Guitar Works

1. Monongahela - Eric Tingstad

2. Barcelona - Andrew White, David L. White

3. Bye Bye Lullaby - Martin Kolbe

4. Light a Candle - William Ellwood

5. Inner Movement - Ralf Illenberger

6. Leaving Home - Sheldon Mirowitz

7. Nocturne Mariah's Watermill - Simon Wyberg

8. Mariah's Watermill - Simon Wynberg

9. Sonho (Dream) - Nando Lauria

10. Since You Asked - Sheldon Mirowitz

11. Amber - Matthew Montfort

12. Remembering Greensleeves - John Doan

13. Bye Bye Lullaby - Martin Kolbe

Guitar Works,Various Artists,Narada,90's,Adult Alternative,Celtic Fusion,Chamber Jazz,Contemporary Celtic,Contemporary Instrumental,Ethnic Fusion,Free Jazz,Jazz Music,Meditation,Modern Creative,Neo-Classical,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Post-Bop,Solo Instrumental

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Average customer rating: Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music The guitar is an orchestra in miniature! GUITAR MAJESTY Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection A True Classic

Spanish Guitar Music Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Albeniz, Mateo Pérez de | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | 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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Baroque Guitar Masters of Flamenco Guitar Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B00005YJ4Q Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Albeniz: Asturias
2. Albeniz: Tango
3. Sanz: Canarios
4. Rodrigo: Fandango
5. Torroba: Nocturno
6. Segreras - El Colibri
7. Albeniz: Sonata in D
8. De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
9. De Falla: Fisherman's Song
10. De Falla: The Miller's Dance
11. Torroba: Madronos
12. La Nit de Nadal
13. El Noy de la Mare
14. Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
15. Abeniz: Cordoba
16. Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
17. Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
18. El Testamen de Amelia
19. Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
20. Albeniz: Sevilla
21. De Falla: Homanaje
22. Mudarra: Fantasia
23. Turina: Fandanguillo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music.......2005-09-18

As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The music ranges from Renaissance composers (Sanz, Mudarra) and harmonized folk melodies to standard 20th Century works (Rodrigo, Torroba etc).

John Williams is excellent throughout. The CD is also cheap, and can be used either just for enjoyment, or further to explore other recordings by Williams, the classical guitar repertoire, or other classical guitarists.

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

For the collector or classical guitar enthusiast, the chief disadvantages of the CD are duplication of other recordings, and that the way at least some of the works on this CD are listed isn't helpful in telling the listener the set(s) to which these pieces belong and how to find them (e.g. "from ______, Op # "). The font listing the titles and track numbers is small and somewhat hard to read.

However, this CD should attract many listeners and enthusiasts both to the classical guitar, the repertoire, and guitarist John Williams - and I'm all for that.

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!.......2005-02-05

This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.

John Williams has always known the delicate equilibrium between the expresiveness and the glamouer. His impresive technique however is not exposed as his prima edonna. He goes directly to the soul of the composer, melts in his spirit and let the music sharp the qith eloquent conviction the composer's demanded atmosphere.

From Granados to Albeniz, from Rodrigo to Agustin Barrios - El indio Mangore -, from Moreno Torroba to Ponce , you will find the warmth, the passion and the Midas touch of this golden guitarrist.

GUITAR MAJESTY.......2004-12-21

John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young.

Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection.......2004-12-07

I originally bought this album three years ago, looking for a good introduction to Spanish guitar music. And this one fits that need perfectly. I still listen to and enjoy it today. I play this for guests at happy hour or dinner for a relaxed atmosphere. At Amazon's current price, this is a great value.

A True Classic.......2004-01-26

This album/cd is extraordinary. All the songs are gorgeous and exciting to listen to. John Williams' interpretation and technique are perfect. After 22 years of listening to it, I still enjoy and appreciate it more every time. I love giving it as a gift.

Average customer rating: WARNING TO JSP COLLECTORS Son House was the grandaddy of 'em all! Great Stuff, Some Repeats Awesome A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE FINEST DELTA BLUES

Complete Recorded Works of Son House & the Great Delta Blues Singers Son House Manufacturer: Document ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Slide Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Delta Blues | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Blues | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Complete Library of Congress Sessions, 1941-1942 The Complete Early Recordings of Skip James The Complete Recordings Avalon Blues : Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings Complete Recorded Works (1928-1929) ASIN: B000000J26 Release Date: 1994-05-27

Tracks:

1. My Black Mama-Part I
2. My Black Mama-Part II
3. Preachin' The Blues-Part I
4. Preachin' The Blues-Part II
5. Dry Spell Blues Part I
6. Dry Spell Blues Part II
7. Walking Blues
8. M & O Blues
9. Future Blues
10. Mississippi Bottom Blues
11. Rowdy Blues
12. Cottonfield Blues-Part 1
13. Cottonfield Blues-Part 2
14. Dough Roller Blues
15. Jumpin' And Shoutin' Blues
16. Bedside Blues
17. Fare Thee Well Blues
18. Traveling Mama Blues
19. Outside Woman Blues
20. Nehi Blues
21. Married Man Blues
22. Third Street Woman Blues
23. Mississippi Jail House Groan
24. Ham Hound Crave

Customer Reviews:

WARNING TO JSP COLLECTORS.......2007-05-30

First of all, this is a great album, but I wanted to issue a warning to those that like to get the JSP Box Sets. Songs 1-9 are on the Charlie Patton JSP Box set. Blind Joe's "Outside Woman Blues", and "Nehi Blues", as well as all of the Rube Lacy selections are on the Paramount masters JSP Box Set. I'm not really sure about the remainder of the material. Still it's a great album & a great listen (If nothing else, I could use it in my car).

Son House was the grandaddy of 'em all!.......2006-04-16

If you're interested in the blues roots of rock, you've come to the right place. Son House laid down tracks that have echoed down to this day, and he may have been the first true wellspring of what became rock. I've been a listener and collector of what's now called classic rock for more than 40 years, and I have never found an earlier or truer original source than Son House. With all the fuss being bestowed on Robert Johnson these days, here's a clue: Son House taught RJ how to play! Listen to this album and hear the foreshadowings of ALL the great music to come... Truly great guitar pickin', and a voice as rough, plain and honest as Mississippi dirt clods... You may not want to put this album on Infinite Repeat, but you will not walk away unimpressed or unmoved. IMHO, Son House truly deserves the title of Great Grandaddy of Rock!

Great Stuff, Some Repeats.......2005-01-30

Son House is essential to any blues collection. And as is usually the case with pre-war blues artists, Son's early stuff is better than the 60's revival stuff. That said, the company put songs on here by other artists that already appear on Mississippi Masters--which I also highly reccomend, especially for Geechie Wiley's "Last Kind Words." This CD would be 5-star and beyond if it weren't for those repeated songs.

Awesome.......2003-12-10

"Son House & The Great Delta Blues Singers" isn't entirely devoted to Son House. There are cuts by several other musicians, including Rube Lacy, Joe Calicott, and House's onetime playing partner Willie Brown, but this disc, which contains Son House's complete 1930 session, is the best place to get his earliest songs.
The sound quality is not excactly stellar, mainly due to the inferior quality of Columbia Records' original masters and horrible quality pressings, yet the power and intensity of Son House's huge voice and slashing slide guitar playing cuts through the pops and hisses like...well, a cutting thing.
Also, this CD is one of the very few which features both the previously unreleased test acetate of "Walking Blues" (the basis for Robert Johnson's song, not the other way around), and the second parts of House's three two-part singles. Listen to "My Black Mama part II", and you'll recognize it as the original version of "Death Letter Blues", complete with House's magnificent, wailing slide guitar riff.

House's seven songs are the highlights of this collection, but there is a lot of other stuff here which is certainly of interest to fans of classic Delta blues. The gruff-voiced Willie Brown's two cuts are almost as powerful as Son House's, particularly the great "Future Blues" (listen to Brown snapping the bass strings).
And fine waxings by Kid Bailey and Joe Reynolds in particular makes this a great collection of Delta blues as recorded by Paramount Records in 1929-30.

A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE FINEST DELTA BLUES.......2003-02-06

I absolutely love this CD and find myself listening to it over-and-over again. I ordered it for the Son House material but have found the Willie Brown and the Garfield Akers songs to be every bit as fantastic! Although I especially like the three musicians already mentioned, there is not a dud in any of the remaining tracks. If you like delta blues and don't have this CD you are missing one of the greatest musical treats you're liable to find.

