Fantasia [Import]

About the Artist
Dona Mariah's only daughter, Maria da Graça Costa Penna Burgos, was born in Salvador, Bahia and was brought up listening to music - on the radio always turned on in the house, in the record store where she worked as a teenager, at the Tenis Baiano Club - with friends, until she got in touch with the group of rising stars, such as Caetano Veloso who in the early '60s was already pioneering towards the new Brazilian Popular music. Later came the courage to come down to Rio and São Paulo. The first show in São Paulo, "Arena Canta Bahia", wasn't exactly a hit but who ever saw it, will never forget it: Gal still called herself "Gracinha", was quiet and thoughtful, listening most of the time and being only listened when she sang Bossa Nova standards. When everything became psychedelic and marvellous with Gilberto Gil's, Tom Ze's, Torquato Neto's antropophagic Tropicalismo, Maria de Graça turned into Gal (from the nickname "Gau", given by a younger cousin), Brazil was going through a dictatorship totally against new ideologies and concepts, and while Gil and Caetano chose to become political exiles in London, Gal took part in politically radical concerts, thighs and hair swaying to the sound of Jorge Benjor, Adoniram Barbosa, Luis Melodia, Roberto and Erasmo Carlos. Even then Gal already had the ability to turn any song immersed in prejudice, such as the wishy-washy romantic songs on the hit parades and the almost forgotten sambas by old composers, into dark jewels of unbelievable value for the cultural Brazilian soul. She started using words more and more, preferably to sing, to express herself through other composers' lyrics, she never wrote a song. The habits were changing and Gal was showing the change. She went through several periods: the belly button, and the barefoot periods, changing and trying to find the right temperature of a country made of miracles, highways, sugar cane, soccer World Cup, feathers and high-rises. Gal gave her name to the dunes of a beach in Rio. She was known to all who had long hair and colorful necklaces. She started to guide the camping groups of the first and last Brazilian hippies, natural rice and bananas - and set up a trademark, an enormous mouth with bloodred lipstick, bleeding over the Carnivals, bathed by the merry sounds of its music, the sun and an ever rising success. The campus stages and those of alternate show places suddenly became too small. It was time to cross the borders. And in the early '80s, several countries received her setting up an international bridge, with concerts in Japan, France, Israel, Argentina, USA, Portugal, Italy... "O Sorriso do Gato de Alice is the twentieth album of a career that confirming João Gilberto's omen, turned into one of the most successful in the international music world. Actually, as was previously said, Gal Costa's voice is our best exportation choice.

Fantasia,Gal Costa,Polygram Int'l,Brazilian,Brazilian Pop,Int'l & World Music,Jazz Music,Latin,Latin Continuum,Latin Pop,MPB,World Music

Average customer rating: Needs a remixing And yet... Surprising & Enjoyable.... around an 88% ASIA's Live Show Now on CD

Fantasia - Live In Tokyo: 2007 (2CD) Asia Manufacturer: Eagle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Indie Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Snakes & Arrows Live at Montreux 2003 Icon II: Rubicon Live in Glasgow Somewhere Else ASIN: B000QFCD5O Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Time Again
2. Wildest Dreams
3. One Step Closer
4. Roundabout
5. Without You
6. Cutting It Fine
7. Steve Howe Guitar Solo
8. Fanfare For The Common Man
9. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

Tracks:

1. Don't Cry
2. Court Of The Crimson King
3. Here Comes The Feeling
4. Video Killed The Radio Star
5. The Heat Goes On / Carl Palmer Drum Solo
6. Only Time Will Tell
7. Sole Survivor
8. Ride Easy
9. Heat Of The Moment

Album Description

Asia, featuring members of Yes, ELP and King Crimson, was the first "supergroup" of the eighties. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1982, was a huge success racking up global sales in excess of 15 million copies. In 2006 the original four members reunited for the first time in over 20 years for a series of concerts in the US and the UK. The success of this tour led to a full-blown world tour running throughout 2007 in celebration of their 25th anniversary. This CD was recorded in Tokyo in March 2007 on the Japanese leg of the tour. The companion DVD will be released in Fall 2007 on Eaglevision.

Customer Reviews:

Needs a remixing.......2007-08-04

I saw the reunited Asia in concert in Toronto on Canada Day weekend and this recording doesn't do the band justice. Carl Palmer's drumming at the Toronto show was astounding...he was the driving force behind the performance and his kit sounded incredible. But I find the drums are buried on this recording...I have to strain to hear some of his rolls because they're simply muffled. As well, John Wetton's vocals are too far "up front". The music needs to be a bit louder to achieve a better balance.

All that said, this is still a good performance and the "unplugged" versions of Don't Cry, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes and Ride Easy are fantastic.

And yet..........2007-07-28

I bought this CD mainly for a nostalgia factor, since my memories of past live albums should have kept me away from it. But it was the original band...To my surprise this is the best sounding live CD from the band so far. Wetton is much better here than Lake was in '83, and nobody wants to remember Moscow. The band seems relaxed, even in their solos, and there is a level of showmanship (which is expected), that really outshines other recordings.
I generally dislike "unplugged" versions of anything, but I was surprised that "Don't Cry" and "the Smile has Left Your Eyes" sound extraordinary in their new incarnations.
The real gem of the CD (worth the price of admission) is "In the Court of the Crimson King", a 4 1/2 minute rendition that sounds solid, with a guitar arrangement from Howe that sounds like a respectful hommage to both his own 70's work in Yes, and the intricate virtuosity of Fripp (Yes, I'm a Crimson fan).
And now, the bad news... The voice and keyboards are a bit forward on the sound mix, and unfortunately some songs have the drums buried in an ancient tomb. I think Palmer's drum sound is a bit outdated, a pity because I love his playing on most ELP recordings (including the live ones). "Only time will tell" has the worst drum mix of the CD, hi-hats and cymbals are all over the place, when you hear them; and I refuse to think it's the drummer's fault (c'mon this guy played Prokofiev live!).
Other than that "Roundabout" should have been rehearsed a bit, it's too erratic even at the slower tempo which they chose (listen to recent Yes live in "The House of Yes" for a killer version).
The rest of the songs are fine, and I can actually confess that as a nostalgia item, it turned out be better than a lot of the stuff out there today!

AR

Surprising & Enjoyable...........2007-07-26

The vintage tracks from Yes, ELP, & King Crimson alone were nearly worth buying the record. I never thought the Buggles were anything to brag about since their only claim to fame was being the first video.. you know the rest. They played that tune just to appease Geoff Downes who really never had any success on his own. It was evident when he tried to hold Asia together after everyone split. Anyway.... wish they would have recorded a show in the states somewhere, probably wouldn't have drawn what they did in Japan though. Wish they would have put Starless & Bible Black on here. Like I said up top, they earned some serious cool points for Roundabout, In the Court, etc... & did Steve Howe a solid by letting him do his virtuoso thing. Should have went all out on Don't Cry... forget doing the acoustic version.

around an 88%.......2007-07-25

Strong sounding CD with solid bottom end (kick drum and bass) ... What I really like about it is it's from one live show ... I don't like live CDs that are a hodge-podge of different shows ... I'm as big an ASIA fan as there is so I'll give my straight impressions:
Track: Time Again - Just a kick-a#* song, get's everybody going. Always loved the cynical lyrics
Wildest Dreams - One of ASIA's strongest, most epic-sounding songs ...
bass is strong as are drums, Steve Howe's guitar sound is weak on this one for some reason, Wetton's voice is sort of weak in places but he pretty much nails the high parts when they come along.
Roundabout - Way better than the orginal Yes version ... totally different vocals of course but heavier and ballsier courtesy of Wetton's rumbling bass and Carl Palmer's heavier drums. Those out there who say this doesn't compare to the Yes version are living in the past. Yes are a prog band / Asia are a ROCK band (a semi-heavy rock band when you hear other tracks like "Soul Survivor" ~ which Wetton absolutely nails the vocals in that one ...)
Without You - This one doesn't really work, live, and I'm not sure why. Now, on the tour, they're doing "Midnight Sun" I think, which is a kooler song anyway. On "Without You" the instrumental breaks are great, the end verse is nice with the chimes and acoustic guitar (of some sort, I don't know enough about guitars to know what it is ...) I don't know, live parts of this song sound choppy.
Cutting It Fine - Kool tune, Geoff does kool job of blending the original intrumental ending with new modern keyboard sounds.
Guitar Solo - Very good but I'm not a fan of that style of guitar playing
Fanfare For Common Man - Asia's version of this just kicks the crap out of everthing, ELP or otherwise ... Steve Howe really shines on this as does Geoff.
Smile Has Left Your Eyes - Still quite the emotional ballad, in a lower key these days but JW sings a couple real powerful notes at the end
Don't Cry - This acoustic version, turning it into a ballad is NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT. If they record some new song that has this type of sound and can get it some airplay with a video it could bring Asia back in a huge way.
Court of Crimson King - Wetton does a good job on this one. The original is a super long sprawling piece of music that defines everything I hate about old-school progressive music. Geoff has his keyboard doing the Mellotron exactly. (Carl really does a kick-a#* job on this one).
Here Comes the Feeling - This is a live version that really works, with JW strongly belting the high notes. Interesting this version is a half-step below the original studio version, but a half-step ABOVE the key Greg Lake sang it in, back at the disastrous Asia in Asia show 12/1983. I own Enko Sai on CD (someone got it for me) and if you listen to both "Here Comes the Feeling"s you hear how Wetton is miles better now, in his late 50s, than Lake was in his 30s at the time of that MTV broadcast show.
(However, Greg Lake's voice was at one point quite good ... I have the live CD of his '81 solo tour) ..... side notes aside this is a good Wetton/Howe creation and it's kool how crisp they wrap up the ending of the song.
VKTRS - My favorite of the non-Asia songs, sounds more rock and it just plain ........ works. Still has that haunting melody at the end: "You
were___________________________ "
The Heat Goes On - Good rockin' song, drum solo shows why Carl is still pretty much the best in the business ... that guy is a monster ..... so-so
Wetton vocals, he doesn't consistently hold that high G in the chorus that's real important in the cut on the record (ALPHA). On the other hand, the live version is more raw, if you hear the studio version off ALPHA that's just an absolutely brilliantly recorded song (perhaps too brilliant?)
Sole Survivor and Only Time Will Tell - Both of these songs just rule!
Amazing how much emotion Wetton put into the verse melody of OTWT. These 2 songs are ASIA, I've always like them both better than "Heat of the Moment"
At least for "Heat of the Moment" this version closing the show has a heavier sound, with a crashing snare/tambourine hit of Carl Palmer and
Geoff using very kool 'voices' on his keyboards in the middle. The jam session at the end is interesting to hear.
Possibly the koolest thing on the whole CD is the acoustic guitar/piano version of "Ride Easy". Just has a kool vibe to it you might not expect from the band ASIA ..... now it would be kool if in future shows they maybe throw in the ALPHA-session b-side "Lying To Yourself", which is a great song.
This CD is just awesome ... These guys are bad-as-he*# musicians, that's
the short the long and the end of it. And the voice of JW (one of the
clearest voices in music) is leading this band ... which is as a band should be. {unless you're Velver Revolver}

