5 comments about 25 Mozart Favorites.

1. This CD is brand new and -- YAY -- didn't arrive with cracks in the case! Very happy with this purchase.



2. Toma una dimensión distinta de Mozart cuando escuchas sus mejores temas.
   
   ...



3. I was extraordinarely ignorant when I purchased this recording. I thought,"WOW!! Look at all the music you get in this CD set. The price cannot be beat!" When I received the CD, I discovered that you don't really get any music at all. This is a great sample CD, and should be bought by a person brand new to classical music. However, if you have any experience with classical music, you will want to pass on this CD.
   
   Each of the pieces are hacked apart to the point of it being comical. It's interesting to listen to the greatest music in the world, only to have the development cut. All of a sudden I was thrust into a new key, I thought my ears were going crazy. Perhaps an effort by a decent high school orchestra, but this music is not up to snuff with any other recording.
   
   Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase real recordings of Mozart, and not watered down stereotypes.



4. Very pleased with product, delivery, cost and service. Will use this vendor again.



5. 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!

1 comments about The Story of Mozart.

1. This short CD comfortably displays the basics of Mozart in words and music. If your a classical lover interested in these geniuses, and have a literary love also, then you would enjoy these nicely told stories.
   
   I learned here that Mozart picked up his x-girlfriends sister after she cheated on him; Nice! What a stud.
   
   I purchased CD's like this a year ahead of time to use them as time effective sources for English book reports in school because it takes a load off if you're over pressed and over worked. The narrator I found to be enjoyable also. For a couple bucks I really couldn't beat it.

5 comments about The Best of Fauré.

1. What a nice compilation of Fauré's premiere works! Congratulations, Naxos, and thanks for producing this one at a steal of a price too!
   
   Just as an introduction for those who haven't yet had the pleasurable experience of hearing the works of this French Master as yet, Gabriel Urbain Fauré (1845-1924) produced compositions that, in my opinion, '...are incredibly pleasant to listen to'. That's about the best that I can descibe his various brilliant works.
   
   He lived and worked during a time when such palatable music was being launched by a number of renowned musical artisans such as Rimsky-Korsakov, Debussy, and (later) Prokofiev. And, of course, being in Paris, the planetary capital of all the arts, for a good amount of time, his environment no doubt contributed to his clear inspiration.
   
   This CD is a very nice representation of his more popular works. Casual Classical Music fans might think that they've never heard Fauré before, but I'll bet that most have. Just listen to tracks 7 and 8 on this recording (Pelleas et Melisande, Musique de scene, op. 80, "Prelude" and "Sicilienne") and you'll probably say, "Oh yeah! I've always liked that one!"
   
   There are two superb excerpts from his famous "Requiem, op. 48", including the "Pie Jusu" and the "In paradisum" (there was no "Dies irae" in this composition), featuring Colm Carey on the organ. Of course, being an omnibus collection, multiple excellent orchestras and singers are featured on the recording.
   
   I WISH that there had been a cut from "Pénélope," Faure's famous opera which first premiered in 1913 in the famous Paris art deco forum, (le) Théàtre des Champs-Elysées, during Serge Diaghilev's "Ballet Russe". (Stravinky's "The Rite of Spring" was also launched here in 1913!); however, maybe it is, in fact, best to hear "Pénélope" in its complete form. Just a thought.
   
   If you much enjoy "easy listening" Classical Music, then snag this one right away -- you won't be sorry that you did.



2. If you want to persuade someone to listen to Faure then this is the album to begin with. It contains the very best known melodies.



3. Have you ever felt music inside you when watching the sun going down, when felling the breeze in your hair, when smelling the grass in a gentle summer night...? The music of this CD may remind you that part of yourself that we may tend to forget in our busy life, liked the words of Celibidache which I liked very much: "the music is not the notes, YOU are the music"!
   You would feel in this way, when listening to this CD.



4. I bought this cd not knowing anything about Gabriel Faure's music. A local orchestra was planning to perform Masques et Bergamasques, so I picked this cd being the most inexpensive way of buying something I possibly was not going to enjoy. But nothing could be further from the truth. I love this cd! It has such a nice variation of formats: piano concerto (Ballede in F sharp major Op. 19), piano solo (Baracarolle No.1 in A minor, Op. 20), vocal (Requiem, Op. 48), and symphony (Masques et Bergamasques). The music is also well played by various artists...no complaints on the performance side. And if it is true that one becomes the thoughts and vibrations that one allows to enter his or her mind, then by listening to Faure you may find yourself becoming a bit more tender, patient, and even romantic in your ways.



5. Bought this CD originally because of Romance, but I like it all. This is a new composer for me and I'm glad I found Faure'.

5 comments about Mozart: Requiem.

1. Herbert von Karajan, the septuagenarian conductor of this recording has been ebullient and full of life as ever. Karajan took full command of the Berliner Phihamoniker orchestra demonstrating his long artistic experience about the blissful meaning of this Requiem as though he were also the author, the musician, and the composer.
   
