Romantic Adagios – 2-CD Set, 21 Selections – Decca

A gentle atmosphere for moments that matter

As the lights soften and the day slows down, let Romantic Adagios set the mood. The collection accompanies dinner, a good book or attentive listening with melodies worth allowing to unfold. A lovely reason to make time for music.

Famous music, rich in emotion

Rediscover Barber’s Adagio, Massenet’s Méditation from Thaïs, Satie’s Gymnopédies Nos. 1 and 3 and Debussy’s Clair de lune. Concertos by Mozart, Rachmaninov, Bruch and Rodrigo sit alongside music by Beethoven, Elgar, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, Mascagni, Saint-Saëns and Fauré.

Performers to discover and revisit

The compilation features artists including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Christoph von Dohnányi, Sir Georg Solti, Charles Dutoit and Kyung-Wha Chung. Different musical voices explore the colours of piano, violin, clarinet, cello, guitar and orchestra.

A thoughtful gift for music lovers

For a birthday, an evening together or the simple pleasure of giving, choose classical music with a romantic atmosphere. Familiar selections invite listeners to rediscover treasured works or begin exploring the repertoire.

Two CDs to prolong the pleasure

Published by Decca, the set offers 2 hours, 34 minutes and 55 seconds on two physical audio CDs. The first disc contains 10 selections and the second 11. Satie’s Gymnopédies Nos. 1 and 3 share one selection. Play them on a compatible CD player and browse the full programme below.

Frequently asked questions

How many discs and selections are included?

2 audio CDs with 21 selections: 10 on the first disc and 11 on the second.

What is the total running time?

154 minutes and 55 seconds, or 2 hours, 34 minutes and 55 seconds.

Are all the works complete?

The programme combines individual pieces with movements drawn from larger works, including concertos, symphonies and ballets.

Complete track listing

CD 1 — 10 selections

1. Barber — Adagio
2. Massenet — Méditation (Thaïs)
3. Rachmaninov — Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio sostenuto
4. Satie — Gymnopédies Nos. 1 and 3
5. Mozart — Clarinet Concerto, K. 622: Adagio
6. Khachaturian — Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (Spartacus)
7. Beethoven — “Moonlight” Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
8. Bruch — Kol Nidrei
9. Elgar — Enigma Variations: Nimrod
10. Mahler — Symphony No. 5: Adagietto

CD 2 — 11 selections

1. Mozart — Piano Concerto No. 21, K. 467: Andante
2. Tchaikovsky — String Quartet No. 1: Andante cantabile
3. Bruch — Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor: Adagio
4. Dvořák — Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World”: Largo
5. Rachmaninov — Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: Variation 18
6. Mascagni — Cavalleria rusticana: Intermezzo
7. Debussy — Clair de lune
8. Rodrigo — Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio
9. Saint-Saëns — The Carnival of the Animals: The Swan
10. Shostakovich — Piano Concerto No. 2: Andante
11. Fauré — Pavane