Erinnerungen An Hans a [Import]

1. Hoppla, Jetzt Komm Ich!

2. Beim Ersten Mal, Da Tut's Noch Weh

3. Seemanns-Chor

4. La Paloma

5. Kleine MÖWe, Flieg' Nach Helgoland

6. Komm Auf Die Schaukel, Luise

7. Kind, Du Brauchst Nicht Weinen!

8. Ich Kam Aus Alabama

9. In Meinem Herzen, Schatz, Ist FÜR Viele Platz

10. Ganz Da Hinten, Wo Der Leuchtturm Steht

11. Goodbye Jonny

12. Auf Der Reeperbahn Nachts Um Halb Eins

13. Der Junge Von St. Pauli

14. The Washington-Bar-Song

15. Das GroßE Ding

16. Ich Kann Mir Das Ja Leisten

17. Trumpf Ist Die Seele Vom Spiel

18. Die Stadt Am Strom

19. St. Pauli Ist FÜR Alle Da

20. Lasst Blumen Sprechen

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Erinnerungen An Hans a,Freddy Quinn,Bear Family,World Music

Average customer rating: Get on the freeway, roll down the windows and DRIVE! AHOY! Pirates Of The Caribbean:At World's End CD Beyond words Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End Manufacturer: Walt Disney Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl Bring Me That Horizon:: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean (Welcome Book) 300 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Art of Pirates of the Caribbean ASIN: B000P0J02E Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Hoist the Colours
2. Singapore
3. At Wit's End
4. Multiple Jacks
5. Up Is Down
6. I See Dead People In Boats
7. The Brethren Court
8. Parlay
9. Calypso
10. What Shall We Die For
11. I Don't Think Now Is the Best Time
12. One Day
13. Drink Up Me Hearties

Amazon.com

The music for this third chapter in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is a traditional, efficient action score that, due to the film's setting, occasionally incorporates light Asian touches. The popularity of Hans "Long John" Zimmer (all the credits in the CD's liner notes include pirate-themed nicknames, like the roll call in a Simpsons Halloween episode) isn't in doubt--he sure is one in-demand composer--but afficionados are divided about his artistic worth, and this score isn't about to reconcile them. Some think that Zimmer relies too much on his stable of composers and sticks to tried-and-true recipes; others admire his capacity to weave themes in and out of cues, creating a whole made of subtly interrelated parts. At World's End feeds both camps: Seven of his collaborators are credited with writing "additional music," and the album feels by-the-numbers at times; but those inclined to listen very closely will be rewarded by the way Zimmer sneaks in bits of two main melodies (especially variations on the first track, a pirate theme titled "Hoist the Colours" and cowritten by director Gore Verbinski) throughout. The use of electronics is so light as to be almost undetectable, which will please fans of a more organic orchestral sound. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Get on the freeway, roll down the windows and DRIVE!.......2007-07-16

I LOVE this CD! It is just so much fun.
If you gotta' travel the road to work, school, etc.
or you gotta' run errands or you are just in the
mood to GO -
Well, get in the car, get on the road, stick in this CD,
roll the windows all the way down, turn up the sound,
and DRIVE!
Have a ball!

AHOY!.......2007-07-14

Love it. Listening to it is like re+living the movie over and over again.

Pirates Of The Caribbean:At World's End CD.......2007-07-13

The music that Hans Zimmer has written for this movie is outstanding. Once you have seen the movie, you realize the music fits it perfectly. There are several favorites that bring to mind the favorite scenes during which they're played so it's almost like watching the movie while listening to the CD. I have the CD's from all three Pirates movies and, while I love them all and listen to them regularly, the music from AWE is a different type of music. I recommend it highly.

Beyond words.......2007-07-09

I can't even explain how I feel about the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks, especially the third disc. I can't imagine how someone can be so talented to be able to connect you to the story through this music, I just really can't understand. "At Wit's End" is definitely a masterpiece, however every single song on this disc, along with all the others are absolutely outstanding. I love soundtracks, but I am aware of Hans's talent, and knowing he was one of the composers of these tracks I knew it would be a win win situation, and I knew I was not to be disappointed. I have never caught myself listening to a soundtrack..over and over.....and over again. Literally, I even watch the movies over and over so that I can listen to the soundtracks on it. Amazing stuff, just like I said, BEYOND WORDS!!

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.......2007-07-07

The 1st Pirates cd is my all time favorite, however I really enjoy this cd also. I've put all three cd's on MP3 and listen to them when I need a lift in spirits.

