This special offering includes a quartet of CDs from the best-selling lifestyle music series in America, For Your Life. Each album is especially created to capture a mood or moment in your life.
For Book Lovers is an interesting mix of calming and challenging music. The collection is a perfect soundtrack for reading, writing or other mentally engaging activities. It features works by Rachmaninov, Debussy and Handel and probably the best version of the American classic "Shenandoah" on record in an expressive and unforgettable arrangement sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
"Decca's lifestyle classical music series, For Your Life, features over an hour's worth of searching yet soothing pieces, worthwhile for classical fans in that it doesn't just haul out the tried-and-true, best-known relaxing classical pieces." —All Music Guide
Of course, the second album is appropriate for occasions other than going to sleep, but For Your Dreams does make an especially nice bedtime soundtrack. Just add a soft bed and fluffy pillows to complete the scene. Restful sleep is assured with the quiet collection featuring works by Schubert, Schumann, Mozart and more.
For a Quiet Evening collects introspective classical guitar works — not only classic guitar pieces like "Concierto di Aranjuez" by Rodrigo and Vivaldi's Guitar Concerto in D, but also beautiful arrangements of such well-known works as Fauré's Pavane and Bach's Arioso. While this collection is indeed perfect for a quiet evening, its gentle but intricate music is also apt for any other time of day.
For Your Soul offers an opportunity for inner reflection while cleansing yourself from outside stress. Vital to a healthier mind, body and spirit, let the music take you to a more peaceful and calming place. The CD includes Barber's "Adagio for Strings," Purcell's Chaconny in G and "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns.
The artist roster is impressive, including Sir Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan leading the Vienna Philharmonic, soprano Joan Sutherland, guitarists Pepe Romero and Göran Söllscher, oboe soloist Heinz Holliger, violin virtuoso Arthur Grumiaux , I Musici, James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and more. Each disc runs more than one hour long, with track lists that are perfectly suited for each album. As a collection, they also make a perfect gift for anyone looking to discover classical music. And, at this great price, you can't miss!
—Terrence London