Customer Reviews

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

At 20 dollars, this is simply an amazing collection. With ten disks, that's roughly 2 dollars per disk. And each disk contains about an hour of music. That's about 10 hours! And surprisingly, the sound is actually good quality (not what one comes to expect). The conducting and the performers are also good. While you don't get any big names (aside from the composers themselves), you do get some very fresh and authentically performed music that is on par with any higher-priced disk. Each of the 10 CD's gets their own jewel case (standard packaging) and they are all contained in a cardboard box. I've had these disks for more years than I can remember and they're still in superb condition. This set is, really, probably the best gift of any kind you could give to anyone. They will increase anyone's appreciation of classical music with little cost. And with the diverse selection the set offers, it will serve to better anyone's education. This set gets my highest recommendation.

The composers are: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, J. Strauss, Verdi, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Vivaldi.

This set was actually purchased by my father when it first came out years ago for the price of about 50 dollars. I was about 12 yrs old and had no clue about classical music. Though i was hesitant at first to listen to classical when all my friends listened to rap and stuff, i gave it a shot, and fell in love. I have made many attempts to find other collections that are even as close to the quality that this one is, and have not been happy with any of them. Over time these cds have gotten scratched or lost, so i took it upon myself to find this set again, and when i did, i bought two.

I got this 10 cd set from a friend last christmas. This is truly a wonderful collection of works from very well known composers. The 10 cds cover a wide range of classical eras and styles, and they come in excellent packaging. Each disc is in its own seperate case, and all ten cases are put in a small yet sturdy cardboard box. The length of playing time on each disc varies from ~57 min to ~67 min, with most discs lasting longer than an hour. In addition, the inner flap of the cover case also provides a short yet informative biography of each composer. This disc set serves as a great way to begin for new classical music listeners. All the composers are well known and also new listeners of classical music may have even listened to a few pieces of the works.

While I frequently listen to classical music, there were some works by a few composers that I did not listen to (I also listen to pop, rock, french, russian, country, jazz..., so apparently Wagner and Verdi have eluded me). For example, I did not listen to Wagner's works, and most of Verdi's work were unknown to me. However, I listened to all of the cds and was quite pleased. The quality and performances on the discs are excellent, making this 10 cd set a definite steal considering its affordability. I also found that I really enjoy Verdi and Wagner's works, and now I will begin to look into other works of these composers.

If you are new to classical music and wish to start listening and enjoying this type of music, then this is a great way to get a full flavor of this genre without investing too much money. However, please understand that classical music usually takes time to appreciate. Play the cds, and if you dont like a piece, dont disregard it at first. Play it in the background or listen to it everyday--the point is to constantly listen. Over time, you will find that you can now detect nuances and certain parts that you particularly enjoy, and you will probably begin to like that piece. However, if you are already well versed in classical music, still consider buying this set, as it is a great addition to any library, and the price is certainly not exorbitant.

Mozart - tracks 1 to 11 (Nachtmusik to Cassation K99),
Bach - tracks 12 to 25 (Suite No. 4 to Violin Concerto No. 2),
Beethoven - tracks 26 to 35 (Symphony No. 5 to Egmont Overture),
Strauss - tracks 36 to 43 (Die Fledermaus to Gypsy Baron einzugmarsch),
Wagner - tracks 44 to 51 (Tannhauser overture to Tannhauser guests),
Tchaikovsky - tracks 52 to 61 (Piano Concerto No. 1 to Eugene Onegin),
Vivaldi - tracks 62 to 70 (Spring to Winter),
Chopin - tracks 71 to 85 (Scherzo No. 1 to Mazurka No. 4),
Schubert - tracks 86 to 95 (Ave Maria to Unfinished Symphony),
Verdi - tracks 96 to 106 (Nabucco overture to La forza Overture)

I received this boxed set of CDs for my eleventh birthday. Before, I really hadn't heard a variaty of classical music, but I understood classical music better after listening to this set. I am a piano student, so this set was beneficial to me in that area, as well. I was exposed to music of three of the four eras, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. This set gives some of the most famous works of some of the millenium's best composers. It's a good, basic introduction to classical music, and I would recommend it to any person who is just discovering the centuries-old magic of this genre. My collection of CDs grew rapidly after listening to this collection because my music appreciation grew. Now, three years later, I am very fond of classical music and own over fifty classical CDs. I'd like to think that this set is what sparked my interest.

I was curious about classical music and wanted to learn more so I bought this set based on the previous reviews and the affordable price. I found this boxed set to be a great introduction. Each of the ten CD's is dedicated to a great composer and is kind of a greatest hits collection. The quality of the recordings are very good as is the selection of tunes included. After I listened to these cd's I was surprised at how many of these melodies I have heard before. I highly recommend this set to any novice listener of classical music.

I purchased this set years ago to broaden my knowledge of the classical composers, and classical music.

Inside each case, there is a brief written biography on each composer, and a CD filled with their most popular songs. This is a good tool for beginners to learn how to recognize and identify composers and compositions. The quality of the orchestration is wonderful. In fact, I have been unable to find a better "Air on the G string"... and I have searched!

My children have listened and learned as well. They have their favorite composers, and they still ask me to play discs on occaision. They enjoy Bach and Beetoven!

This 10-CD set is very reasonably priced. The CDs average over 60 minutes each. The orchestras vary but the quality is high. It's, of course, a great way to introduce yourself, your children, &/or others to a variety of classical music. Of course, they had to limit the number of composers--so Brahms, Handel, & (my personal favorite) Telemann are not included. Boo! But you can't win them all. As a baroque lover, I like the Bach & Vivaldi CDs very much, but also the Mozart. Many of the included pieces are familiar (and may be on other albums in your collection if you are already into classical music). I find that their quality is comparable to the others I have. IMHO, the value one would place on this set depends on which composers, compositions, & styles of music one likes. In any case, it's a fine way to round out one's collection.

I purchased these CD's over 10 years ago. I was not into classical music at the time, just curious. It has kindled a love for classical music in my life. The performances are full of life and the sound quality is quite good for the most part. I would recommended this as a gift that will be appreciated in the short term and could blossom into a full blown love affair with classical music. It is an ideal way to discover what styles, works, and composers you like best.

I've been listening to classical music throughout my whole life...Can't stop listening to Vivaldi, one of my favorite composers. Can't stop listening to Mozart, Bach with his purely baroque soothing and relaxing style (even the Toccata and Fugue), Beethoven (maestro). The only composer that just broke the feeling was Chopin, which, in my very humble opinion, tends to be quite chaotic sometimes. Anyway, don't hesitate and get this box. It'll do you good either you're listening to it on the comfort of your home or you're letting yourself go off some tension on the road (get an MP3-CD player so you'll have to carry 1 CD instead of the whole box). Oh, and I'd also recommend the 10-disc box set "Meditation: Classical Relaxation".