Music

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Romantic Moments.... Andre Rieu
Andre Rieu - Romantic Moments
Decent playing, lousy arrangements
Forget the hype, this is great music
Music That Will Touch Your Heart

Romantic Moments
Nino Rota , Franz Lehár , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Fryderyk Chopin , Giacomo Puccini , Irish Traditional , Richard Heuberger , Josef Strauss , Antonin Dvorak , Johann Paul Aegidius Martini , Franz Schubert , Enrico Toselli , Friedrich von Flotow , André Rieu , J. Huijts , Teun Ramaekers , and Arthur Cordewener
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tuscany
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100 Years of Strauss

ASIN: B00000I076
Release Date: 1999-02-02

Tracks:

Love Theme From Romeo & Juliet
Song To The Moon
Komm Mit Mir Ins Chambre Separee
Etude From Op.10 No. 3 In E Major
O Mio Babbino Caro (O My Darling Boy)
Londonderry Air (Danny Boy)
Violin Concerto No.3 In G Major, K.216: Adagio
Spharenklange (Music Of The Spheres)
Giuditta: Meine Lippen, Sie Kussen So Heiss
Plaisis D'amour
Wiener Lied (Viennese Song)
Adagio From Clarinet Concerto In A Major, K.622
Serenata
Die Letzte Rose (The Last Rose)
The 'New World' Symphony: Far From Home, Largo
Romeo & Juliet: Love Theme

Amazon.com

Set the table, open the wine, light some candles. Slip on this disc. Let the gentle sounds of André Rieu's slippery fiddle and fur-tipped orchestra lull you with classical music's most memorable soothers, from "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Plasir D'Amour" to the largo from Dvorák's New World Symphony and Nino Rota's "A Time for Us," which opens and closes the collection. Lightweight stuff, yes, but ingenuously arranged and performed, and the ribbon of reverb that surrounds the orchestra will please erstwhile Mantovani fans. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Romantic Moments.... Andre Rieu.......2007-02-24

Love this music & Andre Rieu is popular with not only my husband & myself but with our children & parents. It's fun & a wonderful way to introduce the classics to any & all lovers of music.

Andre Rieu - Romantic Moments.......2006-08-31

Oh, So beautiful---- every track!!!!! My personal favorite has to be the soothing SERENATA. So, get comfy, put on the headphones so you won't miss a single note...... Andre Rieu's violin is magical!!!!!

Decent playing, lousy arrangements.......2005-11-11

Well, apparently I'm in the minority, but I found this CD disappointing. I bought it because I fell in love with "Song to the Moon" when I heard it on the radio, but this track and possibly the "Londonderry Air" are the only ones worth listening to. Although the melodies chosen for this album are indeed beautiful, the arrangements (Rieu's own) are poorly done. I would much more highly recommend Joshua Bell's Romance of the Violin, which has a similar theme, albeit restricted to classical tunes.

Forget the hype, this is great music.......2005-08-04

Try not to think about the cheesy "Andre Rieu in Tuscany" PBS special. This is a very pleasing program of selections of great romantic melodies, beautifully arranged. Few people are going to purchase a CD of Dvorak's Rusalka just to hear "Song to the Moon" so this is the place to hear it. And it's even better on Rieu's violin than in the original vocal version. Rieu plays perfectly in tune (not always easy in the higher registers of the violin) and has exquisite phrasing that brings out the musicality of even the most over-recorded selections.

Rhieu's arrangements (with Jo Huijts) have hints of "beautiful music" (think Ray Coniff) but only hints, and the result is very tasteful. For example, the piano obligato under the strings on "O mio babbino caro" makes you wish that Puccini had thought of that.

This is a wonderful album to listen to while relaxing and would make a great gift for someone who appreciates classical music but doesn't have specific preferences.

Music That Will Touch Your Heart.......2004-12-05

This one is one of my favorites of Andre Rieu. It's very romantic. It reminded me of my honeymoon in Vienna. I like to play it at home a lot. It lifts the spirit and touches the heart. Made me cry one time.

Chords of the Cosmos: Harmonies of the Zodiac with Crystal Bowls for Chakra Balancing, Meditation & The Healing Arts

Average customer rating:

I liked it, but this is not for everyone!
each tract a meditation
EXPLORING INNER SPACE
Should have listened for myself before purchasing
WONDERFUL CD

Chords of the Cosmos: Harmonies of the Zodiac with Crystal Bowls for Chakra Balancing, Meditation & The Healing Arts
Deborah Van Dyke , and Crystal Voices
Manufacturer: Crystal Voices
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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CRYSTAL VOICES: The Harmonic Vibrations of Crystal Singing Bowls

ASIN: B0000CH8A0
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

Aries - C G E
Taurus - C# F G#
Gemini - D F #A
Cancer - D# G A#
Leo - E G# B
Virgo - FAC
Libra - F# A# C#
Scorpio - G B D
Sagittarius - G# C D#
Capricorn - A C# E
Aquarius - A# D F
Pisces - B D# F#

Album Description

Serene waves of crystal bowl tones echo the beautiful musical harmonies of the constellations that Pythagoras called the 'Music of the Spheres'. CHORDS OF THE COSMOS fine tunes our entire body to the musical order of the universe with a deeply healing sound journey around the zodiac wheel. This first-of-its-kind recording provides a new level of therapeutic sound with harmonic chords for each astrological sign. It facilitates the alignment and balancing of the chakras and the auric field. The perfect healing companion for meditation, joy, massage and all healing arts.

"Deborah Van Dyke is a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. Chords of the Cosmos is a set of 12 deep overtone compositions tuned to the signs of the zodiac and Pythagorean progression. Each piece is designed for Chakra meditation to balance a specific body part. Meditation with this CD aligns listeners with the resonance of the cosmos.

This disc is pure overtone bliss. Deborah's techniques on the bowls are flawless. There is no need for looping, layering and/or processing. The bowls' natural overtone properties simulate those effects and stimulate introspection, relaxation and healing. Deep listening is a wonderful experience. It allows listeners to go to their "happy places" for ultimate relaxation.

This is a special CD from a special lady. It is the overtone CD among overtone CDs." Jim Brenholts, Music Reviewer

Customer Reviews:

I liked it, but this is not for everyone!.......2004-12-30

I have done exercises of toning in the past with Quigong, and this was very similar for me. I found the tones beautiful and melodic, and simply that, sustained and harmonized tones. If that is what you are looking for, then yes, you may indeed enjoy this. While I don't know whether the cords used are balancing for the zodiac or of the areas mentioned, I do know that I liked the meditative properties of the drawn out harmonies for myself.

This album though, is not for everyone. The pieces here might be compared to the musical sounds made by a harmony of fine crystal glassware at dinner. For some people this style of sounding may be annoying at best, and unpleasant at worst. If you are looking for clear crystal harmonics, you may very well enjoy this CD. If, however you are looking for soothing, musical composition I suggest checking out some Dean Evenson and passing on the Crystal Bowls.

My advice: always listen to a few of the provided samples first. That is what they're there for!

each tract a meditation.......2004-08-16

I think that Chords of the Cosmos is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking sustained meditative work. I also study astrology and enjoy selecting sequences of the different tracts to 'tune in' to the various notes revealed for each sign or season, what a great way to open one's consciousness to the subtle music of creation! And because a whole tract is dedicated to each zodiacal sign, one can create meditative 'sessions', such as for the four elements, the three qualities, or any array thereof.

Another example would be to arrange or program the tracts into the Chaldean order of planets (based on the signs that each planet occupies within one's own horoscope) to feel the flow of harmony or changes from the Sun to Mercury and Venus to Earth (the sign opposing the 'Sun Sign'), followed by a rendezvous in the sign of the Moon... then meditatively guide one's consciousness outward through Mars to Jupiter and Saturn using the harmonies of these signs of the Zodiac. As the Sun is the "heart" of our solar system model, this meditation could be considered a "heart-centered" approach for guiding the flow of consciousness from the source of light and warmth and then outward through each planet... and back again!.

The chord arrangements for each sign are beautiful, each tract is a meditation in itself!
I've read how Pythagorus studied number and notes with his monochord, how Einstein would play his violin for inspiration while solving his equations. _Chords of the Cosmos_ makes it possible to engage in similar meditative journeys, the possibilities are endless. With this gift one can literally craft their own meditative vehicle through the beautiful vibrancy of the crystal bowls, played in layers of harmony to resonate with the seasons of time.

EXPLORING INNER SPACE.......2004-08-06

Pythagoras, Rudolph Steiner and other leaders in the field of consciousness have all talked of the connectivity between outer space and inner space, the macrocosm/the microcosm. Chords of the Cosmos is unique in its use of musical triad chords created with crystal bowl tones, that mirror the tones of the constellations.

Make no mistake, this is a seriously therapeutic CD, not intended for mere listening pleasure, although the serene, perfectly tuned chords are beautiful indeed to hear. But there is much more to this CD, that, to the uninitiated ear, may not be appreciated on first listen. Anyone interested in deepening their meditative experience will find immense value in using this CD to fine-tune their body instrument. And the more one works with it, the further one goes. Within the first five minutes I slip into alpha state and thereafter, far beyond.......

