VA - Best Classics 100 [6CD Box Set] (2004)

"Best Classics 100" is a comprehensive 6CD box set released in 2004, featuring a curated selection of classical music masterpieces. This collection aims to introduce listeners to some of the most iconic works from renowned composers across different periods, including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras.Each disc features a mix of orchestral works, chamber music, and piano compositions, offering a broad overview of classical music’s rich heritage. The collection is ideal for both classical music aficionados and newcomers looking to explore timeless pieces.

Presented on six CDs, EMI's Best Classics 100 is divided into six approachable programs that help organize the immense subject of classical music. Uplifting Classics opens the package with energetic pieces that have been picked for the cheerfulness they inspire, and in a similar mood-enhancing way, the second CD offers Relaxing Classics, a gathering of slow and reflective pieces and movements from larger works. The third disc, Vocal Classics, is devoted to excerpts from operas and art songs, while the fourth disc, Golden Classics, is focused on orchestral gems. The fifth CD, Favorite Classics, is a collection of perennials that have stood the tests of time and frequency of performance, and the final disc, Spiritual Classics, covers some of the best-known sacred works in western music. Because this is a straightforward, no-frills survey, lacking any background notes and providing only a booklet of tracklistings, listeners are left on their own to find a historical context or other ways to appreciate the significance of these works. However, the virtue of this set is that it delivers the music without complications, so the music can be approached directly and purely for enjoyment. Drawing on its extensive backlist, EMI has brought together famous renditions by its major stars, and even though the session dates range from 1959 to 2003 and include both ADD and DDD recordings, the volume and sound quality are well-balanced for comfortable home listening.

TRACKLIST:

CD 1 - Uplifting Classics
1 HANDEL: The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
2 VIVALDI: Le quattro stagioni
3 J. S. BACH: Toccata in D minor BWV565i
4 MOZART: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat K495
5 BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.5 in C minor Op.67
6 TCHAIKOVSKY: ‘1812’ Overture (conclusion)
7 BEETHOVEN: Ode to Joy (Symphony No.9 in D minor ‘Choral’, Op.125)
8 GRIEG: Piano Concerto in A minor Op.16
9 SIBELIUS: Alla marcia (Karelia Suite, Op.11/3)
10 HOLST: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (conclusion) (The Planets, Op.32)
11 TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor Op.23
12 SIBELIUS: Finlandia Symphonic Poem, Op.26
13 VERDI: Gloria all’Egitto (Triumphal Scene & Grand March)
14 PROKOFIEV: Montagues and Capulets
15 J. STRAUSS I: Radetzky March
16 ELGAR: Pomp and Circumstance March No.1
17 RACHMANINOV: Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor
18 SAINT-SAËNS: Symphony No.3 in C minor ‘Organ’ Op.78 (conclusion) (Maestoso – Allegro)

CD 2 - Relaxing Classics
1 J. S. BACH: Air ‘on the G string’ (Suite No.3 in D, BWV1068)
2 GLUCK: Dance of the Blessed Spirits
3 PACHELBEL: Canon in D
4 MOZART: Clarinet Concerto in A K622
5 J. S. BACH: Goldberg Variations BWV988
6 ALBINONI: Adagio in G minor
7 BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No.14 in C sharp minor ‘Moonlight’ Op.27/2
8 MOZART: Flute & Harp Concerto in C K299
9 MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto in E minor Op.64
10 MOZART: Piano Concerto No.21 in C ‘Elvira Madigan’ K467
11 DVOŘÁK: Symphony No.9 ‘From the New World’
12 BRUCH: Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor Op.26
13 ELGAR: Nimrod (‘Enigma’ Variations, Op.36)
14 RODRIGO: Concierto de Aranjuez
15 VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: The Lark Ascending
16 MAHLER: Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor

CD 3 - Vocal Classics
1 BIZET: Au fond du temple saint
2 DVOŘÁK: Song to the Moon (Rusalka)
3 DELIBES: Dôme épais (Flower Duet) (Lakmé)
4 BIZET: La fleur que tu m’avais jetée (Flower Song) (Carmen)
5 GLUCK: Che farò senza Euridice? (Orfeo ed Euridice)
6 BELLINI: Casta Diva (Norma)
7 PUCCINI: Che gelida manina (La Bohème)
8 PUCCINI: O mio babbino caro (Gianni Schicchi)
9 TRAD: Baïlèro (Chants d’Auvergne)
10 PUCCINI: Vogliatemi bene (Madama Butterfly)
11 VERDI: Va, pensiero (Chorus of Hebrew Slaves) (Nabucco)
12 LEHÁR: Es lebt’ eine Vilja (Die lustige Witwe)
13 HANDEL: Ombra mai fu (Serse) (arr. Hoffman)
14 SCHUBERT: Ave Maria (Ellens Gesang III) D839
15 ADAM: Minuit, Chrétiens (arr. Kremski)
16 PUCCINI: Nessun dorma (Turandot)

CD 4 - Golden Classics
1 MOZART: Le nozze di Figaro – Overture
2 J. S. BACH: Jesus bleibet meine Freude
3 BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat ‘Emperor’ Op.73
4 CLARKE: Trumpet Voluntary
5 GOUNOD: Judex (Mors et Vita)
6 ROSSINI: La scala di seta – Overture
7 HANDEL: Sarabande (arr. Hale)
8 TCHAIKOVSKY: Waltz of the Flowers (The Nutcracker)
9 PROKOFIEV: Troika (Lieutenant Kijé)
10 VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Fantasia on ‘Greensleeves’
11 DEBUSSY: Clair de lune
12 TCHAIKOVSKY: Swan Lake Scene (Act II, No.10)
13 MYERS: Cavatina (The Deer Hunter)
14 CHOPIN: Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor
15 HORNER: My Heart Will Go On (Titanic)
16 QUARANTOTTO: Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partiro)
17 J. STRAUSS II: An der schönen blauen Donau

CD 5 - Favourite Classics
1 MASCAGNI: Intermezzo (Cavalleria rusticana)
2 RACHMANINOV: Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor Op.18
3 GRIEG: Morning (Peer Gynt Incidental Music, Op.23)
4 SHOSTAKOVICH: Romance (The Gadfly)
5 BARBER: Adagio for Strings
6 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade
7 MASSENET: Méditation (Thaïs)
8 BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances (Prince Igor)
9 KHACHATURIAN: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (Spartacus)
10 TCHAIKOVSKY: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture (excerpt)
1 BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.7 in A Op.92
12 J. S. BACH: Double Violin Concerto in D minor BWV1043
13 WILLIAMS: Schindler’s List Theme
14 TCHAIKOVSKY: Dance of the Reed Flutes (The Nutcracker)
15 BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.6 in F ‘Pastoral’ Op.68

CD 6 - Spiritual Classics
1 HANDEL: Zadok the Priest
2 J. S. BACH: Zion hört die Wächter (Cantata No.140)
3 ALLEGRI: Miserere mei, Deus (vv 1-4, 17-20)
4 SCHUBERT: Deutsche Messe D872 – Sanctus
5 FRANCK: Panis angelicus (arr. Sandré)
6 BERLIOZ: L’Adieu des bergers (L’Enfance du Christ)
7 GOUNOD: St Cecilia Mass – Sanctus
8 FAURÉ: In paradisum (Requiem, Op.48)
9 MOZART: Laudate Dominum (Solemn Vespers, K339)
10 FAURÉ: Cantique de Jean Racine
11 VERDI: Ingemisco (Requiem)
12 MOZART: Ave verum corpus K618
13 HANDEL: I know that my Redeemer liveth
14 HAYDN: The Heavens are Telling (The Creation)
15 FAURÉ: Pie Jesu (Requiem)
16 MOZART: Lacrimosa (Requiem in D minor, K626)
17 HANDEL: Hallelujah Chorus (Messiah)