CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Beethoven Edition: Complete Works (85CD Box Set)

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Brilliant Classics

Release Date October 09, 2007
This collection is as the name of the company says, "Brilliant". The recordings are flawless and classic. If you like classical music and enjoy even a few of Beethoven's pieces, this is a must-have purchase.

CD-Charts Position 2
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Works of Igor Stravinsky

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Sony Classics

Release Date July 23, 2007
I consider this release\compilation to be the greatest classical bargain of 2007-a year of many complete issues such as Bach and Mozart on Brilliant classics(before 07).
Stravinsky is the conductor for almost all the performances with the CBS orchestra and, though recorded in the early to late 60's, the sound is spectacular. I am listening to disc 1(for the tenth time) and still love the ambience of old tape recordings(which I find far superior to much of today's DDD and DSD. I will take warmth, substance, and presence over clinical precision and unrealistic detail any day of the week.
Much of the works here are the performances of said works. Of course the rite of spring has been reproduced about as many times as the bible, so it is difficult ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Essential Beethoven

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Decca

Release Date June 12, 2001
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.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Purcell: Complete Chamber Music

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Brilliant Classics

Release Date April 01, 2008
I have an enormous amount of affection for this anthlogy. The music is quintessential Purcell- ingeneous, straight-forward, the show tune king of his day. This is a seven disc set. The first four discs are performed by Musica Antiphon, one of several European H.I.P. ensembles who seem to draw personnel from the same pool. This particular group empressed me earlier with a performance of the Telemann Tafelmusik which was far more spirited and fun than the benchmark perfomance by Musica Antiqua Koln. That same sense of fun is present here as well. The final three discs are harpsichord (and a little organ) pieces played by Pieter-Jan Belder. His performances are pleasant and musical as well. It is nice to hear music in these discs (instead of a prissy HIP seminar). My ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Arnold Schoenberg: Serenade/Five Pieces For Orchestra

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Sony

Release Date July 13, 1993
Nobody but Boulez, for "contemporain" music. In this recording, Serenata op.24, five pieces for orchestra op.16 and Ode to Napoleon, significant Schönberg works, are brought with extraordinary wealth of timbres and detail. Five stars.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Purcell: Fantasias for the Viols [Hybrid SACD]

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Alia Vox Spain

Release Date July 08, 2008
Nobody but Boulez, for "contemporain" music. In this recording, Serenata op.24, five pieces for orchestra op.16 and Ode to Napoleon, significant Schönberg works, are brought with extraordinary wealth of timbres and detail. Five stars.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Telemann: Concertos & Sonatas

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: EMI Classics

Release Date February 14, 1995
The recording does not have the depth of sound that I was seeking. The selections are okay but could be better--however, this is only a preference. I more or less use the album as background music/noise; do not confuse Telemann with poor music but the recording, yes.

CD-Charts Position 8
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The Most Relaxing Chamber Music Album in the World ... Ever!

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Angel Records

Release Date October 04, 2005
We live in a very hectic world and we as humans need to take time to relax. The soothing sounds of Chamber Music is just what the doctor ordered. Coupled with a good book, or just before bed, and the hours kind of just drift away.

Sample the sounds online, if this is your kind of music, or even if you are a novis, this CD may be the one that gives you your first dip into "Long Haired" music. I cannot think of a better place to start.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Masters of the Trumpet

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: Deutsche Grammophon

Release Date August 09, 2005
This is a superb compilation of classical trumpet compositions, and features many of the world's best performers.The liner notes are well written and informative.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Beethoven: Septet & Octet - Mendelssohn & Schubert: Octets - Melos Ensemble of London

CD-Charts > Music > Septets
from: EMI Classics

Release Date May 02, 2006
Nobody's just playing the notes on these recordings. Everything is phrased beautifully, with a perfect balance between vigor and elegance.

The digitally remastered late `60s recordings sound superb and at $8 for 2 CDs it's a must have!