99 Must-Have Mozart Masterpieces

Various Artists | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Performers: Various Artists
• Original Release Date: June 14, 2011
• Label: Cobra Entertainment LLC
• Copyright: (c) 2011 Cobra Entertainment LLC
• Total Length: 9:30:16
• Genres: Classical/Historical Periods/Classical (c.1770-1830)
• ASIN: B0051U6XZU
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)
  • #6 in MP3 Downloads > MP3 Albums > Classical > Historical Periods > Classical (c.1770-1830)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good bargain, good recordings -- a nice Mozart 101, June 16, 2011

By 

T. Fisher - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: 99 Must-Have Mozart Masterpieces (MP3 Download)

This set of (mostly) excerpts from Mozart compositions features quality recordings of good performances, and is a good choice for anyone who wants an in-depth introduction to Mozart, or just a nice playlist of mostly popular Mozart works. On the downside, it is a collection of excerpts, rather than full works. But of course many people are fine with that, and may actually prefer a "best of"-type collection.

An obvious question for many will be how this collection from LA-based Cobra Entertainment compares to the earlier set The 99 Most Essential Mozart Masterpieces from Sweden's X5 Music Group. According to my calculations, 33 of the 99 tracks have the same music, although in different performances. These are almost all typical "greatest hits" that anyone would recognize.

The other 66 tracks are different selections than those X5 made, and are not all will be instantly recognizable to everyone -- but still all great Mozart. I think it's safe to say there are more opera tracks here, including nine selections from "The Marriage of Figaro" and 10 from "The Magic Flute" (although surprisingly, these do not include the two of the most famous/popular selections -- the aria of the Queen of the Night or "Papageno, Papagena").

I am on the record in a lot of reviews as somewhat critical when sets like these, focused on a single composer, present only excerpts from larger works. This is why the set rates four stars in my book, but if you prefer this kind of selection, it could be easily five stars for you.

A note for those concerned about repetition. There were four Mozart tracks on the recent bargain collection 99 Must-Have Chillout Classics, and all of these are repeated in this set. Some repetition is normal -- content providers by their nature live on repackaging content to some extent. Four tracks isn't much, but caution may be warranted in the future as Cobra Entertainment's catalog grows.

I haven't listened to every track, but have listened to many and sampled most by now. The performances are good and the technical quality is very good for MP3 -- variable bit rates averaging 201 to 246 kbps with quality underlying recordings. Total download size is 936 MB.

This set is a great bargain, especially at the introductory price of two dollars. It is also nice listening in the car. And finally, with the recent birth of our son, I am always on the lookout for good music in the nursery, and I think most of this will be excellent. I think the short selections here may actually more appropriate than full-length works for the short attention span of an infant.

Recommended for anyone, except for those with great Mozart collections already.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent collection at an outstanding price..., June 23, 2011

By 

R.K.S., Esq. (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: 99 Must-Have Mozart Masterpieces (MP3 Download)

...I truly can't hope to offer too much more above and beyond the review of T. Fisher (who always does provide wonderfully detailed, informative reviews), but I will echo his sentiments that this set is phenomenal. Terrific musicianship, excellent sound quality, all for a price that is an absolute steal. It is worth far more than its current price. Of course, the music speaks for itself; these are truly beautiful, magnificent pieces.

Highly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars How to use an MP3?, February 10, 2012

By 

Jo Tuttle - See all my reviews

This review is from: 99 Must-Have Mozart Masterpieces (MP3 Download)

I'm a new user of small iPod and don't know even how to use it to advantage yet.Jo T.Apple iPod touch 8GB (4th Generation) - Black - Current VersionI'd like to have a copy of Verdie's Aida but what type of disc would one order.