Masters At Work 10th Anniversary Vol.1 - Masters At Work

Advantages: Some outstanding works, a balanced album
Disadvantages: None

...The first CD in this fine collection of Stanford's choral works, this compilation delivers well. This collection focuses on the first period of his choral work, 'Cambridge Years'. Dominating the tracklisting are settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Particularly outstanding are those in B flat and F. You cannot fail to be moved by either the depth of bass in the Nunc Dimittis of the former, or by the triumphal crescendoes in the Magnificat of the latter that demonstrate this composer's temendous ability to bring words to life. The other settings, in E flat and A, are no less majestic. However, it is perhaps hard to appreciate these as one should when they are found on the same disc as those aforementioned. The rest of the CD provides a good contrast to the Evening settings. The anthems and motets provide for a more rounded... Read review

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Advantages: Better than a massage
Disadvantages: One track... Ptolemy

...This album is a compilation of Aphex Twin's (aka Richard D. James) earliest works, mostly of beautiful, almost spiritual, techno. The title suggests that some of its tracks date back to 1985, when Richard was 14. Such early sign of genius explain why Richard has been compared to Mozart. The overall tone is calm, making it an extraodinary "come-down" album. If you allow me to be a bit soppy, it's like that feeling you get when you leave a really banging club and you're sobering up, feeling emotional and yet you've still got those banging beats in your head. I think it sounds best on headphones at night, when you really appreciate the softly layered melodies, subliminal beats and (for lack of a better description) strange-noise-wash-undercurrents. It's also incredible whilst driving home late at night. Admittedly, his youth... Read review

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Advantages: Every sacred music by Mozart in 1 boxset
Disadvantages: Not the best available

...Everyone must know Mozart, so I presume he needs litle introduction. the child genius of the 18th Century is the most prolific composer ever, especially for such a short lived person. The box set is part of a series produced for the 250th anniversary of Mozart (other box sets include piano concertos, operas etc). This box set contains every mass, litany, vesper, that he wrote. It can seem a bit daunting, looking at all those discs, and the 3 or 4 works on each one, and wondering which one to put on. start at the beginning and go through them! The orchestra is the Concentus Musicus, a period ensemble (and one of my favourites) of high calibre. On this occasion, tey are conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, who is quite different when it comes to performances from most other conductors, and you can certainly hear it in the well... Read review

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