Italiano [Import]

1. Mondo (My World)

2. Amore Scusami (My Love, Forgive Me)

3. Parla Più Piano (Theme from the Godfather)

4. Man Without Love

5. Che Sarà

6. Come Prima (For the First Time)

7. Italiano

8. Home to Mamma

9. Luna Mezz'o Mare

10. Alta Marea

11. Soli

12. On an Evening in Roma

13. Credi in Te (Believe in Yourself)

14. 'Na Sera' E Maggio (An Evening in May) [*]

L' Italiano,Patrizio Buanne,Universal,World Music

Average customer rating: Wonderful Great for putting kids to sleep! Very Relaxing A Must Have for all Parents of Little Children !!! Inspire the baby-within

Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: UltraSound - Music for the Unborn Child Bach for Babies Beethoven for Babies Build Your Baby's Brain More Mozart for Mothers-to-Be ASIN: B0000041EV Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

1. Divertimento In B-Flat (Adagio)
2. Cassation (Final-Musik) In G - Adgio
3. Divertimento In G Minor (Andante)
4. String Quartet No. 12 In B-Flat - Adagio
5. Divertimento In D, KV 131 - Adagio
6. 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' - Romance (Andante)
7. Divertimento In D, KV 136 - Andante
8. Serenade In B-Flat 'Gran Partita' - Adagio
9. Prelude No. 3 In F
10. String Quartet No. 1 In B-Flat - Adagio
11. Violin Concerto In D - Andante cantabile
12. Divertimento In B-Flat - Adagio

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-06-26

I bought this CD to listen to at work (I am 6 months pregnant). The quality is awesome and the choice of songs is perfect I can listen to it over and over.

Great for putting kids to sleep!.......2007-06-08

I absolutely love this CD! In fact this is our second one because we wore out the first since we played it so much. It is very soothing, and in fact we used it to help both our kids (now 4 and 18 mo) go to sleep since they were babies. I highly recommend it!

Very Relaxing.......2007-04-10

It is very soothing and really helps you relax. I enjoy listening to it in the car during my high stress commute.

A Must Have for all Parents of Little Children !!!.......2006-11-25

I bought this when my first baby was...well, a baby. That was 8 years ago. Now I am on my 4th copy of this cd (Mozart For Mothers to Be) and my 3rd child. Nothing works better. I'm on here to buy my 4th copy becasue I've worn them out over the years and have to keep replaceing them. My 8 and 3 year old still use it, and now the new baby, also. Make it part of your nightly bed time routine and you'll have good little sleepers in no time. I swear by it. It is very soothing, calming and not distracting so it won't drive you bonkers if you can hear it a little from the next room.

A truely great gift for new parents, or if you have a sleepless little one at home. Turn on the cd, turn down the lights and let it sooth them to sleep.

Inspire the baby-within.......2005-12-13

Beyond sheer musical appreciation and enjoyment, Mozart's music in general is ideal for gently stimulating the "creative centers" as well as instilling a sense well-being. While there is much academic disagreement about the extent or reality of the so-called "Mozart Effect," it doesn't take a genius to observe how Mozart's music puts most people (and probably babies-to-be) in a happy mood ready to take on the day's challenges. There is a simplicity - yet elegance and musical brilliance - in his music that is also well-suited for the youngest of children.

The selections on this CD are all excellent and represent a nice range of Mozart's compostions, emphasising those that are ideal for creating a pleasant backdrop for leisure, dining and social occasions ("divertimentos"). The recordings are from the creme of musicians famous for their Mozart. Few works are as elegant and soaring as the Serenade #10 for winds - an astonishingly beautiful tune made famous from the early scenes of the movie, "Amadeus." Mozart supreme gifts of music are even seen in such humble "background music" as these pieces. And such continuity of warm, leisurely tones as these over 70 minutes is ideal for inspiring the baby to-be if that is why you are considering this CD. Better to expose a baby to the gentile, lyrical music of Mozart than to the dissonant, loud and disturbing tones of some classical music written well after Mozart.

As the reviewer below rightfully notes, compilation CD's of various unrelated works like this one is not quite how classical music is best meant to be heard. But in a way it is better for many to start with such collections like this - especially for those who just want the more quiet selections that are unintrusive. In that respect, this collection can be satisfying for most anyone (not just moms or babies). I have a huge classical music collection, but still really enjoy listening to one full CD of similar-temperament music like this one that flows easily and smoothly that doesn't demand my attention but only seeks to delight. And, in the end, that was the simple and primary goal of many of Mozart's compositions - to be purely enjoyed and delighted.

Average customer rating: Excellent sample Some of the Best Storms Wonderful selections Great intro to Beethoven

Essential Beethoven Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances 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 Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces Essential Bach Essential Tchaikovsky Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces Essential Rachmaninov ASIN: B00005KBJQ Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

1. Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: I. Allegro Con Brio - Concertgebouw Orch/Bernard Haitink
2. Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: II. Allegretto - LSO/Antal Dorati
3. Romance No.2 in F, Op.50 - Arthur Grumiaux
4. Pno Son No.14 'Moonlight' in c#, Op.27 No.2: I. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
5. Fur Elise (Bagatelle in a, WoO 59) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
6. Pno Son No,17 in d, Op.31 No.2: III. Allegretto - Stephen Kovacevich
7. Spt in E flat, Op.20: V. Scherzo: Allegro Molto E Vivace - Members Of The Berlin Phil Octet
8. Pno Con No.3 in c, Op.37: II. Largo - Alfred Brendel
9. Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: IV. Allegro Vivace - Chicago SO/Sir Georg Solti
10. Ov 'Egmont', Op.84 - VPO/George Szell
11. Vn Con in D, Op.61: III. Rondo: Allegro - New Philharmonia Orch/Alceo Galliera

Tracks:

1. Pno Con No.5 'Emperor' in E flat, Op.73: II. Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Vladimir Ashkenazy
2. Sym No.6 'Pastoral' in F, Op.68: V. Allegretto: Shepherd's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings... - Staatskapelle Dresden/Colin Davis
3. Pno Con No.2 in B flat, Op.19: III. Rondo: Molto Allegro - Radu Lupu
4. Pno Son No.8 'Pathetique' in c, Op.13: II. Adagio Cantabile - Vladimir Ashkenazy
5. Str Qt in B flat, Op.130: V. Cavatina: Adagio Molto Espressivo - Qt Italiano
6. Bagatelle, Op.126 No.6 - Alfred Brendel
7. Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24: IV. Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo 'Spring' - Itzhak Perlman/Vladimir Ashkenazy
8. Minuet No.11, WoO 7 - ASMF/Neville Marriner
9. Pno Son No.14 'Moonlight' in c#, Op.27 No.2: III. Presto Agitato - Vladimir Ashkenazy
10. In Questa Tomba Oscura, WoO 133 - Luciano Pavarotti
11. Mir Ist So Wunderbar - Hildegard Behrens/Sona Ghazarian/David Kuebler/Hans Sotin
12. Oh Welche Lust (Prisoner's Chor) - Robert Johnson/Philip Kraus/Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
13. Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: Chor Finale (Excerpt) - Joan Sutherlan/Marilyn Horne/James King/Martti Talvela/Wiener Staatsopernchor

Customer Reviews:

Excellent sample.......2005-10-25

This two disc set is a good sampler of Beethoven; I had forgotten how inspiring his work could be. This set has motivated me to order all three of the Deutch Grammaphone two disc which together include all 9 of Beethoven's symphonies.

Some of the Best.......2005-09-11

Some of these songs are the best that I've heard. I also enjoy the fact that this album provides the ENTIRE movement or selection, unlike some of the other albums that I've heard that only play for a little bit of the song. One example is Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major Second Movement, this movement is one of my favorites to begin with and hearing it so smoothly and masterfully recorded made my heart sing the first time I heard this all the way to end (the other recordings usually stop after the major key shift after the first theme). Also the Egmont Overture is one of the best full versions that I've had the pleasure of enjoying performed this well. The Moonlight Sonata First Movement I found to be nice, but there are better versions out there. For those people just looking for a nice collection of Beethoven songs that are well recorded and well performed, I stronly suggest that you purchase this album.

Storms.......2005-03-09

Classical music compilations are extremely difficult to review. You are always fighting with someone else's opinion of what is "Best of" material. And why should we buy selections when we could buy the entire pieces and hear them played as the composers intended?

A quick answer would be simple: we simply cannot afford to purchase every single piece by every single composer we love. And if the buyer is familiar with the music, he or she would perhaps only want the famous selections everyone knows. In my case, I am particularly picky with recordings and don't have the time to meddle with libraries or going to stores that offer listening stations. Recordings vary greatly and so does playing ability. So why did I go with Essential Beethoven?

It is released with Decca, one of the finest classical music companies out there. You are guaranteed no gimmick or inexpensively recorded tracks on this compilation. Essential B. also has a wider selection than other compilations I looked at. For once, there isn't a movement to be found from the Fifth Symphony. If that's all you want to buy, look elsewhere. Essential B. has pieces I was not familiar with, so here I am listening to it.

Regrettably, there are three distinct issues with this recording, and I want to get them out of the way. 1. Für Elise is atrociously boring to listen to. As a pianist, it is fun to play and almost required learning for the beginner. It should've been dropped. 2. Piano Concerto No. 5 is missing the third movement. It is common to drop the first movement here, but the second and third movements are programmatically tied, providing some of the most emotionally charged music ever put down on lined paper. Also, this rendition of the concerto is less than inspiring and I regret that it is the famous Ashkenazy playing this version. There is almost no life in the playing. 3. The remastering could've been better. The listener will enjoy the loud and boisterous pieces, but the quieter parts, and even the soft piano solos, will have him straining his ears to the point of exasperation. Because of this, I recommend listening on headphones or in a place where you can turn the volume up a little more than usual.

That aside, the rest of the tracks are well recorded, extremely well played, and varied enough to quench even the most learned ears. Decca has included pieces conducted by Sir Georg Solti, one of the greatest conducters in my opinion. (Another "collection" solely conducted by Solti is the "Immortal Beloved" soundtrack.) The orchestral pieces are lush and the range is dynamic. (A little too dynamic, like I stated above, in some areas.) The inclusion of movement IV from Symphony no. 8 pleases me, as I feel this is the least appreciated symphony, overshadowed by Symphony no. 9

The piano pieces are some of the best renditions I've heard. I own all of Ashkenazy's sonatas, so it was nice to hear a movement from "The Tempest" played by Stephen Kovacevich, who plays with fierce determination. Selections from B's piano concertos are fantastic and have prompted me to delve further into listening to more concertos from him. The Rondo from Piano Concerto No. 2, played by Radu Lupu, is one of the most upbeat and wonderfully played pieces here.

To round things off nicely is a movement from the Violin Sonata No. 5, played by the one and only Itzhak Perlman! The piano is caressed by Mr. Ashkenazy himself, and he does so lovingly. You will also find pieces from a string quartet, a violin Romance (and orchestra), and one overture: the "Egmont." I'm not a huge fan of this rendition either, but that's probably because I've heard the Egmont a thousand times.

A huge bonus with this collection are the three choral selections at the end, two of which are from "Fidelio," an opera I've yet to hear in its entirety. The Prisoners' Chorus is beautiful. The introduction sounds very much like a major contribution to Charles Ives's 1906 piece "The Unanswered Question." The compilation ends with Symphony No. 9's finale, but unfortunately, it is a horribly edited excerpt, and mixed extremely hot. I have to turn my volume down everytime this comes on.

I would like to make a little note about the art design, however. Credit here is given to Mark Millington, who did a fine job blending black & white photos of storm clouds, an inspiring sculpture, and blackletter-styled fonts. The CDs themselves are a contrasting bright orange. As a sucker for marketing, I would've plunked money down for this compilation just for the art!

Wonderful selections.......2003-11-08

My kids and I have really enjoyed this CD. This is a great collection of music with high quality performances.

Great intro to Beethoven.......2003-04-05

Great intro to beethoven. There are many great performances by Ashkenazy, Academy of Saint Martin in the fields, Concertgetbouw Orchestra and many other exceptional artists. I would recommend this disc as it contains the masterpieces of beethoven, even though not all of them.

Average customer rating: A Marvelous Performance of Adeste Fideles Bocelli never disappoints! Worst C.D Ever...But still a great artist the Perry Como of operatic tenors Absolutely lovely!

