Emperor & The Nightingale

1. Emperor and the Nightingale

Emperor & The Nightingale,Various Artists,Madacy Records,Ambient,Chamber Jazz,Children's Stories,Childrens,Crossover Jazz,Film Music,Original Score,Pop,Post-Bop,Progressive Electronic,Soundtracks,Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows

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Average customer rating: Great for the road Beethoven 25 Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites bEtHoVeN mAnIaC Great Price...Not so good itself

25 Beethoven Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | 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 Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058HX Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Egmont Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
2. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
3. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major - Alfred Brendel
4. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor - Jerome Rose
5. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor - Jerome Rose
6. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor - Jerome Rose
7. Symphony No. 6 In F Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
8. Symphony No. 7 In A Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
9. 'The Creatures Of Prometheus' Ballet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
10. Violin Concerto In D Major - Susanne Lautenbacher
11. Sonata For Violin And Piano No. 5 In F Major - Aaron Rosand
12. Piano Trio In B Flat - Mannheimer Trio
13. Fse - Various Artists
14. Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Winds - Abbey Simon
15. 'Chorale Fantasy' In C Minor For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra - Walter Klien
16. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat - Alfred Brendel
17. Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
18. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major - Alfred Brendel
19. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat - Alfred Brendel
20. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat - Ludwig Van Beethoven
21. 'The Ruins Of Athens,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
22. 'Corolian,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
23. Ecossaise For Piano - Alfred Brendel
24. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
25. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Great for the road.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Beethoven 25 Favorites.......2006-11-21

Very good! I ordered it especially for Piano Sonata No. 8 Pathetique

25 Beethoven Favorites.......2006-11-05

Good overview of his works----an introduction into his depth as a composer

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC.......2005-11-03

[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself.......2005-05-19

This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

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: Below Average Beethoven Performances Immortal beloved film Living Perfection A wonderful tribute to the artist Very emotional and moving!!

Immortal Beloved / Sir Georg Solti (film 1994) Ludwig van Beethoven , Georg Solti , Renée Fleming , Yo-Yo Ma , Murray Perahia , Emanuel Ax , Pamela Frank , Thomas Frost , Gidon Kremer , Vinson Cole , London Symphony Orchestra , and London Voices Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Solti, Sir Georg | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | 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: Immortal Beloved More Immortal Beloved Amadeus: The Complete Original Soundtrack Recording Amadeus: Original Soundtrack Recording Amadeus: More Music From The Original Soundtrack Of The Film Amadeus ASIN: B000002AQD Release Date: 1994-12-06

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Napoleon Shells Vienna
2. Fur Elise: Childhood Dreams
3. Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 55: Ludwig And Julia At Schonbrunn Palace Gardens
4. Piano Sonata No. 14 (Quasi Una Fantasia) In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Julia And Her Father Secretly Watch
5. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': Ludwig And Caspar Fight
6. Piano Trio No. 4 In D Major, Op. 70 No. 1 'Ghost': Ludwig Consols Anna Marie
7. Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 61: The Beethoven Brothers In Baden
8. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': A Concert For Lichnowsky
9. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 'Emperor': The Letter
10. Missa Solemnis In D Major, Op.123: The Funeral
11. Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Karl At The Ruins
12. Violin Sonata In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer': The Carriage Stuck In The Mud
13. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: The Night Of The Premiere

Customer Reviews:

Below Average Beethoven Performances.......2007-03-10

It is unfortunate that they chose Solti's direction for the symphonic pieces in this soundtrack as he is simply one of the worst conductors for Beethoven. His direction is so slow one would think he is leading a funeral procession instead of music inspired by the French Revolution.

Of all old school directors such as Karajan, Toscanini, etc., Solti's performances are simply morbidly slow to the point of killing the grieving attendants with boredom. The cacophony of the oversized orchestra doesn't help either. Solti's interpretations are even too slow for a requiem. You think a regular interpretation of the 7th's second movement is slow? Wait 'til you hear this one; you're going to need a massage you'll be so stiff. The 9th symphony march is supposed to be a brisk revolutionary march calling the citizens to arms and to join the militia marching through a town. With Solti you imagine only a funeral procession coming through the town. In the Fifth the whole orchestra is almost struggling to slow down to match the strings. Karajan's interpretations are not particularly fast either but at least he breathes some life into them and the orchestra. I personally like Toscanini in terms of the old 20th century symphonic conductors and Gardiner's traditional interpretations that are at least at a correct speed and give the listener the impression they are marching off as part of a revolutionary batallion to bring liberty to the oppressed instead of being rolled to the morgue. Beethoven was a revolutionary anti-monarchist and strongly supported the idea of political change. Although Periah is a great pianist for Beethoven's concertos, there are simply better performances by him that fortunately aren't conducted by Solti such as on Sony with Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The same goes for the performances with Axe and Yo-Yo Ma. Gidon Kramer's performance for the Violin Concerto in D is also mediocre at best: there are better violinists out there than Kremer for Beethoven.

This is just not the best CD to get quality performances of Beethoven's works. Overall, Solti's interpretations are simply too sluggish and indecipherable to represent the ideals of Beethoven's music. Solti would definitely be my last choice for anything. You won't lose anything by not buying this soundtrack that's for sure: Solti's interpretations are so slow they will simply fossilize you.