Average customer rating: sort-of-good Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest The movie would be incomplete without it! Enchanting, captivating Not as good as the original too much percussion & distraction

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) Superman Returns Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) ASIN: B000FTCF2M Release Date: 2006-07-04

Tracks:

1. Jack Sparrow
2. The Kraken
3. Davy Jones
4. I've Got My Eye On You
5. Dinner Is Served
6. Tia Dalma
7. Two Hornpipes (Tortuga)
8. A Family Affair
9. Wheel Of Fortune
10. You Look Good Jack
11. Hello Beastie
12. ****Bonus Track: He's A Pirate - Tiesto Remix

Amazon.com

The soundtrack for the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie was infamous for having been whipped up rather hastily. For the sequel, Hans Zimmer takes the reins and comes up with his best effort in ages. Things start off with a nice cello theme for Johnny Depp's character, "Jack Sparrow." After that, it's high gear all the way, beginning with "The Kraken," on which Zimmer unleashes gales of symphonic aggro. Even when he closely follows what Hollywood execs clearly believe are set-in-stone rules for contemporary soundtracks, he throws in interesting wrenches. He does cram in both wailing female vocals and stomping percussion in "Dinner Is Served," but then the track abruptly turns into the kind of demented waltz you usually get from Danny Elfman. As usual with sequels, winks to the first movie pop in and out--the Black Pearl theme reappears in "I've Got My Eye on You" and "Hello Beastie"--but overall this album is more consistent. At least until you get to the final track, that is, a pounding offering by melodic-trance overlord DJ Tiësto. Pirates, wave your arms in the air like you just don't care. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Captain Jack Sparrow is back for more action and adventure on the high seas! Once again thrown into the world of the supernatural, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds out that he owes a blood debt to the legendary Davey Jones (Bill Nighy), captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. And as if this weren't enough, the captain's problems manage to wreck the wedding plans of a certain Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightly), who are forced to join Jack on yet another misadventure.

Soundtrack features original score by Hans Zimmer plus a bonus remix track by the world-renowned DJ Tiesto.

More Pirates and Hans Zimmer

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Score	Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl DVD	The Da Vinci Code Score
The British Years	Gladiator Score	The Lion King Soundtrack

Customer Reviews:

sort-of-good.......2007-07-16

I have all three soundtracks and this is the least pleasing of the three. There are still a few moving tracks, but overall, it left me wanting. The third cd is the best of all!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.......2007-07-07

Of the 3 Pirates cd's this is my least favorite, the first being my favorite because of the rousing music, this is good, but not great. Not quite as good as the PotC At World's End. However, to get the full impact of Pirates, I recommend that you get all three cd's.

The movie would be incomplete without it!.......2007-06-03

Although the soundtrack is always key to the movie, the Pirates of the Caribbean movies seem be the quintessential example of this rule. The soundtrack is a brilliant work of art the perfectly compliments the action and romance of the movie.

Enchanting, captivating.......2007-05-27

This was a very enjoyable and captivating cd. Has a few diverse moods. My two young daughters love it.

Not as good as the original too much percussion & distraction.......2007-05-26

I was really looking forward to the score for Dead Man's Chest, particularly when I found out that Hans Zimmer would be writing it. I really like much of his work, however, I was ultimately disappointed with this cd. There was too much percussion, too much elecronics & too little music from the movie in it. I also saw little point in the final track on the cd, I would much rather have had the end credit music. I liked Jack's new theme, it fit him & while the themes for JOnes & the Dutchmen fit them well, I still found this cd lacking. I admit however I really enjoyed the Tortuga music.

Average customer rating: Exceptional work of art. perfect score a jewel box of a score Truly a perfect score The Holiday.... you will not be disappointed

The Holiday (Score) Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Holiday Music and Lyrics The Painted Veil Blood Diamond A Good Year ASIN: B000LPR4U8 Release Date: 2007-01-09

Tracks:

1. Maestro
2. Iris And Jasper
3. Kayak For One
4. Zero
5. Dream Kitchen
6. Separate Vacations
7. Anything Can Happen
8. Light My Fire
9. Definitely Unexpected
10. If I Wanted To Call You
11. Roadside Rhapsody
12. Busy Guy
13. For Nancy
14. It's Complicated
15. Kiss Goodbye
16. Verso E Prosa
17. Meu Passado
18. The 'Cowch'
19. Three Musketeers
20. Christmas Surprise
21. Gumption
22. Cry

Amazon.com

For this Nancy Meyers-directed romantic comedy, Hans Zimmer serves up a breezy score quite different from the more heavy-duty works he's become known for. This may have something to do with the film's tone, of course, but also with the fact that Zimmer has sole credit on only two cues, having co-written the others with members of his extensive stable of helpers, including guitarist Heitor Pereira and even pop artist Imogen Heap (who also contributes wordless vocals in addition to getting writing credits on three tracks). In the film, Jack Black's character is a composer who namedrops Ennio Morricone; Zimmer steps up to the challenge with the opening track, "Maestro" (one of his solo compositions), which evidently seeks to emulate the romantic sweep of some of Morricone's scores and nearly succeeds. (This may sound like a criticism but getting near Morricone level is nothing to sneeze at.) A little later "Verso e Prosa," a collaboration between Pereira and Herb Alpert--who contributes his immediately identifiable trumpet--also stands out. If the rest of the CD had shown as much spirited zest as these two tracks, the album could have become a prized addition to any soundtrack lover's library; alas, the other cues are too devoid of personality to make a lasting impression. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional work of art........2007-07-09

Definitely one of the most moving scores ever written. The movie says it and the music makes you feel it. Truly phenomenal!

perfect score.......2007-07-03

this is the perfect album to listen to. no matter what mood i'm in, i always walk away happy and optimistic.

a jewel box of a score.......2007-06-27

Uplifting, sparkling and memory evoking, a fresh approach for all Zimmer fans and charming in every way!

Truly a perfect score.......2007-05-27

It's rare for a romantic comedy to have a score- but Hans Zimmer is at his finest here. The music in the movie fits so well, and is overwhelming. It really makes you "feel" the movie and what the character is going through. The movie goes from up beat to somber, and sometimes all within one tune.
The music is truly beautiful!

The Holiday.... you will not be disappointed.......2007-05-20

Quite a few different themes expolored here in this CD. You will not be disappointed if you like a classical touch to yr music.... enjoy

Average customer rating: Not as good as I had hoped Could give it 10 stars Could have been sooo much better! Awesome Gorgeous ethereal, period-evoking music

Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture Lisa Gerrard , and Hans Zimmer Manufacturer: Decca U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Gladiator: More Music From the Motion Picture Braveheart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Last Samurai Kingdom of Heaven King Arthur ASIN: B00004STPT Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Progeny
2. The Wheat
3. The Battle
4. Earth
5. Sorrow
6. To Zucchabar
7. Patricide
8. The Emperor Is Dead
9. The Might Of Rome
10. Strength And Honor
11. Reunion
12. Slaves To Rome
13. Barbarian Horde
14. Am I Not Merciful?
15. Elysium
16. Honor Him
17. Now We Are Free

Amazon.com

Most modern Hollywood films have musical "temp tracks" laid in as they're edited, usually classical standards or music from other soundtracks that helps shape the dramatic and emotional intentions of works in progress. Sometimes these temp tracks become the score (as in "2001"), but more often they serve as a template for the film's eventual scorer. That said, we'll boldly climb out on a limb and opine that director Ridley Scott was listening to a whole lot of Holst's The Planets as he was cobbling together his modern gladiator epic. Credit Hans Zimmer for taking "Mars, the Bringer of War" and hammering its familiar harmonic and rhythmic Sturm und Drang into something serviceably fresh; cohort Lisa Gerrard generally handles the more ethereal, atmospheric passages. As epic in scope as its thematic inspiration (and with enough occasional nods to "authenticity" to make it work), this is nonetheless a work of often surprising nuances, and one that recasts the traditional heroic orchestral score in deliciously dark and ominous tones. Warning: repeated listening may inspire the invasion of neighboring countries. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as I had hoped.......2007-06-11

Although the music is good, there is a lot that is not what I hade expected. I was watching the movie when I purchased the CD and I wanted to have the same music on the CD that I was listening to at the time. Not all of the songs that you'd like are on it. Thats my complaint.

Could give it 10 stars.......2007-05-16

To me, the best of the best. A great score. I continue to listen to it over and over, never tiring of it.

Could have been sooo much better!.......2007-05-11

I was disappointed with this soundtrack collection in that it could have been so much better. For a CD that you are going to sell, the producers should have hit the main themes and stuck to the powerful imagery of this magnificent film.

Awesome.......2007-03-19

I am a proud owner of this album,which now joins my cherished CD collection.It is an album put together perfectly by two very good artists.The music is superbly performed,which makes most of the tracks very intense,due to the scenes in the film.A very good choice if you like powerful orchestral music with a touching vocalist(Lisa Gerrard).

Gorgeous ethereal, period-evoking music.......2007-02-08

The score for "Gladiator", all recognition for the film aside, is beautiful and stands on its own as a work of beauty and scope. The score won a Golden Globe for Best Score, recognition that was deserved. The score is very period-evoking, reflecting many similarities to Gustav Holst's "The Planets", a classical work. Hans Zimmer borrowed heavily from the feel of "Mars", the second movement in "The Planets". The feel is absolutely perfect for the battle scenes in "Gladiator", but the highlight is in the ethereal, gorgeous music with Lisa Gerrard's voice. The end of the soundtrack stands out especially, ending with the semi-modern "Now We Are Free". "Gladiator" is an investment that should be on the top of the list of film music lovers and "Gladiator" fans alike.

Average customer rating:

The Simpsons Movie: Limited Edition Donut Packaging Manufacturer: Adrenaline Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Simpsons | Specialty Stores | Music Music | The Simpsons | Amazon.com Stores | us-stores Similar Items: The Simpsons - The Complete Tenth Season (Collectible Bart Head Pack) The Bourne Ultimatum Premonition Ratatouille Smokin Aces ASIN: B000RW5X8A Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

1. Simpsons Theme (Orchestral Version)
2. Trapped Like Carrots
3. Doomsday Is Family Time
4. Release The Hounds
5. Clap For Alaska
6. What's An Epiphany?
7. Thank You Boob Lady
8. You Doomed Us All...Again
9. ...Lead, Not To Read
10. Why Does Everything I Whip Leave Me
11. Bart's Doodle
12. World's Fattest Fertilizer Salesman
13. His Big Fat Butt Could Shield Us All
14. Spider Pig
15. Recklessly Impulsive

Average customer rating: a surprising offer Welcome to Perfection Buy this as an encyclopedia of Mozart, then add other recordings... Great value..Cant beat this deal at all!!! Incredible Bargain

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gigue | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Bach, Johann Christian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bassoon | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Christian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set) Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B000BLI3K2 Release Date: 2005-10-25

Album Description

Mozart Edition: The Complete Works will make a great gift this Holiday season for the music lover in your life or someone who is hard to buy for. This collection contains 170 discs of completed works by Mozart in one beautiful package. Also included is a cd-rom containing essays on his works, artist bio's, text and libretti's. At this super low price all music lovers will enjoy the Symphonies - Concertos - Serenades - Divertimenti - Dances - Chamber Music - Church Sonatas - String Ensembles - Violin Sonatas - Keyboard Works - Sacred Works - Concert Arias - Songs - Canons and Operas in this collection.

Customer Reviews:

a surprising offer.......2007-07-05

Complete works of Mozart for such a price is a surprising offer. We are pleased of the good quality, and the availability of otherwise difficult to find works of Mozart

Welcome to Perfection.......2007-06-28

Dispite what anyone else says, if god ever tried to talk to humanity it was through Wolfgang because his music is absolute perfection.It is the most beautiful music i've ever heard in my life( and this is coming from a 21 year old metal-head ).If one has second thoughts about buying this collection dispell them right now because this is probably the first item i've bought in a long time that i have not regreted.

Buy this as an encyclopedia of Mozart, then add other recordings..........2007-06-22

Brilliant Classics Complete Mozart edition, released for the 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth (he was born in 1756), has much to recommend it. It contains almost all the works of Mozart, and has many fine performances: the piano sonatas by Klara Wurtz, Piano Concertos by Derek Han, Paul Freeman/Philharmonia, The Magic Flute, conducted by Charles Mackerras (licensed from Telarc), String Quartets by the Franz Schubert Quartet (Licensed from Nimbus) each stand out. The Symphonies, by the Amsterdam Mozart Academy/ Jaap ter Linden, are "So-so": I don't like the small period ensemble, but Symphonies 20, 40 (both versions: one with clarinets and the other without), 23, 24, and 34 are pretty good. Symphonies 1:I, 25 and 41 are sub-par: scrappy playing and weak violins make for a pretty rough experience. I would supplement this with the complete Mozart Symphonies by Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (DG), among the best recordings of these works, and the best complete set of Mozart's Symphonies, completed in 1968.

The Requiem, conducted by Nicol Matt (2001 recording) has had better performances, and for this I would recommend Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG) and Colin Davis/London Symphony (Philips), which use a larger choir and orchestra, and have more drama where it is needed. The other choral works conducted by Nicol Matt are better, especially "Exsultate Jubilate" motet, the short Masses, and "Ave Verum".

Also worthy of mention are the "Posthorn" and "Haffner" Serenades, by Colin Davis/Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, licensed from Novalis for this release.

This is a great overview, and Brilliant Classics are to be commended for making it available at a low price, to get Mozart's music out to the mass public. It's a great buy, but I would get the Bohm Symphonies, and also Piano Concertos by either Ashkenazy/Philharmonia (Decca), Perahia/English Chamber Orchestra (Sony) or Anda/Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg (DG) for supplements. Also, Karl Bohm's recordings of the operas: The Magic Flute, the Marriage of Figaro, Idomeneo, and La Clemenza di Tito (all DG) are required listening, too. Recommended, but not as the only recording of Mozart's works.

Great value..Cant beat this deal at all!!!.......2007-06-13

As others have reviewed the product and highlighted that there are a few poor pieces... But who cares when there is 170 discs.. if you had have 10 cds that are poor quality and had a 160 disc set of good cd's and you paid $90 for the set.. would you be happy? I would think so... So don't get frustrated and just buy the set.. Enjoy the music for the price.. I am not going to go into details like others did but just buy the set!

Incredible Bargain.......2007-06-10

This offer is an incredible bargain at just over 50 cents a CD. The price jumps around often - you can sometimes get it for $4 or $5 less. but still at 50 cents. Mine arrived in excellent shape - it's hard for them to do otherwise. The way they are packaged they are either in good shape or some major disaster has happened destroying a whole bunch. Those I have played sound great. It will probably take a life time to play them all. Meanwhile we can just revel in our riches and feel all warm and fuzzy.
I also own the Bach set and am wildly happy with that as well.

Average customer rating: Incredibly beautiful and haunting. You Won`t Be Disappointed! Brings you back to the first episodes! The Rise and Fall of Rome The essence of Rome

Rome: Music from the HBO Series Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 300 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Special Edition) 300 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Rome - The Complete Second Season Rome - The Complete First Season Carnivàle ASIN: B000MGVBQE Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. Rome Main Title Theme
2. The Forum
3. Terrible News
4. Niobe's Theme
5. The Battle Has Begun (Caesar's Theme)
6. Octavian & Octavia's Themes
7. Riot In The Senate, Pullo Finds The Gold
8. Caesar Reunites With Servilla
9. Janus Breaks
10. Marshall Law, The Temple
11. Caesar's Seizure
12. Hell Hath No Fury
13. Vorenus Made Evocati, Servillia's Curse
14. Farwells, The Storm
15. The Raft
16. The Death Of Pompey
17. Octavia Seduces Octavian
18. Cleopatra Seduces Caesar
19. Triumph
20. Mark Antony & Atia
21. Vorenus Saves Pullo
22. The Murder Of Julius Caesar
23. Niobe's Fate

Amazon.com

After Carnivàle, Jeff Beal has given HBO another Emmy-nominated score, this time for the tale of sex, politics, and togas known as Rome. There's a long history of fabulously grand scores in the sword-and-sandals genre (Miklós Rózsa's Ben-Hur, Alex North's Cleopatra) but according to Beal HBO wasn't interested in classic big orchestral compositions, so he worked on a smaller--yet still lush--scale that emphasizes the ethnic instruments that could be found in the farther reaches of the Roman Empire. A Middle Eastern influence, for instance, can clearly be heard on "Rome Main Title Theme," "The Forum" and "Janus Breaks," among many others. If there's one signature sound on the CD, it's the recurring use of the flute, which can suggest emotions ranging from romantic ("Octavian & Octavia's Themes") to melancholy (paired with strings on "Farewells, the Storm") to dread (combined with percussion on "Caesar's Seizure"). The album starts running out of steam about two thirds of the way through, however, making one pine for a bit of orchestral bang for one's buck. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Rome: Music from the HBO Series features a dramatic score by Emmy award winning composer Jeff Beal (Pollock, HBO's Carnivale). A haunting album of ancient sounds and rhythms, the album perfectly complements the HBO series that chronicles the epic times that saw the fall of a republic and the creation of an empire.

Customer Reviews:

Incredibly beautiful and haunting........2007-05-23

I waited for many months until HBO got around to releasing the soundtrack to this incredible drama series. If you are a fan of the series, then this is absolutely essential to add to one's music collection. The composer, Jeff Beal, reminds me a great deal of Brian Tyler--the producer of the Children of Dune soundtrack. Both artists incorporate a strong flair of Eastern elements into their music and the result is spectacular. My personal favorite of the Rome soundtrack? "Cleopatra Seduces Caesar" (and that episode is my favorite of the first season).

You Won`t Be Disappointed!.......2007-05-15

This is an excellent soundtrack. If you liked the series Rome, you will love this CD. It transports you, and is excellent for a quiet evening at home, or a romantic one! A+++

Brings you back to the first episodes!.......2007-05-14

When HBO canceled 'ROME', I was ready to fall on my gladius, but thank the gods who blessed me instead with "ROME: Music from the HBO Series by Jeff Beal". Now, I am just a CD Player away from reliving the spectacle that was "ROME" the series! This soundtrack is a must have for any serious fan of "ROME" or Roman history. Get it NOW or be cursed!

The Rise and Fall of Rome.......2007-05-12

It is quite unfortunate that the epic HBO series `Rome' has been cancelled after two brilliant seasons. With a terrific cast, and sets that challenge those of big Hollywood epics, `Rome' remained an entertaining and historical show.

The score composed by Jeff Beal also added great texture and mood to the show. Using mainly instruments that existed at the time of Julius Caesar, Beal's themes remain present, yet do not draw attention away from the image.

The tracks are all compiled from the first 12-episode season and follow in a chronological order. However, there is no need for a second season soundtrack because many of the themes were recycled in very creative and useful ways. A highlight is definitely the track 'Riot in the Senate/Pullo Finds the Gold;' towards the end of the track there is sound and dialogue, (as HBO has done with several other soundtracks), of Caesar and Antony entering Rome with their army, as the musicians play a "cheerful" triumphant song for their arrival. The soundtrack overall is a great addition to HBO's list of series soundtracks.

The essence of Rome.......2007-05-07

This soundtrack brought tears to my eyes. I had wanted to buy the tracks since the show first premeired. The CD captures the spirit of the show. From passion to tortured sadness, each track is beautiful and sure to bring a nostalgic smile to your face. Very haunting and ethereal.

Average customer rating: Great for the road Beethoven 25 Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites bEtHoVeN mAnIaC Great Price...Not so good itself

25 Beethoven Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058HX Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Egmont Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
2. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
3. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major - Alfred Brendel
4. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor - Jerome Rose
5. Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor - Jerome Rose
6. Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor - Jerome Rose
7. Symphony No. 6 In F Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
8. Symphony No. 7 In A Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
9. 'The Creatures Of Prometheus' Ballet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
10. Violin Concerto In D Major - Susanne Lautenbacher
11. Sonata For Violin And Piano No. 5 In F Major - Aaron Rosand
12. Piano Trio In B Flat - Mannheimer Trio
13. Fse - Various Artists
14. Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Winds - Abbey Simon
15. 'Chorale Fantasy' In C Minor For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra - Walter Klien
16. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat - Alfred Brendel
17. Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
18. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major - Alfred Brendel
19. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat - Alfred Brendel
20. Symphony No. 3 In E Flat - Ludwig Van Beethoven
21. 'The Ruins Of Athens,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
22. 'Corolian,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
23. Ecossaise For Piano - Alfred Brendel
24. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
25. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Great for the road.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Beethoven 25 Favorites.......2006-11-21

Very good! I ordered it especially for Piano Sonata No. 8 Pathetique

25 Beethoven Favorites.......2006-11-05

Good overview of his works----an introduction into his depth as a composer

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC.......2005-11-03

[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself.......2005-05-19

This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

Average customer rating: Pretty dang good Great movie soundtrack!!! Awesome! For the whole Family I like it very much

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron Bryan Adams , and Hans Zimmer Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (Full Screen Edition) [Animated] Tarzan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack Brother Bear Mulan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack Best of Me ASIN: B000066C1N Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

1. I Will Always Return (End Title)
2. Here I Am
3. This Is Where I Belong
4. You Can't Take Me
5. Get Off My Back
6. Sound The Bugle
7. I Will Always Return
8. Don't Let Go (With Sarah McLachlan)
9. Brothers Under The Sun
10. Run Free
11. Homeland
12. Rain
13. The Long Road Back
14. Here I Am (End Title)
15. Nothing I've Ever Known

Customer Reviews:

Pretty dang good.......2007-07-03

I really like this CD. It has some fun songs as well as a few orchestrated songs. Alot of the tunes sound very similiar, but all and all, its worth it.