Viaggio Italiano / Andrea Bocelli Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cardillo, Salvatore | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Capua, Eduardo di | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Curtis, Ernesto de | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cilea, Francesco | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | 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 Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bocelli, Andrea | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Romanza Andrea Bocelli - The Opera Album ~ Aria Cieli di Toscana Sogno Andrea Bocelli - Amore ASIN: B0000041OA Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

1. Turandot: Nessun dorma
2. L' Arlesiana: Lamento di Federico
3. Macbeth: Ah, la paterna mano
4. Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
5. Elisir d'amore: Una furtiva Iagrima
6. Panis Angelicus
7. Ava Maria
8. O Sole Mio
9. Core n'grato
10. Santa Lucia luntana
11. I' te vurria vasa
12. Tu, 'ca nun chiagne!
13. Marinarello
14. Piscatore 'e Pusilleco
15. Message Bocelli
16. Adeste Fideles (bonus track)

Amazon.com essential recording

Opera is in fashion, and the woods are full of pop vocalists who think they have the chops to sing arias. The best contender so far is Andrea Bocelli, who at least has a real voice, if a small one, and sometimes manages a really exciting tenor sound. Unfortunately, he is inconsistent in his tone and production, and, despite the fact that he's singing in his native language, he often sounds as though he has only the barest idea of what the words mean. The Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Fedoseyev, plays stodgily. Anyone with a real interest in tenor arias would be much better advised to check out recordings by the young Luciano Pavarotti. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

A Marvelous Performance of Adeste Fideles.......2006-11-13

Andrea Bocelli sings magnificently on this CD. Never have I heard Adeste Fidelis sung with such energy, joy, and understanding.

Bocelli never disappoints!.......2006-07-07

I hate to admit it but it has only been fairly recent that I "discovered" Andrea Bocelli, when he appeared on Oprah Winfrey(or was it Dr. Phil?), and American Idol. His voice mezmorized and touched me so much that I HAD to find out more. Over the last few weeks I have purchased apx. 6 of his CD's, and I can honestly say I love them all, including this one. Bocelli does not disappoint, and it doesnt seem to matter if he is singing in french, english, spanish or italian...as the purity, honesty and richness of his voice goes above and beyond various cultures and ethnicities. From a technical level, there are other well-knows (past and present) who are equal to or above Bocelli. However, what makes Andrea stand alone is a certain something that is hard to place your finger on, or put in to words, but all who appreciate him SEE and FEEL this. Some say he sings like an angel, or if God had a voice, it would sound like Bocelli. My own hypothesis is that Bocelli sings with his heart because his eyes cannot see the words. As such, along with his beautiful vocals pours forth his very spirit. It is this very essense that makes him so unique, and has caused so many people from all around the world to love him.

Worst C.D Ever...But still a great artist.......2006-06-22

Reviewed By D. J.P Vergaleto

I just had to write this review. I recently purchesed 3 Bocelli C.Ds and was rewarded with 1 Very good , 1 not bad, n this one that STINKS...IF THE REVIEWERS WERE HONEST I COULD HAVE SAVED SOME MONEY.... I buy a lot from Amazon, ITs a great site, and 99 percent of the time when i read reviews they are on the money and help me out a great deal....With that said

Let me say that this cd entices you with all the big name italian songs, BUT DONT LET IT FOOL YOU..It sounds like it was made in 1 day. Who ever mixed the album has Bocellis voice so loud it sounds like he is SCREAMING ( I THINK HE IS) AND the
orchestra sounds like it is made of 3 pieces as you can only faintly hear it. There is not 1 song on this C.D ID recommend.

But dont worry , if you like Bocelli and dont know what to buy
let me tell you that I Enjoyed (Cieli Di Toscana) The first song Melodramma Rivals Bocellis Con Te Partiro Which is on his ROMANZA C.D AND HIGHLY Recomended, Also Sogno is Another very good C.D. So save yourself money and stay away from this one.
Also his Verdi CD IS VERY well made, not as strong a voice as Caruso , but once you hear Bocelli you wont care. Great Great voice that is very Hypnotic and when you hear him you wont care if he is as good as Caruso because he is Different , totally different and there both great Tenors. Peace

the Perry Como of operatic tenors.......2006-03-25

I found this to be a wonderful cd. This was my first sustained exposure to Mr. Bocelli's art (I first heard his wonderful singing on the Charlotte Church cd "Time To Say Goodbye" -- also strongly recommended) and, on the whole, I enjoyed his singing very much. I also love Perry Como so the comparison above is not meant to be disparaging in any way, but merely to indicate that he's perhaps better in slower tempo pieces where the line of the melody naturally accentuates the richness of his voice. But if anyone doubts his chops, the first selection on this cd should put those doubts to rest -- his rendition of Puccini's "Nessun dorma" is both powerful and dramatic and stands up (dare I say it?) even to Pavarotti's.

Absolutely lovely!.......2006-02-25

Even though it was Andre Bocelli's Romanza CD that introduced me to his wonderful voice, I have to admit that I enjoy his opera offerings more than his popular works. I still enjoy Romanza and his other pop CD's, but it is his opera selections that seem to show the full beauty of his voice.

I am not an opera expert by any means, so I don't get hung up on whether or not someone is techically perfect or not. If I like it, that's good enough for me!

My teenage sons and I were in a pizza place the other day and above the noise, I heard a beautiful song- a male singer- and was shushing the boys, trying to determine who it was. With great patience, my 17 year old son said, "Mom, that's Andre Bocelli. Can't you tell?"

Enough said.

Average customer rating: Noticeably different from the original soundtrack, but that doesn't make it any less fantastic. pensieri da Staciella Do not confuse music you love with rendition you won't Great Quality Disappointing performance of classic Godfather music...

The Godfather: Trilogy 1, 2 & 3 Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Godfather Part III: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Godfather (1972 Film) The Godfather Part II (1974 Film) Mandolins from Italy: 24 Most Popular Melodies The Godfather DVD Collection ASIN: B000059LEY Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. The Godfather: The Godfather - Waltz
2. The Godfather: Love Theme From The Godfather
3. The Godfather: Sicilian Pastorale
4. The Godfather: The Pick-Up
5. The Godfather: The Godfather - Tarantella
6. The Godfather: The Godfather - Mazurka
7. The Godfather: The Godfather - Finale
8. The Godfather - Part II: The Immigrant
9. The Godfather - Part II: Kay
10. The Godfather - Part II: Marcia Stilo Italiano
11. The Godfather - Part II: The Godfather Part II - End Title
12. The Godfather - Part III: Marcia Religiosa
13. The Godfather - Part III: Marcia Festa
14. The Godfather - Part III: The Immigrant/Love Theme From The Godfather III.
15. The Godfather - Part III: The Godfather III - Intermezzo
16. The Godfather - Part III: Prld From Cavalleria Rusticana
17. The Godfather - Part III: Coda - The Godfather Part III Finale

Amazon.com

The Godfather saga may have its roots in pulp fiction, but the vision of director Francis Ford Coppola turned the story of Don Vito Corleone into an epic, multigenerational metaphor for modern American society and its place in the world. Coppola's musical choices were equally sage; aged Italian scoring legend Nino Rota's mournful solo trumpet theme ("Godfather Waltz") would become both a crucial, emotional link in all three films and an enduring modern icon on a par with the themes to Star Wars and Jaws.

This compendium gathers key themes from the Godfather trilogy in modern rerecordings, by conductor Paul Bateman and the Prague Philharmonic, that are sonically pristine and faithful to the originals. Utilizing the rich musical heritage of his native Italy (and occasionally evoking memories of his great collaborations with Fellini), Rota's Godfather music would ultimately net him his only Oscar ^®, for Godfather II. Carmine Coppola, the director's father, supplements Rota's work with music that's more distinctly ethnic, while the prelude from Italian classical composer Pietro Mascagani's masterful opera Cavalleria Rusticana becomes a crucial element in Godfather III, filling the void left by Rota's passing in 1979. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Noticeably different from the original soundtrack, but that doesn't make it any less fantastic........2006-11-10

When I first reading the reviews to this Soundtrack collection, I was a bit skeptical, as I read many reviews which mentioned the differences among this collection and the original soundtracks. Being a huge fan of the films and their music, I was a bit nervous about my purchase, but figured how bad could it sound? It's the Godfather!

However, when I got the CD in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised. While I did notice some differences (Tarantella sounds somewhat changed) between the Collection songs and the original analogs, they were not a change for worse. These tracks produced the same, if not greater emotional response than those from the films.

Listening to the whole soundtrack is a great experience from beginning to end for fans of the films and their music, and I absolutely praise the Prague Philharmonic orchestra, Crouch End Festival Chorus, and conductor Paul Bateman for their excellent transition of the original work into this 30th Anniversary collection.

If you like the music from the films, get this disc!

pensieri da Staciella.......2004-06-29

E un vero piacere per me quando ascolto a chisto disco perche le canzoni mi fanno ricordare Sicilia. Ma chisto disco manca solamente una canzone speciale, "E Bruciata La Terra." 'Sta canzone era cantata dal figghiu di Michele quando sono in Sicilia. Chista canzone e una canzone di Sicilia antica, rappresenta la cultura siciliana, e veramente e una canzone beddissima.

Do not confuse music you love with rendition you won't.......2003-11-11

I would not like to repeat what another reviewer said there: this is no original soundtrack. It is a very professional - and very uninspired - job by Prague Philarmonic who might have followed the music sheet but they lost the magic.

Yes, the tunes are memorable and, right from the first movements, they evoke the ghosts of complex cinematic imagery that are so deeply ingrained in the mind of anyone who loves this film. But the magic is gone. You know it's not THE soundtrack, and you've heard the real thing so many times.

The truth is that if you had Pavarotti to sing classic songs of The Rolling Stones, you would be disappointed with the result - despite the fact that Luciano has a much better voice than Mick Jagger.

Those artists who recorded the original soundtrack 30 years ago in Hollywood - and who remembers their names today? - were probably not as accomplished as the Prague Philarmonic. But they created the real thing, and therefore this cover disc will forever be no more than nice background music. That's all I use it for.

Great Quality.......2003-07-15

I bought this after watching the movies for the first time, and listened to it, without noticing any difference. I just went, "what an amazing remastering job", then I saw that they were re-recorded. I never thought there was that big a difference when watching the movies over and over, and I really scrutinize re-recordings generally(like those done for Star Wars).

I bought the regular Godfather 1 cd after this, and I've hardly touched it since I bought it. I think this Godfather Trilogy is far superior in audio quality and performance. I think it has more feeling then the originals.

Disappointing performance of classic Godfather music..........2003-01-09

I am a die-hard Godfather afficianado and I was terribly disappointed in this CD. When I purchased it, I didn't realize it was not a recording of the original soundtrack from the movie. Instead, it is a reproduction of the songs by The City of Prague Philharmonic. The performance is technically accurate, but does not at *all* convey the emotion of the movie's moments. It's as if the musicians studied the score, but never saw the movie. In track after track, the rhythms are not quite right, the mood is not set, etc, which is jarring for someone who knows the movies well. If you just want to hear some pleasing music, buy this CD. If you intend to buy a CD of The Godfather soundtrack in order to re-experience the magic of the Godfather movies themselves, look elsewhere.

Average customer rating: Italian Party Accordion music Italian style Angelo DiPippo CD Italian Staples Fantastic old world accordion

Accordion Italiano ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mandolins from Italy: 24 Most Popular Melodies Cafe de Paris: 1930-1941: 24 Accordion Classics Chansons, Accordions, Croissants: 25 Original French Accordion Songs Italian Mandoline: Funiculi Funicula Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics ASIN: B00005JGDE Release Date: 2001-04-15

Tracks:

1. Sicilian Tarantella
2. Tesoro Mio
3. Tarantella Napoletana
4. Godfather Mazurka
5. Quando, Quando
6. Mala Femmena
7. Scrivimi
8. La Danza
9. Medley: Tutti Mi Chiamano Bionda/Bella Ragazza Dalle Trece Bionde
10. La Spagnola
11. Gilda Polka
12. Dio Come Ti Amo
13. Meridionale Settentrionale
14. Quant E Bello Lu Primm Ammore
15. La Quadriglia
16. Parlami D'Amore Mariu
17. La Sbarazzina
18. Come Facette Mammeta
19. Tango Delle Capinere
20. Speranza Perduta
21. Chitarra Romana
22. A Frangesa
23. Scapricciatiello
24. O'Marenariello (Vicin' O Mare)
25. Foto Polka
26. A Tazza E Cafe
27. Carme
28. Roma Nun Fa La Stupida Stasera

Album Description

You'll be swept away to Italy by ANGELO DIPIPPO and His Friends. Bring the romantic music of Italy into your home, restaurant, with the incomparable accordion of maestro DiPippo. Perfect for entertaining, relaxing, dining. Dramatic Tangos, Tarantellas, LoveSongs, Samabas, Charming Street songs. Beautiful background music for any dinner party.

Customer Reviews:

Italian Party.......2007-04-02

This CD is a little carnival like for my taste. Most of the music has a polka, dance feel to it that you might hear at an amusement park or at a carnival. Fun music for some occasions, but not for relaxing with a glass of red Italian wine.

Accordion music Italian style.......2007-03-31

Great, traditional versions of well known tunes played on the Italian accordion.

Angelo DiPippo CD.......2007-01-10

Angelo has again created a wonderful CD with Accordion Italiano. His choice of pieces is excellent and his playing and technical brilliance is flawless. This is a real joy to listen to by this Accordion player. I am known in the industry as The CordeenMan - I have a free newsletter available at cordeenman.com

Italian Staples.......2006-11-05

This summer I visited Sienna, Italy and stayed at Hotel Bernini. The owner play a medeley of Italian accordian pieces. We were very impressed and I vowed when I got home to buy a CD such as this one. This CD brings back the memories of that wonderful visit.

Fantastic old world accordion.......2006-02-06

I wish I could find more stuff like this, but I don't know what to look for. I especially like the tarentellas. Amazon is silly for not making sound clips available on this album.

Average customer rating: mozart in my mind... Wonderful Selection of not as famous but good works! RESULTS "MY FAVORITE MOZART CD" A decent selection of Mozart's greatest uptempo hits

Mozart for Your Mind Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | 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 Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | 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 All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: More Mozart For Your Mind Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day Mozart for Meditation Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading Bach for Breakfast ASIN: B0000041CB Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto Allegro
2. 'The Magic Flute': Overture
3. Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor: Rondo (Allegro Assai)
4. String Quartet No. 14 In G: Molto Allegro
5. Sonata In D For Two Pianos: Allegro Con Spirito
6. Symhony No. 35 In D: Finale (Presto)
7. Symphony No. 25 In G Minor: Allegro Con Brio
8. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C: Allegro Vivace Assai
9. Serenade No. 10 In B-flat 'Gran Partita': Allegro Molto
10. Piano Concerto No. 19 In F: Allegro Assai
11. Symphony No. 41 In C 'Juniper': Molto Allegro

Customer Reviews:

mozart in my mind..........2006-08-04

it's a nice cd (great classical music of course), but you know, your mind can only take it so many times... I think I'm going to move on to MORE mozart for your mind

Wonderful Selection of not as famous but good works!.......2002-11-13

The two works on this CD that are most known are The Magic Flute Overture, which is filled with brilliance from measure one to the end, and the opening piece to the movie Amadeus, the G Minor Symphony. These two pieces are superb but just because they are more known, doesn't mean they are better than the rest of the works on this CD.
The Sonata in D Major for two pianos is incredibly brilliant. The first piano holds the main melody while the second piano mimicks it, and then a huge crescendo and BOOM! It is all over the place! (My father and I are both Pianists, and we both specialize in Mozart piano concertos and sonatas.) This piece is wonderful to listen to, and I plan to learn it. The three piano concertos are also spectacular and the Jupiter Finale is superb. There isn't a piece on this CD I can honestly say is even close to okay, they are all exceptionally good. I suggest buying this CD to add to your mozart collection.

RESULTS.......2000-07-29

BEFORE I LISTENED TO THIS CD, I KNEW NO MORE OF MOZART THAN DIM MEMORIES OF 'AMADEUS'.

AFTER LISTENING TO THIS CD BUT A FEW TIMES I BECAME OVERWHELMED BY THE NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS COMPOSER.

FOUR MONTHS LATER, I COMPLETED AN OPERA COVERING ALL THE WONDERFUL EVENTS OF THE EUROPEAN TOURS OF LEOPOLD AND WOLFGANG...WITH WOLFGANG'S ORIGINAL MUSIC.

I DO NOT BELIEVE I COULD HAVE DONE THIS BUT FOR THE INCREASE IN MY IQ FROM LISTENING TO THIS CD.

"MY FAVORITE MOZART CD".......2000-05-23

For some reason I got confused with "Mozart Makes You Smarter" and "Mozart for Your Mind". I actually condemned customers for giving "Mozart Makes You Smarter" a crummy score when I reviewed it, while the whole time I was thinking of the CD that I truely bought, "Mozart For Your Mind". "Mozart For Your Mind" has an excellent selection of works by this eighteenth-century genius, and I was never bored. On the other hand, I think I would of been greatly dissapointed if I had listened to the CD I was wrongfully praising. Almost all of the tracks on there are slow and tranquil. One review mentioned that the "Sonata in D Major for Two Pianos", which supposedly helped a couple people to do well on a test, wasn't on "Mozart Makes You Smarter". But it is included on "Mozart For your Mind", so I strongly recommend it. Not only for the sonata for two pianos, but the other concertos, symphonies, and chamber music as well. It is truely my favorite.

A decent selection of Mozart's greatest uptempo hits.......2000-05-10

"You'll come for the Magic Flute Overture -- you'll stay for some of the other pieces." This CD, despite its "all-star" selection of repertoire, is not the favorite among my growing Mozart collection. Nevertheless, it still holds a reasonably high position among my CD playlist. High enough that I can put it on as background music when I'm working, but I cannot stand to listen to the whole thing when my mind wants to concentrate more on the music.

Blasphemy, you say? Well, I enjoyed all the tracks equally at first, but as I collected more Mozart CDs and became more acquainted with his style, some of the tracks on this album grew weary from repeated playing. The movements from the Two-Piano Sonata, the Haffner Symphony, the Wind Serenade, and the "other" G minor Symphony (track 7) were the first to start grating on my ears. These are perhaps the "bottom of the barrel" on the CD -- melodic tracks that serve as a good introduction to Mozart's style, but are certainly not his greatest works. However, most of the other tracks are solid material that you can listen to again and again. The Magic Flute Overture (which I mentioned earlier) is the star selection of this album; it's a true masterpiece which benefits from a spirited performance. The selections from the Piano Concertos are also my personal favorites, and no-one can resist the triumphant Finale from the Jupiter Symphony.

But is it really "for your mind"? Well, if you think that you can gain several IQ points (or a few more A's on your report card) by simply listening to this CD, think again. Mozart won't make you smarter. Hard work and study will. Think of this CD as a "study aid" -- you can put it on while you're working, and the pleasant effect of the music will improve the efficiency of your thought processes. And of course, you'll become more musically knowledgable at the same time!

Highly recommended for beginning Mozart enthusiasts, and fans of classical music in general.

Average customer rating: Forgotten Gems Brought to Light! Excellent addition Relaxation music with a kick pure pleasure "Fandango" has a spanish flair and played with such novice.

