Stephan Remmler [Import]

1. Keine Sterne In Athen

2. Unter Einer Kleinen Decke

3. Die Zeit Mit Dir

4. Lass Mich Einmal Noch Wie

5. Stell Dir Vor Es Geht Das

6. Bubela

7. So Richtig Froh Werd Ich

8. Vogel Der Nacht

9. Ja Hast Denn Du Mein Brie

10. Alles Hat Ein Ende Nur Di

Tracks:

Prayer
Both Sides Now
Never Saw Blue
Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)
May It Be
Quanta Qualia
You Are Water
She Moves Through the Fair
My Heart Belongs To You - Hayley Westenra
Ave Maria
I Say Grace

Album Description

Hayley Westenra's new album Odyssey was always going to be a different proposition to Pure, the record-breaking 2003 collection which marked her international debut. A lot has happened to the young New Zealander over the past two or three years--and those changes are clearly reflected by a record which encapsulates her growth from a budding teenage prodigy into a mature young woman.

Now, at 18, Hayley is ready to show the world how much she has grown up, both as an artist and as an individual. Fans of Pure will be pleasantly surprised by her new album. Her wonderful voice retains its crystal-clear purity, but Westenra's singing is now richer and more rounded than before. Touring the world and singing in some of its greatest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, has worked wonders for her confidence. Suitably emboldened, she has embraced an even wider range of musical styles including classical, hymns, folk and pop.

"I was happy with Pure at the time, but I've moved on so much," says Hayley. "It's really exciting to have something new out there for people to listen to. I wanted to make a record that represented me as a person. And I think I've improved as a vocalist."

Variety is certainly one of the keywords with Hayley's new album. When she first entered a recording studio in New Zealand as a 12-year-old, Westenra restricted herself to classical pieces and show tunes. Now, in addition to impressive takes on classical works, Hayley uses her new album to perform an inspired cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and has arranged and written much of the material. "I like to push myself, and I'm now confident enough to try different things. I have been much more involved behind the scenes with this album--I wanted to put my individual stamp on each song."

With her career stretching out promisingly before her, Hayley is also keen to continue experimenting. She is still primarily a classical crossover artist but she also wants to keep broadening those musical horizons. Three years after her international debut CD, Hayley Westenra is still pure: she exudes pure quality and she remains pure class--but her musical journey continues with her new album Odyssey.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful melodies.......2007-06-08

This is a wonderful CD with beautiful melodies. Hayley Westenra has a very pure voice and sings right on key. The melodies are very relaxing and the musical settings are well arranged.

Hayley Westenra - Odyssey.......2007-06-08

Pure, crystalline, angelic voice. Gorgeously produced. "Prayer" is stunning. "Both Sides Now" wonderful. The rest is good but not her best song selection. When I first heard this girl on the "Celtic Woman" tour I was totally blown away. None of her CDs will disappoint!

Very soothing.......2007-05-14

Hayley Westenra's Odyssey is a very beautiful CD. If you switch on your walkman and listen to the CD's tracks non-stop, you'll soon feel like you're flying in Heaven. It's very soothing and heavenly. It calms you down, without causing you to feel lonely or sad because you're listening to it in solitary, like other vocal or classical songs do sometimes.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. Quanta Qualia and Ave Maria are my most favourite tracks. Quanta Qualia is pure magic! I really feel as if I'm flying in Heaven when I listen to it.

very good pop singer voice.......2007-05-13

the selections were tasteful and varied. the singer has a very good pop singer voice. i would have liked some voice variation between songs. all were sung in exactly the same style. good singing but without tonal variation the disk tends to be bland. i hope that as she gets more exposure she will vary her voice to make the songs stand out individually instead of letting them blend into one song on the disc. i would rate this 5 stars except for that major fault.

Voice & level head deserve high marks .......2007-04-20

Not only has Hayley Westenra's voice remained "pure", but her good sense and sensibilty has stayed intact when so many similar young performers have gone over the deep end with extreme behavior and disreputable remarks. On this CD Miss Westernra covers a number of songs in her own special style, such as excellent versions of "Prayer", "May It Be" and "Both Sides Now". I hope to hear her renditions of more such tunes, old and new. I would like to hear her sing songs like "Yesterday", "I Still Believe in Love" and All I Know. She has a way with her soaring vocals that never lets the listener down.

Average customer rating:

Wow, what a mezzo!
When lamenti become things of beauty
Magdalena Kozena, Oh my Goddess...
The Bach Family in all its Glory
Fascinating Lamento

Lamento

Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Enchantment

ASIN: B0006M4RMY
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Ach, Dass Ich Wassers G'nug Hatte
1. Recitativo: Languet Anima Mea Amore Tuo
2. Aria: O Vulnera, Vita Coelestis
3. Recitativo: Amoris Tui Jaculo
4. Aria: Tu Lumen Mentis Es
5. Alleluja
1. Aria: Vergnugte Ruh, Beliebte Seelenlust
@. Recitative: Die Welt, Das Sundenhaus
3. Aria: Wie Jammern Mich Doch Die Verkehrten Herzen
4. Recitative: Wer Solte Sich Demnach
5. Aria: Mir Ekelt Mehr Zu Leben
Bekennen Will Ich Seinen Namen
Selma
Saide, Komm, Mein Wunsch, Mein Lied!
Schon Ist Mein Madchen, Wie Die Traube
Du Quell, Der Sich Durch Goldsand Schlangelt
Mein Herz, Mein Herz Fleucht Ihr Entgegen

Amazon.com

This is a collection of works by the Bach family--J.S., C.P.E., and J.C.--and includes a transcription by Johann Sebastian of a cantata by the Italian composer Francesco Conti (1682-1732). As the title suggests, these works all deal with grief; indeed, the first work, by J.C. Bach (1642-1703), "Ach, dass ich Wassers g'nug hätte," a plea by the singer to shed enough tears to have her sins forgiven, begins with the word "Ach" repeated four times. Kozena fills it with such understated sadness that it's unforgettable. In this work and throughout she sings with a legato that is flawless, tone that always finds the right dynamic for each word, and an ease of emission which makes her presentation of these works seem as natural as speech. The Conti cantata ends with a 90-second "Alleluja" that is ablaze with coloratura, and not a note is out of place; it is a nice contrast with the shadowy, lachrymose nature of the rest of the selections. Kozena's depth of feeling is matched by her ability to express it simply. Along with her colorful sound palette, she and conductor Reinhard Goebel and his Musica Antiqua Köln turn this disc in to a "must-have" for lovers of rare Baroque music and beautiful singing. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Wow, what a mezzo!.......2007-07-08

One doesn't need to analyze or deconstruct this woman's technique. Just put it on your CD player and let this wonderful voice just roll over you. She manages to make CPE Bach quite accessible even to the casual listener. It doesn't hurt that she is also extraordinarily beautiful.

When lamenti become things of beauty.......2006-03-23

I become nearly speechless when contemplating this recording. It's exquisite beyond words - the almost painful beauty of Magdalena Kozena's voice creates such a personal and glorious epiphany of sorrow that it verges on the unbearable. Glorious music (including one particular aria I've not heard before, and with which I've fallen in love - I must perform it myself!), glorious singing, and glorious playing from all involved make this a recording to treasure.

Ms Kozena sings intelligently, beautifully, musically and appropriately - but more than this, she has the rare ability to sing music as though it has never been sung before. This makes her one of my favourite artists, and I simply do not hesitate when I see a new recording by her. I have not been disappointed.

One of the most powerful and moving pieces on this beautiful recording is of "Ach, dass ich Wassers g'nug hätte", the first title on the CD. It exerts a melancholic insistence, a subtle and deeply effective repeating pattern that seems to increase, rather than decrease, the musical complexity. Suzie le Blanc has also recorded this work, equally effectively. I am glad to have two such unbelievably beautiful recordings in my possession.

I do not know of anyone who, having heard this recording, does not wish to play it again.

Magdalena Kozena, Oh my Goddess..........2006-03-18

There is not much I can say after reading some of the virtuoso reviews, here at Amazon, left before me. However I cannot resist to tell that this album is as beautiful as the fantastic portrait of Kozena and that her voice will thrill you down to your very bones and then, it will take your soul to the highst spheres of inspiration.

The Bach Family in all its Glory.......2006-01-04

This disc highlights two important points.

First there is Kozena's mastery of the repertoire. Not since Hertha Topper has a mezzo soprano sung this reperoire so well. Encountering perfection the only thing one can express is gratitude.

Second the quality of all the works by all the members of the Bach family. Arnold Schoenberg has made the bold assessment that Bach's sons had similar talent as their father -he did not address commitment, of course-, and the works on this disc highlight the Bach family's suppremacy in this repertoire.

The level of the authentic accompaniment is excellent, the quality of the recording is exemplary.

A must.

Fascinating Lamento.......2005-10-29

Even though this album is called Lamento, it's not at all gloomy, and it is certainly a great vehicle for Kozena's radiant voice.
She excels on the technical level, and sings in impeccable Baroque style, but she is also very dramatically engaged and she makes these unfamiliar compositions come to life. She takes risks, both in the choice of these compositions, and stylistic choices: I like the jaunty version of Cantata BWM 170, though it is very different from what we are used to. I also like the way this album is programmed, forming a certain meditative story of sin and redemption.
I think this is Kozena's most interesting recital to date, and I am very glad I discovered this album. It's not just her singing that is brilliant, the orchestra playing is spectacular, too. Don't hesitate to give this Lamento a try, especially if you love beautifully performed, fresh sounding Baroque music.

Average customer rating:

Wonderfully fresh
Great -- All Around
Old (but Very Fine) Wine, New Skins--A Revelatory Listening Experience
Much-needed fresh interpretation of the overtures

Beethoven: Complete Overtures

Manufacturer: Arte Nova Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies

ASIN: B0007X9TKC
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Album Description

"Of course this is what Beethoven is supposed to sound like. All the warmth, the breadth, the depth, the height, the solemnity, the hilarity, the agony, and, of course, the wild-eyed ecstasy that are in Beethoven in these performances of his complete Overtures by David Zinman leading the Tonhalle Orchestre Zurich. As Zinman proved in his cycle of the nine symphonies, he knows Beethoven, knows his music and his moods, knows when to hold back and when to let loose, when to dance and when to sing in blissful rapture. In his cycle of the 11 overtures, Zinman soars with Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, rails with Egmont, roars with Coriolan, and laughs with König Stephen. Zinman is as heroic as Fidelio, as passionate as Leonore, and as countrapuntally intoxicated as Die Weihe des Hauses. The Tonhalle Orchestre, which showed itself an adept and powerful Beethoven orchestra in the symphonies, once again shows its colors, its strength, and its tenderness in the overtures. ! Arte Nova's sound is deep, lush, and real."-ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully fresh.......2007-06-06

David Zinman and his Tonhalle Orchestra of Zurich deliver what is, hands down, the best overture to the Ruins of Athens on disc. Zinman opens the work with great energy at a quick tempo - those of us familiar with Masur's slow and stately introduction will certainly feel as if they are hearing this familiar music for the first time. The oboe cadenza is delightfully zippy as Zinman plunges headlong into the allegro proper with such authoritative vitality that one almost feels foolish for not liking this work more, slight though it is on musical argument. Horns wail, strings dig, and winds bite in this marvelous traversal. This performance gave me several impressions. First, how nice it is to hear Beethoven (here and in his traversal of the symphonies) with smaller forces married to historically informed performance practices - hard mallets for the timpani, violins divided stereophonically, winds forwardly balanced. It has a tremendous amount of textual clarity which enhances the musical argument in no small part. Secondly, how impressive that even two hundred years after some of these pieces were composed they can still be played to the hilt with fresh energy and conviction. Even with the reduced string section, I would be curious if anyone could find other versions of these overtures with this much vigor. And finally, as always, its wonderful to hear a music director and his orchestra bring something new to familiar music, all the while maintaining the highest performance and musical standard. And the love both Zinman and the Tonhalle have for this music is immediately palpable.

The same level of energy Zinman brings to The Ruins of Athens runs throughout the entirety of this two-disc release. Prometheus certainly benefits from the scaled-down proportions of the orchestra, finding the perfect balance between classical grace and Beethoven's rougher energy. Coriolan is just as bit as convincing, free from the overly-romanticized patina that this work has amassed over the years. The Overture in C receives a particularly convincing interpretation. Listen to how Zinman maintains tension throughout the overly-repetitive music and certainly makes the most sense out of the often odd-sounding scales at near the end of the piece. It just goes to show that even less convincing works can sound convincing when played with this level of conviction. Fidelio is another winner, a performance of lively grace but imbued with appropriate power.

The Consecration of the House is a delight. Zinman shapes a cogent and appropriately Baroque sounding opening to the piece and, although the trumpets are a bit reticent in their fanfares, the textual clarity of it all is quite refreshing. The allegro certainly benefits from the antiphonal violin placement, a reading of uncanny transparency, culminating in a roaring conclusion. I still have the slightest preference for Masur's performance and no one can match Charles Munch's Boston Symphony reference interpretation in this work, but all in all it is simply a matter of taste and certainly Zinman offers steep competition. Zinman's reading of King Stephen is one of balanced, proportional energy befitting its classical nature but, when all is said and done, I still prefer Szell's all-or-nothing Cleveland traversal, which possesses unbelievable physicality. As for the three Lenore Overtures, Zinman's approaches are period appropriate, but it is slightly difficult to listen to Lenore No. 3 in this leaner state. I still prefer Gunter Wand's performance, one of almost excessive weight and physicality, but the excitement is unquestionable. Egmont again is wonderful, but seems slightly undernourished when compared to the competition. But preferences aside, Zinman's interpretations are as convincing as ever and offer tremendous musical nourishment.

Recorded sound is excellent throughout but the microphone placement seems to differ from work to work. In the performances where the orchestra is most distant, the horns can often sound recessed and slightly pinched (such as in Prometheus and Fidelio) or the timpani overly reverberant (Overture in C). Still, the playing is uniformly spectacular and these are small quips that in no way detract from the listening experience and become less noticeable after repeated outings.

This set is certainly a welcome addition to a field that, until now, had virtually no competition. That Masur's performances were uniformly splendid made the dearth of great Beethoven Overture compilations less frustrating, but this set, in modern sound with period performance techniques, is almost self-recommending. Comparing Masur to Zinman seems unfair as both offer so much and say such individual things that I could not imagine having one over the other. This is a welcome addition to the catalog, one that no Beethoven fan should be without.

Great -- All Around.......2006-01-16

Wonderful recordings. Great musicianship and superb sound. A real joy! Highly recommended.

Old (but Very Fine) Wine, New Skins--A Revelatory Listening Experience.......2005-11-22

Beethoven's great overtures need no special pleading, and yet David Zinman gets down so effectively to where this music lives that in some cases, it is like hearing a thrice-familiar work for the first time. Even the Zur Namensfeier Overture, easily the least distinguished of the pieces collected here, has both sparkle and bite in Zinman's reading. The similar but much finer King Stephen Overture is always a smile-inducing surprise among Beethoven's dramatically charged overtures, given its simple joviality. Here it smiles with a youthful freshness that you don't hear in every interpretation.

The most revelatory performance for me, though, is of the Coriolan Overture, a darkly brooding piece that usually seems a bit dour despite its obvious craftsmanship and the undying memorability of its poignant second melody. Zinman succeeds in bringing out the fiery drama in this piece, which seems more often to smolder than to burn outright. Zinman's is a truly captivating performance and will be the way I choose to hear this wonderful work from now on.

Another piece that can seem pedantic and overwrought, The Consecration of the House Overture, is in Zinman's hands perfectly proportioned. Here as elsewhere, Zinman is faster than a lot of conductors but without sacrificing any of the grandiosity of this very grand piece. The one place where I'd say he rushes things too much is in the slow introduction to Egmont: the "quasi allegro" at which he takes the opening fails to provide contrast to the true allegro that is to follow. A small misstep given the many, many felicities of this set. Overall, in fact, it should let you hear these tried-and-true masterworks with a new set of ears.

In writing of Zinman's Beethoven Symphonies series, some critics have complained that the Tonhalle Orchestra produces an anemic sound. I don't hear evidence of that on these discs. There is real heft in the lower strings at the start of the Zur Namensfeier and Egmont Overtures, and the consciously "big" pieces such as the Leonore 2 and 3 and The Consecration of the House Overtures have a proper Beethovenian robustness. Sometimes, I'd say, the horns sound overtaxed, but just as often they produce a blaze of glory for Zinman. So I can't find any great objection to the playing of this mostly very fine orchestra.

I also like the sound the engineers have captured in the lively Tonhalle. It provides depth as well as detail: there is sheen to the high strings; punch and heft to the brass, timpani, lower strings.

In fact, I like just about everything these discs have to offer, including their super bargain price.

Much-needed fresh interpretation of the overtures.......2005-06-12

Surprisingly, there are relatively few choices currently available when it comes to complete collections of the Beethoven overtures, long part of the standard repetoire of any respectable orchestra. The Masur/Leipzig collection has been around for about 30 years, but until Zinman's collection was released this year, it has been pretty slim pickings.

At first, I did not know quite what to think, because Zinman offers a much leaner, fast-paced interpretation of nearly every overture. On average, his tempi are over a minute faster than the more traditional tempi of Masur's, which means that the Tonhalle Orchestra is really on a brisk clip. The orchestra's sound is also considerably lighter than one might expect (unless you are dealing with Gardiner & his period instruments, who have not yet recorded the overtures as far as I know). Whether this a result of reduced personnel or careful mike placement, I don't know, but the result is a much less heavy sound than what normally hears.

Initially, I did not care for what I found to be unfamiliar, but the more I listened, the more Zinman's tempi made sense and the more accessible these overtures became. Also (unlike Masur's edition), the three Leonore overtures do not run consecutively which is to the overall benefit of the collection. There are occasional moments of weakness in the horns & the violins, but they are brief and do not particularly detract from the performances. The recording appears to be a little bass-heavy at times, but not oppressively so; most of the time the sound has a light freshness to it that is most pleasing to the ear.

It also doesn't hurt that Arte Nova has made these CDs dirt-cheap. A mediocre performance for this little money could be easily forgiven; it is made all the better that these performances are top-notch. Anyone who loves Beethoven overtures (and who doesn't?) would be mad to overlook this collection.

Average customer rating:

5 star performance at a budget busting outrageous price
Szell's Beethoven in best sound, forty years later
Superbly Remastered Classic Beethoven Symphony Cycle From Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra
Music Production At Highest Level
As Good as it Gets

Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mahler: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B0002CHK6I
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III. Menuetto,. Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV. Finale. Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II. Larghetto
III. Scherzo. Allegro
IV. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Marcia Funebre. Adagio Assai
III. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
IV. Finale. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace - Trio. Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72a

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Allegro
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Menuetto. Allegretto
IV. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Andante Molto Moto. Szene Am Bach
III. Allegro. Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute
IV. Allegro. Gewitter Sturm
V. Allegretto. Hirtengesang, Frohe Und Dankbare Gefuhle Nach Dem Sturm

Tracks:

I. Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
II. Allegretto
III. Presto - Presto Meno Assai
IV. Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
II. Allegretto Scherzando
III. Tempo Di Menuetto
IV. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
II. Molto Vivace
III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato
IV. Presto - Allegro Assai - Recitativo: O Freunde, Nicht Diese Tone! - Allegro Assai (Final Chorus On Schiller's 'Ode To Joy')

Tracks:

Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
King Stephen Overture, Op. 117
Leonore Overture No. 2, Op. 72b
Leonore Overture No. 1, Op. 138
Fidelio Overture, Op. 72

Tracks:

Overture. Adagio - Allegro Molto Con Brio
Introduction. La Tempesta. Allegro Non Troppo
No. 1. Poco Adagio
No. 3. Adagio - Allegro Con Brio
No. 3. Allegro Vivace
No. 4. Maestoso - Andante
No. 5. Adagio - Andante Quasi Allegretto
No. 6. Un Poco Adagio - Allegro
No. 7. Grave
No. 8. Allegro Con Brio
No. 9. Adagio
No. 10. Pastorale. Allegro
No. 11. Andante
No. 12. Solo Di Gioja. Maestoso
No. 13. Allegro
No. 14. Solo Della Cassentini. Andante
No. 15. Solo Di Vigano. Andantino
No. 16. Finale. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 star performance at a budget busting outrageous price.......2007-06-06

The cover for this cd boxed set came straight off the vinyl lp boxed set issued to commemorate Beethoven's 200 birthday and George Szell's passing in 1970. (I have this boxed set in great, near mint condition that sounds wonderful). I love these performances! I must have a couple of dozen or more George Szell lps. Szell is like money in the bank, like a classical sure thing! Just about everything I have heard from Szell and the CSO sparkles!

My problem with this set is the price. For the money, you could easily buy another great Beethoven cycle, Tchaikovsky cycle, Schumann cycle, Brahms cycle, etc. etc here at Amazon. So, unless money is no object or you are a die hard (more likely die broke) Szell collector, I would recommend finding another path to Szell Beethoven Nirvana. Rhapsody has 6 or 7 of these posted. I checked the a la cart used prices at Amazon and it looks like you could pick up the missing ones not posted at Rhapsody and buy 8 or 9 months of unlimited listening at Rhapsody for the same price. Another option would be an Ebay search. There is probably an earlier cd edition you could bid on for at least two thirds cheaper or even pick up a good, used set of the real deal (vinyl lps!)

Or, maybe you have not done somehing stupid with your money and you are about due and you feel entitled, and that hundred bucks in your pocket is starting to burn a hole.......

Szell's Beethoven in best sound, forty years later.......2007-04-21

I empathize with fans for the late George Szell, who had to endure shallow, hissy sonics on the original LPs of his Beethoven cycle, then to wait decades longer while Sony put the recordings through cheap CD remastering on various budget lines. Now jsutice has been done, and the original tapes come up sounding quite good. (the same renovation has been done to the Szell-Fleisher Beethoven 3rd and 4th piano concertos though not to the Emperor, so far as I know).

The hallmarks of Szell's conducting style are well known by now. He followed Toscanini's propulsive lead, allowing little expressive rubato, insisting on perfection of execution, and in essence bringing the old man into the stereo era. To some ears this is great Beethoven, but there's more heroism and romance to be found elsewhere. I don't think Beethoven should be so well drilled, but if you favor Szell's meticulous cold style, his Beethoven is quite strong.

Sony deserves some finger wagging for filling these CDs so stingily and for stretching the material for 6 or 7 discs out to ten. Charging the full price of $100 seems like gouging, particularly when you have to buy Szell's Jupiter Sym., available elsewhere, and a Prometheus ballet that isn't even conducted by him but his pedestrian assistant, Louis Lane.

Superbly Remastered Classic Beethoven Symphony Cycle From Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra.......2007-01-31

In the 1960s, there was no other orchestra in the world - including Karajan's Berliner Philharmoniker - which sounded as fine as the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell's magnificient direction. I am delighted that Sony has made this fine CD set available once more, using the latest digital state-of-the-art remastering, since I remember well from some old LPs I had of this Beethoven Symphony Cycle, superb performances of the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th symphonies from Szell and his crack precision ensemble of a symphony orchestra. I concur with others who regard this CD set as the best recorded by the Cleveland Orchestra of not only Beethoven's symphonies, but indeed, of any of the great 18th and 19th Century composers. This 1957 to 1967 recorded cycle will remain as one of the most important artistic legacies of the Cleveland Orchestra during Szell's tenure as music director. Moreover, I am willing to guess that this CD set may be remembered as the best Beethoven Symphony Cycle recorded during this time, even if others, most notably Karajan's early 1960s Deutsche Grammophon cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, have earned lavish praise from critics and fans alike.

Music Production At Highest Level.......2006-01-14

No need to explain why Szell's Beethoven performances are exquisite - perfect balancing among instruments, expressive phrasing, unbelievable intensity, and oh yes, details!
But equal amount of praises should go to Sony's remastering engineers. You will hear a night-and-day difference from the old Essential Classics versions!

Just listen to the magnificent 9th. Szell and the Cleveland musicians give out their lives.

As Good as it Gets.......2005-04-10

Originally issued on Columbia's budget label, Epic, George Szell's early stereo (1957-1967) cycle of Beethoven's Symphonies became legendary on its original release. Originally released one at a time, the cycle was later reissued as a boxed set, individually again in the late 1970s, debuting on CD in the 1980s, and in several incarnations during the 1990s. Now, for the 21st Century, Sony has created a lavish reissue.

Ever the perfectionist, Szell drilled the Cleveland Orchestra to within an inch of its life, and the result here is orchestral playing of immaculate perfection, with the various choirs balanced as if they were one soloist. Technically, there is no better Beethoven cycle on records, not from Maazel's and Dohnanyi's later cycles with the same orchestra, not from Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic, and certainly not from Toscanini's NBC Orchestra.

Toscanini bears mentioning here, because there are similarities of approach. Szell chooses not to let details obscure the overall structure of each symphony--though there are telling details in plenty. By the time this cycle was recorded, Szell had lived with these masterpieces for half a century, and it shows in the judicious tempi, straightforward phrasing, and architectonic grandeur.

Receiving its first CD release is the same orchestra's recording of Beethoven's Creatures of Prometheus ballet, superbly conducted by Szell's assistant director, Louis Lane. Also included is Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, which was originally the B side for Beethoven's ubiquitous 5th. Since this is one of the finest Jupiters ever recorded, no complaints about breaking the one composer rule.

Sony's set reproduces the original cover art and sequencing (with once exception, the Overtures disc features two bonus tracks). Generally, the CDs are not well filled, however this is more than made up for by the superb documentation. The booklet contains the original LP liner notes (most of them by Klaus G. Roy, then program annotator of the Cleveland Orchestra), unfortunately whittled down. But, with a magnifying glass, one can read the miniaturized backs of the original LP covers. Sony's engineers have done an excellent job remastering the rather dry sounding original tapes.

For those encountering Beethoven's sypmhonies of Szell conducting for the first time, there is no greater starting point. For longtime fans, this set will impress with its refreshed sonics and deluxe packaging.

Average customer rating:

All of Beethoven's Orchestral Overtures: A Great Collection
Great bargain, OK performances --- but there are better
One of my ten 'desert island' recordings
Glorious
Fine Collection!

Beethoven: Complete Overtures

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Beethoven: The Complete String Trios
Famous Overtures
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Beethoven: The Five Piano Concertos
Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B00000417D
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Overtures: Coriolano, Op.62
Overtures: Egmont, Op.84
Overtures: King Stephen, Op.117
Overtures: The Creatures of Prometheus, Op.43
Overtures: Leonore No. 1, Op.138
Overtures: Leonore No. 2, Op.72a
Overtures: Leonore No. 3, Op.72b
Overtures: The Consecration of the House, Op.124

Tracks:

Overtures: Fidelio Overture, Op.72c
Overtures: Overture in C, Op.115 (Nameday)
Overtures: (The Ruins of Athens Overture), Op.113
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 1
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 2
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 3
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 4
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 5
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 6
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 7
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 8
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 9
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 10
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 11
Twelve Minuets, WoO 7: No. 12
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 1
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 2
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 3
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 4
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 5
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 6
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 7
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 8
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 9
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 10
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 11
Twelve German Dances, WoO 8: No. 12
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 1
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 2
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 3
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 4
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 5
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 6
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 7
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 8
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 9
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 10
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 11
Twelve Contredanses, WoO 14: No. 12

Customer Reviews:

All of Beethoven's Orchestral Overtures: A Great Collection.......2005-09-24

Once again, the Phillips Label has released another great collection of classical music for any devotee. This is the complete collection of Beethoven's overtures. In truth, and technically speaking, there is only one true overture on this recording- the Overtures to Leonore/Fidelio, Beethoven's only opera. The rest, while still dubbed "overtures" by musicologists, remain in the "incidental music" department. They are brilliantly performed by the expert orchestra of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany, the oldest orchestra in the world and one of the finest in Europe. The principal conductor in this 2 disc recording is Kurt Masur, though the final tracks are courtly dances- German Dances and Contredanses, in a kind of homage to Mozart, and are performed by The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields conducted by the virtuoso Neville Marriner.

The Coriolan Overture is an appropriate opening track, with its compelling orchestral fortissimi and romantic style. It is followed by the Egmont Overture, and this is pure Beethovenesque romanticism. The King Stephen Overture tops off these incidental musical scores, which Beethoven had annotated with a particular story or idea. To Beethoven, music was poetry/drama, his theories foreshadowed the later Wagner who would write that "Poetry is the reason for music and drama is the reason for both." Theese are all superb pieces of music, and any true fan of Beethoven should own these along with his 9 symphonies. The other "program" overtures include Ruins of Athens, which even contains chorus, Name-Day Celebration Overture and Consecration of the House, which was a commission given to Beethoven for music for the social event of the opening of a new theater, a theater which still stands intact in Austria.

While Kurt Masur is brilliant, he finds that he has an equal in the other featured conductor Sir Neville Marriner, who just happens to be the more famous of the two. Marriner conducted his Academy of St Martin in the Fields for the soundtrack to the 1984 film Amadeus, about the life of Mozart. Marriner has long been associated with conducting Classical and Baroque repertoire, keeping faithful to the original scores. The German Dances are jubilant and a pleasure to hear as are the Contredances, both which number 12 in total. This is a great recording to add to your Beethoven collection. I highly recommend it.

Great bargain, OK performances --- but there are better.......2005-06-12

Until recently, I believe Masur's cycle has been the only commercially available collection of the overtures, so it has (by default) been the standard. A number of people would consider this to be the definitive collection, but I think serious consideration has to be given to Zinman's new release of the complete overtures with the Tonhalle Orchestra of Zurich, which takes a significantly different approach to the overtures.

Is the performance Masur and the Leipzig Gewandhaus great and definitive? Certainly the orchestra sounds typically lush throughout, but the overtures at times seem ponderous & almost soggy. The rather arch quality of the brass section can really detract from the overall performance at times, and who really can ignore the appallingly out of tune winds section in the 2nd Leonore? The performances are generally good but they only occasionally approach greatness.

Marriner & the ASMF turn in an outstanding performance, but I don't think anyone is buying this collection for the Minuets, German Dances, and Contradances, which are expertly rendered, Haydnesque tunes, but which are hardly an example of Beethoven pushing the envelope. Noone will ever mistake this for being nice, incidental music of little significance. These pieces will only matter to those collectors in search of a totally complete Beethoven collection.

Still, this is a reasonable collection for the price, and one could certainly do worse where the performances are concerned.

One of my ten 'desert island' recordings.......2005-01-13

Masur's recordings of Beethoven's overtures (complete) stand out from a crowded field. They have a drive and intensity that grab your attention and don't let go. After playing them for the first time, I had to immediately play them again. And now they are available at a bargain price. You owe it to yourself to hear them.

Glorious.......2002-07-18

Words fail me on this one. Beethoven's music always brings me to tears, and the recordings here are, well, glorious.

The world is a better place for having hosted the genius that was Ludwig van.

Fine Collection!.......2002-05-25

First of all, this CD is a rare find; normally, when we hear the Beethoven overtures, we hear a few of them in the context of larger works (ie, we get only two or three overtures in a box set of symphonies or concerti, and they are overshadowed). To have all the overtures together (especially at these top-rate perfomances) is a treat. Though a wonderful set for any serious Beethoven fan, this may also serve as a good introduction for those new to Beethoven's orchestral music, because the pieces normally clock in at only 10 minutes, give or take, but also because the overtures are always charmingly songful or fast and exciting. It is the more abrasive Beethoven at work here, and it's great fun.

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Look at the List of Performers First
this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France
You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks!
Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLHE
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Overtures

Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00016XMYY
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

Egmont, Op. 84
The Crestures Of Prometheus, Op. 43
Coriolan, Op. 62
King Stephen, Op. 117
The Ruins Of Athens, Op. 113
Leonore No. 1, Op. 138
Leonore No. 1, Op. 72a
Leonore No. 1, Op. 72b
Fidelio, Op. 72c

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 "Pastoral" & 8; King Stephen Overture

Average customer rating:

One of the best albums from the Beethoven-Sony Bernstein cycle
Just listen to it

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 "Pastoral" & 8; King Stephen Overture

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Dvorak: Symphony No9; Carnival Overture Op92

ASIN: B000009CYA
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Scene By The Brook - Andante molto moto
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Merry Gathering Of Country Folk - Allegro
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Thunderstorm - Allegro
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Shepherd's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm - Allegretto
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: Tempo di Menuetto
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: Allegro vivace
King Stephen Overture, Op.117

Customer Reviews:

One of the best albums from the Beethoven-Sony Bernstein cycle.......2006-04-16

This CD, featuring the Sixth ("Pastoral") and Eighth Symphonies, is one of the best albums from the Beethoven-Sony Bernstein cycle. The only other superb album will have to be the one featuring the Third "Eroica" and his discussion on "How a Great Symphony is Written."

In the "Pastoral" Symphony, Bernstein makes the work about 45 minues, which is relatively average. He takes the first movement rather boldly and quickly, more energetic than most other recordings. Plus, he repeats the exposition (something I prefer in first movements for all symphonies, except the Ninth). In the second and third movements, however, the tempo is slightly sluggish. Not exactly fitting to my taste, but it's still brilliantly played. Lenny maintains the Beethovenian power and charm in the last two movements.

In the Eighth, which I am less critical of, Bernstein and his orchestra play beautifully, without any sign of blandness or excessive outpour of emotions.

Just listen to it.......2000-05-01

This is an inspired and inspiring performance. I think this is one of the best of "The Bernstein Century" reissues, and the Sixth is one of the best versions of this symphony ever recorded in my opinion, and one of the better symphonies in Bernstein's earlier Beethoven cycle with the NYPO. The first movement takes a more jaunty pace than traditional, but it seems to work and the whole thing cascades into a wonderful crescendo at about 10 minutes into the movement. The sound is excellent, much better than most other Bernstein recordings from Avery Fisher Hall in the 60's. You can hear wonderful orchestral detail and the NYPO are really spot on in this performance. The programmatic nature of the piece is emphasized and you can really feel the storm and then the calm afterwards. This version is marginally better than Bernstein's later Sixth with the VPO even though the timings are almost identical (although the advantage with his later DG version is you can buy it in a boxed set with the whole cycle). This one compares favorably with Ashkenazy's Philharmonia version on Decca, Bohm's version from the 1970's with the VPO, and Guilini's version with the La Scala Philharmonic on Sony. All are quite good. The Eighth is equally impressive with incisive rhythyms and good, if not excellent, sound.

Average customer rating:

Nothing but hits

Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004RITB
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Customer Reviews:

Nothing but hits.......2001-01-31

As with their first collection of label highlights, Hyperion's new two-disc collection provides a broad sampling of their exceptional catalogue and performers. Particularly rewarding are the selections from Beethoven (Scherzo from String Trio in C minor, op 9 no 3, performed by the Leopold Trio) and Thomas Tallis (Salvator mundi I, performed by the Winchester Cathedral Choir), but experienced and novice listeners alike will find much to enjoy on these discs. It's also a good value--more than 2 1/2 hours of music for less than $10.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Overtures; Violin Concerto (Limited Edition)

Average customer rating:

Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle
Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Overtures; Violin Concerto (Limited Edition)

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00006OA68
Release Date: 2002-10-28

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In B-Flat Major, Op.60
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68
Symphony No.9 In D Minor, Op.125
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op.61

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle.......2007-05-23

For those wondering why Leonard Bernstein was such an important, exciting conductor, there's no better introduction than these fine early stereo recordings he made with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Critics have celebrated these as exciting, revelatory accounts, almost as memorable as those from George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra and Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker, which were recorded almost at the same time as Bernstein's. The only reason why I'd give higher recommendations to Szell's and Karajan's cycles lies primarily with the acoustical qualities of the recording studios (In Karajan's case the converted Berlin church where he made most of his 1960s and 1970s recordings with the Berliner Philharmoniker was sonically the best at that time.) and the overall quality of the musicianship of their respective ensembles, which I would have to rate slightly higher than the New York Philharmonic's. The two finest recordings from Bernstein's New York Philharmonic cycle are those with of the 3rd and 5th symphonies which remain two of the most dramatic recordings of these pieces that I've heard. Overall, I think this set deserves favorable comparisons with his mid 1970s Deutsche Grammophon cycle recorded with the Wiener Philharmoniker during live performances at Vienna's Musikverein; the only exceptional differences are the slightly warmer acoustics of the orchestra and concert hall in the 1970s cycle, and Bernstein's usage of slightly quicker tempi and smaller orchestral forces. If you're looking for an alternative traditional Beethoven symphony cycle, then you won't miss by acquiring this early Bernstein cycle.

Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain.......2007-02-20

I wonder if Leonard Bernstein was the first American conductor to record a complete Beethoven cycle? He must have been, and two of these performances--the Eroica and the Fifth Sym. -- were made famous as vehicles for LB's television talks in the Fities and Sixties. Millions of post-war kids learned from them and I'm one. In retrospect Bernstein's Beethoven wasn't as propulsive and exciting as memory made them. But these performances are full-boded, direct, and satisfying. Perhaps the authority of Karajan and the Berlin Phil. isn't present, but even so, Sony is offering the cycle as a tremendous bargain, all the more so if you buy it used at Amazon Marketplace. Several overtures are thrown in, along with Isaac Stern's excellent account of the Violin Concerto (conductor and soloist are in sympathy, as always, but this is one of their poorest sounding recordings, unfortunately).

LB used a big orchestra for his Beethoven, and the Columbia Records engineers caught them in a big, reverberant space. If you want to hear this music on a modest scale or with historical touches, lok elsewhere. After he decamped to Europe, Bernstein made a second Beethoven cycle with the Vienna Phil. that's leaner, faster, but somewhat lacking in the excitment of discovery that one heard the first time around.

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