Classic FM - Hall of Fame Gold

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0756055603627 Format: Box set Label: Classic FM Manufacturer: Classic FM Number Of Discs: 3 Publisher: Classic FM Release Date: 2003-04-05 Studio: Classic FM
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Editorial Reviews: This handsome three-CD set from Classic FM pulls together some of the pieces which have featured most regularly in the radio station's annual Hall of Fame poll in the 10 years since the station was founded in 1992. The three discs are divided into "Hall of Fame at the Movies", "Hall of Fame at the Opera" and "Hall of Fame Classics". There's something for everyone here and even a few surprises, including music from John Williams' beautifully crafted soundtrack to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ("Hedwig's Theme") and Howard Shore's score for The Lord of the Rings. The opera disc has plenty for Lesley Garrett fans to chew over, including Delibes' "Flower Duet" from Lakmé, Dvorák's haunting "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka and Mascagni's stirring "Easter Hymn" from Cavalleria Rusticana. The performances are all fine, with some outstanding ones: the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Enrique Batiz produces some beautifully transparent textures in the final movement of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony (heard in the film Babe). --Warwick Thompson
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: A must for any classical collection! Comment: As a younger listener of classical music, I have found this album to be a wonderful collection of well loved pieces, all in one place. Perfect. Although previously I did not have much interest in opera, I have found the compositions on this album to be fantastic and I now have a greater appreciation for pieces like Bellini's Casta Diva, and Dvorak's Song to the Moon. I am only disappointed by one thing, and I am afraid that must be the appalling attitude of anon1659, who thinks that music must be serious to be enjoyed. I have played classical violin since a young age, and find it to be anything but serious. Classical music is beautiful, but you don't need to concentrate when you listen. It has been written to convey emotion, and to be appreciated. You do NOT have to be an intellectual to enjoy any kind of music, and this compilation is a refreshing change to all that 'serious' music! Buy this album, listen and enjoy, as I have done. You will adore this collection. And it absolutely isn't tripe!! It's fabulous!!! ;) Customer Rating: Summary: Classic FM hall of fame Gold. Comment: This album is great! It is a fantistic compilation to get people interested in the classical world. Most of the operas have been heard by most pepole anyway. Anybody who says this is anti-intellecual obviously is a purist and is dissapointed in their own ability to appriciiate musical talent. Granted the movie scores and the greates choice to be on their but have you written anything better lately? Also to rubbish Mozart's "Don Giovanni" is an absolute disgrace to the classical world and the person who said it should hang their head in shame. Go buy it. It's bloody marvelous! Customer Rating: Summary: Lazy compilation from the most appalling radio station Comment: Classic FM routinely displays a lack of respect for music and encourages laziness in investigating repertoire. This trashy compilation is no exception. Hackneyed excerpts are presented out of context, along with dull bits of the scores from recent Hollywood blockbusters. This sort of attitude drags serious music down to the level of advertisement soundtrack wallpaper, part of the vacuous consumer lifestyle epitomised by Classic FM's anti-intellectualism. Serious music demands serious attention - a self-respecting audience deserves better. Therefore, steer clear of this tripe, head for the genuine classical music racks and if you are newly investigating it, try a selection of bargains on the Naxos label (no frills, just the music). Find the name of a composer you enjoy, and instead of sticking with a three-minute clip, listen to an entire work (symphony, opera, concerto, quartet etc.) and evolve from there... Customer Rating: Summary: Great music, if a touch commercialised Comment: This is an amazing album, with many great tracks that I love listening to again and again. I don't understand why Star Wars was necessary to be included, however, there are many other film soundtracks more worthy. Apart from that, really enjoyable and a necessary addition to an amateur 'classical' music lovers' collection. Customer Rating: Summary: A collection of excellent performances and beautiful music Comment: The collection begins with Rachmaninov's third piano concerto, 1st movement. For those of you who have seen the film "Shine," the true mastery of this work will already be apparent. The first CD truely catches the varied moods from films such as "The Lord of the Rings," "Platoon," and "Star Wars." Not being a fan of opera, I did not initially listen to that particular CD in the collection for a day or two. All I have to say about this is just to give it a listen, it changed my views entirely. The third CD is again, excellently chosen with eight uplifting pieces, from the beauty of Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture to Elgar's magnificent Cello concerto. My only problem with the CD is that the version of "Star Wars" that is played is not the best arrangement I have heard, and feel that the orchestra has not captured the excitement and vision of John Williams. However, please don't let me put you off, as this is only a small glitch in what is a most excellent album, well worth adding to any collection small or large. More Reviews