CD-Charts Position 111
Average Rating:

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
from: Philips

Release Date March 29, 1990
In some places, the playing seems rushed and in others, it sounds uncoordinated. There are better versions of these sonatas out there.

CD-Charts Position 112
Average Rating:

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
from: Deutsche Grammophon

Release Date May 14, 2002
I've waited for years to buy a complete set of Mendelssohn symphonies and having listened to a less-than-ideal rendition of the "Lobgesang" recently, I decided it was time. I'm either glad I waited or wish I'd bought this recording ages ago, though I doubt such a bargain was available then -- this is wonderful Mendelssohn and the inclusion of the overtures and the scherzo from the Octet op. 20 in the composer's own orchestration (written as an alternate scherzo for his first symphony) is an intriguing and delightful inclusion.

Abbado seems to choose just the right tempi (perhaps a bit slower in places than, say, Gardiner and certainly slower than Toscanini) and he slightly slows the music or speeds it up at just the right places where ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 113
Average Rating:

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
from: Philips

Release Date August 15, 1995
Met expectations for relaxing music to add to my collection of stress busting CDs. No virtuoso classical performances here, but worth the very reasonable price for an occasional listen to help you unwind.

CD-Charts Position 114
Average Rating:

Symphony 2 & 7

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
by: Beethoven, Minnesota Orchestra, Vanska

Release Date August 26, 2008
Met expectations for relaxing music to add to my collection of stress busting CDs. No virtuoso classical performances here, but worth the very reasonable price for an occasional listen to help you unwind.

CD-Charts Position 115
Average Rating:

Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
by: David Oistrakh, Mstislav Rostropovich, Sviatoslav Richter, Herbert von Karajan, George Szell

Release Date March 09, 1999
This disc is proof that EMI's venerable Great Recordings of the Century has become just another mid-priced re-issue line.

EMI went all out to celebrate the return of Karajan to the fold by engaging the three outstanding Russian soloists of their era for the Beethoven Triple. Unfortunately, it is one of those occasions when all the notes are in place but it means nothing. Oistrakh and Richter felt for Karajan's plush accompaniments out of place - Richter later going so far as to pronounce the recording "dreadful". Rostropovich was not, apparently, in sympathy with those feelings and sided with the conductor. The soloists, lacking conviction in one another, show no sense of musical teamwork whatever. Karajan turns in another slick, autopilot performance. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 116
Average Rating:

Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
from: Philips

Release Date August 12, 1997
The interpretations that Claudio Arrau has put forth for Chopin do not lack any of that beauty that one comes to expect from the romantic composer. However, my hearing is very apt and even when I listen to these recordings on a lower volume than I normally admit for most pieces, I can distinctly hear obnoxious gasps for breath from the pianist on the majority of tracks. It is very sad that the recording studio couldn't remove this extremely distracting noise because it really takes you away from a genuine Chopin experience. I listened to the cd on several systems, the noise is noticeable on everyone. If you don't have very sharp ears, this album will fulfill your need to have Chopin's nocturnes and impromptus together (and the music itself is very good on the cd).
... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 117
Average Rating:

Holst: The Planets

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
from: Decca

Release Date April 10, 2001
Holst The Planets was a universal awakening for progressive rock musicians during the early 70's. Mars, the bringer of War turns up on King Crimson's The Devil's Triangle. Excerpts from Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity are found on NO OPPORTUNITY NECESSARY by Yes. The main melody is reproduced on Manfred Mann's Joybringer. The center section of Mars, Bringer of War is played by Lucifer's Friend on Summerdream. I have also heard snipets of Procol Harum and Univers Zero. I believe that David Bedford and Bernard Hermann were influenced as well. Holst the Planets is very educating and musicians have been studying the work for decades. John Williams compositions for the Star Wars Trilogy is the most common example of just how influential Holst really was. A great buy!

CD-Charts Position 118
Average Rating:

Air on a G String

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
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 119
Average Rating:

Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
by: Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Duruflé, Judith Blegen, James Morris

Release Date October 25, 1990
A very professional performance.I used it to prepare for the performance of this number by our oratorial society. I wish we could do as well.

CD-Charts Position 120
Average Rating:

Vaughan Williams: Fantasies; The Lark Ascending; Five Variants

CD-Charts > Music > Forms and Genres
from: Decca

Release Date October 25, 1990
This is a beautiful CD. Vaughn Williams is my favorite classical composer and Neville Marriner's interpretation of his music is perfect. All of the tracks on this CD are fabulous!