Immortal beloved film.......2007-02-06

having watched a recording of Immortal beloved for a number of years the tape was past its best. now that i have the chance of ordering on line i did , and a good move it was. It was nice to see the film and things so clear, i had not see before, the writing on the love letter at the begining and tears that was shed. Iam very pleased with the dvd.

Living Perfection.......2007-01-14

This is one of the most perfect CDs I own, it's one I come back to time and time again. The recording quality is excellent - even on the cassette, which I've finally replaced after 12 years - but even better, the musical interpretation is splendid. Anyone who thinks that classical music is no longer relevant in our culture needs to buy this CD.

A wonderful tribute to the artist.......2005-05-25

This CD is perfect in my opinion. The recording is perfect, the pitch is perfect, the tempo is perfect, and the track selections are perfect. I think the album samples Beethoven's most remarkable pieces of work from his early years to his death. I have heard many recordings of the Ninth symphony that was just executed poorly; which is a shame because it is such a powerful piece. However, this album does it superbly. Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia did an amazing job with this album.

The album just flows really well from one piece to the next evoking a vast array of emotions along the way. Beethoven is timeless and forever will be. There is no comparison even to this day. This a wonderful tribute to the artist.

Very emotional and moving!!.......2005-05-23

I am a big fan of classical music. Beethoven, in my opinion, was one of the best composers, Mozart 1st, Beethoven 2nd, etc. This album is very moving and filled with emotion. I am currently listening to Adagio Cantabile-from Piano Sonata No. 8-from the film album. This piece is so moving and emotional. Another piece was Moonlight Sonata which I especially liked. Beethoven loads this piece with love and emotion for his one true love. In my opinion, Beethoven was the best at writing emotional and moving music. Whenever I listen to his music, I am immersed in a world of emotion and feeling. His music is truly beautiful. Back to the album, Sir Georg Solti really captured Beethoven's genius and devotion to his music in this album. This album really accents the film. You cannot have one, you must have both the film and the soundtrack. This is a must have for classical music/Beethoven fanatics and people who want to get a great summary of Beethoven's genius. BUY THIS!!!!

Average customer rating: a masterpiece Long drifting soundscape As close to divinity as possible... Greatness, interrupted. Masterpiece

Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven Godspeed You Black Emperor Manufacturer: Kranky ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Space Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: f#a# (infinity symbol) Slow Riot for New Zero Kanada Ágætis Byrjun Takk... Finally We Are No One ASIN: B00004ZD69 Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

1. Storm
2. Static

Tracks:

1. Sleep
2. Antennas to Heaven

Amazon.com

Canada's Godspeed You Black Emperor raise the ante on their already ambitious orchestral rock by releasing a double CD of material as their second full-length album. The group combines the drums and guitar of typical rock-band instrumentation with horns and strings to create a music built around drones and slowly evolving melodic figures. It rises and falls from delicate introductory passages to unabashed grand climaxes. Their juxtaposition of drums with violins and lush romantic tonality brings to mind Rachel's, but their compositional scale and the pounding repetitive intensity of their dynamic peaks evoke Glenn Branca's The Ascension. Although the two discs are indexed at only two 21-minute tracks each, the package includes a handy road map to the movements into which each is subdivided. The opening piece starts with five minutes of a 15-beat circular melodic pattern that is gradually embellished as the volume swells to an ecstatic roar. The release drops down to a pastoral drone that rebuilds to support an acid-etched guitar solo, which in turn yields to a unified 4/4 kraut rock pound that eventually explodes, leaving behind field recordings of public announcements mingled with wandering late-night Swell Maps piano. The other pieces use a similar set of sonic building blocks to take the listener on comparable journeys. Fans of Godspeed's previous work will be very happy, and the curious might want to hop on board as well. --Bob Bannister

Customer Reviews:

a masterpiece.......2007-06-16

GYBE are probably the best live band I have ever seen and this is their masterpiece. A very ambitious record that succeeds in making you close your eyes and just listen to the music.

Long drifting soundscape.......2007-05-07

(please ignore number rating, I don't generally find them meaningful)

"Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven" by Godspeed You Black Emperor is a long sequence of shifting soundscapes, mainly instrumental, but with some recorded speech and other effects. Rather like walking along a beach where the buildings and so forth on the shoreline change every few miles, (I mean it's structured that way, not that it has any seashore sounds). Its the sort of thing I might have playing in the background that requires little concentration. I didn't find it rythmically, melodically or harmonically interesting ... but I guess the point is the whole sonic sequence, which you might like.

As close to divinity as possible..........2007-04-15

I don't know how anyone can give this record a bad review. From the second I heard the first note, I could tell I was in for a ride...just how deep and magical a ride was unknown.

This album as stated before, is best listened to all at once...no interuptions, no lights...just you and the music. People have also talked about 'God' in the same breath as Godspeed's music. This is not far off. I am not a religious person and don't believe in the traditional God, yet this music has a mystical and spiritual feel to it that is completely divine in nature.

Let it be said that this is not for everybody. A lot of people will feel bored with some of it and feel it's too long. These people have obviously been brought up on verse chorus, cookie cutter music for far too long and can't appriciate the amazing progression that is necessary for the music.

I know it is one piece of music, but my favorite track is 'Sleep'. That piece just has a grip on me and wont let go. Please do yourself a favor and BUY this record. OFF.

Greatness, interrupted........2007-01-06

I held off for years before buying this intriguing piece of music, only to discover that I had made a big mistake ... not in waiting so long, but in buying it whatsoever.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., once submitted this two word review of Joseph Heller's novel Something Happened: "Nothing does." After reading one flattering review after another of this disc and this band, I placed disc one in my player with great anticipation of the layer upon layer of swelling musical ideas that would build up to powerful summit after powerful summit. Alas, what I hear is Hearts-of-Space-ish chord washes and minimalist instrument progressions that -- just when the drums kick in and the guitar gets a little noisy and a slight bit of hummable melody introduces itself -- sadly, slithers back into ten more minutes of aimless droning.

So many other musicians do longform musical ideas so much better -- seek out live Praxis, or even At War With Self and the Gordian Knot discs. Godspeed You Black Emperor may be sexy on paper, but in the reality of my headphones it is a veritable plain Jane.

Masterpiece.......2006-11-04

Music like this is so rare. Music so mapped out, so layered, so etheral... This album is an experience. It isn't a collection of songs. It's a series of movements that form an orchestral piece. When listening to it you feel as if you're in another world; a barren landscape plagued by destruction and an impending apocolypse. Yet, despite this, there are still areas of light and hope.

When listening to this album, do it all at once. Don't start on track 2 of disc 1 or track 1 of disc 2... Play it all in succession. This is the best way to fully appreciate what you're listening to.

Also, this album may take a little while to sink in. But when it does, it will be one of the greatest things you've ever heard.

Average customer rating: Great Performance Great Analog Beethoven Cycle An essential collection The best value in classical music on CD at the moment... Wonderful Performances

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations Dvorák: The Symphonies Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore ASIN: B00004YA0S Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
3. III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
4. IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
5. I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
6. II: Andante Molto Mosso
7. III: Allegro - In Tempo D'allegro - Tempo I
8. IV: Allegro
9. V: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
3. III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Vivace
4. IV: Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto
5. Gross Fuge

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Larghetto
3. III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
4. IV: Allegro Molto
5. I: Allegro Con Brio
6. II: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Tempo I
7. III: Allegro -
8. IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
2. II: Adagio
3. III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
4. IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
5. I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
6. II: Allegretto
7. III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
8. IV: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
2. II: Allegretto Scherzando
3. III: Tempo Di Menuetto
4. IV: Allegro Vivace
5. Overture
6. Overture
7. Overture
8. Overture

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - Christa Ludwig
2. II: Molto Vivace - Presto - Christa Ludwig
3. III: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato - Christa Ludwig
4. IV: Presto - Recitativo - Allegro Assai - Alla Marcia - Christa Ludwig
5. Overture - Christa Ludwig

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Largo
3. III: Rondo: Allegro Scherzando
4. I: Allegro Con Brio
5. II: Adagio
6. III: Rondo: Molto Allegro

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Largo
3. III: Rondo: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Moderato
5. II: Andante Con Moto
6. III: Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

1. Fantasia For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra
2. I: Allegro
3. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso -
4. III: Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

Otto Klemperer's Beethoven is one of the towering achievements in the history of recordings. By today's standards, these performances are hopelessly old-fashioned: dark, heavy, and frequently very slow. But they are also the grandest, most unsentimental, most purposeful versions in the catalog. In addition, the relatively slow tempos (only in the fast movements--the slow ones are pretty swift) and forward wind balance permit more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with the entire piano concerto cycle thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Performance.......2007-07-07

There are many different ways to perform Beethoven and each one is valid.
If you like it fast - go to Toscanini or Norrington. If you prefer slow, powerful and majestic, this is your set. Towards the end of his distinguished career, the great Otto Klemperer set down his final views of the performance of these symphonnies. The set is a coherent whole and will give great pleasure for ever. The challenging mix of the young Barenboim and the aged Klemperer worked surprisingly well and thus the concertos may also be recommended. There are odd additional items which add to the pleasure. Finally do not forget to purchase his memorable set of 'Fidelio' to complete your traversal of a great conductor giving great performances of a composer that he loved. Finally the price is ridiculously low and provides quality and quantity at a great price. Thus you should be able to buy the opera set from the savings made!

Great Analog Beethoven Cycle.......2007-05-07

This Klemperer cycle is just one of a dozen or so GREAT analog Beethoven symphony cycles that were recorded during Analog's golden age starting about 1958. These cycles are easily a match for digital and they should still be around for another 1,000 years, if the Lord tarries. These sets include: Karajan (twice, early 60s and late 70s) Bohm, Krips, Jochum, Bruno Walter, Leinsdorf, Rene Leibowitz, Szell, Ormandy, Bernstein, Steinberg, and Solti. This morning I listened to the Klemperer recordings of Beethoven's symphonies 5, 6, & 7. Very enjoyable, I got my Beethoven RDA fix.

Of all these Analog sets, I most enjoy the Leibowitz Spring 1961 cycle with the Royal Philharmonic. I have this cycle on an audiophile early 90s European import Edition Phoenix label special pressing "on extra virgin vinyl." These are by far the best analog symphonic lps I have ever heard from a recording standpoint. BY FAR! And they will rock your house.

You can almost justify Karajan's 4 recorded Beethoven cycles and one video based upon improvements in recording technology. Thru Rhapsody, I have listened to his mid 50s cycle and the orchestra sounds great, but the recording quality is sub par compared to Analog's golden age. So the rational for 4 cycles would be, (1) recent great improvements in recording technology (early 60s), (2) it has been 15 years and he has grown as an artist (late 70s), (3) we now have digital! Let's do one of the first Beethoven digital cycles (80s).

Klemperer is a no-brainer. I do not have to think twice about plopping one of his lps onto my turntable or hitting the play button at Rhapsody. When the music starts, the listening pleasure begins. Don't miss his Bruckner symphony recordings!

An essential collection.......2007-04-25

How best to describe Otto Klemperer's perspective on Beethoven's symphonies: grand, heroic, intense, insightful, stubborn, obstinate, detailed, dramatic, monumental, granitic, deeply emotional, never sentimental. This boxed set of the complete symphonies and concerti embodies all of these elements as stands as one of the great achievements of recorded music.

These performances were recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra at its peak, in the sumptuous acoustics of Kingsway Hall in London and in fine and detailed sound, and mostly in the mid-1950's during one of the brief charmed periods of Klemperer's life. EMI's impresario Walter Legge had made him permanent conductor of the Philharmonia, and when Klemperer embarked on this project in his 70's, he was in relatively good mental and physical health (Klemperer could show symptoms of manic depression and survived many health crises - brain tumor, broken bones, paralysis - which would have stopped most people).

By this time Klemperer had slowed the tempi of the fast movements of the Beethoven symphonies (listen to his early 1950's recordings of the 5th and 6th on Vox to hear by how much). This tendency is more pronounced in these studio recordings than in the live performances which were recorded during that era. The slowness is mostly saved by Klemperer's use of "sprung" rhythms, which keep the slow tempi from feeling laggardly.

Klemperer's earliest recordings in this series - symphonies 3, 5 and 7 - predate stereo and were recorded in excellent monaural sound. He rerecorded all three of these symphonies in stereo, but those recordings were made after he burned himself by falling asleep while smoking in bed. All three performances feature slower tempi than the earlier ones (whether this was the conductor's preference or the result of physical incapacity is open to conjecture). In particular, the rerecorded 7th suffered from lax phrasing, inattentiveness and perverse tempi. That is NOT the version contained in this set: fortunately, EMI had simultaneously recorded the earlier version of the 7th in "experimental" stereo, and it is that earlier version which is released here (and in remarkably good stereo). The versions of the 3rd and 5th are the rerecorded stereo ones.

You will find no finer studio versions of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th or 8th. All are insightful, beautifully detailed and powerful. The 2nd clearly looks forward to the 3rd and not back toward Hayden, the 4th is boisterous and vital, the 6th bucolic and sumptuous (not a quality normally associated with Klemperer), the 7th gains in drama what it loses in swiftness and lightness, and in the 8th in particular we see the conductor's empathy to Beethoven's sense of humor. Klemperer had a deep affinity for the "Eroica", and the rerecorded version here, while slower than the 1955 recording, was dubbed by "High Fidelity"'s Harris Goldsmith (no Klemperer fan, he) as "the best Eroica going slow" and is a monumental masterpiece (the second movement is shattering). The 1st, while leisurely, is a lovingly crafted.

That leaves the 5th and 9th. There is no doubt in my mind that the earlier, mono 5th is superior to the remake in this set. We lose that sense of an inevitable onslaught, especially in the outer movements. And the 9th, while similar in conception to the live versions recorded around the same time (on Testament with the Philharmonia and on Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw), suffers from diffuse sound and occasional lack of focus. I emphasize that these recordings of both symphonies are still head and shoulders above most of the competition; we're talking about different levels of greatness here.

Are there superior Klemperer recordings of these symphonies? Yes; but all are live, and despite the relatively good reprocessed sound, they don't reveal the same level of detail that these studio recordings do. Klemperer was a very different conductor in front of an audience, and there is more vitality and drama in the live versions of the 3rd (Testament, with the Danish Symphony), 6th 7th and 8th (Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw) and the 9th (see above). Music&Arts' set of the complete symphonies, recorded live in Vienna in 1960, is long out of print and had cramped sound with poor detail - a supplement to this set, not a replacement.

As to the piano concerti: they are better than one might expect. Barenboim, although steeped in the Germanic performance tradition, is more naturally aligned with the Furtwangler and Edwin Fischer than with Klemperer. However, the two of them actually work together extremely well and this is a fine, insightful set.

Any complete cycle of Beethoven, symphonies or concerti, will have drawbacks. There will be unevenness in the performances, as there are here. But there are advantages to hearing one musician's perspective on the works, especially when (as here) the performer has depth of understanding, integrity of vision, and a structural understanding of the pieces.

The digital remastering is excellent and the sound barely shows its age. This may not be your only complete set of Beethoven's symphonies, but it should be one of them. And at a price this low, it's a bargain too.

