Search - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Georges Bizet, Richard [Classical] Wagner :: Best Classics 100 Volume 2

Excellent listening

Theodore A. Jaeger Jr. | Fulton, Missouri | 06/27/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased Volume 1 and 2 at the same time and in the short time I have had them I have listened to all selections at least once and some twice or more and my conclusion is that this is an excellet buy and addition to your music library. Selections in Vol 2 are less well known but all are excellent."

Another Great Overview of the Classical Genre Courtesy of EM

Media Mike | Georgia, U.S. | 12/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recently I wrote a very positive review for Volume 1 of EMI's 100 Best Classics. This second volume shares the same strengths, and truth be told, I actually enjoy this volume a little more. This is another terrific yet inexpensive introduction or overview of classical music.



The strengths of this six CD set are that: (1) 100 selections are provided, allowing a wide scope of music contained within the genre generally regarded as "classical", (2) these are strong performances from significant conductors and orchestras,(3) at a price of $20 or less, this is a very good value, and (4) this six CD collection is packaged compactly enough to essentially take up the physical space of a double-CD jewel case.



This set's format is simultaneously an advantage and disadvantage. A CD provides less than 80 minutes of music, and a 6 CD set containing 100 selections will necessarily provide hi-lites of famous pieces rather than the complete works. This is a problem for many people, and for good reason. I find most of the selections provide a satisfying sample, however at least a few tracks seem much too short (Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in particular seemed to be left hanging). The advantage however is that it is feasable to get an overview of many works in a single sitting; this set is all about presenting an introduction to or reminder of a variety of different pieces of outstanding music.



The approach here is similar to volume one of the same series, but I actually enjoy listening to this volume a little more. The previous volume covers familiar ground in the classical genre, such as Beethoven's Fifth Symmphony, Mozart's "Figaro", and Pachelbel's "Canon in D". These are obviously cornerstones of classical, but there's a good chance that if you have picked up any other classical music compilations that you may find some of this ground already covered...perhaps multiple times. What I like about volume 2 is that while the music is still very well-known, it is not as ubiquitous and seems a little more "fresh" to me. Even if you have not heard these before, I bet selections like Bernstein's "Candide" or Mussorgsky's "Night on the Bare Mountain" (to name a few) are still going to be entertaining for most listeners.



I think this set is a great companion to Volume 1 of the series. The first collection is probably a better choice for those who are trying classical music for the first time as it contains more of what I would consider the flat-out "essentials".



Nevertheless, I find this to be a good sampling of the rollicking side of classical music. I recommend it to newcomers to classical music who would like a deeper taste of the variety this genre has to offer. It's also a safe bet for those who already have the complete works but appreciate a combination of variety and quality in one inexpensive package."