5 comments about Classical Destinations.

1. I watched this show by accident on PBS. I tried to tape a few of the episodes but couldn't wait and just bought it instead.



2. This wonderful collection of music and beauty is truly amazing. The music of course speaks for itself, and the locations are truly the most beautiful places on earth, as the absolutely superb narrator Simon Callow tells us at the beginning of each episode. The helicopter pilot and his cameraman should be given the very highest awards possible.
   
   The problem is with the two dreadful Australians that keep popping in and out of each "destination". Their ugliness, truly awful dress sense, and dreadful accents really lower the tone of every single scene they appear in. Why couldn't the producers have just let Simon Callow take care of things?
   
   If however, someone out there is thinking about making a documentary about the music of the Outback, then Niki Vasilakis and Matt Willis might be just the people you are looking for.



3. Being a music teacher, and having travel numerious times in Europe, I was fascinated by these DVDs. The presentation and photography was excellent, and the history and background of the various composers was engaging and compelling. I have used these as teaching aides in both my middle school and high school music classes with good results. Highly recommended!



4. We saw one episode late one night on our PBS HD channel and loved it. The DVD set is marvelous and we'll enjoy it for years. The sound and picture quality are magnificent.



5. I have been waiting several months for this DVD to become available and was ready to pay several times the Amazon price (get it, it's a steal). It is a wonderful journey of sound and sight. If you love classical music you will absolutely adore this DVD. Guaranteed.

5 comments about Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces.

1. You get Mozart's best works in 2 CD. The sound is flawless to the common ear. Get it! if you love Mozart



2. I am not much into classical music.. Read about Mozart and wanted to make sure I listen to one of the all time classics.
   
   Though I may not be qualified enough to review a classic, On a whole it was a pleasant experience for me and a good add on to my car, especially when alone.. The quality of the CD content was good too..!!
   
   4/5



3. Very talented composer! I like Mozart! It would be nicer if the CD had more on Marriage of Figaro. I love opera!



4. I bought this thinking it would be a great selection of his works. I only recognize a few songs - I wanted to recognize them all. I wouldn't buy it again if I had the chance.



5. The music is Mozart's and is fantastic. The last piece on the first disc
   stutters halfway through, and seizes up my system. I don't have time to return items to Amazon. On the positive side, most of the time Amazon provides quality products and service. I gave 3 stars because I love the music.

5 comments about 25 Bach Favorites.

1. And the company still sent me the wrong cd.The cd i received was 25 most classical favorites,so instead of returning the wrong item,i just took the lost.



2. I was looking for a CD of exclusively Bach music, not necessarily played by a famous artist or orchestra. This had a lot of his well-known pieces and was exactly what I was looking for.



3. I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!



4. My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.



5. Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.

5 comments about Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet.

1. They play well, a very clean interpretation. I think they may be a starting point to Beethoven Quartets.It is possible to hear every instrument at all times and it is fine to know each part. But I like several other quartets in Beethoven.



2. The Berg Beethoven is big and juicy and this suits the early quartets. Their sound and the recorded sound are certainly the best you will hear. The later quartets miss the introspection of some of the other great string quartets.
   A great bargain and tops in sound!!!



3. I guess I'm just used to Haydn and Mozart, because these string quartets were just too dissonant and untraditional for me - one who loves the Beethoven symphonies. To each his own, as they say. The recording itself is terrific - great engineering.



4. All the performances on this set of the Beethoven String Quartets are of the highest quality. Particularly outstanding is the performance of Op 59 no 1
   Intonation, expression, the ability of the players to meld together, and the dynamic range is all superb.
   One small flaw (nothing to do with the playing)
   In the very last track, the final movement of the B flat quartet (not the great fuge, but the movement Beethoven replaced it with), there is a continual flapping sound - I don't know where it came from, but it is very irritating, and I'm surprised that EMI let it through.



5. This boxset has everything you need to know about String Quartets.
   If this is not enough to mention, we can also remember that the musicians here are one-of-a-kind, and Beethoven wrotes the most rich and precious Opuses for String Quartets.
   Enjoy yourself!

5 comments about Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti: The Three Tenors in Concert / Mehta.

1. I respectfully agree yet disagree with Ms Barbara Eisner who wrote the review of the 3 Tenors 1990 concert. She is right that Carreras was not on par with the other 2 but that is only because at this late stage in his (Carreras) career he was not in the very fine voice he once was due to overuse of his voice and his battle with leukemia, which he valiantly won!. If you could appreciate, as I do,Carreras' 1970's richly-gorgeous and velvety voice in recordings of operas such as Lucia, La Boheme, Donizetti and liter Verdi operas you would have seen his mid 70's peak voice would have been every been as excellent as Domingo and Pavarotti were in the 3 Tenors 1990 concert. In fact, I dare to say he would have blown both men out of the water..with the possible exception of Pavarotti singing Nessun Dorma. Just listen to Carreras singing with Caballe on youtube in Adriana Lecrouveur and Tosca and you'll see what I mean!!!



2. Saw this concert on TV and was so moved by their voices and the opera experience, had to order and was not disappointed. I listen to it and feel relaxed, excited and amazed. I listen to alot of different music (mostly rock) so people who know me were curious and listened too and were surprised how much they liked it.



3. Arrived in fine time. Knew what I was getting, based on several viewings and listenings on PBS. Met my expectations. Good quality of used CD.



4. The talent of these men is wonderful. Carraras is not my favorite but the CD is worth every cent to hear Domingo and Pavarotti. I have given this CD as a gift several times to share these beautiful voices with my friends and family. Everyone should cherish every note Pavarotti sings since he won't sing again.



5. How can anyone not love the magical sound of the three tenors in concert, Carreras-Domingo-Pavarotti. A must for any collection

1 comments about Godowsky: Strauss Transcriptions and Other Waltzes.

1. Hearing items from this recording on radio recently, it was clear that Godowsky's imaginative approach to transcription and his virtuosic pianistic skills were equally matched by Marc-Andre Hamelin's artistry. Indeed, while I have heard some of these pieces dismissed by others as mere 'salon music', under Hamelin's care they emerged as works of substantial merit, as appropriate to the concert platform as any major work. And what often sounds like a physical struggle in the hands of some pianists, emerged here as part of Hamelin's bread and butter diet. Not a negative comment about his playing skills, I hasten to say; but an indication that he makes it possible for the listener to move beyond the momentary illusion of finger fireworks and enjoy the mood and imagery evoked by Godowsky's creative flair. Now I am keenly awaiting the arrival of the CD so I can explore this further.

5 comments about Pavarotti's Greatest Hits.

1. I checked this cd many times at my local Library that I decided to buy it, it is great! I like that the lyrics are included. beautiful songs.
   Love it.



2. What can I say? BRAVO! This cd will captivate any fan or someone who just wants to get started.Its hard not to have a dry eye while listening to this great collection of hits.I love classical music!Most people don't like opera because 1 they don't understand Italian.What a story.



3. I am a new listener to opera and I can't think of any CD that could be more relevatory for people like me that have no idea where to start. I find myself listening with tears in my eyes at the sheer power and emotion in Pavarotti's beautiful voice. I especially liked the booklet that came with the CDs. The performances and individual operas were discussed with the song from the opera given context within the story. Additionally, the lyrics are given with English translations, which I found really helpful.



4. For someone who is already a student of opera, this dual set will probably be somewhat redundant. However, if you are curious about opera in general or are unfamiliar with Pavarotti's recordings, this is an excellent anthology. I bought it as two cassettes some 20 years ago and wore it out, beginning a life-long love affair with opera. Use it to familiarize yourself with the songs and arias represented here, then explore the complete operas and/or song albums that these came from.
   
   I would especially recommend:
   
   RIGOLETTO (Verdi), Milnes, Pavarotti, Sutherland, Bonynge
   La BOHEME (Puccini), Freni, Pavarotti, Karajan
   TURANDOT (Puccini), Sutherland, Pavarotti, Mehta
   O SOLE MIO/Neapolitan Songs (Various)
   
   And to the two trolls who gave this set a review of ONE STAR (FP Wright LF Barker), because a CD skipped or a CD was missing, good grief. The review is supposed to be of the recording in question! Use your head! Is the fact that you received damaged goods--which very occasionally happens to everyone, and I'm sure Amazon cheerfully fixed the problem--a reason for someone to not buy the recording? If a recording is lousy because the performer had an off day, or the recording process was sub-par (and therefore ALL discs are effected), or whatever, then by all means, give it a "1" or "2" and STATE YOUR REASONS LOGICALLY. Your "reviews" are of NO help to anyone.



5. Buy this album if for no other reason than to hear Pavarotti's high C# in A te, o cara. Breathtaking!

5 comments about Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics.

1. My children and I really enjoy this CD. It has lots of useful information about instruments of the orchestra. The children love the Peter and the Wolf story the most, but the individual instruments section is very interesting for them (and adults) as well!



2. Fabulous value for lots of material that introduces the orchestral instruments to children. Since we got it, our kids [age 4 & 8] have requested it to be played over and over. they love it!



3. Best 4 dollars spent in my entire life. My 4 yr-old son absolutely loves this CD (in the car, he begs to listen to 'Benjamin Britten's drums' again and again -such whining is music to my ears!). Bernstein's narration is charming, though occasionally his explanation of music influences and parallels etc is too academic/intellectualist and not really suitable for young children (esp. in the Saint Saens segment). It is also weird that young musicians aged 18+ yrs are introduced as talented children. But, putting aside Bernstein's hangups, my son loves this CD, especially the Prokopiev and Britten segments (the latter is actually narrated by a child, not Bernstein).



4. You can't beat Leonard Bernstein himself narrating! EVERY child should own a copy of this. It provides a wonderful introduction to the orchestra & to classical music. When I was a child, "Peter & The Wolf" was part of our music education in school, and we loved it!



5. My son just turned 3 and absolutely loves Peter & the Wolf. He knows all the animals by heart and listens to it over and over. I grew up with this album and was so happy to find the Leonard Bernstein narration since I think it's the best. Highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe.

1. Title...The Most Relaxing Music in the Universe (not Feminine Mystique(?). Music is beautiful, very relaxing yet energizing.



2. A lovely mostly Baroque montage with recognizable favorites including classical pieces from Mozart and Beethoven.



3. This CD is wonderful! After a long stressful day at work, my husband and I like to put this CD on and cook supper together and relax. Great relaxing music and we just love it.



4. I was not really a classical music fan but I am now. I purchased this cd for my 14 year old grand-daughter, not knowing we would both enjoy the music so much. She has always enjoyed classical music along with all of the other teen music, rap, rock, country, etc.
   Also, it really helped being able to listen to parts of the music before purchasing.



5. Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

5 comments about Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland).

1. I really like the music on this CD and that includes the spoken parts. It is meaningful in a way that the English tend to capture very well, the intersection or overlapping of happy feelings and tragedy.
   
   I have been biased towards Sting for a long time but especially since his song 'russians' which captures some difficult times I had around 1985.
   
   but thankfully the Cold War is over.
   
   interestingly enough, I have an Irish last name and I used to have an English housemate who feared that I supported the IRA. Growing up in a military family I understood the basis for his concern but I said, don't worry about it. terror is not something I endorse.
   
   which is my way of saying that times change but basic human patterns of thought and passion remain eternal. inferior artists either ignore context altogether or they record CDs that are so topical that they are forgotten when the issues of the day have been resolved.
   
   I think it is much better to preserve an understanding of context and also express oneself in a human way. that means the notes are not going to be perfect b/c that is not how life, or performance, works.
   
   there is a kind of airbrushed sterile perfection to a lot of classical performances - far from all of them - but they require a truly monumental level of student and teacher discipline and years and years and years of endless
   
   training
   
   and
   
   grinding hard work
   
   so that the performance can be unnaturally perfect.
   
   the feminist, Naomi Wolf, has criticized female ideals of beauty in the beauty myth. someone should do the same for classical performances.
   
   that the music is excellent and in general so are the students and teachers but the demand for perfection leads to an airbrushed glossiness combined with lack of error that is just not seen in nature. or in 'naturally' acting human beings.
   
   and that turns a lot of people away from classical music as well as music in general.
   
   so this CD is about hearing music performed very well but with a kind of flawed imperfection that is genuine. b/c we are not robots.
   
   given that, I think the playing is excellent; this is a very interesting and unusual choice of composer to study; I really like the music, and the singing is good.
   
   to me there is everything to like unless life has to be a perfect performance.
   
   this is not the familiar criticism of excellence versus a more human mistake.
   
   this is me saying that the excesses of musical performance will alienate everyone except those few capable of doing the just-about-impossible.
   
   devotees of classical music are digging their own graves with that approach. attendance at concerts has fallen off a cliff and that is as it should be, imo. the focus and dedication required to produce this resembles child abuse in too many cases.
   
   that is why alternatives such as Sting's recording are badly needed.
   
   what we now call 'classical' used to be new and fresh. it also provoked controversy. as this CD has done.



2. Why is it that "experienced classical listeners" are so irate when something like this comes along? Must be that with this recording, Sting has opened the door for the "base commoner" to enjoy these Masterworks from a long-forgotten repertoire. Perhaps in the same way people feel betrayed when a local restaurant turns into a national chain, I believe long-time fans of Renaissance lute music must feel that their "secret" little niche of music has been overrun by the Barbarian Horde thanks to Sting.
   
   Who purchased this recording expecting High Art? If so, your disappointment is of your own making. What made this album appealing to me and so many others is that it was NOT a stuffy, academic endeavor with "pure pronunciation" or "exquisite diction" or an aloof operatic feel.
   
   This is one of England's premier modern pop artists making public his discovery of perhaps the country's most accomplished pop artist in John Dowland. What other artist would have the courage to step so far out of his domain and open himself to such criticism for the love of the music? What lutenist has done more to attract the world's attention to Dowland and his peers?
   
   This recording opened my eyes to the vast and overlooked repertoire for lute from the Renaissance through the Baroque. Because of Sting, I have discovered the recordings of virtuosi like Paul O'Dette, Hopkinson Smith, Nigel North, Jose Miguel Moreno, Paul Beier, and so many others, playing the music of forgotten Masters like Francesco da Milano, Giovanni Kapsburger, Sylvius Weiss, Robert de Visee, et al.
   
   In the last two years, I have acquired an 8-course Renaissance lute, a 13-course Baroque lute, and have commissioned a theorbo to pursue my passion for this music, and again, it all started with Sting.
   
   I still find that some of these pieces move me every bit as much as a technically flawless O'Dette recording. They are intimate and sensitive and they speak to plain folk every bit as much as to early music enthusiasts.



3. Full marks to Sting for making the only worthwhile "Crossover" album in the last decade. This is because he is singing such suberb repertoire.
   
   Whilst these works do not require an opera singer, they do require a singer with considerable musical skills. Alas, Sting doesn't quite convince me that he has such skills yet, although he imagine that he will greatly improve with time and some lessons. I guess he might consider the songs of Thomas Campion, next? Or maybe he has a friend with a fortepiano, and a Winterreise might be considered?
   
   For anyone who has developed a real interest in Dowland's music, please seriously consider the complete recording of Dowland's music by Anthony Rooley's The Consort of Musicke or various recitals of Dowlands songs by Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, Alfred Deller, Paul Agnew, Nigel Rogers (excellent in this field), Steve Rickards or Andreas Scholl.



4. Wow! Was this CD a surprise disappointment. Unless you love medieval England songs, avoid this CD like the plague. I have all of Stings CD's and love every one of them, but this one must have been purely for his amusement, because it is sure not a crowd pleaser.



5. This album is so good I have one for myself and have given it as gifts numerous times. And I'll do it again.