Wagner: Die Walküre, Act 1

1. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Prelude
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
2. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Wes Herd dies auch sei
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
3. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Einen Unseligen labtest du
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
4. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Müd am Herd fand ich den Mann
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
5. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Friedmund darf ich nicht heißen
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
6. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Die so leidig Los dir beschied
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
7. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Ich weiß ein wildes Geschlecht
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
8. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Ein Schwert verheiß mir der Vater
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
9. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Schläfst du Gast?
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
   with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
   Conducted by Otto Klemperer
   
   
10. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
    with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
    Conducted by Otto Klemperer
    
    
11. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Du bist der Lenz
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
    with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
    Conducted by Otto Klemperer
    
    
12. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b O süsseste Wonne! Seligstes Weib!
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
    with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
    Conducted by Otto Klemperer
    
    
13. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Siegmund heiß' ich und Siegmund bin ich!
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
    with Helga Dernesch, William Cochran, Hans Sotin
    Conducted by Otto Klemperer
    
    

Wagner: Die Walküre, Act 1,Hans Sotin,Richard Wagner,Otto Klemperer,New Philharmonia Orchestra,Helga Dernesch,William Cochran,Testament,Classical,Classical Music,German/Austrian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio

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Average customer rating: The beautiful gift of opera... Pretty darn good The Opera #1 Opera Album Excellent assortment Great Selections

The #1 Opera Album Giacomo Puccini , Giuseppe Verdi , Léo Delibes , Georges Bizet , Umberto Giordano , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Richard Wagner , Gioachino Rossini , Alfredo Catalani , Jacques Offenbach , Ruggiero Leoncavallo , Charles Gounod , Gaetano Donizetti , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Richard Bonynge , Herbert von Karajan , Alberto Erede , Lamberto Gardelli , Giuseppe Patane , John Mauceri , Zubin Mehta , Charles Dutoit , Gyorgy Fischer , Riccardo Chailly , Istvan Kertesz , Leone Magiera , Evelino Pido , Gianandrea Gavazzeni , Renée Fleming , Cecilia Bartoli , Luciano Pavarotti , Jussi Bjorling , and Renata Tebaldi Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | 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Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B000059RXO Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

1. Carmen: Act 1: Prld - LPO/Sir Georg Solti
2. La Traviata: Brindisi: Libiamo, Ne'lieti Calici - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
3. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Luciano Pavarotti
4. Lakme: Flower Duet: Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
5. Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Jussi Bjorling
6. Carmen: Habanera: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Tatiana Troyanos/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis
7. Nabucco: Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va Pensiero - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hills
8. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove Sono - Kiri Te Kanawa
9. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
10. Lohengrin: Bridal Chor: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
11. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Renata Tebaldi
12. Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Leo Nucci
13. La Wally: Ebben?... Ne Andro Lontana - Angela Gheorghiu
14. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor - Wiener Staatsopernchor/Norbert Balatsch
15. Carmen: Flower Song: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Placido Domingo
16. Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/Chor De La Radio Suisse Romande, Pro Arte De Lausanne Et Du...
17. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
18. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
19. Les Pecheurs De Perles: C'est Toi... Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Gregory Cross/Gino Quilico

Tracks:

1. Die Walkure: The Ride Of The Valkyries - Wiener Phil/Solti
2. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete - Cecilia Bartoli
3. Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Luciano Pavarotti
4. La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti/Roland Panerai
5. Il Trovatore: Anvil Chor: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
6. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Jose Carreras
7. Don Giovanni: La Ci Darem La Mano - Lucia Popp/Tom Krause
8. Mattinata - Andrea Bocelli
9. Faust: Soldiers' Chor - Ambrosian Opr Chor/John McCarthy
10. L'elisir D'amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Roberto Alagna
11. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! - Montserrat Caballe
12. Don Giovanni: Champagne Aria: Finch'han Dal Vino - Bryn Terfel
13. Cosi Fan Tutte: Trio: Soave Sia Il Vento - Renee Fleming/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Michele Pertusi
14. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
15. Tosca: Vissi D'arte - Kiri Te Kanawa
16. Carmen: Toreador Song - Jose Van Dam/Tatiana Troyanos/Norma Burrowes/Jane Berbie/Thomas Allen/Pierre Thau/John Alldis...
17. Madama Butterfly: Love Duet: Vogliatemi Bene - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti
18. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Nat PO/Gianandrea Gavazzeni
19. Rusalka: O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
20. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
21. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis

Amazon.com

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen The Greatest Opera Show on Earth, The Yellow Guide: Classical Music, Best of the Millennium, and now there's The No. 1 Opera Album. But that's no surprise, since Universal has some of the finest interpreters in its catalogue to draw from. This two-CD set (at the price of one), for example, brings together the likes of Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and many more. Yet the other key to a successful compilation is canny anthologizing, and here again, you have a nice selection to give you a smattering of opera's heavyweights from the Italian, German, and French repertory (there's even a step outside the standard framework with an aria from Dvorák's lovely Rusalka). Ranging from 1959 to 1997, the choices from back catalogue will doubtless be the entry ticket for many into this grandest of the arts. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

The beautiful gift of opera..........2007-07-17

This 2-CD set is absolutely wonderful! You can close your eyes and feel like you're actually at the opera, listening to those beautiful voices bringing tears to your eyes. Nessun Dorma still stirs up emotions in me, no matter how many times I hear it. Great examples of opera to give someone wanting to get interested in this style of music.

