CLASSIC MEMORIES -STEVE HALL

Steve Hall is a Steinway Artist and a native Californian. While majoring in History and Music as his minor, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. Steve's professional career has involved playing at weddings and private parties in the Los Angeles area for the last 30 years. During the last 6 years, Steve has recorded 16 albums on his own label. Known for the interesting arrangements of his work, Steve's textural treatments of classic pieces weave a tapestry of atmosphere for the listener. Steve and his wife Robyn are raising three sons and feel blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to share this music with you. Read more.

NIGEL KENNEDY'S GREATEST HITS

Violinist Nigel Kennedy long stopped annoying or surprising concertgoers and disc buyers with his looks and manners--the cover of this CD pictures him with red and blue paint on his face, and he's biting his violin. If that irritates you, his playing certainly will not. Here, two movements from Vivaldi's Four Seasons act as bookends to, among other pieces: a Satie Gymnopédie, exquisitely played, with lovely embellishments near its close; Vaughan Williams's floating Lark Ascending; a stunning, virtuosic Bach solo (never before released); a soft-edged Bach chorale; a soupy, sentimental "Danny Boy"; a slightly overwrought "Scarborough Fair"; a piece by Kennedy himself; and a few other surprises. Kennedy's tone is lush and warm, and his emotionalism almost never overwhelms the music. Greatest hits? More like greatest encores. But definitely a terrific 71 minutes of fiddling. --Robert Levine Read more.

ITZHAK PURLMAN - A LA CARTE/LAWRENCE FOSTER

This collection of rarely performed pieces is a fantastic record. Perlman's playing, as usual, is a feast for the ears. The lush accompaniment is equally beautiful. The pieces are accessible to the classical connoisseur as well as the novice. This is the perfect album for a winter afternoon around the house. Read more.

THAIS MEDITATION - JULES MASSENET

The piece comes from Massenet's masterpiece, the opera "Thais" base on Anatole France's novel of the same title. The opera was first played at the Paris Opera Theater in 1894. The story is set in the in the early first century, on the River Nile. A priest approaches Thais, a dancer of the night world of Alexandria, with the goal of talking her into repentance and leading her to a life of faith. Ironically, however, his own faith is replaced by love for Thais, just as she is becoming inclined to accept religion.

"Meditation" is played by a solo violin with harp accompaniment between the first and second acts. It portrays the change in Thais' heart, from wanting to seduce the priest, at the end of the second scene of the first act, to wanting to begin a religious life. It is effectively played at the opening of the second act when Thais visits the priest to tell him of her decision. The piece is often played independently as a violin solo.

EDITH MATHIS - MOZART: EXSULATE JUBILATE

I'm not sure, if I may review this album as the first reviewer.But I can say for sure that you won't have any regrets about buying this item. I encountered her voice when I heard 'Le nozze di Figaro', Mozart. At that time she sung as Susanna. I was really impressed, because her voice was very mellow but profound, not like any other italien singers. After that I've been concentrating on collecting her records. So far she've not disappointed me. In my opinion, it's very unsatisfactory that there are few recording. About 2 years ago I had a chance to go to her concert. At the time she also sung this Mozart's masterpiece ,Exultate, Jubilate'. I was moved to tears. At the moment when I'm listening her voice on CD, I found myself who is in tears. I guarantee you won't regret. --Park Dong Gyun See more.

EXSULATE JUBILATE BY HANDEL AND MOZART

The sumptious sound of Gardiner's English Baroque Soloists opens this disc with clarion precision. From the very beginning, they are the epitome of perfect baroque playing - never getting a microbeat behind Gardiner's fiendishly speedy baton, and are particularly delightful when tripping through Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate accompanying the sublime Ms McNair. Sylvia McNair, although comparatively rarely recorded, produces a wonderfully enthusiastic performance, using all of the vocal devices in her armoury (listen out for the whispered phrase in Silete Venti, the first cantata on the disc). While the Handel is lovely, however, the Mozart is truly spectacular, showing McNair's talent for semi-quaver articulation, particularly in the famous Alleluia which concludes the disc. Overall, an excellent contribution to the collection of any fan of authentic Mozart. --Ben England. Read more.

THE WORLD GREATEST MOZART ALBUMS

This CD has a great selection of Mozart for fans, or people who have heard the melodies but haven't placed the composer with them. It includes Piano Concerto 21 II andante, Jupiter Symphony Finale, the famous Clarinet Concerto, wich is incredibly brilliant, and Rondo Alla Turca, a very smartly written sonata. It also has probably the most famous classical piece ever, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, The most famous Opera, Le Nozzie Di Figaro, and the very famous Piano Sonata 15 in C Major, "Sonata Facile". Not only does this CD set have a good selection it is all crisp and cleanly played. I particualry enjoy the Jupiter Finale, which is so cleanly played I felt I was watching it live. I suggest buying this wonderful set for your Mozart collection. --Justin Read more.