Whoever first dreamt up the title "The Only Piano/Opera/Banjo Album You'll Ever Need" must have been hoping record buyers wouldn't take it too literally. A translation would be "We Hope That When You've Listened To This You'll Want To Buy Lots More Piano/Opera/Banjo Albums". So as an attempt to lure listeners into the world of the piano, how does this set measure up? Most of the all-time favourite piano pieces are here (though you won't find Golliwogg's Cakewalk) and childhood memories may well be stirred by the likes of Für Elise and Rondo alla Turca. It's not all solo piano--the orchestra is wheeled on for the Big Moments from concertos by Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Mozart and Rachmaninov (who also gets the famous 18th variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini). Among the big-name pianists represented are Geza Anda, Emanuel Ax, Emil Gilels, Vladimir Horowitz, Alfredo Perl, Kathryn Stott and Andrew Wilde. Recordings range in time from 1955 to 1999. Purists may bridle at the lollipop nature of the programme, but for those genuinely looking for an introduction to the instrument's richly rewarding repertoire, the 150 minutes of music on these two CDs should fit the bill nicely. --Keith Clarke

Customer Rating:
Summary: All you need
Comment: As a professional concert pianist for the last thirty years or so, it was a great relief to find that they have released everything you need on 2 CDs. Sure enough, since I bought it I have been able to discard the 1000 or so CDs that I had collected of performers like Cortot, Horowitz, Rachmaninoff and Schnabel (and I now have enough room for a pool table!). They are simply not necessary when you have these two CDs.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Classical masterpiece
Comment: The Only Piano Album You'll Ever Need is guaranteed to satisfy your taste if you love and are truly passionate about classical music. The album's principal instrument focus is the piano as suggested by the title. The music is tuneful and absolutely soothing. The artists featured make it so easy to play and a real pleasurable experience to sample a taste of the purest music to embrace ourselves at. The major classical names such as Mozart, Betthoven, Chopin, Satie and so on featured in this album. The album is a real showpiece how these artists deliver masterpiece performances using the piano. In a nutshell, Only Piano Album You'll Ever Need is a great album and offers a varied selection of musical displays to listen time and time again. If you love classical music, here is one to add in your collection.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A wonderful collection - truly absorbing
Comment: The varity of piano pieces on this album are breathtakingly beautiful in themselves and perfect for background ambience.

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