   This Requiem is a happy one. Mozart did his work in a mood of friendly reception of what is inevitably coming. The composer genius never feared the event of dying or departure from life, it was not scaring to his character. The teachings of certain short-tempered and intransigent dictatorial clerics that made death dreaded and hated gave Mozart welcome opportunity to defeat this credo and show his mettle as an erudite musician. A dedicated member of the Lodge, Mozart was totally involved with the Masonic theories and philosophies of `'death'' and their symbolic relationship to the `'Master Mason Degree"; on April 4, 1787 Mozart wrote to his father ""As death is the real purpose of our life, for several years I have become so closely acquainted with this true and best friend of our life, that his image is not only no longer terrifying to me, but rather something very soothing and comforting! And I thank God for affording me, in His grace, the opportunity (you understand me) of realizing that he is the key to our happiness. I never lie down in bed without thinking that (young as I am) I may not live to see the next day - and yet no one, especially among those who know me, can say that in daily life I am stubborn or sad - and for this happiness I give thanks to my Creator every day and wish every man the same from the bottom of my heart ......""
   
   Both Mozart/Karajan could see this eye to eye with each other. Karajan altered not an iota in any note, the happy notes are apparent in the violins. In fact I am inclined to say Mozart and Karajan performed as if they were close contemporaries, inhabited the same spiritual world and always succeeded in speaking the same language.
   
   In 1791 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed The Requiem Mass (K 626).
   Karajan has been able to make vibrate Mozart's musical spirit and with it bring the audience to affectionate delight. Berliner Philharmoniker is superb, so are the singers' voices and harmoniousness with one another.
   
   We are unfortunate, though, that this masterpiece remains unfinished... forever.



2. ...but lacking in the fervour of Davis and Marriner.
   Karajan really brings you into the eventfulness of this work, it has a great choir, and especially great soloists, though Tomowa-Sintow can get a little thick sometimes. Nothing to complain about really, and plenty to celebrate.



3. Superb performance and excellent recording of a masterpiece.
   DG quality at a bargain price.



4. This is probably the best edition of Mozart's Requiem. Herbet von Karajan spices it up with a more germanic perfomance which, I think, gives more power and passion to an already powerfull requiem. The quality of the disc is, as expected from the statue of the company, excellent.
   Buy it and enjoy it.



5. It is widely accepted that H.V.Karajan is not "the" Mozart conductor. He is much more recognized by his Beethoven conducting. When it comes to Mozart Sir Neville Marriner is the one who is held in the highest esteem and this recording is often compared with Marriner's version (Philips). While I cannot compare the two as I don't have Marriner's version, I can say that Karajan pulled it off just great. This is nothing short of breath-taking. I fully belive that those whose eyes are not clouded by comparisons between Maestros will appreciate this recording for what it is, a jewel of a Requiem.
   
   I recomment this CD to anyone who wants to listen to an awesome Requiem.

2 comments about Ego sum Resurrectio: Gregorian Chant for the Dead.

1. This is an recording of the Matin of the Dead and the First Mass of All Soul's Day of the Tridentine Liturgy and the Breviary.
   
   Like all studio recording, there is a sense of sterility. These pieces were meant to be used in divine worship not as performance pieces.



2. From the foreword: ''the chants of the liturgia dufunctorum (Liturgy of the dead) originate from two celebrations: the Order of Burial and All Souls' Day on 2nd November. Nothing is known about these chants before the eight and ninth cnturies, because the manuscripts of that period only recorded the verbal texts of the readings and prayers. Yet, starting from the 10th century, music manuscripts reveal the existence of a repertoire that will consist of more than a hundred chants.''
   This was some information. But now I must say that this cd is brilliant, excellent, of immense emotional power! It is one of the best gregorian chant recordings I've ever heard. So clean, pure almost ''otherworldly''. Featured inside are the complete lyrics in latin.
   Technically the chants are sung by a cantor (Alessio Randon) and a female choir (Aurora Surgit).
   But enough talking, just listen to the Requiem Aeternam and Epistula samples to be convinced of its beauty/greatness/ability to reach and quake your heart....

5 comments about Fauré: Requiem; Messe basse; Cantique de Jean Racine.

1. Do not buy this recording. The quality is very poor. The "Cantique de Jean Racine" is hardly audible. Better pay a little more for a better recording. This one is a waste.



2. I've heard at least 5 different Faure Requiems (Giulini, Matthew Best, Bernstein, etc.) and this one is unique and my favorite. You have the original stripped down forces. As the most gentle of all Requiems, this is absolutely apt, for without the full orchestra, this Naxos version acheives a sublime intimacy that others, although more powerfully moving at times, are not more GENTLY moving. I think this is the key. Just a side note, but thanks goodness for Naxos, for they have allowed countless lesser-known talent be known to the world and shine... and for a bargain price at that.



3. Faure's Requiem is one of the most sublime pieces that has ever been written. It contains music that is almost too perfect to be real. Whether it be the opening of the "Agnus Dei", with a melody so beautiful and tender that it makes you want to cry, or the "Lux Aeterna" passage, where one gets the impression of everything stopping and a light shining down from Heaven, this Requiem is the work of a true master. As good as this particular recording is, I'm surprised it's not more well known. It is the best I've I heard, even compared to the more famous recordings. I would recommend this CD to anyone.



4. MAY I PARAPHRASE GABRIEL FAURE--"I'VE WRITTEN A GENTLE LITTLE REQUIEM, AS GENTLE AS I AM." HOW TRUE. ABSENT ARE THE SWIRLING STRINGS, THE SNARLING BRASS AND HEAVEN STORMING MASSIVE CHORAL FORCES OF BERLIOZ, VERDI AND BRAHMS. NEITHER DO WE HEAR THE CASTILLIAN PASSION OF MORALES, OR THE SOMETIMES LACRIMAL, SOMETIMES DETACHED SORROW OF MOZART. NO, THIS IS A FRENCH BEATITUDE--"BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN..." AND, INDEED, WE ARE COMFORTED. THE YOUNG MR. SUMMERLY AND HIS EXQUISITE SCHOLA HAVE GIVEN US THE ORIGINAL VERSION IN SUCH PURE AND SIMPLE TERMS THAT ONE SLIGHT ERROR IN EXECUTION WOULD SHATTER THE CRYSTALLINE NATURE OF THIS WORK. NO SUCH ERRORS EXIST. ALONG WITH DAVID WILCOCKS EMI CHAMBER RECORDING, THE "OTHER" 5-STAR RELEASE, THIS BARGAIN FROM NAXOS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST TO OWN. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!



5. Listneing to this CD this morning makes me think of all the debates about beauty. People argue; people try to define the word. Well, just play this music - the entire CD - and take a bath in divine beauty. Close your eyes, let the inner light rise, and forget the definitions and debates.

1 comments about Howells: Requiem; Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing.

1. Tremendous clarity and musicianship from all concerned. If this Howells is your cup of tea then go to his 'Hymnus Paradisi" which is based on his requiem recorded here. The man's music stirs my soul

No comments about Story Of Verdi In Words And Music.

3 comments about Cherubini: Requiem & Marche funèbre.

1. I have used the term 'maitre'(master) because Cherubini, though an Italian, spent most of his professional life in France. Also, I reserve the term for a select group of composers whom I believe influenced the ultimate development of European music. I speak of the first master, Pierluigi da Palestrina, Bach, Vivaldi, van Beethoven, and Cherubini (who?). It should be mentioned that what follows is biased since the latter is my preferred composer. What ever style he chose to compose in, the music is majestic in orchestration, innovation, form, depth, texture, feeling, and melodic beauty. The requiem is no exception, he is the consummate master. He was obviously an extremely hardworking and serious composer. Unfortunately, he did not have the good sense to ingratiate himself with the Emperor Buonaparte (another Italian who spent his life in France). Bravo encore une fois mon cher maitre Cherubini.



2. I bought this CD on the basis of the review by Stephen Jesse Taylor's review [see below] and agree with him about the Requiem, and the performance. I was simply stunned by the power of this piece.

   Cherubini who, although Italian spent most of his adult life in France, introduced the Mozart Requiem to Paris in 1805, and obviously he knew that masterwork thoroughly. And although his style is not really very similar to Mozart's one can hear traces of the older work in such things as the Agnus dei.

   One interesting, and odd, thing about Cherubini's Requiem is that, unlike most other Requiems, it calls for no soloists. And another stylistic matter: Cherubini is so eager to tell the story that he doesn't linger on endless repetitions of the familiar words. For instance, the Dies irae, which is not broken up into separate pieces as it is in other settings, goes like the wind. Mood painting is skillful, underlining the narrative.

   I disagree with one thing in Taylor's review. He dismissed the Marche funèbre, but I found it quite stirring; obviously it is a ceremonial piece and has more than a little pomp, but that was the style of the time. Indeed, one can hear stylistic fingerprints that later show up in the works of composers like Berlioz and Meyebeer.

   The performances, by Swiss Radio forces, are sterling.




3. In 1816 Cherubini composed magnificent funeral music to commemorate the earlier communist regicide of Louis XVI and the end of the first world war instigated by Napoleon. It is appropriately slow and solemn, played and sung with heart by Swiss-Italian musical groups. It is an entirely choral and orchestral work, without soloists in the tender parts, perhaps as a way of universalizing the suffering and fervid hope expressed in the requiem text, as in the collective relief of an exhausted Europe and above all France of the time. The brass in the Dies Irae presage the swirling brass bands of Berlioz's stupendous Requiem composed a few decades later for still another war. The music, singing, performance, and resonant sound were all much better than I expected. The CD is simply an unbeatable bargain for those who would like to try this music.

   While there is a slightly better conducted performance available, no one has surpassed the heartfelt devotion of the singing here. Played at a decent volume on good speakers, this is a dramatically dynamic work one might not expect from the by-then conservative Cherubini and other lesser lights of the late Classical world (a world already shredded by the Terror and Napoleon). If you read French as well as English or Spanish you are in luck, because you get two different sets of printed commentary on this rare piece. No explanation for the unusual presence of Chinese gongs in both pieces is given. I believe the orchestra plays on modern instruments.

1 comments about Make A Joyful Noise.

1. This is a beautiful album. The music is glorious, and maybe just a tad too well-produced. But sometimes I like to listen to this sort of perfection too.