Atys, opera, LWV 53: Acte 5. Scène dernière. Première Entrée des Corybantes
Atys, opera, LWV 53: Acte 5. Scène dernière. Seconde Entrée
Atys, opera, LWV 53: Acte 5. Scène dernière. Que le malheur d'Atys
La Gamme en forme de petit opéra, for violin, viola da gamba & continuo in C major
Track Listings (24) - Disc #14
Pianto della Madonna, sacred song for voice & continuo (from Selva morale e spirituale), SV 288
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 1 in D minor ('The Annunciation'), C. 90: Præludium
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 1 in D minor ('The Annunciation'), C. 90: Aria, Variatio
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 1 in D minor ('The Annunciation'), C. 90: [Finale]
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 2 in A major ('The Visitation'), C. 91: Sonata
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 2 in A major ('The Visitation'), C. 91: Allamanda
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 2 in A major ('The Visitation'), C. 91: [Finale]
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 3 in B minor ('The Nativity'), C. 92: Sonata
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 3 in B minor ('The Nativity'), C. 92: Courente, Double
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 3 in B minor ('The Nativity'), C. 92: [Finale]
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 4 in D minor ('The Presentation'), C. 93
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 5 in A major ('Jesus in the Temple'), C. 94: Præludium
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 5 in A major ('Jesus in the Temple'), C. 94: Allamanda
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 5 in A major ('Jesus in the Temple'), C. 94: Gigue
Mystery Sonata, for violin & continuo No. 5 in A major ('Jesus in the Temple'), C. 94: Sarabanda, Double
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Stabat mater dolorosa. Largo
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Cujus animam gementem. Adagio
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: O quam tristis. Andante
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Quis est homo. Largo
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Quis non posset. Adagio
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Pro peccatis suae gentis. Andante
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Eja mater, fons amoris. Largo
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Fac ut ardeat. Lento
Stabat Mater, hymn for voice, strings & continuo in F minor, RV 621: Amen. Allegro
Track Listings (23) - Disc #15
Du aber Daniel, gehe hin, funeral cantata for chorus, recorder, oboe, 2 violas da gamba, strings & continuo, TWV 4:17: Sonata & Coro.
Du aber Daniel, gehe hin, funeral cantata for chorus, recorder, oboe, 2 violas da gamba, strings & continuo, TWV 4:17: Rezitativo & A
Du aber Daniel, gehe hin, funeral cantata for chorus, recorder, oboe, 2 violas da gamba, strings & continuo, TWV 4:17: Rezitativo & A
Du aber Daniel, gehe hin, funeral cantata for chorus, recorder, oboe, 2 violas da gamba, strings & continuo, TWV 4:17: Rezitativo. Di
Du aber Daniel, gehe hin, funeral cantata for chorus, recorder, oboe, 2 violas da gamba, strings & continuo, TWV 4:17: Adagio. Schlaf
Suite for harpsichord No. 3 in D minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Prélude non mesuré
Suite for harpsichord No. 3 in D minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Allemande
Suite for harpsichord No. 3 in D minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Courante
Suite for harpsichord No. 3 in D minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Sarabande grave
Suite for harpsichord No. 3 in D minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Gigue
Suite for harpsichord No. 1 in G major (Pièces de Claveçin): Prélude non mesuré
Suite for harpsichord No. 1 in G major (Pièces de Claveçin): Allemande
Suite for harpsichord No. 1 in G major (Pièces de Claveçin): Courante
Suite for harpsichord No. 1 in G major (Pièces de Claveçin): Sarabande
Suite for harpsichord No. 1 in G major (Pièces de Claveçin): Gigue
Suite for harpsichord No. 1 in G major (Pièces de Claveçin): Chaconne en rondeau
Suite for harpsichord No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Prélude non mesuré
Suite for harpsichord No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Allemande
Suite for harpsichord No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Courante
Suite for harpsichord No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Sarabande
Suite for harpsichord No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin): Gigue
Suite for harpsichord No. 4 in D major (Pièces de Claveçin): Tombeau de M. de Chambonnières
Suite for harpsichord No. 4 in D major (Pièces de Claveçin): Chaconne en rondeau
Track Listings (28) - Disc #16
En me revenant, for lute (from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book)
Courante (from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book)
Courante Son Adieu (from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book)
Courante sur J'avois brisé mes fers Daniel (from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book)
Chacogne
Filou
Prelude for lute
Fantasie for lute
A Galliard upon a Galliard by John Dowland, for lute (App. 2 from Selected Works for Lute)
Pavin for lute
Almaine for lute (from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book)
Fantasia
Fantasia sopra La canzon degli uccelli
Work(s): Fantasia
Work(s): Fantasia
Fantasia for lute (from Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Lute Book)
Ballet
Courante
Courante sur le courante de Perrichon
Sarabande
Work(s): Fantasia
Sarabande for lute
Pavin, for lute
Work(s): Courante
Work(s): Courante
Work(s): Courante
La jeune fillette, for lute (No. 41 from Selected Works for Lute)
Pavan of the composition of mee for lute
Track Listings (34) - Disc #17
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: L'umor svegliato
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Strepito di Pescatori
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Parone di barca e Ninetta
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Barcaruolo à passaggieri
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Libraio Fiorentino
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Maestro di musica Luchese
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Cinque cantori in diverse lenguaggi
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Venetiano e Thedesco
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Madrigale affettuoso
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Madrigale capriccioso
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Mattinata in dialogo
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Dialogo
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Mercante Bresciano et Hebrei
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Madrigale alla Romana. (Stile del Marenzio Romano)
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Madrigale alla Napolitana. (À imitatione del Spano Napolitano)
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Prima Ottava all'improvviso nel liuto
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Seconda Ottava all'improvviso nel liuto
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Aria à imitatione del Radesca alla Piamontese
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Barcaruoli procaccio e tutti al fine
Barca di Venetia per padova, for 5 voices: Soldato svaligiato
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Ouverture
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Courante
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Gavotte en rondeau
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Branle
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Sarabande
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Fantasie
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Menuet 1 - Menuet 2
Overture: La Bizarre, suite for string & continuo in G major, TWV 55:G2: Rossignol
Simphonie de Clavecins, for 2 harpsichords: Allegro moderato et marqué
Simphonie de Clavecins, for 2 harpsichords: Andante
Simphonie de Clavecins, for 2 harpsichords: Presto
Sonata en quatuor for harpsichord, 2 violins & cello in F minor, Op. 7/2: Andante
Sonata en quatuor for harpsichord, 2 violins & cello in F minor, Op. 7/2: Menuetto
Sonata en quatuor for harpsichord, 2 violins & cello in F minor, Op. 7/2: Allegro
Track Listings (31) - Disc #18
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Sinfonia avanti l'opera Croesus
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 1. Coro. Croesus herrsche, Croesus lebe
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 1. Recitativo. Ihr edlen Lydier
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 1. Aria. Prangt die allerschönste Blume
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 2. Aria. Hoffe noch, gekränktes Herz!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 2. Recitativo. Du weißt, wie Cyrus' Macht
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 2. Arietta. Empfinden gleiche Schmerzen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 3. Aria. Lieben, Leiden, Bitten, Flehen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 3. Recitativo. Prinz Atis, wie dir ist bewußt
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 4. Aria. Wahre Treu kann nicht auf Erden
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 5. Aria. Er erweckt in meinem Herzen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 6. Recitativo con aria. Verliebter Prinz - Sobald dich nur mein Auge sah
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 6. Recitativo. Was zeigt der Prinz, geliebter Knabe?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 6. Aria con recitativo. Durch der Haare güldne Stricke
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 7. Recitativo. Der König will euch gerne sprechen...Terzetto. Du mußt scheiden
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 8. Duetto. Ich sä' auf wilde Wellen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 9. Duetto. Blindes Feu'r, das mich verzehret...Quartetto. Clerida, du hällst gefangen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 10. Aria. Traure nicht...Recitativo. Wo ich bei diesen Fackeln
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 10. Recitativo. Orsanes, mußt du denn dem stummen Atis weichen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 11. Recitativo con aria. Hört, wie die Eulen - Liebes-Schmerzen geschlossener Herzen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 12. Recitativo. Darf Cyrus dann den Frieden brechen?...Scene 13. Recitativo. Es ist de
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 14. Recitativo. Muß ich in meinem Herzen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 14. Aria. Liebe, treibst du denn nur Spiel
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 15. Recitativo con aria. Seht, wie die elementschen Affen - Das Blinkern und Flinkern
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 15. Chaconne. Ballett von Harlekinen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 16. Aria. Laß ich meine siegenden Waffen nur sehen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 16. Recitativo. Ihr Helden, folget dann
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 16. Ballet von persischen Soldaten
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 17. Recitativo. Der Perser Schwert und Pfeile
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scnee 18. Ritornello con aria. So jauchzet mein fröhlicher Mut!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 1. Scene 18. Recitativo. Hier ist die reichste Beute
Track Listings (29) - Disc #19
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 1. Ritornello
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 1. Duetto. Kleine Vöglein, die ihr springet
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 2. Recitativo. Orsanes treulos?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 3. Recitativo. Seht, wie Herr Elcius ist ein Politicus...Aria. Mein Kätchen ist ein Mä
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 3. Ballett von Bauren und Bauren-Kindern
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 4. Duetto. Freundliche Liebe, wie freust du mein Herz!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 5. Recitativo. Kann meine Treu Orsanen nicht bewegen?...Aria. Mein Elmir, meine Wonne.
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 5. Aria. Ihr stummen Fische seid dem gleich
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 5. Recitativo. Du stellest dich, als hörest du nicht
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 5. Aria. Soll dann so großer Hohn
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 6. Recitativo. Sobald ich werd' erhöht zu dieser Würde
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 6. Duetto (Eliates, Orsanes) Die Regierungslast zu tragen...Chorus. Waffen, Hilfe, Hil
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 7. Recitativo. Wir sind verlor'n!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 8. Recitativo. Holdseligste Elmir
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 8. Aria. Liebe, sag', was fängst du an?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 9. Recitativo. Hier bring ich Atis' Ebenbild
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 9. Aria. Alle Freude leicht verstiebet
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 10. Recitativo. Was seh ich!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 11. Aria. Ich lieb' und bin geliebet
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 11. Recitativo. Prinzessin, darf ein Sklav'
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 11. Aria. Ist niemand bewußt
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 11. Recitativo. Wie! Darfst du nochmals solche Reden wagen?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 11. Aria. Mir gefällt in seinem Munde
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 12. Recitativo. Hör' dann, dies ist der Dienst
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene. 13. Recitativo con aria. Brill, Brill, Feder und Tinte - Kommt ihr Herren, kommt zu k
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 14. Aria. Niemand kann aus dieser Ketten
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 14. Recitativo. Knie nieder, und wirf dich zur Erden
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 14. Aria. Ihr tapfern Soldaten, frohlocket nun wieder
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 2. Scene 14. Entrée, Passepied der Feuerwerker
Track Listings (27) - Disc #20
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 1. Aria. Die Flamme steigt
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 1. Recitativo. Find' ich Orsan so früh...Scene 2. Aria. Weil's dem Himmel so gefällt
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 2. Recitativo. Ermin, wie ist es abgegangen?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 3. Recitativo. Der Himmel sei gepriest...Aria. Fühlst du noch der Liebe Kerzen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 3. Recitativo. Schönstes Kind, du irrest dich
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 4. Recitativo. Der Abgesandte bringt vom Feinde
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 4. Aria. Waffnet, was kann Waffen tragen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 5. Aria. Elmir! wo bleibest du?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 5. Recitativo. Prinzessin!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 5. Aria. Mich vergnüget dieses Höhnen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 6. Recitativo. Unsinniger, find ich dich hier?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 6. Recitativo. Mich Unglückseligen...Aria. Wertes Glück, verlaß mich nicht!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 7. Ritornello con aria. Soll des Goldes Glanz recht glimmen
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 7. Recitativo. Prinzessin!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 7. Aria. Sollte der mich herzlich lieben
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 8. Arietta. Zarte Jungfern
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 8. Recitativo. Hier, wey je nich dat neye Lied
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 8. Aria. Schmink', ein Kleinod dieser Zeit...Recitativo. Hier hab ich Schnupftobak
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 9. Duetto. Nein, nein, nun will ich nicht mehr lieben
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 10. Recitativo. Prinz, weißt du, daß Ermin mit mir von Liebe spricht?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 10. Aria. Dieses Schmähen, das ich leide
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 12. Aria. Götter, übt Barmherzigkeit!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 13. Recitativo. Fort, führt ihn auf den Scheiterhaufen!
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 13. Recitativo. Umsonst, macht neues Feuer
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 13. Aria. Solon, weiser Solon
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 13. Recitativo. Welch eine Gottheit ruft er an?
Croesus, opera in 3 acts: Act 3. Scene 13. Coro. Glückliche Stunden, erfreulicher Tag
Track Listings (10) - Disc #21
Keyboard Trio in G major ('Gypsy Trio') H. 15/25: Andante
Keyboard Trio in G major ('Gypsy Trio') H. 15/25: Poco adagio
Keyboard Trio in G major ('Gypsy Trio') H. 15/25: Presto
German dances (6) for orchestra, K. 509
Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, H. 7b/1: Moderato
Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, H. 7b/1: Adagio
Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, H. 7b/1: Finale Allegro molto
Symphony No. 38 in D major ('Prague'), K. 504: 1. Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 38 in D major ('Prague'), K. 504: 2. Andante
Symphony No. 38 in D major ('Prague'), K. 504: 3. Finale. Presto
Track Listings (19) - Disc #22
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Kyrie. Kyrie
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Kyrie. Christe
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Kyrie. Kyrie
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Gloria in excelsis Deo
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Laudamus te
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Gratias
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Domine Deus
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Qui tollis
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Quoniam
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Gloria. Cum sancto Spiritu
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Credo. Credo in unum Deum
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Credo. Crucifixus
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Credo. Et resurrexit
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Credo. Et vitam venturi
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Prélude religieux (pendant l'Offertoire)
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Ritournelle
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Sanctus
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: O salutaris
Petite messe solennelle, for soloists, 2 pianos, harmonium & choir: Agnus Dei
Track Listings (5) - Disc #23
Sonata a quattro (String Symphony) No. 4 in B flat major: Allegro vivace
Sonata a quattro (String Symphony) No. 4 in B flat major: Andante
Sonata a quattro (String Symphony) No. 4 in B flat major: Allegreto
Frauenliebe und -leben, song cycle for voice & piano, Op. 42: Seit ich ihn geschen
Frauenliebe und -leben, song cycle for voice & piano, Op. 42: Er, der Herrlichste von allen
To celebrate its 50th Anniversay, harmonia mundi presents 50 masterworks in the development of Western classical music, performed by undisputed masters in their field. This set features over 36 hours of music (all complet... more »e works, no excerpts) of music in audiophile-quality sound, elequently packaged in a deluxe boxed set and offered at a very low price. Whether you are an inquisitive novice or a discerning connoisseur, you will be thrilled to experience the sonic triumphs of the world's most innovative independent label.« less
To celebrate its 50th Anniversay, harmonia mundi presents 50 masterworks in the development of Western classical music, performed by undisputed masters in their field. This set features over 36 hours of music (all complete works, no excerpts) of music in audiophile-quality sound, elequently packaged in a deluxe boxed set and offered at a very low price. Whether you are an inquisitive novice or a discerning connoisseur, you will be thrilled to experience the sonic triumphs of the world's most innovative independent label.
CD Reviews
Gorgeous Early Music for Amazing Value
David Evenson | 12/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Harmonia Mundi has taken highlights from 50 years. While I love classical music, there are a lot of selections that I had not heard. I have been thoroughly surprised to enjoy 98% of the music on the 30 CDs. There are a couple of "editing" glitches where a track begins or ends more abrupt than usual. Nothing too serious. Overall, the quality is superb though there is at least one selection where I did not appreciate the recording quality. I've gone through all CDs about twice now and I'm VERY glad I bought this."
AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCES! ; DEAL O
G. Engler | The Frigid Northeast | 01/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I sat on the fence for a long time before purchasing this Harmonia Mundi 50th anniversary box set. Even though it was reasonably priced, it was still a lot of money to lay out all at once for CDs of (mostly) unknown works performed by unknown (ie, not famous) artists. Would I actually listen to all of this new music? Would I find it interesting enough to listen to more than once? Would it broaden my musical horizons?
The answer to all three questions was Yes, Yes, and YES!
In short, this is an absolutely amazing box set. If you have been listening to classical music for many years, or decades, and are ready to broaden your outlook/knowledge you won't go wrong. The works themselves range from those you have probably heard, or know to some extant (Bach / Matthew'sPassion, Art of Fugue, Chopin Ballads, Schubert Sonata D960, Fantasy in C etc) to those you are probably not as familiar with (Purcell/ King Arthur) to those that are completely unfamiliar (Keiser / Croesus). You will find them all enjoyable and enlightening.
In the case of the known works, some of the performances are revelatory. The aforementioned Bach pieces for example opened my ears to new interpretations that astounded me. Herreweghe's first recording of Matthew's Passion was a gorgeous, soulful interpretation of this masterwork that has me seeking out his other performances. Fretwork's interpretation of the Art of Fugue was nothing but delightful, and complements the versions on the shelf featuring piano, string quartet and organ (you know who) without replacing them.
The recordings themselves are state of the art. Its rare to find digital recordings with this degree of warmth, presence, and three dimensionality. A joy to listen to.
In conclusion - this is a set I will be holding on to, and returning to again and again. (My wife, a professional mezzo, commented on the high quality of the vocalists in several of the recordings). At less than $3 per disc (less if you can find it used) this set is quite simply the deal of the century.
I may now even splurge for the Deutsch Harmonia Mundi set!"
Massive box set includes numerous delights
Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 04/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let me state upfront that I did not buy this set as such. I received it as a gift when I recently made a pledge to my local classical music station (WGUC here in Cincinnati) during their pledge drive. Imagine my good fortune, and surprise, when this arrievd at my house!
"Harmonia Mundi 50" (29 CDs, plus 1 CD-Rom; about 36 hours of music) is so massive and overwhelming that I will admist I haven't yet listened to every single piece of music yet. I have been picking out and listening to CDs that immediately appealed to me, either because of the composer, or the orchestra/artist playing it, or the venue where it was recorded (there are several CDs that have a Belgian connection, and I am from Belgium originally). But rest assured, I will make my way through all of the other CDs as well, as I am intruiged to discover what else is in here.
In all, this is quite the treat for any fan of classical music. Would I have bought it as such? I don't know. I've not seen this set in any music store that I go to regularly as this is an import, but if you do see it (or find it here on Amazon), I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed."
Buy it from Amazon UK
Curmudgeon | West Australia | 12/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No matter where you live, Amazon UK is offering this superb boxset at an unbeatable price (the original European retail). It's still a bargain at any price: 29 cds, 1 cd-rom, a complete collection of celebrated, award-winning recordings of 50 sublime works; a lifetime's listening pleasure. This is the best-value deal in recorded music history. Grab this limited edition while you can and count yourself lucky."
Fantastic Value
Voyager | 12/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderfully varied selection of works, a treasure trove - everyone will discover something new, about 90% was new to me. The performances and sound are consistently outstanding."