Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Valery Gergiev (Conductor), Kirov Opera Chorus (Orchestra), Kirov Opera Orchestra (Orchestra)

1. The Nutcracker - Overture
2. The Nutcracker - 1 The Christmas Tree 3. The Nutcracker - 2 March Listen Listen
4. The Nutcracker - 3 Galop and Dance of the Parents
5. The Nutcracker - 4 Dance Scene - The Presents of Drosselmeyer
6. The Nutcracker - 5 Scene - Grandfather Dance
7. The Nutcracker - 6 Clara and the Nutcracker
8. The Nutcracker - 7 The Nutcracker battles against the Army of the Mouse King - He wins and is transformed into Prince Charming
9. The Nutcracker - 8 In the Christmas tree
10. The Nutcracker - 9 Scene and Waltz of the Snowflakes
11. The Nutcracker - 10 The Magic Castle on the Mountain of Sweets
12. The Nutcracker - 11 Clara and Prince Charming
13. The Nutcracker - 12a Character Dances (Divertissement): Chocolate (Spanisch Dance)
14. The Nutcracker - 12b Character Dances (Divertissement): Coffe (Arabian Dance)
15. The Nutcracker - 12c Character Dances (Divertissement): Tea (Chinese Dance)
16. The Nutcracker - 12d Character Dances (Divertissement): Tr?pak (Russian Dance)
17. The Nutcracker - 12e Character Dances (Divertissement): Dance of the Reed Pipes
18. The Nutcracker - 12f Character Dances (Divertissement): Polichinelle (The Clown)
19. The Nutcracker - 13 Waltz of the Flowers
20. The Nutcracker - 14a Pas de deux: Intrada

Gergiev’s complete Nutcracker is tops, 17 Jun 2007
By Yi-Peng (Singapore)

Of all the recordings by Gergiev I own, I feel more than ready to consider this among his more pleasing efforts. Gergiev brings a new perspective to this well-worn Tchaiokvsy chestnut, such that it is given a more robust performance than typically given during the myriad of Christmas ballet productions. From the lightness of the overture to the weighty grandeur of the finale, Gergiev ably fleshes out the contrasting moods in the score. Adopting generally brisk speeds, he adopts continuity yet still churns out a magical performance for one to revel in the many felicities of the score. Now, these brisk seeds are not as rushed as many people might think, but they really make the ballet lilt and trip along without sounding clunky like most other recordings of the work. The dramatic mood is suitably conveyed in the transformation scene, and the many famous dances in the Suite are given crisp, robust readings. The two Pas de deux scenes and the various Waltzes convey a stately grandeur, especially during the Waltz of the Flowers. Yet there is also a delicacy in the Sugarplum Fairy’s Dance, the Arabian Dance and the Dance of the Reed Pipes. Throughout Gergiev elicits a robust sound from the Kirov Orchestra, with a fine balance between the sections, except perhaps for the wobbly Russian brass. The Philips recording is superb, one of their best recent recordings, sumptuous yet clean and well-detailed. An added bonus is the fact that this Nutcracker only takes up one CD rather than two. Highly highly recommended, especially since this fresh and robust rendition seems destined to put other Nutcrackers to shame. Don’t let the bad reviews discourage you - this is a crackling, energetic Nutcracker that really lends a new lease of life to this overplayed ballet.

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Continue …

Very Best of Classical Chillout Gold
Customer Review: must have for classic and chillout fans alike.
Has all the great pieces you’de ever care to listen to just siting down or reading a book.

Customer Review: I’m Pregnant
Being 17 weeks pregnant I am wanting to give my child a head start and have been advised that classical music “stimulates the brain of an unborn child”. I thought this would be the perfect box set, considering that it has many tracks that I reconginse (not being a classical buff myself). Hopefully my child will now be born with a bit of class and playing the violin!!!

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Pavarotti - The Ultimate Collection
Customer Reviews
THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING POTTS, 8 Sep 2007
By Mr Frank Lee Bland (Carmarthen / Caerfyrddin) - See all my reviews

Pavarotti is sadly gone but as if heaven sent by coincidence we have Paul Potts to walk in his shoes
Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

The Best of One of the Greatest Tenors, 7 Sep 2007
By Mart Classic Review (UK) - See all my reviews

Released in 1997 this 2 CD compilation contains 40 of Pavarotti’s most popular performances. The word ’special’ should really be included before the front cover’s mention of guest stars for the voices, albeit only one track each, of Cecilia Bartoli, Andrea Bocelli and the late Frank Sinatra. Their contributions make this a special album.

The album opens with ‘Nessun Dorma’, the piece which launched Pavarotti into worldwide popularity when it was used for the opening ceremony of the FIFA 1990 Football World Cup. Pavarotti’s subsequent performance of this piece with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras (during The Three Tenors Tour) on the eve of the World Cup final probably widened the appreciation of the general public to opera music more than any other performer of his generation.

Cecilia Bartoli and Andrea Bocelli accompany Pavarotti on opera music by composers Mascagni and Morante, while Frank Sinatra helps teach Pavarotti the right way to sing `My Way’.

This is a fine example of Pavarotti’s skill at crossing different musical genres while promoting, and succeeding in popularising, operatic music into general culture.

A great CD for Pavarotti fans and opera lovers.

Pavarotti’s finest, 17 Mar 2004
By “thestupidman” - See all my reviews

HE’S BACK! This is a truly spiffing album! I was completely blown away! Pavarotti continues to be the most complete and absolutely superb opera singer around. As I was listening to it, my neigbours heard, and, even though they are of the rap kind, they came round to my house and listened, and they sheepishly admitted that they had been astounded by the marvelous music! Every single little bit is fantastic- congratulations Pavarotti! 10/10 WONDERFUL

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Classical : NPR Music

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Stravinsky: Ballet Music

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Impulse Classical Music Website

Classical Music on the Net–Your Classical Music Source

The Sleeping Beauty - Sadler’s Wells Ballet [1955]

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ISGM Music: The Concert Podcast

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The Best of French Ballet
Customer Review: Discover the rarely-recorded “Le Roi S’Amuse”
The title of this CD could have been “The Best of Delibes,” for all the tracks are highlights from Delibes ballets. I have the complete Bonynge versions of Coppelia, Sylvia, and La Source. But sometimes I enjoy listening just to the highlights on this CD - the stirring czardas and the tinkling dance of the mechanical toys from Coppelia, the pizzicato from Sylvia. Best of all, this CD adds the dances from “Le Roi S’Amuse,” and that makes it a valuable addition to my ballet library. My favorites are the stately gaillarde and pavane. But all seven tracks are worth listening to, with a richness that seems appropriate to a royal court and a liveliness that reminds us what a wonderful ballet composer Delibes was.

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Amazon.com: Forms & Genres: Music: Symphonies, Theatrical …

Broadcast Live - Classical Music from around the World in Real …

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SoYouWanna learn about classical music? | SoYouWanna.com

Pavarotti - The Ultimate Collection
Customer Reviews
THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING POTTS, 8 Sep 2007
By Mr Frank Lee Bland (Carmarthen / Caerfyrddin) - See all my reviews

Pavarotti is sadly gone but as if heaven sent by coincidence we have Paul Potts to walk in his shoes
Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

The Best of One of the Greatest Tenors, 7 Sep 2007
By Mart Classic Review (UK) - See all my reviews

Released in 1997 this 2 CD compilation contains 40 of Pavarotti’s most popular performances. The word ’special’ should really be included before the front cover’s mention of guest stars for the voices, albeit only one track each, of Cecilia Bartoli, Andrea Bocelli and the late Frank Sinatra. Their contributions make this a special album.

The album opens with ‘Nessun Dorma’, the piece which launched Pavarotti into worldwide popularity when it was used for the opening ceremony of the FIFA 1990 Football World Cup. Pavarotti’s subsequent performance of this piece with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras (during The Three Tenors Tour) on the eve of the World Cup final probably widened the appreciation of the general public to opera music more than any other performer of his generation.

Cecilia Bartoli and Andrea Bocelli accompany Pavarotti on opera music by composers Mascagni and Morante, while Frank Sinatra helps teach Pavarotti the right way to sing `My Way’.

This is a fine example of Pavarotti’s skill at crossing different musical genres while promoting, and succeeding in popularising, operatic music into general culture.

A great CD for Pavarotti fans and opera lovers.

Pavarotti’s finest, 17 Mar 2004
By “thestupidman” - See all my reviews

HE’S BACK! This is a truly spiffing album! I was completely blown away! Pavarotti continues to be the most complete and absolutely superb opera singer around. As I was listening to it, my neigbours heard, and, even though they are of the rap kind, they came round to my house and listened, and they sheepishly admitted that they had been astounded by the marvelous music! Every single little bit is fantastic- congratulations Pavarotti! 10/10 WONDERFUL

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Music Online

Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Valery Gergiev (Conductor), Kirov Opera Chorus (Orchestra), Kirov Opera Orchestra (Orchestra)

1. The Nutcracker - Overture
2. The Nutcracker - 1 The Christmas Tree 3. The Nutcracker - 2 March Listen Listen
4. The Nutcracker - 3 Galop and Dance of the Parents
5. The Nutcracker - 4 Dance Scene - The Presents of Drosselmeyer
6. The Nutcracker - 5 Scene - Grandfather Dance
7. The Nutcracker - 6 Clara and the Nutcracker
8. The Nutcracker - 7 The Nutcracker battles against the Army of the Mouse King - He wins and is transformed into Prince Charming
9. The Nutcracker - 8 In the Christmas tree
10. The Nutcracker - 9 Scene and Waltz of the Snowflakes
11. The Nutcracker - 10 The Magic Castle on the Mountain of Sweets
12. The Nutcracker - 11 Clara and Prince Charming
13. The Nutcracker - 12a Character Dances (Divertissement): Chocolate (Spanisch Dance)
14. The Nutcracker - 12b Character Dances (Divertissement): Coffe (Arabian Dance)
15. The Nutcracker - 12c Character Dances (Divertissement): Tea (Chinese Dance)
16. The Nutcracker - 12d Character Dances (Divertissement): Tr?pak (Russian Dance)
17. The Nutcracker - 12e Character Dances (Divertissement): Dance of the Reed Pipes
18. The Nutcracker - 12f Character Dances (Divertissement): Polichinelle (The Clown)
19. The Nutcracker - 13 Waltz of the Flowers
20. The Nutcracker - 14a Pas de deux: Intrada

Gergiev’s complete Nutcracker is tops, 17 Jun 2007
By Yi-Peng (Singapore)

Of all the recordings by Gergiev I own, I feel more than ready to consider this among his more pleasing efforts. Gergiev brings a new perspective to this well-worn Tchaiokvsy chestnut, such that it is given a more robust performance than typically given during the myriad of Christmas ballet productions. From the lightness of the overture to the weighty grandeur of the finale, Gergiev ably fleshes out the contrasting moods in the score. Adopting generally brisk speeds, he adopts continuity yet still churns out a magical performance for one to revel in the many felicities of the score. Now, these brisk seeds are not as rushed as many people might think, but they really make the ballet lilt and trip along without sounding clunky like most other recordings of the work. The dramatic mood is suitably conveyed in the transformation scene, and the many famous dances in the Suite are given crisp, robust readings. The two Pas de deux scenes and the various Waltzes convey a stately grandeur, especially during the Waltz of the Flowers. Yet there is also a delicacy in the Sugarplum Fairy’s Dance, the Arabian Dance and the Dance of the Reed Pipes. Throughout Gergiev elicits a robust sound from the Kirov Orchestra, with a fine balance between the sections, except perhaps for the wobbly Russian brass. The Philips recording is superb, one of their best recent recordings, sumptuous yet clean and well-detailed. An added bonus is the fact that this Nutcracker only takes up one CD rather than two. Highly highly recommended, especially since this fresh and robust rendition seems destined to put other Nutcrackers to shame. Don’t let the bad reviews discourage you - this is a crackling, energetic Nutcracker that really lends a new lease of life to this overplayed ballet.

