The Parlour Grand - 2-CD set (Combines The Parlour Grand - Volume 1 and Volume 2).

In 2003, the two Parlour Grand CDs - Volume 1 and Volume 2 - were combined and released as a 2-CD set called The Parlour Grand. No changes were made to either of the original CDs, and so the reviewers and fans below give you a good sense of how wonderful the 2-CD set is.

The Parlour Grand, Volume 2

Magazine and newspaper reviewers say:
RPM Magazine:
"The pleasure of listening to Robert Silverman playing old popular favourites on a restored parlour grand in this reprise album is fourfold. First and foremost, there's appreciation for his playing each of the 14 tracks sounds exquisite. The second pleasure is the recognition of the songs even after, as in our case, many years. And, of course, there's the special moment of realization when one reads a particular title and can say with wonderment, "So that's what's it's called." We suspect though, that for most listeners the chief pleasure will lie in associating time and place with individual pieces. Among the 14 are Schubert's Serenade, Godard's Au Matin and Grainger's Country Gardens. This is a splendid album with or without memories but they do indeed give an extra dimension of pleasure."

Winnipeg Free Press:
"This is a delightful collection of old-fashioned whimsy. Many of these 18 chestnuts from the piano repertoire will be instantly familiar, even if you can't remember their names. A few bars of Mendelssohn's Spring Song or Pierne's March of the Little Lead Soldiers will trigger memories - hope-fully pleasant ones - of lessons and recitals long gone by.

It's a treat to have someone of Robert Silverman's skill and intelligence to play these pieces. Special highlights include quite a respectable reading of Weber's seminal concert waltz Invitation to the Dance, Ethelbert Nevin's jaunty soft-shoe number Narcissus, and the hilariously awful The Prayer Granted by Thecla Badarszewska.
**** [four stars]"

Fans of The Parlour Grand, Volume 2 say:
"Excellent - A lot of memories were brought back by these favourites. Let's hope there will be a volume three plus."
- Teo P, Peterborough ON

"Superb. Silverman's performance makes us feel he's right in our living room."
- Esther C, Thunder Bay ON

"Wonderful - brings back memories of my youth - tunes my mother played."
- Judith W, Barrie ON

"Beautiful! Takes me back to the good old days!"
- Patricia B, Millerton PA

"I love it! I will be playing it for my Victoria tea parties and also just for my listening."
- Lois M, Rising Sun MD

"10/10 for interpretation, sound and presentation."
- Victor I, Pointe Claire QC

"Great." - Jean-Charles M, Laval QC

"Robert Silverman's playing is exquisite, giving me many hours of enjoyment. It brought back many memories."
- Cearl S, Paoli PA

"I love them both as does my wife and guests." - John O, Oshawa ON

"Excellent selection and recording. Must have volume one!"
- Bernard C, Saco ME

"The numbers on these two CD's (Vol.1 & Vol.2) are treasures and I'm enjoying the pianist and piano's immensely. Thanks."
- Gayle C, Meadow Vista CA

"Excellent - would love more." - Gillian H.C, Calgary AB

"Have enjoyed it immensely - has brought many relaxing moments."
- Hazel S, Opelousas LA

"I think I'll get out my old music books and try playing them again."
- John M, Lakeville MA

The Parlour Grand

The reviewers say:
Toronto Star:
"...performances that remind us anew why these pieces were everybody's favorites."
- William Littler

The News/Post:
"A fine album for both artistic integrity and the sheer pleasure of old friends brought back to life as one first heard them. Pleasures such as this shouldn't be denied oneself."
- Bill Watt

Montreal Gazette:
"A sweet and congenial disc, happily marrying history and nostalgia for a purer order of musicality."

Fans of these old piano favorites say:
"I loved it. Beautiful clear sound, lots of memories."
- Theresa W., New Westminster BC

"Truly a gem. I've played it again and again. Silverman is pure gold."
- R.B., Gibsons BC

"A marvellous collection - my wife and I enjoy it very much."
- Peter F., Ottawa ON

"It's delightful - reminds me of my musical grandparents in my early childhood - thank you."
- Joan A., Wolfville NS

"Exquisitely sensitive playing. Very enjoyable listening."
- Merv C., Sackville NB

"The first time I played it, I listened to it just about all day."
- Betty R., Edmonton AB

"Just perfect!" - Sharron B., San Francisco CA

"It is a joy to hear songs I grew up with played exquisitely by Robert Silverman."
- L.A.P., Vernon BC

"Just the best CD of good ol' piano tunes we have ever bought."
- John L., Weston ON

"Great piano music. Loved the ending!" - Dr. O'G., North Bay ON

"Unique idea - would welcome more of the same."
- Sheila B., Vancouver BC

"One of my favourites in my large collection."
- Edward H., St Augustine FL

"Enjoyed the selections very much...brought back memories."
- J.W.P., Vancouver BC

"This is a totally enjoyable listening experience."
- Terry M., Huntsville ON

"An absolute delight." - Mrs. John H., Dorval PQ

"A very enjoyable CD - beautifully played." - Margaret D., Winnipeg MB

"Absolutely lovely - one of our favorites." - Mr. & Mrs. B.F., Markham ON

"My sincere thanks for making this music available!"
- Wayne M., VancouverBC

"Very pleased - will be a favorite." - Ann D., Mississauga ON

"I never knew I could get all these favourites in one CD!"
- Adeline L., Burnaby BC