Track Listing

1. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Excerpt
2. Romance for violin & orchestra No. 2 in F major, Op. 50
3. Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major ('Emperor'), Op. 73: Excerpt
4. Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Excerpt
5. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique'), Op. 13: Excerpt
6. String Quartet No. 13 in B flat major, Op. 130: Excerpt
7. Bagatelle for piano in A minor ('Für Elise'), WoO 59
8. Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61: Excerpt
9. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor ('Moonlight'), Op. 27/2: Excerpt

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6301 in Music
• Brand: Philips
• Released on: 1995-04-11
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds

Customer Reviews

Not meant for bedtime
The music on this CD is beautiful, but it is not quite right for bedtime. I had my little girl all snuggled in and just as she would start to get sleepy, the music would get very loud and then go soft again awaking her. We did this about 5 times thinking it would get better, before I finally turned it off. I plan to use it in the car instead.

This CD is simply wonderful!
It takes you places you've never been, and once you start lisening, every bit of stress just floats away. I've bought it twice, but have given it away to loved ones because it's so beautiful. I'm now about to buy it for the third time. Bravo, Beethoven!

An interesting CD with fine music, more to listen vs. sleep
Playing this CD for the first time, my perceptions were quickly changed. I had conceived of this CD as one with lots of standard fare played in an uninspiring way and with tonal quality to lull one to sleep. Was I wrong! I would revised the title and call this CD: "Beethoven at the CPU." I should have rated this CD as 4 1/2**** but went up rather than down because of the pleasant surprises.

For example, Track 8, the Larghetto movement fom the Violin Concerto in D was played superbly by Arthus Grumiaux. Likewise, Claudio Arrau played the Adagion sostenuto movement from the "Moonlight" Sonata with gentle beauty. The CD's first track, the Larghetto movement from Symphony No. 2 in D lets one know that this is a lively CD that is worth listening to. At the same time its beauty and everchanging sweet flow makes the CD fine to play while writing or researching.

There are many CDs that can put one to sleep and some of these create a mindset so a person seeks immediate relief from the sandman. This CD is quite a pleasant surprise. While better stereo sound could have been used, the CD is supposed to lull one to sleep, not keep awake. Turn the volume up a bit. The lovely tones flow but in a quiet, peaceful yet lively manner. This could be good background music for music lovers while dining or even sharing romantic words by candlelight.

I am delightfully surprised and highly recommend this CD. I have many CDs that would gladly be sold, including some other Beethoven versions. This CD is a keeper.

Thank you.

Dr. Alan D. Kardoff, Melbourne, Florida US

PS With nine tracks, the total playing time is 72.36