Caprice

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Caprice,Angelo Debarre,Hot Club / Norway,Gypsy,Int'l & World Music,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Two-and-a-half hours of bliss not what i expected excellent guitar performances Essential Guitar... Lives up to its Name!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Spanish Guitar Music Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar Art of Segovia Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar ASIN: B000069KIT Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss.......2007-04-04

This may be the best money I've ever spent. I got 2-1/2 hours of bliss for less than what I'd usually pay for one CD -- and you know how it is with music. You buy an album because of a song or two that you love, and you find that you like maybe half the songs on it. There's not a single selection in this one that I would've left out. It includes Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by Pepe Romero on the guitar with the Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields. I needed to replace my old LP recording of that. But I also get 30 other classical compositions and traditional Spanish pieces, each special in its own way.

Have you ever heard music that you wanted to last forever, maybe even to dive inside and live there for a while, immersing yourself in sound? That's how I feel about this collection. The only problem I have with it is that I bought it thinking it might be nice to listen to while I write. Not so. It's terrible for that. I'll sit with my hands poised above the laptop keyboard, assuring myself I'll get some work done while I listen. The music takes hold and carries me away.

I'm not expert at describing this or any type of music. I just know what I love. You might too, if you enjoy classical or Spanish guitar -- unless you have absurd expectations about combining listening with work.

not what i expected.......2007-03-26

This CD for me was a waste of money. Its just not what i thought it would be. Others may enjoy it but for me..it wasnt what i was hoping to hear.

excellent guitar performances.......2006-07-27

Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar..........2005-07-26

Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie. After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it! It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection. The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Buy it and enjoy!!!!

Lives up to its Name!.......2005-06-10

If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.

The recording quality is uniformly good, even on the tracks by Segovia. I don't know if they were remastered or recorded late in his career, but they're free of the surface noise present in so many of his recordings. The set clocks in at a generous 2 1/2 hours - one of the greatest deals in instrumental music; this is not a "bargain" quality set. Listen to the samples online - great stuff.

My only mild criticism is in the marketing. The advertising features John Williams and Julian Bream. Each contributes exactly one track. I would have enjoyed more pieces by them for stylistic comparison. But the less well-known (at least to guitar music neophytes like me) artists are every bit as good, and I intend to obtain more of their work.

Average customer rating: Best on the Planet! Stilted Walking the trail Superb concert Too Studied

Appalachian Journey Edgar Meyer , Mark O'Connor , Stephen Foster , Traditional , James Taylor , Anonymous , and Yo-Yo Ma Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by O'Connor | O'Connor, Mark | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology Uncommon Ritual The Telluride Sessions Short Trip Home ASIN: B00004S38H Release Date: 2000-03-21

Tracks:

1. 1B
2. Misty Moonlight Waltz
3. Hard Times Come Again No More
4. Indecision
5. Limerock
6. Benjamin
7. Fisher's Hornpipe
8. Duet for Cello and Bass
9. Emily's Reel
10. Cloverfoot Reel
11. Poem For Carlita
12. Caprice For Three
13. Second Time Around
14. Slumber My Darling
15. Vistas

Amazon.com

With the help of some friends (James Taylor and Alison Krauss lend some vocal support), the trio of Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O'Connor have created yet another fascinating hybrid of chamber music and bluegrass. This follow-up to 1996's Appalachia Waltz is filled with highly lyrical string passages, a homage or two to Copland, and plenty of tracks where Meyer's bass vamps with the best of them. This is reflective (and relaxing) music, lacking the intricate structure of classical music and the rough edges of folk. But, boy, is it catchy! Yo-Yo Ma fans may be disappointed to hear that--aside from the gorgeous "Duet for Cello and Bass"--the cellist takes more of a supportive role on this disc. Still, this is fun music, more intimate than Short Trip Home (Meyer's other crossover project for Sony), but still lively (just check out "1B" or "Caprice for Three"). --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Best on the Planet!.......2006-03-24

These are flawless preformances of great music by some of the most talented artists on the planet. Slumber My Darling will leave you so relaxed you'll have to remember to breathe. The reels will bring you to your feet. This music reaches the soul as well as the ear.

Stilted.......2005-12-15

I suppose you will enjoy this if you really like Yo-Yo Ma at his most boring. This is glorified elevator music and about as interesting.

Walking the trail.......2005-08-07

I actually heard this cd while having a root canal done at the dentist's office. I find the music so wonderful and the vocal segments are great. It does make you feel like you are walking the Appalachian Trail...and makes a root canal painless!

Superb concert.......2005-08-02

I have bought two copies of this disc -- one for my car. The music is wonderful, and the performances are memorable. There's a DVD version, which is equally good. The performers obviously loved working together, and that's fully evident.

Too Studied.......2005-06-22

Two of my favorite CDs in the last couple of years were "Obrigado Brazil" and "In Full Swing" by Yo Yo Ma and Mark O'Connor respectively. I found both of those CDs to be fine examples of genre-busting joyful music making. So when I saw these guys paired here, I snapped it up. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

The music throughout most of the CD sounds too labored, too studied. It is, frankly, not that inspiring. The playing throughout is, of course, of the highest calibre and the recorded sound excellent. But there is no hint of the exhuberance of Folk or Bluegrass which is the supposed inspiration for the disc. The guest spots by James Taylor and Alison Krauss are good but they sound like outtakes from their own CDs, these songs are out of context here. (But note how many other Amazon reviews reference their contributions as reasons for loving the CD. Perhaps so many five star ratings because these people need broader musical exposure?)

Too many critics over intellectualize. I base my ratings on one simple criterion: How much did the music move me? In this case, not much.

Average customer rating: soothing great gift idea Everyday Cello 75 minutes of meditative music

Cello for Relaxation Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruch | Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Delius, Frederick | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Delius, Frederick | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Violin for Relaxation Guitar for Relaxation The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever Flute For Relaxation Piano for Relaxation ASIN: B00005KCH1 Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan - Steven Isserlis/Michael Tilson Thomas/Dudley Moore
2. Canzone, Op.55 - Ofra Harnoy
3. Sicilienne, Op.78 - Steven Isserlis/Pascal Devoyon
4. Caprice & Elegy: Caprice - Janos Starker
5. Die Zelle In Nonnenwerth - Steven Isserlis/Stephen Hough
6. Chant - Steven Isserlis
7. Adagio & Allegro, Op.70: Adagio - Steven Isserlis/Christoph Eschenbach
8. Concerto Militaire in G: Andante - Ofra Harnoy
9. Ste No.6 in D, BWV 1012: Allemande - Janos Starker
10. Son in g, Op.65: Largo - Ofra Haynoy/Cyprien Katsaris
11. Con in g, RV 417: Andante - Ofra Harnoy
12. Funf Stucke In Volkston, Op.102: Langsam - Steven Isserlis/Christoph Eschenbach
13. Con in C, H.VIIB:1: Adagio - Steven Isserlis
14. Morceau De Concours - Steven Isserlis/Thomas Ades
15. From The Bohemian Forest: Silent Woods, Op.68 No.5 - Ofra Harnoy

Customer Reviews:

soothing.......2007-05-28

It's not a bad CD, although I believe there has got to be a better rendition of The Swan somewhere out there. The problem with this version is that the piano overwhelms the cello playing.

The rest of the CD is pretty nice and relaxing. Worth what I paid for it.

great gift idea.......2007-01-13

My wife is a lover of a good cello, so when I gave her this disc for Christmas, she loved it!

Everyday Cello.......2004-03-23

I bought this CD solely based on the fact that I love the cello. I do not pretend to know classical music - I buy what I like to hear, and this CD exceeded my expectations. It is such a pleasure to listen to this disk; it is soothing and every track is worth it!

75 minutes of meditative music.......2001-12-13

The cello is almost always the instrument I turn to for relaxation. It meditates upon a deeper, slower spectrum of emotion than say, a harp or violin.

I put this CD to the ultimate test and took it to the hospital with me, to see if its music could counteract the threat and ultimate deployment of needles---and it was indeed much less painful to be poked while in a state of relaxation, as induced by these (mainly 19th century) compositions.

My two favorite selections from "Cello for Relaxation" are Camille Saint-Saëns' "The Swan" from "Carnival of the Animals," and John Tavener's "Chant," which is an unaccompanied melody, "without barlines or meter, shaped as a palindrome." Steven Isserles performs as the cello soloist for both of these compositions.

In my continuing search for relaxation music, this CD now rates as number one. Its music was selected with a sensitivity to dynamics, and beautiful, adagio playing. Its musicality is superb and unobtrusively displayed, and allows the listener to meditate, or relax into much-needed sleep.

Average customer rating: World's best trumpet player Credit Wynton Marsalis stylistically wrong Wynton, Wynton, Wynton. Good, but not the best

Carnaval Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Marsalis, Wynton | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Marsalis, Wynton | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cornet Favorites Classic Wynton Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet Greatest Hits: Trumpet Turn-of-the-Century Cornet Favorites ASIN: B0000026EN Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Carnaval: Variations Sur 'Le Carnaval De Venise'
2. Carnaval: The Debutante (Caprice Brillant)
3. Carnaval: Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
4. Carnaval: Grand Russian Fantasia
5. Carnaval: Moto Perpetuo, Op 11
6. Carnaval: 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer
7. Tsar Saltan: The Flight of The Bumblebee
8. Carnaval: Napoli -- Variations on a Neapolitan Song
9. Carnaval: Fantaisie Brillante
10. Carnaval: Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
11. Carnaval: Valse Brillante

Customer Reviews:

World's best trumpet player.......2007-05-12

The incredible Wynton Marsalis plays the classics of the brass solo genre.
If you want to hear some very delightful music played by a most impressive instrumentalist, get this album.

Listening to this will make you realize the mediocrity of most of today's popular music. They don't grow people like Jean-Baptiste Arban any more.

Credit Wynton Marsalis.......2007-01-25

This outstanding collection of turn-of-the-last-century cornet solos is a collector's item. Mr. Marsalis (and the ensemble) makes it all sound so easy and enjoyable. As an instrumental music teacher I find hearing these inspires many of my high school high brass players to work on them.

stylistically wrong.......2005-05-29

Having studied with an international authority on cornet playing I can con fidently say that Wynton's cornet playing is ok at best. More than anything hes tryying to sell CDs rather than capture the essence of Cornet playing, like most of wyntons playing its alot of flash but no substance. Great if your a trumpet head and you get off on empty virtuostic fluff.

Wynton, Wynton, Wynton........2005-01-01

There are times, when I'm listeing to Wynton, I get depressed like the flash of a 64th note played. His sounds is so pure and wonderful. He rocks. I don't mind realizing that there aren't many other trumpeteers out there like him.

I met him once actually. In Alice Tully Hall, after a holiday concert. He stood on the stage towering over my dad, brother and I. He called us "the frontline", after my dad telling him we play the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. What a cool guy.

Good, but not the best.......2004-11-28

Marsalis is an excellent trumpet player, there is no question as to that. He is certainly not the best in the world, however. I prefer a better recording of Carnival of Venice and many other cornet solos by Gerard Schwarz. The spirit of such solos is lost when they are put to ensemble accompaniment, Schwarz interprets them far better in my opinion. Also, his technical mastery is at least equal to that of Wynton's, or was when he made the album. His sound is sweeter and more perfect to my ear. And this is not the only album in which you can hear dazzling technical pieces, either. Sergei Nakariakov, Rafael Mendez, and Allen Vizzutti are the most proficient players with recordings out there. Nakariakov and Mendez both do better readings of the Paganini, playing the entire song double-tonguing and circular breathing. The Mendez Flight of the Bumblebee has a much better sound and fits the piece more, too. The most amazing song I have ever heard is the Carnival of Venus, by Vizzutti. Listen to anything by Wynton and then this song, you will be absolutely amazed. The last variation of the Marsalis is Vizzutti's first, and they get harder from there. Simply put, this is a good recording and the most accessible, but there are better ones out there. I wouldn't buy this to hear cornet solos or amazing technical pieces, but for hearing other interpretations. I prefer Schwarz, Mendez, Vizzutti, and Nakariakov.