Chords of the Cosmos creates a bridge of tonal sounds that enable you to experience the subtle fields of energy of the constellations, while simultaneously accessing the deeper fields within your inner space. A remarkable tool for higher consciousness and healing!

Should have listened for myself before purchasing.......2004-05-18

Should have listened for myself before purchasing the special price package. Traveling The Sacred Sound Current is pleasant and Chords of the Cosmos drives me and others who heard it... nuts.

WONDERFUL CD.......2004-01-02

I do listen to this recording at least once a day - sometimes with headphones, sometimes I just let it play in the background. When I listen to it with headphones, I feel the sounds reverberating first in my head and then spreading throughout the rest of my body, re-arranging, harmonizing and aligning my energy field and by body from the top of my head, all the way to the tips of my toes. Then, I feel ready to embrace the day, balanced, nourished, strengthened.

Average customer rating:

Most valued KJ
A hidden treasure!
why not the whole thing?
6 Stars!
If you only own one piece of music in your life...

Spheres
Keith Jarrett
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000261JN
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

Spheres (1st Movement)
Spheres (4th Movement)
Spheres (7th Movement)
Spheres (9th Movement)

Amazon.com

Hymns/Spheres, the original double LP from which the four pieces here are drawn, was perhaps too long and somewhat self-indulgent, and ultimately risked tedium. Yet the album contained some of the most transcendent music Keith Jarrett has recorded. In 1976, he came upon the mighty Trinity Organ, built by Karl Joseph Riepp (1710-1775) at the Benedictine Abbey in Ottobeuren, and proceeded to extend its already awesome capabilities by experimenting with partial openings of its stops. The result was an array of eerie tonalities with which he could accomplish a memorable contribution to the long tradition of organ improvisation. The opening section of the nine-part "Sphere" (four selections of which comprise this release) is a grand, piercing, and elevating summoning of shadowy recesses of the spirit, and of their liberation in devotion to whatever one's gods. --Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews:

Most valued KJ.......2003-07-25

At first I laughed when hearing Spheres, expecting something different from KJ with a German 1800C organ. Now I rate it top5 of my nearly 50 KJ CD's. I can never find the end of this piece, listening to it for days over and over again, repeat is a highly valued key on the CDPlayer when this is inside. Try reading Inferno by James Nachtwey, tasting Kopke 1995 Vintage port and palying Spheres - your on the way ;-)

A hidden treasure!.......2003-01-12

Everyone's review is right on the money--this CD is an overlooked masterpiece. I bought it in 1997 and it has been my favorite record ever since. Track down the double CD with all 9 movements as well as "Hymn of Remembrance". The entire collection is beautiful. The music is sublime--I've never heard music like it in my life. At the same time, its energy stems from the same place that all of Keith's musical energy comes from. Fans of classical organ music might also find this CD interesting for its technical ingenuity.

why not the whole thing?.......2002-05-25

Yes, this is really an amazing performance. Shards of sound, whispers of melody, great atmospherics. At times the music reminds me of Ligeti pieces like "Atmospheres"; music that is more about color and dynamics rather than melody and counterpoint. Jarrett coaxes just about every imagineable sound out of a baroque organ, with its myriad of tone colors and strange intonation.
This CD is actually a severely truncated version of the LP set "Hymns/Spheres", which was at least twice the length of this release (only 4 of 9 movements of "Spheres" are on the CD, and the two lengthy "Hymns" are missing). I would assume that the reason is that ECM figured not enough people would buy the complete set on CD, but this is my official request for them to
release this set in its entirety.

6 Stars!.......2001-12-07

This CD is so entirely awsome, that I cannot find words to express it. I've heard it probably a hundred times already. The music is so atmospheric, that you believe you're in a different World. If I had to, I would sell my entire Collection against this CD.

If you only own one piece of music in your life..........2000-04-10

This is it. I originally purchased the Hymns/Spheres 2 LP set in the 80s in a used record store while looking for some of Jarrett's jazz titles. When I listened to it I found a work so phenomenal and inspiring that it changed my musical tastes forever. I have been listening to this recording off and on for years, yet its depth and complexity only seem to improve with age. Initially almost atonal to the uninitiated, the familiar ear sees only the purest serenity. This is easily my favorite work (by anyone, any genre) of all time. If anyone at EMI is listening, please do the right thing and release a remastered, unedited version again.

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Average customer rating:

Hindemith conducts Hindemith
Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools
Phenomenal performances
Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended
Hindemith Himself

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Kammermusik

ASIN: B0000U1NHE
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Customer Reviews:

Hindemith conducts Hindemith.......2006-11-10

The musician's musician, the most versatile, skilled and knowledgeable composer of the 20th Century can be heard with delight in this excellently remastered Deutsche Grammophon recording of him conducting the Berlin Phiharmonic Orchestra in definitive renditions of some of his own masterpieces. Hindemith by and large was the best interpreter of his own works. Under his direction pure, unadulterated, joyfull music-making of great vitality prevails, thoroughly unpedantic, yet devoid of vanity, pretentious display or exaggeration. The rendition of the Mathis Symphony is, of course, definitive and the nowadays most frequently perfomed Symphonic Metamorphosis is done with gusto. But we would like to call special attention to such an inexplicably neglected masterpiece as the thoroughly delightful, but substantial Symphonic Dances and the unique and profound Konzermusik for piano, brass & harp. What neo-Baroque, roaring twenties exhuberance displayed in the Concerto for Orchestra and what a gem of human insight "The Four Temperaments",
here definitively rendered! ER

Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools.......2006-08-19

Hindemith is a far too overlooked composer, and I daresay that in decades to come people will realize the greatness of his compositions, a Hindemith renaissance will take place. I for one enjoy his music greatly and this box set is a perfect introduction to his music. Contrapuntally Hindemith stands apart from most 20th composers, indeed his music speaks the 20th century idiom, however as one will recognize immediately Hindemith speaks his own language. In fact this composer is one of the most original of his time. Contrapuntally he continues and adds to the great traditions harkening back to the Renaissance. His conducting is no nonsense and gets to the heart of his music. I find this music to be riveting, exciting, intellectual and heartfelt. Hindemith has his place in Music history.

Phenomenal performances.......2006-03-07

Hindemith may not have been a Schoenberg or Stravinsky, but at his most inspired he was certainly way up there near the top of the heap, among the greatest composers of the late lamented 20th Century. What these recordings tell us, however, and to me this comes as something of a shock, is that he was also a truly great conductor. All the performances in this set are in my opinion truly extraordinary, among the very best orchestral performances I've ever heard -- of any music by any composer of any period.

Everything one would expect of a superlative performance is here, the tempi, the balances, the shadings, accents, nuance, intonation, attention to detail, attention to overall structure, sweep, authority, intensity, even expressiveness (YES, expressiveness!) and passion (yes, passion too).

To get a sense of how remarkable a conductor Hindemith is, listen carefully to the slow movement of Mathis. With tempi this slow (and this is the slowest I've heard for this piece, extremely slow), it's very difficult to maintain interest, not to mention control. However, in the hands of Hindemith and this remarkable orchestra, with whom he's obviously established an extraordinary rapport, the tempo works beautifully and the piece takes on an almost Mahlerian intensity I'd never heard before.

As if this weren't enough, the set contains one of the most remarkable pianistic performances I've ever heard, from Hindemith's composition student, Hans Otte. The "Four Temperaments" begins in typical middle period Hindemithian style, with a statement of the rather steady, bland and predictable theme, but with the entry of the piano for the first variation, all is transformed -- and suddenly we are back in the world of early Hindemith, one of the most inventive and masterful composers since Bach himself. The pianism is simply beyond belief here, just stunning in its verve, precision, virtuosity, nuance and phrasing. With the entry of the piano the piece just takes off, soars into the stratosphere, thanks to composer and pianist both. Otte was hand picked by Hindemith for this performance so possibly what we hear is at least in part due to careful coaching. But it's hard to understand how mere coaching could produce such marvels of nuance and such complete control of the instrument and total musical involvement in passage after passage. If you ever want to inspire a young performer with the possibilities of his art, you would do well to play your student this recording.

As for the more mundane details, even they are all good. The sonics are fantastic for a recording of this vintage, clear, even vibrant, with lots of body and power when called for. The orchestra itself is superb and in perfect rapport with its director. Even the piano selected for these recordings is a marvel, simply one of the finest instruments of its kind I've ever heard.

I know, it's easy to be skeptical in the face of all these superlatives, but I assure you I'm not usually this enthusiastic. These recordings truly are gems, trust me. HAH!

Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended.......2006-02-04

Hindemith jumped at the chance to record his major works with Deutsche Grammophon when it was offered in the early 1950s.

First, was his theory of conducting. He felt the conductor should, as much as possible, be "transparent" and not add anything to the music, i.e., through not gesticulating (especially wildly), etc.

Second, he had seen and heard conductors do just that to his works. And he had heard this result in what he considered overconducting.

Now, that doesn't mean that Hindemith wanted some "native" style of conducting, or even people conducting his works as sight-reading exercises. He expected a piece to be properly understood so that such overconducting was unnecessary.

The result is to be heard here. Now, by "lean and clean," we're not not talking Boulez. But, compared to his day and age, to the Furtwaenglers and others, we are talking something almost that spare.

When you hear these CDs, you'll immediately understand why Hindemith thought that other composers made his music sound too muddy.

These are mono recordings, but in studio in the early and mid 1950s with the Berlin Philharmonic, the baseline sound quality was quite good and the CDs have been well-engineered.

This is an outstanding buy of a great 20th-century composer.

Hindemith Himself.......2005-02-24

"Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" is another essential release in Universal's "Original Masters" series. This 3CD set features the composer himself conducting some of his best known works, including his two Symphonies, Symphonic Metamorphosis, Concerto for Orchestra, and Konzertmusik with Monique Haas on piano. All of the recordings hail from 1954-57 and while they are in mono, the DG sound is clear as a bell. Previously I owned a dozen or so CDs featuring various Hindemith works (performed by conductors Abbado, Bernstein, Blomstedt, Goossens, Kletzki, Kubelik, Szell, etc.), but only one with Hindemith himself conducting his own music (the Violin Concerto with David Oistrakh -- see my review). Well if you like a composer and have the ability to hear them conduct their own music, then you should do it, whatever the cost. I mean what would you give to have the opportunity to hear Beethoven or Mozart perform! Luckily in this case you don't have to fantasize, you just have to buy this affordable, budget-priced box set.

Average customer rating:

Perhaps best compilation so far
Actually comes close to being the best

Best of New Year's Concert

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000E4N55
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

The Blue Danube Op. 314 (Waltz)
Thunder And Lightning Op. 324
Morning Papers Op. 279
Bandits' Galop Op. 378
Emperor Waltz Op. 437
Hunting Op. 373
Viennese Bonbons Op. 307
Beloved Anna Polka Op. 137
Accelerations Op. 234
Burning Love Op. 129
The Dragonfly Op. 210
Overture

Tracks:

Vienna Blood Op. 354
Celebration March For The Recovery Of Emperor Franz Joseph I Op. 126
Light Of Heart Op. 319 - Hans Knappertsbusch
Without Brake Op. 238
Music Of The Spheres Op. 235
Pizzicato-Polka Op. 449
Watercolours Op. 258
On The Wing Op. 230
Voices Of Spring Op. 410 - Johann Strauss II
Egyptian March Op. 335
Anna Polka Op. 117
Tales From The Vienna Woods Op. 325 - Karl Swoboda
On Holiday Op. 133
Carefree Op. 271
Radetzky March Op. 228

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps best compilation so far.......2006-06-07

For many years I have rejected the "lesser" music of Strauss family. But since New Year's concert is an institution in Classical music I have to admit that sometime I was to buy something. And since tradition is what matters most, far more important than the particular conducting or programme of every year, why not having a look at a sample of this history line of performances? I usually hate samples of works or concerts, but in this case I make an exception: here the whole is far greater than its parts. Here you have many conductors from Krauss to Ozawa (lacking Mehta and the more recent Harnoncourt and Janssons)plus Knapperstbusch (?) who was closely associated with WP albeit without conducting a NY concert. In all of them the orchestra plays splendidly. If I have to single out a conductor, it is Karajan but I should listen to all his recording to make a judgement. What is important here is that you have a sample of what tradition truly is, far outweighting a particular programme or conductor. And the reperoire: almost all favourite pieces are here. Almost: I think it is a valse,very well known, I think, featuring in other CD under Maazel, that is absent here. But the vast majority of famous walzes and polkas are here, and adding track durations it makes clear that they need 2 cds. Given that it is very probable not to have all of them in a single concert, so I commend you not to let pass this oportunity and grab this compilation, unless you want a complete concert in particular. There is another more recent but less complete, I think. 4 of 27 tracks are not taken in a NY concert, but in Sofiensalle, in another time, but all are alive, with the WP. The local edition of the CD has a brief but appropiate history of the concert series by the President of WP, Clemens Hellsberg. Besides, the double CD ends with Radevsky(?) March, with public clapping, as it should. In summary, a must.

Actually comes close to being the best.......2005-10-28

Over the years DG has recorded more of the traditional New Year's concerts from Vienna than any other company, and they've mined their stock fairly often. Here is one of the very best collections, not a haphazard potpourri but a select cross-section of the best conducting from 1957 (Josef Krips) to 2002 (Seiji Ozawa). As it happens those are two conductors I wouldn't necessarily turn to for Strauss waltzes, but their contributions are buoyant and lovely. The same is true for eveyr cut on both CDs--one really gets into the spirit of a live concert and a festive occasion. Very nice.

Average customer rating:

Superb collection
Boskovsky and the Strauss Family of Vienna.
Strauss's Lover Must Own!!!!!

Strauss: Waltzes, Polkas & Marches

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000042GN
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Walzer, Op. 314: An der schonen, blauen Donau
Polka schnell, Op. 373: Auf der Jagd
Walzer, Op. 410: Fuhlingsstimmen
Pizzicato-polka
Op. 335: Egyptischer Marsch
Op. 214: Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka
Op. 173: Dynamiden-Waltzer
Polka-Mazurka, Op. 144: Die Schwatzerin
Walzer, Op. 270: Carnavals Botschafter
Op. 117: Annen-Polka
Walzer, Op. 75: Fesche Geister
Polka schnell, Op. 278: Jokey Polka
Walzer, Op. 235: Spharenklange
Polka francaise, Op. 269: Feuerfest
Op. 29a: Wettrennen-Galop

Tracks:

Walzer, Op. 325: Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald
Polka schnell, Op. 240: Eingesendet
Op. 228: Radetzky-Marsch
Op. 269: Demolirer-Polka
Walzer, Op. 367: Du und Du
Polka-Mazurka, Op.129: Brennende Liebe
Op. 433: Spanischer Marsch
Polka schnell, op.45: Bahn frei!
Walzer, Op.258: Aquarellen
Polka schnell, Op.393: St|rmisch in Lieb' und Tanz
Polka-Mazurka, Op.166: Frauenherz
Op. 411: Lagunen-Walzer
Polka francaise, Op. 235: Piefke un Pufke
Freuet euch des Lebens Walzer, op.340
Musikalischer Scherz, Op.257: Perpetuum mobile

Tracks:

Walzer, Op. 333: Wien, Weiss und Gesang
Polka francaise, Op. 336: Im Krapfenwaldl
Walzer, Op. 346: Tausend und ein Nacht
Op. 156: Napoleon Marsch
Walzer, Op. 364: Wo die Citronen blueh'n!
Polka-Mazurka, Op. 204: Die Libelle
Polka francaise, Op. 57: Moulinet
Walzer, Op. 443: Seid umschlungen, Millionen
Polka schnell, Op. 413: So angstlich sind wir nicht
Polka-Mazurka, Op. 315: Lob der frauen
Op. 43: Explosions Polka
Walzer, Op. 184: Transactionen
Polka francaise, Op. 281: Heiterer Mut
Op. 42: Sperl Galopp

Tracks:

Walzer, Op. 354: Wiener Blut
Op. 211: Champagner-Polka
Walzer, Op. 307: Wiener Bonbons
Op. 449: Neue Pizzicato-Polka
Walzer, Op. 114: Liebeslieder
Ungarische Polka schnell, Op. 332: Eljen a Magyar
Walzer, Op. 316: Krleben
Op. 378: Banditen-Galopp
Op. 426: Russischer Marsch
Polka schnell, Op. 324: Unter Donner und Blitz
Walzer, Op. 279: Morgenbler
Polka schnell, Op. 133: Auf Ferienreisen
Walzer, Op. 164: Dorfschwalben aus terreich
Op. 126: Kaiser Franz Joseph I. Rettungs-Jubel-Marsch

Tracks:

Walzer, Op. 388: Rosen aus dem S
Polka schnell, Op. 281: Vergnzug
Op. 437: Kaiserwalzer
Polka schnell, Op. 319: Leichtes Blut
Walzer, Op. 154: Loreley-Rhein-Kle
Polka, Op. 291: 'S gibt nur a Kaiserstadt, 's gibt nur a Wien !
Walzer, Op. 143: Schneeglhen
Polka-Mazurka, Op. 282: Die Emancipirte
Polka schnell, Op. 259: Mit Extrapost
Walzer, Op. 234: Accelerationen
Polka Francaise, Op. 372: Bitte Sch
Op. 289: Persischer Marsch
Walzer, Op. 212: Delirien
Op. 365: Tik-Tak-Polka

Tracks:

Op. 363: Fledermaus-Quadrille - Various Artists
Polka, Op. 271: Ohne Sorgen - Various Artists
Walzer, Op. 263: Mein Lebenslauf ist Lieb und Lust - Various Artists
Op. 236: Orpheus-Quadrille - Various Artists
Polka, Op. 230: Im Fluge - Various Artists
Walzer, Op. 361: Bei uns z'Haus - Various Artists
Schutzen-Quadrille - Various Artists
Polka, Op. 241: Extempore - Various Artists
Walzer, Op. 390: Nordseebilder - Various Artists
Polka, Op. 241: Freikugeln - Various Artists
Walzer, Op. 101: Mephistos Hollenrufe - Various Artists
Marsch, Op. 478: Aufs Korn - Various Artists
Walzer, Op. 329: Erinnerung an Covent-Garden - Various Artists
Op. 152: Rudolfsheimer-Polka - Various Artists

Amazon.com

Boskovsky's encyclopedic collection with the Vienna Philharmonic, recorded between 1957 and 1976, is as close to definitive as one is likely to get. There was a special camaraderie between Boskovsky and the Philharmonic--he was a member of the orchestra's violin section for 37 years and conducted their New Year's Day concerts from 1955 until 1979. There was also a special empathy that these performers, as custodians of a tradition going back to its origins, felt for the music of the Strauss family. It comes across quite wonderfully on these mid-price CDs, which have been painstakingly remastered for an edition every collector should have. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Superb collection.......2006-03-07

If you love or are just curious about the music of Vienna's Strauss family, this is the box set for you. You need look no further. Willi Boskovsky and the Vienna Philharmonic set the standards for the performance of these sublime waltzes, polkas and marches. The sound is fine, too, even though the recordings are not new. This is, quite simply, a magnificent set. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Boskovsky and the Strauss Family of Vienna........2003-06-12

A long series of Strauss music recordings conducted by Willi Boskovsky provides the contents of this slender, super-compact box of 6 CDs. Those who collected the original issues should check the contents before jettisoning them, because not everything has been reissued here. I especially regret that the vocal version of "An der schönen blauen Donau" has been omitted.

No combination has ever excelled Willi Boskovsky and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in performing this repertoire. Although the waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, marches and overtures were performed over and over again by these musicians, there is never a hint of workaday routine or staleness to be heard here. Everything seems to unfold naturally. Each item's inherent character is displayed. Tiny nuances and felicities of phrasing and a balance that favors the melody and reduces the accompaniment make these performances inimitable. The performance of "Morgenblätter" seems to provide a tad more excitement and impact than the other 85 items.

The recordings were made between 1960 and 1976. They are studio recordings, not deriving from the famous New Year concerts, and all but the few items from the very earliest year provide excellent sound.

Strauss's Lover Must Own!!!!!.......2001-10-09

Budget Price..... Recording and sound are good to excellence .... Let's enjoy and touch the spirits of Vienna now.....

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
Not really a review, just filling in missing information

Hindemith: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
Kammermusik
Hindemith: Concert Music; Horn Concerto; Clarinet Concerto and others
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Sibelius: The Symphonies / Blomstedt

ASIN: B0000C6IW2
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. Engelskonzert
2. Grablegung
3. Versuchung Des Heiligen Antonius
1. Langsam/2. Ruhig Bewegt/3. Lebhaft/4. Marsch - Geraldine Walther
1. Allegro
2. Turandot, Scherzo: Moderato
3. Lebhaft
4. Sehr Langsam

Tracks:

1. Massig Schnell, Mit Kraft - Sehr Breit, Aber Stets Fliessend
Lebhaft - Langsam - Im Ersten Zeitmass
1. 'Zwischen Berg Und Tiefem Tal' - Geraldine Walther
2. 'Nun Laube, Lindlein, Laube!' - Geraldine Walther
3. Variations: 'Seid Ihr Nicht Der Schwanendreher?' - Geraldine Walther
1. Einleitung Und Rondo
2. Marsch Und Pastorale
3. Passacaglia

Tracks:

1. Moderately Fast
2. Geschwindmarsch By Beethoven, Paraphrase
3. Colloquy
4. Finale
1. Musica Instrumentalis
2. Musica Humana
3. Musica Mundana

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-09-11

The Trio series is unquestionably, along with EMI's Gemini sets, one of the best available. This particular item is a complete set of Hindemith's orchestral works, and not only do we get full servings at over 60 minutes per CD, but you get fantastic performances as well. These Blomstedt SFSO/Leipzig Gewandhauser recordings were originally issued at full price on Decca, and when one hears them one can tell why. The orchestras sound transparent and lovely, and Blomstedt doesn't force the music, which works perfectly and is an approach strangely similar to the best interpretations of Mozart. Emotion is given its full due: I challenge you to find a single phrase here that is either too boistrous or too grim. The recording quality is amazing - so fine, in fact, that the captured sonics themselves are a significant bonus to the set. And the price! To pay, Melville wrote, is the worst affliction the two orchard thieves inflicted upon us. Luckily for you and me, the price is small - and the music is worth a hundred times the price to boot. Get it without hesitation.

Not really a review, just filling in missing information.......2004-08-01

This is a compilation of 3 discs previously released separately, all conducted by Blomstedt and highly rated by critics.

Disc 1 (with San Francisco Symphony):
Mathis der Maler symphony (tracks 1-3)
Trauermusik for viola and strings (track 4)
Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber (tracks 5-8)

Disc 2 (with San Francisco Symphony):
Konzertmusik for brass and strings (tracks 1-2)
Der Schwanendreher (viola concerto) (tracks 3-5)
Nobilissima Visione suite (tracks 6-8)

Disc 3 (with Gewandhausorchester Lepizig):
Symphonie Serena (tracks 1-4)
Symphonie "Die Harmonie der Welt" (tracks 5-7)

Average customer rating:

Unexpected treat
It brings you to a lovely state of mind
Music for anyone's savage anything!
You are the traveller!

Music of the Spheres

Manufacturer: Eris Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Songs from Earth
Cristal: Glass Music Through the Ages
Music for Glass Harmonica
Crystal Christmas
Glass Harmonica

ASIN: B0000CGDB5
Release Date: 2003-08-09

Tracks:

Earth, The Realm Of Life
The Moon, The Sphere Of Intuition
Mercury, The Sphere Of The Mind
Venus, The Sphere Of Love
The Sun, The Sphere Of The Will
Mars, The Sphere Of The Warrior
Jupiter, The Sphere Of Aspirations
Saturn, The Sphere Of Wisdom
The Fixed Stars, The Frontier To The Beyond
Primum Mobile, The Prime Mover Of The Spheres
Empyrean, The Sphere Of God
Centrum, The Still Point At The Center Of The Spheres

Album Description

These twelve pieces were inspired by the ancient Pythagorean conception of the Universe. This musical journey begins at Earth, and travels through the planets to the Great Beyond; passionate and mystical, reveling in the wonders of the Cosmos. "Music of the Spheres" incorporates a wealth of musical symbolism based on almost a year of William's research into ancient through modern astronomy and astrology. The fundamental concept of the album is to portray the soul's final journey from life on Earth, ascending through the planetary spheres to the Afterlife.

The original concept of the "Music of the Spheres" is credited to Pythagoras (c.569-475 BC), a musical-mathematical-mystic, but its first surviving written account appears in Plato (c.427-347 BC). At the end of his Republic, Plato gives a tour of the afterlife and a view of the planetary spheres. But for Plato they aren't true spheres, they are giant "hemispheres", nested inside of each other with just the rims exposed, all rotating on a spindle of light. A Siren is assigned to each rim, singing a single note. In short, in Plato's view, the Cosmos is an enormous glass armonica in the sky! If Plato's Sirens had merely touched the hemispheres' rims with moistened fingers instead of singing, we'd be crediting Plato with the invention of the glass armonica instead of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790).

Composed for glass armonica and accompanied by harp, wine glass chorus, and gentle percussion.

Customer Reviews:

Unexpected treat.......2007-05-17

The instrument that is central to this CD was first invented by Benjamin Franklin. It's a series of graduating glass bowls connected in the center by a rod of some kind. The whole thing turns and the edge of the bowls are played by hand. At least, that is what I understand of the instrument and it's history. Reagardless of whether you understand the mechanics of the device or not, the music is wonderfully restful, enjoyable and tranquil. I use it for my yoga sessions. I'm really pleased the insturment has been found is being played again.

It brings you to a lovely state of mind.......2007-05-13

A friend recommended this CD and I found the history behind the music intriguing and went to the website: [...] to sample it. I was immediately enchanted. I find it very soothing, calming and play it a lot when I'm studying, doing yoga (or taking a nap). It also seems to brighten my mood when I'm feeling stressed out. Its just really beautiful and I highly recommend it to anyone that appreciates this sort of musical experience.

Music for anyone's savage anything!.......2007-03-19

I happened upon the glass harmonica or glass armonica as some call it while watching of all things KORN Unplugged. Was fascinated by the sound coming from the instrument - researched it and immediately purchased this DVD - and have not taken it out of my player. Highly recommend.

You are the traveller!.......2006-03-07

I first heard of the glass armonica when I saw the movie "Mesmer" and I really liked the strange, hypnotic sound it made. I wanted to hear more so I got this cd. I liked this one right away. The music beautifully captures the wonder, mystery and infinity of the universe. It slowly lulls you into a trance-like state and takes you into the universe of "you" where you experience your inner self. This would be the perfect cd to use in any environment where you want to induce calmness and introspection. If you want to listen to samples from this cd you have to go to Zeitler's website: www.glassarmonica.com

Average customer rating:

A waltz lovers delight:

Wiener Musik

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc.
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Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964
Beethoven: The String Quartets/ Grosse Fuge

ASIN: B0009U55QK
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

A waltz lovers delight:.......2007-02-11

If you love to listen to Viennese waltz music, you'll find this 12 disc set a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.