ASIA's Live Show Now on CD.......2007-07-17

WOW! If you remeber the early 80's power prog and pop hit makers you'll love this collection. All the Wetton era hits summed up on two CD's. One of the things that caught my ear when I saw ASIA live and on this cd was Carl Palmer's fantastic playing. As a matter of fact the whole band is spot on. If we can only get them to do a DRAMA era yes song.

Average customer rating: Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's. Good for relaxing pregnant women Too much opera Does what it set out to do, very well TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Johann Sebastian Bach , Léo Delibes , Gabriel Fauré , Erik Satie , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Edvard Grieg , Johann Pachelbel , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Camille Saint-Saens , Henryk Gorecki , Antonio Vivaldi , Edward Elgar , Jocelyn Pook , Sergey Rachmaninov , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Luigi Boccherini , Jules Massenet , Ludwig van Beethoven , Jacques Offenbach , Pietro Mascagni , Antonin Dvorak , Giacomo Puccini , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Alexander Borodin , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Samuel Barber Manufacturer: Angel Records 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 Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe 25 Classical Favorites Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits ASIN: B00000I93Z Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

1. Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
2. Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
3. Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
5. Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
6. II. Andante - Stephen Hough
7. Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
8. In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
9. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
10. II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
11. The Swan - Osian Ellis
12. II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
13. II. Andantino - James Galway
14. II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
15. Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
16. Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
17. Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
18. Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

1. Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
2. Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
3. Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
4. II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
5. Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
6. I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
7. Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
8. II. Andante - Nigel North
9. II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
10. Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
11. I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
12. O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
13. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
14. II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
15. Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
16. II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
17. Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
18. Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Why are you waiting? Chopin: Favorite Piano Works Chopin: Favorite Piano Works (London 2 CD) chopins Mazurkas REST FOR THIS WEARY SOUL

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ashkenazy, Vladimir | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 1 Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces Liszt: Favourite Piano Works ASIN: B00000427J Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

1. Grande Valse brillante, op. 18
2. Fantaisie Imprpmptu, Op. 66
3. Nocturne In E flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2
4. Waltz In A Minor, Op 34 No. 2
5. Mazurka In D Major, Op. 33 No. 2
6. Scherzo In B Flat Minor.D Flat Major, Op. 31
7. Waltz In A flat Major, Op 69 No. 2
8. Nocturne In F Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2
9. Waltz In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
10. Ballade In G Minor, Op. 23
11. Mazurka In B Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 1
12. Waltz In G Flat Major, Op. 70 No. 1
13. Nocturne In B Major, Op 32 No. 1
14. Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op. 53

Tracks:

1. Ballade No3 In A Flat Major Op.47
2. Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op. 45
3. Waltz In D Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 1 'Minute'
4. Waltz In C Sharp Minor, Op. 64 No.2
5. Etude In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 12 'Revolutionary'
6. Etude In G Flat Major, Op.10 No.5 'Black Key'
7. Nocturne In F Minor, Op. 55 No.1
8. Polonaise In A Major, Op. 40 No. 1 'Military'
9. Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op. 60
10. Prelude In D Flat Major, Op.28 No. 15 'Raindrop'
11. Etude In A Minor, Op. 25 No. 11 'Winter Wind'
12. Etude In E Major, Op. 10 No. 3 'Tristesse'
13. Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39

Customer Reviews:

Why are you waiting?.......2006-12-16

Ashkenazy is one of the titans of Chopin. Davidovich and Arrau are the other two. They're all you need. Get Davidovich for the concertos, (inlcuding the Krakowiak--Op 14), Arrau for the nocturnes and a few micscellaneous pieces. Ashkenazy handles everything else.

