This, along with his 9th symphony, are his best-known symphonies. In addition to his 5th symphony, this specific recording has his 7th symphony as well. All are considered masterpieces. Just a footnote here: During World War II, the first four notes of his Fifth Symphony in Morse Code (short short short long) signified "V" for Victory.
Antonin Dvořák's 9th Symphony, known also as the "New World Symphony," was composed by Dvořák while he was visiting the United States. The 2nd movement was rewitten (transcribed) into a moving choral piece known as "Going Home." It is frequently performed by high school and college choirs around the country.
Mozart, amongst all of his many compositions, includes music set to children's poetry. In this CD, Vol.1, you will hear the famous "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." After the simple playing of "Twinkle, Twinkle" you will hear five variations of the melody. The completed music has twelve variations. If you like Mozart,this collection of his music will surely be delightful.
This recording of the "Adagio for Strings" plus other orchestral works by the America composer Samuel Barber makes this a wonderful introduction to his music. The "Adagio" seems to be searching the soul, probing here and there. It roots out the very essence of spirituality. It is both passionate and profound. This music was heard in the movie Platoon.
Beethoven's beloved "Moonlight Sonata" is included in this collection of famous piano music. The "Moonlight Sonata" is composed of three movements. The first and most famous is slow and deliberate, almost languid in its expression. The second movement is in a waltz style that floats with playful melodies. In a roar, the third movement relentlessly pounds away at you with few moments for you to take a breath, then once again, roars to its conclusion. This two-CD collection also has other titles worthy of mention. Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No.1," "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, "Funeral March" and "Heroic Polonaise" by Chopin, "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff, and "Liebestraum No.3" by Liszt. There are other composers whose wonderful music is included in the landmark collection.
