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Lorin Maazel Conducts Wagner

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By Richard Wagner

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Many people are frighted to death of Wagner's music because of its extreme length. BUT have no fear, this is a recording of his operas' Overtures and Preludes. These preludes and overtures have been used in many movies like Excalibur, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Shadow of the Vampire, Apocalypse Now and more. Wagner's music can be powerful, big muscled, or so sad to make one weep.

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Masters of Classical Music, Vol. 1

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By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Mozart wrote so much delightful music. This collection contains excerpts from some of his orchestral music featuring such instruments as the violin, piano, clarinet, flute and French horn.

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Messiah

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By George Handel

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With out a doubt, the "Messiah" is the most frequently performed choral composition throughout the world. The first part, "Christmas," concludes with the "Hallelujah Chorus" and is heard around the world at Christmas time. The lesser -known part two is performed during the Easter season. If you have never heard the "Hallelujah Chorus," then you must be from another planet!

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Pachelbel's Greatest Hit: Canon in D

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By Johann Pachelbel

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The Canon also appears on the CD titled Dinner Specials which also features nice representative compositions by Vivaldi, Mozart and J.S. Bach.

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Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Opus 46; Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Opus 55

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By Edvard Grieg

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Grieg is a master of charming melodies used throughout all his music. The "Peer Gynt Suite No.1" is no exception. "Morning" begins with a graceful melody which suggests a morning with a sun rise feel and the chirping of birds. The last section, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" is probably the best known of "Peer Gynt Suite No.1" having been utilized in numerous movies.

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Pictures at an Exhibition

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By Modest Murrorgsky; orchestrated by Ravel

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Originally composed in 1874 for the piano, depicting drawings and watercolors by friend Victore Hartmann. It has since been orchestrated by several composers. By far, the most performed orchestration is that of Maurice Ravel in 1922. Every picture can tell a musical story. Also, Mussorgsky wrote a "Night on Bald Mountain" which has been used in numerous films, including Disney's Fantasia.

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Sonata No. 2 -- Nocturnes -- Ballade -- Scherzo -- Barcarolle

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By Frédéric Chopin

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Almost all of Chopin's music was written for the piano. Of special interest here is his "Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor." The third movement of this sonata is one of the most famous funeral marches in classical music. Movies such as Beetle Juice and Citizen Kane are just a couple of movies in which it has been utilized. The Sonata #2 is just one example of his many piano pieces. The rest of the recording provides an excellent representation of his compositional skills as a composer.

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Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68

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By Johannes Brahms

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It took over twenty years from its original thoughts to its premiere in 1867. The premiere of the First Symphony, in 1876, was a triumph, and the influential Hans von Bülow did not hesitate to proclaim it "the Tenth"(in reference in Beethoven's 9th)--a tribute Brahms understood, of course, but received with mixed feelings. For a first symphony, Brahms, if he had composed no others, this would still be considered one of the greatest ever written. He only wrote three more--all are equally astounding.

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Symphony No. 2 -- Finlandia -- Valse triste -- The Swan of Tuonela

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By Jean Sibelius

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His tone poem "Finlandia" is probably the most recognizable orchestral piece by him. And his Second symphony is probably the most popular. His music personifies the majestical essence of Finland and its people.

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Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Opus 78 (Organ Symphony)

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By Camille Saint-Saens

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This a one of the few symphonies that features the organ "big time." It is used in the second movement quietly, while the fourth movement begins with a tremendous chord by the organ. This thrilling 4th movement was used in the movie Babe with great effect.

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