Bryn Terfel

the product quality was excellent, I would have liked to be able to listen to the content clip before buying

While reading Oliver Sack's book, Musicophilia, about the neuroscience of music illustrated through cases of neurological disability that knocked out areas of the brain involved in music perception and creation, I learned that children listening to Mozart developed specific regions of the brain and improve their mathematics scores. I decided that my 5 month old grandson's developing brain would benefit from listening to Mozart. I chose this collection of Mozart's works and was not disappointed with the quality of the music, though my grandson is now six months old and not yet doing calculus.

You get Mozart's best works in 2 CD. The sound is flawless to the common ear. Get it! if you love Mozart

I am not much into classical music.. Read about Mozart and wanted to make sure I listen to one of the all time classics.

Though I may not be qualified enough to review a classic, On a whole it was a pleasant experience for me and a good add on to my car, especially when alone.. The quality of the CD content was good too..!!

4/5

Very talented composer! I like Mozart! It would be nicer if the CD had more on Marriage of Figaro. I love opera!

I heard this CD on a PBS pledge drive (it was a premium) and found myself loving every cut on it! I was in my car and just wanted to keep on driving and listening. This is by far my most-played CD - I've had to make it a weekend only listen to prevent getting burned out on it. HIGHLY recommend it. Even if you are unfamiliar with some of the pieces, you will quickly learn to love them. . . . I must end this review - I'm off to listen to the "flower duet" for the 100th time. . .

I'm new to opera, but this CD has really beautiful music. I use it in my CD clock radio (Timex, that I purchased here also) to go to sleep to.

21 Dec, 2007
The movements in this collection move Me as much as My very bowel. Hence, it might work for your too. Try it, you'll like it if you want to be moved to your very "soul".

Am just discoving the glory of opera. Not all opera, but the arias that make your heart soar. My husband turned away from opera because he was "overdosed" at an early age and it really spoiled his pleasure for life. He's gone now, and I'm discovering what I've missed. This is a wonderful CD and well worth having.

If one was wanting to introduce a friend to the wonderful world of opera, this would be a great cd to buy them. Also at this time when many of us are worrying about Luciano and his health , it is great to hear him featured on many of the selections. A great buy and wonderful collection.

Let me start by saying that I am not LDS, and never will be, but the performances of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir are in a class by themselves. No one, or no group can come close the the magnificent standard that they have set. This CD is appropriately named: "The Wonder of Christmas", because it is a wonder. It will be a loving part of every Christmas to come.

I am a musician at heart (read: critical and difficult to please, but very moved by good music) and this is my absolute favorite christmas album. The arrangements are incredible and the performances will blow you away. This is a must have for those who truly appreciate music and even those who just love christmas music (who doesn't?). Even my hubby, who listens to rap and thinks choir music is not cool, looks forward to the Choir's Christmas concert every year.
I'm lucky enough to live in Salt Lake where I can see them perform, and this album contains most of my favorite performances from the past several years. Each song on this album can stand on its own, but my favorites are Joy to the World, What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger, Angels From the Realms of Glory, and of course the Hallelujah Chorus.
If you are moved by music this beautiful, like I am, be sure to get a box of tissues as well!

Sissel's voice is transcendent. So pure and lovely and easy to listen to. Her choice of music is out of this world. I can listen to it every day and not get tired of it.

This is one of the finest CD'S ever made. It has to be experienced to truely understand. She is remarkable!

Sissel shows her versatilty and is an excellent CD with an excellent voice.Best I've heard in years

Once again, Sissel's crystal-clear, bell-like voice is complemented with beautiful songs & lush orchestrations. Among standouts: "Mon coeur s'ouvre a la voix," "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Deborah's Theme." Sissel also does a beautiful job with "Pie Jesu," although I would have liked to have heard it as a duet. Even though there is not quite as diverse a repertoire as "Into Paradise" - which better showcases her voice (hence, the 4-star rating) - the album as a whole is wonderful and highly recommended.

The first Sissel CD I bought was "Into Paradise" where her astounding, sonorous tones are allowed full breadth of expression. This album, however, I was slightly disappionted in. The song selection does not appeal to me as well or emphasize her voice as fully. Still, as a record it is very lovely. It depends on what you expect...