The best value in classical music on CD at the moment..........2007-01-02

What is the best value in classical discs available today ? Who knows, but I defy anyone to beat the EMI compilation of Klemperer' recordings of the complete Beethoven Symphonies, Piano Concertos (with Barenboim), several overtures the Choral Fantasia etc etc. 9 discs for only $44 ( well that was the price I paid). You have got to be kidding... I only had two concerns with buying this. First on the age of the recordings, all more than 40 years old. No worry at all. This is a masterpiece of reconstruction. The sound quality indistinguishable from any modern recording. Secondly , the performances themselves. I had been warned that Klemperer notoriously chose rather slow tempi. Again I needn't have worried. I immediately went to the slow movements of the 2nd piano concerto and the fourth symphony, where many slow tempists have in the past come unstuck. The piano concerto was an absolute revelation. The combination of the youthful Barenboim and the Philharmonia's masterful playing time and gain had me on the edge of my seat. " Yes,go on, well...." Slow it may have been. Boring, never. The same applies in spades to the slow movement of the fourth. Right from the eerie opening, which is yes, very slow indeed, I knew this movement would be a revelation and I can honestly say I have never hear it better played. Follow this with a scherzo bounding in energy and thumping finale and you will never get a better performance of this, one of Beethoven's "lesser" symphonies. And I haven't even got round to the "biggies" yet! The box set looks unattractive and the portrait of Klemperer makes him appear a first class nerd. Pay absolutely no attention to this....

Wonderful Performances.......2006-04-07

I have admittedly not made it through the entire set as of yet, but feel sufficiently blown away by the First Symphony and the Eroica - particularly the second movement of the latter - to weigh in here. With respect to the tempo issue, I must - at least so far - argue in favor of Klemperer's decision to slow things down a bit. I think the effect is, as someone else has observed, a clearer and more visceral experience of Beethoven's composition. It brings out the feeling. The sound comes up a little short on the low end, but it isn't a major distraction. My only problem lies in EMI's inexplicable lack of any discussion of the performances. The notes are bland, dry descriptions of the pieces themselves, with some basic history thrown in. Given the fact that there are probably hundreds of different CDs of Beethoven's symphonies out there, all with similar explanatory notes, it is infuriating that nothing is said about these particular performances. This is in contrast with the EMI Bach set (with Yehudi Menuhin) in which there is a wonderful essay that discusses Menuhin's work in historical context.

Average customer rating: As Much A 70's Soundtrack As A Film Soundtrack

The Virgin Suicides: Music From the Motion Picture Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Emperor Norton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Virgin Suicides: Original Motion Picture Score Lost In Translation The Virgin Suicides Marie Antoinette Veronica Mars ASIN: B00027JY4E Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

1. Magic Man - Heart
2. Hello It's Me - Todd Rundgren
3. Everything You've Done Wrong - Sloan
4. Ce Matin LA - Air
5. The Air That I Breath - The Hollies
6. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart - Al Green
7. Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan
8. I'm Not In Love - 10cc
9. A Dream Goes On Forever - Todd Rundgren
10. Crazy On You - Heart
11. Playground Love (Vibraphone Version) - Air
12. Come Sail Away - Styx

Customer Reviews:

As Much A 70's Soundtrack As A Film Soundtrack.......2006-03-07

The use of the phrase "Music from the Motion Picture" gives this the feel of a soundtrack, but what it really amounts to is a 70's mix CD, and a darn good one. In addition to "Hello It's Me," one of Todd Rundgren's biggest hits, the CD also includes the rarely-collected ballad "Alone Again (Naturally)" by Gilbert O'Sullivan, the full-length version of "I'm Not In Love" by 10cc (not the edited mix that seems to be on every other 70's collection), and also the version of "Crazy On You" by Heart WITH the acoustic guitar intro. This CD also introduced me to Sloan ("Everything You've Done Wrong"), who sound right at home with a bunch of 70's hits but are actually a modern group. Also included are the two best 'soundtrack' pieces that Air recorded for the movie; "Ce Matin La" (which will sound familiar from the scene where Cecilia ghost-reads her diary) and "Playground Love," the recurring musical motif of the film. Great stuff to pop into the CD player while driving or working on the computer.

Average customer rating: great debut -- I have blew my mind. A Post Apocalyptic Soundscape A New Age Arises...And Rock Dies

f#a# (infinity symbol) Godspeed You Black Emperor! Manufacturer: Kranky ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Space Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven Slow Riot for New Zero Kanada Ágætis Byrjun Young Team Finally We Are No One ASIN: B000007T2Z Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

1. The Dead Flag Bues
2. East Hastings
3. Providence

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

On first listen, Montreal collective Godspeed You Black Emporer sounds familiar, like sonic-landscape architects the Dirty Three. But pay closer attention to this debut full-length and you'll find something much more compelling: G.Y.B.E. mix found sounds, voices, lilting string sections, and musique concrète into structures that tell a story. With each listen, a new plot twist is unraveled, a new movie sample identified--you start to listen closely with headphones to pick up new subtleties you couldn't hear previously. Three tracks, a bit over an hour, of great music that defies categorization. --Jason Verlinde

Amazon.com

It's hard to imagine this disc coming out of Montreal or, really, any urban habitat. The postrock instrumentals on f#a#(infinity symbol), distantly related to the sounds made by the Australian band Dirty Three, serve as walking music for a loner hoping to hitch a ride in the middle of the Arizona desert and dealing with the inevitability of another night in coyote territory. Godspeed's swelling array of guitars, bagpipes, cellos, violins, trumpets, and drums is riveted together with an understated hope that is emotionally clutching, often devastating. This core of heavy Midwestern stoicism, saturated with waves of strings, hardcore interludes, and ripples of Morricone guitar, leaves listeners with the understanding that there is no escape from the badlands that surround and permeate us. --Michael Woodring

Customer Reviews:

great debut.......2007-06-16

I totally love this record. Their music here is based less on noise and more on melodies. It's a really great album even if it's quite different to their later releases.
I remember when I first heard this album many years ago I was totally captivated.

-- I have.......2007-05-18

this is one work that demands your full attention and time (three songs at aprox. 1 hour total) so just set back and take the ride,brilliant glorious music , just fall into it ---

blew my mind........2007-04-12

this album gives me goosebumps.
it sends me through a roller-coaster of emotions!

it is totally epic.

this was the first album i ever heard by godspeed in my life, so it was a pretty much life changing moment. haha.

it needs to be listened to in one sitting though,
no other way should be allowed.

A Post Apocalyptic Soundscape.......2007-03-26

"We're trapped in the belly of this horrible machine, and the machine is bleeding to death". Those are the first words you hear as Godspeed You Black Emperor's F#A#oo begins to play. A low, quiet, droning sound is heard as an aged man reminisces about the end of times. Immediately, the listener becomes aware that this is no ordinary album. It instantly comes off as being extremely dark and depressing, but at the same time it grabs you with a sense of eery curiosity. Although words like "dark" and "grim" may set off a death metal precognition, that would be false. These sounds are smooth and elegant, not the least bit offensive as a raging metal power chord. Think of a slow, droning air raid siren off in the distance on a cloudy day to get the feel of the "dark" sounds present in F#A#oo.

And those sounds fit perfectly with the style of this album. Unlike conventional rock or pop music, this album has more in common with classical music. Each of the three songs on F#A#oo is over 15 minutes long. Each song could subsequently be broken down into multiple movements, almost like a symphony. The band has over 10 members and lots of instruments at their disposal (everything from violins and brass to guitars). The resulting sounds are varied but minimalist in nature. But because of the obvious departure from conventional bands this album can and will be a complete turn off to most first time listeners. While I may have a hard time convincing people with bad first impressions for whatever reason they may have, I can try to let them know what makes this album such a gem. Anyone who is willing to push aside any initial qualms with F#A#oo will certainly appreciate it.

The first track is titled "The Dead Flag Blues" and seems to float around theme present in the monologue spoken at the start of the album. There are no lyrics in F#A#oo, only spoken words. After nearly nine minutes the music seems to have gone no where. Just airy, grim, chords and a faint high pitched fluttering of a guitar string acts as the build to the main theme which begins about 10 minutes in. There's no melody present in these first nine minutes, just the sounds of instruments emulating what you could perceive as environmental sounds. As if you were standing in open barren landscape with a cold wind blowing over dark skies.

One might be quick to lash out that that could be nine minutes of filler but they would be mistaken. Those nine minutes set the scene. Those sounds swirl around in your mind and put you in the mood of the song. The artists then takes that and very very slowly speeds it up, adds a few notes here or there. Over that time, almost without notice, the music is rising in tension and building up. Eventually you become aware of the build up and the song will explode into a melody or a solo which in time tapers back off into barely nothing, all while remaining elegant and smooth.

The music never gets technical and doesn't display any sort of virtuosic instrument playing by any means, but It's these moments that make F#A#oo so great and memorable. Not only do the artists craft sound-scapes that can truly get the listener thinking, they do so with a certain elegance that's present because their minimalist approach. They're able to make sounds on their instrument that anyone can produce, but they craft them into situations that leave the listener thinking, "How could they possibly know to put that violin note with that trumpet sound? They fit perfectly together."

Like a movie, F#A#oo is best if experienced in long sessions. The whole thing could very well be listened through in one sitting, and that's not so hard because it's possible to get sucked into not want to come back out. This music leaves a lasting impression on the listener. The textures and production quality easily hypnotizes and keeps the listener enthralled as the songs progress. By the end of it all you're bound to leave with a deep melancholy feeling of lose. It's rare to come across such music that can hit all the right notes to trigger a response within the listener, and F#A#oo will have you in a different state of mind when the final sounds taper off. And while F#A#oo can easily be one of the most morbid, dark, and sad pieces ever written, that's also why it leaves such a lasting impression that sets it above a lot of music. Sometimes the saddest music is also the most beautiful.

All in all, F#A#oo is quite possibly one of the most thought inducing CDs I've ever heard. The apocalyptic sound-scapes almost instantly bring to mind scenes of devastation and barren, desolate landscapes. This runs through your mind the entire album which leads to a movie-like experience. To me, one of the greatest qualities that make up good music is the ability to move you and to transport you to another place and F#A#oo succeeds at doing this perfectly. The long track times and drawn out build ups may not be for everyone, but for us who are willing to look into something different for a change will be pleasantly surprised. Everyone should at least give this album a shot and experience some of the most thought provoking music ever.

A New Age Arises...And Rock Dies.......2007-03-21

Imagine the death of rock & roll as we know it. What would it sound like if rock was taking it's last breath? How would you sum up a life of rock and describe it as you lye suffering from the pain of knowing that death is certain with the next few days.
This album summarizes the above questions perfectly to me. The music moves slowly from a near stop to peaks of pure anxiety and back down again. As if a dying person was able to conjure enough energy every 5 or 10 minutes to express all of their lifes feelings...and then resting their eyes while they grasp for enough energy to continue their story...over and over until they ultimately pass.
Slow moving progessions of a story well told slowly but anxiously build to extremely energetic peaks of excitement. All of this done with a powerful guitar and drum supported by a symphany of instruments...almost like a soundtrack to life, thus my point.

Average customer rating: Great but not for massage Works on my kids Wakes you up instead Music for Life musical morphine

Beethoven at Bedtime: A Gentle Prelude to Sleep Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 Similar Items: Mozart for Meditation Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night Mozart at Midnight Brahms at Bedtime: A Sleepytime Serenade Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts ASIN: B0000041CN Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

1. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Symphony No. 2 In D - Larghetto
2. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Romance No. 2 In F
3. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Emperor' Concerto - Adagio un poco mosso
4. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Pastoral' Symphony - Scene By The Brook
5. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Pathetique' Sonata - Adagio cantabile
6. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: String Quartet No. 13 In B-Flat - Cavatina
7. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Fur Elise
8. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Violin Concerto In D - Larghetto
9. A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Moonlight' Sonata - Adagio sostenuto

Customer Reviews:

Great but not for massage.......2007-03-10

TRY, just TRY to do a massage to Fur Elise. It just can't be done! It wasn't very relaxing. I felt like I should be doing tapotement or something. Threw my rhythm way off.

BUT as a CD, it's lovely. :)

Works on my kids.......2006-12-26

I'm purchasing my second copy of the CD. My kids listen to it every night to lull them to sleep - they usually don't make it through the first piece. It is true that some of the music doesn't seem very conducive to sleep, but by the time one hears those selections, one is fast asleep.

Wakes you up instead.......2006-03-09

This CD was supposed to be soft, easy music that would help you go to sleep. I did go to sleep almost immediately but not because of the music--I was just very tired. However, the music actually woke me up a couple of times when it got just a little louder. Maybe it's me, but I didn't find this product to do as promised.

Music for Life.......2006-03-09

Thanks to the Philips Set Your Life to Music series, we don't have to set aside a concert hour to experience great music. Beethoven at Bedtime gives us the music when we need it to enrich our quiet moments. As with the other titles in this series, the performance is pure and sensitive enough to satisfy the most intellectual listener. One has only to read the list of artists and listen to the clips. What a treasure!

musical morphine.......2005-08-18

this album will definately put you out unless youre manic or all cranked up or something.but why go to sleep? youd miss out on a bunch of beethovens most beautiful music ever written.and being as how hes only the second of 7 musical geniuses ever,no true music lover can be without this many spleandored collection.its got all the great slow songs beethoven did on it like the "moonlight sonata" used on the beatles song "because" and the video game "shadow man".im sure youve heard it somewhere."for elise" is another easily recognizable song.it was on the movie "bill and teds excellent adventure".theres some more musical bliss with his violin piece and even the all important "pathetique sonata".thats the real clencher.if youre not pretty drowsy after that beautiful but utterly sedating ditty perhaps you should seek out a drs prescription before you play it because youre an isomniac.it will put most anybody out though and is plum full of a number of the most beautiful songs ever!

Average customer rating: wonderful Repackaged New Year's Concert 1984 with VPO, etc. I am glad I bought this one Great Music as usual A gem!

Strauss: The Best of Vienna Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Johann Strauss Sr. | Strauss Sr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss Sr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Strauss Waltzes Favorite Waltzes Johann Strauss: Waltzes Chopin: Favorite Piano Works Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces ASIN: B00000HY9K Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. The Blue Danube - (Waltz) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
2. Anna Polka - (French Polka) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
3. Morning Papers - (Waltz) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
4. At The Hunt - (Polka) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
5. Light of Heart - (Fast Polka) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
6. Wine, Women And Song - (Waltz) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
7. Pleasure - Train - (Fast Polka) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
8. Vienna Bonbons - (Waltz) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
9. Perpetual Motion - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
10. Accelarations - (Waltz) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
11. Pizzicato - Polka - (Johann And Josef Strauss) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.
12. Tales From The Vienna Woods - (Waltz) - J. STRAUS SR./STRAUSS*J. JR.

Tracks:

1. The Emperor Waltz - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Thunder and Lightning - (Fast Polka) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
3. Die Fledermaus: Overture - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Voices of Spring - (Waltz) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
5. Prince Methusalem: Bandit Gallop - (From 'Prince Methusalem') - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
6. Artist's Life - (Waltz) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
7. Persian March - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
8. Roses from the South - (Waltz) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
9. Eljen a Magyar! - (Fast Hungarian Polka) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
10. Chit-Chat Polka - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
11. Vienna Blood - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
12. Radetzky-March - (Johann Strauss, Father) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

wonderful.......2007-07-22

These CD's were wonderful. When I drive in the Sierra Nevada mountians I want something peaceful but not boring. I love, love, love it.

