Search - Johann Pachelbel, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frederick Handel :: 25 Baroque Favorites

Great Introduction to Beautiful Music

Jonathan Bennett | Ohio, USA | 07/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Baroque period (1600-1750) was one of the most important in the history of music because many of our modern musical forms come from this time. The baroque style is diverse, including such elements as contrast and a deep emotionalism. Although orchestras perform the songs, many individual instruments are highlighted. The baroque composers especially loved strings, the trumpet, and the oboe. The songs range from the vibrant and the lively to the slow and the sad. I have found this CD is excellent as background music for studying, reading, or driving in rush hour traffic, mainly because the music is calming and relaxing. Baroque masters such as Bach and Handel are still popular today and their songs are loved by many. Fans of popular music will recognize a few of the songs on this CD. "Air on the G String" (Bach) was used by Procol Harum in their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale." "Canon," one of the most popular baroque songs today, is often performed at weddings and has been incorporated into pop songs by artists such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Vitamin C, and Rod McKuen. This CD is considered an introduction to baroque music. It includes some of the most famous composers and their best songs. For example, Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi each have three songs on this disc. The liner notes are sparse, but a brief history of baroque music is included. Because of the inexpensive price and the huge amount of music (25 songs, 74 minutes of music), I highly recommend this for anyone who already loves the baroque style or wants an excellent introduction to this beautiful music."

Come to laugh and stay to cry

Kevin Freeman | Pacifica, CA United States | 11/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Circumspect at first about buying any CD with a "best of" title, this one really exceeds expectations. Also bought the Vivaldi disc in this series which is likewise exceptional. With the caveat that "Ombra mai fu" is repeated in various of the "25 favorites" collections, I recommend these recordings wholeheartedly, especially in terms of cost per track."Canon" is the flagship piece on this CD, a lush arrangement that will move a strong man to tears. Almost as powerful are Bach's "Air on the G String" and of course, Handel's "Ombra mai fu". The disc ends on an up note with "Trumpet Voluntaire".At this price, you can send "Baroque favorites" to every Classical music lover you know. I would recommend sending this CD even to people who don't like Classical...you might just change their minds."

In this case: I'm baroque

Shawna | seattle, WA | 02/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not usually a classical listener kind of gal. The only reason I stumbled onto this cd is because my favorite tune from a movie is on it. Sarabande is also played on the movie Persuasion (author: Jane Austen). I wanted to have that tune. Followed the links and landed on the Baroque cd. Ordered it. Sarabande is my favorite, followed by Canon, four seasons: spring, etc. I love this cd! It feels happy and light. For me, as a writer and an animator, it adds extra emotional impact when creating as well as influencing my imagination more. I recommend this cd when people want to feel like spring."