5 comments about Mozart for Relaxation.

1. A nice collection of Mozart arranged and performed as the title says - to relax.
   
   It is not a definative collection as others have mentioned, but it the melodies are familiar and are things you know.
   
   This leads to a good CD to put on, sit down and listen to with your eyes closed. One of the things I have been trying to do to help relax and calm down and I am very happy I bought this. I will be buying other titles in this series.



2. Many, Many great takes here and it is just a great collection of some of his work. Not for official fans perhaps trying to collect a lot of his music, but for the money this one is not a bad one to get. These are both elegant and relaxing and I feel I got a great deal for the price! There are more of these kind in terms of the relaxing style series so check them out!



3. I love this CD! I listen to it every time my world feels like it's about to spin out of control because I have too much to do and not enough time to do it. Very calming and serene. My 12 year old daughter now knows who Mozart is and can recognize his music on the radio!



4. I've been a massage therapist for seven years, and I have lots and lots of relaxation music. I have owned this c.d. three different times because I have listened to it to the point of wearing it out several times over. It is so beautiful and rich in perfection, and if your smart its really easy to time your massage to. If your not an M.T. just get it to have in your collection when you'd like to relax, you won't be sorry.



5. This is a terrific collection of many of Mozart's best known and most beloved pieces. You will probably recognize many of the melodies - and with this CD, of course, you'll learn their names. This CD is really aptly named - it is a very 'relaxing' collection of beautiful music. One reviewer said that its great for the car - but also after that long, grinding day at work - you know, the kind of day where you feel especially eaten-up. You just want to go home and sit in your favorite chair and put on some music... It is also an excellent album to get the kids started on lovely classical music. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Build Your Baby's Brain.

1. The CD was exactly what I was looking for in perfect, new condition. I received it two days before the scheduled delivery. I am using one of the songs for my wedding and am so glad I purchased this CD.



2. I simply adore this CD. The compilation is great. It has uplifting moments and soothing moments. My baby is still in the womb and so I can't tell you if the enjoyment is there or not but I heard they can hear from in there and it seems very serene for now. I'd love a sequel.



3. I am a true fan of Classical music and this was purchased as a gift for a co-worker who is adopting a child from China. Therefore I did not open it nor listen to it. The recipient is now overseas picking up their daughter so I know they haven't had the opportunity to listen to it. I think it's a great idea, though, and purchased a used set for my Grandson.



4. I am sorry for the previous review who said that intelligence is hereditary. If that is true, all mankind would have been doomed from the start.
   
   Intelligence is not hereditary, but rather a result of stimulation during infancy and birth. Sure, it isn't a guarantee that your child *will* become a genius if you attempt to educate them from birth, but there is no doubt that real educational stimulation of a young mind is a powerful indicator that the child will be more advanced than the average child.
   
   Music is not just notes played. Music--real music--is everything. Though the music of today will fade, classical music will always be around because it is classic. It fits no matter what era you place it in. There is always a home for it. The artists are timeless just as the beautiful melodies are.
   
   I certainly believe that babies who listen to music will become more familiar with and more easily understand music and instruments. Therefore, they will be quicker of mind. It is just a fact that people who play instruments are usually of higher intelligence.
   
   I don't think that people are destined to be stupid or geniuses. I believe it is a question of environment. I feel I'm a great mother but I haven't done everything I could have been doing to help my son's mind expand as an infant. Now that he is a toddler (18 months) I am teaching him to read and exposing him to the magic of classical music in hopes that it will help mold him and set him apart from the rest.
   
   Minds are trainable. You just have to work at it. This CD compiled of beautiful pieces composed by instrumental geniuses will help you do just that.



5. I received this CD free when I had my first baby and it instantly became my fav cd of all time. I have it on my computer and I had another copy made because I just can not imagine not having it.
   And as for the comment that the music has nothing to do with intellingence, you stand alone on that front. Besides, what does it hurt? It's great, soothing music and the babies enjoy it.

5 comments about 25 Vivaldi Favorites.

1. This the worst CD I've ever had...terrible doesn't begin to describe it. There was nothing even remotely enjoyable..soothing to the ear would NOT be a description that I would give it.



2. If you're reading this, you already know Vivaldi and how influential he has been on all music over the past few centuries. I have no complaints about this CD.



3. Can you believe the price on this? This is probably the best Vivaldi collection for the price available. The sound quality is superb.



4. Vivaldi 25 favourites is marvelous ,it has been digitally enhanced and is certainly a keeper.Really am pleased with anything i have purchased from Amazon



5. This CD is decent but does NOT sweep you off your feet into a soaring concert hall with your heart beating loudly and your breaths coming in faster. Why? I think its the quality of the recording and the caliber of the musicians maybe? But hey, $4.98 does not buy much more than a fast food meal- so no harm done! Happy Listening!
   -Rupa

5 comments about Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture.

1. The classical music is, of course, 5 stars. I enjoy the Seraphim price range for educational music CDs. Seraphim never has the greatest fidelity with their CDs, however; but it is definately worth buying.



2. ...unless you are only buying this CD for Scheherazade. The orchestra never hits the right buttons with Cappricio Espagnol, and sounds rather plodding throughout. The opening of the Russian Easter Overture is difficult enough since there is nothing going on but unison, and if it isn't done right, it can sound rather high-schoolish, as it does here. The reading of Scheherazade, however, is decent and worth a listen.



3. This is a first rate CD! I received it quickly and I am very happy with my purchase.



4. Having been a professional violinist and pianist for thirty years, I have developed a special appreciation for classical music. Scheherezade is one of the great orchestral pieces. This version clearly highlights the great skill of the composer and the orchestra. All the pieces on this cd are performed at a high skill level and the recording quality is excellent. It is on a par with the great performances by other orchestras, and I highly recommend it.



5. My father was a classical musician in the days when every major theater had a pit orchestra of concert-level musicians. Boris Morros, a Russian born impresario paid tribute to them, saying: "the impact of these luxurious film theaters on the culture of America has never been properly emphasized. In one of our marble movie temples every tired scrub-lady could feel like a queen--for fifty cents--and every bootblack like a king as they lounged back in more comfortable chairs than monarchs ever enjoyed. I was impressed by the ever-growing popularity of the so-called good music the large symphony orchestras in these theaters played at each performance. From the day they opened they had thrilled audiences of ordinary people (who were supposed to have appreciation only for ragtime and sentimental ballads) with first-rate renditions...." Anyway, when those theaters and orchestras went, the substitute was a cult of mediocrity, so I was just indulging myself listening to all the horn work in Korsakov and remembering all those 'good ol days.'

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 Mystery Of Santo Domingo De Silos Gregorian Chant From Spain.

1. I purchased this version of the monks of Santo Dominto De Silos at the same time I bought the 2008 edition of the Gregorian chant by the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz (Chant: Music for the Soul). While the effort of the Santo Domingo monks was highly praised when it was released, I fully understand why the version by the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz was so brightly hailed. The Spanish recording seems regimented, in contrast to that of the Austrian Cistercian monks of 2008, who seem quite sublime, un-regimented, and singing only in response to their devotion to God. Even so, this recording by the Spanish monks is clear, pure, and by the books; it is authentic. If you are interested in Gregorian chant, you should have a chant rendition of this style in your repetoire because these fellows deliver it in a style considered normal in the recording world before their performance was usurped for many by the Austrian monks.



2. This is superb. The passion in the voices melts my heart...I can hear the longing for Christ in their voices. One of my all time favorites.



3. I am a writer, so I got this CD to listen to while I write. Each chant on this CD is a jewel in its self. The voices are mystical and haunting and at the same time so peaceful, each of the singers is so insync with the others. When listening to this CD, I feel like I am transported into a medieval abbey surrounded by gregorian chant. I have heard many gregorian chant albums and this is by far one of best, it had the richness and a haunting, beautiful quality that many of them lack.



4. While I agree with the other reviewers that this is a fine recording, two precisions are necessary for the sake of accuracy. The disc is titled "Gregorian Chant" but in fact it is Mozarabic or Old Spanish Chant. The reviewer who wrote that the monks observe this rite is mistaken. The monks observe the same monastic rite as the monks of Solesmes and other Benedictine abbeys. The choir director at the time (1968), however, is a musicologist who prepared a special program of Old Spanish Chant for the historically based Archiv Produktion of Deutsche Grammophon.



5. The monks of Santo Domingo de silos follow the rites and traditions of the ancient Mozarabic period of Hispania (modern day Spain). This period stemmed from the Visigothic period of control over the former Roman protectorate. And from this period throughout the generations this form of pure, magical and yet authentic chant has been saved and will continue to be saved. I brought this CD initially for my stepdad but I decided to keep it with me after listening to it. I fell in love with the sound, the atmosphere and it made me great when I listened to it.
   I hope to one day visit the abbey and listen to these chants in person and live. 22 tracks of solid gold chants and the voices are so in sync with each other that the real mystery is why there is not more monasteries like this one.

5 comments about Classics from the Crypt.

1. I really like the musical selections that are on this CD. The recordings seem to be from years ago and the quality isn't quite as good as modern recordings, but I like the selections a lot.



2. This is a great CD of classical music with a spooky flavor. It is of course perfect for the Halloween season but can be used to good effect any time of the year. Many of the pieces will be very familiar as they are commonly used in movie and television scores to create creepy atmospheres. The exciting, well produced music on the CD can be enjoyed by everyone but these arrangements are an especially good way to introduce kids to some fine instrumental music.



3. I love this collection, if for no other reason than the recording of "Danse Macabre". This is a Halloween classic and is played frequently to great effect. Most recently I heard it played in the movie "Tombstone" (starring Val Kilmer, et al) during the traveling theatre group's play.
   
   This collection takes popular tunes from just as popular films. Of course, all of these can be heard in several films. These are just the most popular... or ones I am familiar with.
   
   1. Toccata & Fugue In D (Phantom Of The Opera)
   2. Danse Macabre (The Bride Of Frankenstein)
   3. Funeral March Of A Marionette (Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
   4. Night On Bald Mountain (Fantasia)
   5. March To The Scaffold (The Shining)
   6. In The Hall Of The Mountain King (Halloween)
   7. Mephisto Waltz (U/A)
   8. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Fantasia)
   9. Dream Of A Witches' Sabbath (Sleeping With The Enemy)
   
   I don't recognise "Mephisto Waltz", but it's a worthy addition to this collection.



4. this is the best CD i've ever purchased!
   i love classical music! and this CD has one of the best collections ever.
   the main reason why i got this album is because i am a fan of Old Disney cartoons. This Cd has the song in the mikey mouse cartoon the Aprentice, and there is also a song used in the cartoon Hansel and Gretel the song is called "Danse Macabre" and is my favorite. I highly reccomend it.



5. If you're looking for classic haunted castle type scary music, this is a good CD.
   Used this in a haunted maze in our basement, and it helped freak the kids out fairly well.

5 comments about Debussy's Greatest Hits.

1. This is a great CD to listen to after a stressfull day at work. Debussy was an impressionist musician, or that's what they called him during his life. Most people don't know that there were impressionists that were not painters, so this classical musician is a breath of fresh air even for those that do not like classical music.



2. My mother was a classically trained musician. She was not only a highly accomplished violinist, but she was also an incredible pianist. When she was still in her earthly form, our house was always filled with music. If it wasn't her playing the violin or the piano, then we always had something on the Hi-Fi...hee hee...Hi-Fi...that sounded so high tech back then, now it just sounds like something you might get doing something unprotected...but anyway, I grew up around all kinds of music. We could be listening to Chopin one minute and the next, Frank Zappa and it's this kind of upbringing that made the weirdo...I mean, ecclectic individualization of Life I am today.
   
   So, even though I continue to have varied tastes in music, I do have my favorites and one of them is dear 'ol Claude Debussy. My mother was a Pisces and I, being born exactly two weeks after her birthday, am also a Pisces and Pisceans, being rather dreamy, moody, sensitive, and open are "suckers" for any kind of music that touches the emotions because most
   water signs live by their emotions rather than by their intellect. I happen to be a double Pisces which only means that I am jacked up x 2. Not really, but I am a very emotional person. I have, however, learned to use my sensitivity rather than having my sensitivity using me which only tends to make one fragile.
   
   So, what the heck does all this have to do with this particular collection of music?
   
   Plenty.
   
   This music when played during periods of relaxation and meditation can open you up to the deeper levels of life that are always just right beneath the surface. So many of us are so distracted by outer appearances and conditions that we fail to see that all our outer life really is, is just a symbol...a metaphor...for what is going on inwardly. If your life is confusing, upsetting, chaotic it could be that your inner life is also confused, upset, and full of chaos.
   
   Or maybe I'm just talking out my aspirations.
   
   I invite you to wake up an hour early and listen to this CD while doing some light stretches, a few minutes of some just breathing deeply and slowly, and maybe even 15 minutes of so of just writing or doodling and don't let this music just be "white noise"...hey, I think I just created a name for my friend's rap band...but take this music deep into your soul...breathe it in...breathe it out...for just one hour "be" the music.
   
   I think that Debussy was a genius. He didn't just compose music, music composed him. If you listen very, very carefully you will be able to tell that Debussy listened very closely to his soul. It was as if he asked a Heavenly Council for permission to use music that is clearly not of this world. Yes, his music is Impressionist, but it is also Expressionist; an expression of Pure Love, Pure Light, Pure Life the realms from which all things seen as well as unseen come forth from. Listen to Reverie, La Mer (all three portions), or, of course, Claire de Lune and you will quickly realize that this "mere mortal" tapped the eternal and the earthreal into finite compositions that transcend mere music and puts it in a completely different category.
   
   So, after all this why am I giving this CD four stars...I have a real challenge with the name of the CD, Debussy's Greatest Hits. For God's sakes, this is Debussy, it's not Britney Spears or Barry Manillow. Debussy didn't create "hits", he created something that surpasses such a shallow judgment. His music is truly an observation of the Divine coming into form. The Divine does not create "Greatest Hits", the Divine only creates masterpieces and it's only our perceptions and our interpretations of these masterpieces that make it hit or miss. Which, of course has nothing to do with the Divine, but everything to do with us.
   
   I urge you to buy this CD and let yourself dream again. Get out of your head and back into your heart. Even if you don't do the excercises I suggested; the breathing, the writing, the stretching, just allow this music to wash over you and heal you in ways you never thought possible.
   
   Stretch forth and be the blessing you were created to be. Make this CD a prelude to your day and miracles will begin to happen.
   
   I promise...
   
   Peace & Blessings,
   john, 'the Light Coach'



3. Claude Debussy is perhaps the most understated composer in the history of man. His ability to compose both on the piano and for orchestra is unmatched, in my humble opinion. The fact that Debussy was able to also arrange many contemporary and previous composers' works just adds to his resume. He had a gift, pure and simple.
   
   Although this album doesn't (well, honestly it couldn't) contain all the best of Debussy's catalog (you would need his entire catalog), it does certainly contain some of his best work. The entire CD is a beautifully aranged, beautifully played, well recorded compilation with good sound mixing and it is a respectful tribute to a truly great composer.
   
   "Claire de Lune" (Moonlighting) is perhaps one of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever composed; this is the orchestrated version, but the piano version is nice if you get the chance to listen to it (I recommend the entire suite, Suite Bergamasque, for any piano lover, but I digress). "Arabesque No. 1" is superb. "Fetes" is both haunting and airy. "Reverie" is the best piano piece I have ever heard. "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is also a wonderful piano piece. "The Sunken Cathedral" is dark and mysterious, a true wonder.
   
   The rest of the album is fantastic. Listed above are just my top, personal favorites from the disc. I listen to this CD at least once a week, but often more. It is perfect for relaxation, for listening while reading, or for my personal favorite use, to block out noise while I am writing.
   
   I would recommend this to any classical lover. If you have not heard Debussy's music, you must get this CD; it will have you ordering more of his compositions almost immediately. The man was a genius.
   
   I would also add that if you enjoy this, I recommend that you continue your Debussy experience with the following: Debussy: Orchestral Works I and Debussy: Orchestral Works II and if you are looking for works on piano, I recommend Jean-Yves Thibaudet-Debussy - Complete Piano Works, Vol. 1 and Jean-Yves Thibaudet-Debussy - Complete Piano Works, Vol. 2, and finally if you seek Chamber pieces, you can check out Debussy: Complete Chamber Music. All of these discs are excellent and I highly recommend each to grow your Debussy collection.
   
   Enjoy!!!



4. After listening to his "Greatest Hits," I know why he is considered one of the best.



5. I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I WAS TRYING EXPAND MY HORIZONS, YOU KNOW? CULTURALLY AND MENTALLY, YOU KNOW? SERIOUSLY THOUGH I WAS IN THE SHOP AND I WAS HAVING A GAZE AROUND THE PLACE AND THEN THIS PICTURE JUST JUMPS OUT AT ME, AND I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS THIS DEBUSSY CHAP AND ID HEARD ABOUT HIM ON THE BBC LEARNING ZONE SO I THOUGHT ;why not?; SERIOUSLY THOUGH I DRAGGED IT HOME AND I POPPED IT IN THE OLD CD PLAYER AND IT FLOORED ME.......I MEAN SERIOUSLY THIS THING...AMAAZING STUFF..I MEAN TODAYS MUSIC HAS NOTHING, NOTHING NOTHING ON THIS STUFF RIGHT HERE.
   
   SOME GOOD TRACKS ARE:
   TRACK 1 IS THE BEST. THE OPENING FLUTE ON THE TRACK IS TOTALLY CHILLED AND COOL, REMINDS ME A BIT OF TRACK 13 ON ILL COMMUNICATION BY THE BEASTIE BOYS...A COINCIDENCE???
   
   THE ONLY WEAK TRACK ON THE ALBUM IS TRACK 6, THE UNFORTUNATELY TITLED "CHILDRENS CORNER SUITE: GOLLIWOGGS CAKE WALK" THE MUSIC IS JUST DATED MAN, JUST AS DATED AS THE TITLE.
   
   OVERALL THOUGH THIS IS A QUALITY ALBUM, WITH CHILLS, SPILLS AND THRILLS. SERIOUSLY THOUGH A FINE EFFORT.

5 comments about Mozart for Meditation.

1. I was expecting this to be true to its title"Meditation".
   Though nice it's really just a random selection of music
   not necessarily soft or meditative.



2. Well, as far as music for meditation goes, I'm not so sure about this product for that purpose. When I meditate, I tend to need more monotonous sounds to do it by - however, this CD is GREAT for relaxation and sleeping. So I still give it 4 out of 5 stars even though I won't be using it for its stated purpose. Still well-worth the money.



3. All the pieces are the perfect ones for the relaxation. As a collector I am impressed of the selections chosen for this album.



4. When I am working and I need to block out sounds to concentrate on what I am doing, I always put on this CD. Besides the fact that it is easy to listen to, it doesn't distract me from my work, and I never get bored or tired of the music. I'm reluctant to purchase a similar album in the fear that it won't be as good as the Mozart Meditation.



5. I'm a licensed massage therapist, and I absolutely adore using this CD during my sessions! It's a great alternative to the new age-y music styles that are so pervasive in the relaxation music scene -- my clients find this CD soothing & relaxing, and not at all "weird". This music suports a "relaxed but focused" atmosphere -- it serves as excellent white noise in the lobby area, and I even use it at home as a soothing backdrop for reading/ sewing/ paperwork/ etc. Excellent arrangements & clarity -- DON'T MISS!

5 comments about 25 Romantic Classics.

1. this cd is awesome, you can have a relaxing time when you need some tiem out, or you can enjoy it with your partner...



2. I bought the CD, because my daughter just needed one song, but My God! what a beautiful and complete selection, at an amazing price, it deserves an A+, and a chance for you to listen to it.



3. Let's not be too harsh regarding this CD. I purchased this as my first baby step into the classical genre and it absolutely made me fall in love with classical music and appreciate it in a way I never could when people tried to make me like it. It is such a wide variety of classical music and I find romance to be joyful, tragic, gentle, harsh & a complete roller coaster that I found all in this ONE CD! It also made my boyfriend who hates, or shall I say HATED classical music NOW like it! That was an amazing feat! We now have many classical cd's and we always go back to this one for dinner parties, romantic baths and other things... I played this CD so much, that it got damaged and I just purchased another one to replace the one I bought years ago. If you are a critic, stay away from this cd, you will rob it of its beauty & innocence. If you are a beginner and want to open your mind to all that classical music has to offer, then this is the best money you can spend. BUY & ENJOY!!!



4. This is what bothered me about the CD. Three of the biggest eras in classical music were: the baroque era, the classical era, and the romantic era. Now, with CD's titled baroque favorites, classical favorites and romantic classics, one would expect these CD's to be era specific. Such is not the case. If you read the back of the CD it even says "from the romantic era of music", but the there are composers like Vivaldi (baroque) and Debussy (impressionism) on this CD. About more than half are from the wrong eras. So this music is romantic in the non-musical sense of the word, which is fine, but a little bit misleading.



5. Not what I call classical composers! THis cd is annoying in a way I really can't stand. It lacks the pure elegance of the classical days. Don't buy this cd unless you want a phony all around bad album played by cheap ameteurs.