Average customer rating: The very best Sublime An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar

Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Giuliani, Mauro | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Giuliani, Mauro | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Composers, 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: Together/Julian Bream & John Williams Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2 Ultimate Guitar Collection Bach: Lute Suites Music of Spain ASIN: B000003FDN Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

1. Largo maestoso; Allegro moderato
2. Larghetto
3. Serenade In A, Op. 96: Finale
4. Rondella aragonesa
5. Spanish Songs, Op. 232, No.3: Beneath The Palm Tree
6. Zambra
7. Variazioni concertanti, Op. 130
8. Evocacion
9. Pavan
10. Galliard
11. Ouverture
12. Harlequinade
13. Laughter
14. Rigidon
15. The Fighters
16. Gigue
17. Reverie
18. Golliwog's Cakewalk
19. Clair de lune

Customer Reviews:

The very best.......2007-01-11

I have a large collection of classical guitar recordings. Quite simply, "Together Again" is the finest,best recordings of its genre ever made. It features arrangements that had never been before heard and that a big plus, for the normal repertoire for guitar is fairly small and we soon tire of hearng the same pieces again and again. The virtuosity of both Williams and Bream is unqustionalble. Bream sounds a bit steely at times. whereas Williams is soft. Together, they produce a magnificent sound.

Sublime.......2006-03-14

The two foremost virtuosos of our time have come together once again to produce this sublime album.

What John Williams lacks in lyricism is easily compensated for by Bream and the result is outstanding.

Their chemistry is so amazing and the pieces come to life in such a cohesive way that I sometimes think it is one person with 10 fingers on each hand playing the pieces.

Not every piece is easily accessible, so give it time.

Highly recommended.

An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar.......2000-06-12

This CD is a must have for all lovers of the classical guitar. As is the case of the first album, aptly named "Together", the modern masters of the classical guitar, Bream & Williams, join forces again in order to achieve some spectacular results.

The main problem of playing a classical guitar is the genuine lack of material, apart from those (relatively few) pieces which were originally written for the guitar. Furthermore, being a fairly limited instrument, the guitar limits severely the possibilities of adapting various classical pieces which were not written originally for the guitar. Thus, Bream & Williams, set out on a mission - to achieve what is not possible on one guitar, by playing a duet of classical guitars. Hence, almost all the compositions here are adaptations, but this is by no means a bad thing - the arrangements very cleverly hides the limits of the instruments, while emphasizing it's intimate and warm nature.

Two of the most notable of these adaptations are "Evocacion", from Albeniz "Suite Iberia" and "Bajo la palmera" from "Cantos de Espana", both of which were written for piano. It is well worth mentioning that many of Albeniz compositions were based on traditional spanish tunes, played originally on guitars. Thus, by playing these truly great pieces on classical guitars, Bream & Williams are restoring some of the magic which allured Albeniz to these tunes in the first place. One might also feel these tunes sound actually more natural played on two guitars rather than on a piano.

Other interesting adaptations are the three pieces by Debussy, which are very melodic and are very suitable to be played on guitars.

I warmly recommend this excellent album for anyone who appreciates classical music played by very able musicians. I guess it's also ideal as a gift for those who like good music which isn't classical, and are interested in exploring new grounds, as this album is very communicative, although it hasn't lost any of it's integrity.

Average customer rating: Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone Together, first time Masters Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | 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 Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Composers, 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: Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2 Ultimate Guitar Collection Baroque Guitar Bach: Lute Suites ASIN: B000003FDM Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

1. Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
2. Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
3. Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
4. Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
5. Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
6. L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
7. L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
8. L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
9. Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
10. Goyescas: Intermezzo
11. La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
12. Pavane For A Dead Princess
13. Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
14. Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
15. Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
16. Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
17. Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
18. Dolly, Op. 56: Spanish Dance
19. Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, No. 2: Oriental

Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

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: Amazing again!!!!

David Russell: Art of the Guitar Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | 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 Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Elegies | Requiems, Elegies & Tombeau | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | 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 General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Renaissance Favorites for Guitar Jubilation John Williams - The Seville Concert / John Williams, Paco Pena, Andres Segovia Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar Music of Giuliani ASIN: B000N4SADW Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

1. Malaguena, Op.165, No.3
2. Fantasia On Themes From Verdi's La Traviata
3. Prelude No.1 In E Minor
4. Prelude No.2 In E Major
5. Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
6. Spring Dance, Op.38, No.5
7. Elegie, Op.38, No.6
8. Waltz, Op.12, No.2
9. Lullaby, Op.38, No.1
10. Norwegian Melody, Op.12, No.6
11. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin From Preludes, Book I
12. Campo From Preludios Americanos
13. Fantasie Hongroise, Op.65, No.1
14. Variations On A Theme By Mozart, Op.9
15. Cantico
16. Aguinaldo
17. Cancion
18. Aire Venezolano
19. Galeron
20. Pensamiento Espanol
21. Campanas Del Alba

Amazon.com

David Russell's program ranges wide and far, from arrangements of such exotica as Arcos' Fantasia on Themes from Verdi's La Traviata to original guitar solos by the likes of Villa Lobos and modern Latin composers. They're all played with technical polish and, more important, genuine musicality. For Russell's playing here, as in his other popular albums for Telarc, has the communicative sparkle that draws the listener into the music, even listeners not especially enamored of the instrument. In arrangements of familiar piano works like the five Grieg Lyric Pieces or Debussy's La Fille aux Chevaux de Lin, Russell's playing is so warmly idiomatic he makes you forget the originals and revel in the rounded, radiant tone of his guitar. Telarc's outstanding sound is a big plus as well. This one's not just for Russell's fans or guitaristas, it's a joy for all. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Amazing again!!!!.......2007-05-10

Another great recording from David Russell and Telarc. Just listen Grieg pieces and Galeron by Sojo. No more words needed. Every year a new David Russell CD....... Thank you Telarc.......

Average customer rating: Like a rainy day in a good bookstore Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful! Everyone would love this album! Incredible One well worth the price of two

Ultimate Guitar Collection Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Albeniz, Mateo Pérez de | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 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 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 Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bream, Julian | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2 Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Baroque Guitar Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B00000I9M1 Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Allegro Giusto
2. Largo
3. Allegro
4. Packington's Pound
5. Greensleeves
6. Fantasia 'A Fancy'
7. Canarios
8. Sonata In D
9. Leyenda (Asturias)
10. The Three Cornered Hat: The Millar's Dance
11. Recuerdos De La Alhambra
12. Choros No.1
13. Andantino Espressivo
14. Poco Animato
15. En Los Trigales
16. Allegro Con Spirito
17. Adagio
18. Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

1. Mallorca, Op. 202 - Albeniz
2. Cataluna
3. Granada
4. Sevilla
5. Cadiz
6. Cordoba
7. Dedicatoria
8. La Maja De Goya
9. Danza Espanola No. 4
10. Valses Poeticos - Granados
11. Danza Espanola No. 5 - Granados
12. Fandango
13. Passacaglia
14. Zapateado

Customer Reviews:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore.......2007-07-10

"Always pleasant, never a false cord." That's what I think each time I listen to this collection. I guess I should be listening more closely, but I find the music and the virtuosity with which it is played to be a springboard to other thoughts and activities. I can read with it in the background, write with it or simply drift into thought. And that is really quite enough for me.

Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!.......2007-03-29

As good a guitarist as Julian Bream is, one must begin by acknowledging that the title of this 2-CD set containing 32 admittedly seminal pieces written for hand-played strings ( primarily, the lute) is a tad hyperbolistic. An "Ultimate" collection of anything would have to be more complete, by definition, than any two CDs can be and, again, it almost goes without saying that no two people are apt to be in total agreement about what should or should not have been included in any such collection. All caveats considered and aside, this is, indeed, a thoughtfully selected and masterfully performed collection of what is, unarguably, some of the very best classical pieces ever written for the lute. Bream plays some of them on the guitar and others on a renaissance lute - the latter giving a somewhat truer indication of the stylings and musical nuances intended by the various composers. But, even the pieces he plays on the guitar - an instrument that, in it's current form, did not exist when many of the pieces were originally composed - are sensitive and lyrical interpretations that sound as if they MIGHT have been composed for the guitar.

Without spending space here reiterating the specific pieces, their titles and lengths, I will simply list the composers whose works Bream presents so nicely in this collection. They span a range of about five centuries beginning in the time of England's Elizabeth I and spanning the years through to the 20th Century's premier Spanish and Brazilian classical guitar composers. The list reads like a `Whose Who" of classical plucked-string instrument music and of composers whose keyboard compositions work particularly well on the strings of a lute or guitar, and includes;
- John Dowland
- Francis Cutting
- Antonio Vivaldi
- Gaspar Sanz (*)
- Mateo Albeniz (*)
- Manuel de Falla
- Enrique Granados (*)
- Hector Villa-Lobos, and
- Joaquin Rodrigo
(*) = Pieces originally written for keyboard play.

Every classical guitarist has his own recognizable style and approach to the instrument and the material. An experience listener would not confuse Bream's work with that of Andres Segovia, for example: but it is not that one is better than the other. Each, in his own distinctive way, is simply superb. Though the Spanish influence is clearly audible with both musicians, Bream's stylings have a more contemporary lilt and inflection than do those of Segovia; he makes each piece his own. One suspects that each time he plays a piece it comes out differently according to the moment, his mood, the instrument and God knows what else. Segovia, on the other hand, was well known for his constancy once he had found a version of each piece that fully suited his own ear and temperament.
While I am admittedly a Segovia fan, I find Bream's renditions to be noticeably fresher and each infused with an aura of presence in the here-and-now which I find especially enjoyable.

The collection is neither complete not `ultimate', but it is VERY good and well worth having in any collection of classical guitar music. In fact, for audiophiles not familiar with this genre, it is a fair place to begin to develop an ear for and a listener's knowledge of and experience with the classical guitar.

I recommend it highly.

Everyone would love this album!.......2007-01-16

This album is fantastic. Easy to listen to and wonderful background music for working or dinner parties

Incredible.......2005-10-24

This is the leading guitar player of his generation at his best.

He is especially amazing in the second CD, with some of the solo guitar transcriptions of Albeniz. His rendition of Rodrigo's three pieces is also sublime.

I can't imagine anybody buying this cd then regretting it.

One well worth the price of two.......2004-09-25

This two cd set is an odd juxtaposition. The first cd consists of a sampler of Bream's career output - but without (and I believe the omission is disgraceful) any acknowledgement of Bream's significant contribution toward the creation of a truly 20th century concert repertoire for guitar. The second cd is a re-release of his superb early 1980's recording of Albeniz and Granados transcriptions with the added bonus of a sublime interpretation of the "Three Spanish Pieces" by J Rodrigo.

Speaking as a musician I find the selections and the production of the first cd problematic. We get a few of the more lightweight examples of renaissance lute and baroque guitar (but no JS Bach and no (solo) baroque lute work); we get no vihuela repertoire and nothing truly representative of classical period composition. We do have all six movements from two contrasting concertos but the remainder of the cd consists mostly of neo-romantic repertoire from the twentieth century. Worse still, the recording quality is highly variable; for example one of the Villa Lobos pieces sounds as though it was recorded in an indoor swimming complex. Given the cd's title more care should have been taken to better represent Bream's career and musical diversity. In the opinion of one familiar with Bream's output this is a disappointing selection. Well played but not representative of the artist nor the art form.

However the opposite is the case with the second cd. These recordings were made at a time when Bream set out to commit to (then) vinyl, via the guitar, the musical heritage of Spain. Bream here was at the height of his interpretive power - and a fine film documentary also resulted from this endeavour.

The inclusion of the Rodrigo set makes this cd a better buy than the original Albeniz and Granados recording, although those who find this compilation rewarding might perhaps profit from researching Bream's catalogue, and adding the complete recording from which the Rodrigo is sourced (circa 1980-90) to their collection.

As for the Albeniz and Granados Bream offers his own transcriptions. These tread a fine line between fidelity to the piano scores and Bream's concept of what works on the guitar. As a general observation Bream seeks to include significantly more of the original score's textures than do many of his peers (e.g. J Williams, P Romero). At the same time he is not averse to significantly modifying the original (e.g. amongst others 'Granada' and 'Cordoba'). Such a process is part of any transcription but here the results are not only excellent but also personal to Bream, as a result we have further confirmation of the craft of a great performing artist.

Every listener will discover their own favourites and I have more than space allows me to relate. I believe that Bream brings more expression to his performances of the Valses Poeticos by Granados than any other guitarist I have heard, and the Passacaglia by Rodrigo is played with such a sense of a brooding menace that my spine tingles every time I listen to it.

The second cd alone is worth twice the compilation's asking price.

Average customer rating: "Dreams of a World": A Dialogue... Dreams with raw emotions. Still a dream ... An Elegant Journey Around The World Simply Superb

Dreams of a World Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lecuona | Lecuona, Ernesto | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Takemitsu | Takemitsu, Toru | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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: Journey to the Amazon Sharon Isbin Plays Baroque Favorites for Guitar Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur Greatest Hits Latin Romances for Guitar ASIN: B00002DEUI Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

1. Virgillo
2. Cancion
3. Danza No. 1
4. Fantasia
5. Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair
6. Darling Cora
7. Putney Hymn
8. Finale
9. Londonderry Air
10. Agua E Vinho
11. Romanza
12. Brisas Del Torbes
13. Canto Siboney
14. Preludio No. 6: Dolor
15. Recuerdos De La Alhambra
16. Four Songs: Of Sting And Honey - Tomorrow - Jerusalem Of Gold - Spy Girl
17. One Day In May
18. You Have Set My Star
19. Varre Vento
20. Dedicatoria

