Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Leo Delibes, Gabriel Faure :: The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

Wholesome, soothing magic

anjea@hotmail.com | Dallas, Texas | 07/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In response to the person above who stated that one misses out on great works with only the slow movements...i AGREE with you. HOWEVER, this is sold as a RELAXING CD set, not as a collection of everything ever written. it does just that--it takes timeless classics, and puts them together in a wonderful blend of soothing music. i've had over 10 years of formal music training, and i have a high appreciation of every genre of classical music. i've played everything under the sun (i play french horn)--from baroque artists to modern music, such as music for prague by korel husa. i know the thrill of these pieces, and i hope others can discover the splendor of the entire realm of classical music. but this CD was not meant to be that. it was meant to be a calm, soothing blend. a lot of people don't find it easy to relax to pieces such as the bombing of dresden (another fine piece), as i do. i also agree with above person, who stated that this is a good CD for the classical beginner. and i hope that those of you that are the beginners discover the wonders of all the classical music genres."

Does what it set out to do, very well

Sean Pak | 11/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.



That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.



Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.



To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.



Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)



So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something."

Relaxing Beyond Belief!

Sean Pak | 02/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This and John McArthur's, HIDDEN album, will be the best solo piano albums and the most relaxing of the 21st Century. And both are going to be hard to beat. A must for any lover of the ivory, wood and keys. And people who like to dream."