Classical Dreams .... Classical Inspirations
Luchia Miller | Virginia Beach , VA | 10/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful C.D. , mandatory for any music lover !! I was originally drawn to "Fantasia on Greensleeves" , but I found myself listening to every song . I am so glad that there is a cd out there that is comforting during these times . With 27 selections , you will not be disappointed . Many classic works, from Stravinsky (Apollon Musagete-the birth of Apollo ) , to Mother Goose - the fairy garden by Ravel , Classical Dreams is worth every 5 star !! Classical Dreams , is timeless , and it truly inspires one to dream . I have never been a true lover of classic music , soundtracks were as close as I came to classics . But listening to this glorious , peaceful CD, I have learned so much . This is an excellant buy, and a wonderful price for such superb works of art ."
Encore! Encore!
A Reader | 06/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc that passes muster with neophytes and long time classical music lovers alike. I humbly suggest -- make that BEG -- that Virgin Classics turn "Classical Dreams" into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical collection I have yet heard. Encore!"
If stranded on an island and had one disc...
Virginia music lover | northern Virginia United States | 01/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'd be tempted to make this the one, and I own over 2,000. I agree with what has been said above, but have a few thoughts of my own. I live near a major city with a known orchestra. Why are classical audienced declining? Maybe they're overplaying hackneyed works, and not playing some neglected masterpieces. In this double album there are some well known works, but some exquisite finds, like Picker's Old and Lost Rivers, Honegger's Pastorale, Arvo Part's Summa (!!!). Most highly recommended, with a good bottle of red wine."