Amazon.com

This disc is obviously aimed at the world-music audience, if one judges from its title and the subtitle, "Folk-Inspired Music for Guitar." But that shouldn't dissuade listeners interested in more serious music. Isbin has collected original pieces and arrangements from Spain, Latin America, Appalachia, Ireland, Israel, and Greece--all of them quite lovely. It's really amazing to hear, for example, the "Londonderry Air," better known as "Danny Boy," in such a sympathetic arrangement by the late Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu. She plays with such technical mastery that you wind up taking it for granted, while appreciating her songful delivery of this highly varied program of music, which was mostly first intended for the human voice. The uncommonly attractive booklet, including photos of Isbin as a world traveler, is another asset to this fine program, as is Teldec's realistic recorded sound. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

"Dreams of a World": A Dialogue..........2005-03-28

I was introduced to Ms. Isbin's music this winter during a trip when a friend had "Dreams of a World" on for 3 days straight, dawn to dusk. Typically, after listening to the same CD twice, one gets bored or annoyed. Yet, this was not the case; on the contrary "Dreams of a World" warmed us up --it was delicately beautiful. Ms. Isbin employs an astonishing pallet of colors, which she blends with unprecedented technical mastery and imaginative nuances throughout her oeuvre.

Cancion y danza for guitar, Agua E Vinho Mahar and Yerushala'im shel zahav are pieces which can easily be overly sentimental and languorous. Ms. Isbin keeps a pleasant balance between the melancholy in her phrasing, the underlying dynamism of her voice
and the warm character of the pieces. I can only recommend Dreams of a World to anyone in search of high quality music played by an artist, not merely a technician.

Dreams with raw emotions. .......2005-01-24

This is one of my all time favorite CD. When critics call Sharon Isbin the "Monet of the guitar" or the "preeminent guitarist of our time" they only begin do justice to her mastery of the instrument. On this CD my favorite pieces are Agua E Vinho, Cancíon y danza for guitar, Recuerdos de la Alhambra. They are superbly played; they are flawless, passionate ,very moving. I cannot help feeling transcend when listening to Dreams of a World. Ms. Isbin does more than play nice music from all over the world; in this CD she shares her heartfelt dreams of a world.

I highly recommend Dreams of a World.

Still a dream ..........2004-12-26

This has long been my favorite classical guitar recording, and I just put it on again after hearing another recent favorite recording ("Reflections of Spain") played by David Russell, who is perhaps the most gifted contemporary guitarist on record. I was inspired to do so by Russell's performance of the "Cancion y Danza No. 1" by Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, which though quite excellent, I knew right away was quite different from Isbin's take on the same piece.

First, let me say, I hope that they are good friends, because they are both landmark musicians and worthy "competitors." Both clearly play with absolute love for both the music and the instrument. In short, I prefer Isbin's recording of the Pipo "Danza," even though, overall, Russell's playing is technically cleaner and more facile (but not by much). (Across his entire CD, I recall barely any string noise from Russell, where as Isbin manages a mere dozen or so clear such imperfections across her entire and ample CD; big deal).

I think the thing that draws me to Isbin in this piece (and her CD, in general) is her incredible variety of rhythm, attack, and tone color, all of which combine to give an impression of near perfect balance between spontaneity and precision. She has a way of taking time without the slightest sense of delay or heaviness. This is probably because her tempo never changes, only the rhythm around it, which is a classic hallmark of rhythmic mastery. This means that she hears and feels, both deeply and objectively, every moment of "sound and space" (notes and rest) from beginning to end, like an unbroken line painted across a master's canvas. Combined with this, she uses the space between her bridge and finger board to elicit the most amazing contrasts in tone color (one of the great contributions of Segovia to the art).

Russell plays with equal mastery of rhythm and attack, perhaps aided by the remarkable sonic depth built into his guitar. While he makes maximum use of that wonderful guitar sound, he is somewhat less dramatic in his changes of volume and tone color between phrases, aiming for a more consistent and lyrical quality, certainly another aim of mastery in itself, but there in lies the difference. Still, his sharp shaping of phrases, especially in his choice of Spanish music on his entire CD, with that impeccable technique behind it, weaves a spell all its own.

So, even though Russell's is among the finest pure Spanish musical CDs available, and one of my favorite in that genre (musical realm), I still have to give my nod to Isbin's multi-national effort for its unmatched ability to conjure, especially today, the most sublime dreams of a better world.

