Romantic Adagios 2

Romantic Adagios (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 2003)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00007KMSL
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,596 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Decca Sampler--mostly a winner, March 23, 2003

By 

Dr. Christopher Coleman (HONG KONG) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Romantic Adagios 2 (Audio CD)

The title, the blurb "Over 2 1/2 hours of the world's most passionate music", and the cover photo of a deserted beach at sunset create the impression that this CD is make-out music for snobs. In fact, purists are likely to scorn it--the music is not solely from the Romantic era, and neither are all the pieces slow. But they probably have most of these well-known works in complete versions, anyway. Admittedly, if the CD had been marketed as a sampler of slower instrumental music few would have given it a second glance.

Romantic Adagios II is an interesting introduction to instrumental art music, though. Decca's stable of truly great performing artists are well represented. Among them are the Academy of Ancient Music, the London Symphony, the Concertgebouw Orchesta; performers Vladimir Ashkenazy, Lynn Harrell, and Joshua Bell; and conductors Georg Solti, Bernard Haitink, and Herbert von Karajan. Compositions range widely through music history, including works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, and Debussy. Especially lovely are the adagios from Rachmaninov's Second Symphony and Grieg's Piano Concerto.

Not everything about this compilation is an aesthetic delight. Tchaikovsky suffers the indignity of having a theme from his Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture plucked from its context in the heart of a single-movement work and supplied with an ineffectual fade-out ending. That the performance is an old one with poor recording quality and a noticeable intonation problem makes one wonder why it was even included. And why Neville Mariner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, normally a superb combination, perform Bach's Air on a G String like it was a violin concerto, with the melodic line so forward that the counterpoint is mostly lost, I can't explain. Those who don't know the piece will still find it lovely, but it is certainly not the best performance available.

Regardless, Romantic Adagios II is a pleasant initiation to the splendours of Classical Music. If you are hungry for something other than rock and pop, give it a try. At the price, it's a bargain.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's better than three stars, January 3, 2008

By 

J. Peterson (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Romantic Adagios 2 (Audio CD)

I certainly cannot add any more than what the previous reviewer stated, but I do have something to say. I have an office job and like to listen to pleasant music while I work. I have listened to this CD quite a few times and have never found it to be dull or boring. I am just an average guy who likes decent music. One of my favorite classical pieces of all time is Ralph Vaughn Williams "Fantasia on a Theme" which is included on this CD (Mp3). Overall, I believe Decca has done a commendable job with this series. If you are very particular about your music, maybe you will consider it to be a three. But, if you are like me, you will find that at worst it is a 4 and in my estimation, deserves a five.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful relaxation, March 4, 2010

By 

ThomasFAllaire (Central New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Romantic Adagios 2 (Audio CD)

An outstanding compilation of delightful pieces by world class performers. Perfect for a relaxing day at home or an unobtrusive background.