The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Reviews

• READ MY REVIEW!

  
  By A31XOOK3MYOBI9 on 2003-10-13
  Okay, I just read trough almost all the 30 reviews for this CD, and I dont ever write a review but I feel that I should for this one.
  First of all, I am a piano player of over 14 years, I understand where many of the negative reviews are coming from. The point that is being missed though is that this CD is a collection of BEAUTIFUL music, whether or not you want to critic it to the bone. Very few people are professional "classical" musicians and very few people would really know that is CD has only bits of entire pieces of work on it. I think this CD did what it said, its relaxing. A lot of "classical" music can make you feel like your in a race or in a argument between lovers, and thats all fine and dandy if thats the mood you want, If you turn on your classical music station on your radio most likely you will hear what I am talking about. But for those of us out there that want to hear the "classic" Classical music thats soothing and mellow ( compared to a lot if it) this is a great CD. Now if you want to skin it dry and make it rigid and "100% untampered with" It wont be "relaxing" and thats the whole point of the CD (thus the title). If you are wanting to use this for your labor, i would suggest not using "classical" music to do so, there is too much emotion in even the very most mellow classical music, but thats me, ??
  Bottom line- This CD is good and worth the 14$. Happy Hunting
  
  

• This One is Really Good

  
  By A3IYNAOWN7AD2V on 2000-06-08
  There are so many compilations out there like this that for the lay classical listener it's difficult to rummage through them all and choose the best one that will really live up to its title. I can't stop listening to the two CDs that are in this compilation. They have so many of the great soothing classics---the soft gentle melodies that everyone knows and loves but many don't know what they are called. This CD is most likely marketed towards people that are wanting a broad view of classical music with a slant towards the relaxing side of it. All the publicity is worth it, because this album is great. It will associate you with all the soft melodies and get you interested in hearing more. The beauty of Pachelbel's Canon, the haunting serenity of Barber's Adagio for Strings, the tranquility of O Mio Babbino Caro, the very recognizable theme Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations, etc. There's also all that great piano music. It's hard to listen to the adagio of some of those piano concertos and not hear the rest of the concerto. Regardless, this compilation is great. Follow what the TV commercials have said and buy this CD.
  
  

• Too much vocal music

  
  By A2P86Z56SG324N on 2000-06-27
  I'm afraid I hated this collection. I was looking for relaxing music for the end of my pregnancy, labor, and the early days of childraising. Unfortunately, it wasn't clear from the description that there is a LOT of vocal music on this collection. I don't know about other people, but I don't find a mix of vocal and instrumental to be relaxing. The cuts between the pieces are very jarring. You might be able to edit this into a good collection, but, as is, it's more startling than relaxing.
  
  

• Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's.

  
  By A1IHT31N8RLPN8 on 2007-02-04
  This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.
  
  

• Wholesome, soothing magic

  
  By A1C3NCR476385B on 1999-07-22
  In response to the person above who stated that one misses out on great works with only the slow movements...i AGREE with you. HOWEVER, this is sold as a RELAXING CD set, not as a collection of everything ever written. it does just that--it takes timeless classics, and puts them together in a wonderful blend of soothing music. i've had over 10 years of formal music training, and i have a high appreciation of every genre of classical music. i've played everything under the sun (i play french horn)--from baroque artists to modern music, such as music for prague by korel husa. i know the thrill of these pieces, and i hope others can discover the splendor of the entire realm of classical music. but this CD was not meant to be that. it was meant to be a calm, soothing blend. a lot of people don't find it easy to relax to pieces such as the bombing of dresden (another fine piece), as i do. i also agree with above person, who stated that this is a good CD for the classical beginner. and i hope that those of you that are the beginners discover the wonders of all the classical music genres.
  
  
• Wonderful, wonderful !
  By on 2001-08-31
  This was a gift and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't pretend to be very knowledgeable about classical music. I had bought a Wagner album and did not like it at all. But I knew that there were some of the slower, relaxing, sensitive pieces by other composers that I loved. I especially love instrumental music, and this 2-CD album features so much variety of instruments, using violin, guitar, cello, oboe, flute, piano, clarinet and harp. Out of the 36 songs on this set, there are only 5 where there is singing. But they are "classics" too, and are the soaring, beautiful ones that are featured in some movies. The song "Meditation" by Jules Massenet from Thais is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. It brings up some some real and deep emotions in me, as do many of the others. I also loved the quitar rendition of Concierto de Aranjuez, by Joaquin Rodrigo. I have so many favorites it is hard to list them. I could say much more about this soothing, relaxing album, but take my word for it, you will be pleased. I think this one could be a good one in the car to ease any "road rage" that one might feel.
  
  
• Awful
  By A2U35RCSV5FYHM on 2002-10-31
  I hate any "Classical" CD that takes little snippits of this, and snippits of that, and puts them together so that they are relaxing. Here is an Example of what would happen if you did that to an english sentence, taking out parts of it here and there. ...Example of what... you did... to... an english sentence... parts of it here and there. It may not be the best example, but it gets the point across. It totally changed the meaning of the sentence. The same thing happens with music.
  
  
• Listen to the works complete!
  By on 1999-04-30
  Maybe I'm a snob, but albums like this have really ruined classical music. Albums like this one and DG's Adagio Karajan series, for example, create an image of lame placidity in the public mind about classical music. Invariably they are the slow movements of sonatas, symphonies, and concertos. If you listen to only the slow movement of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, for example, you are getting a beautiful piece of music--but no more than that; stripped of its passionate first movement and the exuberant third movement, the slow movement is utterly naked. Take another example: the first movement of the "Moonlight" sonata is so frequently heard as to be hackneyed, but it can hardly be a complete or satisfying experience without the blazing third movement. I understand that there's demand for such "relaxing" music, but I can't help but regret that the record companies market this stuff with such unabashed greed. And "greed" is not a bit too strong: manipulating the public's perception of classical music, the record companies push profits ever higher by selling snippets of previously released material at mid or even full price.
  
  
• Does what it set out to do, very well
  By A1WWVXQE0EJOAV on 2006-11-15
  So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.
  
  That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.
  
  Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.
  
  To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.
  
  Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)
  
  So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.
  
  
• Everybody settle down.
  By A3ROI1JUUSCZNZ on 2004-08-12
  Crikey, people, let's all draw a deep breath and re-focus.
  Needless to say that there are vacuous yuppies out there wanting to impress their dinner party guests with this CD.
  But there are others, such as myself, who are thinking of purchasing this CD just to hear pleasant songs/melodies either attentively or *gasp* as background fare. And what's wrong with that? I know what I'm getting into. This is a "greatest hits" of languid classical music. I DON'T WANT to hear the whole symphony; if I wanted to do that I would buy the full version.
  Most folks wouldn't have a problem buying, say, Pink Floyd's greatest hits, yet there will always be someone with righteous indignation over taking "Us and Them" out of the context of The Dark Side of the Moon. It's a great song either way; enjoy it as you please.
  My advice to you all: Relax.
  
  
  
• Relaxing Beyond Belief!
  By on 2000-02-19
  This and John McArthur's, HIDDEN album, will be the best solo piano albums and the most relaxing of the 21st Century. And both are going to be hard to beat. A must for any lover of the ivory, wood and keys. And people who like to dream.
  
  
• Light a candle, grab a book, and play this CD
  By on 1999-05-10
  I love this CD. For the astute listener and keen critic of classical music, listening to excerpts from some of the world's greatest masterpieces may seem trite. However, if you're new to the art of classical music, this CD is for you! It provides a wonderful introduction to the "classics" and I think anyone who has never experienced a certain genre of music will greatly benefit from a "greatest hits" CD. The music is relaxing, the performances are adequate and I feel this CD was a worthy investment.
  
  
• Perfect selections of beautiful music
  By on 1999-11-06
  Like the French Horn player, I was a professional musician before switching careers. I enjoy very complex atonal music, as well as Eastern music, African music, jazz, and much more. One doesn't have to hear each piece in it's original form to thoroughly enjoy the music that's here. I've heard the complete works many many times, and I still enjoy this list of slow movement favorites from the Western canon. I gave a copy to a friend who knows nothing about classical music, and she loves it too. Highly recommended.
  
  
• It IS the Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World!
  By on 2001-03-21
  Wow! I really love this CD. It features some of the most beautiful, relaxing pieces ever recorded, from "Sleepers Awake!" to "Flower Duet", I like every song. (my personal favorite is "Claire de Lune") I highly recommend this album to anyone in need of some time for themselves, a nice rest, or who just loves soft classical music. A MUST!!!!
  
  
• One of the best CDs I've ever bought!
  By A2ARNQPFJ9IDA8 on 2004-11-24
  I love this CD! It truly is relaxing to listen to. I am a preschool teacher, and I play this music for the children during art time. It creates a wonderful atmosphere. I have bought several copies of this CD and the second "Most Relaxing Classical" CD to give as gifts. I have given it to several people who were grieving the loss of a loved one, and they really appreciated the soothing and uplifting nature of the music.
  
  
• i would never let anyone cut my music.. this is an insult
  By on 2003-08-09
  i was in shock to find that they had created this cd. while its main purpose is to calm, it just made me angry. YOU CANT CUT MUSIC LIKE THAT!!! sorry, but im a composer, and just becuase it wasn't "relaxing enough" is no reason to destroy music. i am personally offended, adn had this album been secsessful in any way, i'm sure these composers would be turning in there graves...
  
  
• No negative stars?
  By A3TZH4D5ZZ7FN6 on 2004-06-24
  I have to agree with what many have said here; This album is an insult to the greatest composers of all time. When classical composers composed their musical works, they composed them in movements. Each movement contains a certain theme that is relative with the other movements. To seperate a movement from it's relative movements, is to cut up Da Vinci's "Last Supper" in such a manner that only Jesus would show.

  For a more specific explanation:

  When Beethoven composed his "Moonlight Sonata" he composed it in 3 movements. All 3 movements contain unique but at the same time relative themes. The first movement that is made part of this compilation is slow, calm and nocturnal awhile at the same time alert of anything treacheruous. The second movement is slighty faster and a bit more joyful the same nocturnal kind of way. The third movement is played at Presto (FAST) tempo and in a manner that expresses complete lunacy *hint*. Now lets analyze that word for a second, "Lunacy", which basically means mad, chaotic or insane. If you take out the "cy", you arrive at the latin word, "Luna" which means "Moon". The etymology of the word "Lunatic" basically derrives from human observations (1300s) of the effects the moon has on nature and society. If one were to look at this from a scientific/astrological perspective, the moon has four phases (Not including wanning and waxing gibbous), since two are reflected versions of itself, one is taken out, leaving 3 moon phases; New Moon, Half-moon and Full Moon. In a new moon the night sky is dark and silent, just like the first movement. In the half-moon, the night sky is lit up with half the moon's joyful light, just like the second movement. In a full moon, the moon obtains the highest gravitational force between itself and the earth, pulling all sanity from earthly waters and susceptible minds, just like the third movement. So you see, all movements are ment to be together in order to grasp the composer's original and artistic/poetic perspective of the world around us. To do otherwise is to completely destroy the composer's musical and artistic integrity. Which is exactly what this compilation does, and quite frankly i'm getting tired of seeing such compilations that claim to be classical pop up on amazon.com when I am looking for REAL classical albums.

  If you want REAL classical, I suggest the following:
  Beethoven - 32 Piano Sonatas by William Kempff
  Vivaldi - Four Seasons by Orpheus & Gil Shaham
  Chopin - Complete Nocturnes by Daniel Barenboim
  or
  Chopin - Complete Works by Vladimir Ashenazy
  etc
  |
  V

  But by ALL MEANS STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPILATION,
  that is unless if you have no regard for artistic value in music.
  
  

• I Hate Yuppies
  By A4WJYFA9MFAFQ on 2004-07-13
  Few things of equal triviality (relatively speaking, of course) arouse as much furious hatred and disgust in me as when the greatest musical pieces ever written are described as "relaxing." As if the most sublime, transcendental piece of music... a piece of music that reaches for the heavens, that is full of drama and human truth... is just some thing yuppies (or whatever they're called in the 21st century) and housewives flip on to "wind-down" after a hard day at the office. Relaxing? No. This is not some backround music for you to doze off to. This is not for your idle amusement. There are cosmos within these pieces and your full attention and something akin to a religious sense (though not necessarily theistic) is necessary to appreciate them!

  The music (of course) gets nothing less than 4 stars, this is a review of the packaging and title.
  
  

• Not exactly that great.
  By on 2004-04-01
  While this does have some good works in it, I did not find it as great as some other people thought. First of all, my intention is to inform the people who read this so they can make their own decisions, not to just make a quick comment like most of the ratings did so far.

  The recordings were so-so, I've certainly heard better. Also, the pieces selected should not be snipped and clipped. The original pieces were written to be together, so should not be taken apart. Although the CD has the intention to be relaxing, it dilutes the effect with too much relaxing music. After a long time of listening to just relaxing music, it gets kinda old, which goes along with my opinion of how the pieces should be kept together. When the original pieces are together, like they should be, the emotions created by the music is enhanced. For example, in the "Firebird Suite" by Stravinsky, the movement named "The Infernal Dance of King Katschei" is very loud, powerful, and chaotic, and the movement just following that is very soft, eerie, and makes one think of ruins, as if just after a chaotic storm. However, without the chaos that was previously portrayed, it does not produce that image of wreckage. This is the reason why the music should not be taken apart.

  Oh, and one more thing, I don't think vocal and orchestral music should be selected on the same CD, because they are two different styles of music, and some people prefer one over the other, and so people that don't enjoy both will only enjoy half of this CD, if they enjoy it at all.
  
  

• I am not a classical music expert, but I know what I like!
  By ATE5SA1VTJNP8 on 2001-09-19
  This was great for me for I got to hear different composers and symphonies. This is great to relax to as the title suggests, I enjoy a glass of my fave red with this baby and it makes for some seriously calm nights which we all need from time to time in this hectic,crazy world. My faves are Grieg's "morning" and Rodrigo's "concierto de aranjuez" also Offenbach's "barcarolle" is sweet. Check this one out.
  
  
• misleading title
  By on 2002-06-13
  There is some good music on this CD, but most of it is not relaxing. I would not recommend this CD to anyone I know.
  The pieces are all quite short, and the album in general felt sort of "jumbled" together.
  Listen to many different samples before you consider purchasing.
  
  
• The Most Incredible Album Review in the World...Ever!
  By AH2TI7ZVHPY09 on 2005-03-02
  Once in a lifetime a collection of music comes along so relaxing tha...........
  Sorry, I'm currently listening to this album and it was so relaxing that I fell asleep while I was writing this review. Anyway, when I first saw the title of this album, I was a bit skeptical. Did the company who made this album really believe this truly was the most relaxing classical album in the world...ever, or did they just come up with that name to fool morons into buying their cd? Well I'm hear to tell you, they were telling the truth. Last year I quit my job as an assistant men's room attendant, and set out to buy every relaxing classical album in the world ever made.$7000 and 1376 classical albums later and I can honestly tell you it really is the most relaxing classical album in the world...ever. There was a Romanian made classical album from 1932 that came quite close but it just wasn't as relaxing. Weirdly enough, the title of this album is "Nugich von Recanzer sibbi doolik." Which everybody knows is Romanian for The 2nd Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...ever.
  
  
• Why is everyone whining?
  By A3ET3HA45SL6AH on 2004-01-03
  If they wanted to put entire works in this, it would be like, at LEAST, 10 CDs. If people wanted to hear the whole thing, they would buy the works seperately. You don't buy a compilation CD to hear entire symphonies, etc. You buy it to hear selections of popular works. I don't understand why someone would put this CD down because it's incomplete. Nowhere does it say it has the whole thing. As for criticizing the performers, if you could do better, you would be on the CD instead of them. Stop whining and get a life! This is GOOD music. And yes, I AM A MUSICIAN!!
  
  
• GIVE THIS A LISTEN!
  By A3IBVVPJG033F on 2004-01-29
  This is a really nice collection of "quiet" classical music. Okay, purists...it's excerpts and we all know how you feel about that. Give it a rest, snobs! I bought the special with both volumes and both are incredible. There are different styles of music throughout (orchestral, piano, choral) but there is one central theme - every piece is beautiful. Sound quality is excellent and the editing was well done...the main themes of the pieces are intact. You'll find very familiar classical melodies throughout the collection. I was skeptical but delighted! Yes. I'm a former musician, have an elaborate sound system and an extensive collection of all types of music from Puccini to Pink Floyd.
  
  
• Misleading the Uninformed
  By AHVZR2UM415NV on 2004-01-29
  Misleading the Uninformed

  The term "Classical", in the strictest sense, refers to any music composed from roughly 1750 to 1810 (the best-known composers of this era being Mozart and Beethoven). In the broadest sense of the term, to most people today, classical music refers to any form of supposedly "high-class" music. The irony is perhaps that most composers prior to Beethoven (and this includes Mozart) weren't high class, but rather from the lower-middle classes. They struggled to forge a living solely from composing, and were more often than not servants to the wealthy and royalty. After the Napoleonic Wars, society began to change and the middle class gained greater freedoms and wealth, and more opportunities were afforded to would-be composers.

  In my view, classical music belongs to anyone who is willing to listen to it and enjoy it. Today with the revolution in media, anyone is able to collect and enjoy classical music. However, I urge anyone who buys this collection to dig deeper for two reasons.

  Firstly, the material selected for this compilation has been - for lack of a better word - hacked to cram as many "hits" onto the CD as possible. In most cases you are only hearing half of the music, so you are not getting an accurate representation of the composers vision. Why should the average person care? Well, it would be akin to writing a book about great artworks and showing only half a photo of the paintings! You are not getting the whole picture of these fantastic works of art!

  Secondly, who is to say this is the most relaxing classical music ever - full stop, period? Why should you, oh ignorant listener, be subjected to what is little more than an sly insult on the behalf of some producer who for all intents and purpose is one of those classical music snobs that are so vehemently despised?

  You may say that I have missed the point - that this compilation is not an introduction to the classics, but rather for the purposes of relaxation! Again it all comes back to the composer's vision for their work. Granted Mozart's "A Little Night Music" was written purely for light entertainment - but Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is anything but for light entertainment. You may also say that I have taken this far too seriously. Well I guess that in this world of instant gratification, where we want to constant entertainment, most people will not care a whit for artistic integrity. As a result we get such compilations as these that shamelessly exploit art for commercial interests. But who cares, right?

  If you are after an introduction to the classics, check out any of the fine compilations by Naxos. If you are after relaxing classical music, explore!
  
  

• Relaxing?
  By on 2004-05-05
  I do not think there is really a need for such 'compilation' C.D.s as this. If you are new to classical music, and you aren't really sure what to listen to, this website has a nice little page for beginners to go to that includes things like Glenn Gould's fabulous -- if unusual -- piano recordings.
  This C.D. annoys me for several reasons, to agree with some prior reviewers -- these pieces are _not_ contemporary music and are not to be listened to in this manner. They are sections of an entire thematic work. It's like reading one stanza of a poem. Also, stating that classical music is "relaxing" gives entirely the wrong idea, and obviously with the title using a superlative word like "most," the creators are catering to a group of people who don't truly understand classical music. That's all well and good, the buyers can't be blamed, but it is the job of people educated in this music to dispell such generalizations as "classical music is _boring_" or "nice for the background."
  I also just tend to disagree that this pieces are soothing. Having played a few myself, I do not see how some of them don't just cause people to burn with passion or, God forbid, tap their feet (to classical music? gasp!)
  
  
• Excellent to relax to or to take on a long walk. A+listening
  By on 1999-10-05
  These CD's are wonderful. The selections are excellent in length and variety for mediation, relaxation or taking on a long walk with your earphones tuned in to highlight a beautiful morning. Recommended for classical music lovers as well as first time classical listeners.
  
  
• Wonderful Music
  By A3ODBJS9TLNG4P on 2002-04-29
  A broad, excellent selection from some of our favorite operas, symphonies and classical music. This includes music from Beethoven, Pachelbel, Debussy, Bach, and many others, and is great for relaxing to or listening to while working around the house. Great for kids to get a good introduction to classical music, and to understand why we love it so, year after year.

  For someone who is just getting interested in classical music, to the serious music lover, this is an outstanding collection, one I'll listen to again and again.
  
  

• Just Glorious!
  By A272FX78P9E8NM on 2006-03-23
  Very beautiful music! I have learned that you do not have to know the language to appreciate good music. Music is it's own international language!
  
  
• The only classical compilation you will need!
  By A1INBZRFBHKDEZ on 2002-04-30
  I am ususally skeptical about compilations, you automatically feel like you sold out. That CD is really different, it has opened my mind to more classical "hits" I thought I knew. Now I am discovering some of the pieces on the CD, in the context of the whole original, full-length composition. Buy it, you won't regret it.
  
  

• The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
• The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
• The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
• 25 Classical Favorites
• Mozart for Relaxation