Classical Music

The Best Of John Williams

This disc continues Marco Polo's tasteful chronicle of Argentinean composer Alberto Williams' music for solo piano. As in volume one, this selection collects several graceful waltzes and perky mazurkas (always a pleasure to listen to). But the standouts on this release are the extended pieces: Poem of the Bells (1912), Poem of the Ravine (1920), and Poem of the Valley (1920). Poem of the Bells may remind you of Rachmaninov's choral symphony, The Bells, but its opening sequences hark back even further to Mussorgsky. The main influence on these extended tone poems for piano, however, sounds like it comes from Ravel, but this doesn't mean that Williams' music derives entirely from European modes. Poem of the Ravine and Poem of the Valley clearly display their Argentinean character, incorporating subtle folk motifs and songs from the pampas. Pianist Valentin Surif plays these works with obvious affection, and his attention to detail brings out their special flavor, particularly in the vivacious Poem of the Valley. Recommended for all fans of offbeat solo piano works in the Romantic mode. --Paul Cook, ClassicsToday.com

Chris Williams: Songs of the Coromandel Coast

Songwriter hall of fame member Paul Williams, country legend Willie Nelson, Melissa Manchester and Gonzo the Muppet in real HD-Audio. This double disc collector's edition set is a double-sided DVD with an interactive program and 75" linear show. Bonus features include system setup, live performance video, photo gallery, liner notes, and bios.

WILLIAMS, H.: Whale Nation (Unabridged)

WILLIAMS: Piano Music, Vol. 1

Grace Williams (19 February 1906 - 10 February 1977) was a Welsh composer. Born in the coastal town of Barry, near Cardiff, Grace learned piano and violin and developed her musical skills early. She won the Morfydd Owen scholarship to Cardiff University in 1923 where she studied under Professor David Evans and in 1926 she proceeded to the Royal College of Music, London, where she was taught by Gordon Jacob and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Williams is regarded by many as one of Wales finest composers. She wrote two symphonies, the earlier being the first symphony ever composed by a Welsh composer, a mass, one opera, numerous other pieces for orchestras and chamber ensemble, as well as accomplished vocal works. She was also the first British woman to score a feature film, with Blue Scar in 1949. Her chamber music, recorded here for the first time, spans 40 years.

The Legacy of Mary Lou Williams

The Messiah College Wind Ensemble, under the baton of conductor Bradley Genevro presents this collection of tracks for wind ensemble. Songs include "Victory Fanfare," "Luminosity," "Fantasia for Alto Saxophone," "For the Beauty of the Earth," and more (Klavier)

John Williams for Band is performed and recorded by the Bands of the United States Armed Forces. Selections include “Sounds the Bells,” “The Cowboys Overture,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Music from The Patriot,” “Yoda’s Theme & Main Theme” from the Star Wars Trilogy, “Adventures on Earth,” from E.T. and many more rousing works.

Vaughan-Williams Tina Louise Cayouette, viola Six Studies in English Folksong, etc.

Part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's "Here Come The Classics" collection, this CD celebrates the film music of the legendary John Williams. The collection includes many classic movie themes such as Jaws, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Superman, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and many more! Conductors Tolga Kashif, Nic Raine, Nick Ingman and Paul Bateman lead the Royal Philharmonic on this CD. Best known for his film scores and ceremonial music, John Williams (b. 1932) is one of the most popular and successful American orchestral composers of the modern age, winning a total of five Academy Awards, 17 Grammys, three Golden Globes, two Emmys and five BAFTA Awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. In January 1980, Williams was named 19th Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. On June 23, 2000, he became the first inductee into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.

Classical Music

Includes work(s) by various composers.