I have more experience with other genres of music, but am interested in basically all kinds. I have been collecting CDs for nearly 2 decades but had no Opera in my collection. I did a little research and arrived at a conclusion. If I wanted the most and best Opera music for my money, I had to get this title, which is a double album, and "The Most Famous Opera Duets". Well, the latter was a steal with a list price under four dollars, and the former was a truly good compilation of many uplifting, diverse, impactful, and pleasant pieces. I am satisfied with my purchases and have filled the gap in my music collection. I can't see Opera getting better than this and the other title I mentioned. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful background for any tension realeasing activity, like reading a book. So glad I purchased it.

This music cd has really essential pieces of great operas. If you don't have many classical cds, why don't you buy this one and enjoy~? :)

I am not an opera fan normally. But sometimes the music is so lovely that it's a pleasure to just sit and listen. That is what this disc is. Most of the music is gorgeous and although I don't understand a word of it I just love listening to it and enjoy it. I think anyone who loves beautiful music be it an opera fan or not will enjoy this cd.

Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

Absolutely fantastic! Stare into space and enjoy this music.

This is my personal favorite rendition of Beethoven's work, although it's only a small sample. The approach taken on some numbers by the conductor and performers are quite moving, and for me personally it inspired emotions I haven't found in other versions of the same music. This soundtrack made me love Beethoven, it was my first real exposure to his music. Since then I've listened to more complete collections, but personally I never yet felt like they played the excerpts here with the same feeling.

My only complaint is that the CD is too quiet. Some sections I can barely hear when I listen in my car. Maybe I just don't have a trained ear. It would be great on headphones, but even still the overall volume is much less than most music CDs. There's no way I could listen to it while mowing my lawn, like I can with any popular music CD. When I ripped this my CD to MP3 files and played it with others I had to adjust the volume before so I could hear it and after so the next song from a different CD wouldn't be painfully loud.

Overall I'd say this is an excellent CD, the best-sounding recording I've heard of Beethoven and in a presentation that so far I've preferred above all others.

This is a repurchase of a collection of Beethoven music from the movie "Immortal Beloved." I actually wore out the cassette tape of this music. It is a wonderful collection and I was very happy to find it and receive it so quickly.
Thank you for your help.
J.H.

I consider this a sampler as it doesn't include the full repertoire but for my 'green' sensibilities it has made me fall in love with a type of music I previously had no level of interest in. Although I played 'classical' instruments as a youth, like many I 'evidently' didn't appreciate it enough and like almost all of my generation have ventured off into the world of 'popular culture' such that it is. I have since acquired the complete works and have ventured into eploring some of the obvious 'other' composers both 'Baroque and Romantic' North and Southern, East,Central and Western European just to flesh things out somewhat...again I claim no breadth of knowledge but for my 'uncultured' ears I can hear and feel the beauty, magic and perfection of Beethoven. Few musical examples can near bring tears to my eyes...so far it's only Beethoven and Pink Floyd (LOL!! Comfortably Numb gets me every time sorry.. They are Awesome in the true sense of the word in their own account..but I digress).

Just to consider what he created irrespective of his personal and physical hurdles it's astounding...Such a shame he was such a surly bastard. I think of what else could possibly be the anthem for the European Union and simply there is no contest...it's not even close.

If ever you wanted to introduce the wonder of classical music to someone uninterested or unappreciative of it, this is a superb example. I am testament to that! As an aside; it has also made me rank Gary Oldman as one of my favorite Actors EVER and include Georg Solti and the London Philharmonic Orchestra in my personal top 20.

This soundtrack is divine and if you've seen the movie then while you play the cd some of those powerful images from the movie will replay in your mind. This is a wonderful collection of Beethoven music while maybe not satisfying to the classical music diva this cd will probaly lead you to explore his music even more. Different composers and full length renditions will expand your appreciation of the man who composed 'Gods music'.

It is unfortunate that they chose Solti's direction for the symphonic pieces in this soundtrack as he is simply one of the worst conductors for Beethoven. His direction is so slow one would think he is leading a funeral procession instead of music inspired by the French Revolution.

Of all old school directors such as Karajan, Toscanini, etc., Solti's performances are simply morbidly slow to the point of killing the grieving attendants with boredom. The cacophony of the oversized orchestra doesn't help either. Solti's interpretations are even too slow for a requiem. You think a regular interpretation of the 7th's second movement is slow? Wait 'til you hear this one; you're going to need a massage you'll be so stiff. The 9th symphony march is supposed to be a brisk revolutionary march calling the citizens to arms and to join the militia marching through a town. With Solti you imagine only a funeral procession coming through the town. In the Fifth the whole orchestra is almost struggling to slow down to match the strings. Karajan's interpretations are not particularly fast either but at least he breathes some life into them and the orchestra. I personally like Toscanini in terms of the old 20th century symphonic conductors and Gardiner's traditional interpretations that are at least at a correct speed and give the listener the impression they are marching off as part of a revolutionary batallion to bring liberty to the oppressed instead of being rolled to the morgue. Beethoven was a revolutionary anti-monarchist and strongly supported the idea of political change. Although Periah is a great pianist for Beethoven's concertos, there are simply better performances by him that fortunately aren't conducted by Solti such as on Sony with Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The same goes for the performances with Axe and Yo-Yo Ma. Gidon Kramer's performance for the Violin Concerto in D is also mediocre at best: there are better violinists out there than Kremer for Beethoven.

This is just not the best CD to get quality performances of Beethoven's works. Overall, Solti's interpretations are simply too sluggish and indecipherable to represent the ideals of Beethoven's music. Solti would definitely be my last choice for anything. You won't lose anything by not buying this soundtrack that's for sure: Solti's interpretations are so slow they will simply fossilize you.

This collection contains just about every major well known Baroque piece ever used for a wedding,graduation or ultimate Baroque 'starter kit'.Vocalists such as the Welsh Baritone Bryn Terfel,the late great Pavarotti,the world's foremost oboist of the '70 and '80is Heinz Holliger and Orchestras such as Saint Martin-in-the-Fields and I Musici are assembled with defining renditions of these great favorites.There are two tracks of particular interest that is of great delight:the little recorded "Le Coucou" by Jean Daquin as performed by harpsichord virtuoso Trevor Pinnock.Pinnock wisely has chosen a "stopped" sound for his performance instead of full sound and it is a delight to the ears;another unusual delight was to hear the choral "Zadok the Priest" from Handel's "Coronation Anthems", a most majestic rendering from The Westminster Abbey Choir and The English Consort under the baton of Simon Preston.This 2 disc collection is hard to beat for the price.It has vocal,instrumental,orchestral,chamber,solo,allegro and largo,German,Italian,French and Polish to present an outstanding overview of the Baroque Era.Highly recommended.

This is the essential Baroque collection! I have always loved Baroque music the best out of all the classical styles. Sonia Choquette recommended listening to Baroque music as one way to meditate, so I sought out this album. It has 35 pieces, which is more than enough for me to choose from when putting together my "meditation music" on my MP3 player.

Essential Baroque is a great collection, especially for the price. It has two CDs packd full of the best Baroque music. Like most Baroque collections, it has the best of some of the better known artists like Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi. However, unlike most other collections, it excels in adding some good pieces from lesser known artists from the period.

A fine selection of pieces excerpted from the chamber ensemble, solo and opera repertory. Some recordings, though from paramount artists, are elderly; yet, performers are anyway flawless. It may be objected that a few of Vivaldi's masterpieces were disregarded.

I am buying this as the perfect gift for Russian and Chinese scientist friends. They have knowledge of classical music but perhaps not much about baroque music, which achieved special popularity in the U.S. during the 1970's and 1980's. Russians seem to have more familiarity with romantic classical music, while the more recently arrived Asian classical buffs have special affinity to the "Classical" classical period and the great 19th Century romantics. How can a baroque sampler be better than with a span of music ranging from solo harpsichord to full orchestra and chorus, and from the very familiar (Pachelbel Canon and Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah) to a trio sonata by Zelenka and the Dardanus Overture by Rameau. Not only that, but both the period instrument and living tradition baroque styles are represented by noted performers (e.g. Trevor Pinnock and Christopher Hogwood; and Henryk Szeryng, Andras Schiff, Pepe Romero, and Alicia de Larrocha, respectively). The producers were careful enough to state that the "Albinoni Adagio in g minor" was actually composed by Remo Giazotto - though in fact Giazotto did use a fragment of Albinoni. This is definitely not a supermarket special, but a box of choice musical bonbons.

Bryn Terfel, one of the best baritones in the world, has produced a great recording for the listening public. We can always expect him to offer rich tone, articulate phrasing, and dynamic, intelligent interpretations in his recitals, and that's exactly what we get here. Terfel once said "Having been born Welsh does not necessarily mean being the son of a good home, but it does mean having singing in the fibers of your heart." Well, Terfel certainly does anyway, and he pays tribute to his beloved homeland Wales with a lineup of Welsh folk songs. The Welsh National Anthem, of which there are two versions on this CD, is at least as rousing as "The Star-Spangled Banner" (blasphemy, I know), and is worth listening to over and over. To boot, it's sung in Welsh Gaelic, a beautiful language. Another highlight of the CD- the title song, "We'll Keep a Welcome." Of course, the whole thing is worth listening to.

Anyone who likes Celtic/Welsh music, vocal music in general, and especially Bryn Terfel, will want to get this. I can't imagine Terfel's soaring, artistic voice ever getting old.

Bryn Terfel is a powerhouse of a bass-baritone, and a most versatile performer on the opera stage. I have seen him a number of times, and the range and beauty of his performances have never disappointed: he was a lyrical, bronze voiced Wolfram in Wagner's Tannhauser, and a playful, beautifully voiced rake as Mozart's Figaro (qualities he almost topped as Don Giovanni). I am not particularly fond of his "crossover" recordings: when he's not hamming it up on certain Rodgers & Hammerstein songs (not all -- some are done beautifully), he just comes across as overly stylized and mannered singing popular music (qualities which, I think, also hurt Renee Fleming's "crossover" work).

This is not an opera recording, nor a typical "crossover" CD. These are perfectly chosen and performed hymns and Welsh standards, marvelously sung by Terfel and the stupendous mens' choir he surrounded himself with. My favorites are the songs which were featured prominently in John Ford's classic, "How Green Was My Valley", namely "Cwm Rhondda" (the familiar hymn "Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer"), "Men of Harlech", "Calon Lan" and, especially, a heartbreakingly gorgeous a capella version of "Myfanwy" (the melody of which can be heard in "O Home Beloved"). The Welsh language version of "All Through The Night" is sung as tenderly as can be by Mr. Terfel, and I enjoy his rendition of this gentle lullaby far more than the Amazon reviewer did here.

This CD has been in my car for going on 6 years now, and it gets played, in whole or in part, at least a couple of times a month. Very, very enjoyable music.

I became familiar with Byrn Terfel on my last stay in London and was immediately captivated with his passion and incredible voice. Though I love everything he does, I feel that this album especially captures the essence and soul of this incredible man with a voice that sings to the universe. Surely it's the music he grew up and first sang and therefore does come from the soul. I feel transported to another time and to another place and if I never actually get to Wales, I feel I have been there. I have just ordered Vagabond but suspect that this album will remain my favorite.

I saw Bryn Terfel sing Mozart at Lyric Opera in Chicago--unforgettable stage presence and energy, but I was more taken with his performances of English songs I'd heard on the radio. On this disc the full range of his musical talent is on display, alternately belting out nationalist songs, then singing hymns and traditional pieces with amazing tenderness. There are moments where the arrangements are a bit cheesy but the choirs are fantastic and Terfel is in fabulous voice throughout. Being a DG production the sonics are warm and natural. Overall, a beautiful addition to Terfel's wide ranging discography.

I only bought this CD because I wanted a good recording of Cvm Rhondda. Well I got that and much more. Myfanwy is just wonderful. I didn't know who Bryn Terfel was, but now I'm a fan.

Another wonderful recording by Bryn Terfel. I have given this cd as a gift to several members of my family and they have all loved it. I particularly enjoy Mr. Terfel's rendition of Send in the Clowns and Cavatina. What an amazing voice!

I was compelled to buy this CD when I heard a few tracks from it on Sirius satellite radio. I had never heard of Bryn Terfel before and the discovery of his magnificent baritone voice was a surprising joy. Whether you're into classical music or not, this is a must-hear CD.

Beautiful, moving rendition of some of my favorite music. Fantastically clear. Enjoyable as background or "just sit and listen music."

