The Classic FM CDs tend to excel particularly in the regions of recording quality, original and varied choices of music from all periods, and a well-enforced central theme.
This CD is no different-from the most ancient of Baroque composers to Modern Film pieces each style is well-represented here. As ever, the recordings are crystal-clear, which is to be expected from this franchise.
However, the music, though varied in period and musical aspects, is very little out of the ordinary. In the typical Classic FM style the music is recorded for the casual listener, and as with all compilations the educated musician will often be frustrated at the incompleteness of full works, and also perhaps the often unoriginal interpretations of the pieces. This is definitely a compilation again aimed at the listener with a piece in mind who doesn't particularly wish to delve into the academic realms of study but is perfectly content being able to listen to it whenever able.
This is to be expected of a compilation CD, though- it gives a taster of many different periods and whether as a new listener wishing to acquire some musical grounding or as a more experienced devotee the CD offers some superb recordings of well-known music.
Some may salivate over the track listings; the Beethoven Sonata "Quasi una fantasia" (Moonlight), the Chopin "Emperor Piano Concerto", others may wish to avoid it due to the lack of 'less well-known' pieces. The educated listener may have preferred some Messiaen or a similarly understated composer to be brought to the fore, but to a casual listener or one wishing to build up a recognised repertoire there are fewer more crystal-clear recordings that all please the ear than this compilation.
If there were to be one compilation album to buy with relaxing specifically in mind, this is certainly my first choice.
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I think compilation albums are an excellent way of introducing people to classical music - people who know a little of what kind of music they like to hear, but who don't have the confidence to go the whole hog with one particular composer or full work.
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