(Btw, Ashkenazy vs. Davidovich re. the impromptus is a toss up. But since the impromptus aren't on this disc, you can make that critical decision another time.)

Ashkenazy's scherzo #2 (op. 31) IS the best. Period. Other interpretations that your favorite classical music station may substitute are downright lame.

The rest are basically sublime. The first and 4th ballades will send shivers up your spine by Vlad's sheer technical ability. His artistry is second to none.

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works.......2006-07-25

An excellent complilation of Chopin works which includes 3 of the pieces I am currently learning. Definitely has encouraged me to improve my piano skills and allow me to better appreciate his style of music.

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works (London 2 CD).......2006-02-24

Beautifully done 2 CD of Chopin works. I've played it every weekend since I got it, loving every track. It's well performed and recorded, and is an excellent collection for anyone interested in Chopin or his adopted homeland of Poland. And, of course, you can't often go wrong with the London Label.

chopins Mazurkas.......2005-08-08

this is a wonderful collection of the mazurkas but Ashkenazy plays a lot of them too fast my music teacher played these with more pathos he seems like he cant get done fast enough with some of them some introductions should be slower with more feeling otherwise all the mazurkas i wanted are in this disc just wish i had got better artist like Claude Arrau

REST FOR THIS WEARY SOUL.......2005-03-09

On vinyl I owned Ashkenazy's complete recordings of Chopin's piano works. Prior to purchasing this CD of what I call "highlights from Vladimir's Chopin Recordings", I had not replaced them in this format. What a joy it is to hear Vladimir Ashkenazy play these works again. I'm reminded of how much I loved his playing of Chopin on vinyl looking forward to each "new release" with great anticipation. Being, what is referred to, as a "senior citizen" , Chopin's music means ever so much to me offering rest for this weary soul. Vladimir Ashkenazy's performances on these discs are first rate and ones I truly love. As a previous reviewer pointed out, this compellation is a bargain-great price, great music, great sound and great performances by a master of Chopin's music.

If you love Chopin, as I do, buy this recording it will sooth your soul as only great music can.

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

25 Beethoven Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058HX Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: AMAZING 2ND ALBUM 5 STARS FANTASIA!!!! Just not good... When I See You Fantasia - Fantastic

Fantasia Fantasia Manufacturer: J-Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reflections - A Retrospective Ciara: The Evolution The Return Tamia: Between Friends Free Yourself ASIN: B000IY04RW Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

1. Hood Boy (feat. Big Boi)
2. When I See U
3. I Nominate U
4. Baby Makin' Hips
5. Not The Way That I Do
6. Only One U
7. I Feel Beautiful
8. I'm Not That Type
9. Uneligible
10. Two Weeks Notice
11. Surround U
12. Bore Me (Yawn)
13. Sunshine
14. Bump What Ya Friends Say

Amazon.com

Maybe the best thing about American Idol is that, once it launches its stars, it sets them free. Fantasia, the self-titled sophomore set by the up-from-the-bootstraps 2004 series winner, sends out song after song that Simon would recoil over and great swaths of America would likely vote down in a heartbeat. Ripped from real life, these tracks are produced with both gumption and vision--a combination potent enough to smoke you out of your seat (see "Two Weeks Notice" and "Bore Me") and settle you back into it gently ("When I See U," "Surround U," "Bump What Ya Friends Say"). Unlike Free Yourself, Fantasia's first outing and one that wanted to work the crowd that crowned her an Idol, Fantasia's focus is de facto, de-poppified R&B--the unpretty kind. Barrino (Fantasia's last name, for those who've forgotten) brings it with a glimmering, gut-busting voice that suggests she's never seen a teleprompter before; she keeps it about as real as real gets. "Uneligible" and the Mary J. Blige-reminiscent "I Feel Beautiful" are slow burners--they linger--but by far the hottest track here is "Hood Boy." With its skittering Supremes sample and Big Boi rap, it does for refried '70s soul what Fantasia did for Idol: it makes you want to pay attention. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING 2ND ALBUM 5 STARS.......2007-08-04

This cd is amazing. Every song is off the hook. Every song hooks you in. When I see u, only you, beautiful, stand out as the best tracks on the cd but every song is a must listen to. It is wonderful. Best cd ive heard all year long. Beat out Mariahs last cd!

FANTASIA!!!!.......2007-07-25

Although not as good as her first cd, I still love that voice and wished she showcased it more. But overall, the cd consists of some pretty decent songs.

On another note, if you haven't seen FANTASIA on Broadway in THE COLOR PURPLE, you should!!!! FANTASIA is beautiful, and she's here!!!!!

Just not good..........2007-07-23

I gave it one star for the one song that I like, which they play on the radio so I wish I didn't buy it. Sorry Fantasia, I guess I should have bought the first one instead.

When I See You.......2007-07-17

Interesting CD. When I See You is rated 5 stars. Many of the other songs are interesting but they bring the overall rating down to 4. Fantasia's first CD was better. However, When I See You is the best songs she has released and is an instant all-time classic.

Fantasia - Fantastic.......2007-07-12

I absolutely love this cd. Im tired of hearing people say that she has forgotten how to sing or she cant balance between being the pop star and the hood girl...who said she has to balance. The point of being an artist in the music industry is to be able to reach a broad variety of listeners. Each song on the cd is great. They have an individual feeling to them and yet still coincide with each other. People seem to forget when you are listening to a cd you are listening to a story...this cd tells the story of her life now. Someone said why is she sining about a hood boy when thats what got her pregnant and left alone...why is it that because one person did that every other man to follow has to pay the price for that. There is more to being a hood boy than "people" perceive. Just because you are a hood boy doesnt mean you are uneducated, a drug dealer, or a 'baby daddy.'I want you people to begin listening to the words of these songs before you start writing reviews that make no sense. This cd is wonderful, she is showing so much vocal growth and control. She is getting more and more control of her instrument and the music you are calling annoying and obnoxious just happens to be the element that is popular right now, in regards to the rhythmic patterns and melodic structures. Those type of songs are the ones that get people up and out of their seats to dance. If I stepped on anyones toes, sorry, but you placed your foot right out there to be stepped on. Take a second listen, hear the story, then make comments. 'TASIA - DO YA THING GIRL..UR ROCKIN IT!

Average customer rating: Two-and-a-half hours of bliss not what i expected excellent guitar performances Essential Guitar... Lives up to its Name!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Spanish Guitar Music Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar Art of Segovia Baroque Guitar ASIN: B000069KIT Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss.......2007-04-04

This may be the best money I've ever spent. I got 2-1/2 hours of bliss for less than what I'd usually pay for one CD -- and you know how it is with music. You buy an album because of a song or two that you love, and you find that you like maybe half the songs on it. There's not a single selection in this one that I would've left out. It includes Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by Pepe Romero on the guitar with the Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields. I needed to replace my old LP recording of that. But I also get 30 other classical compositions and traditional Spanish pieces, each special in its own way.

Have you ever heard music that you wanted to last forever, maybe even to dive inside and live there for a while, immersing yourself in sound? That's how I feel about this collection. The only problem I have with it is that I bought it thinking it might be nice to listen to while I write. Not so. It's terrible for that. I'll sit with my hands poised above the laptop keyboard, assuring myself I'll get some work done while I listen. The music takes hold and carries me away.

I'm not expert at describing this or any type of music. I just know what I love. You might too, if you enjoy classical or Spanish guitar -- unless you have absurd expectations about combining listening with work.

not what i expected.......2007-03-26

This CD for me was a waste of money. Its just not what i thought it would be. Others may enjoy it but for me..it wasnt what i was hoping to hear.

excellent guitar performances.......2006-07-27

Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar..........2005-07-26

Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie. After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it! It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection. The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Buy it and enjoy!!!!

Lives up to its Name!.......2005-06-10

If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.

The recording quality is uniformly good, even on the tracks by Segovia. I don't know if they were remastered or recorded late in his career, but they're free of the surface noise present in so many of his recordings. The set clocks in at a generous 2 1/2 hours - one of the greatest deals in instrumental music; this is not a "bargain" quality set. Listen to the samples online - great stuff.

My only mild criticism is in the marketing. The advertising features John Williams and Julian Bream. Each contributes exactly one track. I would have enjoyed more pieces by them for stylistic comparison. But the less well-known (at least to guitar music neophytes like me) artists are every bit as good, and I intend to obtain more of their work.

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

Spanish Guitar Music Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Albeniz, Mateo Pérez de | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Turina | Turina, Joaquin | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Baroque Guitar Masters of Flamenco Guitar Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B00005YJ4Q Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

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

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

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Great set, with a couple let-downs. Serious sound issues You must, among others, have this set. Returning the "night" to the night piece Don't know what to make out of it

Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Arrau, Claudio | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Chopin: Favorite Piano Works Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy Chopin: Waltzes Nos. 1-14 Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 ASIN: B0000041ND Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

1. Nocturnes: No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1
2. Nocturnes: No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 9 No. 2
3. Nocturnes: No. 3 In B, Op. 9 No. 3
4. Nocturnes: No. 4 In F, Op. 15 No. 1
5. Nocturnes: No. 5 In F Sharp, Op. 15 No. 2
6. Nocturnes: No. 6 In G Minor, Op. 15 No. 3
7. Nocturnes: No. 7 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No.1
8. Nocturnes: No. 8 In D Flat, Op. 27 No. 2
9. Nocturnes: No. 9 In B, Op. 32 No. 1
10. Nocturnes: No. 10 In A Flat, Op. 32 No. 2
11. Nocturnes: No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 37 No. 1
12. Nocturnes: No. 12 In G, Op. 37 No. 2
13. Nocturnes: No. 13 In C Minor, Op. 48 No. 1

Tracks:

1. Nocturnes: No. 14 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 48 No. 2
2. Nocturnes: No. 15 In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1
3. Nocturnes: No. 16 In E Flat, Op. 55 No. 2
4. Nocturnes: No. 17 In B, Op. 62, No. 1
5. Nocturnes: No. 18 In E, Op. 62 No. 2
6. Nocturnes: No. 19 In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1
7. Nocturnes: No. 20 In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth.
8. Nocturnes: No. 21 In C Minor, Op. Posth.
9. Impromptus: No. 1 In A Flat Major, Op. 29
10. Impromptus: No. 2 In F Sharp Major, Op. 36
11. Impromptus: No. 3 In G Flat Major, Op. 51
12. Impromptus: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 66

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau considered the Nocturnes among Chopin's deepest, most searching works, rather than mere descriptive mood paintings, and he plays them that way. The same can be said vis-à-vis Arrau's Impromptus, with brooding textures and cosmic breadth that leave the drawing room behind. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Great set, with a couple let-downs........2007-05-31

Having owned the set for about a year now, I'm sorry to be giving it four stars, as Arrau brings something special to almost every one of Chopin's nocturnes. In short, his playing is occasionally labored, but for the most part he does carry melodic lines very well (and has a very natural and satisfying sense of rubato). The recorded sound isn't terrific, and all things considered I'm giving the CD four stars.

I'd like to add that I don't understand some other reviewer's complaints about heavy breathing or extraneous noises, as on my high-end speaker system I hear nothing out of the ordinary.

Serious sound issues.......2007-05-16

Most other reviewers here are, thankfully, much better qualified to review Mr Arrau's talents and interpretative strategies than I. However, what no one has mentioned up here (to my knowledge anyway) is the abysmal static issue on both discs. Almost every ten seconds a static wave obtrudes itself onto the sound--you can anticipate it and you will cringe every time you hear it (at least I did). It makes Chopin's beautiful numbers unbearable at parts, for Chopin relies so much on a pure and clear atmosphere of pensive motion--and this cannot be maintained on discs encumbered with such noxious static. Stand warned.

You must, among others, have this set........2006-11-24

Arrau's playing is unique, a throwback to the age of the romantic virtuoso of a century long gone. This set is rightfully famous, and is, with the 60's collection by Rubinstien and the 90's set by Pires, the three I have always most loved and recommended, though each is very different in its approach. Of the three, Rubinstein's is the most faithful to the "letter" of Chopin's score, but even then, Rubinstein's indomitable personality shines through. Pires takes some liberties with speed and dynamics-- so she rests nominally in the middle.

Then there is Claudio Arrau, and I agree with another reviewer that the pianist indeed treats each note as if matters. Does he dwell too much, slide into notes, take different dynamic turns, play with a rubato just this side of Paderewski or Busoni, and bathe the music in pedal at times?--yes, all of that. But let's face it, there is no "right" Chopin, and no recorded collection that is the be-all--because if so, it would sell Chopin's genius far short of its due. I and others choose to listen to all the above sets on their own terms and love all of them-- likewise the Cortot, and available selections of Horowitz, Godowsky, Friedman, Hofmann, etc. (Not to mention more recent, sublime interpretations in the concert hall by Tzimon Barto.) In any event, this 70's Arrau set holds its own,in its own way, with any and all of the above.

For years, this was the set I listened to on LP, both at home and transferred to cassette to play in the car. Rubinstein's later became a favorite for me, finally Pires's. For purposes of sound, either of the latter two are preferable, but sound is definitely a secondary issue. Regarding that, I must say that the CD remastering of the Arrau has heightened not only the breathing issues, but also the too-close miking of the keyboard, so that, especially in one channel of the stereo mix, the sound the piano mechanism itself is often heard. That's close miking, too close really, but so what. I can live with it and with Arrau's exchange of breath for the individual quality of his music.

In summary, this set should be in every collection, but so should the others, and perhaps three or four more that could be mentioned-- Cortot, perhaps Ashkenazy and Zimmerman too. Why so many? These pieces are part of the bedrock of romantic pianism, and far deeper in intellectual and spiritual intent than they are often credited with. On that, I agree with Arrau, that Chopin starts here, and should, after a wide foray, also finish here.

Returning the "night" to the night piece.......2006-09-10

Arrau's playing of the Chopin nocturnes emphasizes the extent to which these wonderfully well-crafted works belong to the realm of the night in all its Romantic mystery and, especially, longing (what an odd-seeming word for the 21st century!). Despite what some have claimed, his exquisite rubato is always musically justified and recalls Chopin's pupil Mikuli's comment that "Chopin's rubato possessed an unshakeable emotional logic. It always justified itself by a strengthening or weakening melodic line, by exaggeration or affectation." Always observing a fine cantilena, Arrau repeatedly works wonders in these marvellous pieces, making each into its own unique little self-contained variegated musical universe. In doing so, he fully realizes Liszt's apt depiction of Chopin as "a divine aristocrat, a feminine archangel with prismatic wings!"

