The Concerto [Live]

Track Listings

 
1. First Movement: Intro
2. First Movement: For You
3. First Movement: Amadlozi
4. First Movement: I'm Feeling Naughty
5. First Movement: 2000
6. Second Movement: Caleez
7. Second Movement: Iphindlela
8. Second Movement: Bongo Battle Rhyme
9. Second Movement: Valley of Hillbrow
10. Second Movement: Thath'isigubhu
11. Third Movement: Chaleez [Instrumental]
12. Third Movement: I Never Knew
13. Third Movement: Amadlozi [Instrumental]
14. Third Movement: I'm Feeling Naughty [Instrumental]
15. Third Movement: Bongo Battle Rhyme [Instrumental]

The Concerto,Bongo Maffin,Columbia,Africa,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Pop,South Africa,South African Pop,Zimbabwe
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Worth every Penny !
  • Over all very good, in places great
  • smoothed out edges
  • Solid live performances, great sound, but a little identity crisis?
  • This latest Beethoven Symphonies cycle is not that great
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr)
  2. Le Sacre du Printemps [Hybrid SACD]
  3. Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 [Hybrid SACD]
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ASIN: B000GUJYRE
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

  1. Allegro Con Brio
  2. Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assi
  3. Scherzo And Trio: Allegro Vivace
  4. Finale: Allegro Molto
  5. Leonore Overture No.2

Tracks:

  1. Adagio-Allegro Vivace
  2. Adagio
  3. Allegro Vivace
  4. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  5. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
  6. Allegretto Scherzando
  7. Tempo Di Menuetto
  8. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

  1. Allegro Con Brio
  2. Andante Con Moto
  3. Allegro
  4. Allegro
  5. Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
  6. Anadante Cantabile Con Moto
  7. Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
  8. Adagio-Allegro Molto E Vivace

Tracks:

  1. Erwachen Heiterer Gefuhle Bei Der Ankunft Auf Dem Lande (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
  2. Szene Am Bach (Andante Molto Mosso)
  3. Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute (Allegro)
  4. Gewitter, Sturm (Allegro)
  5. Hirtengesang-Frohe, Dankbare Gefuhle Nach Sem Sturm (Allegretto)
  6. Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
  7. Larghetto
  8. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
  9. Allegro Molto - Tim Hugh

Tracks:

  1. Poco Sostenuto-Vivace
  2. Allegretto
  3. Presto
  4. Allegro Con Brio
  5. Allegro - Tim Hugh
  6. Largo - Tim Hugh
  7. Rondo Alla Polacca - Tim Hugh

Tracks:

  1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - London Symphony Chorus
  2. Scherzo: Molto Vivace - London Symphony Chorus
  3. Adagio Molto E Cantabile - London Symphony Chorus
  4. Presto-Allegro Ma Non Troppo-Vivace-Adagio Cantabile - London Symphony Chorus

Amazon.com

Haitink's integral set of Beethoven Symphonies with the London Symphony has none of the stodginess that sometimes afflicted his earlier recordings with the Concertgebouw. His restudy of the works, and the presence of concert audiences translate into faster tempos, sharper accents, wider dynamic range and an overall sense of energy that imbue these nine masterpieces. Here, the Classic style is wed to Romantic expressivity but not to Romantic excess, Competition is abundant, ranging from Toscanini, Furtwängler, and the 1963 von Karajan to recent sets from the sometimes hyperkinetic Vanska, the more traditional Abbado, and the insightful Barenboim. But this new Haitink set, available in hybrid SACD/CD, is a solid contender.

The early First and Second symphonies benefit from Haitink's leaner, more vivacious approach. The Eroica also sounds fresher. Its slow movement is still a funeral march, but moves a hair faster this time, just enough to be the difference between a pace that drags and a pace that flows and retains interest. In the outer movements, there's a new spring to the rhythms and clarity in orchestral balances, and this Eroica has the cumulative intensity to make its full effect. Haitink's Fourth is in a grander mold than we usually hear. While never overblown, it has some of the wider scope and heroism of the odd-numbered symphonies. Like the Eroica, it is rhythmically vigorous and the prominent tympani and brass make an impact that sweeps the listener along. The Fifth can suffer from over-exposure but here it has a variety of tonal colors, tempos, and dynamics that make it seem newly minted while no less grand. The propulsive finale, with its pounding tympani and expertly played journey to transcendence, is especially memorable.

The Sixth, the Pastorale, has that same feeling, its flowing tempos and skillful interpretive choices make this one of the best Sixths since Böhm's, with plenty of excitement in the Storm and warmth in the final movement. The Seventh gets a buoyant reading, predominately lyrical without neglecting its powerful rhythms. The driven final movement is exhilarating without being hectic. The Eighth is often considered the slightest of the Nine but Haitink's brisk tempos make it dance and swagger; the lyrical sections played with engaging warmth. As for the Ninth, it is miles ahead of Haitink's earlier versions. The harmonic mist that opens the work is well delineated, the contrasts within movements carefully marked, the Scherzo bursting with energy, the incomparable Adagio sings at a more fluid tempo, the choral final movement as good as any in the catalogue, its structure crystal clear under Haitink's baton. The major filler in the set is the often scorned Triple Concerto, which gets a performance of warm lyricism that can only elevate its status.

The playing of the London Symphony is phenomenal, especially since these are live recordings. The violins' tone glows with radiance, their precise articulation helps make the rhythms energetic, the winds are uniformly excellent, the brass sleekly powerful, the potent percussion authoritative in climaxes. If a criticism can be made it would be that bass lines are sometimes weaker than desirable, perhaps a function of engineering that varies in clarity from disc to disc but is never less than good. In sum, a major addition to the Beethoven Symphony discography. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Worth every Penny !.......2007-06-25

I finally listened to every symphony after 2 weeks. I have to say, every performance sounded quite prestine. I especially enjoyed the 6th and the 9th.
I agree with one reviewer in that the first movement of the 5th seemed a tad fast. Honestly thats the only complaint I have of this collection. If you enjoy classical music and appreciate high fidelity music, this is a must have !

4 out of 5 stars Over all very good, in places great.......2007-04-10

These recordings have outstanding sound quality, as other reviewers have said. None of them are less than worthwhile, and I think the rendition of the Eroica is sensational, the best I've heard. The 9th is also among the best. The 5th, though, is not in the same class. Another reviewer has commented on the tempo of the first movement, which I agree is too fast; unfortunately, so is much of the rest of the piece. (Bernstein's 1990 recording with the Vienna Philharmonic is much better.) Still, no one could fault the LSO's playing, or the sound. Worth the money for the Eroica and the 9th alone.

5 out of 5 stars smoothed out edges.......2007-03-03

Unlike some other recordings of Beethoven's work, this compilation permeates the composer's will and presents a series of golden renditions. The assembly of London musicians is in top form (which is usual for them) and they seem motivated to convey all nuances throughout. For those who long to use these compositions for peace of mind, feel assured that that peace will indeed come.

4 out of 5 stars Solid live performances, great sound, but a little identity crisis?.......2007-02-27

[This review refers to non-Hydrid SACD versions of these performances]

When I first listened through this cycle I was impressed and rated it 5-stars. I remain impressed, but something about these performances bothers me, a sort of unevenness that is overcome on first listen by the excitement. So I am re-reviewing with a 4-star rating.

