Best Instruments
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These songs were first introduced to my ears on my father's old collection of 45 rpm records."
"The song selection and choral and orchestral renderings are beautiful and so fitting for the Christmas season."
"I think the Robert Shaw singers are the quintessential coral singer for Christmas songs, none better."
"I ordered this album to approximate an old 33 LP record by the same-named choir (probably different singers many years later) that my parents had when I was a child in the '50s and '60s."
"Great compilation of Christmas carols, all beautifully done in acapella."
"My feeling after listening to this several times is that most of the songs are simply too short, clocking in at well under two minutes."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Most were new to me because the classical stations available to me over the decades tend to pick "The Best of" (i.e., the monumental works and the rightly popular Vocalise) more often and for some reason recording companies do the same."
"This is an extremely clean recording of Rachmaninov playing Rachmaninov."
"Of course, I was never able to hear Rachmaninoff play, but as I listen to these recreations I find myself able to suspend reality for a few minutes and immerse myself in the sounds of the early part of the last century. Thanks to technology and an immense amount of work, we are able to hear performances by Rachmaninoff that are as close to being there as anything recorded today, in fact, it sounds as if Rachmaninoff walked into a modern recording studio and laid these tracks down yesterday."
"Wonderfull historical recordings."
"To get to hear Rachmaninoff play some of his solo piano works is wonderful."
"This is my #1 loved piano recording ever."
"Amazing sound and performance."
"Amazing to hear the clarity of this recording of pieces played so long ago."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So so good; a must for your collections; peaceful soothing spiritual music."
"Five stars for the music; 0 stars for the degree of difficulty in the Amazon Music app about how to re-upload downloaded music back into the Amazon Cloud."
"I grew up listening to Robert Shaw Christmas on the huge console stereo that took up half the living room!"
"As a Christmas music and classical music lover, I'm delighted by the inspired creativity and imagination shown by selecting these particular pieces. This is pretty much the very best Christmas CD I've ever heard."
"I have been forfunate to have sung with Robert during my college years-it was a truly wonderful experience to have him pop in on our rehearsals once in a while."
"The arrangements are simple, tasteful, and transparent; if you like BCM (Bombastic Christmas Music) this is not for you."
"This is some of the most beautiful Christmas music I own."
"A cappella music is difficult to sing and the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers do an amazing job of it."
Best Brass
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The recordings are more detailed with much less "bloom" than the RCA set, and I found that an increase in the bass adjustment of my receiver produced fine results."
"I love the Tokyo String Quartet."
"Still, for modern instrument recordings of these works, I still vote Tokyo all the way, and certainly endorse their entire Beethoven cycle."
"Listening to this CD was just like being driven in a brand new top of the line Lexus."
Best Electronic
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Liner notes would have been appreciated not only as explanations of this admittedly esoteric music, but as an opportunity for the performers to respond to potential criticism and explain their intentions."
"The 4th CD in the SYR experimental series (titled Goodbye 20th Century, appropriatly) of Sonic Youth Records, is a fantastic double album soundscape of the finest kind. The CD has reinterpretations of post 50's era classical pieces (by such illustrious names as John Cage, Steve Reich, Christian Wolff), and they sound great for the most part. If you enjoy this record, why not try other CD's in the SYR series, Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music, or seek out the works of the composers on this album?"
"Having heard the works of John Cage, Christian Wolf, James Tenney, Cornelius Cardew and Steve Reich there is a connection by SY's interpretations."
"Takehisa Kosugi's "+-" will probably take a few listenings to be appreciated, but is nonetheless an oustanding example of how dense layers of instrumentation, mixed with scathing white noise and a loose feel successfully work to create an atmosphere that just can't be achieved through any stardard rock strucuture."
"Just wanted to let people know that after attempting to order this divine album, I was sent an album entitled "The Jazz Harp"."
Best Keyboard
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Mozart For Your Mind. Very melodic and nice."
"Enjoy listening to this cd to help focus."
"Good stuff."
