Chopin: The Complete Preludes

This review is from: Chopin: The Complete Preludes (Audio CD) Vanessa Perez is a rare breed of pianist - a sensitive and passionate player that lights up the keyboard whenever appropriate. The perfect example of this is the contrast between the incredibly moving 15th Prelude (the Raindrop) and the 16th Prelude. In the Raindrop, her playing ranges from tender to deep to even quite intense. Just after, Miss Perez launches a thunderous run through one of the most exciting moment of the Preludes. Overall, her approach to the Preludes is illuminating - almost like a chameleon that changes colors to fit in with its changing environment. The additional Preludes, rarely played, are quite a delight. She makes a compelling argument that the works ought to be performed more often. Yet there is so much more to the CD, with the Barcarolle and Fantasy also on the program. Any pianist that can play the Preludes, Barcarolle, and Fantasy this well is a superb pianist. The works demand so many different types of qualities from the musician. In the Barcarolle, she builds from the lovely opening to build waves of momentum that create a heroic element to the work. Meanwhile, her Chopin Fantasy possesses all of the drama and excitement necessary to showcase this fiery woprk, easily one of Chopin's lengthiest single movement solo works. The sound on the recording is excellent, and the piano sound is perfectly suited to the repertoire.

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

This review is from: The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe (Audio CD) I had the privilege to listen to this CD at a client's home one afternoon while doing a 90 minute massage. It was wonderful! This was my first opportunity to get to amazon to buy this CD and I'm thrilled to be the first to tell how great this CD is. I've only heard one of the two CDs and the one I listened to was nearly 75-80 minutes long. Every tract sounded very clear with no backgroung noise. You won't be disappointed!! If you feel tense or stressed, listening to these selections will calm your nerves and renew your spirit. From tract to tract, each has mind easing flow that can help enable you to relax your breathing and clear your thoughts. You will be filled with serenity and peace. In my profession I have listened to many different types of relaxing and classical variations of compositions so I can tell you that you will not regret buying this collection of music.

Dvorak: Symphonic Works [Box set]

This review is from: Dvorak: Symphonic Works (Audio CD) Superb cycle superb value and just to correct an error in the other review Symphonies 1 & 2 are stereo - the entire cycle was recorded over about 18 months in the early 70's. No, the sound is not modern demonstration class but wholly acceptable. At this current price a no-brainer.

Concerto, One Night in Central Park

This review is from: Concerto, One Night in Central Park (Audio CD) I will probably never get to see Andrea Bocelli perform live in Central Park. Listening to this disc is the next best thing. I don't categorize him as just an opera singer. He can sing any kind of song perfectly. This disc is proof of that. I love his duet with Tony Bennett entitled "New York New York" This song is a celebration of a great state. "Funiculi Funicula" is a song with an upbeat playful tone. I like this song a lot. "Di Quella Pira" is a song that makes my spirit soar. This is a kind of song that gets me motivated to try something difficult. His duet entitled "The Prayer" with Celine Dion is a highlight on this disc. This song restores my faith in the power of prayer. "Ave Maria" is a song that touches my heart. I love his version of this song. "La Donna e Mobile" makes me wants me find a partner and dance around the floor. More is a Sinatra song, but Andrea makes it his own. This tune is very romantic. Chris Botti lends his talents playing the trumpet on this track. I absolutely love this song. Andrea puts his spin on the gospel song "Amazing Grace". This song really moves me. "Volare" is a song with a swooning romantic tone. The music on this disc is superb.

Bruckner: 9 Symphonies [Box Set] [Box set, Import]

This review is from: Bruckner: 9 Symphonies [Box Set] (Audio CD) This is unquestionably one of Karajan's greatest achievements. And it's hard to imagine a better Bruckner cycle than this. I've listened to Bruckner for a long time and own at least 5 recordings of each symphony. Every one of these performances ranks up there with the best (I must single out the performance of the 5th, absolutely THE best I've ever heard!). There is not a weak performance in the box. And you simply will not hear these symphonies played better than here. The Berlin Philharmonic is glorious. Karajan was often accused of producing beauty just for beauty's sake, but here it is always at the service of the music. In these grand, epic works where other conductors can get lost or lose tension in certain areas, Karajan has an incredible ability to comprehend the structure of each movement, keep it flowing, and make each transition from section to section sound effortless and natural. A great term I once heard to describe it was "architectural far-sightedness". Tempo choices throughout strike me as having an ideal balance of energy and grandeur. And the all important Adagios have plenty of time to breathe without ever dragging. There have been some slightly negative comments about the sound quality. I thought the analog recordings (4-9) were excellent. All the sections of the orchestra were brilliantly caught. I would say some of the big climaxes in the symphonies recorded in early digital (1-3) sound a little harsh and congested, but nothing major enough to detract from the performances. Also, Karajan uses the 1889 version of the 3rd. Though I prefer the 1873 or 1877 versions, it's no big deal. Whether you know Bruckner well, or you've never heard a note he's written, I give this set my strongest possible recommendation. It's a perfect introduction to this music, and a perfect addition to any Classical library. (And getting this 9 disc set for 40 bucks is just robbery!)