An Elegant Journey Around The World.......2004-07-09

From the moment I put this CD on my player to the time the CD ended, I was transfixed. This CD is such a delight to the ears, that it is difficult to put into words the emotions experienced while listening. I attended a NY Philharmonic performance several weeks ago with guest soloist Sharon Isbin. Her live performance was mesmerizing. She did an encore performance of "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" which took my breath away. The NY Times reviewer called it a "...virtuoso encore...". How wonderful that this piece appears on Dreams of a World. A CD that will transport you around the world with the flavors of outstanding compositions interpreted by a musician who is one of the greatest living classical guitarists today. Do yourself a favor and experience the magic.

Simply Superb.......2004-07-07

You don't have to be a classical music expert to love this CD. It is accessible to both the novice as well as the sophisticated listener.

Dreams of a World is the type of CD you come back to over and over again. Each listening reveals a new layer of complexity and mastery. To master an instrument requires a unique blend of disciplined technique and creative emotion. One may aspire to being a perfect technician and yet lack in emotive nuance. One may aspire to evoke emotion and yet lack proper technique. In either case the listener is left wanting. Isbin however, inspires by combining flawless technique with passionate creativity. For example, the works by Neomi Shemer shimmer. Isbin's technique, her emotion, and her versatility shine forth on this CD. This is a beautiful work, and should be in every music lovers collection.

Average customer rating: more wonderous with each passing year Pinnacle The Perfect Storm Parkening Play Bach and Plays Him Stunningly! Masterpiece

Christopher Parkening plays Bach Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi Guitar Concertos & Warlock Capriol Suite ASIN: B000002RNJ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Canata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
2. Sonata VI For Violin, E Major Partita: Gavotte
3. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude I
4. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude VI
5. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude IX
6. Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
7. Prelude, Fugue And Allegro In E Flat Major For Clavier, Original For Lute): Prelude and Allegro
8. Cello Suite V: Gavotte I And II
9. Cello Suite VI: Gavotte I And II
10. Cantata 140: Sleepers, Awake
11. Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Sarabande And Variations
12. Samson: Minuet in D
13. Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Giga
14. Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Passacaglia
15. Ordres, Book II: Les Barricades mysterieuses
16. Parkening Plays Bach And Music Of Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin And Others: Preambulo And Allegro vivo

Customer Reviews:

more wonderous with each passing year.......2006-11-13

Most of the reviewers have said (and better than I can) what makes this album so special. I remember having this on cassette and wearing it out. People who have no interest (and sometimes I can't blame them...) in classical music might grow fond of this if they give it a try. You don't need any kind of background or knowledge, just a willingness to open your heart and ears to something so sublime it is beyond words. Bach is our true musical spiritual leader!

Pinnacle.......2005-10-24

I can't over-exaggerate the impact this album had on me when my Dad played it for me when I was about 6. It encouraged me to become a guitarist, and hearing it was my first truly profound musical experience that I can remember.

I love all kinds of music, but nothing has touched me like this album in the 19 years since then. Parkening's reading of Bach arranged for the classical guitar is flawless on this recording; no one, not even his mentor has matched it.

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", "Sheep May Safely Graze" and especially "Sleepers Awake" are the best renditions of these songs that I've heard, regardless of the arrangement. His control and dynamics are just staggering.

I can't explain where this album or music came from. It's my absolute favourite album. It's part of human evolution and the continually unfolding Great Work.

The Perfect Storm.......2005-04-07

The are times when the musician, the composer, and the instrument just match perfectly; this disc is an example of that.

Nevermind that Bach never wrote a single note for the guitar, many of his pieces actually work better on the guitar than they would the clavier. The guitar provides much more opportunity for the musician to impart emotion by varying volume and tone. And Parkening capitalizes on that opportunity beautifully.

His playing is clean, thoughtful, and competent. This is, in my opinion, clearly Parkening's best recording. I highly recommend it. (I also recommend his In the Spanish Style, another of my favorites).

Parkening Play Bach and Plays Him Stunningly!.......2005-02-18

I have loved this recording for over 20 years. I had it on vinyl and was thrilled when it was released in 1985 onto CD along with 6 extra cuts. Originally a Bach interpretive LP of 10 tracks, the CD release added 6 compositions from Couperin, Handel, Weiss, Scarlatti and Visee.

This is now a rare recording, so get it while you can. It's peaceful, highly skilled and simply Christopher Parkening, playing bare and alone, and shining like the sterling musician he is!

Masterpiece.......2003-09-24

The music of J. S. Bach seems to bring out the best in Christopher Parkening. Mr. Parkening understands Bach, and plays his music with grace, intelligence and sensitivity. He displays those qualities magnificently on this collection.

The selections here represent a wide variety of Bach pieces: portions of cantatas, solo cello works, and pieces from the Well-Tempered Clavier. All of the pieces are transcribed skillfully for solo guitar, and every track flows naturally into the next. Standouts among the Bach pieces include "Sheep May Safely Graze" and "Sleepers Awake"--two meditative cantata selections which were so brilliantly arranged and performed that you'd almost think they were originally written for guitar.

And the additional baroque works presented here are not just "filler." Mr. Parkening gives stunning performances of great pieces composed by baroque giants like Handel, and he closes the recording in great style, with a passionate performance of Scarlatti.

Music doesn't get more enjoyable than this.

Average customer rating: Nice Mood Setting Music This CD stays in my car player Beautiful interpretations great music! not so great sound variations! A great, great collection!

Romantic Adagios Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | 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 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 Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 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 Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | 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 Ballets & Dances | 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 General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | 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 Rogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Movie Adagios Evening Adagios Romantic Adagios 2 Violin Adagios Cello Adagios ASIN: B00004C8TG Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

1. Adagio For Strings: Barber: Adagio for Strings
2. Meditation (Thais): Massenet: Meditation (Thais)
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18
4. Gymnopedies 1 and 3: Satie: Gymnopedies 1 and 3
5. Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K622: Mozart : Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K622
6. Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (Spartacus): Khachaturian: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia
7. Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight': Beethoven : Sonata in C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 'Moonlight'
8. Kol Nidrei: Bruch: Kol Nidrei
9. Nimrod (Enigma variations): Elgar: Nimrod (Enigma variations)
10. Symphony No. 5 In C Sharp Minor: Mahler: Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467: Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K467
2. Andante cantabile (String quartet No. 1): Tchaikovski: Andante cantabile (String quartet No. 1)
3. Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor: Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor
4. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ' From the New World': Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor ' From the New World'
5. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini: Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
6. Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana): Mascagni: Intermezzo (Cavalleria rusticana)
7. Clair de Lune: Debussy: Clair de lune
8. Concierto de Aranjuez: Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio
9. The Carnival Of The Animals: Saint-Saens: The Swan
10. Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Major, Op. 102: Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, op. 102 - Andante
11. Pavane, op 50: Faure: Pavane, op 50

Customer Reviews:

Nice Mood Setting Music.......2007-05-25

This is a very nice cd to listen to and sip red wine in one's back yard while reading a good book. Well worth to add to your collection.

This CD stays in my car player.......2005-07-25

This CD is one that I think even non-classical music lovers would like. It isn't too "classical" and some of the songs are the kind that keep going though your head until you can't help but play the disc again. It is a two disc set and priced no higher than most singles.

Beautiful interpretations.......2004-01-25

I agree with a previous reviewer on the minor problem
of variations in volume. Beyond that, I find every
piece beautiful. This interpretation of Barber's
Adagio is the most passionate I have ever heard. I also
find the Faure selection very touching. I love the
vocals. I recommend this set to anyone, if for no
other reason than the Barber piece.

great music! not so great sound variations!.......2003-07-07

The selections and the arrangements are truly excellent. There are some hard to find (on the same CD) pieces and adagios--Spartacus ; Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez; Mascagni's Intermezzo from Cavelleria...
But, better turn up the sound and then get away from the speakers. Parts of the selections are played so very softly that, when you turn up the volume to hear them, you will get blasted by those sections that have cresendos, or just plain louder sections. Too bad!
Very hard to enjoy in a car--or, even at home. if this problem did not exist, this is a 5 star plus!

A great, great collection!.......2001-10-01

I was stunned to see only two and a half stars for romantic adagios. I don't know how much you get to know by listening to only one "song" out of so many in this collection, but in my opinion this CD collection deserves a lot of credit. I had heard of Samuel Barber's Adagio for strings many times before and I was impressed but this was the first time that I was completely mesmerized. I highly recommend to any Barber fans to listen to this interpretation by David Zinman which is incredible. There seems to be so much passion and emotion! Also others such as Adagio of Spartacus and Clarinet Concerto just make the collection even better.

Meditation Music:

1. Gwendoline
2. Hansel & Gretel
3. Heal of the Hand
4. Instruments of Peace
5. Landscapes - Bass Meets Voice
6. Last Autumn's Dream
7. Lehár: Die lustige Witwe / Schwarzkopf, Gedda, Kunz, Ackermann
8. Montemezzi: L'amore dei tre re
9. Moon Run
10. Mozart - Lucio Silla / Augér, Donath, Mathis, Varady, Krenn, Schreier; Hager

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

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