Repackaged New Year's Concert 1984 with VPO, etc........2005-02-23

If I'm not mistaken, most of the pieces were recorded originally live during a 1984 New Year's Concert conducted by Lorin Maazel with the Vienna Philharmonic playing in its grand concert hall, the Musikverein. Maazel and the Vienna Philharmonic have had a longstanding relationship dating from the 1960's, and without question, this CD does rank among my favorite New Year's Concert performances (However, the most mesmerizing ones I've heard have been those with the late Carlos Kleiber and Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting.) for the superb quality of the Vienna Philharmonic's playing. Maazel leads the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in some of the most popular works composed by the Strauss family, most notably Johann II Strauss' Tales from the Vienna Woods Waltz, Emperor Waltz, Pizzicato Polka, Blue Danube Waltz and his father's Radetzky March, which traditionally closes out the annual New Year's Concert. Fans of the Strauss family, Vienna Philharmonic and Lorin Maazel, will not be disappointed with this excellent two CD compilation.

I am glad I bought this one.......2003-04-25

I listen to this cd to relax and it is so soothing. It starts with The blue Danube, which is my favorite. But the rest of the songs do not disapoint.

Great Music as usual.......2002-10-08

This is great recording,
I enjoy listening to it
veru much. This is a
compilation of all the
favorite waltzes by
the Strauss family, that
one might hear at a
New Year's eve concert
of the Vienna Philharmonic...
All waltzes and Polkas are
favorites of audiences everywhere
in the world...

A gem!.......2001-10-29

Who else knows Strauss better than Viennese? I attest that no other orchestra in the world plays Strauss better than the Vienna Philharmonic. Their light sound is exactly what the composer wanted, and it really makes other clumsy, heavy attempts by some other orchestras like Berlin and Chicago seem pathetic.

As far as the content of these CDs go, they are fantastic. They have every waltz, march, and polko of Strauss II that you could possibly want, as well as a nice addition of "Radetzky March" by the composer's father. If you are looking for a Johann Strauss Jr. CD, get this one!

Average customer rating: Flawless and moving Grandioso... Outstanding Performance Too pure to be true and yet it is Three cheers for Beethoven and his mediant modulations :-D

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Serkin, Rudolf | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Serkin, Rudolf | ( S ) | 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: Beethoven: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale" Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain ASIN: B0000025M5 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 73 'Emperor': I - Allegro
2. Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 73 'Emperor': II - Adagio un poco mosso
3. Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major For Piano & Orchestra, Op. 73 'Emperor': III - Rondo: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Flawless and moving.......2006-02-01

This was the recording that introduced me to Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto, making me wonder how I had missed it in all my years (15+) of listening to classical music. I listened to my cassette until it was completely ruined. Although I have yet to hear other renditions of this piece, I can compare it to my other Beethoven symphonies (among others). In that light, I find this particular recording to be flawless. The piano is fluid and seems to dance with the orchestra, and it reminds me of watching a pair of excellent dancers--you watch one, then the other, then back, and marvel. It's the same with this piece. It has no hiccups, no glitches.

Grandioso..........2004-12-16

Beethoven escribio este grandioso concierto, una joya musical.
Leonard Bernstein dirije en forma sobresaliente a una impecable Filarmonica de Nueva York y Rudolf Serkin nos deslumbra en forma extraordinaria. Es una presentacion colosal.
El concierto que tiene un inicio sublime se empieza a energizar y se convierte en una sesion de vigor intenso; luego un adagio sutil, sentimental, profundo va poco a poco destinado a explotar en un allegro generoso, potente y vibrante.
Es de verdad una interpretacion soberbia en uno de las mejores grabaciones de este concierto.
Busquen la edicion real (Sony Classical - CD azul) en que se incluyen el concierto N°3 y el N°5.

Outstanding Performance.......2004-10-16

I have listened to many performances and recordings of this beloved concerto and this one, in my opinion, always ends up on top. It defines musical perfection. The majesty of the Emperor, its delicacy, its sweetness, its passion are all captured with such clarity it is impossible to listen to this performance without getting caught up in the emotions of this great concerto. If one has to choose which performance to get, this should be number one! The quality of this recording is also excellent.

Too pure to be true and yet it is.......2002-08-09

Beethoven is most successful in this piece. The bright sun of the piano, and the pianist Beethoven himself, dominates the orchestra that is led by it into joyful tuttis and variations in spite of the violin and some strings that try to deprive him of his leadership. Just let them try. The piano always comes after its and their plaintive moanings to stop and stifle them. The strings take the lead in the second movement. But there comes the piano who pushes them into the wings with their sighing sobs to impose his crystal clear vision of inner life. The strife of a vision of light against doubts and hesitations that dominates any rumbling protest from any sides and quarters and imposes its dynamism to all other instruments even the strings that kindly and gracefully concede defeat though the piano nags them and teases them. It's one happy moment when Beethoven is able to dictate his conducting will to the world. It is a moment of triumph when the world follows him to the end. He is the emperor of the title.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

Three cheers for Beethoven and his mediant modulations :-D.......2002-07-03

An emotionally stirring, great performance of an [excellent]piece! I am sooo asking for this for my 21st b-day :-p

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3. Exotic Simplicity
4. For Such A Time As This
5. Gateways
6. How Far? How Fast?
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8. In Medicine River
9. Indigo
10. Journey North

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