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The album opens with the amazing Ave Maria sung by Bocelli this piece always gives such a fantastic feeling of calm and serenity and always lifts any mood. There are some truly great tracks here and the highlight for me is Vanessa Mae performing Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D minor (The piece ... Read review
For her first "Classical Album" the hyper-successful crossover violinist Vanessa-Mae has ... more
chosen to perform solid German repertoire--perhaps as a way of saying "my pop discs may have sold millions, but I can still cut the classical mustard". And cut it she mostly does, though not in the first item, Bach's Solo Partita No. 3 in E. This work requires more than a phenomenal technique and a good ear for phrasing. Vanessa-Mae treats it rather like an exercise, which is fine in its way but fails to deliver any new insights into this profound piece. She shows more of her mettle in Brahms's Scherzo in C minor, however, to which she brings an adolescent sense of angst and torment which neatly suits the music. The Beethoven Romance is adequate, but the pièce de résistance of the album is most definitely Bruch's Scottish Fantasy. Here Vanessa-Mae comes into her own, and responds with charm and skittish playfulness to the composer's cod Highlandisms. The London Symphony Orchestra accompanies her with luscious warmth, and the overall effect--if not exactly subtle--is no more exaggerated than Bruch's original conception of the piece. --Warwick Thompson
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Advantages: amazing artists, amazing tracks Disadvantages: Some really weird other tracks
Imagine bringing all the true classic greats onto one album; Vanessa Mae, Nigel Kennedy, Pavarotti, Leslie Garrett, Paul McCartney (no you didn't misread that last one) It should be the most phenominal album of all time, all these great names on 2 CDs, and in places it is, but there are some really odd, weird choices on this album that completely spoil it for me and in my opinion create an opportunity missed.
The album opens with the ... ...truly great tracks here and the highlight for me is Vanessa Mae performing Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D minor (The piece associated with Dracula movies) This piece is usually played accompanied by a full traditional orchestra or there is a great arrangement for the organ. (I played the organ version at my daughters christening - couldn't resist, much to the disgust of the regular congregation) Vanessa is undoubtable incredibly talented and beautiful ... more
Imagine bringing all the true classic greats onto one album; Vanessa Mae, Nigel Kennedy, Pavarotti, Leslie Garrett, Paul McCartney (no you didn't misread that last one) It should be the most phenominal album of all time, all these great names on 2 CDs, and in places it is, but there are some really odd, weird choices on this album that completely spoil it for me and in my opinion create an opportunity missed.
The album opens with the amazing Ave Maria sung by Bocelli this piece always gives such a fantastic feeling of calm and serenity and always lifts any mood. There are some truly great tracks here and the highlight for me is Vanessa Mae performing Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D minor (The piece associated with Dracula movies) This piece is usually played accompanied by a full traditional orchestra or there is a great arrangement for the organ. (I played the organ version at my daughters christening - couldn't resist, much to the disgust of the regular congregation) Vanessa is undoubtable incredibly talented and beautiful and why can't I play like that? (Sorry a touch of my jealous side coming out) she plays this piece with such incredable energy and movement it is worth buying the whole CD just for this. She has the backing of a modern 'rock' beat and there are even some ibiza style clubbing influences creeping into this arrangement, at one point she inserts a couple of bars of the South Bank Show theme music (paganini) into it. If you are a classical music purist I can guarantee you will hate it, I am not and I love it.
Some of the other truly great tracks on this CD worth a mention are Adiemus, O Sole Mio by the 3 tenors and no recent classic compilation would be complete without John Williams Star Wars theme, there is even the theme music to Inspector Morse but and its a big but, there are some very strange choices for a classical musical CD. The first one that made me do a double take was seeing the name Paul Mccartney and my first reaction was - it must be a different one - sadly its not. Sir Paul wrote a series of mood pieces to accompany a poem, The Standing Stone and the piece on here is called Celebration. Now no one will argue with me when I say that Paul McCartney has been one of the most important influences on todays music scene and has written some truely great music - this is not, in my opinion one of them, It does not inspire or excite me in any way and frankly he should leave classical music alone and stick to what he is good at. It is however the 8th track on the first CD so is a good time to go and put the kettle on.
The next choice that I would have left off is the Monks of Silos singing Puer natus est nobis, I know they are good but in all honesty not really my thing. But as number 11 on the CD the kettle has boiled and I can go and make the tea.
My main gripe with this CD comes in at number 15 on the 2nd CD. 'All that Jazz' from the musical Chicago. Now even the most novice of classical music critic knows the difference between Classic and Jazz, personally I can not even describe it as Classic Jazz. It follows a waltz from Shostakovich so does not in my opinion fit in with the rest of the pieces on the CD. I don't dislike the piece that much but if I had wanted to listen to Jazz that is what I would have bought. My final critisism of the album is that all the really great, famous stuff is on the first disc most people, myself included, enjoy listening to the well know music it is well known because it is good! so why not spread it out. I very rarely listen to disc 2 at all.
I would recommend this CD if you are a fairly heavy classical music fan but if you just enjoy the famous stuff there are other far more suitable CDs out there.
This CD is available from amazon at £15.99 and in their review they mention that there is 'something for everyone' this is probably true but by trying to please everyone they have put in many things that don't. This idea was a great opportunity and I do enjoy listening to the CD but they could have exploited the idea so much better than they did as all of the featured artists have an exiting varied repertoire and they could have easily created an album with an excellent range of high energy and serene music - sadly they only half did.
CD 1
01 Bach/Gounod Ave Maria - BOCELLI 02 Vivaldi Winter 4 Seasons - KENNEDY 03 Puccini turandot Nessun Dorma - PAVAROTTI 04 Delibes duet from Lakmé - GARRETT 05 Toccata and Fugue - MAE 06 Handel Let the Bright Seraphim - TE KANAWA 07 Adiemus - JENKINS 08 Celebration - MCCARTNEY 09 Braveheart - HORNER 10 Di Capua O sole mio - 3 TENORS 11 Puer natus est nobis - MONKS OF SILOS 12 The Piano - NYMAN 13 Vivaldi Nulla in mundo pax sincera - KIRKBY 14 Puccini Che gelida manina - CARRERAS 15 Star Wars - WILLIAMS 16 The Beyondness of things - BARRY 17 Gaudete - MEDIEVAL BAEBES 18 World in union - TERFEL
CD 2
01 Giordano La mamma morta - CALLAS 02 Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending (KENNEDY 03 Cavatina - WILLIAMS 04 Elgar Cello concero - DU PRÉ 05 Caccini Ave Maria - GARRETT 06 Barber Agnus Dei - NEW COLLEGE CHOIR OXFORD 07 Bruch Scottish Fantasy Andante Sostenuto - MAE 08 Myfanwy - TERFEL 09 Inspector Morse - PHELOUNG 10 Pucinni La Boheme O soave fanciulla - ALAGNA ND GHEORGHIU 11 Casta Diva - FILIPPA GIORDANO 12 Rutter The lord is my Shepherd - KINGS COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE 13 Chorale 1 (Adiemus II) - JENKINS 14 Shostakovich Waltz no 2 - RIEU 15 All that Jazz (Chicago) - LEMPER 16 Tavener song fof Athene - KINGS COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE 17 Byrd Agnus Dei - DOWNSIDE ABBEY 18 Verdi Rigoletto La donne e mobile - PAVAROTTI
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 classicalalbum 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 feature. From Baroque violin concertos to modern day film scores by Sir John Williams; there really is something 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 ...
Advantages: Everything you could ever want from a classical CD Disadvantages: none
I have purchased and listened to many types of music and as a classical pianist always like to explore new CD's. This album has so many classics on it and is delightful to listen to.
Did you know that opening music in 2001 - A Space Odyssey was from Also Sprach Zarathustra by Strauss or that the background music in the British Airways TV commercial was the Flower Duet from the opera Lakme?
This compilation album is perfect whether you are a lover of classical music or just interested to find out what it is all about.
The track listing shows what can be expected on this wonderful CD.
1. Canon and Gigue in D
Composed by Johann Pachelbel
2. 12 Concertos for Violin and Strings
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
3. Adagio in G minor
Composed by Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni
4. Symphony No. 6, 'Pastoral' in F
Composed by ...
Advantages: Brian Wilsons greatest moment Disadvantages: None at all
and this wasn't a huge seller on release, it is now widely acknowledged as one of the greatest albums of all time and has sold fantastically since. The album has also been credited by George Martin as having forced the Beatles to up their game even further and create 'Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band', you can only look back on that era of two such creative forces inspiring and pushing each other to create such marvellous music.
The album took the traditional Beach Boy harmonies and layered them even further to create deep, melodic music, Wilson used harpsichords, bells, sound effects and even animals to add texture and purpose to the music, but the outstanding things are the vocals, words and the arrangement
The album is peppered with classic tunes but for me, the stand out songs are:
Wouldn't it be nice - A fantastic melodic ...
Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, Rome; English Chamber Orchestra; (John) Alldis Choir
Recomended Retail Price
18.99 GBP
Label / Distributor
Universal Classics / Universal Manufacturing and Logistics
Pieces in Set
2
Running Time
3 hours 34 minutes
Genre(s)
Vocal and choral, Orchestral, Stage works, Instrumental
EAN
28946714027
Catalogue Number
467
Work 1
Work Title
Ave Maria
Excerpt(s)
1. Ave Maria
Composer
Charles (François) Gounod (1818 - 1893)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
1853 cpted 1859
Date Recorded
1999
Conductor
Myung-Whun Chung
Orchestra / Ensemble
Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, Rome
Main Performer
Andrea Bocelli (Tenor)
Opera Part(s)
Andrea Bocelli
Work 2
Work Title
(12) Concerti for Violin and Strings, '(Il) cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione', Op. 8
Excerpt(s)
1. Largo
Composer
Antonio (Lucio) Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)
Genre
Orchestral
Date Written
Published 1725
Date Recorded
1989
Orchestra / Ensemble
English Chamber Orchestra
Main Performer
Kennedy (Director), Kennedy (Violin)
Opera Part(s)
Kennedy, Kennedy
Work 3
Work Title
Turandot
Excerpt(s)
1. Nessun dorma!
Composer
Giacomo (Antonia Domenico Michele Secondo Maria) Puccini (1858 - 1924)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1926
Date Recorded
1973
Conductor
Zubin Mehta
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Orchestra / Ensemble
(John) Alldis Choir
Main Performer
Luciano Pavarotti (Tenor)
Opera Part(s)
Luciano Pavarotti
Work 4
Work Title
Lakmé
Excerpt(s)
1. Dôme épais le jasmin/Sous le dôme épais (Flower duet
Composer
(Clément Philibert) Léo Delibes (1836 - 1891)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1883
Date Recorded
1991
Conductor
Andrew Greenwood
Orchestra / Ensemble
Philharmonia Orchestra
Main Performer
Lesley Garrett (Soprano)
Opera Part(s)
Lesley Garrett
Work 5
Work Title
Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565
Excerpt(s)
1. Toccata 2. Fugue
Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)
Genre
Instrumental
Date Written
Before 1708
Date Recorded
1995
Conductor
Mike Batt
Orchestra / Ensemble
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Main Performer
Vanessa-Mae (Violin)
Opera Part(s)
Vanessa-Mae
Work 6
Work Title
Samson, HWV57
Excerpt(s)
1. Let the bright Seraphim
Composer
George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
1743
Date Recorded
1984
Conductor
Barry Rose
Orchestra / Ensemble
English Chamber Orchestra
Main Performer
Crispian Steele-Perkins (Trumpet), Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (Soprano)
Opera Part(s)
Crispian Steele-Perkins, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Work 7
Work Title
Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi
Excerpt(s)
1. Chorale I (Za ma ba)
Composer
Karl Jenkins (b 1944)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1996
Conductor
Karl Jenkins
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Main Performer
Miriam Stockley (Singer)
Opera Part(s)
Miriam Stockley
Work 8
Work Title
Chicago
Excerpt(s)
1. All That Jazz
Composer
John Harold Kander (b 1927)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1975
Date Recorded
1998
Conductor
Gareth Valentine
Orchestra / Ensemble
Bill Occleshaw Orchestra
Main Performer
Ute Lemper (Soprano)
Opera Part(s)
Ute Lemper
Work 9
Work Title
Jazz Suite No. 2
Excerpt(s)
1. Waltz 2
Composer
Dmitry (Dmitriyevich) Shostakovich (1906 - 1975)
Genre
Orchestral
Date Written
1938
Date Recorded
1994
Conductor
Jurre Haanstra
Orchestra / Ensemble
Johann Strauss Orchestra of Vienna
Main Performer
André Rieu (Director), André Rieu (Violin)
Opera Part(s)
André Rieu, André Rieu
Work 10
Work Title
Song for Athene
Excerpt(s)
1. Song for Athene
Composer
John (Kenneth) Tavener (b 1944)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
1993
Date Recorded
1998
Conductor
Stephen Cleobury
Orchestra / Ensemble
King's College Choir, Cambridge
Work 11
Work Title
Mass for three voices
Excerpt(s)
1. Agnus Dei
Composer
William Byrd (1543 - 1623)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
c1593-94
Date Recorded
1996
Orchestra / Ensemble
Downside Abbey Monks' Choir
Orchestra / Ensemble
Downside School Boys' Choir
Work 12
Work Title
Rigoletto
Excerpt(s)
1. La donna è mobile
Composer
Giuseppe (Fortunino Francesco) Verdi (1813 - 1901)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1851
Date Recorded
1972
Conductor
Richard Bonynge
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Symphony Orchestra
Main Performer
Luciano Pavarotti (Tenor)
Opera Part(s)
Luciano Pavarotti
Work 13
Work Title
Adiemus I: Songs of Sanctuary
Excerpt(s)
1. Adiemus
Composer
Karl Jenkins (b 1944)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
1996
Date Recorded
1995
Conductor
Karl Jenkins
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Main Performer
Miriam Stockley (Singer)
Opera Part(s)
Miriam Stockley
Work 14
Work Title
Standing Stone
Excerpt(s)
1. Strings pluck, horns blow, drums beat
Composer
Sir Paul McCartney (b 1942)
Genre
Orchestral
Date Written
1997
Date Recorded
1997
Conductor
Stephen Westrop
Conductor
Lawrence Foster
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Symphony Chorus (pro) Choir
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Symphony Orchestra
Work 15
Work Title
Braveheart
Excerpt(s)
1. A Gift of a Thistle
Composer
James Horner (b 1953)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1995
Date Recorded
1995
Conductor
James Horner
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Symphony Orchestra
Work 16
Work Title
'O sole mio
Excerpt(s)
1. 'O sole mio
Composer
Eduardo Di Capua (1865 - 1917)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
1898
Date Recorded
1990
Conductor
Zubin Mehta
Orchestra / Ensemble
Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Orchestra / Ensemble
Orchestra del Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Main Performer
José Carreras (Tenor), Luciano Pavarotti (Tenor), Plácido Domingo (Tenor)
Opera Part(s)
José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo
Work 17
Work Title
Puer natus est nobis (Canto Gregoriano)
Excerpt(s)
1. Puer natus est nobis (Canto Gregoriano)
Composer
Anonymous
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1973
Conductor
(Dom) Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta
Orchestra / Ensemble
Santo Domingo de Silos Monastery Choir, Burgos
Work 18
Work Title
(The) Piano
Excerpt(s)
1. The Heart asks Pleasure First
Composer
Michael Nyman (b1944)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1993
Date Recorded
1993
Main Performer
Michael Nyman (Piano)
Opera Part(s)
Michael Nyman
Work 19
Work Title
Nulla in mundo pax sincera in E, RV630
Excerpt(s)
1. Nulla in mundo pax sincera
Composer
Antonio (Lucio) Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1978
Conductor
Christopher Hogwood
Orchestra / Ensemble
Academy of Ancient Music Orchestra
Main Performer
Emma Kirkby (Soprano)
Opera Part(s)
Emma Kirkby
Work 20
Work Title
(La) Bohème, 'Bohemian Life'
Excerpt(s)
1. Che gelida manina
Composer
Giacomo (Antonia Domenico Michele Secondo Maria) Puccini (1858 - 1924)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1896
Date Recorded
1979
Conductor
Colin Davis
Orchestra / Ensemble
Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden
Main Performer
José Carreras (Tenor)
Opera Part(s)
José Carreras
Work 21
Work Title
Star Wars: Episode IV, '(A) New Hope'
Excerpt(s)
1. Main Title
Composer
John (Towner) Williams (b 1932)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1977
Date Recorded
1980
Conductor
John Towner Williams
Orchestra / Ensemble
Boston Pops Orchestra
Work 22
Work Title
(The) Beyondness of Things
Excerpt(s)
1. The Beyondness of Things
Composer
John Barry (b 1933)
Genre
Orchestral
Date Written
1996-7
Date Recorded
1998
Conductor
John Barry
Orchestra / Ensemble
English Chamber Orchestra
Work 23
Work Title
Gaudete
Excerpt(s)
1. Gaudete
Composer
Anonymous
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1997
Orchestra / Ensemble
Mediaeval Babes
Work 24
Work Title
World in Union
Excerpt(s)
1. World in Union
Composer
Gustav(us Theodore von) Holst (1874 - 1934)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1999
Orchestra / Ensemble
Morriston Rugby Club Choir
Orchestra / Ensemble
Black Mountain Male Chorus
Orchestra / Ensemble
City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Main Performer
Bryn Terfel (Bass-baritone)
Opera Part(s)
Bryn Terfel
Work 25
Work Title
Andrea Chénier
Excerpt(s)
1. La mamma morta
Composer
Umberto Giordano (1867 - 1948)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1896
Date Recorded
1954
Conductor
Tullio Serafin
Orchestra / Ensemble
Philharmonia Orchestra
Main Performer
Maria Callas (Soprano)
Opera Part(s)
Maria Callas
Work 26
Work Title
(The) Lark ascending
Excerpt(s)
1. (The) Lark ascending
Composer
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958)
Genre
Orchestral
Date Written
1914, rev 1920
Date Recorded
1997
Conductor
Simon Rattle
Orchestra / Ensemble
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Main Performer
Kennedy (Violin)
Opera Part(s)
Kennedy
Work 27
Work Title
(The) Deer Hunter
Excerpt(s)
1. Cavatina
Composer
Stanley Myers (1934 - 1993)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1978
Date Recorded
1971
Main Performer
John Williams (Guitar)
Opera Part(s)
John Williams
Work 28
Work Title
Ave Maria
Excerpt(s)
1. Ave Maria
Composer
Giulio Caccini (c1545 - 1618)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1997
Conductor
Ivor Bolton
Orchestra / Ensemble
Britten Sinfonia Orchestra
Main Performer
Lesley Garrett (Soprano)
Opera Part(s)
Lesley Garrett
Work 29
Work Title
Agnus Dei, Op. 11
Excerpt(s)
1. Agnus Dei, Op. 11
Composer
Samuel Barber (1910 - 1981)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Written
1967
Date Recorded
1996
Conductor
Edward Higginbottom
Orchestra / Ensemble
New College Choir, Oxford
Work 30
Work Title
Scottish Fantasy, Op. 46
Excerpt(s)
1. Andante sostenuto
Composer
Max (Karl August) Bruch (1838 - 1920)
Genre
Orchestral
Date Written
1880
Date Recorded
1996
Conductor
Viktor Fedotov
Orchestra / Ensemble
London Symphony Orchestra
Main Performer
Vanessa-Mae (Violin)
Opera Part(s)
Vanessa-Mae
Work 31
Work Title
Myfanwy
Excerpt(s)
1. Myfanwy
Composer
Joseph Parry (1841 - 1903)
Genre
Vocal & Choral
Date Recorded
1999
Orchestra / Ensemble
Risca Choir
Orchestra / Ensemble
Black Mountain Male Chorus
Main Performer
Bryn Terfel (Bass-baritone)
Opera Part(s)
Bryn Terfel
Work 32
Work Title
Inspector Morse
Excerpt(s)
1. Yesterday is Here 2. Irish Connection 3. Canal Theme 4. Past Solutions - Old Crimes 5. The Way Through the Woods 6. Warm Thoughts 7. Best Endeavours 8. The Remorseful Day 9. Mystery in the Woods 10. Stay of Execution 11. Morse's Second Chance 12. The Final Case 13. Mysterioso 14. Vigil and Waiting 15. Goodbye Sir 16. Inspector Morse - Full Theme
Composer
Barrington Pheloung (b 1954)
Genre
Stage works
Date Written
1987
Date Recorded
1996
Main Performer
Barrington Pheloung (Guitar)
Opera Part(s)
Barrington Pheloung
Work 33
Work Title
(La) Bohème, 'Bohemian Life'
Excerpt(s)
1. O soave fanciulla
Composer
Giacomo (Antonia Domenico Michele Secondo Maria) Puccini (1858 - 1924)
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