Pretty darn good.......2007-07-04

This CD set has a lot of familiar music on it, so if you're a newbie, you might want to try starting with this. There are some great pieces on the first CD. I usually don't even make it to the second.

The Opera #1 Opera Album.......2007-06-07

The music is wonderful. The production is terrible!! The sound fades in and out and is very scratchy in some places.

Excellent assortment.......2007-05-12

I'm not a big opera fan but I wanted to expose an assorted selection for my kids. This was perfect since it included several recognizable selections.

Great Selections.......2007-03-31

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...

Average customer rating: Wonderful collection and price! Awesome collection! Helicopters? Marines? A great addition to my music collection Quintessential Wagner

Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | 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 New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Overture & Preludes The Best Of Wagner Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Wagner without Words 25 Thunderous Classics ASIN: B000009ON7 Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. The Valkyries: Ride Of The Valkyries
2. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Funeral March
3. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
4. The Flying Dutchman: Overture
5. The Flying Dutchman: Sailors' Chorus
6. The Rheingold: Journey Down To Nibelheim
7. The Mastersingers Of Nuremberg: Overture
8. Tannhauser: Overture
9. Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests
10. Tannhauser: Tannhauser's Pilgrimage
11. Siegfried: Act III Orchestral Interlude
12. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
13. Twilight Of The Gods: Finale
14. The Rheingold: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
2. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
3. Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
4. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
5. Parsifal: Transformation Scene
6. Tannhauser: Venusberg Music
7. Tannhauser: Pilgrims Chorus
8. The Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Prelude To Act III
9. The Rheingold: Vision Of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction)
10. Siegfried Idyll
11. Siegfried: Brunnhildes Awakening
12. Tristan And Isolde: Prelude To Act III
13. Tristan And Isolde: Death Of Isolde

Amazon.com

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes of Herbert von Karajan, with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Apocalypse Now--and the sound, some of it from very good originals, seems to have been juiced with a little added digital reverb, resulting in an overall glassiness. The gaps between tracks are minimized, disco style, so there's no dead air, and the whole thing has an Entertainment Tonight feel to it. Were he around, Wagner would have screamed bloody murder, then happily taken his cut of the action. For today's on-the-go listener, this may well be the most practical way to enjoy Wagner's music, but we won't be happy until it motivates at least one newcomer to seek out a recording of a complete opera. Anyone who does that will find out what "apocalypse" really means. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful collection and price!.......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!

Awesome collection!.......2007-01-10

This is a great collection of some of Wagner's most memorable songs for those of you who do not want to buy the whole opera's for some of his works.

Helicopters? Marines?.......2006-12-05

Do those infotainment marketing mavens ever get it right? Talk about Hollywood disconnect! Not only are the helicopters irrelevant, but to quote from the gushy drivel on the jacket, "The gripping power of Richard Wagner's music was demonstrated with spectacular effect in...Apocalpse Now, when the "Ride of the Valkyries' became synonymous with the chilling journey of Marine 'Huey' helicopters into battle..."

Marine? Marine? Them Hueys in the movie was ARMY Air Cav, slick! "First of the ninth--air mobile." If you're going to dally down that primrose path, at least get it right.

Better yet, drop the choppers. Most people who listen to Wagner probably realize that quality of an artistic work has a mystically inverse relationship to the number of helicopters contained in it.

As for the music, it is good, but the operatic equivalent of sound bites, which may be just right for people who are new to Wagner or just can't take very much of him. Hmm...perfect for a helicopter ride, perhaps?

A great addition to my music collection.......2006-07-20

This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety. I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner.......2006-05-15

Okay, so I like Wagner. I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries". Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did? No. If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.

But if you like Wagner and appreciate "Ride Of The Valkyries", and maybe require it in just a little more substance than what is included in "Apocolypse Now Redux", then this is what you want. The extra tracks are bonuses and are quite good. Meets my needs, presentation great, performance excellent. I recommend it for anyone that needs a Wagner fix.

Average customer rating: A well-kept secret Essential Wagner Excellent Wagner from a surprising source ... or maybe not! Go For Boult Memorable and dramatic- A must have for Wagner fans

Wagner: Overtures & Preludes Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Tristan und Isolde/Parsifal/Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg/Lohengrin/Tannhäuser The Best Of Wagner Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition ASIN: B000002S08 Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. Tannher: Overture
2. Tannher: Grand March
3. Der Fliegende Holler: Overture
4. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 1
5. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 3
6. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Overture
7. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act 3
8. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 1

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 3
2. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 1
3. Parsifal: Act 1 Transformation scene
4. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 3
5. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
6. Das Rheingold: Entrance of the Gods
7. Die Walkure: Ride of the Walkyries
8. Siegfried: Forest murmurs
9. Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
10. Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Funeral March

Customer Reviews:

A well-kept secret.......2007-05-18

Everyone wants to have a crack at the "bleeding chunks" eventually, and while I love the flashier Stoky and Furtwangler approach, I wouldn't want to be without the Boult. He's a great Wagnerian, strange as it may seem. Who could blame him for not wanting to go down in history merely as the finest Holstian? As long as this stays in print, Ormandy will still be considered the least sexy conductor. (I heard CBS researchers found an Ormandy fan once!)

Essential Wagner.......2006-06-17

As a child, this set was my first experience of Wagner's music, and it made quite an impression on me. However, as I grew older and began to collect the full operas I felt I could surely do better than Adrian Boult and the British for a collection of the preludes, overtures, and orchestral music from the operas. I was wrong. I have yet to here any recordings that can match the power and intensity as demonstrated in these discs from Boult and the LSO (and LPO). The Meistersinger prelude alone is worth the price, and the only version of the prelude to Tristan which outdoes the one here is Bohm's live 1966 Tristan. The Solti, Karajan, and Klemperer highlight discs have their moments (and truthfully, I do prefer Solti and Karajan for the "Ring" highlights), but their contributions are greatest in the full operas, and overall, they simply can't muster the power and intensity that Boult brings to these preludes, overtures, etc.

Even if you have other compilations of Wagner's music in "bleeding chunks", I can assure you they don't come close to this one; and with two discs (the second containing mostly music from Parsifal and the "Ring") at 14 bucks, there is absolutely no excuse not to have this essential recording. So go ahead and buy this disc, never buy another Wagner compilation again, and with the money you save get started on the more important task at hand: the full operas.

Excellent Wagner from a surprising source ... or maybe not!.......2004-09-27

Does Sir Adrian Boult conjure up of images of Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughn Williams, but not Wagner? You're not alone! Nevertheless, this is a double CD set not to be missed! Many years ago, I was listening to a classical radio music station in NYC that was playing the music of Wagner. The performance was so good, that I wouldn't leave the radio until I found out the name of the conductor. When the announcer said the conductor was Sir Adrian Boult, I was quite surprised. I had recordings of English music from Sir Adrian on Angel/EMI, but I never associated that conductor with Wagner. Having been blessed with a friend who had knowledge of classical music way beyond his years, I gave him a call to find out more about the recording. He told me that, Boult had solid expertise in the area of Germanic music, but, in England, had been overshadowed in that repertoire by Otto Klemperer. He told me not to be surprised about Boult's very fine Wagner, it was an excellent recording to purchase and, indeed, search out Sir Adrian's wonderful performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (now available on Vanguard). Fast-forward many years and I find myself browsing through Amazon for a recording of Wagner's Overtures and Preludes. Like everyone else I know, I foolishly jettisoned my LPs in the 1990s and have been "back-filling" ever since. Well, I was able to obtain this splendid set for less than $7 per CD! There are a total of 18 selections covering most of Wagner's operas including five excerpts from the Ring Cycle. The performances are excellent coming from no less than three British orchestras, and the sound is top-shelf EMI. Sir Adrian's pacing is measured and his vision is broad and sensitive, highlighting the beauty and grandeur --rather than just the fire-- of this glorious music. I heartily recommend this two-CD set, and at this price, I think it's a steal.

Go For Boult.......2003-07-08

Sir Adrian Boult is best known for his recordings of the British repertoire, and his performances, particularly of Holst's "The Planets" and Elgar's Symphonies and Orchestral Works, are legendary. But Boult was also an excellent conductor of Beethoven, Brahms and Wagner, and this 2-CD set collects the Overtures and Preludes of the latter German titan. These stereo recordings from the early to mid-1970s with the New Philharmonia Orchestra, and London Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras are truly first rate. EMI's set compares nicely in terms of price, quality and musical offerings with competing sets by DG (Bohm, Kubelik, et al) and Sony (Ormandy & Szell). You might have reservations about getting German music conducted by a Brit, but you really can't go wrong with Boult.

Memorable and dramatic- A must have for Wagner fans.......2000-03-20

I bought this cd for the following reasons: 1 I'm a Wagner fan, 2 the cover looks exquisite and 3 I wanted to hear a "prelude" since it sounds fancy and never heard one. The result is great cd. The Tannhauser overture, Tristan and Isolde prelude and Lohengrin Prelude to act 3 are all very excellent. Excerpts from the Ring of the Nibelunge aren't as good as I had anticipated but are still enjoyable. The music speaks the tales of Wagner's operas. Just hear it, as slow and irksome as they maybe, these preludes make you feel the tragic love of Tristan and Isolde, the epic odyssey of Lohengrin and the holy, heavenly spirit in Parsifal as he discovers the Holy Grail. Buy this CD and you won't regret it. Except that one bit from Gotterdammerung, Siegfried's Funeral March. It does'nt quite have the feel of grand disaster as it did in John Boorman's film Excalibur. If you're hoping to find that version(which is better) stick with the Classics Go To The Movies Vol 2 cd. But all the other pieces on this CD are excellent. Go and buy this CD- now !

Average customer rating: Unbelievable , this is Opera For those who like the stirring operatic bits EDUCATIONAL Some of Opera's Best Gems Some of Opera's Best Gems

The Movies Go To The Opera: Great Operatic Melodies featured in Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Opera Goes to the Movies The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album Mad about The Classics ASIN: B000002SQ3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Fatal Attraction- Madama Butterfly- Un bel di
2. Death Of Butterfly
3. Giacomo Puccini / Turandot-Nessun Dorma (Witches Of Eastwick)
4. Lakme-Viens, Mallika (Someone To Watch Over Me)
5. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz (Moonstruck)
6. La Boheme-Mimi's Farewell (Moonstruck)
7. Dark Eyes / Una voce poco fa
8. Apocalypse Now / Ride of the Valkyries
9. Jean De Florette, Manon Of The Spring / Overture
10. La Wally-Ebben? Ne Andr Lontano (Diva)
11. Les Pecheurs De Perles-Au Fond Du Temple Saint (Gallipoli)
12. Manon Lescaut-Sola, Perduta E Abbandonata (Hannah And Her Sisters)
13. Gianni Schicchi-Firenze-Come...(Room With A View)
14. Gianni Schicchi-O Mio Babbino Caro (Room With A View)
15. Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta
16. Cavalleria Rusticana-Intermezzo (Raging Bull)

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievable , this is Opera.......2007-06-26

These are opera melodies that have been adapted to some outstanding feature films. Looking at some of the scenes and hearing the music has enforced sight and sound. Even if you are not an opera buff or a movie buff you will be entralled by what you hear. You may even want to buy the film or the music album/

For those who like the stirring operatic bits.......2004-04-29

I'm not a diehard opera fan. That means I can't sit through the no or low musical sections. After all, opera is a visual art as well as an aural one, and there's alot of low energy periods where one would have to be watching it live to avoid slipping into a coma. If that. I tend to like the arias and the duets. These are the bill of fare on this album, with a healthy portion of brain glue added by each piece's tie-in with a major motion picture. For instance, a favorite picture of mine is the Australian production of "Gallipoli", which depicts the carnage inflicted on Aussie and Kiwi troopers doing the Queen's dirty work with wave after wave of direct frontal infantry assaults against Turkish heavily fortified breastworks and murdurous interlocking fields of fire of many heavy machine gun positions and pre-sited mortar batteries. There is a certain eerie and sad scene depicting a couple of young Aussie junior officers, boys really, in the tent of a superior on the night before the early morning attack. The viewer has the superior vision of recorded history, while these apple cheeks have no inkling of the mailed fist that will hammer them down in a few hours. The older officer puts a platter on the crank up Victrola, and for most of us, we get our first introduction to the haunting strains of "Au Fond du Temple Saint" from the French opera "Pêcheurs de Perles". I'm sure a portion of the haunting and eerie qualities stem from my total lack of french language skills. That piece will forever be associated with the bloodbath at Gallipoli Peninsula, at least as far as my brain goes. And so it goes with many of the other pieces of music in this collection. From "Apocolypse Now" is included the best piece of music to attack an enemy by, "Ride of the Valkyries" from the famous AirMobile copter assault, an attack scene that redefined cinematic battle sequencing forever. Everyone should recognise at least one musical movie slice here.
Tie ins include Raging Bull, Fatal Attraction, and Someone to Watch Over Me.

EDUCATIONAL.......2002-04-20

I BOUGHT THIS CD SOMETIME AGO WHEN I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERA. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CD'S OUT WHEN CONSIDERING TRYING TO TURN YOUNG PEOPLE ON TO THE ARTS, ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO THIS WILL DEFINETLY HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAVORITE.

Some of Opera's Best Gems.......2002-04-01

I've long been an opera fan, so you might expect me to sneer at a compilation. Not so! For opera fans, this is a "stroll down memory lane," offering some lovely jewels from well-loved operas. For those new to opera, this is a wonderful introduction. Even if you don't know the language or the story, you will be utterly transported by several of these arias.

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few tidbits about some of my favorites on this CD:

­- The angelic duet from Lakmé is about a sacred river in India whose banks are overflowing with fragrant spring flowers.

- In the duet from Les Pecheurs de Perles (Pearl Fishers), two men who are best friends sing rapturously about falling in love at first sight with a beautiful woman; for each it was an almost mystical experience. When they realize they are in love with the SAME woman, they are alarmed, and vow to not let anything destroy their friendship.

­- "Quando m'en vo" from La Bohème is really funny because a woman is bragging loudly about how popular she is, to make an ex-boyfriend jealous. (It works, and she wins him back.)

­- The second aria from La Bohème--Mimi's dying words to her lover Rodolfo and her dear friends--is beautiful and touching. However, you should also hear the glorious songs that Mimi and Rudolfo sing when they first fall in love! (Those are not in this collection.)

­- The dreamy and mysterious "Nessun Dorma" is sung by a man who eagerly anticipates being married to a beautiful princess the next day, but who may very well be put to death instead. His fate hangs in the balance as all the residents of ancient Peking stay awake all night, trying to discover his secret.

Of course, the only way to really know what opera is about is to go to a live performance, where you not only hear the glorious music but also enjoy the entertaining story, costumes, sets, and action. Good bets at first are operas by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini--hold off on Wagner for a while! ....

For what it's meant to do, I would give this CD full marks (5 stars).

Some of Opera's Best Gems.......2002-04-01

I've long been an opera fan, so you might expect me to sneer at a compilation. Not so! For opera fans, this is a "stroll down memory lane," offering some lovely jewels from well-loved operas. For those new to opera, this is a wonderful introduction. Even if you don't know the language or the story, you will be utterly transported by several of these arias.

Just to whet your appetite, here are a few tidbits about some of my favorites on this CD:

­- The angelic duet from Lakmé is about a sacred river in India whose banks are overflowing with fragrant spring flowers.

- In the duet from Les Pecheurs de Perles (Pearl Fishers), two men who are best friends sing rapturously about falling in love at first sight with a beautiful woman; for each it was an almost mystical experience. When they realize they are in love with the SAME woman, they are alarmed, and vow to not let anything destroy their friendship.

­- "Quando m'en vo" from La Bohème is really funny because a woman is bragging loudly about how popular she is, to make an ex-boyfriend jealous. (It works, and she wins him back.)

­- The second aria from La Bohème--Mimi's dying words to her lover Rodolfo and her dear friends--is beautiful and touching. However, you should also hear the glorious songs that Mimi and Rudolfo sing when they first fall in love! (Those are not in this collection.)

­- The dreamy and mysterious "Nessun Dorma" is sung by a man who eagerly anticipates being married to a beautiful princess the next day, but who may very well be put to death instead. His fate hangs in the balance as all the residents of ancient Peking stay awake all night, trying to discover his secret.

Of course, the only way to really know what opera is about is to go to a live performance, where you not only hear the glorious music but also enjoy the entertaining story, costumes, sets, and action. Good bets at first are operas by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini--hold off on Wagner for a while! Before going, be sure to get an overview of the story, e.g. on the Metropolitan Opera's Web site: ...

For what it's meant to do, I would give this CD full marks (5 stars).

Average customer rating: A great compilation THE Opera C.D. for the Opera Illiterate!

Opera Goes to the Movies Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Flotow | Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Catalani, Alfredo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Flotow, Friedrich von | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Caballé, Montserrat | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Soundtracks | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mad about The Classics The Movies Go To The Opera: Great Operatic Melodies featured in Classics at the Movies The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias ASIN: B000003F60 Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

1. Madama Butterfly: Un bel di (Fatal Attraction) - Leontyne Price
2. Turandot: Nessun dorma (The Witches Of Eastwick) - Jussi Bjoerling
3. La Boheme: Quando m'en vo (Moonstruck) - Anna Moffo
4. La Boheme: Donde lieta usci (Mimi's Addio) - Moonstruck - Leontyne Price
5. The Barber Of Seville: Una voce poco fa (Dark Eyes) - Roberta Peters
6. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries (Apocalypse Now) - Eugene Ormandy
7. La forza del destino: Overture (Jean de Florette) - James Levine
8. The Barber Of Seville: Overture (Prizzi's Honor) - Fritz Reiner
9. Gianni Schicchi: Firenze e come un albero fiorito (A Room With A View) - Peter Seiffert
10. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro (A Room With A View) - Leontyne Price
11. La rondine: Chi il bel sogno di Doretta (A Room With A View) - Anna Moffo
12. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo (Godfather III) - James Levine
13. Pagliacci: Vesti la biubba (The Untouchables) - Placido Domingo
14. La Wally: Ebben? Ne andro lontano (Diva) - Eva Marton
15. Rigoletto: Questa o quella (Wall Street) - Alfredo Kraus
16. La Boheme: O soave fanciulla (Moonstruck) - Placido Domingo
17. Manon Lescaut: Sola, perduta, abbandonata (Hannah And Her Sisters) - Leontyne Price
18. Martha: M'appari (The Grey Fox) - Placido Domingo

Customer Reviews:

A great compilation.......2006-01-10

As the other reviewer noted, I bought my copy of this after hearing someone else's and I had to have one of my own. A great gift, too. We gave this to people for Christmas one year with a couple of DVDs of the films (Prizzi's Honor among them). Highly recommended.

THE Opera C.D. for the Opera Illiterate!.......1999-04-19

If you only buy ONE opera C.D., this is it!!! A compillation of famous highlights from operas we all know we've heard before (but might not know where to find them again). Some of my favorites: #3Puccini's Turandot-"Nessun Dorma", #4 Delibes: Lakme-Viens Malika...Dome Epais, #5 Puccini's La Boheme-Quando M'en vo. All treasures.

Of course, there are a few selections that break the otherwise romantic, thought-provoking and quiet-whistful mood the rest of the C.D. creates: all selections that are symphony-only, such as #8 Wagner" Die Walkure - the thunder-crashing sound of the ride of the Valkyries, ever famous but disruptive.

In spite of the few objections, this is a C.D. well-worth having! (Everyone who's heard my copy buys one for themselves) Makes a GREAT gift, too.

Average customer rating: Sensuality Personified!

The Very Best of Régine Crespin Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Canteloube, Joseph | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | 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 Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Legend: Régine Crespin [CD & DVD] Italian Opera Arias Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été; et al / Crespin, Ansermet Very Best of The Very Best of Lucia Popp ASIN: B0006VYEJQ Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. Ils S'Eloignent Enfin...Sombre Foret
2. D'Amour L'Ardente Flamme
3. Les Grecs Ont Disparu...Malheureux Roi!
4. Nous Avons Vu Finir...Chers Tyriens
5. Je Vais Mourir...Adieu, Fiere Cite
6. Ah! Salome! Dans Ce Palais...Il Est Doux, Il Est Bon
7. Je Souffre
8. Mes Cheres Filles, J'Ai Encore A Vous Dire
9. Soir
10. Le Secret
11. Apres Un Reve
12. Clair De Lune
13. Lo Fiolaire
14. Lou Coucut
15. Coeur En Peril
16. Berceuse Creole

Tracks:

1. Einsam In Truben Tagen
2. Euch Luften, Die Mein Klagen
3. Eine Waffe Lass Mich Dir Weisen...Der Manner Sippe
4. Ich Sah Das Kind
5. I. Der Engel
6. II. Stehe Still!
7. III. Im Treibhaus
8. IV. Schmerzen
9. V. Traume
10. I. In Der Fremde
11. II. Intermezzo
12. III. Waldesgesprach
13. Timor Di Me?...D'Amor Sull'Ali Rosee
14. Ecco L'Orrido Campo...Ma Dall'Arido Stelo Divulsa
15. Tu Che Le Vanita
16. D'Art Et D'Amour

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Sensuality Personified!.......2005-04-27

This is one of the best collections of Regine Crespin. Of course, her Berlioz/Ravel set with Ansermet is definitive, but the beauty and soft womanliness of her voice can be heard in all the selections on this disc. The engineers went for her vocal best and they created a fine collection aptly titled "The Best of..." One would be unduly captious to find Crespin "brittle" of tone here.

It is by now, very difficult to imagine anyone singing "Il est doux" with more apt expression of the line than La Crespin. Wagner's Wesendonk lieder is simply sublime from start to finish and the Faure takes on new meaning. That she is comical, melancholy, fun and happy by turns singles her out. This collection captures all her awesome talent. Underneath it all seems to be a very, if I may, sexual energy.

Crespin must be heard to be believed and the miracle lies in that even her softest tones are really enveloping, never thin. All tones are open and this is why there are enough colors in Regine Crespin's delicious voice to paint the world a thousand times, but it may also be why she infamous for being short and edgy on top but I remind, never here is she such. She is a relaxed singer in superb voice, comfortable in her own olive skin and makes the most out of every word those poets wrote.

The whole collection is unique in pace, style, and voice. It is Regine Crespin...in a nutshell fabulous!

Average customer rating: Great collection but the title's a misnomer

Essential Opera Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | 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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Opera Essential Mozart Opera Essential Puccini Essential Bach Essential Verdi ASIN: B0009A41V0 Release Date: 2005-08-09

Customer Reviews:

Great collection but the title's a misnomer.......2006-07-17

The producers of Essential Opera 1 and 2 finally decided to give us a wonderful gift and combined the two for the price of one. The effect is an exciting collection for opera lovers and opera beginners alike. Thank you, producers.

However, I can't agree that the collection lives up to its name. How can it be essential when where is Maria Callas in the line-up? Absent Maria, any opera collection that deems itself "essential" deludes itself. Callas is as indispensable to opera as, say, Picasso is to cubism. To paraphrase Franco Zeffirelli, Callas showed us the maximum of what opera is. Callas IS essential opera.

This misnomer is made the more stark and jarring when one sees that a contemporaneous rival, Renata Tebaldi, is given two tracks to sing and Callas, none. Tebaldi was Callas' rival like Clementi was Mozart's--whoever remembers the rivals now? History has judged well who the masters are. So I listen to arias in this CD, arias that Callas have incomparably defined like Tosca's Vissi d'Arte, La Wallys's Ebben Ne'andro Lontana", to disappointment.

I'd give this disc four and a half stars for Callas' omission, but the Amazon rating system does not allow it. In any case, Tatiana Troyano's Habanera, Cecilia Bartoli's "Una Voce Poco fa," Krause, Popp, and Fassbaender's "Saove sia il vento," and Sutherland and Berbie's Lakme duet, and ten other tracks still make this compilation wonderful, exciting, and highly commendable. Do yourselves a favor and get this cd.

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

Mad about The Classics Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music 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 Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Paris Symphony Orchestra | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Opera Goes to the Movies Mad about Piano Mad About Mad About Mad About Baroque Mad About Guitars ASIN: B000001GKR Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. Thus Spake Zarathustra: Sunrise
2. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
3. Carmen Suite: March Of The Toreadors
4. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
5. Orpheus In The Underworld: Can Can
6. Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1): Morning Mood
7. William Tell Overture: Finale
8. Symphony No. 9 ('From The New World'): Largo (Theme)
9. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries
10. Prince Igor: Flowing Dance Of The Polovtsian Maidens-Men's Dance
11. Hungarian Dance No. 6
12. The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
13. The Four Seasons: 'Spring' - Allegro
14. Jesu, Joy Of The Man's Desiring - Bach
15. Canon In D
16. Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
17. Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio
18. Peer Gynt (Suite No. 1): In The Hall Of The Mountain King
19. The Firebird Suite: Finale
20. 1812 Overture: Finale - Tchaikovsky

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: A Grand Lady, A Grand Collection

Legend: Régine Crespin [CD & DVD] Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Régine Crespin Italian Opera Arias Regine Crespin Sings Berlioz, Schumann, Schubert, and Poulenc Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été; et al / Crespin, Ansermet Songs by Mahler, Handel & Peter Lieberson ASIN: B0009275XO Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

1. I. Der Engel
2. II. Stehe Still!
3. III. Im Treibhaus
4. IV. Schmerzen
5. V. Traume
6. Einsam In Truben Tagen
7. Euch Luften, Die Mein Klagen
8. Eine Waffe Lass Mich Dir Weisen
9. Ich Sah Das Kind
10. Dich, Teure Halle
11. Allmacht'ge Jungfrau
12. D'Amour L'Ardente Flamme
13. Nous Avons Vu Finir... Chers Tyriens
14. Ah, Je Vais Mourir... Adieu, Fiere Cite

Customer Reviews:

A Grand Lady, A Grand Collection.......2005-09-28

Few who have had the privilege of seeing and hearing Régine Crespin in person will be able to pass this fine album by. A beautiful voice, a beautiful presence, an intelligent and sensitive mind all informed her singing whether on the grand stages of opera or in recitals. Who could ever forget her inimitable Berlioz' 'Les Nuits d'été or Ravel's 'Shéhérazade'? Indeed, Crespin is a legend.

In this very fine album we hear a stunning 'Wesendonck Lieder' of Wagner with Georges Prêtre conducting the Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française. While some singers find these songs matronly Crespin infuses the poems with frail and tender love. Staying with Wagner (she was after all a reigning Sieglinde in her day) she offers arias from 'Lohengrin', 'Die Walküre', 'Parsifal', and 'Tannhäuser' (with Otto Ackermann
conducting the Orchestre du Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris)
demonstrating that this very French singer could produce a huge sound that easily sails over Wagner's orchestration. Finally she is heard in Berlioz' 'Les Troyens' and 'La Damnation de Faust' (again with Otto Ackermann). There is not a weak moment in these selections.

Included with this CD is a well-produced DVD of Crespin singing French art songs, showing the poise and involvement she brought to every performance. This is a treasureable package and certainly commands the respect of the title 'Legend. It is brilliant! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

Average customer rating: Always makes me happy The Opera Collection To Own great stuff! A fantastic collection Love this!

The Greatest Opera Show on Earth Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Catalani, Alfredo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Delibes, Leo | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Giordano, Umberto | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Dvorak, Antonin | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Offenbach, Jacques | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Fleming, Renee | C to G | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Troyanos, Tatiana | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Operas Greatest Moments / Domingo, Price, Caballé, Kraus, Norman, Lanza The #1 Opera Album The Most Famous Opera Duets The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera ASIN: B0000042I1 Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. Carmen: Prelude - Various Artists
2. La Traviata: Brindisi: Libiamo, Ne Lieti Calici - Various Artists
3. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Various Artists
4. Lakme: Flower duet: Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Various Artists
5. Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Various Artists
6. Carmen: Habanera: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Various Artists
7. Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va Pensiero - Various Artists
8. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove Sono - Various Artists
9. Rigoletto: La Donna obile - Various Artists
10. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Various Artists
11. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Various Artists
12. Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Various Artists
13. La Wally: Ebben?...Ne Andrntana - Various Artists
14. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Various Artists
15. Carmen: Flower Song: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Various Artists
16. Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour - Various Artists
17. Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Various Artists
18. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di - Various Artists
19. Les Pecheurs De Perles: C'est Toi...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Various Artists

Tracks:

1. Die Walkhe Ride Of The Valkyries - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
2. Le nozze di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
3. Pagliacci: Recitar!...Vesti la giubba - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
4. La Boh: O soave fanciulla - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
5. Il travatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le fosche - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
6. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
7. Don Giovanni: Li Darem La Mano - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
8. Mattinata - Leoncavallo
9. Faust: Soldiers' Chorus - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
10. L'Elisir d'Amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
11. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
12. Don Giovanni: Champagne Aria - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
13. Cosi fan tutte: Trio: Soave Sia Il Vento - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
14. Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
15. TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
16. Carmen: Toreador Song - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
17. Madama Butterly: Love Duet: Vogliatemi bene - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
18. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
19. Rusalka: O Silver Moon - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
20. La Boh: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH
21. Turandot: Nessun Dorma - GREATEST OPERA SHOW ON EARTH

Amazon.com

This really is a remarkable collection, and anyone even remotely interested in opera is bound to be vastly entertained by it. Almost everything and everyone is here, albeit in small doses: Tebaldi, Pavarotti (a lot), Bjoerling, Bartoli, Sutherland, Solti, Karajan, Troyanos, Gheorghiu, Nucci; the composers are Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, and all the other usual suspects. There are plenty of fine compilation sets on the market, and this is one of the best. One can only hope that it whets listeners' appetites for whole operas. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Always makes me happy.......2007-04-07

I just bought my second copy of this excellent CD because I literally wore the first one out. No matter how I feel before I play this music, I feel joy whenever I listen to it. Highly recommended to beginners and the more experienced opera listeners as well.

The Opera Collection To Own.......2002-01-22

For novices, and beginners who are having their first sample of the fine art of opera, this collection is a must have. In what are the most beloved and well-known operatic pieces, "celebrity" opera stars Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kenawa, Cecilia Bartoli, Andrea Bocelli, Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavoratti, provide a rich and colorful collection. Among the beautiful soprano arias you will find "Un Bel Di" from Madama Butterfly, "Voi Che Sapete" from Nozze Di Figaro and "Habenera" from Carmen great tenor arias such as the Flower Song from Carmen, Figaro's Aria from Barber of Seville. You will be enchanted with the fine ensembles from La Traviata (the waltz-like Brindisi) the Flower Duet from Lakme,the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore and the very rarely heard O Silver Moon from Dvorak's Rusalka, sung beautifully by Renee Fleming. This cd is a must have for opera and non-opera fans alike. Five star buy. Highlights include the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore with its powerful chorus, Va Pensiero from Nabucco with its message of hope and sung beautifully by the John Aldis Choir, and the lovely "Barcarolle" from the Tales of Hoffman. A beautiful tenor aria rarely performed also is "Mattinata" sung gorgeously by Bocelli. A five star buy. Opera has never sounded more attractive than it does in this high-quality cd.

great stuff!.......2001-04-19

this is a great CD. I got it as a birthday present from someone who knows how much I love opera. Lots of great selections here, sung by great singers. i want to be an opera singer! i lost it in Mexico and now I am buying another one online!

A fantastic collection.......2001-03-01

No question - this is an execellent collection of recordings! Rarely does one see this degree of variety and balance in the selection of composers, operas, conductors, and performers in a 2 CD set. If forced to be overly critical, though, I would make 3 points based on my personal preferences: First, I agree with those who feel Pavarotti is featured too often. Personally, I would rather have more Carreras (he appears only once - Donna non vidi mai from Manon Lescaut). Second, while there are some outstanding duets (like the pavarotti/sutherland brindisi from Traviata) and choruses (e.g., soldier's chorus from faust), there are too few ensembles. The Bella Figlia quartet from Rigoletto or the Mia Madre quintet from Figaro would have been excellent additions. Finally, there just ain't enough Wagner (is there ever?). We get only the bridal chorus from Lohengrin and the Ride of the Valkyries. The Meistersinger prize song or the pilgrim's chorus from Tannhauser would both have helped round out the set.

However, to make these additions without adding another CD, some of what's already there would have to go. And what's there now is so glorious, so representative of the great operatic works and (relatively recent) interpretations, I'd hate to see something else get left out.

Love this!.......2000-10-21

I enjoy opera and classical music quite a bit, without being a big opera buff. The selections for this CD are great -- some of my all-time favorites, and some pieces from operasI'd never heard before. I've been enjoying this from the moment I got it. This would make a great gift for someonoe like me.

Meditation Music:

1. Wagner In Bayreuth
2. Wagner: Tannhäus