I do not think, as some have suggested, that these are per se "historically informed performances" (what performance isn't historically informed, after all?). I would describe them as having (on balance) an updated traditional approach which benefits from generally well-balanced orchestral forces, brisk tempi, modest levels of conductor-induced drama and nuance, and remarkable sound quality that lets all the facets of the music shine through (the tympani occasionally jump out a bit too far for my tastes, as if they're perched on the conductor's podium). However, Haitink's cadences in these live recordings seems a little uneven to me, distracting ever so slightly from the natural momentum.

I found myself thinking that the the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the 5th (at least in places) sound a bit like HIP performances, but the others (notably the 4th, which has a surprisingly big sound and broad, sweeping lines) sound like relatively brisk "big-band" treatments. Maybe that is simply Beethoven's music changing and not Haitink's interpretations, but I doubt it. I can't decide whether the legendary conductor is 1) pandering to HIP enthusiasts with a little extra speed here and there, 2) just can't decide how Beethoven in general ought to be played, or 3) is simply giving each symphony it's own identity (as he sees it). Those who love Haitink will presume the latter, and they might be right.

The Zinman cycle with Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich is currently my favorite -- I love the lean, wiry energy and brisk but controlled tempi Zinman delivers on modern instruments with a small orchestra -- and at this point I find myself judging everything against it. I am also very fond of the late Gunter Wand's forthright readings with the NDR. At present, despite my newfound reservations, this Haitink cycle would probably be my third choice, a step or two ahead of Harnoncourt/COE. I also think this cycle would work out well for anyone who finds merit in both HIP and traditional approaches and just can't decide. This is a big orchestra sound energetically delivered with small orchestra transparency.

If you don't need SACD, this collection can be purchased as a set from a leading download site for less than a single SACD disc. Getting sleepy?

3 out of 5 stars This latest Beethoven Symphonies cycle is not that great .......2007-02-13

I already have 2 sets of Beethoven symphonies cycle, Karajan, released 12/6/2005, and Gardiner, released September 20, 1994, and many other individuals. Then I pruchased this set because of reviews in Amazon here and nomination of Grammy 2007. After listening to some of them(No,3,5,9), I would say they are not that fantastic. The No.5 sounds strange in paticular comparing others. It seemed played in different pace from others. Then the overall recording quality is rather poor. "SACD" in here is somewhat misleading. The live recording is more challanging than in studio. But SFS still could achieve well balanced and refined recording in live. Its Mahler NO.7 won Grammy classical award this year. However, I dont know it was recorded in live or studio.

I like Beethoven No.9 very much, not this one though. Try Osmo Vanska, released 10/24/2006. Its excellent performance and SACD recording even surpasses the Karajan.
Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival, 2006
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Lots of Schumann, not much Argerich, plus some real oddities
Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival, 2006

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. A Piano Evening with Martha Argerich [DVD Video]
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  3. Martha Argerich and Friends Live from the Lugano Festival 2005: Chamber Music
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  5. Jean Renoir Collection (3-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000PFU9OM
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

  1. I: Sostenuto Assai/Allegro Ma Non Troppo
  2. II: Scherzo: Molto Vivace
  3. III: Andante Cantabile
  4. IV: Finale: Vivace
  5. I: Allegro Assai Vivace
  6. II: Allegretto Scherzando
  7. III: Adagio
  8. IV: Molto Allegro E Vivace
  9. I: Zart Und Mit Ausdruck
  10. II: Lebhaft, Leicht
  11. III: Rasch Und Mit Feuer

Tracks:

  1. I: Mit Energie Und Leidenschaft
  2. II: Lebhaf, Doch Nicht Zu Rasch
  3. III: Langsam, Mit Inniger Empfindung
  4. IV: Mit Feuer
  5. I: Introduzione: Adagio Mest/Allegro
  6. II: Scherzo
  7. III: Largo
  8. IV: Finale: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

  1. I: Nauges
  2. II: Fetes
  3. I: Andante
  4. II: Allegretto
  5. III: Largo
  6. IV: Allegretto Scherzando
  7. I: Overture
  8. II: Idylie
  9. III: Cadenza
  10. IV: Menuet
  11. V: Finale Alla Marcia

Amazon.com

This inexpensively priced 3-CD set of music from the 2006 Lugano Festival with pianist Martha Argerich at its center presents a fascinating cross-section of chamber music, expertly performed. In addition to Argerich, we hear from 15 other instrumentalists - pianists, cellists, violinists, violists, a flugelhorn player (who plays along with Argerich in three of Schumann's Fantasiestücke, to very strange and not very welcome effect), and a wind ensemble made up of members of the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana that plays with cellist Gautier Caupcon in Friedrich Gulda's Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra: a jazzy, definitely eclectic, and playful finale to the third CD. The infrequently played but rapturous Schumann Piano Quartet is a particular treat. Ravel's transcriptions of two Debussy Nocturnes for two pianos played by Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner are a delight as well. This is an off-the-beaten-track collection that will fascinate true devotees of chamber music. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Lots of Schumann, not much Argerich, plus some real oddities.......2007-06-08

EMI has gotten into the pleasanat habit of issuing a 3-CD bargain box of Martha Argerich's summer music from Lugano, and they are caviar for chamber music lovers, mixing familiar and unfamiliar works in sterling live performances. It's hard to think of any comparable series meeting such high standards since the heyday of the Marlboro Festival under Rudolf Serkin in the Fifties and Sixties. This 2006 edition is no exception, my only disappointment being the absence of Argerich herself in so many works. She even gives up her place in the two-piano arrangement of Debussy's Nocturnes to her protege Sergio Tiempo (she has been a long-time devotee, if not addict, of two-piano arrangements that almost every other serious musician eschews).

The dominance of works by Schumann reflects Ms. Argerich's personal fondness for him, and she appears in the Piano Quartet, which has enjoyed a wonderful, highly personal reading by Glenn Gould and the Juilliard Qt. (Sony), among others. This one displays every virtue of live musicmaking, with Argerich's fervent, spontaneous playing leading the way. Compared to earlier sets, the 2006 collection contains more rarities and because of all the sSchumann, less representation by great composers. The flugelhorn arrangement of Schumann's Fantasiestucke for clarinet sounds like a joke. The once unknown Tanayev Piano Quintet gets a committed reading that should help to boost its popularity. The Debbusy Nocturnes actually bring pleasure in the two-piano arrangement. You won't be prepared for Gulda's concerto for Cello and Piano, which sounds like three-beer night at your local German jazz club. But its worth a smile and a listen.

In the end, however, this installment might be best left to connoisseurs while newcomers to Argerich's summer festivities should begin with the earlier, more conventional editions.

Here's the listing of works and personnel since Amazon doesn't supply it:


Martha Argerich / Renaud Capucon / Lida Chen / Gautier Capucon - Piano Quartet in Eb op.47 (Schumann).

Gautier Capucon / Gabriela Montero - Sonata for cello and piano No.2 in D op.58 (Mendelssohn).

Sergei Nakariakov / Martha Argerich - Fantasiestucke op.73 - version for flugelhorn and piano (Schumann).

Nicholas Angelich / Renaud Capucon / Gautier Capucon - Piano Trio in D minor op.63 (Schumann).

Lilya Zilberstein / Dora Schwarzberg / Lucy Hall / Nora Romanoff-Schwarzberg / Jorge Bosso - Piano Quintet in G minor op.30 (Taneyev).

Sergio Tiempo / Karin Lechner - Three Nocturnes : Nuages / Fetes (Debussy transcribed for two piano Ravel).

Alissa Margulis / Polina Leschenko - Sonata for violin and piano No.1 (Schnittke).

Gautier Capucon / Alexander Rabinovich-Barakovsky - Concerto for cello and windband (Gulda).
Beyond Imagination
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • wallpaper
  • simply beautiful, so just enjoy it
  • Sloppy renditions and amateurish
  • Great songs reinvented, with a twist
  • Praise for Beyond Imagination
Beyond Imagination
Opera Babes
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Opera Band
  2. Defined
  3. Renaissance (Eng)
  4. Summer
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ASIN: B00007MB2F
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

  1. One Fine Day (Un Bel Di From Madame Butterfly)
  2. Sempre Ricordo (Piano Concerto in A minor)
  3. There's A Place (From The New World Symphony)
  4. Beyond Imagination (From A Midsummer Nights Dream)
  5. O Fortuna (From Carmina Burana)
  6. Lakm2O (Flower Duet)
  7. Ebben?..Ne Andro Lontano (from La Wally)
  8. You Live On In My Heart (Cinema Paradiso)
  9. Chanson Boh (From Carmen)
  10. Remember Me
  11. Stranger In Paradise (From Kismet)
  12. Ode II Joy (From Symphony No. 9)
  13. 1001 Nights (From The Nutcracker Suite)
  14. Barcarolle (From The Tales Of Hoffman)
  15. LakmVibeTribe Mix)
  16. Ave Maria
  17. Vittoria! (Aida 2002)

Amazon.com

Plucked from a wet afternoon of busking Bizet and Puccini to passersby on the Piazza in Covent Garden in the spring of 2001, soprano Rebecca Knight and mezzo Karen England soon found themselves singing in slightly larger venues: the FA Cup and Champions League soccer finals. That the management company doing the plucking had recently performed a similar Cinderella crossover act for Russell Watson offered portent, and indeed the Babes--the moniker began as a joke--were soon on their way to this recording debut. The marketing shtick and its soccer connections may offend purists, but it's the football hooligans that the Babes are trying to win over here; can Borodin soothe the savage Manchester United fan? Their classically trained voices mesh gloriously, with England's warm mezzo showing particular character in her solo turns.

The repertoire choices here cover material that may already be familiar to fans of Charlotte Church (i.e., Delibes "Flower Duet") and other crossover acts, but they do include some pleasant surprises, like Offenbach's Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann and "You Live On in My Heart," a reworking of Ennio Morricone's enchanting Cinema Paradiso theme with lyrics by Knight. But in a rush toward the musical middle of the road, it's the productions themselves that sometimes overwhelm the Babes with bathos ("Ave Maria"), hollow thunder ("Aida 2002"), and electro club kitsch (the 'Vibe Tribe' mix of "Flower Duet"). Former Art of Noise mainstay Anne Dudley's tastefully restrained coloring of Tchaikovsky's "1001 Nights" is one of the notable exceptions. They're babes, they sing opera--with fair promise--for the masses, and if they turn one in a hundred from football hooliganism to a well-mannered appreciation of Grieg and Dvorák, won't it all have been worth it? --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars wallpaper.......2007-07-12

overorchestrated, overproduced aural wallpaper...that said, still, these women have wonderful voices and are worth hearing. They are oversold,too...Opera Babes! Indeed. Folks who like Enya will like this.

5 out of 5 stars simply beautiful, so just enjoy it.......2007-06-11

my daughter has taught me to love opera. this immediately captured me. the Babes' voices blend so beautifully. I love it! who cares about Puccini, Classic Opera, blah, blah, woof, woof. I love this album

2 out of 5 stars Sloppy renditions and amateurish.......2007-05-15

I heard one of the selections on Sirius and liked it so I bought the CD. Upon hearing the entire CD I was disappointed that the only selection I liked was the one that prompted me to buy the product. The voices are nice but they are simply adding voice to opera masterpieces that do not fit. They are certainly not of the caliber of Sarah Brightman or Charlotte Church and don't look for that. Their sound is mellow, dim and without the emotion that does an inservice to the opera pieces they sing. I found the CD lackluster and in all honestly very "amateurish".

5 out of 5 stars Great songs reinvented, with a twist.......2006-09-30

Expanding upon the recent interest in Gregorian chant fusion as well as rich-voiced solo vocalists such as Josh Groban, operatic soprano Rebecca Knight and mezzo soprano Karen England offer full-vibratoed, somewhat modernized interpretations of favorite classical themes. Backed by chorus, orchestras, keyboards and drums, they draw from such diversely satisfying works as Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly," Grieg's "Piano Concerto in a minor," Dvorak's "New World Symphony," Mendelssohn's "Midsummer Night's Dream," Orff's "Carmina Burana," Delibe's "Lakme," Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffman," Schubert's "Ave Maria," and Verdi's "Aida." Some of the arrangements are fairly traditional, while others are noticeably enhanced. The emphasis tends to be on pretty pieces with sweet melodies, though a few are more intense in nature (#1, 4, 5, 15 and 17). A couple of pop songs, still sung in operatic style, are thrown in for good measure, although they don't have the same appeal and mystique as the old favorites. All of the selections feature both vocalists together, singing in lovely, close harmony. The arrangers of this elegantly hip music include Jon Cohen, Noely, Frank Gallagher, Deni Lew and Anne Dudley, with multi-language lyrics (for the adaptations of instrumental works) by Rebecca Knight and others. I have to admit that I occasionally found myself longing for the modern additions to be more consistently interesting and distinctive--in other words, equaling the artistry of the classics that they're accompanying. Track #1, which really shines, is a well-done example. Alternately, perhaps the source songs might have been better off left in their pure, original styles rather than watered down with schmaltzy, predictable underpinnings that don't add much to the music. But like Enigma did for medieval chant, the Opera Babes are endeavoring to bring some wonderful, time-tested music to a wider audience, fusing it with modern idioms in way that is artistic and generally appealing. For more opera fusion, compare the work of Amici Forever (a group of five singers, both male and female), and the oddly packaged but similar-in-concept album "Coco de Mer" by Adam Plack.

5 out of 5 stars Praise for Beyond Imagination.......2006-02-26

What I really enjoyed about this album was its distinctive sound and arrangement of the material. I enjoy classically performed opera and was surprised how much I like the Opera Babes' versions. Of course, the wonderful voices added immensely to the high quality of this product.
Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert)
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent performances, both audio and video
  • Great music, lousy format!
Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert)
Joshua Bell
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Voice of the Violin
  2. Ladies in Lavender
  3. The Essential Joshua Bell
  4. Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy
  5. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00076ZZB6
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

  1. O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi
  2. The Girl With Flaxen Hair
  3. Nocturne
  4. The Swan
  5. Serenade
  6. Casta Diva from Norma
  7. Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467
  8. Dance of the Blessed Spirits from Orfeo ed Euridice
  9. Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 in D Major
  10. Songs My Mother Taught Me
  11. Pur ti Miro from 'L'incoronazione di Poppea
  12. Elegie: O doux printemps d'autrefois
  13. Trerei

Album Description

CD AUDIO SIDE: Entire Album

DVD SIDE: * Entire album in Enhanced LPCM Stereo * Video of highlights from Joshua Bell Romance of the Violin Live from Lincoln Center with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra * Complete Discography This disc is intended to play on standard DVD and CD players. May not play on a limited number of models.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Excellent performances, both audio and video.......2007-01-09

I was delighted with this Dual Disc. Performances are excellent, both audio and video. Recording quality is very good.

I must report some problems with CD side (cracks) on older CD player.


1 out of 5 stars Great music, lousy format!.......2007-01-03

I love the music, but was VERY unhappy to be unable to play this CD on my computer. The DVD side works okay, but I can't load this to itunes on my macintosh. And I can't load the DVD to my computer and store this disk at home. If I had it to do over, I'd buy the plain vanilla CD!
Berlioz: Harold en Italie
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A sweet, flowing account of Harold with lovely lyricism
  • Best Harold en Italie courtesy of Davis, etc.
Berlioz: Harold en Italie

Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Berlioz: Harold in Italy Op16; Mort de Cléopâtre, scène lyrique
  2. Hector Berlioz: Harold En Italie, Op. 16
  3. Mozart: Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448; Schubert: Fantasia for Piano, 4 Hands in F Minor, D 940
  4. The Memoirs of Hector Berlioz (Everyman's Library (Cloth))
  5. Berlioz: Overtures

ASIN: B00009YWAH
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Amazon.com

Colin Davis is arguably the finest Berlioz conductor in the world; both of his recordings of Les Troyens are magnificent and elsewhere he's rarely bettered. His winning streak continues with this live performance with the LSO of Harold in Italy and the ballet music from Troyens. Tabea Zimmermann's solo viola is as grand, brilliantly flavorful, and picturesque as the LSO's playing; and the entire performance--swift and rhythmically propulsive--is simply fantastic. The introspective moments--listen to the way the air positively shimmers at the "canto religioso"--are as effective as the big moments, and the huge finale is truly wild without ever lapsing into anarchy. This is controlled but lusty playing helped by the crisp recording--even the brass, playing with abandon, doesn't drown out the highest strings or piccolo. The Troyens music should probably have been a curtain raiser rather than an encore, but it's handsomely played and a nice, exotic touch. If you'd like, you can throw out your other recordings of Harold--this one is all you need. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A sweet, flowing account of Harold with lovely lyricism.......2006-11-14

Every word of the Amazon reviewer's rave sounds convincing--he's echoing the general rapture that greeted this live LSO recording in the UK--so I hoped that reality would match the advance hype. In some wys it does. The London Sym. plays with real delicacy and finesse throghout, and Davis's feeling for Berlioz's lyric line is both natural and touching. Also, Tadea Zimmermann is that rare soloist who can keep the viola from sounding stodgy and lachrymose. She's far from sounding lusty, as the Amazon reviewer claims, but is instead sweet and lively, both highly desirable qualities. On those accounts alone, this is a very fine reading of Harold in Italy.

Is it the ne plus ultra? Well, we have two classic recordings from the great William Primrose under Beecham and Koussevitzky, both of which are livelier and more volatile than this one, but of course they are in dated mono. In stereo there's Davis himself in his younger years, along with a vibrant recording under John Eliot Gardiner, both on Philips. For volatility no one beats Bernstein in an almost raucous performance on EMI. I think you could call the new Davis reading pre-eminent only if you prefer its lilting rhythms and flowing contours. If so, then his relative coolness and control in the finale will seem fine. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Best Harold en Italie courtesy of Davis, etc........2004-04-28

Sir Colin Davis still remains our finest interpreter of Berlioz. His latest release on LSO Live, featuring the talents of not only the London Symphony Orchestra but also violist Tabea Zimmerman, is quite simply the finest recording of Harold en Italie I've heard. This is a grand, lively interpretation replete with Zimmerman's exquisite viola solos and fiery playing from the LSO's woodwinds and horns, especially in the last movement. The only recording I've heard which comes close to this in quality is an old Lorin Maazel Deutsche Grammophon recording with him conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. However, the London Symphony Orchestra's playing is warmer and more vibrant than their peers in Berlin. Without question this latest recording should be regarded as the definitive version of Berlioz's Harold en Italie.
Elgar: Enigma Variations; Introduction & Allegro
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Elgar: Enigma Variations; Introduction & Allegro

    Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by ElgarAll Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000Q7ZI9K
    Release Date: 2007-06-12

    Tracks:

    1. Theme (Enigma Variations)
    2. CAE
    3. HDS-P
    4. RBT
    5. WMB
    6. RPA
    7. Ysobel
    8. Troyte
    9. WN
    10. Nimrod
    11. Dorabella
    12. GRS
    13. BGN
    14. (***)
    15. EDU
    16. Introduction & Allegro for Strings
    Classical Heartbreakers
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • a terrific compilation for beginners
    • "Classical heartbreakers" broke my heart
    • A Fantastic Compilation
    Classical Heartbreakers

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B0000B09Z9
    Release Date: 2004-01-13

    Tracks:

    1. Piano Concerto No. 1 - Andre Previn
    2. Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
    3. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Sir Simon Rattle
    4. O Mio Babbino Caro - London Symphony Orchestra
    5. Viola Da Bamba Sonata In G Minor - Ton Koopman
    6. Beim Schlafengehen - London Philharmonic Orchestra
    7. Schindler's List Theme - Tasmin Little
    8. Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
    9. Symphony No. 5 - New Philharmonia Orchestra
    10. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Philharmonia Orchestra
    11. Moonlight Sonata - Dame Moura Lympany
    12. Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor - Yehudi Menuhin
    13. E Lucevan Le Stelle - Georges Pretre
    14. Nocturne In C Sharp Minor - Maria Tipo
    15. Adagio For Strings - Philadelphia Orchestra
    16. Cello Concerto - English Chamber Orchestra
    17. Piano Concerto No. 2 In F - English Chamber Orchestra
    18. Va Pensiero - Bernard Haitink

    Tracks:

    1. Adagio In G Minor - Sir Neville Marriner
    2. The Heart Asks Pleasure First / The Promise - Michael Nyman
    3. Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra
    4. Goldberg Variations - Maria Tipo
    5. Barcarolle - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
    6. Piano Concerto No. 2 - Sir Simon Rattle
    7. Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
    8. Vissi D'art - Maria Callas
    9. Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco & Steve Morse
    10. String Quintet In C - Laszlo Varga
    11. J'ai Perdu Mon Eurydice - John Eliot Gardiner
    12. Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
    13. Addio Del Passato - London Symphony Orchestra
    14. Double Violin Concerto - Bath Festival Orchestra
    15. Queen Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
    16. Piano Concerto No. 1 - Garrick Ohlsson
    17. In Paradisum - English Chamber Orchestra
    18. My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra
    19. Rhapsody In Blue - Andre Previn

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars a terrific compilation for beginners.......2006-02-07

    I agree with P. Grupe-for classical music lovers, it is a let down to listen to cut tracks of well-performed classical greats, like Chopin's 1st piano concerto in this collection. Nonetheless, this is a terrific compilation for people beginning to get interested in classical music. This compilation is an eclectic mix of the familiar (Beethoven's moonlight sonata, Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini variation no. 18, Myer's Cavatina, Barber's "Adagio for Strings, etc.), the contemporary (Michael Nyman's The Promise, Horner's My Heart Will Go On), and the truly moving (Bach's Double Violin Concerto, Bruch's Violin Concerto, Schubert's String Quintet in C)-relatively obscure pieces usually left out in less inspired and mediocre classical music compilations. It is gratifying to see that opera music has not been left out. Get this cd if only for the Maria Callas tracks, Lucia Popp's performance of Strauss' Beim Schlafengehen, and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's Addio del passato.

    2 out of 5 stars "Classical heartbreakers" broke my heart.......2004-06-27

    I am an avid listener of classical music, and I purchased this CD expecting to get some of the best classical music ever composed. I guess I expected a bit much though. Although the recording is filled with high quality performances of fantastic pieces, I was disappointed to find that only about half of the pieces are contained in their entirety on this 2-disc set. Songs such as Rhapsody in Blue and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata were not recorded in full for this album, which caught me off guard and bothered me quite a bit.

    Anybody who is unfamiliar with classical music will appreciate this album. Since it features some of the most moving classical pieces ever written, it is sure to entrance listeners. And by not placing entire 10-minute pieces on the CDs, it will not run on and bore those unaccustomed to the length of most classical music. However, if you are already well-versed in classical music and can listen to entire symphonies with ease, I would advise against buying this album. I now feel a desire to go out again and find the full versions of some of these pieces, since I feel I was cheated by only getting introductions or short movements on most of the album. Guess I should have paid a little more attention to what I was buying.

    5 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Compilation.......2004-05-01

    Most of the musical pieces in this compilation are from versions as they appear in various movies. This is Classical music from classic movies such as: Somewhere in Time, Schindler's List, English Patient, The Piano, Platoon, et al. But make no mistake; the music is what's really worth mentioning here.

    The title says it all. It claims to have "the most moving Classical music of all time," and they certainly have a case, as it is chock full of the kind of emotional pieces that can easily bring you to tears. This double CD compilation with 37 passionately beautiful pieces is a steal at $16.99.

    If you've ever recorded your favorite songs on to tape, or burned them on to a CD, you'll see that this compilation is exactly what EMI Records has done. It is like a greatest hits, volume 1, of poignant Classical music. Almost all of the musical pieces are classic favorites, though there are a few contemporary ones also.

    I found the music on this CD powerful and moving as advertised, and I think that Classical music fans should truly enjoy it. It is well worth the price it's being sold for, and I highly recommend it.

    Since there is some missing information as to who the composers and artists are, here they are:

    Disk 1

    Tchaikovsky - Piano Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: I. Allegro Non Troppo E Mol; Andre Previn; Horacio Gutierrez; The London Symphony Orchestra

    Mascagni - Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) {Raging Bull}; Riccardo Muti; The Philharmonia Orchestra

    Rachmaninov - Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini - Variation #18 {Somewhere in Time}; Cecile Ousset; City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra; Sir Simon Rattle

    Puccini - O Mio Babbino Caro (Gianni Schicchi) {A Room with a View};
    Montserrat Caballe; The London Symphony Orchestra; Sir Charles Mackerras

    Bach - Viola da Gamba Sonata in G Minor BWV1029 - II. Adagio (Opening) {Truly, Madly, Deeply}; Jordi Savall; Ton Koopman

    Richard Strauss - Beim Schlafengehen (Vier Letzte Lieder) {The Hours}; Klaus Tennstedt; London Philharmonic Orchestra; Lucia Popp

    Williams - Schindler's List (Theme) {Schlinder's List}; Iain Sutherland; New World Philharmonic; Tasmin Little

    Debussy - Clair de Lune {Frankie and Johnnie}; Dame Moura Lympany

    Mahler - Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor: IV. Adagietto (Conclusion) {Death in Venice}; New Philharmonia Orchestra; Sir John Barbirolli

    Catalani - Ebben? Ne Andrò Lontana (La Wally) {Diva}; Maria Callas; The Philharmonia Orchestra; Tullio Serafin

    Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14 in C Sharp Minor "Moonlight" Op. 27/2 - I. Adagio S; Dame Moura Lympany

    Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor - II. Adagio (Opening) Sir Yehudi Menuhin; The Philharmonia Orchestra; Walter Susskind

    Puccini - E Lucevan le Stelle (Tosca) {The Man Who Cried}; Carlo Bergonzi; Georges Pretre; Orchestre De La Societe` Des Concerts Du Conservatoire

    Chopin - Nocturne in C Sharp Minor Op. Posth {The Pianist}; Maria Tipo

    Barber - Adagio for Strings {Platoon} Eugene Ormandy; Philadelphia Orchestra

    Elgar - Cello Concerto in E Minor Op. 85 - I. Adagio - Moderato (Opening) {Hilary and Jackie}; London Philharmonic Orchestra; Norman Del Mar; Robert Cohen

    Shostakovich - Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Op.102 - II. Andante Dmitri Alexeev; English Chamber Orchestra; Jerzy Maksymiuk

    Verdi - Va, Pensiero (Chorus of Hebrew Slaves) (Nabucco) {The Godfather, Pt. 3}; Bernard Haitink; Covent Garden Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

    Disk 2

    Albinoni - Adagio in G Minor (Realised Giazotto) [Extract] {Gallipoli}; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; Sir Neville Marriner

    Nyman - Heart Asks Pleasure First/The Promise {The Piano}; Unknown artist

    Quarantotto & Sartori - Time to Say Goodbye; David Abel

    J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variations - Aria {The English Patient}; Maria Tipo

    Offenbach - Barcarolle (Les Contes d'Hoffmann) {Life Is Beautiful}; Choeurs Rene Ducios; Clu; Elisabeth Schwartskopf; Jeannine Collard; Orchestre De La Societe` Des Concerts Du Conservatoire

    Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor - II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) {Brief Encounter}; Cecile Ousset; City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra; Sir Simon Rattle

    Elgar - Nimrod ("Enigma" Variations) {Elizabeth}; The London Symphony Orchestra; Sir Adrian Boult

    Puccini - Vissi d'Arte (Tosca); Georges Pretre; Maria Callas; Orchestre De La Societe` Des Concerts Du Conservatoire

    Myers - Cavatina {The Deer Hunter}; Manuel Barrueco; Steve Morse

    Schubert - String Quintet in C D956 - II. Adagio (Opening) {Carrington}; Hungarian Quartet; Laszlo Varga

    Gluck - J'Ai Perdu Mon Eurydice (Orphée et Eurydice); Anne Sofie Von Otter; John Eliot Gardiner; Orchestre De L'Opera De Lyon

    Chopin - Étude in E "Tristesse" Op.10/3; John Ogden

    Verdi - Attendo, Attendo...Addio del Passato (La Traviata); Dame Kiri Te Kanawa; Myung-Whun Chung; The London Symphony Orchestra

    Bach - Double Violin Concerto in D Minor BWV 1043 - II. Largo Ma Non Tanto {Children of a Lesser God}; Bath Festial Orchestra; Christian Ferras; Sir Yehudi Menuhin

    Kashif - Queen Symphony - III. Adagio {Who Wants to Live Forever - Save Me}; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Tolga Kashif

    Chopin - Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor - II. Romance (Larghetto) (Opening) {The Truman Show}; Garrick Ohlsson; Jerzy Maksymiuk; Polish National Symphony Orchestra

    Faure - In Paradisum (Requiem) {The Thin Red Line}; Cambridge Choir of Kings Choir; English Chamber Orchestra; Stephen Cleobury

    Horner - My Heart Will Go On {Titanic}; David Abel

    Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue (Conclusion) {Manhattan}; Andre Previn; The London Symphony Orchestra
    Tchaikovsky & Assad: Concertos in D major
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Nadja LIVE recording
    Tchaikovsky & Assad: Concertos in D major

    Manufacturer: Nss Music
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    Salerno-Sonnenberg, NadjaSalerno-Sonnenberg, Nadja | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Live
    2. Brahms: Violin Concerto in D/Bruch: Concerto #1 in G Minor; Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
    3. Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg - Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Massenet
    4. Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg - It Ain't Necessarily So
    5. Sibelius: Violin Concerto; Chausson: Poeme for Violin & Orchestra; Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg

    ASIN: B000BLI37U
    Release Date: 2005-10-04

    Tracks:

    1. 1st Movement Allegro Moderato
    2. 2nd Movement Andante
    3. 3rd Movement Allegro Vivacissimo
    4. 1st Movement Molto Expressivo
    5. 2nd Movement Andante Espressivo
    6. 3rd Movement Con Fuoco

    Amazon.com

    In this live recording, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg proves again that she is a violinist and performer sui generis. Her pairing of a familiar favorite with the premiere of a brand-new work is as audacious as her playing, and she puts her very personal stamp on both. The Concerto by Clarice Assad grew out of the long association between the violinist and guitarists Sergio Assad, Clarice's father, and his brother Odair. The piece, written for Sonnenberg, is tailored to her strengths, her fiery temperament and her mercurial personality. Tonal and beautiful, its dreamy, long-breathing melodies offer the soloist ample opportunity to display her ravishing, infinitely variable tone; the lively, exuberant dances and excursions into the highest register exploit her masterful, brilliant technique. No composer could wish for a more persuasive advocate. Sonnenberg's approach to the Tchaikovsky is highly idiosyncratic, but also fresh and illuminating, especially in its unusual lightness and caressing capriciousness. Her tone ranges from throbbing intensity to floating, weightless delicacy; her romantic abandon, tempo changes and rhythmic liberties are unrestrained. Though she takes risks with a true virtuoso's fearlessness, even the fastest passages are models of clarity and her intonation is flawless. The orchestra supports her wonderfully, and brings out all the colors in Assad's shimmering, sparkling orchestration. --Edith Eisler

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Nadja LIVE recording .......2006-02-22

    You just can't beat Nadja playing live, and this album is a testament to that. The Tchaik is just great, of course, but the thing that makes this CD extra special is Clarice Assad's Concerto, and the exquisite performance of it by Nadja and the orchestra.

    I listen to the Assad piece most often. I truly love it. It has contemporary elements, a complex structure, with still a simple beauty. Sergio Assad (her Dad) must be extremely proud of her, and I'm sure she will continue to compose classical pieces, in addition to her Brazilian folk/jazz. Clarice is still relatively young, and very highly talented and skillful. Worthy of serious classical composition.
    Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Double Concerto; Serenade No. 2
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Splendid Brahms Symphony Cycle from Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra
    Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Double Concerto; Serenade No. 2

    Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000A6OC6C
    Release Date: 2005-10-11

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Splendid Brahms Symphony Cycle from Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra.......2006-05-12

    The London Symphony Orchestra's LSO Live label finally offers as a box set acclaimed conductor Bernard Haitink's latest - and third - Brahms symphony cycle (The other two - which are still available - were recorded by Philips with Haitink conducting the Royal Concertgebouw and Boston Symphony orchestras in the 1970s and early 1990s.). Those interested in a fine Brahms symphony cycle by one of our greatest conductors will not be disappointed with this box set, which compiles the individual LSO Live CDs released over the past few years (These were recorded at live concert performances of Haitink conducting the London Symphony Orchestra primarily back in 2003 and 2004.).

    Highlights include Haitink's spellbinding interpretations of the four Brahms symphonies and a brilliant performance by concertmaster Gordan Nikolitch and principal cellist Timothy Hugh of the Brahms Double Concerto. The London Symphony Orchestra's performances are absolutely impeccable, rivalling those from preeminent Dutch, German and Austrian orchestras.

    Haitink offers a compelling interpretation of Brahms' 1st Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra in excellent form, which ranks as among the best performed and recorded I have heard. His latest interpretation is one which seems a bit less restrained than his earlier versions, but still replete with strict adherence to Brahms' tempi. His latest interpretation is, in some respects, more exciting than his earlier Philips recordings, emphasizing the rich sonorities and complex architecture of Brahms' score.

    Without question Haitink's LSO Live recording is the best live recording of the Brahms 2nd Symphony I have heard, easily eclipsing Kurt Masur's acclaimed account with the New York Philharmonic recorded nearly a decade ago by Teldec. It is also Haitink's finest recording of this work, which he has recorded previously with both the Royal Concertgebouw and Boston Symphony orchestras. Haitink does a wonderful job emphasizing the textural richness of Brahms' score, while keeping the orchestra playing well at a very brisk tempo. However, the real treasure on this recording is the excellent performance of the Double Concerto by the London Symphony's Concertmaster and Principal Cellist which opens this CD. Theirs is a vibrant, rhapsodic performance which compares quite well - indeed I think may be better - than the recent Deutsche Grammophon recording featuring violinist Gil Shaham with Claudio Abbado conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. Once again the orchestra plays with much intensity and warmth, led ably by Haitink.

    Bernard Haitink's LSO Live CD of the Brahms Serenade Number 2 and the 3rd Symphony, is recorded from concerts he conducted in 2002 (serenade) and 2003 (symphony). Brahms' Serenade Number 2 could be regarded as an early precursor to his symphonies, since it is a five-movement work. Haitink leads the London Symphony Orchestra in yet another excellent performance, noted for warm, rhapsodic playing from the string section. However, the best performance on this CD is that of Brahms' Third Symphony. This piece itself is a bit unusual for a 19th Century symphony, in the form of Allegro Andante Poco Allegretto Allegro. In its overall tone, the work itself is a bit "darker" than the Second Symphony, which many have regarded as Brahms' "Pastoral" symphony. Haitink excels in emphasizing the more melancholy aspects of the work, leading the London Symphony Orchestra in the best-conducted and recorded version of this symphony that I've heard so far, with the possible exception of Harnoncourt's Teldec recording with him conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. Haitink's latest recording seems a bit darker than Masur's New York Philharmonic Orchestra recording from Teldec, and perhaps, Harnoncourt's as well.

    Haitink has conducted the London Symphony in an unusually warm, vibrant performance of the Brahms 4th Symphony, which is replete with excellent solo performances from the french horns, woodwinds and strings. I was especially pleased with Haitink's dignified, but still brooding, interpretation of the 4th movement, which comes across as a musical interlude between darkness and light. I personally regard this recording of the Brahms 4th symphony as the best currently available, in a crowded pack that includes distinguished recordings from the likes of Claudio Abbado, Herbert Blomstedt, Carlos Kleiber, Kurt Masur, and Kurt Sanderling.

    Fans of Haitink's critically acclaimed 1970s Brahms symphony cycle may miss the ambient warmth of the Concertgebouw's main concert hall in this Brahms symphony cycle, but I will contend that these new recordings sound more vivid than the earlier Philips recordings. LSO Live is currently releasing Haitink's second Beethoven symphony cycle from live performances he conducted last year; I am eagerly awaiting these, suspecting that they will be regarded as among the finest Beethoven symphony recordings issued in the last few years. Later this year he will be visiting New York City, leading the London Symphony Orchestra in a Beethoven symphony cycle at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Not only do I look forward to this visit, but also to Haitink's future performances at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium as Principal Conductor of the venerable Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
    Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Complete Recordings
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Save some $ money! Get the newer January 2006 reissue set instead.
    • 6, or Even 7 Stars!
    • A must have for Piano and classical music lovers
    • Ah, Rachmaninoff, brilliant star of music, how we adore you
    • Review from a spoiled modern listener
    Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Complete Recordings

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Shostakovich: The String Quartets

    ASIN: B000003FB7
    Release Date: 1992-09-15

    Tracks:

    1. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Moderato; Allegro
    2. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
    3. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
    4. Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 In D Minor: Allegro ma non tanto
    5. Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 In D Minor: Intermezzo: Adagio
    6. Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 In D Minor: Finale: Alla breve

    Tracks:

    1. Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Vivace
    2. Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Andante
    3. Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Allegro vivace
    4. Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Allegro vivace
    5. Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Largo
    6. Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Allegro vivace
    7. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction: Allegro vivace
    8. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation I: (Precedente)
    9. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
    10. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation II: L'istesso tempo
    11. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation III: L'istesso tempo
    12. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IV: Piu vivo
    13. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation V: Tempo precedente
    14. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VI: L'istesso tempo
    15. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
    16. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VIII: Tempo I
    17. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IX: L'istesso tempo
    18. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation X: Poco marcato
    19. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XI: Moderato
    20. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XII: Tempo di minuetto
    21. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIII: Allegro
    22. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIV: L'istesso tempo
    23. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XV: Piu vivo scherzando
    24. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVI: Allegretto
    25. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVII: (Allegretto)
    26. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVIII: Andante cantabile
    27. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIX: A tempo vivace
    28. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XX: Un poco piu vivo
    29. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXI: Un poco piu vivo
    30. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
    31. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXIII: L'istesso tempo
    32. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso

    Tracks:

    1. Isle Of The Dead, Op. 29
    2. Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
    3. Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Lento; Allegro moderato
    4. Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Adagio ma non troppo
    5. Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Allegro

    Tracks:

    1. Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Allegro assai
    2. Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
    3. Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Allegro vivace
    4. Sonata D. 574 In A: Allegro moderato
    5. Sonata D. 574 In A: Scherzo: Presto; Trio
    6. Sonata D. 574 In A: Andantino
    7. Sonata D. 574 In A: Allegro vivace
    8. Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegro molto ed appassionato
    9. Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegretto espressivo alla Romanza
    10. Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegro animato

    Tracks:

    1. Partita No. 4, BWV 828: Sarabande
    2. Harpsichord Suite No. 5: Air And Variations - 'Harmonious Blacksmith'
    3. Sonata, K. 331: III: Turkish March
    4. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Thema: Allegretto
    5. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation I
    6. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation II
    7. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation III
    8. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation IV
    9. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation V
    10. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VI
    11. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VII
    12. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VIII
    13. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation IX
    14. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation X
    15. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XI
    16. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XII
    17. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIII
    18. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIV
    19. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIX
    20. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXII
    21. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXIII
    22. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXIV
    23. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXV
    24. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVI
    25. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVII
    26. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVIII
    27. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXXI
    28. 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXXII
    29. Return Home
    30. Polish Songs: The Maiden's Wish
    31. Die schone Mullerin: Das Wandern
    32. Schwanengesang: Serenade
    33. Polonaise No. 2 In E
    34. Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
    35. Impromptu, Op. 90, No. 4 In A Flat
    36. Concert Etude No. 2: Gnomenreigen
    37. Orfeo ed Euridice: Melodie
    38. Etude, Op. 104b, No. 2 In F
    39. Etude, Op. 104b, No. 3 In A Minor
    40. Spanisches Liederspeil: The Smuggler
    41. Minuet, Op. 14, No. 1 In G
    42. Liebesfreud

    Tracks:

    1. Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Grave; Doppio movimento
    2. Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Scherzo
    3. Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Marche funebre
    4. Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Presto
    5. Carnaval, Op. 9: Preambule
    6. Carnaval, Op. 9: Pierrot
    7. Carnaval, Op. 9: Arlequin
    8. Carnaval, Op. 9: Valse noble
    9. Carnaval, Op. 9: Eusebius
    10. Carnaval, Op. 9: Florestan
    11. Carnaval, Op. 9: Coquette
    12. Carnaval, Op. 9: Replique
    13. Carnaval, Op. 9: Sphinxes
    14. Carnaval, Op. 9: Papillons
    15. Carnaval, Op. 9: A. S. C. H. - S. C. H. A. (Letteres dansantes)
    16. Carnaval, Op. 9: Chiarina
    17. Carnaval, Op. 9: Chopin
    18. Carnaval, Op. 9: Estrella
    19. Carnaval, Op. 9: Reconnaissance
    20. Carnaval, Op. 9: Pantalon et Colombine
    21. Carnaval, Op. 9: Valse allemande
    22. Carnaval, Op. 9: Pganini (Intermezzo)
    23. Carnaval, Op. 9: Aveu
    24. Carnaval, Op. 9: Promenade
    25. Carnaval, Op. 9: Pause
    26. Carnaval, Op. 9: Marche des 'Davidsbundler' contre les Philistins
    27. Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 In E Flat
    28. Waltz, Op. 64, No. 2 In C Sharp
    29. Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3
    30. Ballade No. 3, Op. 47 In A Flat
    31. Mazurka, Op. 68, No. 2
    32. Waltz, Op. Posth. In E Minor

    Tracks:

    1. Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Preludio
    2. Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Gavotte
    3. Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Gigue
    4. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Scherzo
    5. Liebersfreud
    6. Die schone Mullerin: The Brooklet
    7. Polka de V.R.
    8. Etude-tableau, Op. 39, No. 6 In A Minor
    9. Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
    10. Sorochintsy Fair: Hopac
    11. Lullaby, Op. 16, No.1
    12. Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee
    13. The Ruins Of Athens: Turkish March
    14. Scherzo In A Flat
    15. The Seasons: November: Troika
    16. Prelude No. 8, Op. 11, No. 8 In F Sharp
    17. One Lives But Once
    18. Powder and Paint
    19. Polka italienne (Piano 4 Hands)

    Tracks:

    1. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Maderato; Allegro
    2. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
    3. Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
    4. Prelude, Op. 23, No. 10 In G Flat
    5. Prelude, Op. 32, No. 3 In E Major
    6. Prelude, Op. 32, No. 7 In F Major
    7. Prelude, Op. 32, No. 6 In F Minor
    8. Etude-tableau, Op. 33, No. 2 in C Major
    9. Etude-tableau, Op. 33, No. 7 In E Flat
    10. Daisies, Op. 38, No. 3
    11. Oriental Sketch
    12. Melodie, Op. 3, No. 3 in E
    13. Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5 In B Flat
    14. Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 5 In G
    15. Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
    16. Moment Musical, Op. 16, No. 2 In E Flat

    Tracks:

    1. Mazurka, Op. 63, No. 3 In C Sharp Minor
    2. Nocturne, Op. 15, No. 2 In F Sharp
    3. Waltz, Op. 18 'Grande valse brilliante' In E Flat
    4. Waltz, Op. 34, No. 3 'Valse brilliante' In F
    5. Waltz, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute'
    6. Waltz, Op. 69, No. 2 In B Minor
    7. Waltz, Op. 70, No. 1 In G Flat
    8. Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39 In C Sharp Minor
    9. Waltz, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute' In D Flat
    10. Le coucou
    11. L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Minuet
    12. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
    13. Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
    14. Waltz
    15. Lyric Pieces, Op. 12: Elfin Dance
    16. Etude, Op. 28, No. 6 In F Minor
    17. If I Were a Bird
    18. La jongleuse
    19. Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
    20. Children's Corner: Golliwogg's Cakewalk
    21. The Seasons: November: Troika
    22. Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 2 In G
    23. Waltz, Op. 40, No. 8 In A Flat

    Tracks:

    1. Prelude, Op. 23, No. 5 In G Minor
    2. Prelude, Op. 32, No. 12 In G Sharp Minor
    3. Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
    4. Prelude, Op. 32, No. 5 In G
    5. Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5 In B Flat
    6. Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
    7. Polichinelle, Op. 3, No. 4 In F Sharp Minor
    8. Polka de V.R.
    9. Liebesleid
    10. Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
    11. Pastorale In E Minor
    12. Theme and Variations
    13. Waltz, Op. 42 'Two - Four' In A Flat
    14. Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3 In A Flat
    15. Polka de V.R.
    16. Bacarolle, Op. 10, No. 3 In G Minor
    17. Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor

    Amazon.com

    We remember Rachmaninov today mostly for the music he wrote. But as this set quickly reveals, he was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, able to play his own music and a great variety of others with tremendous personality and a technique that is still astonishing. There's no point picking highlights from this set, since they are everywhere. But if you've never heard Rachmaninov play Schumann's Carnaval, try starting there for one of the most imaginative recreations of a piece of music ever recorded. The set also includes Rachmaninov's only recordings as a conductor in two of his own major works. --Leslie Gerber

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Save some $ money! Get the newer January 2006 reissue set instead........2006-05-17

    At the time of this review, whenever you search for a phrase such as "Rachmaninoff Complete", amazon's search engine always lands on this out-of-print recording (ASIN: B000003FB7) . It's also no fun to see that it costs more than a hundred bucks! But if you type "B000A2AD2S" in the search box, you'll see the new reissued set for half the price. It's the exact same 10 CDs. Just the cover art is different.

    Unfortunately, this situation is a common pattern with amazon's listing of classical music: when you use your intuition and type in common-sense search phrases for Bach, Mozart, etc, you often get the ultra-expensive out-of-print ships-in-4-weeks items as the default item. It takes a lot of detective work to find the newer reissue recordings. For example, to find the new reissue without knowing the ASIN, I had to enter just "Rachmaninoff" in the search text (deliberately left the word "Complete" out of the search) so it would no longer lock me into this item page that you're looking at and give me a full listing instead. I then sorted the listing by "Original Release Date" and found it on the 2nd page. There's no picture on the new item which doesn't give you any confidence that you found the right one. Don't worry, B000A2AD2S is what you want.

    For product research, it's good to have both ASIN product listings because the older out-of-print B000003FB7 has the sound samples (and also all the helpful customer reviews) while the new B000A2AD2S has the better price and availability.

    To make things even more confusing, the amazon staff sometimes copies entire customer reviews to the new item which would then make THIS review seem strangely out of place. If that happens and I notice it, I will delete this review for B000003FB7.

    (In another strange twist, amazon searches in rock/pop usually points you to the newer cheaper remastered/repackaged/reissued/whatever of a particular recording. I don't know why it works the opposite way in classical music?!?!)

    5 out of 5 stars 6, or Even 7 Stars!.......2005-06-04


    Hofmann hit the nail on the head when he said Rachmaninov had "arms of steel and heart of gold". From this album, we can have a clear picture of Rachmaninov's vison of music, of his musical mind and thoughts and moreover his own playing.

    While Kempff's playing would often remind of the protestant church music, Rachmaninov bring to our mind the chanting of the Orthodox church, which is much thicker and darker. On top of that, his playing is orchestral which is so powerful and full colours. Yet, it is nothing like Richter, where often the whole piece is just one phrase.

    Here each piece has it's own life and identity each with a focal point. It is water tight compact and yet very much natural and alive, never as hair-raising as Horowitz. But, it is not natural in Arrau's way. It is somewhere in between, closer to Argerich but with more consistency and depth. And like Casals' playing, it keeps our attention from the first note up to its focal point until its very end. But unlike Casals, he touches our hearts. It is very emotional but never to the point of being sentimental-- the performance of his own concertos, for example, can tell you that.

    Sure, he did have fingers of steel that helped him to bring out whatever colour or atmostphere as appropriate. And despite that fact that there are some minor alterations on the scores like his Chopin, he is one of the few pianists who could really show you every note on the score counts and, above all, how it counts...

    His Chopin may not be as neurotic as Cortot. Nonetheless, he sheds light on the dark and nervous side of Chopin so well: a very throbbing interpretation that is so unique. We also have him accompanying Kreisler on some violin sonatas, something that one could turn to time and again, year after year. What a great chamber musician and accompanist he was...!

    The recorded sound of the CDs do vary, and some are more acceptable than the others. But for genuine music lovers, they should be able to get over this very soon: how else would they benefit from one of the greatest legacies of a genuinely great musician!

    5 out of 5 stars A must have for Piano and classical music lovers.......2005-04-04

    To respond to a review about the sound quality-for those people who have no experience with historical performances i.e cortot-hofmann-etc these discs are for the most part much better recorded. There are the inevitable pops and hisses but if these things disturb you, or you cant get past them, then you shouldnt be listening to this kind of thing anyway. the importance here is in the playing, and the playing is extra ordinary. I you want to buy a disc for the reperatoire then i can think of hundreds of performances that will satisfy, but only people with a true interest to hear and study these pieces will be beyond satisfied. I know that may not sound like a lot of fun, but these discs are fun, great, and for me, almost too good to be true. Again, if sound disturbs you, then you may be listening to the music for the wrong reasons. Take from it the playing, the revelations that Rach provides to his pieces, and how fortunate we are that it sounds as good as it does.

    5 out of 5 stars Ah, Rachmaninoff, brilliant star of music, how we adore you.......2003-09-14

    The music of Rachmaninoff is beyond words, furthermore, beyond imagination. He was a genius, no doubt, and nobody will ever understand how incredibly lucky we are to be blessed with his compositions. Furthermore, it is truly astonishing to hear Rachmaninoff play his own work. There is nothing so beautiful on this earth and there never will be.

    4 out of 5 stars Review from a spoiled modern listener.......2003-07-13

    I'll admit that I'm a spoiled modern listener, accustomed to having the bang and hiss edited out of a recording, and it took me a while to warm to these. Rachmaninoff's performances are splendid, but if you can hardly hear them over the cacophony of background noise, what's the use? His performance of his own, often overlooked Concerto No. 4 finally made me sit up and listen, even though I've owned two versions of this piece for a number of years (Ashkenazy & Wild).

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