Music

Average customer rating:

Too busy
good product and fast service
what a road trip
Mesmerized and moved mom to tears
Daughter loves it

Mozart's Magnificent Voyage

Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mr. Bach Comes To Call
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Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery

ASIN: B0000061XU
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

Horn Concerto, K.495, Movt 3
Clarinet Quintet, K.581, Movt 2
Symphony No.1, K.16, Movt 2
Piano Sonata In F, K.332, Movt 3
Medley: We Are Three Spirits ('Drei Knabchen')/Magic Flute, K.620
Overture, Marriage Of Figaro, K.492
Arrival At Court: Child's Minuet in C
Medley: Symphony No.1, K.16, Movt 1/Variations On 'La Ci Darem,' By Beethoven
Evening Falls ('Abendempfindung'), K.523
Flute Quartet, K.285, Movt 2
Symphony No.40, K.550, Movt 1
Arrival In Rome
Miserere Mei, By Allegri
Cassation in C, K.63
Minuet, Don Giovanni, K.527
Medley: Barrel-Organ Var On 'Deh Vieni,'/Don Giovanni, K.527
Variations On 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,' K.265
Letter Duet, ('Canzonetta Sull'aria'), Marriage Of Figaro, K.492
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525, Movt 4
Ave Verum Corpus, K.618
Medley: Waldstein Sonata, Op.53, By Beethoven/Piano Concerto in C, K.467, Movt 1...
Medley: Piano Sonata in A, K.331, Mvt 1/Gran Partita, K.361, Movt 7
Blow Softly, You Breezes ('Soave Sia Il Vento'), Cosi Fan Tutte, K.588...

Product Description

GENERAL FEATURES: The Dream Children are about to be written out of Mozart's most famous opera. Hoping to change their fate, they enlist the help of the composer's young son Karl. Together the children embark on an incredible journey that takes them back in time to Mozart's childhood as well as far into the future. Along the way, Karl learns much about his father and comes to understand his legacy of timeless music. Educational entertainment for all ages.

Customer Reviews:

Too busy.......2006-07-14

I was hoping for more music - there's just too much storytelling for my and my kids' taste. We love the Beethoven's Wig series and were hoping this would be similar.

good product and fast service.......2005-09-11

Product arrived in ample time overseas and was pleased with quality of product!

what a road trip.......2005-02-21

i bought this item after reading some of the reviews on amazon for my nephews who are 2 and 4 years of age. two months after christmas their mom was explaining how they request the cd everytime they are in the car. she groaned when i was in the car and they boys wanted to show me how much they liked the cd. during the trip i witnessed a mother humming along to the music with her children, the boys singing to excerpts, and an overall execptional learning experience about music, culture, and history. if you are looking for something that all children will like, passes the time on a road trip, and teaches important lessons about life without being pretentious then get this cd, it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Mesmerized and moved mom to tears.......2005-01-26

This CD is awesome, the music great, the story captivating. But it's Mozart, you already know about the music. Other reviewers have already discussed the story and I agree with their assessments that it's very good. The reason for this review is to say that my very active, never stopping, constantly in motion 5 year old SAT DOWN AND LISTENED without fidgeting or fiddling for a full 20 minutes and then sat but fiddled for the remainder of the CD. Maybe this is not a big deal to moms of "normal" energy level children -- but this simple act of being still for 20 minutes moved me to tears. I said nothing before putting the CD in, I just put it in while he was doing his running around. Within seconds of hearing the story start he sat down on the floor, crossed his legs, and listened while looking at the speakers. I have never seen this behavior from my child before, ever. Please note that this is a child who is not ADD, he just cannot be still. He listens to hundreds of hours of stories we read to him -- while he's doing something else. He "watches" videos -- while he's doing something else. He reads, while clapping or tapping out the beat of the syllables. I cannot remember my child ever stopping what he was doing to JUST LISTEN. When it was over he said, "That was a cool story," and got up to run around. That was it, but that's high praise from this child. To see my child sitting still for a full 20 minutes, you cannot begin to imagine my awe. I am running right out to get the rest of the series! Bravo to the producers!

Daughter loves it.......2003-03-27

My daughter is 5 and loves to hear this CD over and over in the car.

Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet

Average customer rating:

A blast of brass
Old school Wynton
fabulous
Amazing talent

Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classic Wynton
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Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
Baroque Trumpet Concertos
Trumpet Concertos

ASIN: B0000025XP
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 2. Largo
Trumpet Concerto In D Major - 3. Allegro (moderato)
'Let the Bright Seraphim' From Samson
Sonata A 5 For Trumpet & Strings, T.V. 3
'Sound the Trumpet' from Come Ye Sons Of Art
'Chaconne' from Come Ye Sons Of Art
'Entrada' from The Indian Queen
'Trumpet Air' from The Indian Queen
'Trumpet Tune' from King Arthur
'Trumpet Overture' from The Indian Queen
Sonata A 5 For Trumpet & Strings, T.V. 7
'Eternal Source Of Light Divine'
For Solo Trumpet And Strings, Concert No. 2 - 1. Allegro
2. Adagio
For Solo Trumpet And Strings, Concert No. 2 - 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A blast of brass.......2005-08-18

I first encountered this on cassette, quite by accident. It later became the background for my work at morning at the easel painting watercolours. But this is no wallpaper music. The technical genius of matching separate recordings of different trumpet parts is surpassed only by Marsalis's bright and lively technique. The masters would be pleased. As for the watercolours, I can now stand before them and see the music's influence on paper. Well worth the listening...

Old school Wynton.......2005-08-12

This cd features a lot of Wynton's earlier piccolo playing, which, while perhaps not as brilliant as you'd hear on his Gabriel's Garden album, is slightly more refined and appropriate to the repertoire. That isn't to say he doesn't embellish; The Fasch concerto has some tastefully inserted ornaments. "Let the Bright Seraphim" is as well played with soprano Edita Gruberova as it is in Wynton's later recording with Kathleen Battle. The Purcell selections on the album are probably the best examples of good piccolo playing I've found, particularly the trills. One only need listen to the "Entrada" to see how delicate and refined the playing on the whole album is.

fabulous.......2003-09-28

Marsalis' prodigious talent coupled with the greatest of Baroque brass composers is a combination that cannot be beat! Of course, Anthony Newman takes everything (less the slow stuff, of course) at his characteristic "lively" pace, but Marsalis keeps up. His execution of the ornamentation is awesome! Gotta have this one!

Amazing talent.......2001-04-22

Without doubt, the birthday ode to Queen Anne (Eternal Source of Light Divine) is one of the loveliest pieces ever. Couple that with two of the most accomplished talents in the world, you have a near spiritual moment. Even those with even a passing interest in the classics will find this a stirring expierence. this is true candy for the ear and food for the soul.

Average customer rating:

Bravo!
Outstanding compilation of the Italian classics,

Dinner Classics: The Italian Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dinner Classics: The French Album
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Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics

ASIN: B0000026XP
Release Date: 1990-05-17

Tracks:

Canzon Septimi Toni No.2
Concerto in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1: I-Allegro From Spring (La primavera)
Overture (Allegro)
from Concerto in G Major for 2 Guitars: I-Allegro
from String Quartet in E Major Op. 13, No. 5: Minuetto
from Sonata for Violin & Guitar: III-Menuetto: Allgretto
from Sonata Concertata in A Major: III-Rondeau
Cantabile for Violin & Guitar
from Concerto for Guitar and Strings Orchestra, Op. 30: II-Andantino Siciliano
Nocturne: Moderato from the ballet La Boutique Fantasque (after Rossini)
from the Sebastian Suite: Barcarolle
Dance for Six (from William Tell)
La Donna E Mobile (from Rigoletto)
Musetta's Waltz (from La Boheme)
O Soave Fanciulla (Love Duet) from La Boheme
Vissi D'Arte (from Tosca)
Intermezzo: Andante Cantabile ( from Fedora)
Introduction to Act I (from La traviata)
Intermezzo (from Cavalleria rusticana)
Celeste Aida (from Aida)
O Mio Babbino Caro (from Gianni Schicchi)

Customer Reviews:

Bravo!.......2000-07-22

I heard this album for the first time at a restuarant in Florence during my trip to Italy. I was surprised it was from the US beacause it has captured the very soul of Italy. After 7 years it has remained my favorite of all Puccini cds I own. I especially like the fact that it is instumental and can be played for many occassions. It never fails to stir the wanderlust for a trip back to Italy! A must for every romantic!

Outstanding compilation of the Italian classics,.......1999-05-01

I have been a music lover for years. This CD introduced some Italian music to me that I was not familiar with. I listen to this music very often...it is almost theraputic in effect. I have never heard more beautiful music together on one CD. You won't regret getting this one!

Average customer rating:

soothing
great gift idea
Everyday Cello
75 minutes of meditative music

Cello for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever
Flute For Relaxation
Piano for Relaxation

ASIN: B00005KCH1
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan - Steven Isserlis/Michael Tilson Thomas/Dudley Moore
Canzone, Op.55 - Ofra Harnoy
Sicilienne, Op.78 - Steven Isserlis/Pascal Devoyon
Caprice & Elegy: Caprice - Janos Starker
Die Zelle In Nonnenwerth - Steven Isserlis/Stephen Hough
Chant - Steven Isserlis
Adagio & Allegro, Op.70: Adagio - Steven Isserlis/Christoph Eschenbach
Concerto Militaire in G: Andante - Ofra Harnoy
Ste No.6 in D, BWV 1012: Allemande - Janos Starker
Son in g, Op.65: Largo - Ofra Haynoy/Cyprien Katsaris
Con in g, RV 417: Andante - Ofra Harnoy
Funf Stucke In Volkston, Op.102: Langsam - Steven Isserlis/Christoph Eschenbach
Con in C, H.VIIB:1: Adagio - Steven Isserlis
Morceau De Concours - Steven Isserlis/Thomas Ades
From The Bohemian Forest: Silent Woods, Op.68 No.5 - Ofra Harnoy

Customer Reviews:

soothing.......2007-05-28

It's not a bad CD, although I believe there has got to be a better rendition of The Swan somewhere out there. The problem with this version is that the piano overwhelms the cello playing.

The rest of the CD is pretty nice and relaxing. Worth what I paid for it.

great gift idea.......2007-01-13

My wife is a lover of a good cello, so when I gave her this disc for Christmas, she loved it!

Everyday Cello.......2004-03-23

I bought this CD solely based on the fact that I love the cello. I do not pretend to know classical music - I buy what I like to hear, and this CD exceeded my expectations. It is such a pleasure to listen to this disk; it is soothing and every track is worth it!

75 minutes of meditative music.......2001-12-13

The cello is almost always the instrument I turn to for relaxation. It meditates upon a deeper, slower spectrum of emotion than say, a harp or violin.

I put this CD to the ultimate test and took it to the hospital with me, to see if its music could counteract the threat and ultimate deployment of needles---and it was indeed much less painful to be poked while in a state of relaxation, as induced by these (mainly 19th century) compositions.

My two favorite selections from "Cello for Relaxation" are Camille Saint-Saëns' "The Swan" from "Carnival of the Animals," and John Tavener's "Chant," which is an unaccompanied melody, "without barlines or meter, shaped as a palindrome." Steven Isserles performs as the cello soloist for both of these compositions.

In my continuing search for relaxation music, this CD now rates as number one. Its music was selected with a sensitivity to dynamics, and beautiful, adagio playing. Its musicality is superb and unobtrusively displayed, and allows the listener to meditate, or relax into much-needed sleep.

Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 2, Heal the Body

Average customer rating:

one 3rd of the greatest album of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Music for concentration and focus
good news, bad news

Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 2, Heal the Body

Manufacturer: Spring Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 1, Strengthen the Mind
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Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 4, Focus & Clarity
The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit

ASIN: B000006Q4E
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Piano Concerto #21 In C Major, K 467: Andate
String Quartet #16 In Eb Major, K 428: Andate con moto
Concerto For Flute And Harp In C Major, K 299: Andantino From The Concerto For Flute And Harp In C Major, K 299
Flute Quartet In D Major, K 285: Adagio From The Flute Quartet In D Major, K 285
Violin Sonata In C Major, K 296: Andante sostenuto From The Violin Sonata In C Major, K 296
Piano Concerto #20 In D Minor, K 466: Romance
Clarinet Quintet In A Major, K 581: Larghetto From The Clarinet Quintet In A Major, K 581
'Posthorn' Serenade #9 In D Major, K.320: Concertante- Andante grazioso
Andante In C For Flute, K 315
Divertimento In D Major, K 205: Adagio
Sonate #1 For Organ And Orchestra In Eb Major, K 67

Customer Reviews:

one 3rd of the greatest album of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-08-18

this is the 1st ever musical geniuses slow collection.it was designed by a scientist who recognized musics power on the mind and harnessed it.this album has been proven to stimulate the same part of the brain that relaxes you.or for you brainy types,it gets your dopamine flowing.then theres the fact that this music is like pure ear sweetness.it will send all your nuerons off to dreamland and you will feel a dramatic physical change.my favorite song on this one is the violin concerto.extremely relaxing and great for the soul.everybody with anything from a cramp to cancer should put this one on.besides all that,its exquisitely beautiful youll fall instantly in love!an abselute tresure and blessing to music and the world!

Music for concentration and focus.......2001-05-14

I first read the research on the positive effects of classical music at 60 beats per minute many years ago. With no commercial options available then, I made my own tape from excerpts of world class recordings I own, largely of Mozart. I rarely tolerate background music while I work because it distracts and diffuses focus. The slow Mozart movements have an astonishingly opposite and positive effect, enhancing concentration and mental clarity. For listening pleasure, I prefer the complete works with all movements, as a prior reviewer noted. However, for calmed focus and concentration, by removing the alternate movements this recording serves that purpose with excellence.

There is sufficient variety to avoid monotony, and while the musicianship will not garner critical acclaim it is competent and acceptable for the purpose of this recording. I enjoy it immensely. It is one of the rare pieces I will play in the background while doing work that requires serious focus.

good news, bad news.......2000-07-23

Good news: contains famous works of Mozart for a very small cost. The music is eloquent and perhaps stimulates the brain with the Mozart effect. It is definitly good to listen while commuting and stuck an a traffic jam.

Bad news: These music are so well known that to many, it feels redundant. These are not world-class performers or conductors, so the music doesn't have a new intereptation or anything out of the ordinary. Also, I tend to like to have the entire three (or four) movements of the song, not just one movement. And practically all of these songs are the slow movement so it gets redundant.

I would recommend this to any beginning listeners but for more experienced listners, try investing in a slightly more expensive but better performed recordings.

Average customer rating:

A constant companion
Haunting
Very nice
TWV numbers incorrect
Agreeable Baroque listening

Telemann: The Six Paris Quartets

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6

ASIN: B00004TQQX
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Quatuor No. 1 in D Major: I. Prelude: Vivement
Quatuor No. 1 in D Major: II. Tendrement
Quatuor No. 1 in D Major: III. Vite
Quatuor No. 1 in D Major: IV. Gaiement
Quatuor No. 1 in D Major: V. Moderement
Quatuor No. 1 in D Major: VI. Vite
Quatuor No. 2 in A Minor: I. Allegrement
Quatuor No. 2 in A Minor: II. Flatteusement
Quatuor No. 2 in A Minor: III. Legerement
Quatuor No. 2 in A Minor: IV. Un peu vivement
Quatuor No. 2 in A Minor: V. Vite
Quatuor No. 2 in A Minor: VI. Coulant
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: I. Prelude
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: II. Legerement
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: III. Gracieusement
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: IV. Vite
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: V. Modere
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: Vi. Gai
Quatuor No. 3 in G Major: VII. Lentement

Tracks:

Quatuor No. 4 in B Minor: I. Prelude
Quatuor No. 4 in B Minor: II. Coulant
Quatuor No. 4 in B Minor: III. Gai
Quatuor No. 4 in B Minor: IV. Vite
Quatuor No. 4 in B Minor: V. Triste
Quatuor No. 4 in B Minor: VI. Menuet
Quatuor No. 5 in A Major: I. Prelude: Vivement
Quatuor No. 5 in A Major: II. Gai
Quatuor No. 5 in A Major: III. Modere
Quatuor No. 5 in A Major: IV. Modere
Quatuor No. 5 in A Major: V. Pas vite
Quatuor No. 6 in E Minor: I. Prelude
Quatuor No. 6 in E Minor: II. Gai
Quatuor No. 6 in E Minor: III. Vite
Quatuor No. 6 in E Minor: IV. Gracieusement
Quatuor No. 6 in E Minor: V. Distrait
Quatuor No. 6 in E Minor: VI. Modere

Customer Reviews:

A constant companion.......2007-06-11

We purchased this CD a little while back. The enjoyment is has afforded us since then has made it a constant companion. It is always handy, and often playing in the evenings.

Haunting.......2006-04-14

This is NOW the album that is running thru my mind. I love it, such a unique blending of instruments. It sometimes has the feel of new age music, (of course, it was) very haunting and ethereal. Quatuor #2 in A Minor VI coulant....wow, I play this over and over. I now love Teleman and am looking for more. If you like something different try this!

Very nice.......2006-02-05

Some info I didn't know about this cd till I bought it:

Wilbert Hazelzet: Flute
Monica Huggett: Violin
Sarah Cunningham: Viola de Gamba
Gary Cooper: Harpsichord (on pieces 1, 5)
Mitzi Meyerson: Harpsichord (pieces 2,3,4,6)

2 cds, 17 pieces

I was afraid the harpsichord would get in the way of the strings, but no it doesn't. And the flute is wonderful.

TWV numbers incorrect.......2004-12-10

Don't trust the TWV numbers in the "On this CD" section.

I compared titles of the movements of each piece with those listed in the TWV catalog web page at

I think the correct TWV numbers are, in order:

TWV 43:D 3 (not D 2)
TWV 43:a 2
TWV 43:G 4
TWV 43:h 2 (not g1)
TWV 43:A 3 (not e1)
TWV 43:e 4

Agreeable Baroque listening.......2003-12-02

During their respective lifetimes Georg Philipp Telemann and Johann Sebastian Bach were at one point considered for the same musical post. Those in charge selected Telemann, which does not speak well for the concept of search committees in general. However, it is easy to hear from this CD, which presents some of the former's most successful (during his lifetime) chamber works, the so-called "Paris" Quartets, why contemporary musicians might have preferred Telemann's music. These works, for combined solo string and wind instruments and continuo, are in several movements, always carefully crafted, melodious, and utterly easy on the ear. The variations that conclude the A minor quartet are a good representation of Telemann's elegant style. All of the suites are superbly played here by a group of musicians that includes the estimable Baroque violinist Monica Huggett.

Those prepared to make finer distinctions among the wealth of eighteenth-century music may find a double CDs worth of Telemann a wee bit soporific, lacking the bracing vigor and drive of the best of Handel or the chromatic passion and superb intellect of Bach. Nevertheless, for those in search of the best possible performances of these agreeable pieces, they've come to the right place.

Average customer rating:

Fine Mozart at a Bargain Price
Mozart with a heart
Unbalanced, sloppy and poor intonation at a good price
Elegance
BEAUX ARTS' MOZART MAKES THIS KITTY PURR!!! (SNOOKIE)

Mozart: The Complete Piano Trios

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Mozart: Complete String Trios & Duos
Schumann: Complete Piano Trios
Franz Schubert: Complete Trios
Beethoven: The Piano Trios
Mozart: The Six String Quintets

ASIN: B0000041BU
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

Piano Trio In E, K.542: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In E, K.542: 2. Andante grazioso
Piano Trio In E, K.542: 3. Allegro
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.502: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.502: 2. Larghetto
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.502: 3. Allegetto
Piano Trio In G, K.564: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In G, K.564: 2. Andante. Thema mit Variationen
Piano Trio In G, K.564: 3. Allegretto
Piano Trio In C, K.548: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In C, K.548: 2. Andante cantabile
Piano Trio In C, K.548: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Trio In B Flat, K.254: 1. Allegro assai
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.254: 2. Adagio
Piano Trio In B Flat, K.254: 3. Rondeau. Tempo di menuetto
Piano Trio In G, K.496: 1. Allegro
Piano Trio In G, K.496: 2. Andante
Piano Trio In G, K.496: 3. Allegretto. Thema mit Variationen
Trio In E flat, K.498: 1. Andante
Trio In E flat, K.498: 2. Menuetto
Trio In E flat, K.498: 3. Rondeaux. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Fine Mozart at a Bargain Price.......2007-04-06

I can't add much to Mike Powers excellent review, but a few thoughts. This is another in the Philips Duo series, which I find a good source for the chamber music of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert etc at bargain prices. The way these composers are played remains pretty much unchanged since these recordings were made in the late 60s and the 1970s, and made by the finest players of the time. When you thought piano trios you thought the Beau Arts Trio, who made the piano trio their speciality. So you can be sure that the interpretation will be excellent, which it is, and, despite the age of the recording, the sound is very good. And the music ? Some who take life too seriously might put them down as " more Mozart lollipops", well, they don't pretend to compare with a Brandenburg, but they are joyfull and airy, more like a small scale piano concerto, plenty of fine melodies for all the players.
I have no hesitation in giving five stars, there might be a better version available, but it will cost at least twice as much.

Mozart with a heart.......2006-05-20

The last two star review is frankly flabbergasting. I guess some people may be just a little hard to please and perhaps if you are a musical expert or virtuoso you may have a case against these performances by the uniformly excellent Beaux Arts Trio.

Look at what everyone else thinks! This is exceptionially beautiful music played with heart and soul. There are so many performances of Mozart's chamber music that to these untrained ears just sound dull, thin-lipped and polite - for a long time I found much of Mozart's music rather superficial - very clever and witty - but ultimately superficial - I could fully understand why Glenn Gould recorded his sonatas just to show how overrated he had become!

Listening to the Beaux Arts Trio, all is forgiven. I can hear all instruments perfectly equally; the pacing is spot on and somehow the performance brings out a profundity in Mozart's chamber music I was unable to hear before.

Having said all this I would of course love to hear the other Phillips recording that is meant to be so definitive.

Unbalanced, sloppy and poor intonation at a good price.......2006-02-22

I take my chamber music very seriously, and thought this would be a good deal at $14 from Amazon. I'm severely disappointed, but concede you get what you pay for. Both the remastering and the playing leaves something to be desired. I have these same three players playing the Dumky Trio and the Mendelssohn d minor Trio, and the Schubert Trios and they're quite good. These are bad enough that I would not even consider backing the CDs up.

First, the balance seems to be biased towards the violin / clarinet. Daniel Guilet is often criticized for milking the music too much, and it is no exception here, and this, imho, is a severe flaw when interpreting Mozart. His style is also inconsistent. For example, his Mozart spiccato at pianissimos becomes sloppy detaches that are way too long at fortes. Menahem Pressler sounds like he's playing with the soft pedal and the lid down. At times Mozart's clever left hand counterpoint is lost in the background. In the Clarinet Trio, the viola is often lost behind the clarinet. Overall, the intonation is not very good, especially in the awkward passages, like in the E major Trio. (Both Guilet and Greenhouse have issues tuning against the piano... perhaps because the lid was down?)

I give two stars because it could be even worse. My expectations compare to the excellent (especially in comparison) interpretation by Ingred Haebler of the Mozart Piano Quartets (released by Philips). There the exacting intonation and precociousness of Mozart shines. With these recordings I feel like I'm listening to a sight-reading through the wall, closest to the violinist/clarinet player.

Elegance.......2005-06-23

These performances are wonderful, pure, relaxed and elegant. Mozart's Piano Trios are mostly mature works, still more easy listening and less expressive, less demanding than his "Haydn" quartets, most essential string quintets (K. 515, 516, 593), the piano/wind quintet (K 452), the piano quartet (K. 478) and the trio labelled "Divertimento" (K. 563). This makes it more difficult to explain what their charm consists in. Let me try with words like playful coolness, charming equanimity, happy serenity, light imperturbability, natural elegance, soothing purity or unruffled whiteness... Elegance is the keyword.

BEAUX ARTS' MOZART MAKES THIS KITTY PURR!!! (SNOOKIE).......2003-05-06

I have had this recording for about five years, and have enjoyed it immensley. Recorded in the 1960's, it features the original personnel (Menahem Pressler, Piano - Daniel Guilet, Violin - Bernard Greenhouse, Cello).

The Beaux Arts Trio is just wonderful in this literature. Menahem Pressler's dynamic shading, articulation, and interactions with the other instruments are always "just right".

The sound of the recording itself is fine. Even though it was recorded in 1967, it was digitally remastered to cd.

I highly recommend this set. The Beaux Arts has been around for over 40 years. As a result, they have a lot of experience playing with each other, and it shows in this masterful compilation.

Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 5, Relax & Unwind

Average customer rating:

Didn't even like classical music until now!
Truly relaxing music

Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 5, Relax & Unwind

Manufacturer: Spring Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 4, Focus & Clarity
Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 2, Heal the Body
Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 1, Strengthen the Mind
Music For The Mozart Effect, Volume 3, Unlock the Creative Spirit
Music for The Mozart Effect, Vol. 6: Music for Yoga

ASIN: B000050GA4
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Ser No.10 in B, K361: Adagio - German Wind Soloists
Cassation in G, K63: Adagio - Salzburg Chm Orch/Herald Nerat
Divert in F, K138: Andante - Capella Istropolitana/Richard Edlinger
Pno Con in C, K211: Andante - Takako Nishizaki/Capella Istropolitana/Johannes Wildner
Hn Qt in E flat, K407: Andante - Jeno Kevehazi
Sym No.40 in g, K550: Andante - Capella Istropolitana/Barry Wordsworth
Sym No.28 in C, K200: Andante - Capella Istropolitana/Barry Wordsworth
Sym No.31 in D, K297: Andante - Capella Istropolitana/Barry Wordsworth
Pno Con in D, K537: Larghetto - Jeno Jando/Concentus Hungaricus/Matyas Antal

Customer Reviews:

Didn't even like classical music until now!.......2006-05-15

When I read an article about how listening to baroque music composed with a 60 BPM rhythm could actually raise your IQ, relieve stress, and improve focus, I was intrigued. I did a search on Mozart, Handel and Bach - all were mentioned in the article, and then I came across The Mozart Effect series here on Amazon. I bought this CD as well as Volume 1:Strengthen Your Mind and let me tell you, it has changed my outlook on life. I feel absolutely healthier and happier after listening to only these two albums for a week, haven't tired of them yet! I plan on buying the rest of the series and enjoying their benefits for a long, long time.

Truly relaxing music.......2002-01-28

This CD was the start of my collection of Mozart music compiled by Don Campbell. I can listen to it day in and day out, before I go to sleep. The special frequency of the compositions is soothing and extremely relaxing. This is one of the most special albums I have ever purchased. If you want beautiful music for a massage; if you have trouble sleeping; if you just want to unwind, listen to this CD. You'll feel why.

Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell

Average customer rating:

A great way to buy Beethoven's chamber music

Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell
Itzhak Perlman , Vladimir Ashkenazy , Lynn Harrell , and Ludwig van Beethoven
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell
Beethoven: The Cello Sonatas
Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66
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Franz Schubert: Complete Trios

ASIN: B0000CE7FI
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Adagio Cantabile
III: Scherzo E Trio: Allegro Assai
IV: Finale: Presto
I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II: Largo Con Espressione
III: Scherzo E Trio: Allegro
IV: Finale: Presto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Cantabile Con Variazioni
III: Menuetto E Trio: Quasi Allegro
IV: Finale: Prestissimo
Allegretto
Introduzione: Adagio Assai
Tema ('Ich Bin Der Schneider Kakadu'/Wenzel Muller): Allegretto
Var.I: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.II: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.III: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.IV: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.V: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.VI: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.VII: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.VIII: (L'Istesso Tempo)
Var.IX: Adagio Espressivo
Var.X: Presto - Allegretto
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Adagio
III: Tema Con Variazioni ('Pria Ch'io L'Impegno'): Allegretto - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A great way to buy Beethoven's chamber music.......2005-08-03

I am attempting to consolidate my CD collection of classical music by obtaining collections, especially of chamber music, and particularly piano trios. This collection of Beethoven's piano trios more than met my expections; it is wonderful music and bueatifully played.

Average customer rating:

Excellent sample
Some of the Best
Storms
Wonderful selections
Great intro to Beethoven

Essential Beethoven

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces
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ASIN: B00005KBJQ
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: I. Allegro Con Brio - Concertgebouw Orch/Bernard Haitink
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: II. Allegretto - LSO/Antal Dorati
Romance No.2 in F, Op.50 - Arthur Grumiaux
Pno Son No.14 'Moonlight' in c#, Op.27 No.2: I. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Fur Elise (Bagatelle in a, WoO 59) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Pno Son No,17 in d, Op.31 No.2: III. Allegretto - Stephen Kovacevich
Spt in E flat, Op.20: V. Scherzo: Allegro Molto E Vivace - Members Of The Berlin Phil Octet
Pno Con No.3 in c, Op.37: II. Largo - Alfred Brendel
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: IV. Allegro Vivace - Chicago SO/Sir Georg Solti
Ov 'Egmont', Op.84 - VPO/George Szell
Vn Con in D, Op.61: III. Rondo: Allegro - New Philharmonia Orch/Alceo Galliera

Tracks:

Pno Con No.5 'Emperor' in E flat, Op.73: II. Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Sym No.6 'Pastoral' in F, Op.68: V. Allegretto: Shepherd's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings... - Staatskapelle Dresden/Colin Davis
Pno Con No.2 in B flat, Op.19: III. Rondo: Molto Allegro - Radu Lupu
Pno Son No.8 'Pathetique' in c, Op.13: II. Adagio Cantabile - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Str Qt in B flat, Op.130: V. Cavatina: Adagio Molto Espressivo - Qt Italiano
Bagatelle, Op.126 No.6 - Alfred Brendel
Vn Son No.5 in F, Op.24: IV. Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo 'Spring' - Itzhak Perlman/Vladimir Ashkenazy
Minuet No.11, WoO 7 - ASMF/Neville Marriner
Pno Son No.14 'Moonlight' in c#, Op.27 No.2: III. Presto Agitato - Vladimir Ashkenazy
In Questa Tomba Oscura, WoO 133 - Luciano Pavarotti
Mir Ist So Wunderbar - Hildegard Behrens/Sona Ghazarian/David Kuebler/Hans Sotin
Oh Welche Lust (Prisoner's Chor) - Robert Johnson/Philip Kraus/Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: Chor Finale (Excerpt) - Joan Sutherlan/Marilyn Horne/James King/Martti Talvela/Wiener Staatsopernchor

Customer Reviews:

Excellent sample.......2005-10-25

This two disc set is a good sampler of Beethoven; I had forgotten how inspiring his work could be. This set has motivated me to order all three of the Deutch Grammaphone two disc which together include all 9 of Beethoven's symphonies.

Some of the Best.......2005-09-11

Some of these songs are the best that I've heard. I also enjoy the fact that this album provides the ENTIRE movement or selection, unlike some of the other albums that I've heard that only play for a little bit of the song. One example is Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major Second Movement, this movement is one of my favorites to begin with and hearing it so smoothly and masterfully recorded made my heart sing the first time I heard this all the way to end (the other recordings usually stop after the major key shift after the first theme). Also the Egmont Overture is one of the best full versions that I've had the pleasure of enjoying performed this well. The Moonlight Sonata First Movement I found to be nice, but there are better versions out there. For those people just looking for a nice collection of Beethoven songs that are well recorded and well performed, I stronly suggest that you purchase this album.

Storms.......2005-03-09

Classical music compilations are extremely difficult to review. You are always fighting with someone else's opinion of what is "Best of" material. And why should we buy selections when we could buy the entire pieces and hear them played as the composers intended?

A quick answer would be simple: we simply cannot afford to purchase every single piece by every single composer we love. And if the buyer is familiar with the music, he or she would perhaps only want the famous selections everyone knows. In my case, I am particularly picky with recordings and don't have the time to meddle with libraries or going to stores that offer listening stations. Recordings vary greatly and so does playing ability. So why did I go with Essential Beethoven?

It is released with Decca, one of the finest classical music companies out there. You are guaranteed no gimmick or inexpensively recorded tracks on this compilation. Essential B. also has a wider selection than other compilations I looked at. For once, there isn't a movement to be found from the Fifth Symphony. If that's all you want to buy, look elsewhere. Essential B. has pieces I was not familiar with, so here I am listening to it.

Regrettably, there are three distinct issues with this recording, and I want to get them out of the way. 1. Für Elise is atrociously boring to listen to. As a pianist, it is fun to play and almost required learning for the beginner. It should've been dropped. 2. Piano Concerto No. 5 is missing the third movement. It is common to drop the first movement here, but the second and third movements are programmatically tied, providing some of the most emotionally charged music ever put down on lined paper. Also, this rendition of the concerto is less than inspiring and I regret that it is the famous Ashkenazy playing this version. There is almost no life in the playing. 3. The remastering could've been better. The listener will enjoy the loud and boisterous pieces, but the quieter parts, and even the soft piano solos, will have him straining his ears to the point of exasperation. Because of this, I recommend listening on headphones or in a place where you can turn the volume up a little more than usual.

That aside, the rest of the tracks are well recorded, extremely well played, and varied enough to quench even the most learned ears. Decca has included pieces conducted by Sir Georg Solti, one of the greatest conducters in my opinion. (Another "collection" solely conducted by Solti is the "Immortal Beloved" soundtrack.) The orchestral pieces are lush and the range is dynamic. (A little too dynamic, like I stated above, in some areas.) The inclusion of movement IV from Symphony no. 8 pleases me, as I feel this is the least appreciated symphony, overshadowed by Symphony no. 9

The piano pieces are some of the best renditions I've heard. I own all of Ashkenazy's sonatas, so it was nice to hear a movement from "The Tempest" played by Stephen Kovacevich, who plays with fierce determination. Selections from B's piano concertos are fantastic and have prompted me to delve further into listening to more concertos from him. The Rondo from Piano Concerto No. 2, played by Radu Lupu, is one of the most upbeat and wonderfully played pieces here.

To round things off nicely is a movement from the Violin Sonata No. 5, played by the one and only Itzhak Perlman! The piano is caressed by Mr. Ashkenazy himself, and he does so lovingly. You will also find pieces from a string quartet, a violin Romance (and orchestra), and one overture: the "Egmont." I'm not a huge fan of this rendition either, but that's probably because I've heard the Egmont a thousand times.

A huge bonus with this collection are the three choral selections at the end, two of which are from "Fidelio," an opera I've yet to hear in its entirety. The Prisoners' Chorus is beautiful. The introduction sounds very much like a major contribution to Charles Ives's 1906 piece "The Unanswered Question." The compilation ends with Symphony No. 9's finale, but unfortunately, it is a horribly edited excerpt, and mixed extremely hot. I have to turn my volume down everytime this comes on.

I would like to make a little note about the art design, however. Credit here is given to Mark Millington, who did a fine job blending black & white photos of storm clouds, an inspiring sculpture, and blackletter-styled fonts. The CDs themselves are a contrasting bright orange. As a sucker for marketing, I would've plunked money down for this compilation just for the art!

Wonderful selections.......2003-11-08

My kids and I have really enjoyed this CD. This is a great collection of music with high quality performances.

Great intro to Beethoven.......2003-04-05

Great intro to beethoven. There are many great performances by Ashkenazy, Academy of Saint Martin in the fields, Concertgetbouw Orchestra and many other exceptional artists. I would recommend this disc as it contains the masterpieces of beethoven, even though not all of them.

Music:

Music