"I'm not really much of a classical music fan, more like casual. Sometimes I do need a break from listening to the loud, abrasive beats of KMFDM and VNV Nation and put in something more soothing and relaxing to chill out to. Most of the music I enjoy chilling out to is in the vein of techno and ambient fused with Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of classical and baroque music. Before I became addicted to new wave music of the '80s, I was into Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi. I rarely buyh classical cds nowadays because I am afraid that there would be more filler and less substantial songs. I bought "The Most Relaxing Classical Album..." compilation because I was familiar with at least 85% of the songs. "The Most Relaxing Classical Album..." is a gorgeous compilation filled with some of the most exquisite songs known to mankind. Songs like Elgar's "Nimrod" and Mascagni's "Intermezzo" absolutely takes my breath away and even brings a tear to my eyes every time I listen to, especially the later because I think of the movie "Steel Magnolias" and the scenes following the passing of Julia Roberts' character. A very emotional song to say the very least. The most personal favorite song on this 2 cd set that I hold very dear to my heart is Pachelbel's "Canon". That song is just one of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard, not just classical, but any song that I have heard over the years. Although I am no opera fan, I absolutely adore Delibes' "Flower Duet". I can never tire of hearing that song, no matter who sings it. It is rare to find a cd where the title fits the contents of the cd, and "The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!" is that cd. No words can describe the beauty of the music I have heard here."
This Set is a Great Addition to a Classical Music Collection
Joshua Schnalzer | Fountain Hill, PA USA | 08/12/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was very pleased with the quality and variety of the works included with this two CD set. It includes many of the famous works by the best composers of the time period. The only thing I did not expect was to have some of the songs with choir-style singing. The majority of the music is just instrumental. I have several other classical CDs and two other compilation sets. This set is definitely one of my favorites. The price is also reasonable. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys relaxing, classical music."
Solid buy
Alex Garcia | Stuart, FL United States | 09/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory-"
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Music has a great power, and classical has to be the minds elixir. I've never met a classical album I didn't like, but this is one I would suggest to anyone. The variety and selection make it stand out among others like it. In the end, there is something left to be desired, but ...'C'est la vie'."
This will calm you down
jw | edmonton, alberta | 04/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hi everybody out there. Guess what. This cd is wonderful. I am a VERY discerning ear for classical music. I usually don't go for the "BEST OF" collections. But ya know what...sometimes ya just need the "overplayed" stuff to calm you down. I mean, for some of these pieces, there are better performances out there. But, that doesn't really matter when you're just wanting to relax. This is great for someone learning about classical music. It will give you a good sense of what you might like in the future. who cares if it's not the TOP performers, i am not displeased with any of the tracks. it always does the trick when i need it to. :)"
Puts you in the right mood any time of day.
jw | 04/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a beautiful mix of pieces. Not too heavy, just right for entertaining, or Sunday breakfast with your love. If you have seen the movie "Life is Beautiful" you will recognize Offenbach's Barcarolle."