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Ultrasound: Music for the Unborn Child

Various Artists
1 disc

1. Rverie, for piano, L. 68
2. Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068: Air on the G String
3. Kinderszenen No. 7 ("Trumerei"), for piano, Op. 15/7
4. Thas, opera in 3 acts: Mditation
5. Sonata for 2 pianos in D major, K. 448 (K. 375a): 2. Andante
6. Songs (5) for voice & piano, Op. 49: Lullaby (Cradle Song)
7. Nocturne for harp, Op. 20/1
8. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71: Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy
9. Descriptive Sonnet to the concerto entitled "The Winter" ("L'inverno"), Op. 8/4, RV 297: 2. Largo
10. Clair de lune, for orchestra or other arrangement (from "Suite Bergamasque" for piano), L. 75/3
11. Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major ("Eine kleine Nachtmusik"), K. 525: 2. Romanze: Andante
12. Berceuse for piano in D flat major, Op. 57, CT. 7
13. Berceuse Russe Op 40
14. Orfeo ed Euridice (Italian version), opera in 3 acts, Wq. 30: Dance of the Blessed Spirits
15. Lyric Pieces (6) for piano, Book 9, Op. 68: Cradle Song, No. 5
16. Madama Butterfly (Madame Butterfly), opera: Humming Chorus
17. Ellens Gesang III ("Ave Maria"), song for voice & piano, D. 839 (Op. 52/6)
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Additional Info

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 63457
Credits

Producer
Engineer
Personnel: Leontyne Price (soprano); Emily Mitchell, Marisa Robles (harp); Vladimir Spivakov (violin); James Galway (flute); Andr Previn, Alicia de Larrocha, Gerhard Oppitz (piano); George Decker (organ).
This cleverly titled compilation of mostly peaceful, calm music has the merit of fine performances by several of RCA Victor's distinguished performing artists. Whether or not one believes the premise that classical music offers positive benefits to the fetus, few will quarrel with the quality of the performances here or their ability to cumulatively soothe even the most nervous, anxious listener of any age.
Some of the selections here are obvious choices--Brahms' 'Lullaby,' for example-but others stray from the beaten path. Works for solo harp by Hovhaness and Tournier, performed by Emily Mitchell, add to the variety of timbre and musical style of the program. Chopin's 'Berceuse' and a 'Cradle Song' by Grieg complement Brahms with different perspectives on the lullaby genre. From Bach to Massenet, Gluck to Puccini, some of the most relaxing music from across the ages is included here.
Other standout performances include Alicia de Larrocha and Andr Previn's crystal-clear rendition of the Andante from Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos, and Leontyne Price, heard all too briefly in an arrangement of Schubert's 'Ave Maria' with chorus and organ. As sleepy-time music for the young, the old, and maybe even the not-yet-born, ULTRASOUND delivers what it promises.