Baroque Adagios | Janos Starker, Julian Lloyd Webber, ... | Why is this beautiful set so low in...

Baroque Adagios | Janos Starker, Julian Lloyd Webber, ... | Outstanding Collection With Exquisite Vocals

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Baroque Adagios

	Baroque Adagios Janos Starker, Julian Lloyd Webber, ... Decca, 2002 average customer review:based on 3 reviews view larger image
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Why is this beautiful set so low in Amazon sales?

While classical music is achieving a resurgence in the UK and Finland, in the U.S. the meager proportion of classical music among record store and department offerings still reflects classical's waning status. What we do find even in drugstores and supermarkets is inexpensive "mood" collections like "Romance", "Spring", "Melancholy", etc. I have no problem with this - some of the unnamed orchestras or soloists aren't bad although recording quality may disappoint.

"Baroque Adagios" is a big cut higher for both enjoyable listening, as well as background music for social occasions. The Baroque period simply overflows with memorable slow movement gems - both well-known, and rarely heard. The famous Italian tenor, Beniamino Gigli, confessed that many of his most favorite pieces came from the Italian baroque and earlier. Music of the earlier times combines emotional and melodic appeal with a restraint and depth that makes it wear well on many hearings. The only risk for background music is that the gorgeous melodies and resonant sonorities will draw people away from what they might otherwise do.

The choice of repertory is rich and varied, but this collection is particularly noteworthy for its long list of famous soloists and conductors. Besides Janos Starker, these include Heinz Holliger, Andras Schiff, Henryk Szeryng (in the Bach Double Concerto in D minor), Thurston Dart, Enrique Fernandez, Christopher Hogwood, Karl Munchinger, Neville Marriner, and many others.

I can think of few ways to better dissolve stress than to put this recording on a player and relax into a comfortable easy chair - or or put it into a car CD player on a longer trip. It makes a thoughtful present for both knowledgeable classic buffs and newcomers to classical music.

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Outstanding Collection With Exquisite Vocals

I could not agree more with the review written by Frank T. Manheim. All I would add to his comments are that the recording quality is excellent, and that there are, amongst all of the wonderful selections on this CD, two vocal selections that I found deeply moving. On the first CD, there is a powerful, yet at the same time delicate performance of Vivaldi's In Nisi Dominus, by Andreas Scholl. I had never heard this selection of Vivaldi before buying this CD and don't have other performances to compare it to, but Scholl's performance was so moving, as was the accompaniment of the musical instruments on this track, that I listened to it several times in a row. I did the same with Janet Baker's performance of Dido's Lament, by Henry Purcell, on the second CD of this 2 CD set, listening to her haunting passionate voice over and over again. As with Vivaldi's In Nisi Dominus, I had never heard this composition, nor in fact any composition by Henry Purcell before buying this CD. The emotional depth and intensity that Janet Baker brings to her performance is very deeply moving. This is, fittingly, the last track on CD 2, ending this collection on a musical and emotional level, or rather, summit, that will leave you with eyes closed, thinking of the stars. As a result of having heard Janet Baker's performance on this compilation, I bought the full recording of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. In fact, I bought several CDs of music by Henry Purcell after hearing Dido's Lament.

As Frank Manheim writes in his review, this CD can either be put on as background music, or it can be listened to intently, savoring every note. Although the title of this CD set has the work "Adagios" in it, this is no mere easy listening experience. There is plenty of musical passion on both CDs. This is a wonderful 2 CD set. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in classical, and especially, Baroque music.

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In Total Agreement - An Awsome Selection!

I'll throw my hat into the ring with Frank & ClassicalFan, you must read their reviews. I won't rehash these excellent commentaries, however, I would add that so many compilations of baroque music are clich'e, but not here. The musical selection was masterfully done. Not only will you hear some uncommon Baroque gems, you will become engulfed in their contemplitive reflection. This music is true salve for the soul!

Tracks
Pachelbel: Canon | Vivaldi: Winter: Largo | Albinoni: Adagio | Gluck: Dance of the blessed spirits (Orfeo) | Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto in D: Largo | Bach: Concerto for 2 violins in D minor | Marcello: Oboe Concerto in D minor | Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus: Cum dederit delectis | Handel: Concerto grosso in A minor: Larghetto affteuoso | Handel: Organ Concerto "The cuckoo and the nightingale": Larghetto | Bach: Sleepers awake (excerpt) | Tartini: "The Devil's Trill" Sonata: Larghetto affetuoso | Bach: Obo Concerto in F: Siciliano | vivaldi: Concerto for 2 oboesin D minor: Largo | Corelli: Concerto grosso in D: Largo | Bach: Keyboard Concerto in A: Larghetto | Bach: Goldberg Variations: Aria | Handel: Ombra mai fu (Largo) (Xerxes) | Vivaldi: Nulli in mundo pax sincera (excerpt) | Bach: Air on a G string: Orchestral Suite No. 3 | Handel: Lascia ch'io pianga | Vivaldi: Spring: Largo | Bach: Keyboard Concerto in D: Adagio | Albinoni: Oboe Concerto in D minor: Adagio | Bach: Cello Sonata in G minor: Adagio | Handel: Concerto in B flat for Harp & 2 flutes: Larghetto | Bach: Violin Concerto in A minor: Andante | Bach: Brandenburh Concerto No. 5: Affetuoso | Pergolesi: Stabat Mater: Stabat Mater | Bach: Arioso: Cantata, BWV 156 | Vivaldi: Concerto in G for 2 Mandolins: Andante | Bach: Concerto for Oboe & Violin: Adagio | Vivaldi: Autumn: Adagio molto | Telemann: Oboe Concerto in D minor: Adagio | Scarlatti/Avison: Concerto grosso in D: Largo | Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in A minor: Largo | Croft: Ground | Purcell: Dido's Lament (Dido and Aeneas)

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