Bryn Terfel has a beautiful voice. Listening to him is very pleasant and definitely something to look forward to. I read a review saying he would replace tenor Pavroti. However, I believe that Mr. Terfel is a Baritone and not a Tenor. That does not detract from the fact that he should be considered one of the world's top male singers. His voice is truly impressive. This CD by Bryn Terfel is one from our collection that is outstanding and a favorite.

Sorry, I think this guy is one of the most overrated singers out there today. He always sounds like he is singing holding his nose shut. VERY nasal sounding.

If you want to listen to an incredibly beautiful voice, buy one of Josh Groban's CD's--you won't regret it! He has the voice of the century!

Something truly remarkable is happening; we're finally getting the kinds of recordings and performances of Berlioz that have been needed for years. This isn't a matter of a "new take" with Brahms or Beethoven, as we see often enough, this is a manifestation of a growing understanding of this incredibly misunderstood composer. Younger conductors are hearing the avant-garde qualities of the music and unapologetic-ally bringing out the extraordinary details. We're accepting that Berlioz knew exactly what he was doing. In a marvelous way one had to be brought through the experimentation of the last century in order to finally "get" him. Recording technology has also, and finally, reached Berliozian standards. It's as if he had been composing for us, not for his own time.

The still-brilliant, incredibly taut, Solti Faust had always been tops in my book but this version will probably supplant it in some ways. Years of listening to this exciting masterpiece and here I'm hearing imaginative details I'd never encountered before, the piece never sounded so modern. The interpretation is largely excellent, the vocalists outstanding with Terfel a brilliant Mephistopheles and von Otter great. Lewis strikes just the right note for his character. The sound is dazzling and the gut-wrenching tour of Hell can hold its own against the loudest rock. Just fantastic overall!

I own other versions of Le Damnation de Faust by Markevitch, Colin Davis, Munch, and Solti, all of wich have their viutes. But Chung's is the best overall, boasting excellent sound with tremendous impact, the best soloists on record (although the ones on the superb Markevitch set, also on DG, sound the most French of all), and exciting conducting. Among digital versions, this one is nearly flawless.

This is one of my favorite CD's. The work itself is electrifying, passionate Berlioz. Lust, drama, Heaven, and Hell. In Le Damnation of Faust, you have it all! Lewis is is an excellent Faust. His voice brings out the best in Berlioz's vocal writing. von Otter is a sympathetic Marguerite. The King of Thul ballad shows off her breath-taking voice and a drammatic yet innocent presence which I had never heard in her voice before this recording. I am normally not a big fan of Terfel, but in this recording he makes the perfect, seductive, evil, and even sometimes loveable Mephistopheles. The shining star of this recording, however, is von Halem as the Brander. His rather gruff tone allows the listener to picture a grotesque, hairy, and loud drunk. von Halem is the most believable Brander I have heard. The background "bar" chorus and Mephistopheles' "Flea Song" make the Ratskeller scene wild and vulgar--just as it should be! The chorus and orchestra also do a fantastic job of creating a frightening scene as demons in Hell, as Mephistopheles triumphs at conquering Faust's soul. The work ends in a well-conducted contrast when Marguerite is called into heaven.
The orchestra and Chung are top-notch in this recording. Chung brings out the contrasts and various dimmensions in the score. Great conductor, great soloists, great orchestra and chorus...what more could you ask for?

I think Myung Whun-Chung is the best conductor under 50, (yes much better than the much hyped Simon Rattle), and he proves it with this electrifying rendition of La Damnation de Faust. The singers are excellent too, especially Anne Sofie von Otter.

This is one of the best versions available. I agree with the reviewer from Charlottesville: Terfel is excellent here. I also think von Otter is marvellous--la chanson du roi de Thule would melt your heart. The conducting is wonderful; Myung-Whun Chung organizes the performance superbly, and finds ways to integrate phrases into larger wholes (that, for example, elude Munch). Keith Lewis (Faust) is, alas, not up to the part. There are a couple of recordings of this work with good tenors. Nicolai Gedda, joined by Janet Baker and Georges Pretre, is excellent (EMI), as is Andre Turp in Monteux's BBC recording with Regine Crespin (IMG Artists). The present recording joins those two at the top of the discography. All three excell in their sopranos and the quality of chorus and orchestra, and the sensitivity and attention to detail of their conducting. All three are well recorded, though DG has the definite edge in sound quality. You rarely hear such glorious recorded sound.