Classical > Chamber Classical > Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus > 30 GBP and more

Advantages: Every tune's a winner
Disadvantages: Nothing new

...Grieg- Peer Gynt (In the Hall of the Mountain King) If you don't know these pieces, then this would be an ideal CD for you if you feel you ought to know what the most commonly known classical pieces are. It could be treated as a mini-course on accepted masterpieces, and the booklet, (minimal, 2 CD-sized sides per CD), gives you a pert selection of related anecdotes to astound your friends with. (For example, Rutter's pick is "A Gaelic Blessing". ...
...as "garlic dressing". Radio 3 would not share this blasphemy with you I'm sure! If you already know all these pieces (and are something of a music buff), don't instantly dismiss this CD. I'm a music graduate and knew almost all of them inside out, and I usually prefer to have "whole" works on CD. But this set does fill a gap- that "I can't decide what I really want to listen to but I want something jolly or that I haven't heard for ages because ... Read review

Advantages: Beautifully produced, top quality singing
Disadvantages: None

...amount of money possible! The Royal Opera House is almost certainly the most well known opera house in Britain and I look forward to every production I see there, knowing that it will be a real treat for the ears and the eyes! - Booking tickets - First things first, how to book tickets. You may be under the impression that tickets for the opera are hugely expensive and yes, for certain seats they are - for the big Wagnerian productions the best ...
...I have made to the Royal Opera House - the venue is beautiful and the singing and productions are among the best you will see in the UK. The productions they put on I would say are fairly conservative - the usual "classics", Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Wagner - but the addition of the Linbury Studio has allowed them to programme more 20th Century and new works alongside the works that they know will fill the theatre - the most recent example being Damon ... Read review

Advantages: Its a bridal musicopedia!
Disadvantages: It could be overwhelming

(A) Bride's Guide to Wedding Music, is firstly, a CD worth more than the stated price. Not only does it serve the purpose of a songbook, but also acts as a complete resource for planning wedding music. Secondly, there is a myriad of songs which gives you the liberty to pick and choose. As compilation CD's go, this one surely falls in an above average category. The collection varies from traditional sacred songs to classicals varying from Wagner, ...
...of other ever-green composers. The relaxing elements in the songs add another dimension to the scenario, which may be played for several other events, like formal get-togethers, spas, or even while you're sitting back relaxing at home. It inspires a mood of love and happiness, and succeeds wonderfully. Its absolutely user-friendly and categorized according to need. Its an anthology of the best soothing songs ever! And last but not the least, this ... Read review

Advantages: Rarely heard clarinet repertoire
Disadvantages: No other CDs to compare it with

I confess to never having heard the music of two out of the four composers featured on this disc, I feel I have found some true gems which will inspire me to look beyond the normal confines of established clarinet repertoire. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 129 by Charles Villiers Stanford starts with a 'matter of a fact' silky tempo that shows the listener they are going to be immersed and lullabied by the vocal quality associated with de Peyer's ...
...for Clarinet and Piano is delivered with a smooth yet vibrant confidence and is a true joy to the ear, the symbioses achieved by him and pianist Gwenneth Pryor is rewarding to say the least. Arthur Benjamin's 'Le Tombeau de Ravel' stands out as a comparatively modern piece and best displays de Peyer's virtuosity. I highly recommend this truly charming CD. ... Read review

Advantages: Good variety or composers and styles
Disadvantages: no specific interest to one composer

Welcome to the world of Classical Music. If you are a fanatical performer, conductor or an avid listener then this is the product for you. 'The best classical album in the world . . . ever' is exactly what it says it is. This product is best suited to the general listener, rather than the listener with a specific interest in a particular composer. But all will enjoy the variety and class that this Cd offers. Music ranging from all periods of music ...
...for everyone. The selection of moods chosen are hugely varied, from schindlers list with its moving lyrical violin solo to the hallelujah chorus with its triumphant melodies. So whether you want to chill out or to be inspired, this is the collection for you. A bargain at under £10 ... Read review