"I wasn't impressed with the quality of this CD."
"I put this on as background music as I'm working at my desk, baking, or puttering and I love it."
"Bought for my 2 month old for car rides and she loves it!"
"I can't honestly say it boosts my productivity or the quality of my output, but, unlike a lot of instrumental music, it doesn't put me to sleep either."
Best Percussion
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The original PoS recording is a wonderfully primal black hole vortex, coming off like an ancient ritual, as intended (here, the Mode is just transcendent). The primal power of this piece is really just lost, and in some places I feel like he's just banging away at different kitchen things. Forever we have only had Glaetzer's pioneering recording... from the '70s LP era I believe, and it has certainly served well, and revealed one of Xenakis's most charming works. But here we really have some awesomeness: the percussion is sumptuously recorded, and the oboe sounds like it's playing walls of chords. The opening sixxen has never sounded as good (though the Denon is the other best), and overall it's just a great compliment to the other three European performances. CD3. 'Kassandra'. Sakkas/Gualda (Salabert Actuels). Larson/Schick (Mode). Someone pointed out how much more creepy this version is from the original, and I heartily concur. The original was just a wild crazy good fun time, but here it is taken deadly serious, and the drama carries over- this piece takes on an almost orchestral texture and made more of a convert of me. I don't know, I found it powerful stuff, and it goes to show that there are hidden things in Xenakis that great players can bring out (no offence to Sakkas/Gualda). Here that is achieved by a really nice recording position, but the players still sound to me to be coming from the same basic direction. The original Trio le Circle (Montaigne) was a somewhat muddy or indistinct recording, and I haven't heard the Hague group on Globe (though the sample sounded somewhat blank). But the previous Mode offering ('Ensemble Music 2') was a pretty good effort, with the acoustic supplying that fourth partner that made that recording so nice. I made a judgement call on the Pedro Carnieo (ZigZag Territories) and sold- nothing good or bad, but I chose the Mode and Talujon over Carniero, so, he got the boot. Yes, this is a very greatly recorded Okho, and it is played as well as one would want, but there is a 'fluttering effect' missing here because there is no real spatial/acoustic interplay- which, frankly, in such a vanilla sounding piece- it would seem a no brainer (still, only one other version has really taken advantage). We've had the original for a long while, and the piece is very soft sounding there and mild and was a favourite of mine for its pacific character. it not as bad as the Robert McEwan (Mode 'Ensemble Music 2') or Johan Faber (Bvhaast), but I am absolutely shocked that Schick let this go. His much much earlier versions ("Born to be Wild" and "Drumming in the Dark") were both quite formidable contenders, and one still hears Schick's personal style here, but here there are moments when he almost sounds human, which, at this point, one just isn't allowed to do with Rebonds. is Marcus Leoson on Caprice, and absolutely epic reading that will take you right up Mount Olympus. Still, the sonics are really sweet, certainly it may the the most deliciously clear and professionally well lit recording of Rebonds, but, of course, it highlights every micro-moment... oh, there is the part... maybe the second or third entry of the woodblocks- and Schick actually plays it as a gallop!?!?! But still, it does add a certain charm of 'weakness', as if we need to be remind of the impossibility of Xenakis (as the liner notes tell us- I guess Schick is demonstrating?). ... though, I head the Peabody group who played this on regular drums got quite a bit of flak (it did sound pretty cool though- but, I do see the point of keeping the instrumentation here- it's quite one of the most unique pieces out there by an avant composer). The two big pieces are both unique, in different ways, but Persephassa in particular is an astounding achievement, with a truly spectacular ending that opens up vistas no one could see coming. Rebonds and Okho are being played by every aspiring percussionist,as is Psappha, and now the youngsters are getting hip on Persephassa and Pleiades."
"On the positive side the recording quality is crisp, and the performances are generally excellent, with spirit. On the negative side, it's a bit pricey for the CD set (but a bargain for the download). Yes, there are other equally excellent and impressive recordings of many of these pieces (Mortensen, Caneiro, Ueno, Kroumata, etc.--and people will prefer some versions over others), but where else are you going to find all of them in one set???"
