Performed by the English Chamber Orchestra and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, conducted by Benjamin Britten

This is without doubt a superior recording of the six Brandenburg Concertos, with renowned 20^th Century composer Benjamin Britten conducting. Performances by trumpet soloists and orchestra members are excellent. If you want an outstanding Baroque CD for your library, hear this one!

Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus, conducted by Benjamin Britten

Britten wrote this emotionally charged piece with three singers in mind, one from Germany, England, and the Soviet Union--representing the unification of three countries scarred by WWII. Conducted by the composer, this is the definitive recording.

Performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Boulez

Boulez wonderfully conducts this beautiful short work. A singularly gorgeous rendition. The CD also contains Images and Printemps, two other Impressionistic works.

Performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kurt Masur

Dvorak's most popular symphony, this piece holds the audience on the edge of their seats. The first two movements are beautifully slow and lyrical, while the last two have momentum and energy, building to an exciting climax.

Performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Lorin Maazel

First written as a traditional piano solo, this piece had little popularity until Ravel orchestrated it. Each number represents a different picture at a gallery; titles include The Marketplace at Limoges, Catacombs, and The Great Gate at Kiev. This is an excellent work for studying orchestration.

Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan

Prokofiev's first symphony, this work uses forms of the Classical Period yet alters them for the 20^th Century. If you have studied music you will find this piece humorous.

Performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Glenn Dicterow

A famous and exciting work about adventures at sea.

Performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein

This is a great CD for kids because it contains three children's classics: Peter and the Wolf (Prokofiev), The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Britten), and Carnival of the Animals. This CD stands out because in Carnival, Bernstein gives entertaining introductions of each animal-piece--which both kids and adults will find amusing! Several featured members of the orchestra are young musicians under age twenty. A fun recording.

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