Perfect to learn to appreciate classical music
929262
There are a few impediments for young people to learning to love classical music.  Some of them are the fact that Classical music is missing some of the things we are by now very used to hearing in music.  Whence the drums?  where is the boom-boom beat?  Amongst other things, listening to Mr  Loussier, we get these things.  I have found it leads to harder things  8).
That being said, now that I am a classical music affectionado, I have  learned to enjoy Mr. Loussier's music on a whole new level.
Needless to  say I highly endorse this CD.
4335837
I've just started reading this book in preparation for a class I'm about to teach and I'm finding it remarkably refreshing in its accessible, insightful, informative-yet-not-overly-academic approach to a difficult topic, namely 20th century music. The CD that accompanies it has 20 short, representative examples of music from the 20th century -- and I'm starting with the CD for a reason. Duckworth continually emphasizes the centrality of sound in this book -- for composers and listeners alike. The prose that accompanies each track on the CD is captivating and easy to read, capturing the essence of each composer without attempting to provide an exhaustive "summary" of her/his place in the writing of music history. The prose is infused with quotations by the composers themselves (gleaned from interviews, etc.) that shed a personal and direct light on them and the way they view their art.
Again, I haven't finished reading it yet -- but I'm finding that it's whetting my appetite and making me rethink my approach to new and unfamiliar music.
Although having knowledge of music theory and music history will help you get more out of this book, it is by no means a requirement.
4217720
I play and teach a lot of different instruments and wish I had more time to play classical, but I really love this book. The techniques are presented very methodically and comprehensively. Even from the very first duets, the pieces are interesting and fun to play. The repetoire pieces in the back are great. I don't know a true beginner could teach themselves classical guitar without some lessons, but this book together with a good teacher will provide an excellent start in classical guitar. It might even awaken a passion for the classical guitar.  I'll go so far as to say that if I had discovered this book as a teenager it might have changed the direction of my life!
1826011
I am a huge classical music fan, always looking for that perfect recording and being most critical when it doesn't suit my taste. Even so, I had a lot to learn about composers and pieces of great music that I was unfamiliar with. It delights me to report that I have found most of what Ted Libbey has said about building a classical CD collection to be true. He offers a list well thought out; not just according to sales but more in terms of history and attention to detail. Since buying, reading, and rereading this book, I have increased my classical collection considerably. What I find most surprising is how often I agree with the selections and comments the author makes here. Obviously, not all of the time but more often than not, I find his selection to be worthy. I would love to make recommendations for more music to add to the list; such as Mendelssohn's "Songs without words." But the author himself mentioned his difficulty in limiting the list to just 350. I appreciate his insite and have learned a lot from this book. I highly recommend it.
3500271
I am enjoying starting piano with these pieces (in addition to a method book).  Each one is a brief, easy arrangement that gives you a taste of the "real thing", but at a beginner's level.  You do not need an orchestra and Beethoven by your side, to have fun playing these classical music selections.  Most of them have been easy enough for me (as an adult with some musical background, but new to the piano) to read and play.  I am really enjoying recognizing themes I have heard before on TV or in cartoons.  The notes with each piece give information about the composer, purpose, context of the music, and more.  Very pleasing and a nice book for the beginning adult!
2438952
In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses.  This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music.  My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.

I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.
2331636
I purchased this cd after hearing one song from it on classical radio. Because it is a cd meant to show students how to play songs, the songs are played simply, without embellishment.  They are lovely. This is a great cd to play when you want to relax and just hear simple melodies played beautifully.
4870366
I bought this book at a community sale. I am so glad I did. None of the songs are too difficult, and a few are downright easy! I had four years of lessons as a child, but have played very little since then. The notes on most of the songs do not go off the staffs, which I really appreciate as I am relearning and reconditioning my fingers to play. I keep finding new little gems as I flip through the book. I liked it so much I got one for my sister for Christmas this year - she has four children under ten who will love these. If you have had a couple of years of lessons, you will enjoy these songs with a little work, and if you are really proficient, you will enjoy the songs after a few times playing them. I mean, who can resist the Brady Bunch theme?

I am using the songs to break up the frustration of trying to tackle one harder song in another book. I find I enjoy playing these songs much more than the classical music I am working to learn.
3984271
This is a great book.  It has some nice songs too.  Love playing classical music :D
2095553
Two hours of relaxing classical music is what you get with this collection. Varying tempos, but all of it soothing to the spirit and easy to listen to as a backdrop to a busy day. This collection should appeal to anyone who enjoys classical music, but also to those looking for an introduction to various compositions.

TIP: If you are going to enjoy ANY Prime Music, be sure to download the latest&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Amazon-Music/dp/B004FRX0MY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Amazon Music</a>&nbsp;app on Amazon, or in iTunes for iOS devices. The older Amazon Cloud Player doesn't play the Prime Music playlists correctly - so I found out - and thus you need the latest version to get things to play without issue.
1241552
This is great for students,pros and for audiences that don't like to sit still long enough to listen to long classical pieces.
4565077
I had no prior experience with music playing (other than blowing some simple tunes from a harmonica) and, yet, I found this

book to be surprisingly easy to learn from.  It smoothly and concisely guides the reader through the key elements of piano playing, starting with one-hand playing, but quickly to two-hands, then chords, etc., and ending with sharp and flat notes.  It is well organized, has well thought out exercises, advices, and a diverse collection of (short) attractive tunes of increasing complexity (from Jingle Bells to Waltzing Matilda to Silent Night to Green Sleeves to We Shall Overcome to Minuet in G Minor).  I prefer it to other teach-yourself piano books that take much longer to cover the same skills, such as The Complete Piano Player or Piano for Dummies.  I particularly like that it gets to two-hand playing almost right away, which I feel is better preparation--even if it feels hard and slows the playing initially.  It may have helped (coordination-wise) that I have been typing for 20+ years with both hands.  If you are looking for a book that teaches all the essentials of basic piano playing in a thoughtful and concise way, then I recommend this book.

If you perfer a slower pace, then maybe look elsewhere.

For me, this was the perfect book to learn from.
995193
This recording of marvelous works is an easy first step for the classical-music-phobe or the otherwise overwhelmed. - Douglas Hyde, Classical Music Editor, AUDIO Magazine.

Tracks:

Russian Easter Overture, Opus 36 - Rimsky-Korsakoff

Air From Orchestral Suite in D Major, BWV 1068 - J. S. Bach

Parigi, O Cara (duet from La Traviata) - Verdi

Finale, from String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Opus 96 The American - Dvorak

Dies Irae from Requiem in D, K. 626 - Mozart

Finale, from Concerto for Violin in E Minor, Opus 64 - Mendelssohn

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Opus 13 Pathetique - Beethoven

Gretchen Am Spinnrade, Opus 2 - Schubert
3656688
I loved this rendition of classical music. I am new to classical but this is making my transition easier and more pleasant
4268350
I played for a recital for the first time and played one of the pieces from this book. I originally became acquainted with the book from my piano teacher in an adult piano class. The pieces are musical and are original, unedited pieces written by classical composers which suits my background as being fluent in classical music in another instrument. The pieces are also really good for learning to play with both hands, and for developing technique as a beginning pianist. Love this and highly recommend it. I bought the other books in the series for future use.
2091860
This is classical music with peoms and other sweet messages along with it.  If the talking would really bug you, then don't go this route.  But my preschooler likes it and it helps him settle down for sleep.  He's getting to where he recognizes the pieces when he hears them in other settings, like on the radio in the car.  I love that!  I'm a big fan of all of the Classical Kids CDs.
1102900
If you're struggling to learn how to read music like me, this is sure to help!