Best Oratorios
No Description Available. No Track Information Available Media Type: CD Artist: HANDEL,G.F.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Excellent, the traditional version of Handel's Messiah."
"Of course, that may be because I grew up with the vinyl version-and still own it. Unfortunately the record, once so easy to find in any record store went the way of vinyl in general, as did my copy with a scratch and ding here and there."
"It is Handel's masterpiece, performed by the best orchestra, soloists and choir that I ever heard."
"I am familiar with the music and was happy to find a re-master of this particular rendition."
"it seems to be ok but the plastic case was badly damaged in shipping."
"Excellent, excellent service -- in all aspects."
"I have had the album for over twenty years and this is my absolute favorite version."
The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker . While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis , elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you haven't heard Mannheim this is the best of their holiday collection."
"One of my favorite Christmas albums."
"My Mom plays it all the time."
"love it and I find it entertaining even beyond Christmas."
"Yeah Mannheim Steamroller."
"When it said DVD and it was not the videos I thought I was getting."
This is the Messiah that started it all--the first period instrument performance recorded with a choir of men and boys.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Having listened to a number of versions of Handel's Messiah through the years, particular during the season of Advent I have to say that this recording is clear, plain, unvarnished, but absolutely stunning and beautifully done."
"The key to its greatness is twofold: (1) the Academy of Ancient Music uses instruments from the Baroque period or faithful reproductions, so you hear the music as Handel intended it to be played; and (2) the chorus of men and boys' voices (the boy sopranos' voices are marvelous)."
"Beyond the quality of the performance itself (which is without equal), there is the issue of the slightly modified rendition which differs from the version we have all come to know from those perennial Christmas season performances of "Messiah"."
"I've been listening to Handel's Messiah by Judith Nelson for a very long time and I like it."
"Among the circles of choral directors and other musicians in this part of the country, this is known as the "Hogwood Recording.""
"I bought a used copy, but from all appearances, my copy has never been played."
"Really beautiful!"
Best Operettas
No Description Available.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A beautiful Opera with moving arias."
"Well performed."
"I wanted the Sutherland version because I don't like real heavy sopranos."
"the opera is transformative and the two soprano roles are magical, the tenor is sublime."
"What could be better than awesome opera?"
"This is the most wonderful purchase."
Best Arias
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in The Universe, the 1st 2-CD set in the & Most Relaxing, series features some of the most well known classical pieces of all time, including Canon in D, Clair De Lune, Fur Elise, Ave Marie, Moonlight Sonata, Adagio for Strings, Greensleeves, and More!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Enjoyable and helps to unwind the day's events."
"i had other expectations, was good but not great."
"Very good for relaxing."
"love this collection of classical music."
"Added this to my collection of relaxing music to fall asleep to."
"great music, very soothing."
Best Voices
Jonathan Antoine's solo debut, "Tenore," follows the success he achieved with former singing partner, Charlotte Jaconelli, which includes a top 10 debut on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart and over 200,000 albums sold worldwide. "Tenore" is the result of combined natural talent and strong work ethic; it is our first taste of Jonathan Antoine s potential as he begins his promising solo career.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I believe this young man will be opera's greatest ambassador."
"It has taken me a few days longer than normal to write this review for no other reason than I fear I will not have the words to do this incredible album and this brilliant tenor the justice deserved. The tour de force of Tenore will have you experiencing heights of great joy and haunting sorrow. Jonathan instinctively knows when the "telling of the story" requires power and intensity or should be sweetly gentle."
"It's mature and sophisticated well beyond his 19 years, extremely powerful, gorgeously beautiful, exquisitely tender, heartwrenchingly emotional."
"Someday though I am hoping to watch him as an opera singer in opera houses."
"Plan to be mezmoized by his powerful voice and in awe of how he has complete control of those long wonderful notes and the levels he reaches so effortlessly."
"I was mesmerized by his voice, and probably watched his audition video 50 times or more."
"This is a beautiful album which deserves it's place at #1 in UK Classical Charts - Jonathan now holds the official record at 19 years of age for achieving this!!!"
"The beauty and passion displayed in each track by this young man defy description.He sings so effortlessly. The only thing better than hearing TENORE on CD or download, would be to see JONATHAN ANTOINE in person."
Best Vocal Non-Opera
Though Christmas Portrait is harshly abbreviated, this version--the Special Edition --features almost 40 songs, including goose-bump giving versions of "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" and is definitely the better disc of the two.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Broke down and bought this as I look forward to hearing so many of their Christmas songs each season on the radio."
"I enjoyed the Carpenters Christmas Cassette immensely."
"This cd is a great blast from the past, classic Carpenters!"
"Christmas wouldn't be the same without this classic album."
"Always loved the Carpenters."
"Opened and enjoyed the CD on Christmas eve day, mid afternoon, but the description stated I would receive a free MP3 of this album which I didn't find in the shipping box."
"Great album... 13 Carpenter classics and 8 instrumental/choir pieces... well worth the money even if you only LOVE the Carpenters... "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Merry Christmas, Darling" are haunting melodies by the best singer EVER ."
"Always enjoyed the Christmas/holiday music."