(40) Most Beautiful Classical Anthems

Advantages: Good background listening
Disadvantages: Odd mixture of music on the Uplifting disc

...of church music. The first time I heard this piece I found it hard to get into. It seemd a bit discordant and there isn't really a tune running through it which you can hang onto. But now I've listened to it many more times I find it quite hypnotic. The 40 voices of the choir are divided up into 8 groups, to give a very powerful and moving effect. Wonderful. 12 Sibelius - 'Be Still My Soul'. This music was originally part of Sibelius's Finlandia, composed between 1899-1900. It was later adapted by the composer for use as a hymn tune, though in fact the words are much older than the music. They were written in the eighteenth century by Katherina von Schlegel. This particular recording is by Katherine Jenkins. I find it very calming. 13 Robbins - 'In Paradisum'. This piece won a competition run by Classic FM in 2007 to compose... Read review

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Advantages: A great diversity of famous works
Disadvantages: Not everything is perfect

...I am a huge fan of classical music, with a collection soon breaking the 700 marker. But where did it all begin? Well right here. When I got my first CD player, I played my parents CDs until making my first CD purchase. I stumbled along a 2-CD collection called "Simply the Best classical Anthems." Honestly, I had not the slightest clue about what music al the names on the back contained. But there were so many interesting pieces there so that I immediately decided to get it. And I have not regretted the buy. Unlike many other collections, this one features many top flight recordings of some of the most popular classical music. Some of them are still holding their own in the mass of my collection. It was also extremely useful for me in expanding my collection. TRACK LISTING AS FOLLOWS: CD 1 VERDI: Dies Irae from Requiem ORFF: O... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good intro, great pieces
Disadvantages: Extracts, some favourites missing

...may just have to shoot you now. One of the more famous classical pieces. I always seem to associate it with flying, maybe because of the light and playful strings, I'm not sure. I love the way the abrupt brass complements the sweeping string movements. » Tocatta And Fugue by Bach & First Movement from Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven It's hard to dislike these two – they're probably the two most famous pieces in classical music. Tocatta And Fugue, a masterpiece of organ music, and it's truly inspiring to watch someone play it – I love to see my girlfriend's brother, Jack Day, play it – he really has a talent for it. The First Movement from Symphony No. 5 is a superb string piece, quite hard to describe, but easy to remember! » First Movement from Symphony No. 40 by Mozart I find this piece quite relaxing. Another string... Read review

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