The Best of Boccherini Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | 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 General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Boccherini: Quintets For Guitar And Strings Boccherini: String Quintets; Minuet in A /Europa Galante * Biondi Boccherini: Fandango, Sinfonie & La Musica Notturna di Madrid Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2 ASIN: B00000416O Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. Flute Concerto In D, Op. 27: I. Allegro moderato
2. Flute Concerto In D, Op. 27: II. Adagio
3. Flute Concerto In D, Op. 27: III. Rondeau
4. String Quintet In E, Op. 13 No. 5: Minuet
5. Guitar Quintet No. 4 In D: I. Pastorale
6. Guitar Quintet No. 4 In D: II. Allegro maestoso
7. Guitar Quintet No. 4 In D: III. Grave assai - Fandango
8. String Quartet In D, Op. 6 No. 1: I. Allegro vivace
9. String Quartet In D, Op. 6 No. 1: II. Adagio
10. String Quartet In D, Op. 6 No. 1: III. Minuetto In Rondeau
11. Cello Concerto In B Flat: I. Allegro moderato
12. Cello Concerto In B Flat: II. Andantino grazioso
13. Cello Concerto In B Flat: III. Rondo (Allegro)

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: I. Allegro con molto
2. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: II. Andantino amoroso
3. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: III. Tempo di minue
4. Symphony No. 3 In C, Op. 12: IV. Presto ma non tanto
5. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': I. Allegro maestoso assai
6. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': II. Andantino
7. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': III. Allegretto
8. Guitar Quintet No. 9 In C 'La Ritirata di Madrid': IV. 'La Ritirata di Madrid'
9. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: I. Allegro con spirito
10. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: II. Adagio non tanto
11. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: III. Minuetto
12. Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 12: IV. Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Forgotten Gems Brought to Light!.......2006-08-31

This was among my very first Boccherini albums (I own 34) and I consider it an absolutely essential collection of his music.

CONS: I wish the Quintet in E were presented in its entirity as this album presents it alone and thus out of its immediate context. Also, the playing on the Guitar Quintet #4 is a bit anemic, especially in the Fandango which sounds much better when played with force and zest(I strongly recommentd the version by Europa Galant) though Boccherini's beauty shines through. Finally, the Flute Concerto is not by Boccherini at all, but by Franz Pokorny.

PROS: Out of the four versions of the Cello Concerto in B flat that I own, this is BY FAR the most beautifully realized version. Its playing is so strong and full of life that I am continually amazed each time I hear it. Its Andantino Grazioso is one of the most beautiful pieces of music that you will ever hear. Boccherini has here reached the sublime. Also, this is the original version of this concerto as written by Boccherini, not the fake Greutzmacher hackjob that appears on some albums.
The String Quartet in D opens with an invigorating Allegro Vivace that is played with such excitement and warmth it will make you immagine you are running through a field of tall grass in the summertime.
The Allegro of the Symphony No. 3 stands up to any of Hayden or Mozart's symphonies. Its brief violin solo is gorgeous!
Finally, the Guitar Quintet #9 is at the same time full of kinetic brilliance and fragile tenderness.

The songs on this album are all gorgeous creations that deserve so much more of the spotlight than they currently have. In all, this is a GREAT introduction to the music of one of history's most beautiful (though forgotten) composers. I warmly recommend this to you.

Excellent addition .......2006-06-17

for any classical music collection.
I listen to this at work in my office. Relaxing and stimulating at the same time.

Relaxation music with a kick.......2006-03-24

I love his music. This CD just confirms that. Very good background music to relax by. Some of the selections have a little spice to them. It's that Spanish flair coming out I guess. Could listen to it everyday.

pure pleasure.......2004-05-30

wonderful recording...a perennial favorite perfect for a relaxing summer evening.

"Fandango" has a spanish flair and played with such novice........1999-04-14

Boccherini- The first classical masterpiece which comes to our mind is his "Minuet". Bochherini has composed over 100 string quintets especially when he was in Spain. No wonder the third movement-Grave assai-in the Guitar Quintet No.4 in D (Fandango)composition has such added spanish tinge to it. Pepe Romero on the guitar accompanied by the Academy of St.Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble has captured the essence of the music with great brilliance. This Phillips recording would be a worthy addition to your classical collection.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Revolutionary Music Played To The Extreme Excellent recordings Superb The way Beethoven would have wanted it

Beethoven: Late Quartets, Vol. 2 Ludwig van Beethoven , and Quartetto Italiano Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: The Late Quartets, Vol. 1 Schubert: String Quintet in C, D. 956 Brahms: The Complete Quintets Beethoven: The Late Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten ASIN: B0000041FM Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

1. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 1. Adagio ma non tropp e molto espressivo - Beethoven
2. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 2. Allegro molto vivace - Beethoven
3. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 3. Allegro moderato - Beethoven
4. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 4. Andante ma non troppo e molto cantabile - Beethoven
5. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 5. Presto - Beethoven
6. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 6. Adagio quasi un poco andante - Beethoven
7. String Quartet Op. 131 in C sharp minor: 7. Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

1. String Quartet Op. 132 in A minor: 1. Assai sostenuto - Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
2. String Quartet Op. 132 in A minor: 2. Allegro ma non tanto - L.V. Beethoven
3. String Quartet Op. 132 in A minor: 3. Canzona di ringraziamento. Molto adagio - Sentendo nuova forza. Andante - L.V. Beethoven
4. String Quartet Op. 132 in A minor: 4. Alla marcia, assai vivace - Piu allegro - Presto - L.V. Beethoven
5. String Quartet Op. 132 in A minor: 5. Allegro appassionato - L.V. Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-01-20

A Great performance of these truly beautiful string quartets, I simply love this CD. These two string quartets that Beethoven composed in his latter years are stunning and though every track on this CD is amazing the one track that stuck out to me the most was the third movement of the string quartet in A minor (op.132) the first time I heard this piece of music I was mesmerized.

Revolutionary Music Played To The Extreme.......2003-08-09

The late quartets are undoubtedly the most revolutionary works Beethoven ever penned. Not only do they totally break the structural mold by having more than just four movements, they also introduce new harmonic, melodic, and contrapuntal techniques which Beethoven uses to elicit extremes in emotion, the likes of which music had previously never experienced. Beethoven said of his late quartets that they were not meant for his time but rather another time. Perhaps now is that time. We have come to an age where we can finally begin to understand the emotion and sentiment that this music is infused with, and we can finally appreciate these masterpieces that his contemporaries viewed as nothing more than the last attempts of a deaf man to keep his legacy alive. These quartets are simply spectacular, and the Quarteto Italiano do an incredible job of playing these masterpieces. They play the music immaculately and they bring for the emotional extremes that Beethoven intended. The playing is really just perfect. I guess the one issue with these recordings is that they're from the 1970s, which means that there is a slight balance issue (as with all recordings of the era) in that the treble is slightly more emphasized than the ever important bass. However, this is a minor blemish and is not enough to detract from the overall good sound quality and the exceptional playing. This is a recommended CD, as is its sister CD, which features the incredible Grosse Fuge.

