CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: SONY CLASSICS

Release Date September 02, 2008
To say that Joshua Bell is a virtuoso is an understatement. To say that this album is an inspiration and a renewing of the spirit is yet again an understatement. Put them both together and you have an amazing work of art and ingenuity. His interpretations of Vivaldi's Four Seasons is not only remarkable, but a true inspiration. I have many versions of this work, but by far yet, Joshua Bell's is my absolute favorite. He is a miracle to the world of classical music. I highly recommend this album!

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Italia

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
by: Chris Botti

Release Date September 25, 2007
My husband and I saw Chris Botti last weekend in Temecula, CA. He and his band delivery high quality entertainment. Catch them in person whenever you can. As for Italia, we just finished listening to this album for the third time -- in 3 hours. It is beautiful and moving. Nessum Dorma alone is worth the price.

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

The Berlin Concert

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: Telarc

Release Date August 26, 2008
This is a beautiful recording, Simone Dinnerstein's renderings of the Bach French Suite and the Opus 111 of Beethoven are altogether perfect, with fine musical judgment and finesse. To point out just one track, the Gavotte of the French Suite was delightfully cheery, remaining adult while fleetly avoiding the trap of "cuteness". My only doubt in pre-ordering this CD was whether the contemporary Variations by Philip Lasser would stand up in such august company. I'm glad to report that the Lasser made me happy; it is musical and skillful in its echoes of Bach and impressionism both. I am pleased to have this recording join Dinnerstein's Goldberg Variations on my music shelf.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Martha Argerich, Evening Talks

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
starring: Martha Argerich, Riccardo Rossi, Nelson Freire, Friedrich Guilda, Géza Hosszu-Legocky
directed by: Georges Gachot

Release Date July 29, 2008
I did, of course, know of Martha Argerich. I have a copy of her debut recording, when she was a teenager of growing international renown. This movie goes back and forth in her career, beginning in medias res, working with a young violinist. The film contains clips of her earlier performances, interspersed with her "evening talks" with associates and the film maker. Her perspectives on her career, her professional relationships, and her relationships with music/composers is beyond enlightening. It is amazing to watch her work. This film will repay both your purchase and your study.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Bach: Goldberg Variations

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: Telarc

Release Date August 28, 2007
Bach: Goldberg Variations. If you've ever questioned the value of owning different interpretations of the same musical work, just listen to this interpretations and compare it to that of Gould, or Landowsa, or anyone else. The artist, of course, makes a great difference. And this artist is one of the greats. Among the great interpretations of this work I find that hers resonates with me personally. This is intimate and sensitive. A Bach keyboard piece sounding romantic? That's how this interpretation strikes me. Whatever the details, it has affected the several people I have shared it with, and all agree that it is exceptional. You will think so too.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: Ent. Media Partners

Release Date October 24, 1997
We bought this to use in the church nursery. It is entertaining and yet calming to listen to. Short review, but definitely worth the $4!

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

25 Mozart Favorites

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: Vox (Classical)

Release Date August 20, 1996
This CD is brand new and -- YAY -- didn't arrive with cracks in the case! Very happy with this purchase.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Chant

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
by: Gregorian Chant, The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos

Release Date March 15, 1994
This CD is very pretty. A nice CD to play around Easter time, which I did. The voices blend beautifully making it great for a meditation practice, massage, or even for yoga during asana time or even final relaxation.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

25 Classical Favorites

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: Vox (Classical)

Release Date January 23, 1996
Bought this product for my grandchild to introduce him to classical music. It was perfect. Thanks

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time

CD-Charts > Music > By Period
from: RCA

Release Date August 11, 1989
I gave my copy of this (favorite) album to my favorite music professor -- now I have to replace it! Other reviewers have stressed the history behind the composition and its premiere in a Nazi POW camp, so I won't go into that, interesting and pertinent as it may be. Other reviewers have focussed on the fact that Messiaen was a devout Catholic mystic, implying that the listener must share the composer's religious convictions in order to fully appreciate his artistic expression. However, because this is a work of art, listeners will hear in it beauties unique to their own sensibilities. The listener can be a complete atheist and respond emotionally to Messiaen's passionate, idiosyncratic, and heart-wrenching composition. This is a piece that brings tears to my ... Read More: