CD-Charts Position 1
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The World's Greatest Mozart Album

from: Decca

Release Date May 08, 2000

Putting a title like `Worlds Greatest' on the front of a CD is obviously a bold claim, and one which many people have become so familiar with that they tend to take it with a pinch of salt. There are so many ways of trying to catch the buyers interest that very few titles like these really jump out at the buyer.

This one did jump out at me, though not so much for the choice of tracks, more for the quality of artists who perform them. Considering this is only a 2CD set, far too short for any Mozart compilation, the list of performers reads like a roll call for the best `Last Night of the Proms' ever staged.

A simple list of some of the orchestras, conductors, singers and soloists sums up this gem of an album: ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Mozart: Requiem, K626 - Hogwood

from: L'Oiseau Lyre

Release Date July 13, 1998
Brilliant performance, gripping, double-dotted strings give a real edge to Rex Tremendae, while Kirkby and Watkinson's pure sound blend wonderfully with the fruity Knabenchor sound of Westminster Cathedral. The 'authentic' instruments really make this recording stand out, from the military-sounding timpani to the warm tones of the brass chords in the Tuba mirum. The inclusion of the Amen chorus is a controversial choice, and will probably offend some, but to my ears this sounds entirely in place - simultaneously plaintive and infused with Todesangst. This is a brilliant attempt to peel back the Süssmayr's modifications and get back to Mozart's original intentions. Dropping in Mozart's Amen chorus is a daring and explicit break with previous ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Pergolesi: Stabat Mater/Salve Regina

from: L'Oiseau Lyre

Release Date July 13, 1998
This recording was my first: it was so perfect that I had to buy more and hear more, so I owe a lot to this. I suppose I also owe a lot to the Honda advert that introduced me to it...

It is an astonishing text, and the variety of movements created by Pergolesi are beautifully crafted in performance here. Kirkby and Bowman, carefully supported by the Academy of Ancient Music, wring out the very emotional core of the music. The image of the Virgin at the bottom of the Cross could not be made more real, and the anguish, torment and pain born by the mother are truly brought to life.

Stop reading this and buy it.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Mozart: Mass in C Minor

from: L'Oiseau Lyre

Release Date July 13, 1998
When Richard Maunder's editions get together with Christopher Hogwood and co, you know instantly that the result will be spot on.

The sound of the boy treble line (singing alto as well) is earthy yet in tune, and well complemented by the strong lower parts. The orchestra is supportive yet unobtrusive. The dynamics and phrasing are all well chosen and executed. The choice of soloists is inspired, especially Arleen Auger - such a beautiful voice.

It is just a pity that there is not more on the disc - some have argued in the 'Dona ut Kyrie' tradition that an Agnus Dei could be tacked on at the end using the music of the Kyrie.

An excellent recording.

CD-Charts Position 5
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Mozart: Clarinet/Oboe Concerti

by: Christopher Hogwood

Release Date July 13, 1998
I bought this on the strength of doug's review. His words are spot on. The playing is fluent without being syrupy and the recording is crystalclear allowing you to feel the texture of the individual instruments. Itis a veritable tonic for those days when life needs a lift.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Purcell: Dido & Aeneas

by: Henry Purcell, Christopher Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music

Release Date January 23, 2006
I received this from Amazon UK a week ago and am very pleased with it. It is beautifully recorded and all the solo singers adhere to the pure vibrato-free style of the period. The historical orchestra is well balanced with some delectable archlutes and theorbos to the fore, and the choir is precise with good diction and tuning. A full libretto is enclosed (unusual at mid-price nowadays) with two scholarly essays about the sources used and decisions made in constructing the performance. I didn't find the sound effects as intrusive as my fellow reviewer.

All in all I think Purcell himself would have relished this performance and would recommend it to anyone seeking a first version of the opera.

CD-Charts Position 7
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Mozart's Adagios

by: Various Artists

Release Date March 23, 1998
Adagio is the slow movement in a piece of music. This is a 2 Cd collection of Adagios from some of Mozart's masterworks, but I am yet to come across anything that Mozart wrote that is not great. This 2 cd collection is great for relaxing, contemplating or healing. I particularly like the diversity of the selected works, - piano, cello, violin, horn, clarinet, symphonies etc. If you are new to classical music or to Mozart's work; or just looking for a good music that will help you chill, then you cannot go wrong with this collection of some of the most beautiful and peaceful music ever written.

CD-Charts Position 8
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The Pure Voice of Emma Kirkby

by: Emma Kirkby, Oxford The Academy Of Ancient Music Chorus Choir Of Winchester Cathedral The Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood

Release Date July 13, 1998
Emma Kirkby's voice is stunningly beautiful - you could be forgiven for thinking you are indeed listening to the voice of an angel especially when listening to Exsultate Jubilate. Highly recommended

CD-Charts Position 9
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The British Music Collection: William Boyce - Symphonies

by: The Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood

Release Date July 08, 2002
This disc is a treat, brilliantly played by the Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Christopher Hogwood, recorded by Decca in 1992. The performances are crisp and clear, and the recording quality superb. William Boyce became Master of the King's Musick in England in 1757, and deserves to be better known. His symphonies abound with cheerful tunes: sea shanties and dance music can be recognised in some of the music. The symphonies are carefully composed and structured, and the performers get it just right. The recording deserves a place in any classical collection. English listeners will recognise an old radio theme tune in the last movement of the 4th symphony.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Pangaea

by: Miles Davis

Release Date September 01, 1993
Along with its' sister companion piece Agharta - both recorded on the 1st February 1975 - this is one of those albums you simply have to hear before you die type. Comprised of two songs spread on two discs, each lasting over forty minutes, its true that it's not for everyone, and obviously requires a lot of time and patience. And you can't really have this set as background music, as their are just so many subtle textures and sounds that require your full attention in order to appreciate it.

Starting with the first track, "Zimbabwe", this is an utterly relentless, mind-melting tour-de-force. Al Foster and Mtume on drums and percussion are like possessed demons, absolutely mammoth in providing a hard, fast rhythm that sounds like it's come deep from the ... Read More: