CD-Charts Position 1
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Verdi - Requiem

from: EMI Classics

Release Date October 08, 2001
Well I would have to disagree with the previous reviewers. Of course, it's all a matter of personal taste, but I was quite disappointed (having read the first review before I purchased) with this recording. I thought the pace a little slow -- ponderous, even -- at times, especially the "Te decet hymnus" passage. And the soloists, who look so promising on paper, failed to deliver, to my mind. The singers are supposed to serve the music, not the other way around. Having said that, Gheorghiu does hit some beautiful notes. I'm afraid that Daniela Barcellona's voice has a tinny quality, and Roberto Alagna may have been having an off day. Picky of me? Probably, but I expect more of such a line-up.
The orchestra and the chorus, on the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Holst: The Planets / Elgar: Enigma Variations

from: EMI Classics

Release Date March 11, 2002
This version of The Planets has replaced my recent LSO version.
Why? Well, the balance between the contributing elements is the best i've heard so far: The bass is thunderous analogue and the high woodwind/strings are like crystal in equal measure. This is a superb achievement and exceptionally important for, 'large orchestra' where Dynamics become a recording engineer's delight or problem depending on how good they are. And these people are the best: Abbey road have done a fantastic job on the remastering of a late 70's classic, although there is one thing they could never tackle: Is this as Holst intended?

Bolt was a friend of Holst and was given the opportunity to first conduct the piece; Bolt read and heard the original 'two piano' score ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Handel: Messiah

from: Duo

Release Date May 10, 1993
This is more like it. I bought the Harry Christopher/Sixteen version and was left unmoved by it. This however, was sublime - fantastic soloists, an orchestra and chorus that sounded as if they meant it, a wonderful range of emotion beautifully realised. To me this is what a performance of the Messiah should sound like. The other reviewers got this one spot-on. I can only 'rejoice greatly' for such a recording.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Elgar - Cello Concerto; Cockaigne; Sea Pictures

from: EMI Classics

Release Date August 02, 2004

There are now many releases in the EMI 'Great Recordings of the Century' series, and this has to be one of the best I've heard.

The three pieces on this CD date from the 1960's and all have benefited from recent remastering.

The 'Cello Concerto' is a 1965 recording performed by Jacqueline du Pre (who else would you expect?) and remains today, more than 40 years on, the standard to which all other performances of this work are measured. I'm sure I am amongst many others who regret not having seen such a gifted musician play live. I've seen several performances of Elgar's cello concerto, and always find that the best are when the soloist totally immerses him/herself into the music and brings out the emotions from somewhere deep within themselves. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Carmina Burana (Vocal Score)

by: Carl Orff

Release Date January 31, 2004

There are now many releases in the EMI 'Great Recordings of the Century' series, and this has to be one of the best I've heard.

The three pieces on this CD date from the 1960's and all have benefited from recent remastering.

The 'Cello Concerto' is a 1965 recording performed by Jacqueline du Pre (who else would you expect?) and remains today, more than 40 years on, the standard to which all other performances of this work are measured. I'm sure I am amongst many others who regret not having seen such a gifted musician play live. I've seen several performances of Elgar's cello concerto, and always find that the best are when the soloist totally immerses him/herself into the music and brings out the emotions from somewhere deep within themselves. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Mozart: Requiem

from: Sony Classical

Release Date November 05, 2001
Where to start? It seems sensible to review both the work itself and this performance of it here, although the score I have given it relates only to the performance.

The work itself is a masterpiece. As you probably know, Mozart left this unfinished when he died, and it was completed by Franz Sussmayr, supposedly to Mozart's plan. However, the work certainly flows as a whole, and all of the individual sections work well. The highlights of the piece are, unsurprisingly for Mozart, the cannons and fugal passages, perhaps most notably in the Domine Jesu and Kyrie. Mozart was a master of weaving lines together to create complex polyphony which is simultaneously exciting, melodic and jaw-dropping. His greatest skill was to create melodies which are seemingly awkward and yet ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Jenkins: The Armed Man - A Mass For Peace

from: Virgin

Release Date September 10, 2001
I would guess that the Amazon reviewer Warwick Thompson is under 25.
Anyway, he writes as if he is, judging by his use of the English language
("think Goldfinger", eeeeeeeeh!).
He also believes that L'Homme Armee is 16th century. Oh dear.
I find the reviews of the actual buyers much more to the point, wheher positive or negative.
Pity that the text of the Amazon reviewer is displayed at the top.
OK?

CD-Charts Position 8
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Beethoven - Violin Concerto

by: Philharmonia Orchestra

Release Date October 05, 1998
In my opinion it is very difficult to identify one version of a work as great as this . Different interpretations can tell you so much more about a work .

That said this marvellous recording from the early 1980s was my introduction to a 25 year long love affair with this piece . Perlman spins tone of gold whilst also allowing introspection in the slow movement .

That said I wouldn't be without Menuhin/Furtwangler on Testament, Oistrakh/Cluytens on EMI or Hilary Hahn on Sony either

CD-Charts Position 9
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Vaughan Williams: Orchestral Works

from: British Composers

Release Date September 09, 1991
Not many conductors match Adrian Boult's masterly performances of V-Williams music, for its rich tonal colours, noble poise and eloquence. Definitely a must-buy CD for anyone who loves VW's music!

CD-Charts Position 10
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Spanish Guitar Music

from: Essential Classics

Release Date November 19, 2001
This is a clasical guitar album recorded by John Williams in his style of ultimate perfection. Don't confuse this with Flamenco Spanish guitar.