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Wow....better than I first thought..
I came across this CD (from a "Relaxation" series) by accident and thought, oh no, just another compilation of classical music tidbits---and taken from TV commercials/shows yet---oh, spare me! But how wrong I was. Despite its boast of being, "The Most Popular Classical TV Themes in the Universe" title (and because the price was reasonable for a 2-CD set), I bought the CD and was amazed by the quality of the recordings. I was disappointed when neither the manufacturer nor Amazon.com provided a listing of the artists on the recordings; as after hearing some of the tracks, I wanted to buy the artists' complete renditions. My favorite track on this CD, Debussy's "Clair de Lune," is performed so movingly, so stirringly, so hauntingly, that I wish I knew who recorded it. Not all tracks are arranged for orchestra. An example is Handel's "Largo from Xerxes," which is arranged for harp-and-flute, an arrangement which I found delightful and reminiscent of times in the 18th century when the elite held their salons and provided such music at these events. There is no singing on any tracks; it's pure instrumental. I didn't purchase my copy for "relaxation," as the series promotes, for the CD is just as enjoyable to play anytime, anywhere, and especially with a quality headset!
[Wednesday, April 11, 2007]
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