CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Chicago

by: Various Artists

Release Date January 14, 2003
The soundtrack arrived within about a week. (I never opt for faster delivery.) It was exactly what I wanted and, as far as I can tell, plays flawlessly.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar

by: David Russell, Isaac Albeniz, Enrique Granados, Joaquin Malats, Francisco Tarrega, Antonio Ruiz-Pipo

Release Date January 22, 2002
The CD I ordered and received was handled in a very expeditious manner and arrived in perfect condition. k. Seiler

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Air on a G String

from: Telarc

Release Date March 04, 2008
After hearing a selection from this CD on NPR, I knew I had to purchase a copy. I bought a copy for myself and also as a gift. David Russell takes his guitar to a place that touches your soul and makes your heart sing along. Even if you are not a fan of classical music you will love this CD.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar

from: Telarc

Release Date January 27, 2004
I have almost all of David Russel's CDs, and many other CDs of Latin American guitar music. This is my favorite in both categories for about 2 years, now! His rendition of Cardoso's Vals Peruano is amazing. It'll make you sit up and say, "What???? How did he do THAT???". In his hands, Reis' nice little "waltz-y" Se Ela Perguntar becomes a plaintive elegy that'll rip your heart right out of your chest. I played it in this style at my father's funeral and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. This is an amazing CD from, (I think), the best classical guitarist touring today.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Instruments of the Orchestra

by: Various Artists

Release Date December 03, 2002
As a music educator, I've found the recorded excerpts to be wonderfully and logically organized and presented. I've always been an instrumental music teacher only, but find myself teaching general music classes this year, and absolutely love what I've used so far. The last disc alone shows the fascinating evolution of the modern orchestra. Every other track is narrative text, the script of which is printed in the booklet, and I present that info myself, modifying as needed and answering questions during that time. I've only skimmed the other information from the booklet on my own, and look forward to reading and learning more! I'll be buying another copy of Instruments of the Orchestra for my school to own in the near future.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

David Russell: Art of the Guitar

from: Telarc

Release Date March 27, 2007
Another great recording from David Russell and Telarc. Just listen Grieg pieces and Galeron by Sojo. No more words needed. Every year a new David Russell CD....... Thank you Telarc.......

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

The Very Best of James Galway

by: James Galway

Release Date June 25, 2002
The Very Best of James Galway

These recordings are pure pleasure to listen to. They contain well known selections, well executed, that deliver a very nice listening experience.

I enjoy Galway's style; these two CDs offer very good value.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Encore

by: Russell Watson, Leonard Bernstein

Release Date October 01, 2002
What a glorious voice Russell Watson has! I keep this CD in my car so I can enjoy it while driving.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

The King's Singers: English Renaissance

from: RCA

Release Date February 14, 1995
I own several other King's Singer CDs, but this one is definitely my favorite. Every track is a gem! It is amazing that only six vocalists are able to produce such beautiful harmonies. My favorite tracks are:
-"Te Lucis Ante Terminum (I)" This begins with Gregorian chant done in the way that God intended for it to be sung. When I am listening to this, I imagine it being performed in an English cathedral, and I imagine the entire building resonating with the music. After the opening unison Gregorian chant, the music changes into a polyphonic and harmonic style that is a very interesting textural contrast. Wonderful!
-"The Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah" This is a wonderful example of the highest form of English polyphony. I have a CD ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Glass: Akhnaten

from: Sony

Release Date October 28, 2003
I have never been a fan of Philip Glass's vacant arpeggios and minimalism. After sitting through a rather typically monotonous Glass opera, "In the Penal Colony," I swore I would give little attention to future works; true, I avoid concerts where Glass is on the bill without contemporaries. However, perusing our public library, I came across the opera, "Akhnaten," and signed it out on a whim. What an interesting and engrossing twist from operas I am used to hearing at random: Puccini, Wagner, Verdi, etc. Perhaps it was my interest and acceptance of the postminimal style of John C. Adams, specifically, his opera "Nixon in China." I enjoyed Akhnaten; the melodies, the subtle weaving of chords and of course, the visions I created in my mind of the scenery and pageantry ... Read More: