Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, Gregorio Allegri :: Allegri: Miserere and other Choral Masterpieces

Good disc of choral music for beginning classical listener

J. A. Stewart | NH, USA | 09/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disc contains short works and movements from bigger works by famous composers from the Renaissance era (Allegri and Palestrina), Baroque era (Bach and Handel), and the Classical era (Mozart). Most of these works are well known among seasoned classical fans and some have achieved the status of being overplayed (Handel's "Messiah," Bach's "Mass in B minor," Allegri's "Miserere mei," Mozart's "Requiem," and the original choral version of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," usually heard in an instrumental arrangement of some kind).
Some of these versions are not quite at the level of many more famous recordings, but I think they are decent enough if you're not ready for an entire work.
Sampler discs like this one will most likely not appeal to hard-core classical fans, but this disc should be perfectly satisfactory for someone who is looking for a cheap overview of some great choral works of the 17th and 18th centuries. Lastly, some sampler discs don't have full movements, only snippets. This one contains the full movements."

Superb Collection

Robert A. Bourgeois | Wallingford, CT USA | 01/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the newcomer to classical music, as well as for the experienced listener, this collection is spectacular. All the selections come from works of supreme beauty and genius. A true gem of a recording at a bargain price."