Average customer rating: Horowitz Returns to Moscow at the Age of 82 My favorite classical recording of all time. Oh, God...5 stars would be simply unfair... Magnificent!!! Bravo Horowitz!! Amazing

Horowitz in Moscow Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Horowitz: The Last Recording Horowitz At Home Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD] Horowitz Plays Scriabin ASIN: B000001G7Y Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Sonata In E Major, K.380 (L.23): Andante Comodo
2. Piano Sonata In C Major, K.330 (300 h): Allegro Moderato
3. Piano Sonata In C Major, K.330 (300 h): Andante Cantabile
4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K.330 (300 h): Allegretto
5. Prelude In G Major, Op.32, No.5: Moderato
6. Prelude In G Sharp Minor, Op.32, No.12: Allegro
7. Etude In C Sharp Minor, Op.2, No.1: Andante
8. Etude In D Sharp Minor, Op.8, No.12: Patetico
9. Soirees De Vienne: Valse-Caprice No.6: Allegro Con Spirito
10. Sonetto 104 Del Petrarca: Agitato Assai - Adagio
11. Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op.30, No.4: Allegretto
12. Mazurka In F Minor, Op.7, No.3: Allegretto
13. Kinderszenen: Traumerei
14. Etincelles, Morceau Caracteristique Op.36, No. 6: Allegro Scherzando
15. Polka de W. R.: Allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

Along with the extramusical significance of the aged Horowitz's return to his erstwhile homeland, there's plenty here for seekers of the essential Horowitz. Perhaps his finest Mozart recording, the C-major Sonata, gets a forward-moving reading distinguished by an Andante Cantabile movement that sings the music with the tonal splendor and command of line characteristic of the beloved bel canto singers of the past whom Horowitz looked to as musical models. The program's remainder is as formidable, and only a curmudgeon could fail to smile with delight at a favorite Horowitz encore, Rachmaninoff's Polka de W.R. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz Returns to Moscow at the Age of 82.......2007-05-06

This profoundly beautiful recording was made in 1986, when Horowitz was 82. This was his first visit since he had left his homeland at the age of 22. The recording itself will make you cry, and when you read the CD insert, written masterfully by Charles Kuralt, of CBS News, you will cry some more. Mr. Kuralt speaks of Horowitz's life away from his homeland and his return. Many touching pictures of Horowitz with his wife, family, and music students enhance Mr. Kuralt's write up.
This recording of the live performance of Horowitz is superb. You will sit with your body rigid, with your hands cold and clenched, and with a smile of anticipation glued on your face, and will wait for the great maestro to play. Here you are, imagining that you are in Moscow, right there and then, and you are moved to tears by the music. What is it about the great performers that they make you breathless with the anticipation of the next note, although you know all these timeless favorites so well? In the search for an answer, I have gone so far even to read the books and articles about the biological foundation of music. I did find information about the neuronal connections and developments of various areas in the brains of the musicians. However, I did not find an explanation as to why is it that the average listener gets uplifted and enriched so much by the music when it is played by the great performers, but may be completely uninvolved when the lesser musicians play the same music. Do we have some sort of music receptors that can be triggered only by the selected few? In the absence of a scientific explanation, I have temporarily accepted that there is some sort of magic, which flows through the performer, and every soul in the concert hall. The great performers know how to make this magical connection with the average listeners. Somehow, I believe, the performer and the audience feed on each other.
I remember reading somewhere how Horowitz loved to perform. He said that he could make people in the audience hold their breath while his hand is up, in the great anticipation of his hand coming down to the keyboard. Yes, it is true; I was literally dying in the anticipation of the next note in many passages. Mr. Horowitz is a great master of passion. Just when you think that you cannot take any more passion, he tones it down, but he never lets the momentum of passion be lost.
You will love to death Horowitz's selection, each a real gem: Sonatas by Scarlatti and Mozart, Preludes by Rachmaninov, Etudes by Scriabin, Chopin Mazurkas, and much more.
You will love this recording!

My favorite classical recording of all time........2007-03-19

I have a couple of hundred classical CDs, and like most of them. But this is the one I play the most. It mixes familiar piano works with others that were entirely new to me.

The concert was held during Horowitz's first return to Moscow, and the emotion of both artist and audience seem audible. Anyhow, the playing is inspired.

Oh, God...5 stars would be simply unfair..........2006-06-07

Upon hearing this record for the first time, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was actually listening to such an amazing, if not perfect display of talent and beauty. After having listened to it over and over again along the years, maybe more than 1000 times, I still find it hard to believe that the guy was even a human being. The only fair review for such a record would be a wordless one: nothing I can write or say would do justice to the rich, almost infinte world of emotions, thoughts and colors he's able to convey through his playing. 20 stars. ;-)

Magnificent!!! Bravo Horowitz!!.......2006-01-07

I remember hearing all about this concert in Moscow when I was a kid. Whatever I thought - so some old guy played in Mosocw.

Well, reader you must forgive me for my stupidity, because for some time I realize the greatness of Maestro Horowitz, and the importance of his playing in Moscow, his hometown and homeland after 60 years.

I bought this album because I remember the hoopla in 1986. I was not dissapointed. The playing is emotional and incredible. Horowitz really was an amazing piano player - the ability to hold rapture over the audience is captured here. Those fingers -connected to a difficult, sole-eating, slight, Russian man - were magic. Wow. Those beautiful notes he plays hold in the air like ripe fruit. A master at work!

This was an inspired performance by a magician on the ivories. If your wondering what the fuss was about, or you want a CD that expresses how classical music can move the soul - then I recommend this CD very highly. Along with the Three Tenors IN Concert, it just has some inherent quality to move you.

Horowitz may have made better studio recordings, and better live recordings, but I am convinced this is just a good. I join along with the gentleman who can be heard yelling "BRAVO" at the conclusion of several pieces. BRAVO!

Amazing.......2005-11-19

Every now and then throughout history a genius in a certain area or discpline emerges. Whether it is Newton, Mozart, Freud. Horowitz falls into this category. Although there are some contrarians who don't like Horowitz, these people are usually not pianists and mere amateurs. Not for nothing he is considered one of the best if not the best pianists. Saying someone does not appreciate Horowitz is the equivalent of the creationists denying evolution.
Horowitz does things with the piano that are practically impossible to emulate or duplicate. His control over color, sound and pedalling dynamics just boggles the mind. He balances left hand right hand accents in a unique way. Horowitz reaches what is in my opinion the most technically challenging accomplishment, namely being ablt to play multiple voices simultaneously as if they all are autonomous one from the other, namely, playing three voices in which one has a crescendo, another a descrescendo and a third staying the same. I challenge any pianist to go to the piano and play 10 different level of marginal volume differences. starting from forte to pianissimo. For non musicians... this is like a shotput thrower throwing the shotput 100 times and hitting 50 feet, then 50 feet and 1/4 inches, 50 and half inches (you get this point) back and forth. This control over volume is just unparralled in the world of music. It is as if Horowitz fingers have their own brains and can do things that boggle the mind. This is akin to inducing schizophrenia in mice. There is NO ONE in the solar system who can play like this.

Average customer rating: Marvellous! The best violinist ever!

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more Cinema Serenade Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster ASIN: B00004XST2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Chanson Sans Paroles
2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
4. Chanson Russe
5. Liebesleid
6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
9. Melodie
10. Serenade Espagnole
11. Serenade (Frasquita)
12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
13. Sicilienne
14. Molly On The Shore
15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
18. Estrellita
19. Spanish Dance No.5
20. Berceuse Sfaradite
21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

Average customer rating: So I'm just learning violin... Joshua Bell...

The Essential Joshua Bell Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bloch | Bloch, Ernest | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chausson, Ernest | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Voice of the Violin Romance of the Violin Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces ASIN: B000A8AXUY Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Allegro Molto Appassionato
2. II. Sicilienne
3. II. Adagio
4. IV. Allegro Quasi Presto
5. III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace
6. Caprice Viennois
7. Toy-Soldiers March
8. Waves At Play - Samuel Sanders
9. II. Andante Assai
10. Spanish Dance - Samuel Sanders
11. Nigun (Improvisation)
12. Zigeunerweisen, Op.20

Customer Reviews:

So I'm just learning violin..........2006-09-21

and I can not play like Joshua Bell. For this, he better consider himself damn lucky as the world could not handle two of us Joshua Bells.

This was my first exposure to this phenom. Sorry, I had never heard of him until I got my first issue of STRINGS magazine and he was on the cover. My wife liked the cover and wanted to know if I got better would I not only sound like him but would I also look like him? I guess we'll never know how that will actually turn out. Safe to say, I'll end up not looking like him as I can never be quite as good as him. Again, damn lucky for Josh as I don't think the world could handle two of us.

This disc is an absolute gem not only for the Joshua Bell and violin fan, but the arrangements and the sound quality is superb. What this disc made me realize is that there are truly only a few out there that have complete and total control of their craft. It also made me decide that I would like to perhaps pick up a few more Joshua Bell recordings. For my wife, I guess I'll just duplicate them and give the copies to her in a blank cd case. I can tell her it's me playing. That ought to heat things up!

Joshua Bell..........2005-12-05

This CD is a wonderful CD to see how Joshua Bell interprets some of the standard repertory of violinists of this century. The only thing I was dissapointed in slightly was that it included music from other CD's already produced by Bell, but otherwise, a wonderful gift for someone who has never heard Bell before.

Average customer rating: beautiful ,beautiful Great Recording

Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bloch | Bloch, Ernest | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Romance of the Violin Voice of the Violin The Essential Joshua Bell Tchaikovsky, Wienawski, Brahms, Schumann: Violin Concertos Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B0007WQHVW Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

1. Variations on an original theme, Op.15
2. Romance, Op.78, No.2
3. Mazurka, Op.81, No.1
4. Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor-Transcr. Joseph Joachim
5. Cantabile, Op.17
6. Scherzo-Tarantelle, Op.16
7. Nigun (Improvisation)
8. Perpetuum mobile
9. The Prophet Bird
10. Spanish Dance No.1
11. Waves at play (Wellenspiel)
12. Carmen Fantasy, Op.25 - Arr. Waxman

Tracks:

1. Praeludium and Allegro
2. Schosmarin
3. Tambourin chinois
4. Caprice viennois op.2
5. La Preuse (in the style of Louis Couperin)
6. Liebesfreud
7. Liebesleid
8. La Gitana
9. Berceuse Romantique (Caprice)
10. Polichinelle (Snade)
11. Rondino on a Theme by Beethoven
12. Tempo di menuetto (in the style of Pugnani)
13. Toy Soldiers' March
14. Allegretto (in the style of Boccherini)
15. Marche miniature viennoise
16. Aucassin and Nicolette (canzonetta medievale)
17. Menuet (in the style of Porpora)
18. Sicilienne and Rigaudon (in the style of Francois Francoeur)
19. Syncopation

Customer Reviews:

beautiful ,beautiful.......2007-05-27

I am not a music critic nor do I "know" much about music but if you love lovely violin music you will love this.

Great Recording.......2007-01-04

The Kreisler pieces are played exceptionally well. The one disc alone is worth the price of the double disc collection. Great playing.

Average customer rating: poor recording Travel to the Old Vienna Only Kreisler Can Play Kreisler ***** Perfection disappointing technical quality

Fritz Kreisler Plays Kreisler Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heifetz Showpieces Kreisler plays Kreisler The Kreisler Album Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos The Kreisler Album ASIN: B000003G1K Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

1. Liebesfreud
2. Liebesleid
3. Tambourin chinois, Op.3
4. Caprice viennois, Op.2
5. Chanson Louis XIII And Pavane
6. Variations On A Theme Of Corelli
7. Rondino On A Theme By Beethoven
8. Schon Rosmarin
9. The Old Refrain - Wiener Volkslied - Le vieux refrain
10. Andantino
11. Berceuse romantique, Op.9
12. Aubade provencale (In The Style Of Couperin)
13. Apple Blossoms: Who Can Tell?
14. Toy Soldiers' March
15. Aucassin And Nicolette (Medieval Canzonetta)
16. Shepherd's Madrigal - Altdeutsches Schafermadrigal - Madrigal du berger
17. Gypsy Caprice - Zigeuner Capriccio
18. Polichinelle
19. La precieuse (In The Style Of Couperin)
20. La gitana
21. Marche miniature viennoise
22. The King Steps Out: Stars In My Eyes
23. Viennese Rhapsodic Fantasietta

Customer Reviews:

poor recording.......2007-04-30

Besides the bacground hiss, I found I had to turn the volume up to max just to hear it. So when you play more than one CD the others will be normal volume but when Kreisler starts you hear nothing and have to turn the volume all the way up to have it at low normal levels. So I recommend passing on this one.