Don't know what to make out of it.......2006-06-07

I've always had mixed feelings about Arrau's playing. While at times it can be indescribably beautiful and revealing, which is often the case with his sublime, if controversial, interpretations of Liszt, Arrau nonetheless seems to lack the necessary technique (I don't think that's the case) or the proper understanding to play certain works. Even though his uncanny ability to grasp the spirit of each composer whose music he plays is widely stressed, I think he's not that respectful of Chopin's music on this record - he does turn it into something else. To be sure, Chopin's works are obviously open to various interpretations and it would be risky to finger such or such pianist as having reached the 'true', 'real' Chopin - no one knows exactly what Chopin sounded like and the best we can do here is guessing - but this openness can't be understood as meaning that anything goes, that one interpretation is as good as the other, that there are no bounds or limits to interpretation. Here I think Arrau overasserts himself at the expense of what we know about Chopin's musical identity, as it were, though we can surely be proven wrong in the future. Who knows?

Average customer rating: Good Music to Sleep By Enjoyment Best Music to Have on When You Work Excellent for Massage! MOZART FOR MEDITATION

Mozart for Meditation Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | 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 French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven at Bedtime: A Gentle Prelude to Sleep Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away Mozart at Midnight ASIN: B0000041CD Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

1. Flute Concerto No. 1 In G
2. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A
3. Horn Concerto No. 4 In E-Flat
4. Symphony No. 31 In D: Symphony No. 31 In D - Andante
5. Piano Concerto No. 15 In B-Flat
6. Violin Concerto No. 4 In D
7. Wind Serenade No. 12 In C Minor - Andante: Wind Serenade No. 12 In C Minor
8. Concerto For Flute And Harp I - In C - Andatino
9. Piano Concerto No. 27 In B-Flat
10. Symphony No. 34 In C: Symphony No. 34 In C - Andante Di Molto
11. Fantasia In D Minor

Customer Reviews:

Good Music to Sleep By.......2007-06-08

Well, as far as music for meditation goes, I'm not so sure about this product for that purpose. When I meditate, I tend to need more monotonous sounds to do it by - however, this CD is GREAT for relaxation and sleeping. So I still give it 4 out of 5 stars even though I won't be using it for its stated purpose. Still well-worth the money.

Enjoyment.......2007-05-07

All the pieces are the perfect ones for the relaxation. As a collector I am impressed of the selections chosen for this album.

Best Music to Have on When You Work.......2007-01-22

When I am working and I need to block out sounds to concentrate on what I am doing, I always put on this CD. Besides the fact that it is easy to listen to, it doesn't distract me from my work, and I never get bored or tired of the music. I'm reluctant to purchase a similar album in the fear that it won't be as good as the Mozart Meditation.

Excellent for Massage!.......2006-04-06

I'm a licensed massage therapist, and I absolutely adore using this CD during my sessions! It's a great alternative to the new age-y music styles that are so pervasive in the relaxation music scene -- my clients find this CD soothing & relaxing, and not at all "weird". This music suports a "relaxed but focused" atmosphere -- it serves as excellent white noise in the lobby area, and I even use it at home as a soothing backdrop for reading/ sewing/ paperwork/ etc. Excellent arrangements & clarity -- DON'T MISS!

MOZART FOR MEDITATION.......2005-09-07

Excellent CD. Love to have it playing in the background of my daily schedule. Soothing. Gentle. Contemplative. HIghly recommend it.

Average customer rating: Marvelous Pretty Good the music Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces Great classical music accompanies bland original score

Master and Commander Christopher Gordon , and Richard Tognetti Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | 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 Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | 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 | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Musical Evenings With The Captain Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2 Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (Widescreen Edition) Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin Master and Commander (Movie Tie-In Edition) ASIN: B0000DG07D Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. The Far Side Of The World
2. Into The Fog
3. Violin Concerto No. 3 'Straussburg' K.215, 3rd Movement
4. The Cuckold Came Out Of The Amery (Traditional) 5. Smoke N' Oakum
5. Fantasia On A Theme - Barry Wordsworth 7. Adagio From Concerto Grosso Op. 6. No. 8 In G Minor Christmas Concerto - Arcangelo Corelli Listen Listen Listen
6. The Doldrums
7. Prelude (From The Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 - Yo-Yo Ma
8. The Galapagos Listen Listen Listen
9. Folk Medley: O'Sullivan's March/Cuckold Came Out Of The Amery/Mother Hen/Mary Scott/Nancy Dawson - Jim Walker
10. The Phasmid
11. The Battle
12. Boccherini La Musica Notturna Delle Strade Di Madrid No. 6, Op. 30
13. Full Circle

Product Description

A trio of noted Australian musicians--Iva Davies, Richard Tognetti and Christopher Gordon--composed the film's score. They previously collaborated on "The Ghost of Time," a piece commissioned for the Millennium celebrations in Sydney, which came to the attention of Peter Weir. The director was so impressed, he played the piece on the Master And Commander set throughout production, and he asked its creators to write the music for his movie. The score interweaves "Old World" and "New World" music, reflecting the talents and backgrounds of its composers. Iva Davies hails from both pop and classical traditions; Richard Tognetti, one of the world's great violin virtuosos, taught Russell Crowe the ins and outs of the instrument; and film/television composer Christopher Gordon brought orchestral texture to the project. Given the period, it comes as no surprise that the score is infused with source music from Bach (Cello Suite) and Mozart, among other great classical composers. Percussion dominates portions of the score. "Drums signal the forward movement of the ship," says Davies, "that it's on a mission. It brings you back into the action." The score's biggest surprise comes with its use of synthesizers. "Peter doesn't make films in the expected way," says Davies, "and for that reason we wanted the score to be not what everyone expected. Peter wanted some scenes to have what I call a kind of 'futuristic' sense"--conveying the idea that these 19th century sailors were cutting-edge explorers.