"Such is the case with this Mode 3-disc set of Iannis Xenakis' percussion works, all he produced except his disappointing last piece "O-Mega" written while he was succumbing to Alzheimer's. It begins with a section of rhythmic noodling, followed by an exceedingly slow portion where plenty of silence is left after each drumbeat for maximum impact. The material is developed from "pitch sieves" (the piece is closely related to "Mists" for solo piano), but the range of sounds is vast, from a flurry of random-seeming notes to hyper-elegant gamelan rhythms. They are akin to Xenakis' orchestral works with their large clouds of sound, and feature an enormous diversity of timbres (with whistles even). "Unfortunately, as the effect of these two pieces depends to a large extent on the spatial arrangement of the performers around the audience, this merely stereo recording isn't very impressive."
Best Reeds & Winds
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We played it before our wedding ceremony."
"I purchased this CE to provide some ideas for music for my daughter's upcoming wedding."
"Very nice."
"I'm sure it makes for a nice prelude at a Beautiful Wedding, but I bought it because I liked the musical selection."
"This is a great alternative to having musicians before our wedding and Canon In D is last so it can play right through to the processional."
"I'm not getting married but it gives me more inspiration to paint when it's playing."
"There was one song in particular that I wanted and this cd had it."
"Absolutely beautiful."
Best Strings
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These songs were first introduced to my ears on my father's old collection of 45 rpm records."
"To be heard, the volume on my stereo must be turned way up to listen to it at all."
"The song selection and choral and orchestral renderings are beautiful and so fitting for the Christmas season."
"I think the Robert Shaw singers are the quintessential coral singer for Christmas songs, none better."
"I ordered this album to approximate an old 33 LP record by the same-named choir (probably different singers many years later) that my parents had when I was a child in the '50s and '60s."
"Great compilation of Christmas carols, all beautifully done in acapella."
Best Forms & Genres
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm a sucker for sentiment, so I particularly love Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento (sometimes called Variations on a Shaker Tune or Simple Gifts), but it's all wonderful."
"Considering that this is played in the car with the road noise, and player electronics, this recording was a nice relief to commute traffic."
"This CD must be in every American music collection!"
"A classic set of recordings."
"What more could you ask for -- Copland and Bernstein."
"On the last part of Appalachian Spring track 8 Moderato - Coda, the phrasing of the string section is absolutely gorgeous, and every note is played with such feeling and clarity."
"This recording of Hoe Down is sharper and clearer than is the Boston Pops rendition, but I do prefer the slightly slower pace of that recording."
Best Symphonies
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I feel queasy whenever I see a photograph of Alfred Cortot - the Vichy High Commissioner of Fine Arts. Even so, just as salvation was vouchsafed to the Good Thief, is redemption possible for our swish, goosestepping friend? If the likes of Horowitz and Richter have a rival in this domain, it is surely Cortot. Every sentiment and state of being in Schumann's lexicon is given utterance and vibrantly so. Repeats are also sparse, particulary in Davidbundlertanze (Frisch in particular - my favourite - is disappointingly truncated). One almost raises a votive offering to Cortot when the Poet at last falls silent."
"After having played Appassionata's first movement in front of Anton Rubinstein, A.R told him: "Beethoven's music must not be studied. Consider besides, the happy meeting with two legend musicians as Thibaud and Casals; I mean, in despite of the fact the natural gifts, Cortot was surrounded for wisdom companies. & March 1929, Small Queen Hall) have been one of the main battle horses and most beloved preferred compositions by the most of high caliber pianists (as in the case of Frau Carreño, for instance) ; while Kempff gives a dreamy approach, Cortot makes a mesmerizing, disturbing and nervous performance, plenty of electricity and sublimate passion. It owns an overflowing poetry and is to my mind the nearest composition related with the autumnal approach of Franz Schubert in his last days. 2 (rec.4 July 1935) we find seriously less gifted pianist but at the meantime, a wiser man , this admirable set of variations are played with hat sense of elusiveness and dreams so typical of the youth years. 4 July 1935) - conceived by Schumann as " Souvenirs for those who have grown up" - is a superb poetic homage to those years of the childhood seen through adult eyes. We have to recognize and acknowledge the impressive and notable Engineering process about the clean and almost imperceptible hiss for Music & Arts personal."
"Cortot brings his own well-thought-out views to several of Schumann's central piano works, including Kreisleriana, Kinderszenen, and Symphonic Etudes."
Best Compilations
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After a day or so, I couldn't listen to more news and I decided to play this CD over and over again with the thought that it was going straight to heaven as a benediction to the members of the AME Church. The actual titles of the selections are (in order): Mercy, Strength, Hope, Compassion, Grace, Innocence, Forgiveness, Benediction and Faith."
"Listening to it now as I write this review, the track "hope" begins and I am moved to tears by the angelic voice and feel of this, flowing through my soul. Do someone else a favor.... Share it with them."
"The experience for me is made even more poignant by not knowing the literal sense of the words (except for the few sections in English and Hebrew). I hear struggling, questioning, demanding voices, passionate with love and with pain, with defiance, with acceptance, with serenity, victory and failure."
"The American Boychoir and its featured soloist are terrific, the English chamber group are perfection, the main singers exquisite and each the right voice for their part."
"I have had the joyous opportunity to listen to this amazing composition about ten years ago and it is on something of a continuous loop in my head, forever, gleefully."
"I think this recording would lend itself well to background music for meditation as the voices are not distracting enough to pull you from deep thought; in fact, I found that the recording produced cleansing thoughts and a feeling of invigoration."
"Second time I bought this."
"This is tremendous, soulshqping music."
Best Historical Periods
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These songs were first introduced to my ears on my father's old collection of 45 rpm records."
"The song selection and choral and orchestral renderings are beautiful and so fitting for the Christmas season."
"I think the Robert Shaw singers are the quintessential coral singer for Christmas songs, none better."
"I ordered this album to approximate an old 33 LP record by the same-named choir (probably different singers many years later) that my parents had when I was a child in the '50s and '60s."
"Great compilation of Christmas carols, all beautifully done in acapella."
"My feeling after listening to this several times is that most of the songs are simply too short, clocking in at well under two minutes."
Best Chamber Music
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"2014 saw them release their sophomore album The Rosary, and for a few years, I thought that was all they were going to release...NOPE! This gave people about a month to pick up this Christmas album. We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It's said in the music business that you haven't made it until you put out a Christmas album. There are many Christmas albums that flood the market every year that completely miss the point of Christmas, so it was refreshing to see this holy album be released that focuses on the real reason for the season. However, I also loved that there were titles on this album that I was unfamiliar with, as it helped broaden my catalog of great Christmas songs. Listening to this album in my car has been a relaxing endeavor, as it has helped me focus on Jesus with my commute to and from work."
"Beautiful."
"We have played this CD every day, and are sad to have to put it away until next year."
"Fantastic."
"This is one of the most beautiful Christmas CDs that I have ever heard."
"Heard of this album on the radio."
"Great choice of songs for the album."
"This CD was given to two of my friends!"
Best Ballets & Dances
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm a sucker for sentiment, so I particularly love Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento (sometimes called Variations on a Shaker Tune or Simple Gifts), but it's all wonderful."
"Considering that this is played in the car with the road noise, and player electronics, this recording was a nice relief to commute traffic."
"This CD must be in every American music collection!"
"A classic set of recordings."
"What more could you ask for -- Copland and Bernstein."
"On the last part of Appalachian Spring track 8 Moderato - Coda, the phrasing of the string section is absolutely gorgeous, and every note is played with such feeling and clarity."
"This recording of Hoe Down is sharper and clearer than is the Boston Pops rendition, but I do prefer the slightly slower pace of that recording."