Travel to the Old Vienna.......2006-01-26

Sometimes the author isn`t the best performer of his own works. That`s not the case. I completely agree with the previous reviewer: yes, only Kreisler can play Kreisler.
While listening to this music you so wounderfully feel the spirit of the old Vienna, that most technically perfect record couldn`t compare with this impressions. Treat surface noise of the records made in 1912-1946 as the scent of that distant time (by the way, nearly the age gone) - and you would be completely satisfied, because the playing by Kreisler is so scincere and soulful. So if you like Kreisler - don`t think twice. This is CD for you.

Only Kreisler Can Play Kreisler *****.......2005-05-08

What can I say? Only Kreisler can play Kreisler. Get a discography of Fritz Kreisler and start hunting down everything you can find by this man. You can compare violinists; Heifetz has astounding technique, Milstein's always wonderful, Oistrakh is a favorite of many, Kogan can play anything, etc., etc., etc.. But Kreisler... is a unique personality of the violin. Yehudi Menuhin said of him in his autobiography, there are many great violinists with perhaps greater technique in this area or that; but "Kreisler mystifies me." Bruno Walter, the great conductor, said of Kreisler, "He did not play the violin; he BECAME the violin." and this is true. There is something special about Kreisler that transcends violin playing itself. Something heavenly is communicated by him with his instrument. Transfers from old disks are always of varying quality. Kreisler lived a long time ago and recording techniques were very primitive; but Kreisler even seems to rise above the pops and the clicks. Other artists are drowned out by them but Kreisler soars above them and makes one forget they are there. You're focused on the beauty and the background noise seems to disappear entirely. Other violinists have tried
to play Kreisler and perhaps get the notes right, most notably among them, Zino Francescatti (who plays Kreisler better than any other man except Kreisler), but only Kreisler can play Kreisler.
If you want to hear it best, put up with the background hiss. It's worth it. If you want a modern recording, see if you can find Francescatti's tribute album to Fritz Kreisler. it's OOP, but an LP in mint condition sometimes appears on an online auction service. Why the Francescatti album ever went OOP I do not know. He is the only modern violinist that ever really tapped into the soul of 'Fritz' when he plays Kreisler. If the disk is ever again released, snap it up before it goes OOP again. In the final analysis, modern violinists, at most, will give you a representative selection of only about 16 tracks and usually you get the worn chestnuts over and over again. Enough of Kreislers own recordings are still available that you can still get the whole gamut of his discography if you just look. Do so!

Perfection.......2004-03-08

No crap...really? OF COURSE THIS RECORDING IS A TRANSFER! YOU THINK THEY HAVE DIGITAL RECORDING TECHNOLOGY BACK THEN???? Man, that review from Delaware annoys me.

Go with the first review. This recording is a must. It is one of the great violin recordings. Even my old violin teacher advise me to play some of Kreisler stuff to improve techniques. Kreisler is a legend. Lesson and appreciate the beauties of the violin.

disappointing technical quality.......2000-08-29

I realize that this cd was a transfer, but I have other music that was transferred from old recordings, and they sound much better than this. The disappointing technical quality of the sound on this CD disturbs me. In fact, it sounds worse than the vinyl I already own. Very loud hissing, some popping. The music doesn't actually sound like it's been recorded in a tunnel, but the sound is not as full as I had hoped.

On the other hand, I bought this after comparing Kreisler's performance with Joshua Bell on the samples; and I find I always prefer Kreisler. With no disrespect to Mr. Bell, I find I prefer the composer performing his own music.

Average customer rating: A very good collection of moving compositions. Nothing but the Best Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in Am; Danse macabre Op40 Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos; Overture on Hebrew Themes Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture ASIN: B0002XV30Q Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. I. Andante - Allegro Assai
2. II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
3. III. Allegro Con Fucco
4. I. Andante Sostenuto
5. II. Allegro Scherzando
6. III. Presto
7. I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
8. II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

1. I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)
2. II. Andante
3. III. Allegro Non Troppo
4. I. Allegro Animato
5. II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo Quasi Andantino
6. III. Molto Allegro
7. Wedding Cake - Caprice-Valse Op.76
8. Africa Fantaisie Op.89

Customer Reviews:

A very good collection of moving compositions........2007-05-07

We heard the Piano Concerto No. 5 in F on National Public Radio and decided that we must have this piece of music in our CD collection. We selected this CD since the two CDs allowed us to purchase all 5 of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concertos. This CD has become one of our favorites and we play it often, discovering more interest in the work of Saint-Saens with each playing.

