25 Beethoven Favorites

This is exactly what I wanted and I rec'd it very fast turnaround. Thanks you!

Very good! I ordered it especially for Piano Sonata No. 8 Pathetique

Wow! This is really good. I can't believe it's not beethoven himself playing! I really recommend it to anyone who's a Beethoven lover like me! Please, I really need to know if you agree with me...

This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

I must say that I am very disappointed with this CD. It's bad enough that only select movements from symphonies, concertos, sonatas, etc. are put on compilation albums like this one, but it irritates me to no end that even the individual movements themselves are cut! Supposedly "edited for leisure listening", this CD in no way fulfilled my expectations of what it would be. Most tracks are about 3 minutes long (whereas they should actually be anywhere from 5-15 minutes).

But aside from this content problem, the quality of the tracks is not that good either. The sound has a dull, flat quality to it, and is not as rich or lively as other recordings I've heard of the same pieces. (And in case this means anything to you: there is a note on the CD case that states "Digitally mastered from the original analog tapes"). Whether this is good or not, the CD does not sound as great as it seems to claim.

(Also, on a more irrelevant note: If you are expecting this CD to contain 25 of the most widely-known, familiar pieces, then don't buy it, because not many of them are popular).

My advice would be to find another compilation (even if that means buying one with less tracks) that contains the full versions of the movements and that sounds much better than this one.

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!