700 Years of Classical Treasures (CDs + Book) [Box set]

Multiple (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Number of Discs: 8
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
• ASIN: B000ICJ43Y
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,926 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Experience the full range of classical music in this unique collection. Starting with the Middle Ages and Renaissance, embark on a musical journey through the Baroque, the Classical and Romantic periods to the modern age. Not only are the greatest masterworks by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and scores of other composers included, but you get a comprehensive history of the music. It's all contained in a lovely 100-page book, profusely illustrated with beautiful paintings and with detailed notes on all 140-plus selections.

Including:

SPRING FROM "THE FOUR SEASONS" (Vivaldi)
National Philharmonic Orchestra

CANON IN D (Pachelbel)
National Philharmonic Orchestra

AIR ON THE G STRING (Bach)
National Philharmonic Baroque Ensemble

WATER MUSIC SUITE: AIR (Handel)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

HALLELUJAH CHORUS FROM "MESSIAH" (Handel)
The Ambrosian Singers; Philharmonic Symphony of London

SERENADE (Haydn)
Philharmonic Symphony of London

EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK: ALLEGRO (Mozart)
London Promenade Orchestra

SYMPHONY NO. 40 IN G MINOR: 1ST MOVEMENT (Mozart)
Sinfonia of London

SYMPHONY NO. 5 IN C MINOR: 1ST MOVEMENT (Beethoven)
Philharmonic Symphony of London

MOONLIGHT SONATA (Beethoven)
Sinfonia of London

WILLIAM TELL OVERTURE (Rossini)
National Philharmonic Orchestra

MARCH MILITAIRE (Schubert)
Daniel Blumenthal and Charles Gerhardt, Twin Pianos

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: WEDDING MARCH (Mendelssohn)
Philharmonic Symphony of London

ETUDE NO. 3 IN E (TRISTESSE) (Chopin)
Philharmonic Symphony of London

WALTZ FROM "FAUST" (Gounod)
Philharmonic Symphony of London

EMPEROR WALTZ (J. Strauss, Jr.)
London Symphony Orchestra

And more!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Another tacky, recycled collection from Reader's Digest, December 9, 2011

By 

Seventies guy "Johnny" (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 700 Years of Classical Treasures (CDs + Book) (Audio CD)

This collection, even though it boasts an attractive book, would offend any serious classical music fan or purist. First of all, only short extracts of the music are presented (not always the case, but very often). Second of all, many of the works are not even presented in their original form, but are modern arrangements (the Moonlight sonata, for example - why would anybody want to tamper with the original?). Then there are the tacky historical howlers, for example putting an arrangement of the Gounod/Bach piece "Ave Maria" on the Baroque cd (Gounod lived in the 19th century so this is not a baroque piece!). And on the same cd they put a tacky elevator music arrangement of "greensleeves", which is an Elizabethan piece, not baroque! Either the producers of this collection are idiots or they wanted to dumb things down to make it palatable to the lowest common denominator. And anyway, this is just regurgitated from other collections they've put out.

Pleasant enough listening, but if you're serious about classical music, you'll want to stay away from this one....

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 700 years of Classical Music, March 23, 2009

By 

Willie X. Shapiro "xiomara" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 700 Years of Classical Treasures (CDs + Book) (Audio CD)

This little book of CD's is a treasure and a wonderful way to learn music over the centuries. I've given a few as gifts - wonderful!

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing collection, August 22, 2011

By 

teriker - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 700 Years of Classical Treasures (CDs + Book) (Audio CD)

For those who love classical...this is definitely the collection for you. Easily recognizeable songs, especially in the later years. Easy to like, and easy to listen to.