on disc, you have to go to her splendid recording of *The Ballad of Baby Doe*, released in 1959. (If anyone knows of still earlier recordings, please holler!) So these 1961 tracks alone make the album priceless, especially since it offers vastly better sound than the slightly boomy acoustic of *Baby Doe*.

For me, the initial main attraction here was the Granados, and it was a hallelujah moment when I spotted this CD in the bins almost 10 years ago. While this disc represents the commercial first release of the *Goyescas* selections, they received limited issue around December 1963 on a holiday-bonus LP ("The Sound of Genius 1963") from the Columbia Record Club.

That LP was my introduction to Sills, and it made me fall in love with her voice. It was always a special treat to play her vocal track for those who had no idea it existed and watch their astonishment as Beverly's voice floated through sonic space like the very nightingale she sings about. It is simply some of the loveliest, most haunting singing I've ever heard. To get two additional tracks from the same recordings sessions -- especially "Estrellita" -- was an unexpected blessing.

So get this CD for the last three tracks, if nothing else (track 10 is purely orchestral). They capture Sills at a magical moment. Even if you like nothing else on the disc (and I think you'll like much more), you can claim these three special treasures for a mere pittance. How much more precious are they, now that she has gone on to sing, we pray, in other realms.

Estrellita.......2006-12-07

The incomparable Beverly Sills beautifuly sings here a true bouquet of songs in French and Spanish. A pleasure to the ear.

Estrellita is not a Spanish song as claimed by some commentators, but a Mexican one, whose author is the late Manuel M. Ponce.

Ugly.......2004-05-20

Sills screeching a mezzo-role? She already ruined belcanto with her puny, fake screeching!

Carmen.......2004-04-26

She DID sing Michaela. And it's said that she also did Carmen. But if she did, she was completely miscast. She also did Aida, live-recording of her Aida is...interesting. Anyway, Sills rules in the French rep, esp. as Manon.

Excellent disc.......2004-03-21

This is a fantastic disc and shows Beverly Sills at her interpretive best with zesty, go-for-broke vocalism that is truly wonderful to hear.

Sills DID sing Carmen. She sang it on tour in the 1950s.

Average customer rating: Marvellous! The best violinist ever!

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | 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 Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( 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 Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more Cinema Serenade Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age ASIN: B00004XST2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Chanson Sans Paroles
2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
4. Chanson Russe
5. Liebesleid
6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
9. Melodie
10. Serenade Espagnole
11. Serenade (Frasquita)
12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
13. Sicilienne
14. Molly On The Shore
15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
18. Estrellita
19. Spanish Dance No.5
20. Berceuse Sfaradite
21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

Average customer rating: Never ever to find more graceful play! Grunting and moaning explained Great Introduction to Classical Guitar Excellent collection Parkening in top form

In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia Christopher Parkening plays Bach Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening Artistry of Christopher Parkening Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso ASIN: B000002RNK Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Suite espanola: Leyenda
2. Capricho arabe (Serenata)
3. Rumores de la Caleta (Malaguena)
4. Prelude No. 1
5. Prelude No. 2
6. Prelude No. 3
7. Estudio brillante
8. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
9. Fantasia: Fantasia No. 10
10. Estudio No. 17 In E Minor
11. Estudio No. 19 In B Flat
12. Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 1 in E Minor
13. Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 11 In E Minor
14. Vals venezolano No. 3
15. Four Preludes
16. Catalonian Song
17. Romance

Customer Reviews:

Never ever to find more graceful play!.......2007-03-09

The incredible representation and sound Parkening created by the guitar is
sublimity itself. Though I have listened to many a world-famous guitarist,
I have never been so fascinated as by his play. I couldn't but make intimate friends of mine a present of Parkening's CDs like "In the Spanish Style", through which I felt I could show them what real music is like. I never ever imagine I could find more graceful play than that of Christopher Parkening at least in the world of the guitar.

Grunting and moaning explained.......2006-01-03

I met Parkening in 1972, a few years after this album was first released. I asked him about the "groans" that could be heard. He explained that at the time he let his thoughts wander and thought about the future, when some Swiss moron named Peter Gilman would complain about the recording. Absentmindedly, he groaned at the thought of it all. He told me if ever I should meet Peter that I was to apologize.

Peter, sorry about that.

Great Introduction to Classical Guitar.......2005-04-07

My parents had this on vinyl when I was kid. I listened to it a lot in high school when I was listening to a lot of musical styles. This and Parkening's Bach CD are probably my two favorite classical guitar discs.

As a rock/blues/pop guitarist, I've been learning some classical over the last few years. And this disc has been my reference. Parkening's playing is confident and enjoyable. Capricho Arabe stands out as does the Sor studies that he covers.

My only complaint is Leyenda, his performance is less than passionate and the recording doesn't sound EQ'd correctly in a few spots. Other artists have better recordings of this song (John Williams comes to mind).

If you are looking for a great classical guitar CD, this is a great place to start.

Excellent collection.......2004-05-06

This is the album that made me want to take up classical guitar. Great selection of songs, played with incredible feeling and tone. Brilliant performances of Capricho Arabe, Recuerdos and the Villa-Lobos and Ponce Preludes. His rendition of Romance is what every student should strive for. The student (Parkening) has most definitely learned all of his master's (Segovia) lessons and went even further. Still fresh after 25 years of regular listening.

Parkening in top form.......2004-02-28

Christopher Parkening's technical prowess is in full effect here, showing he's truly the ultimate successor to the great Andres Segovia.

I don't know about grunting, but if you listen closely, there is some noticeable sighing from Parkening on a few of the tracks, especially the third. Presumably, he was getting weary from all the work his fingers were getting in playing those immensely complex arrangements. But to go as for as to say it ruins the recording is ludicrous. In fact, the sighing adds to the intimacy and accessibility of the recording. I had always felt distant while listening to a Parkening album because he sounded TOO polished. He plays great here, but to hear his voice, even in its slightest audible sound, adds to the album's charm.

If you're a classical guitar enthusiast, this album is essential.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Thanks you Decca Exquisite music for the soul Indeed a joy forever! Exquisite collection & performances, unbelievable value!!!

Violin Adagios Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruch | Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | 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 Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( 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 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 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 Suites | Forms & Genres | 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 | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cello Adagios Piano Adagios Romantic Adagios Guitar Adagios Movie Adagios ASIN: B000058BGY Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

1. Thais: Meditation - Nigel Kennedy
2. Vn Con No.1 in g, Op.26: Adagio - Kyung Wha Chung
3. Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': Largo - Alan Loveday
4. Con in d, BWV 1043: Largo, Ma Non Tanto - Henryk Szeryng/Maurice Hasson
5. Adagio in E, K.261 - Henryk Szeryng
6. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Akiko Suwanai/Philip Moll
7. Vn Con in D, Op.77: Adagio - Joshua Bell
8. Vn Con: Andante - Joshua Bell
9. Melodie - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
10. Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24 'Spring': Adagio Molto Espressivo - Itzhak Perlman/Vladimir Ashkenazy
11. Vn Con in D, Op.35: Canzonetta: Andante - Leila Josefowicz
12. Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op.55 No.4 - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
13. None But The Lonely Heart - Josef Sakonov
14. The Gadfly: Romance - Alexander Kerr

Tracks:

1. Romance No.2 in F, Op.50 - Arthur Grumiaux
2. Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: Adagio - Midori
3. Salut D'amour - Kyung Wha Chung/Philip Moll
4. Ave Maria, D.839 - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
5. Con in a, RV 522: Larghetto - Midori/Pinchas Zukerman
6. Son in D, Op.1 No.13: Larghetto - Iona Brown
7. Vn Con No.3 in G, K.216: Adagio - Arthur Grumiaux
8. Liebesleid - Joshua Bell/Paul Coker
9. Vn Con in e, Op.64: Andante - Kyung Wha Chung
10. Souvenir D'un Lieu Cher, Op.42: Melodie - Akiko Suwanai/Philip Moll
11. Vn Con in d, Op.47: Adagio Di Molto - Kyung Wha Chung
12. Vn Con in D, Op.35: Romance: Andante - Chantal Juillet
13. Standchen, D.957 No.4 - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
14. Estrellita - Arthur Grumiaux/Istvan Hajdu
15. Orchestral Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: Air ('Air On A G String') - ASMF/Neville Marriner

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2005-11-07

An excellent compilation of folk tunes and violin concerto adagios, played masterfully by some of the world's most revered musicians. Features modern pieces (Korngold, Barber), which are a personal favorite of mine.

Thanks you Decca.......2005-01-23

My daughter is a violin student of 7 years and she has played 3 or 4 of these pieces for recitals. I bought the CD's so she could become familiar with the pieces as she was learning to play them. Now I find myself listening to the CD's almost every night when I go for my end of the day drive to relax. My favorites are the Mozart Concerto in G, the Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor and Beethoven's Romance in F on disc 2, but all the songs are exquisitely beautiful. I highly recommend it.

Exquisite music for the soul.......2004-06-14

These CDs have the most incredible selections of music on them. Listening to the violins has enabled me to complete papers for my doctoral level classes without the usual neck aches. This is soothing, exquistie music for the soul! Lovely!!

Indeed a joy forever!.......2003-05-22

Before buying this 2 CD set,I've read Reviews by Chicagodreamer,
who rated it as "Highly, highly recommended." His laudatory recommentation, I must say, is found "well justified."

Exquisite collection & performances, unbelievable value!!!.......2002-01-15

"Over 2 l/2 hours of the world's most beautiful music." These words on the cover are very close to true. What an incredible value this collection is!! So many of these compilations of this sort are cheaply produced, and those "greatest hits" collections are one trite piece after another -- after a while one runs screaming to the stereo to shut it off. However, this collection is top-notch, and the performers they chose are masterful musicians at the top of their game. Every selection is lovely, each one unfolding after the other in a sublime slide show of exquisite compositions performed by legends. This is TWO CDs of sparkling performances composed and performed by masters. There is not a bad selection or a piece of inferior quality in the entire lot.

The violin is an extraordinary instrument that, when played correctly, can pluck the heartstrings and stir the soul. It is played perfectly by each puppetmaster on each one of these wonderful pieces, and the experience of listening to this collection is an exquisite journey for the heart and spirit. Looking for a fantastic collection of exquisite pieces written and performed by genius? It's here. Highly, highly recommended!!

Average customer rating: Excellent recording Highly Recommended! Amazing A gentleman musical agreement! Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Couperin, François | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | 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 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 Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | 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 Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Christopher Parkening plays Bach Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia ASIN: B000002RTR Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

1. Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
2. Estudio brillante
3. Etude No. 1 In E Minor
4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
5. Leyenda
6. Romance
7. Rumores de la Caleta
8. Capricho Arabe
9. Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
10. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
11. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
12. Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
13. Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
14. Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
15. Les Barricades mysterieuses
16. Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
17. Passacaglia
18. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
19. Gymnopedie No. 1
20. Empress Of The Pagodas
21. Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

1. Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
2. Fairest Lord Jesus
3. Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
4. Simple Gifts
5. Hymn Of Christian Joy
6. Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
7. Cantata 156: Arioso
8. Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
9. Canon
10. Dolly Suite: Berceuse
11. La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
12. Terezinha De Jesus
13. Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
14. Goyescas: Intermezzo
15. Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
16. Evening Dance
17. Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
18. Canarlos
19. La Maja de Goya
20. El Noi de la Mare
21. Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Average customer rating: great performances of enjoyable pieces It should have been earlier. Thoughtful, Sensitive, and Skillful Transcendent Pleasure A Wonderful CD!

Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ramirez, Ariel | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar El Diablo Suelto - Guitar Music of Venezuela Music of Barrios Spanish Legends David Russell Plays Bach ASIN: B00014X8AE Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

1. Danza Brasilera
2. Romance Criollo
3. Allegretto
4. Andante Espressivo
5. Allegro
6. Alfonsina Y El Mar
7. La Cuartelera
8. Choro De Saudade
9. Rebolico
10. Sons De Carrilhoes
11. Interrogando
12. Xodo Da Baiana
13. Se Ela Perguntar
14. Seis Por Derecho
15. Lejania
16. Choro No.1 For Guitar
17. Choros No.1, 'Tipico Brasileiro'
18. Milonga
19. Vals Peruano
20. Chopi
21. Scherzino Mexicano

Customer Reviews:

great performances of enjoyable pieces.......2006-03-11

David Russell is arguably the finest classical guitarist in the world, along with Manuel Barrueco and Paul Galbraith, and a few others. I have almost all Russell's CDs, and I enjoy them tremendously. Aire Latino is a collection of many of the best and most popular modern short pieces from Latin composers. Hearing his interpretation and flawless execution has rekindled my love for many of those pieces I once also played. Highly recommended!

It should have been earlier........2006-01-10

I mean the prize, of course. It's no doubt that David Russell is the best(not one of) when referring to 19th century(or style) music on classical guitar. In this album, every small piece is so attractive because of the romantic aspect in guitar, in
David. I own all the albums of David Russell. Although this one is not the best,it definitely deserve the prize, price and praize from guitar lovers from all over the world.

Thoughtful, Sensitive, and Skillful.......2005-08-08

This is a great performance for the very versatile David Russell. His playing is thoughtful and expressive, but also sensitive and not overly extraverted. His use of rubato is excellent on most tracks, and his constant contrast of dynamics, as well as vibrato, give the pieces on this album real life and emotion.

I had been performing 5 of the tracks on this album when it came out, so I can attest to the difficulty of many of these pieces, especially all three movements of the Morel "Sonatina." I can also say that his performances of these is very true; I could hear no incorrect notes , with the exception of some added notes in the first movement of "Sonatina," which I have since adopted myself for my own performance. His expressive interpretation is likewise impeccable on these tracks.

This record would be a great purchase for anyone interested in classical guitar, whether they are just getting into the genre or already have a large collection, or anyone interested in Latin American art music.

Transcendent Pleasure.......2005-04-26

Perfect! One will very rarely discover an album as finely constructed as this. The performer stands at the pinnacle of his profession, one who demonstrates mastery of the instrument and intimate understanding of the music. The selections are interesting, fresh and never boring. There is delight in the listening from beginning to end. Mr. Russell is quite simply astonishing as he unerringly takes the listener on a journey of unalloyed beauty. This is a disc you will relish again and again. If you love the guitar, you must have it.

A Wonderful CD!.......2005-02-17

A wonderful, beautiful CD. The fact that the music is all inter-related creates a beautiful atmosphere while listening. I know enough to know that this type of artistic endeavor is a collaboration; so kudos to David Russell, producer Rosalind Ilett and engineer Thomas Knab! I understand that this team has worked on many of David Russell's amazing recordings.

Average customer rating: One tiny mistake Concierto de Aranjuez A very solid recording Recommended Worthy of a Grammy nomination, at the very least!?!

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur Manufacturer: Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Isbin, Sharon | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar Dreams of a World Journey to the Amazon Greatest Hits Sharon Isbin ASIN: B00069KFKK Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Allegro Con Spirto
2. Adagio
3. Allegro Gentile
4. Allegro Preciso
5. Andantino E Andante
6. Allegretto Non Troppo
7. Allegretto
8. Andante
9. Allegro Moderate E Festivo

Customer Reviews:

One tiny mistake.......2007-03-09

The only regret is that in the liner
notes, the names of composers Manuel Ponce
and Heitor Villa-Lobos are misslabeled in their pictures
thought you should know that; otherewise
the recording is great outstanding work
of Isbin and the New Yorkers, Serebrier is
just as great as always...

Concierto de Aranjuez.......2007-01-24

Wanted the concert from Jackson Hole. This isn't it. Not so hot.

A very solid recording.......2005-11-14

Sharon Isbin gives a phenominal performance on this album. All three concertos are excecuted very well. One of the biggest things that I enjoy about Aranjuez on this CD is that the guitar never gets covered up by the orchestra. I have listened to recordings of Aranjuez and not known that certain passages were even in the guitar part until I saw someone perform the concerto live. This is a great recording because it gives you three essential guitar concertos on one recording executed by world class musicians.

The Rodrigo concerto is without a doubt the most important and famous composition involving a guitar in the entire classical repertory. However, of the three concertos on this recording, Aranjuez is probably the weakest one on the disc. Isbin's tone gets a little to naily and clicky sometimes on this piece. Some of the runs in the first movement are a little sloppy and the cadenza in the second movement is a little over dramatic and the climax of the cadenza is very harsh. However, from the standpoint of sheer musical interpretation, it is probably one of the best interpretations of Aranjuez I've ever hear. Isbin adds little details to the piece that make it much more exciting.

The Villa-Lobos is very exciting. It seems that Isbin cleans up her technique a little by this point. The Ponce is brilliant as well. Words cannot describe the amazing execution of these pieces. I also cannot give as much critism to these pieces because I don't know them as well as the Rodrigo. Overall, this is a very solid recording. It is probably the best classical guitar recording of the year.

Recommended.......2005-07-16

Superlative version of the "Concierto de Aranjuez". The only caveat is a few too many fireworks in a cadenza in the otherwise beautiful second movement. Since it is slightly overwrought, though this album is a must for guitar lovers, it shouldn't be the only recording of this piece in one's collection. Try balancing it with the less emotional Christopher Parkening version.

Worthy of a Grammy nomination, at the very least!?!.......2005-02-15

I'm sure that Sharon Isbin does not exactly live for Grammy Awards, although they certainly don't hurt a performer's career. However, it is astonishing to me that her collaboration in this recording with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Jose Serebrier was not seen fit to merit at least a nomination for the 2005 awards. I'm sure that all of the nominees and the winner (announced the previous night) gave fine performances, but they could not have been any more compelling than this one.

I've heard many recordings of classical guitar with orchestra, and none that I have heard surpass this one. It is true that Isbin made a previous recording of the Rodrigo in 1989 with Lawrence Foster and the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra that received critical acclaim and that Rodrigo himself praised her performance then as among the very best. However, that earlier recording contained one major flaw: the guitar was apparently not miked separately from the orchestra. As a result, the orchestra often covered her playing to an annoying degree. (If the guitar did have its own miking, the engineers did not bother to use it when they created the master.)

The current recording of the Rodrigo has all of the artistry of that first recording and none of its defects. The presence of both guitar and orchestra is, indeed, intimate. As a result, so much more of her interplay with the orchestra, as well as her unmatched range of color and dynamics, not to say technical brilliance, stand out brilliantly.

Sharon is, perhaps, unique among guitarists recording today in coming closest to the expressive range found only in Segovia, even to the point of almost matching his apparently unmatchably warm vibrato. And Segovia unfortunately never had a recording this magnificent in detail and presence to pass on to us. If you consider that Segovia is never known to have played Rodrigo's "Concierto De Aranjuez," then I would not hesitate in suggesting that this recording gives you an excellent idea of how he might have played it (along with more of his unique vibrato).

The other two works on the recording are equally brilliant. The Villa-Lobos surprises (I had not heard it before), and the Ponce, again, is a very close match to Segovia's own matchless recording of that piece.

In truth, Sharon Isbin brings her own unique qualities, including a steadier sense of tempo that stands apart from Segovia's famously self-determining (and remarkably effective) tempi. With more recordings like this, and a personal and professional generosity that stands apart, her name may yet be uttered in the same breath as that of the formerly unsurpassable Segovia.

So, what did happen to that Grammy nomination?

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

The Ultimate Guitar Collection Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | 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 | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | 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 Similar Items: Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar The Guitarist El Diablo Suelto - Guitar Music of Venezuela Spanish Guitar Music Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces ASIN: B0007TFH52 Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
2. El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
3. Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
4. Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
5. Gnossienne No.1
6. Cueca
7. Schindler's List
8. Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
9. Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
10. Pavane
11. Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
12. Sunburst
13. The Godfather
14. Scherzino Mexicano
15. Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
16. 3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
17. 3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
18. 3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
19. The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
20. Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
21. Saltarello
22. 12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latin Music:

1. Puro Amor
2. Quindembo
3. Rancherisimo, Vol. 4
4. Remixes
5. Reventon del Siglo 21
6. Roberto Carlos en Espanol
7. Roberto Tapia
8. Ronroco
9. Sangre Taina
10. Serenata Sin Luna

Latin Music

latin music

Latin Music

Salon De Mezclas [Import]

Wagner: Walkure Act 1

Works of Glière, Koussevitsky, Schubert, Perle, Druckman

Music: Dorati Conducts Respighi

Vol. 2-Rockabilly [Import]

WWE Aggression

Try'n 2 Make U See

Waking Up

Toda Una Vida [Import]

Waltzes & Marches

VH-1 Storytellers [Live]

World Flavours: Impressions of Ireland [Import]

U-Know The Flex Vol. 1 [Explicit Lyrics]

Albinoni - 12 Concertos, op. 9 / Manze, de Bruine, AAM, Hogwood

Frequent Flyer: Departure Lounge