CD-Charts Position 1
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Classic FM - Relax and Escape - The No.1 Collection of Smooth Classics

by: Various Composers

Release Date November 08, 2004

There are numerous great value compilation sets of classical music claiming to have the power of relaxation - Classic FM alone have a few variants such as `Relax', `Relax More' and `Time to Relax' - and all appear to offer the ultimate relaxing experience so it's a difficult task to decide which to buy.

There is no `best' compilation though for it's a matter of personal choice, but there are several advantages of choosing the Classic FM range of relaxation therapy. There is not too much repetition between each set (if there was, we wouldn't buy their next relax release would we?), the recordings are invariably good (and recent) ones, and most importantly they usually offer a selection of some of today's big names in the Classical ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Classic FM Music for Dinner Parties

from: Classic FM.(Export

Release Date July 12, 2004

Such is Classic FM's marketing team's enthusiasm for releasing these 'Music For' compilation albums we should soon have a CD in our collection to cover every eventuality in our lives!

This one is for dinner parties - although being a single CD it may need to be played several times depending on how quickly your guests eat - and the intention is to create a calm, relaxed atmosphere with perhaps an air of sophistication to those social events.

There should be something on this album to please everyone round the dinner table. Satie's 'Trois Gymnopedies' is soothing and familiar, Haydn's 'Cello Concerto no. 2' is more lively and Handel's 'Water Music' adds a bit of ceremony to the event.

The recordings, as ever ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Smooth Classics - Do Not Disturb

from: Classic FM

Release Date October 20, 2003
A fantastic collection of relaxing classics that leaves you refreshed and ready to take on any challenge. A very peaceful and relaxing selection that will be a delight to any classical music lovers taste.I don't think you will be disappointed.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Classic FM Relax 3CD

by: Various Artists

Release Date October 29, 2007

There are so many classical music compilations which claim to `relax' the listener that it becomes either daunting for the newcomer to know which to buy, or repetitive to others who have already purchased several such collections. There's no answer to which is best, for they all have their merits, some being better quality performances, others offer a better selection of music, and others may just be great value for money.

The Classic FM series of CD releases - and they are growing in number - generally offer a little of all these attributes, and are increasingly becoming the first choice of classical music compilation for many people.

This 3CD set entitled `relax' is certainly good value and as usual is well packaged and ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Classic FM Hall of Fame - The Great Composers

from: Classic FM

Release Date April 05, 2004
The Classic FM Hall of Fame - The Great Composers is classical music in a juke box. What this literally means is a large number of prominent great classical acts to embrace their names with the arena are featured within this 4 DISC compilation and this would delight avid followers of classical music. Why not select your favourite track and enjoy the beauty and splendour of classical music?

The classical acts range from Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Rossini, Strauss and heaps more. From listening to the tracks, you can clearly understand why these legendary names in the classical arena deserve to cement a position as greatest composers of all time. They know how to play classical music and really absorb listeners into the music, as if you ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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Classic FM Music for Studying

from: Classic FM.(Export

Release Date July 12, 2004

A lovely collection of music for relaxing or studying, most of the tracks are just a single movement or piece from the full score, which is probably all that is required for most listeners as it does make the music instantly recognizable and familiar.

There is an abundance of these types of collections though and many are box sets offering better value than this single CD. It forms part of a series by Classic FM (including albums dedicated to Babies, Mothers, Studying, Driving, Bathtime, Dinner Parties, Christmas, Romance, Weddings) so it may appeal to those wanting to get the entire collection and build a modest library of varied classical music.

A good selection of classical music, but probably not the best value for money ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Classic FM Music for Bathtime

from: Classic FM.(Export

Release Date July 12, 2004

This is a lovely collection of popular classical pieces, perfect for an hour's relaxation in the bath. As with the other albums in the `Classic FM For' series released in 2004 and 2005, each track is just a single movement (generally the best known one) from the entire score so it does provide a nice variety of music from a range of composers from Bach's baroque era to the modern classics of Ludovico Einaudi.

But, there is an abundance of classical music collections such as these and many are box sets offering better value than this single CD so it does face strong competition in an ever increasing market.

The others in the series are albums dedicated to Babies, Christmas, Dinner Parties, Driving, Fitness, Mothers, Romance, Studying, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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Classic FM - Music for Christmas

by: Various Artists

Release Date November 15, 2004

This is a collection of traditional Christmas carols and music from two of today's most respected choirs - The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, and The Sixteen. These performances are subtle and restrained ones from a quiet chapel rather than a Songs of Praise edition from Westminster Abbey, so they are perfect for a quiet sit-down on Christmas Eve or calming Christmas Day morning reflection on life before the work begins.

Christmas CDs are in abundance, but this one offers some lovely traditional versions of songs as they were intended to be heard.

The others in the `Classic FM For' series are albums dedicated to Babies, Dinner Parties, Driving, Fitness, Mums, Romance, Studying, Weddings, so it will also appeal to those wanting to ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Smooth Classics

by: London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

Release Date October 19, 2002
Every year at this time Classic FM bring out a new triple CD set - and this year's is even better than the ones that have come before. I didn't think they'd be able to better "Time to Relax", which was last year's album - but they have! And they've done it in some style too by choosing music from their evening programme "Smooth Classics at Seven", which is presented by the legendary John Brunning. I can't recommend this album enough. And it does just what it says on the box. I've got my copy in the car at the moment - it's perfect as an antidote to a journey from Hull to Manchester on the M62 every morning. I'm seriously considering ordering two more copies - one for the office and one for home - the music choice really is that good. This is excellent stress-busting stuff ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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Classic FM - Hall of Fame Gold

from: Classic FM

Release Date April 05, 2003
As a younger listener of classical music, I have found this album to be a wonderful collection of well loved pieces, all in one place. Perfect. Although previously I did not have much interest in opera, I have found the compositions on this album to be fantastic and I now have a greater appreciation for pieces like Bellini's Casta Diva, and Dvorak's Song to the Moon.
I am only disappointed by one thing, and I am afraid that must be the appalling attitude of anon1659, who thinks that music must be serious to be enjoyed. I have played classical violin since a young age, and find it to be anything but serious. Classical music is beautiful, but you don't need to concentrate when you listen. It has been written to convey emotion, and to be appreciated. You do NOT have to ... Read More: