Come across this while reading a book. Interestingly portion of the lyric is similar to the PRC National Anthem.

Written on the night of April 25, 1792, by the soldier, poet, and composer Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle.

'First heard' in 1745 after a British military defeat, in the era cursed with incessant war. Of course, now it's the Queen, not the King. (Poor Prince Charles!)

Hi Eric and dvmrp,

Kings and Queens time?

My little brother-in-law is obsessed with the Kings and Queens of the British Monarch and we had a trivia game on Christmas Day and every time we had a history question, especially about the Royals, you guess who came up the answer instantly.

I made this clip just over a year ago.

Ricci Plays Paganini's "Variations on God save the Queen"

Cantata for the Sunday after Christmas

Only Bass and Soprano participate in this Cantata

http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/BWV152-Eng3.htm

Stein, der über alle Schätze,

＞＞ BTW, why Heifetz is not included in the list? ＜＜

You must be refer to the Beethoven violin concerto recording shortlisted by Mr Wong....I have no idea on why Heifetz is absent, and in fact, I seldom listen to Heifetz...

And this is the Heifetz I watch/listen recently....

I think I can make a few comment on chamber music, which is a whole new world after you get tired with orchestral music, most chamber music infused with wonderful melody and intimate interplay between different instrument, I am sure investing in a set could bring a life long pleasure, her are some music I think you can try:

Haydn String Quartet op76 1-6 Kodaly Quartet Naxos

Mozart: Clarinet Quintet, usually couple with Brahms Clarinet Quintet.
Mozart: Flute Quartet no.1&2
Mozart: Violin Sonatas
Mozart: String Quintet and Trios
( all can be found in Philips complete Mozart edition chamber music box , performance were more than adequate, in excellent sound )

Beethoven Violin sonatas David Oistrakh/ Oborin
Beethoven Cellos Sonatas Rostropovich/Richter
Beethoven string Quartets Italian Quartet
( This set is essential, Beethoven's late string Quartet was one of the best music written ever, it may sound complicated initially but the fugue and variation he wrote put Bach into shade, no one ever come close)

Brahms : Violin sonata Perlman/Ashkenzy : my beloved violin sonatas
Brahms : Piano Quintet Pollini/ Italian Quartet ( one of the best Piano Quintet )
Brahms : Horn Trio Tuckwell/Ashkenazy etc( again one of the most beloved work)
Brahms: Cello Sonatas Rostropovich/Serkin
( A complete Brahms Chamber music set would bring pleasure of a life's time, both Philips and DG have a great set, both have their strength. DG set have Rostropovich/ Serkin in Cello Sonatas and Zukerman/ Barenboim in violin sonata make this set treasureable, while Philips set are of consistently high standard in Sextet, Quartet, Quintet and Trio, get both!)

Schubert: arpeggione sonata Richter/ Britten ( Do you need introduction on this one, but get the one by Daniil Shafran too, you will be surprised by how different a piece can be played by two great masters)
Schubert: Trio Rubinstein/Szeryng/Fournier ( You are right, this star trio is unbeatable)
Schubert: Trout Quintet Brendel/Cleveland Quartet ( one of the most beloved chamber music)
Schubert: String Quintet, Casal/Vegh etc ( my beloved chamber music, the slow music is dreamy, calm, peaceful, simply music from heaven.)

Schumman: Piano Quintet Jando/ Kodaly Quartet Naxos( go for Rubinstein/ Guarneri Quartet if you want big names)

Tchaikovsky String Quartet: Borodin Quartet ( Once again famous slow movement in string Quartet no.1)
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio Borodin Trio ( a moving work)

Mendelssohn Octet : Vienna Octet ( Almost a ochestral piece)

Rachmaninov: Piano trio Borodin Trio ( another moving work, especially no.2)
Rachmaninov Cello sonatas, Rostropovich ( in complete set of Rostropovich, in short one of the best cello sonatas ever)

Borodin String Quartet : Borodin Quartet ( performance by Borodin Quartet never been equalled, the slow movement is one of the most beautiful melody in music history)

Shostakovich : string Quartet Borodin Quartet ( Modern classics, String Quartet cycle of 20th century)

Welcome to the world of chamber music, you will want more if you love these.

http://youtu.be/uSdMKJqnnW4