| 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
Average customer rating:
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Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD]
Manufacturer: Lso Live UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000GUJYRE Release Date: 2006-09-12 |
Tracks:
- Allegro Con Brio
- Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assi
- Scherzo And Trio: Allegro Vivace
- Finale: Allegro Molto
- Leonore Overture No.2
Tracks:
- Adagio-Allegro Vivace
- Adagio
- Allegro Vivace
- Allegro Ma Non Troppo
- Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
- Allegretto Scherzando
- Tempo Di Menuetto
- Allegro Vivace
Tracks:
- Allegro Con Brio
- Andante Con Moto
- Allegro
- Allegro
- Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
- Anadante Cantabile Con Moto
- Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
- Adagio-Allegro Molto E Vivace
Tracks:
- Erwachen Heiterer Gefuhle Bei Der Ankunft Auf Dem Lande (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
- Szene Am Bach (Andante Molto Mosso)
- Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute (Allegro)
- Gewitter, Sturm (Allegro)
- Hirtengesang-Frohe, Dankbare Gefuhle Nach Sem Sturm (Allegretto)
- Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
- Larghetto
- Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
- Allegro Molto - Tim Hugh
Tracks:
- Poco Sostenuto-Vivace
- Allegretto
- Presto
- Allegro Con Brio
- Allegro - Tim Hugh
- Largo - Tim Hugh
- Rondo Alla Polacca - Tim Hugh
Tracks:
- Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - London Symphony Chorus
- Scherzo: Molto Vivace - London Symphony Chorus
- Adagio Molto E Cantabile - London Symphony Chorus
- 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:
Worth every Penny !.......2007-06-25
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 !
Over all very good, in places great.......2007-04-10
smoothed out edges.......2007-03-03
Solid live performances, great sound, but a little identity crisis?.......2007-02-27
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?
This latest Beethoven Symphonies cycle is not that great .......2007-02-13
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.
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Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival, 2006
Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000PFU9OM Release Date: 2007-06-05 |
Tracks:
- I: Sostenuto Assai/Allegro Ma Non Troppo
- II: Scherzo: Molto Vivace
- III: Andante Cantabile
- IV: Finale: Vivace
- I: Allegro Assai Vivace
- II: Allegretto Scherzando
- III: Adagio
- IV: Molto Allegro E Vivace
- I: Zart Und Mit Ausdruck
- II: Lebhaft, Leicht
- III: Rasch Und Mit Feuer
Tracks:
- I: Mit Energie Und Leidenschaft
- II: Lebhaf, Doch Nicht Zu Rasch
- III: Langsam, Mit Inniger Empfindung
- IV: Mit Feuer
- I: Introduzione: Adagio Mest/Allegro
- II: Scherzo
- III: Largo
- IV: Finale: Allegro Vivace
Tracks:
- I: Nauges
- II: Fetes
- I: Andante
- II: Allegretto
- III: Largo
- IV: Allegretto Scherzando
- I: Overture
- II: Idylie
- III: Cadenza
- IV: Menuet
- 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 LevineCustomer Reviews:
Lots of Schumann, not much Argerich, plus some real oddities.......2007-06-08
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).
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Beyond Imagination
Opera Babes Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00007MB2F Release Date: 2003-01-14 |
Tracks:
- One Fine Day (Un Bel Di From Madame Butterfly)
- Sempre Ricordo (Piano Concerto in A minor)
- There's A Place (From The New World Symphony)
- Beyond Imagination (From A Midsummer Nights Dream)
- O Fortuna (From Carmina Burana)
- Lakm2O (Flower Duet)
- Ebben?..Ne Andro Lontano (from La Wally)
- You Live On In My Heart (Cinema Paradiso)
- Chanson Boh (From Carmen)
- Remember Me
- Stranger In Paradise (From Kismet)
- Ode II Joy (From Symphony No. 9)
- 1001 Nights (From The Nutcracker Suite)
- Barcarolle (From The Tales Of Hoffman)
- LakmVibeTribe Mix)
- Ave Maria
- 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:
wallpaper.......2007-07-12
simply beautiful, so just enjoy it.......2007-06-11
Sloppy renditions and amateurish.......2007-05-15
Great songs reinvented, with a twist.......2006-09-30
Praise for Beyond Imagination.......2006-02-26
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Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert)
Joshua Bell Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00076ZZB6 Release Date: 2005-02-08 |
Tracks:
- O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi
- The Girl With Flaxen Hair
- Nocturne
- The Swan
- Serenade
- Casta Diva from Norma
- Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467
- Dance of the Blessed Spirits from Orfeo ed Euridice
- Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 in D Major
- Songs My Mother Taught Me
- Pur ti Miro from 'L'incoronazione di Poppea
- Elegie: O doux printemps d'autrefois
- Trerei
Album Description
CD AUDIO SIDE: Entire AlbumDVD 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:
Excellent performances, both audio and video.......2007-01-09
I must report some problems with CD side (cracks) on older CD player.
Great music, lousy format!.......2007-01-03
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Berlioz: Harold en Italie
Manufacturer: Lso Live UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
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 LevineCustomer Reviews:
A sweet, flowing account of Harold with lovely lyricism.......2006-11-14
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.
Best Harold en Italie courtesy of Davis, etc........2004-04-28
Average customer rating: |
Elgar: Enigma Variations; Introduction & Allegro
Manufacturer: Lso Live UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000Q7ZI9K Release Date: 2007-06-12 |
Tracks:
- Theme (Enigma Variations)
- CAE
- HDS-P
- RBT
- WMB
- RPA
- Ysobel
- Troyte
- WN
- Nimrod
- Dorabella
- GRS
- BGN
- (***)
- EDU
- Introduction & Allegro for Strings
Average customer rating:
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Classical Heartbreakers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000B09Z9 Release Date: 2004-01-13 |
Tracks:
- Piano Concerto No. 1 - Andre Previn
- Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Sir Simon Rattle
- O Mio Babbino Caro - London Symphony Orchestra
- Viola Da Bamba Sonata In G Minor - Ton Koopman
- Beim Schlafengehen - London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Schindler's List Theme - Tasmin Little
- Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
- Symphony No. 5 - New Philharmonia Orchestra
- Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Philharmonia Orchestra
- Moonlight Sonata - Dame Moura Lympany
- Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor - Yehudi Menuhin
- E Lucevan Le Stelle - Georges Pretre
- Nocturne In C Sharp Minor - Maria Tipo
- Adagio For Strings - Philadelphia Orchestra
- Cello Concerto - English Chamber Orchestra
- Piano Concerto No. 2 In F - English Chamber Orchestra
- Va Pensiero - Bernard Haitink
Tracks:
- Adagio In G Minor - Sir Neville Marriner
- The Heart Asks Pleasure First / The Promise - Michael Nyman
- Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra
- Goldberg Variations - Maria Tipo
- Barcarolle - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
- Piano Concerto No. 2 - Sir Simon Rattle
- Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
- Vissi D'art - Maria Callas
- Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco & Steve Morse
- String Quintet In C - Laszlo Varga
- J'ai Perdu Mon Eurydice - John Eliot Gardiner
- Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
- Addio Del Passato - London Symphony Orchestra
- Double Violin Concerto - Bath Festival Orchestra
- Queen Symphony - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
- Piano Concerto No. 1 - Garrick Ohlsson
- In Paradisum - English Chamber Orchestra
- My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra
- Rhapsody In Blue - Andre Previn
Customer Reviews:
a terrific compilation for beginners.......2006-02-07
"Classical heartbreakers" broke my heart.......2004-06-27
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.
A Fantastic Compilation.......2004-05-01
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
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Tchaikovsky & Assad: Concertos in D major
Manufacturer: Nss Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000BLI37U Release Date: 2005-10-04 |
Tracks:
- 1st Movement Allegro Moderato
- 2nd Movement Andante
- 3rd Movement Allegro Vivacissimo
- 1st Movement Molto Expressivo
- 2nd Movement Andante Espressivo
- 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 EislerCustomer Reviews:
Nadja LIVE recording .......2006-02-22
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.
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Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Double Concerto; Serenade No. 2
Manufacturer: Lso Live UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A6OC6C Release Date: 2005-10-11 |
Customer Reviews:
Splendid Brahms Symphony Cycle from Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra.......2006-05-12
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.
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Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Complete Recordings
Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000003FB7 Release Date: 1992-09-15 |
Tracks:
- Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Moderato; Allegro
- Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
- Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
- Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 In D Minor: Allegro ma non tanto
- Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 In D Minor: Intermezzo: Adagio
- Concerto No. 3, Op. 30 In D Minor: Finale: Alla breve
Tracks:
- Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Vivace
- Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Andante
- Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Allegro vivace
- Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Allegro vivace
- Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Largo
- Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Allegro vivace
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction: Allegro vivace
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation I: (Precedente)
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation II: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation III: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IV: Piu vivo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation V: Tempo precedente
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VI: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VIII: Tempo I
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IX: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation X: Poco marcato
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XI: Moderato
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XII: Tempo di minuetto
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIII: Allegro
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIV: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XV: Piu vivo scherzando
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVI: Allegretto
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVII: (Allegretto)
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVIII: Andante cantabile
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIX: A tempo vivace
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XX: Un poco piu vivo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXI: Un poco piu vivo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXIII: L'istesso tempo
- Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso
Tracks:
- Isle Of The Dead, Op. 29
- Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
- Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Lento; Allegro moderato
- Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Adagio ma non troppo
- Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Allegro
Tracks:
- Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Allegro assai
- Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
- Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Allegro vivace
- Sonata D. 574 In A: Allegro moderato
- Sonata D. 574 In A: Scherzo: Presto; Trio
- Sonata D. 574 In A: Andantino
- Sonata D. 574 In A: Allegro vivace
- Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegro molto ed appassionato
- Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegretto espressivo alla Romanza
- Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegro animato
Tracks:
- Partita No. 4, BWV 828: Sarabande
- Harpsichord Suite No. 5: Air And Variations - 'Harmonious Blacksmith'
- Sonata, K. 331: III: Turkish March
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Thema: Allegretto
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation I
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation II
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation III
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation IV
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation V
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VI
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VIII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation IX
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation X
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XI
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIV
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIX
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXIII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXIV
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXV
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVI
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVIII
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXXI
- 32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXXII
- Return Home
- Polish Songs: The Maiden's Wish
- Die schone Mullerin: Das Wandern
- Schwanengesang: Serenade
- Polonaise No. 2 In E
- Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
- Impromptu, Op. 90, No. 4 In A Flat
- Concert Etude No. 2: Gnomenreigen
- Orfeo ed Euridice: Melodie
- Etude, Op. 104b, No. 2 In F
- Etude, Op. 104b, No. 3 In A Minor
- Spanisches Liederspeil: The Smuggler
- Minuet, Op. 14, No. 1 In G
- Liebesfreud
Tracks:
- Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Grave; Doppio movimento
- Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Scherzo
- Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Marche funebre
- Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Presto
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Preambule
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Pierrot
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Arlequin
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Valse noble
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Eusebius
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Florestan
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Coquette
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Replique
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Sphinxes
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Papillons
- Carnaval, Op. 9: A. S. C. H. - S. C. H. A. (Letteres dansantes)
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Chiarina
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Chopin
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Estrella
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Reconnaissance
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Pantalon et Colombine
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Valse allemande
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Pganini (Intermezzo)
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Aveu
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Promenade
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Pause
- Carnaval, Op. 9: Marche des 'Davidsbundler' contre les Philistins
- Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 In E Flat
- Waltz, Op. 64, No. 2 In C Sharp
- Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3
- Ballade No. 3, Op. 47 In A Flat
- Mazurka, Op. 68, No. 2
- Waltz, Op. Posth. In E Minor
Tracks:
- Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Preludio
- Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Gavotte
- Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Gigue
- A Midsummer Night's Dream: Scherzo
- Liebersfreud
- Die schone Mullerin: The Brooklet
- Polka de V.R.
- Etude-tableau, Op. 39, No. 6 In A Minor
- Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
- Sorochintsy Fair: Hopac
- Lullaby, Op. 16, No.1
- Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee
- The Ruins Of Athens: Turkish March
- Scherzo In A Flat
- The Seasons: November: Troika
- Prelude No. 8, Op. 11, No. 8 In F Sharp
- One Lives But Once
- Powder and Paint
- Polka italienne (Piano 4 Hands)
Tracks:
- Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Maderato; Allegro
- Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
- Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
- Prelude, Op. 23, No. 10 In G Flat
- Prelude, Op. 32, No. 3 In E Major
- Prelude, Op. 32, No. 7 In F Major
- Prelude, Op. 32, No. 6 In F Minor
- Etude-tableau, Op. 33, No. 2 in C Major
- Etude-tableau, Op. 33, No. 7 In E Flat
- Daisies, Op. 38, No. 3
- Oriental Sketch
- Melodie, Op. 3, No. 3 in E
- Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5 In B Flat
- Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 5 In G
- Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
- Moment Musical, Op. 16, No. 2 In E Flat
Tracks:
- Mazurka, Op. 63, No. 3 In C Sharp Minor
- Nocturne, Op. 15, No. 2 In F Sharp
- Waltz, Op. 18 'Grande valse brilliante' In E Flat
- Waltz, Op. 34, No. 3 'Valse brilliante' In F
- Waltz, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute'
- Waltz, Op. 69, No. 2 In B Minor
- Waltz, Op. 70, No. 1 In G Flat
- Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39 In C Sharp Minor
- Waltz, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute' In D Flat
- Le coucou
- L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Minuet
- Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
- Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
- Waltz
- Lyric Pieces, Op. 12: Elfin Dance
- Etude, Op. 28, No. 6 In F Minor
- If I Were a Bird
- La jongleuse
- Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
- Children's Corner: Golliwogg's Cakewalk
- The Seasons: November: Troika
- Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 2 In G
- Waltz, Op. 40, No. 8 In A Flat
Tracks:
- Prelude, Op. 23, No. 5 In G Minor
- Prelude, Op. 32, No. 12 In G Sharp Minor
- Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
- Prelude, Op. 32, No. 5 In G
- Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5 In B Flat
- Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
- Polichinelle, Op. 3, No. 4 In F Sharp Minor
- Polka de V.R.
- Liebesleid
- Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
- Pastorale In E Minor
- Theme and Variations
- Waltz, Op. 42 'Two - Four' In A Flat
- Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3 In A Flat
- Polka de V.R.
- Bacarolle, Op. 10, No. 3 In G Minor
- 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 GerberCustomer Reviews:
Save some $ money! Get the newer January 2006 reissue set instead........2006-05-17
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?!?!)
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!
A must have for Piano and classical music lovers.......2005-04-04
Ah, Rachmaninoff, brilliant star of music, how we adore you.......2003-09-14
Review from a spoiled modern listener.......2003-07-13
International Music: