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 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.

3 comments about Children's Favorites.

1. This CD mostly delivered what was expected of it. The only critique I have is that some of the tempos could have been cleaner, and that it should be cross-referenced by the other composers besides J. S. Bach.



2. This is the most wonderful collection to have on 1 CD. Children from birth on up can benefit from this musical collage.
   Songs from the "Nutcracker" are familiar and comfortable for many children. What child wouldn't love "March of the Tin Soldiers?"
   Selections from Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" is a must in my creative movement library. Every child should be exposed to this music. Well,I believe every age should be.



3. With total playing time clocking in at 78:04 minutes of music, you'll be paying about 6-cents/minute, which is a better bargain than long distance phone calls, and often more rewarding!

   This disc is far superior than most other "Classics for Kids"-type recordings I've sampled for a number of reasons:

   1) This album was expertly engineered. The production quality on this disc is first-rate from start to finish with crisp, clear sound.

   2) The pieces were expertly picked. There is wonderful sonic variety here, spanning hundreds of years of wonderful melodies. There are orchestral pieces, harpsichord pieces, solo piano, and a piano concerto, capped off with Saint-Seans whimsical Carnival of the Animals. What kid (or adult) wouldn't love that?

   3) The performances are, without exeption, expert! The pieces were definately screened for quality as well as content. Many are simply a joy to behold. Walter Klein is a particular stand-out, almost giddily prancing through Schumann's pieces. Believe it or not, he sounds even more impressive when backed up by the always inspiring Minnesota Orchestra on Mozart's Piano Concerto #17.

   In short, this album is a great album even before you factor in the great price. You and your children are almost guaranteed to enjoy every 6-cents worth!

5 comments about Baroque Trumpet Concertos.

1. For this price you cant go wrong. It has all styles, allegro, largo, slow and fast paced with the trumpet and background instruments. Vivaldi and Telemann's pieces are my favorites on this CD, but the rest is great as well. This soothing music that makes you feel great to live at the same time is impossible to pass up. All it took was one sample for me to buy it, and no regrets!



2. I love this CD. The music is very uplifting. If you love Baroque Music then you can't go wrong with this CD. Great Price and Value.



3. I originally purchased this disc as an EMI Classics Red Line release (I think I paid $5.99 for it). It was a steal then, and remains so today on the Seraphin line (simple a reissue of the same EMI Red Line release).

   Maurice Andre is a fantastic trumpet player, and he simply shines on this recording (featuring the Academy of St. Martins on the Field under Sir Neville Marriner). Bargain-priced CDs tend to get the proverbial bum rap, but Seraphin (as usual) offers a first-rate recording that can compete with any full-priced release. I've listened to this disc at least 20 times, and I never tire of it. Andre and Marriner bring to life these works, some by lesser-known composers (like Stolzel, Telemann and Torelli). I can't think of a better introduction to these underrated Baroque artists (with the exception of Sony's 'Baroque in Italy' CD, which sadly is now out-of-print, too).

   This recording, as with so many others, will not be available forever. Given the quality of the recording and beauty of the pieces, I strongly recommend purchasing this disc before it, too, goes out-of-print. It's a great disc at a great price, and would be a welcomed addition to any Classical music collection.




4. This is a great feel-good record. Music to reign by.
   
   The Stölzel concerto for four instrumental choirs is a particular gem, a great piece to cue up and wake up in the morning to. There is nothing particularly deep or heavy here. All of these pieces are light, in major keys. They are well recorded and well played.



5. This CD is just a delight. If you enjoy Baroque, you will find this CD one of your favorites. It has a pleasant register and a lightness that is a pleasure to any ear. An excellent value.

5 comments about Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits.

1. Don't get me wrong on the rating; the CD is good and the recordings and performances are great, but to call something a greatest hits collection, there really needs to be more of the greatest hits and not just the filler they have included. All of the songs are wonderful but if you are a new Saint-Saens lover you will need more.
   Camille Saint-Saens was the master French impressionist, the wizard of piano and organ composition, one of the greatest composers ever. He is definitely top 5 in my book.
   The problem with this recording is simply what is provided on the CD, or more appropriately, what is not provided. There are far too many omitions to count this as a greatest hits collection.
   Bare minimum, a greatest hits collection for Saint-Saens must contain the entire 3rd symphony (the "organ" symphony), the Carnival of Animals (and if not all 14 pieces, at least include Aquarium with The Swan and Finale), at least one of his cello concertos (which are mysteriously absent from all Saint-Saens best of or greatest collections and that is truly a shame), and at least one of his violin concertos.
   What is provided on this disc is wonderful. Samson et Dalila is signature Camille, Danse macabre is another wonder, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso is Saint-Saens perfection, and his Piano Concerto No. 2 is marvelous. But there is just so much more to Saint-Saens.
   So, for the price at which Sony provides these marvels of greatest hits, it is a very good deal, but I would recommend another collection if you truly want to experience Saint-Saens' greatest works.
   The price is slightly higher, but the inclusion of the entire Carnival and the entire Organ Symphony along with other works excluded here makes it a much better collection. Just consider the Phillips' release before you purchase so you don't have to go back later. The Best Of Saint-Saëns
   Enjoy!



2. This music take me away from every day troubles and brings my soul to a beutiful world of music.Saint-Saent's vision of music is different, his creations are sensitive and intence. He is agreat talent.



3. I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique. I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it. On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars. I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works. You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this.

   RIGHT AWAY!!!
   -Nick




4. I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy. This CD is one of those. Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own. I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites.



5. As all good elementary school music teachers know, Saint-Saëns could evoke emotions from a rock. I don't know if it's his masterful command (or creation) of the idioms of music, or whether it's the formal structure of his compositions, but there's never any confusion about how one feels when listening to this Apollo.

   This Sony recording supposedly collects his best. It does and it doesn't. The "Danse Macabre"--a perennial Saint Saëns fave--is definitely better than any others on the market--crisper, livelier, and ... er... creepier. And the Bacchanale is also superbly done. (Don't take my word for it though--you can compare these yourself from the various samples.) But as great as these individual pieces are, Sony failed to bring to the "Swan" the rest of the zoo from "Carnivale des Animaux," and, worse, they forgot the "Aquarium," too! Plus, the "Organ Symphony" *must* be heard in its entirety to sound like the serious piece of music that it is.

   I haven't found the noumenal Saint-Saëns collection yet. But this one surely isn't phenomenal.

5 comments about Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals.

1. As soon as I got home from the post office I popped the CD in my system, and instantly was taken back to my junior high school days when I used to listen to this album at home in my room, pretending I was conducting the orchestra. I'm a happy camper!



2. I bought this as a gift for my nephew's 3rd birthday. He totally has enjoyed listening to it and identifying the instruments he hears.



3. My 3 year old grand daughter loves this cd. Now, I want to warn you, originally she was afraid of the deep sounding instruments. But after I listened to the cd with her, and make noises and movements with the sounds, she began to love it. I believe this cd will help to create a love of music in your child and mine.



4. Leonard Bernstein makes these already child-accessible pieces even more friendly to the young listener. My 3 year old really enjoys listening to the Peter and the Wolf recording and likes to guess which animal is represented by a particular instrument. The recording of The Carnival of the Animals is also wonderful and is made more fun by bringing in young and very talented artists into the orchestra.



5. I was not informed that this title has a narration in english intercalated with the music. Although I understeood almost everything, my family did not and my translation disrupted the listening. Pity.

4 comments about Prokofiev: Peter & the Wolf; Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals.

1. This is a very good rendition at a fair price. However, the narration is very soft, and when you turn it up so that it can be heard clearly, the music blasts you off your seat.



2. This is a great introduction to different instruments in the orchestra as the music tells the story along with the narrator. My kids love Peter and the Wolf, and the Carnival of the Animals is great fun too!



3. Don't let the low price fool you into thinking something is amiss with this recording. It sounds wonderful. It has been a very long time since I've heard any recording of this narrated story and this was a very pleasant revisit of Peter and the Wolf.



4. How to choose from so many performances of Prokofiev's Peter and the wolf? Of course the orchestra should play well and the sound must be good. But with Peter and the wolf this will all mean nothing if the narrator thinks he's funny, can't deliver or bores thehell out of you. In this version, you can besure of one thing: it has not and will never be told better than by Sir John Gielgud. Buy it and you will not be sorry.
   Oh, by the way, sound and orchestra are just fine!

5 comments about Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf; Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals.

1. I have, over the years, owned many copies of "Peter", both for the fun of different narrators (the Sean Connery version is a blast), and for the lovely, whimsical music. Now, I'm no collector or classical music expert,just an avid listener- so I had no idea that a high-quality version was available without narration. This disc sounds wonderful, the performances are great, and the addition of "Tales of a Grandmother" was an unexpected and fresh treat (I'm a Prokofiev fan, and had never heard those particular pieces). Also- the Saint-Saens pieces are also quite above average in both sound and performance, although (for some listeners)perhaps a questionable "fit" with the Prokofiev material. At a much higher price, it would be highly recommended. At this price- a "must buy" item for any fan of Prokofiev or classical music in general!



2. This disc is an inexpensive way to round out your basic 100 classics collection. The obscure Russian forces and the recording engineers provide a more than competent performance.
   For us mature listeners this version is done without the usual child oriented narration. One can sit back and appreciate the wittiness and novelty of both scores.



3. The previous review complains that the CD does not mention the fact that Peter and the Wolf is without narration. He must have not looked very closely. In the left hand corner, it clearly states "without narration". That is the main reason I bought it. The performance of Peter is simply amazing. The orchestral playing is as close to perfection as you will ever hear. Heard with narration, the music sounds trite. Without the talk, it is beautiful. And the recorded sound is outstanding, clear as a bell. The second Prokofiev work is the rarely played "Tales of an old Granmother". It is quite forgettable. The Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals performance is several notches below Peter and the Wolf. Indeed, I found the performance to be on the flat side. However, at less than 5 dollars, and with a unique perspective of a highly familiar warhorse, this CD is still an excellent value. If you enjoy great orchestral playing, buy this CD before it is deleted.



4. I purchased this album for my grandson. He enjoys instrumental rather than vocal music. I am sure he will love this but, since it is an introduction to orchestral music for him, I really wanted the narrated version. The buying information does not specify that this is WITHOUT NARRATION. I almost sent it back, but will keep it for the Carnival of the Animals. And I will order a version of Peter & the Wolf that specifies it IS narrated. Maybe that was reason it was not specified on this one?



5. The first time I heard this album was the first time I had heard "Peter and the Wolf" since I was a kid. The wave of nostalgia was wonderful. The sound quality is very good (important to me) and my young sons have really enjoyed the music as way of following the story. The "Carnival of the Animals" is also a treat. I would recommend this disc highly for your own enjoyment, but also for those who want to introduce their children to classical music in a way that will capture their interest and make it fun for all of you.

4 comments about Telemann: Concertos & Sonatas.

1. 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.



2. In his day, George Philip Telemann was more popular than Bach. But, as a Telemann fan, I GREATLY enjoy this CD. Additionally, I especially like flutes and violins. The CD includes one of Telemann's best pieces, Suite in A minor for Flute (Suite a-moll) which is a wonderful delight. Telemann also composed concertos for trumpet and one is included here as well. If you haven't tried Telemann, this CD would be a good bet. It's quite versatile too--can be just listened to, used as background music, meditated to, etc.



3. Telemann certainly was a prolific composer. For some forty-six years he composed much for both church and court.

   Composing so much, he understood well the capabilities of each instrument and composed much for each. Here, for flute, oboe and trumpet, as well as strings.

   The trio for oboes is especially charming.




4. I really enjoyed this CD because I couldn't find the Suite in a minor by Telemann, until now. A beautiful Rejouissance I must say. I would love to hear longer samples of all the classical music, because I appreciate it so much.

2 comments about CBS Dinner Classics: Romance.

1. I am always looking for a new mix of music for dinner parties, and this is wonderful. Often times music of this kind seeks to put you to sleep rather enhance a dinner experience. I put love and a great deal of care in my food, I want to do the same with the music.



2. I was looking for a recording of Londonderry Air performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandandy. After listening to several sample clips on this CD, I ordered it. The entire CD is beautiful and relaxing. It's become one of my favorites.