Customer Reviews

The Pachelbel Canon, Albinoni Adagio and Other Baroque Melodies

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

 

 

I know I gave this cd 5 stars; it deserves it. Every piece is so finely textured and lush. BUT the version of the Canon on this cd, as beautiful as it is, IS NOT the original version recorded by Paillard. This cd contains a new version which has been slightly re-arranged and speeded up a bit. The version on this cd is a minute shorter than the original which can be found on the ERATO cd, "PACHELBEL CANON/ FASCH/CONCERTO". Definitely buy the Erato cd first--this contains the "must-have" rendition of the Canon. But, of course, after you buy that one, you will probably want to buy this one as well. I have yet to hear any piece of music done by Jean-Francois Paillard that I have not loved.

When I was young, my parents had a vinyl version of this album, and it was played more than any other in my house. This CD version is only better. I cannot reccommend this CD enough. I have had to buy several copies of this, because people who never liked classical before hear it, and I give them a copy. This recording should be the first CD in any collection of music. It is simply one of the most sublime recordings ever!

I original grew up on baroque and classical music as a child because my parents were/are big fans of the music. Over the years, my tastes branched out into rock and roll and other genres of music but I always seem to come back to baroque and classical music. Over the years I have bought a quite a few classical cds. Some were good and some were mediocre. "Pachelbel Canon, Albinoni Adagio and Other Baroque Melodies" is by far my favorite of all the baroque/classical cds I have bought over the years. I was first given the cassette version in my freshman year in college by my parents. I eventually bought the cd version a couple of years ago. Pachelbel's "Canon" is definitely my all time favorite baroque song. The version on this album is by far my favorite arrangement. I still get the chills every time I listen to the song. I can truly never get sick and tired of listening to "Canon". When I first listened to this album, it was the first time I heard Albinoni's "Adagio". It is truly one of the most beautiful pieces in baroque history. Just like "Canon", I love the arrangements for Bach's "Jesus bleibet meine Freude" and"Wachet auf". The arrangements for those two songs simply takes my breath away. I have listened to countless different arrangements of those two songs but none have come close to the versions I have heard on this album. I may not be a classical/baroque afficienado but I certianly know what I like and I like what I heard on this album.

The version of Pachelbel's Canon on this CD is THE best I've ever heard. The strings used are so delicate and fine that one wishes he(she) could have been there for the original recording. The remainder of the CD is also very well done. Should be a part of every collection (classical and non-classical)!

This album brings back fond memories of my childhood and as many reviewers here, this Pachabel's Canon is hands down my favorite version recorded. Although not played in true baroque form, Paillard takes this well known classic and makes it his own. There is a sensuousness of this version not heard from others, as if the canon were rewritten by Debussey or Faure. While this piece is typically dominated by violin, Paillard's version seems to bring out each instrument (be it cello, viola, or harpsichord); milked with a fullness and balance unlike any other version. The piece crescendos to the end where all the instruments simply meld into an audio euphoria. Absolutely beautifully done! The rest of the album continues this distinctly French theme to the playing of baroque classics; as if it were a baroque painting painted by an impressionist painter. To note are the concertos that spotlight the oboe. An immensely difficult instrument to play (lungs of steel) and rarely showcased, it was a treat to hear it in Albinoni's works. This is a beautifuly done recording and I highly recommend it.

Unable to find a better title for this review, I could only choose fantastic. I have owned this CD for almost 25 years. I wore it out and it got damaged, so I just bought a new copy. If you only buy this album for Pachelbel's Canon, your money will be well spent! I have heard many versions of the Canon, but this one, for me is over the top! This song is so powerful and moving!! As I continued listening to the Canon over the years, I could actually hear lyrics, but not the type of lyrics one is used to hearing. This song has a language all its own. If you listen closely you'll be able to hear the lyrics too; I promise. I share it with almost anyone who is willing to listen. You will not be disappointed with this CD.

If you have but one classical recoding in your collection ~ this is the one to have! Wonderfully done and very moving.

I have a bazillion recordings of Pachebel's Canon. This was the first one I ever bought. It came out, on vinyl, around the time that it was used as theme music in the film, "Ordinary People". It is so beautiful that it still brings tears to my eyes. I have obviously replaced my vinyl with a CD, and it sounds even better.

Also on this record are the Albioni Adagio ("Gallipoli") and other pieces of music of that genre. This is not a CD of movie music, I think the reverence and beauty of the music has led film makers to use these pieces to back up their art. I recommend this recording highly. It has lasted in my favorites group for almost thirty years. Enjoy

First, let me state that I've only heard this version of the Pachelbel Canon. I overheard a co-worker playing it at her desk and decided that I wanted a copy, too! I've not regretted it! It is one powerful "mellowing" agent for me! Excellent playing, the sound is "decent." I usually give four stars if the sound is not the best, but this group deserves it! Five stars!

The beauty and feeling captured in this timeless recording will touch your soul. I cannot recommend this CD enough! An absolute must-have!!!