Classical Chillout

As the title may lead one to believe, this two-CD set is made up of classical and classical-influenced music mixed together with the intention of relaxation and chillin'. The sources of the material range from TV commercials (Karl Jenkins' "Adiemus") to films (Michael Nyman's music from The Piano) to actual classical pieces (Bach's Concerto for Violin and Oboe). There is also a wide range of performers and composers from Steve Reich to Mozart to David Bowie and Pat Metheny. Highlights include Symphony of Sorrowful Songs from Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No. 3, Winter from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and the most beautiful song ever written: Debussy's Clair de Lune. Apart from one or two missteps (James Horner's "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic, for example), this is a nice collection of laid-back and atmospheric classical music; classical fans will like it for its eclectic mix, and club kids who want a little culture with their chill will like it, too. ~ Tim Sendra