Customer Reviews

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent choice for the beginner wanting to familiarize himself or herself with a selection of composers. The set features 20 composers. Each composer has one CD of his most popular compositions. To buy a box set like this and complain that it's not very complete because it doesn't have a CD by Bartok is like buying a single book entitled The History of the World and complaining it isn't complete because it doesn't cover Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Although many people will think there are other composers that should be featured in this set there is no arguing against the fact that these are some of the greatest composers of the last millennium. If this set was misnamed it is because it is geared toward familiarizing you with the greatest composers and not necessarily the greatest compositions. This set does a good job of familiarizing you with each composer. I don't think you can familiarize yourself with someone's work with any less than one CD. And at this price you can't go wrong.

I haven't always enjoyed classical music. But lately my wife and I have been growing more and more fond of it. We started out with the Phillips "Set Your Life to Music" series; Mozart for your Mind, Beethoven for Bedtime, etc. But we wanted to get more exposure to some of the masters that we weren't as familiar with. Schubert, Brahms, Handel, etc.

I came across this box set in my search, and for less than $3 per disc I thought I couldn't go wrong. And I didn't. This set is truly fantastic. I was a little more worried about the sound quality than I was about the musical selection since I was not too familiar with most of these composers. But, in truth, I had nothing to worry about. The sound quality is excellent on every disc. Most of these are either remastered or are recent recordings. And as far as I can tell, the selection of works is also excellent. There are some pieces here that I am very familiar with (and always wondered who composed them, which now I know), as well as some that I have never heard before and have thoroughly enjoyed being exposed to.

So, as I said, at less than $3 per disc, you really can't go wrong. But at even 5 times that amount I would still be extremely satisfied with this selection.

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

I bought this set wanting an introduction to a bunch of composers, many of whom I have heard very little if not nothing at all from, and expected to enjoy about half of the discs in this set. What I did not prepare for was having my rear end rocked off by one great piece after enough, leaving me in a state of undeniable bliss. I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I know a lot about the composers in this set, and I can tell you nothing about the circumstances under which each piece was written. I also admittedly do not "know better," though I know enough to realize that what you get on these CDs are snippets of larger, greater works. This is just a great collection of enjoyable music for people who want to get their feet wet. Every CD in this set is great, and the performances sound superb to my ears. Yet the snots will undoubtedly still complain about omissions, poor selections, or buyers "not getting it." You gotta start somewhere, and I've yet to see a better introduction. Plus it's cheaper than your average four-CD box set of derivative rock from past-their-prime fossils. What are you waiting for? Shouldn't you whip out your credit card and purchase this, NOW?

i can't believe this set is selling for $80 here. i bought this set years ago at circuit city for $35. last time i visited, there was still one on the shelf. *shrug* i would definitely try and find it cheaper, but even at this price you're not getting ripped off completely. all of the recordings are of good quality and the selections are actually pretty damn good compared to other "best of" sets.

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

The variety of composers on this compilation is great. From Bach to Stravinsky and quite a few in between. I am not a huge fan of classical music nor is my knowledge of it wide, but I enjoy popping one of the CDs and expanding my musical repitoire. My brother who is a classical musician agreed that this is a great introduction to those who want a wide sampling of classical music.

I have been trying to unravel all of the differnt types of classical music for years now.... Information is hard to come by and I thought I would give this set a try. I like that on the inside of each CD there is a brief life story of each artist. This is a wonderful collection of classical music.

I bougth this item to start my classical songs collection and I'm very satisfied with the product. It's a good overview of 20 of the greatest composers. The sound recording is excellent. The best buy I could have made to suit my purpose. I recommend it to anyone who want to start listening classical music.

Cheapest way of getting great music (by the set) Now I have a complete set