-

Read more..

Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Valery Gergiev (Conductor), Kirov Opera Chorus (Orchestra), Kirov Opera Orchestra (Orchestra)

1. The Nutcracker - Overture
2. The Nutcracker - 1 The Christmas Tree 3. The Nutcracker - 2 March Listen Listen
4. The Nutcracker - 3 Galop and Dance of the Parents
5. The Nutcracker - 4 Dance Scene - The Presents of Drosselmeyer
6. The Nutcracker - 5 Scene - Grandfather Dance
7. The Nutcracker - 6 Clara and the Nutcracker
8. The Nutcracker - 7 The Nutcracker battles against the Army of the Mouse King - He wins and is transformed into Prince Charming
9. The Nutcracker - 8 In the Christmas tree
10. The Nutcracker - 9 Scene and Waltz of the Snowflakes
11. The Nutcracker - 10 The Magic Castle on the Mountain of Sweets
12. The Nutcracker - 11 Clara and Prince Charming
13. The Nutcracker - 12a Character Dances (Divertissement): Chocolate (Spanisch Dance)
14. The Nutcracker - 12b Character Dances (Divertissement): Coffe (Arabian Dance)
15. The Nutcracker - 12c Character Dances (Divertissement): Tea (Chinese Dance)
16. The Nutcracker - 12d Character Dances (Divertissement): Tr?pak (Russian Dance)
17. The Nutcracker - 12e Character Dances (Divertissement): Dance of the Reed Pipes
18. The Nutcracker - 12f Character Dances (Divertissement): Polichinelle (The Clown)
19. The Nutcracker - 13 Waltz of the Flowers
20. The Nutcracker - 14a Pas de deux: Intrada

Gergiev’s complete Nutcracker is tops, 17 Jun 2007
By Yi-Peng (Singapore)

Of all the recordings by Gergiev I own, I feel more than ready to consider this among his more pleasing efforts. Gergiev brings a new perspective to this well-worn Tchaiokvsy chestnut, such that it is given a more robust performance than typically given during the myriad of Christmas ballet productions. From the lightness of the overture to the weighty grandeur of the finale, Gergiev ably fleshes out the contrasting moods in the score. Adopting generally brisk speeds, he adopts continuity yet still churns out a magical performance for one to revel in the many felicities of the score. Now, these brisk seeds are not as rushed as many people might think, but they really make the ballet lilt and trip along without sounding clunky like most other recordings of the work. The dramatic mood is suitably conveyed in the transformation scene, and the many famous dances in the Suite are given crisp, robust readings. The two Pas de deux scenes and the various Waltzes convey a stately grandeur, especially during the Waltz of the Flowers. Yet there is also a delicacy in the Sugarplum Fairy’s Dance, the Arabian Dance and the Dance of the Reed Pipes. Throughout Gergiev elicits a robust sound from the Kirov Orchestra, with a fine balance between the sections, except perhaps for the wobbly Russian brass. The Philips recording is superb, one of their best recent recordings, sumptuous yet clean and well-detailed. An added bonus is the fact that this Nutcracker only takes up one CD rather than two. Highly highly recommended, especially since this fresh and robust rendition seems destined to put other Nutcrackers to shame. Don’t let the bad reviews discourage you - this is a crackling, energetic Nutcracker that really lends a new lease of life to this overplayed ballet.

-

Continue …