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Hickox Conducts Vaughan Williams

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: British Composers

June 05, 2000
This double CD album, a mixture of Vaughan Williams's most popular and rarely-heard music, is a cherishable collection indeed for the excellent performances contained in it, the constant delight the music affords, and the fact that both discs are full to the brim with an embarrassment of riches.

Richard Hickox is a most gifted interpreter of RVW, and these performances see him - and the Northern Sinfonia - at their peak. The soloists in the concerti are also heard at their best - Bradley Creswick in the Concerto Accademico, and Roger Winfield in the Oboe Concerto.

The first disc has a most attractive mixture, much of it comparative rarities, starting with the orchestral version of the Serenade to Music, and includes ... Read More:

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The Very Best of Chopin

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: Naxos

October 03, 2005

This Naxos double CD is effectively a reworking of the original single CD release `The Best of Chopin', expanded to include more of the composer's music then attractively packaged with new artwork and a card slip-case cover showing an amusing caricature of the composer.

As with any `Best Of' compilation much of the composers work will inevitably be omitted - Chopin incidentally wrote around 219 works so the 24 pieces on these CDs represent only a small proportion of his lifetime works. There are however over 2 hours of music here to be enjoyed and it's a good cross-section of Chopin's music.

The sleeve notes are helpful for those wanting a little more than these highlights, for they provide recommended further ... Read More:

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Hannibal

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: Universal Classics

March 11, 2002
There are few occasions these days where music will take your emotions to the depths of despair and up to the highest cloud and back before the album is finished. Mostly this happens in film soundtracks and Hannibal is easily one of the finest. There is humour, sadness, heart-pounding atmosphere and some pieces that will make your heart sing and sent your soul alight as the finest music does, and should.
The highlight of the album is Vide cor Meum by Patrick Cassidy - the album is worth buying for this alone. When I first watched the film I became determined to discover which great opera that piece was from, not realising that it was written specially for the film. Rarely will you find a piece of music that makes you want to simply sit back, ... Read More:

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Garth - Cello Concertos Nos 1 - 6

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: Divine Art

October 08, 2007
Do you like Correlli, Bach, and cello? Do you enjoy period instruments when they produce a warm, earthy timbre? Do you appreciate musicianship of quality and sensitivity? This is a lovely double cd, with a warm human vision at its centre. Richard Tunnicliffe's cello playing is a mellow, earthy delight, equally matched by the playing of the Avison Ensemble, who generate a rich, bouyant 'sprung rhythmn', which lifts the music effortlessly to another level. This is very well recorded, having an immediacy which would have you believe the musicians are in the room with you. Ideal music for relaxation, for mood enhancement, and with sufficient richness and complexity to reward repeat listening. This is a rich little treasure indeed.

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Moments of Time

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
by: Phamie Gow

September 03, 2007
I first heard War Song played on Classic FM & was convinced it was an Einaudi piece that was new to me. Phamie Gow plays her own compositions in a similar style - fresh & soothing. A perfect choice for a Summer's evening with a glass of wine to chill out. My only complaint? It's just 42 minutes long...

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My Fair Lady - Original Soundtrack

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: Sony Classical

November 01, 1999
Most musical recordings seem choppy mostly because they are, and are rendered from the stage play, so of course they wouldn't make that much sense. MY FAIR LADY holds up well and you don't get this sense. The entire ablum is a gem and there's not a sour note in it.

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East Meets East

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: EMI Classics

June 02, 2003
Although not having any classical music training, nor the ability to write a critical analysis, all I can say is that from the opening notes to the closing chord I was absolutely captivated.
It's a hypnotic collection of pieces which simply draw you into following their every turn, step, phrase and passage. The melodies are haunting and indeed sinuous, sensual, emotive...you really can't avoid flowing with them.
The technical aspects mean nothing to me other than I have a deep appreciation for the work and energy of Kennedy as well his phenomenal ability to make me want hear again and again whatever he does - be it jazz, Hendrix and now this.
I agree with the others - it's a must have, but not a shelf filler. This shows up in my top 3 on ... Read More:

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Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
from: Philips

May 13, 2002
A CD that has so much beauty it moves you from beginning to end. His voice portrays so much emotion that you don't just appreciate the sound, you feel every note that he sings.

There are some CDs that are simply labelled "mood music", and this for me is one that I file under such a category. Every time I listen it lifts me and transports me to places only I can go to. Somewhere that escapes the modern world.

The choice of arias is perfect. Many of which I was unfamiliar with. However, I have since introduced this CD to a number of people, many who listen to an entirely different genre of music; nearly all have been captivated by it.

All I can say is buy it and soak up the rich fare on offer.

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Britten - Peter Grimes - Britten [1969]

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
starring: Owen Brannigan, Heather Harper, Peter Pears, Bryan Drake, Elizabeth Bainbridge
directed by: Brian Large

June 09, 2008
A CD that has so much beauty it moves you from beginning to end. His voice portrays so much emotion that you don't just appreciate the sound, you feel every note that he sings.

There are some CDs that are simply labelled "mood music", and this for me is one that I file under such a category. Every time I listen it lifts me and transports me to places only I can go to. Somewhere that escapes the modern world.

The choice of arias is perfect. Many of which I was unfamiliar with. However, I have since introduced this CD to a number of people, many who listen to an entirely different genre of music; nearly all have been captivated by it.

All I can say is buy it and soak up the rich fare on offer.

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Bizet: Carmen

Childrens Toy Shop > Classical Music > Classical
by: Teresa Berganza Plácido Domingo Claudio Abbado

March 07, 2005
I have the highlights of this on casette and cannot find a more satisfying version of "Carmen".

It was exceptionally well cast. Domingo (Don Jose) and Milnes (Escamillo)are both fabulously in full voice and Ileana Cotrubas the most moving Micaela I have ever heard. The greatest applause though must go to Teresa Berganza who really sings the title role to perfection with hot-blooded Spanish passion but also a confidence which commands our respect and sympathy, retaining musicality in every last note.

I really do hope that Deutsche Gramaphon will re-release this because it well deserves another opportunity.