Camille Saint-Saens' sense of drama, his lyric runs, his ability to evoke mystery, all make this listening experience highly recommended. I am fascinated by the way Saint-Saens creates rich variations of his themes as he takes us from movement to movement. Saint-Saens has the ability to develop ethereal melodies and variations on themes that are hypnotic and mystical. His piano runs are pushed for dramatic effect. The creative and amusing variations of his themes are pleasant and amusing.

This CD is highly recommended. In addition to the 5 Piano Concertos, Saint-Saens' Wedding Cake Caprice and the Africa Fantaisie are included. I found Jean-Phillippe Collard's interpretation to be masterful and rich, capturing the vast complexity and variation that Saint-Saens created in his compositions.

Nothing but the Best.......2007-04-01

To the other reviewer, you are a fool to give these CDs anything less than 5 stars, and you should be banished to hearing Fur Elise permanently until you repent of your ways. As a classical piano composer and teacher, I am definetely spoiled with piano music, it's true. But this is a real gem, TRUE ART, where even a metronome is rendered petty and useless to this, thank you very, very, much. Saint-Saen's 5 Piano Concertos, and David Helfgott's performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto IS as good as it gets. This is art with a soul, their is no hidden agenda, no undercurrent to this music. This recording is fine, don't listen to the other reviewer. I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. Much of these 2 CDs is compltely unique in the realm of piano music. The 2nd Mov. of the 5th Concerto is unforgettable, just to name one. Go ahead and get this one, if you don't, you are sinning, right now.

Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto.......2006-06-01

There are two albums of Saint-Saens' complete piano concerti available in the Amazon catalogue. This from EMI classics, and one from Decca. With two extra tracks thrown in (the "Wedding Cake" waltz, Opus 76, and "Africa Fantaisie," opus 89), this is the better bargain. Plus it's cheaper. I highly recommend it for these reasons, especially if your only interest is familiarization with all of Saint-Saens' five piano concertos, as was mine. Whether the Charles Dutoit performance is better, I can't say as I don't own it.

As for the performances in this disc:

My interest in Saint-Saens' piano concertos was fired up when I first heard his 2nd Piano Concerto performed by Cecile Licad. That stupendous performance (yes, I considered that adjective very carefully and find it absolutely appropriate) was also conducted by Andre Previn and accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (another Brit orchestra). That recording is also available in Amazon catalogue. Do buy it if you are a connoisseur of Saint Saens' second piano concerto. It is a definitive performance, one that am sure even Saint-Saens would approve of VERY enthusiastically. Just listen to the cadenza of the first movement in the Music Sampler and hear for yourselves.

Now back to this album. As noted earlier, it is also conducted by Andre Previn. But what a difference a pianist makes. I refer here to the performance of the second piano concerto. I skip it, actually. Having been spoiled--blissfully, ecstatically--by the Licad stunner, I cannot bear the stultifying interpretation in this one. I just listen to the other piano concertos and enjoy them. These piano concertos are excitingly atmospheric, with the composer's unmistakable mix of boister and mystery. As noted from an Amazon review of the Decca album, a recording of all of Saint Saent's five piano concerti is rare enough. So for that reason and the cheap price, this album is a good buy. I just try not wonder how other pianists, like Licad for instance, would play them. I just enjoy Saint Saent's piano music, The other performances are still very enjoyable, excluding other considerations. After I received this album from my sister as her Amazon gift, I now know that Saint Saen's piano concertos really rock!!! They are for me.

For the price and the extra tracks I'd give this album four stars. But for its dismal second piano concerto (cringe, cringe), three stars.

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2. Ceremony of Souls (Ziafatte Jaan)
3. Chiaro [Import]
4. Contro [Import]
5. Dove Sei Sei [Import]
6. E La Luna Busso [Import]
7. Early Recordings [Import]
8. Eppure Soffia [Import]
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