"Great Classical Composers" is nearly seven hours in length, but you'll find the time well spent if you are interested in classical music. Beginning with Bach in the 17th century and ending at the dawn of the 20th with Verdi, Strauss and Tchaikovsky, the tapes cover over two hundred years and arguably the greatest composers who ever lived.
The stories are a combination of narraration, actors reading quotes from the composers, and excerpts from some of their most famous compositions. You will hear Handel's "Messiah," Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro," Beethoven's 5th and 9th Symphonies, Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and much more. In addition, you will also learn the stories behind the works, often revealing details not commonly known.
Overall, this was a very good program. There was a slight echo when some actors were quoting the composers, but this does not detract much from the overall excellence of the production.
Four stars. Good stuff! |
Great Classical Composers: Appreciating Their Lives and Music Books In Print, Audio Books.