Excellent recordings.......2002-12-06

I agree with the other reviewers. These are exceptional performances and the sound quality is quite good. Just listen to the excerpts and you will hear how beautiful they sound. Beethoven would be proud of these performers.

Superb.......2002-06-18

I first purchased these performances of the late quartets on vinyl back in the early to mid 1970's. I have listened to these wonderful performances many times over the years, and I just don't get tired of them. I have four of five other versions of the Beethoven quartets, and certainly, there are other great recordings of these works, but for clarity, precsion, attack, pesuasive power, sheer beauty of sound, I just keep coming back to the QI. At a cost of two CD's for the price of one, this is a terrific deal on arguably the best version of these quartets ever recorded. I can't think of any reason not to purchase this -- except that you can buy a boxed set of all the quartets for about [price].

The way Beethoven would have wanted it.......2002-03-08

One of the truly amazing recordings of one of Beethoven's greatest works. The quartet plays with simplicity, eloquence and with a lyrical tone that few can hope to match. Each of the movements is carefully crafted, and the playing is a window into the composer's soul, as also the wonderful interplay between the members of the quartets. I especially love the adagio, where each theme is a shining gem; these players imbue it with a brilliance that makes me breathless for more.

Average customer rating: Impeccable yet Lusty Performances of the Beloved Brandenburg Concerti Italianate Brandenburgs - and a bonus DVD

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Johann Sebastian Bach , Concerto Italiano , and Rinaldo Alessandrini Manufacturer: Opus 111 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Schubert: String Quartets Nos. 13 & 14 Haydn: The Paris Symphonies Nos. 82-87 Gramophone Classical Good CD, DVD & Download Guide 2007 (Classical Good CD, DVD, & Download Guide) (Classical Good CD, DVD, & Download Guide) Bach: The Art of Fugue; Keyboard Concertos Vivaldi Edition: Le Quattro Stagioni (with bonus CD: Portrait) ASIN: B000ALCFYI Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

1. (...)
2. Adagio
3. Allegro
4. Menuet
5. Trio A 2 Hautbois E Bassono. Corni E Vile Tacent
6. Menuet Repetat
7. Poloinesse. Tutti Violini E Viole Ma Piano. Violino Piccolo Tacet
8. Menuet Ab Inizio
9. Trio A 2 Corni & 3 Hautbois In Unissono
10. Menuet (...) Ab Inizio/Avec Grande Reprise
11. (...)
12. Andante
13. Allegro Assai
14. (...)
15. Adagio. Allegro
16. Sinfonia

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Presto
4. Allegro
5. Affettuoso
6. Allegro
7. Cadenza (First Version; 1st Movement: Bars 147-180)
8. (...)
9. Adagio, Ma Non Tanto
10. Allegro

Amazon.com

If you're familiar with Alessandrini and his sparkling period instrument ensemble you expect interpretations featuring rhythmic drive, colorful playing, and original insights. Those characteristics are what help make this version of Bach's perennial and oft-recorded Brandenburg Concertos so compelling. Tempos are generally on the fast side, but never overly swift, while slow movements have just the right touch of soulfulness. Virtually without exception, the solo bits are done with imaginative, fluent expertise, and Gabriele Cassone's rendition of the famous trumpet part of the Second Brandenburg provides musical thrills, as well as virtuoso ones. Alessandrini himself takes us on a wild ride through the Fifth Concerto's brilliant harpsichord cadenza. In addition to the complete Brandenburgs, this set includes another, earlier version of the Fifth's harpsichord solo, a cantata Sinfonia drawn from the Third's opening movement, and a 43' DVD film featuring scenes from the recording sessions and an interview with Alessandrini about Bach. Add Naïve's superb sonics and this set zooms into the preferred handful of Brandenburg Concerto recordings. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Impeccable yet Lusty Performances of the Beloved Brandenburg Concerti.......2006-02-04

Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano offer one of the most exhilarating performances of the much recorded and much performed Bach Brandenburg Concerti in the available repertoire today. The zest, warmth and easy tenderness these works convey has rarely sounded so fresh and well played. Each of the 'solo instruments' are superb and the recorded sound is so clear that it begs credibility that the listener is not in the hall with the Concerto Italiano.

While there are numerous recordings, both in the archives and in the seemingly yearly new releases, this 2 CD set is, for this listener, the most rewarding. And for those who like to get the feel of the backstage machinations of just how music flows from the page to the CD there is a DVD that is interesting to see once, but in no way is it as important an incentive to buying this set as the performances themselves. Highly Recommended - even it you have multiple other recordings of this timelessly delightful music. Grady Harp, February 06

Italianate Brandenburgs - and a bonus DVD.......2005-11-10

The first thing one notices with this set is the cover illustration, a photo of a magnificent fourteen-point stag looking out a window while walking in what looks like a deserted multistory concrete parking garage. I have no idea how it is supposed to relate to the music but it certainly is a striking image.

The next thing one notices, and this is more important, is that the musicians -- one to a part in the ripieno group -- are swinging the music in a loose and somehow very Italianate manner. This is fitting, of course, considering that the concerto grosso was invented in Italy by the likes of Corelli and Vivaldi, whose music Bach knew (and copied) very well. One tends to think of the Brandenburgs as very German, but indeed they have more than a little Italian influence in addition to their Teutonic contrapuntal mastery. And all these performances are first-rate. There are jillions of recordings of the Brandenburgs, many of them excellent, but Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano have something rather new to say about them in that they bring that Italian joie de vivre to their traversal. The woodwinds are fruity and a little raw, the strings have suavity and lively phrasing. Of course, the six Brandenburgs feature all manner of solo instruments and there is not a weak soloist amongst them. I particularly liked the sound of the two recorders (designated 'fiauti d'echo' in the Italian headnote) in Concerto No. 4; they are complemented by the wonderful solo violinist, Antonio de Secondi, in that concerto. I also liked the corni di caccia in Concerto No. 1, and the marvelous harpsichord solos, done by Alessandrini (a real virtuoso) in the grandfather of all keyboard concerti, the Concerto No. 5. The dark mahogany tone of the violin-less No. 6 is impressive. The virtuosity of the trumpet soloist in No. 2 (Gabriele Cassone) takes one's breath away with its élan and brilliance. All in all these are marvelous performances worthy of shelf space with all those other terrific Brandenburgs; my own favorites include the Trevor Pinnock/English Concerto, the second set by Harnoncourt/Concentus Musicus, and Jeanne Lamon/Tafelmusik.

There is a bonus DVD (making three discs in all - 2 CDs, 1 DVD), filmed by Philippe Béziat, that shows Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano rehearsing (and featuring long uninterrupted chunks of the music) as well as a lengthy conversation with Alessandrini concerning his thoughts on the Brandenburgs: a worthy addition and quite informative, as are Alessandrini's extensive notes in the booklet.

This set deserves a place in anyone's library.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating: Magnificent Stunning Whitman's Sampler of Vivaldi Vocal Magic A Treasure Trove of Vivaldi Opera Arias and Ensembles

Vivaldi Edition: Operas Manufacturer: Opus 111 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi Edition: Arie d'Opera Vivaldi Edition: Juditha Triumphans Vivaldi: Bajazet [Includes Bonus DVD] Vivaldi: Arie per basso Sandrine Piau - Handel Opera Seria ASIN: B00022LDI4 Release Date: 2004-08-17

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent.......2006-09-09

This audio CD is the perfect vehicle to drive anyone crazy about Vivaldi operas. All arias seemed to have been carefully selected across many opera albums from Naive's Vivaldi Edition to entice the listener to hear those works. Magdalena Kozena astounds brilliantly with two arias from Juditha Triumphans "Veni, me sequere fidu" and "Agitata infido flatu". In "Agitata" Kozena perfects two long legatos and tops them with a climatic trill. In "Veni", she hypnotizes with a cadenza evocative of a dove's sinusoidal singing. The Naive label should do well in producing another similar CD now that it has recorded additional Vivaldi Operas to draw from.

Stunning Whitman's Sampler of Vivaldi Vocal Magic.......2005-04-06

This is as strong a sampler of Vivaldi's operas as one can get without purchasing entire opera recordings. Highlights from four have been selected here, each recorded in complete form on the Naïve label. They are "Orlando finto pazzo", "La verità in cimento", "Juditha triumphans" and "L'Olimpiade". What the producers have chosen here is the true cream of the crop, a roster of superb, top-of-the-class performances from nearly a dozen world-class singers.

Rising countertenor Philippe Jaroussky starts the program off with an almost religious-sounding lament as Zelim from "La verità in cimento", which he sings in a strikingly ethereal manner. But the women rule the roost in this recording. Mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožena makes clear why she is moving quickly to the major leagues by singing two magnificent arias from "Juditha triumphans", "Veni, veni, me sequere fida", caressed by a clarinet-like instrument called a chalumeau, and "Agitata infio flatu", where she captures the sweeping fury of her character with stunning flourish. Contralto Sara Mingardo is another stand-out with her double-dip, full-throated voice dodging the aggressive strings on Licida's aria from "L'Olimpiade", "Gemo in un punto e fremo," and expertly riding the dramatic playing of Ensemble Matheus on Melindo's aria from "La verità in cimento", "Mivui trader, lo so". If not quite in the league of Kožena and Mingardo, soprano Roberta Invernizzi and contralto Sonia Prina acquit themselves admirably with an aria each and especially when they perform the striking duetto of Megacle and Aristea from "L'Olimpiade", "Ne'giorni tuoi felici". There is also an impressive quintetto from "La verità in cimento", "Anima mia, mio ben", which for maximum dramatic impact emphasizes the disparate voices of Jaroussky, Mingardo, tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson, mezzo-soprano Guillemette Laurens and contralto Nathalie Stutzmann. The disc ends appropriately with a beautiful choral piece, "O quam vaga, venusta, o quam decora" from "Juditha triumphans" with the Coro Giovanile dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, led by soprano Marina Comparato.

Rarely has a compilation disc sounded so seamless and without the additional burden of carrying different story contexts. Aurally it sounds like one consolidated piece, and credit needs to go to music directors Alessandro De Marchi, Rinaldo Alessandrini and Jean-Christophe Spinosi, who conducted the originally presented operas. Strongly recommended especially for neophytes to Vivaldi's operas like myself.

A Treasure Trove of Vivaldi Opera Arias and Ensembles.......2004-10-02

The National Bibliotheque in Turin, Italy is the repository for uncounted manuscripts by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) and includes more than twenty opera scores, many of which have not seen productions since the 18th century. The Opus 111 record label is industriously releasing performances, about one a season, of these gems and their intention is to record all these scores, plus many arias and ensembles that have become separated from their complete works. This CD is a compilation of music from four of those works - 'La verità in cimento,' 'Juditha triumphans,' 'L'Olimpiade,' and 'Orlando finto pazzo,' all of which have already been recorded as complete operatic performances. The producers of this set have selected some of the choicest morsels for those music-lovers who would not otherwise obtain all four complete sets. The musicians involved - a different group for each opera - are among the most honored among singers and instrumentalists currently performing baroque works. The instrumental groups include the Academia Montis Regalis conducted by Alessandro de Marchi, Concerto Italiano conducted by Rinaldo Alessandrini, and Ensemble Matheus conducted by Jean-Christophe Spinosi. Singers include such standouts as sopranos Marina Comparato, Gemma Bertagnoli, and Roberta Invernizzi, mezzos Magdalena Kozena and Guillemette Laurens, contraltos Sara Mingardo, Nathalie Stutzmann and Sonia Prini, countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson, and basso Sergio Foresti--an outstanding collection of talented performers.

It would be impossible to comment about all sixteen selections here, but I would want to single out Magdalena Kozena's delectable performance of 'Veni, me sequere fida' from 'Juditha triumphans,' with the luscious solo contribution of an unnamed player of the chalumeau (an ancestor of the modern clarinet). [By the way, 'Juditha triumphans' is actually a dramatic oratorio, but it has sometimes been staged as an opera.] Also outstanding is the dramatic 'Gemo in un punto e fremo' from 'L'Olimpiade,' sung by one of today's stellar contraltos, Sara Mingardo.

Finally, I could not end this note without commenting on the fabulous quintet from 'La verità in cimento' entitled 'Anima mia, mio ben.' There is no question that Vivaldi must have been working with both musically and dramatically superb singers for whom he wrote this. This performance, featuring Rolfe Johnson, Laurens, Stutzmann, Jaroussky and Mingardo, is moving. And it is followed by a simply stunning performance, by Sara Mingardo, of Melindo's aria, 'Mi vuoi tradir, lo so' from the same opera. Mingardo's coloratura is absolutely spot on. (Think of Marilyn Horne and you'll have an idea of what this young Italian contralto sounds like.)

I strongly suspect this release will have value for those who want to dip their toes into the Vivaldian operatic waters. Every single selection is well-done, and it certainly gives an idea of Vivaldi's theatrical output, something that we've tended to neglect in favor of his sacred and instrumental music up to now.

Strongly recommended.

TT=63:20

Scott Morrison

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