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous.......2007-02-12

A marvelous collection of compositions which greatly enhanced this fantastic film. This CD is marvelous on its own. It did not leave my CD player for weeks.

Pretty Good.......2006-12-14

I purchased this soundtrack because I really enjoyed this music while watching the movie. But I was a little disappointed at the CD. Some soundtracks allow you to follow the entire plot like through the music (such as the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack). But this CD doesn't provide that. Several of the songs are recurring in the film but are only played once in the soundtrack. I would have liked the soundtrack to reflect the music for the whole film rather than just excerpts.

I give the music 5 stars and the CD 2-1/2 stars.

the music .......2006-11-10

The music is excellent . Flows well Better than the movie score

Good incidental music but not great listening music - except the classical pieces.......2006-11-09

The soundtrack for Master and Commander contains two distinct types of music. First there is the incidental music for the film. These pieces are heavy on the bass side of the orchestra and are often emphasized with bass drums and tympani. This music is very effective and appropriate for the scenes in the film, and I commend the composers for making a soundtrack that so seemlessly and effortlessly invokes the moods and excitement of the visuals. Unfortunately, these pieces are quite moody and slow moving - great as incidental music but not so interesting to listen to as straight orchestral music.

The second type of music is much more enjoyable to listen to. Those that have seen the film know there are several scenes in which people are playing music - for example, Aubrey and Maturin in the captain's cabin performing a cello-violin duet, or the sailors on deck playing sea shanties on tin whistles. The pieces chosen for the film range from Bach to traditional folk music, and are a welcome addition to the soundtrack. The performances are very good (including a cello solo by Yo Yo Ma), and the recording quality is excellent. Deserving special mention is the Boccherini piece (La Musica Notturna Delle Strada di Madrid), which serves as a second unofficial theme song for the movie. The piece itself is presented in its entirety, and there is a callback to the piece in the incidental music as well, which is a welcome ray of levity in an otherwise oppressive piece.

People purchasing this disc run the real risk of being disappointed - the incidental music works so well in the context of the film that you are likely to think (as I did) that the music is itself worth listening to alone. Unfortunately, I don't find this is the case, but the classical music that is included makes this a soundtrack worth having, especially for the Boccherini piece.

Great classical music accompanies bland original score.......2006-09-27

The original music to this film is dull, repetitive, and only offers the hint of good music at certain points during it's lengthy tracks. But what about all the good music you heard in the film? That was all classical music, which was used in the film incredibly well. There are three tracks in particular that save this album. The piece by Corelli is used as something the captain and doctor play together. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of baroque music of which I am aware. A second piece, Vaughn Williams "Fantasia" is the piece heard when the crewmen have to cut the line that might save their friend who fell overboard. It's a tragic scene and accompanied perfectly by the heart-breakingly glorious piece. The original piece of music is quite a bit longer than the version on the CD, but the original version also tends to drag a little in places. All the best parts are on the version of the piece in the film. The third classical piece from the album that saves it is the cello solo by Bach that plays as a theme for the galapagos islands. This solo is performed perfectly by Yo Yo Ma. These tracks make the album worth purchasing. If you already have them, avoid the album because the rest is not very enjoyable. If you wonder about this one, watch the film and listen for the music. It speaks well for itself in the film.

World Music:

1. Fiddler's Green
2. Fur Mich Soll's Rote Rosen Regnen [Box set] [Import]
3. Gafieira Moderna [Enhanced] [Import]
4. Gold Ao Vivo [Import]
5. Gold Music Story: La Bicyclette [Original recording remastered] [Import]
6. Groove
7. Guarani Banana
8. Harpa Brasileira [Import]
9. Hello Suzie
10. Ho un Sogno [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Weight of the World [CD-single] [Import]

Liszt: Inspirations for 2 pianos and for 4 hands

Mozart: Piano Quartet No. 1, K478; Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1, Op. 25

View

Malpractice

Let's Pretend (& More!), Volume 2

Live [Live] [Import]

Living 2001-2002 [Import]

Max 7 [Import]

Percy

Phallus Dei [Import] [Original recording remastered]

O Mundo E Meu Lugar: Ao Vivo [Import]

Latin for Lovers [Import]

Paul Hindemith: Two Organ Concertos; Concerto for Viola d'amore

The Big Challenge