Lest anyone mistake this disc for a collection of rhapsodies in the strictest sense (i.e., the form used by Liszt,
Enesco, and
Bartók) it is important to point out that it is instead a compilation of music for relaxation. Formerly issued as Night Music 17, this selection of pretty pieces from the Naxos catalog is more varied than similar mood albums from the major labels, and it offers a sampling of works seldom heard on other "chill-out" collections. The program is full of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic slow movements, which are mixed together without much regard for consistency in ensemble, tone, or style. But if this album is treated merely as background music, there are at least no jolts to disrupt the casual listener. While all the performances are decent, and the roster of artists respectable, few selections stand out as exceptional. The Adagio from Schubert's Octet, performed by the Schubert Ensemble, Budapest, and the Adagio from Haydn's String Quartet No. 23, played by the
Kodály Quartet, are perhaps the most enjoyable offerings and are of sufficient playing time to sustain interest. Yet the majority of tracks run under five minutes, and the shortest pieces come and go without leaving much of an impression.