Great movie soundtrack!!!.......2007-05-25

My 3 year old LOVES watching the movie, "Spirit" and with a soundtrack performed by Brian Adams -- is actually one kid's movie that I don't mind watching over and over and over. We bought this soundtrack for him and he enjoys listening to it as much as he enjoys watching the movie -- and so do I! Great songs!!

Awesome!.......2007-03-09

My three year old girl loves horses. Spirit is her favorite movie and the cd is her number one choice to listen to. She knows the words to all the songs and it really is fun to just listen to her sing or hum, even when the music isn't playing.

For the whole Family.......2007-03-08

My kids (4) have loved this CD for years. We are now having to buy a new one. They know every note to every song. They adore this CD! As for the movie, we have bought several because they have loved it so much (they played it so much & have scratched it). Enjoy as a Family!

I like it very much.......2007-02-17

"Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron" is an amazing animated cartoon film. And this disk is an aggregate of remarkable music and a wonderful vocal. I recommend it to all =)

Average customer rating: Great Performance Great Analog Beethoven Cycle An essential collection The best value in classical music on CD at the moment... Wonderful Performances

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim Dvorák: The Symphonies Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore ASIN: B00004YA0S Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
3. III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
4. IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
5. I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
6. II: Andante Molto Mosso
7. III: Allegro - In Tempo D'allegro - Tempo I
8. IV: Allegro
9. V: Allegretto

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
3. III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Vivace
4. IV: Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto
5. Gross Fuge

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Larghetto
3. III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
4. IV: Allegro Molto
5. I: Allegro Con Brio
6. II: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Tempo I
7. III: Allegro -
8. IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
2. II: Adagio
3. III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
4. IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
5. I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
6. II: Allegretto
7. III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
8. IV: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
2. II: Allegretto Scherzando
3. III: Tempo Di Menuetto
4. IV: Allegro Vivace
5. Overture
6. Overture
7. Overture
8. Overture

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - Christa Ludwig
2. II: Molto Vivace - Presto - Christa Ludwig
3. III: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato - Christa Ludwig
4. IV: Presto - Recitativo - Allegro Assai - Alla Marcia - Christa Ludwig
5. Overture - Christa Ludwig

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Largo
3. III: Rondo: Allegro Scherzando
4. I: Allegro Con Brio
5. II: Adagio
6. III: Rondo: Molto Allegro

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Largo
3. III: Rondo: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Moderato
5. II: Andante Con Moto
6. III: Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

1. Fantasia For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra
2. I: Allegro
3. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso -
4. III: Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

Otto Klemperer's Beethoven is one of the towering achievements in the history of recordings. By today's standards, these performances are hopelessly old-fashioned: dark, heavy, and frequently very slow. But they are also the grandest, most unsentimental, most purposeful versions in the catalog. In addition, the relatively slow tempos (only in the fast movements--the slow ones are pretty swift) and forward wind balance permit more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with the entire piano concerto cycle thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Performance.......2007-07-07

There are many different ways to perform Beethoven and each one is valid.
If you like it fast - go to Toscanini or Norrington. If you prefer slow, powerful and majestic, this is your set. Towards the end of his distinguished career, the great Otto Klemperer set down his final views of the performance of these symphonnies. The set is a coherent whole and will give great pleasure for ever. The challenging mix of the young Barenboim and the aged Klemperer worked surprisingly well and thus the concertos may also be recommended. There are odd additional items which add to the pleasure. Finally do not forget to purchase his memorable set of 'Fidelio' to complete your traversal of a great conductor giving great performances of a composer that he loved. Finally the price is ridiculously low and provides quality and quantity at a great price. Thus you should be able to buy the opera set from the savings made!

Great Analog Beethoven Cycle.......2007-05-07

This Klemperer cycle is just one of a dozen or so GREAT analog Beethoven symphony cycles that were recorded during Analog's golden age starting about 1958. These cycles are easily a match for digital and they should still be around for another 1,000 years, if the Lord tarries. These sets include: Karajan (twice, early 60s and late 70s) Bohm, Krips, Jochum, Bruno Walter, Leinsdorf, Rene Leibowitz, Szell, Ormandy, Bernstein, Steinberg, and Solti. This morning I listened to the Klemperer recordings of Beethoven's symphonies 5, 6, & 7. Very enjoyable, I got my Beethoven RDA fix.

Of all these Analog sets, I most enjoy the Leibowitz Spring 1961 cycle with the Royal Philharmonic. I have this cycle on an audiophile early 90s European import Edition Phoenix label special pressing "on extra virgin vinyl." These are by far the best analog symphonic lps I have ever heard from a recording standpoint. BY FAR! And they will rock your house.

You can almost justify Karajan's 4 recorded Beethoven cycles and one video based upon improvements in recording technology. Thru Rhapsody, I have listened to his mid 50s cycle and the orchestra sounds great, but the recording quality is sub par compared to Analog's golden age. So the rational for 4 cycles would be, (1) recent great improvements in recording technology (early 60s), (2) it has been 15 years and he has grown as an artist (late 70s), (3) we now have digital! Let's do one of the first Beethoven digital cycles (80s).

Klemperer is a no-brainer. I do not have to think twice about plopping one of his lps onto my turntable or hitting the play button at Rhapsody. When the music starts, the listening pleasure begins. Don't miss his Bruckner symphony recordings!

An essential collection.......2007-04-25

How best to describe Otto Klemperer's perspective on Beethoven's symphonies: grand, heroic, intense, insightful, stubborn, obstinate, detailed, dramatic, monumental, granitic, deeply emotional, never sentimental. This boxed set of the complete symphonies and concerti embodies all of these elements as stands as one of the great achievements of recorded music.

These performances were recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra at its peak, in the sumptuous acoustics of Kingsway Hall in London and in fine and detailed sound, and mostly in the mid-1950's during one of the brief charmed periods of Klemperer's life. EMI's impresario Walter Legge had made him permanent conductor of the Philharmonia, and when Klemperer embarked on this project in his 70's, he was in relatively good mental and physical health (Klemperer could show symptoms of manic depression and survived many health crises - brain tumor, broken bones, paralysis - which would have stopped most people).

By this time Klemperer had slowed the tempi of the fast movements of the Beethoven symphonies (listen to his early 1950's recordings of the 5th and 6th on Vox to hear by how much). This tendency is more pronounced in these studio recordings than in the live performances which were recorded during that era. The slowness is mostly saved by Klemperer's use of "sprung" rhythms, which keep the slow tempi from feeling laggardly.

Klemperer's earliest recordings in this series - symphonies 3, 5 and 7 - predate stereo and were recorded in excellent monaural sound. He rerecorded all three of these symphonies in stereo, but those recordings were made after he burned himself by falling asleep while smoking in bed. All three performances feature slower tempi than the earlier ones (whether this was the conductor's preference or the result of physical incapacity is open to conjecture). In particular, the rerecorded 7th suffered from lax phrasing, inattentiveness and perverse tempi. That is NOT the version contained in this set: fortunately, EMI had simultaneously recorded the earlier version of the 7th in "experimental" stereo, and it is that earlier version which is released here (and in remarkably good stereo). The versions of the 3rd and 5th are the rerecorded stereo ones.

You will find no finer studio versions of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th or 8th. All are insightful, beautifully detailed and powerful. The 2nd clearly looks forward to the 3rd and not back toward Hayden, the 4th is boisterous and vital, the 6th bucolic and sumptuous (not a quality normally associated with Klemperer), the 7th gains in drama what it loses in swiftness and lightness, and in the 8th in particular we see the conductor's empathy to Beethoven's sense of humor. Klemperer had a deep affinity for the "Eroica", and the rerecorded version here, while slower than the 1955 recording, was dubbed by "High Fidelity"'s Harris Goldsmith (no Klemperer fan, he) as "the best Eroica going slow" and is a monumental masterpiece (the second movement is shattering). The 1st, while leisurely, is a lovingly crafted.

That leaves the 5th and 9th. There is no doubt in my mind that the earlier, mono 5th is superior to the remake in this set. We lose that sense of an inevitable onslaught, especially in the outer movements. And the 9th, while similar in conception to the live versions recorded around the same time (on Testament with the Philharmonia and on Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw), suffers from diffuse sound and occasional lack of focus. I emphasize that these recordings of both symphonies are still head and shoulders above most of the competition; we're talking about different levels of greatness here.

Are there superior Klemperer recordings of these symphonies? Yes; but all are live, and despite the relatively good reprocessed sound, they don't reveal the same level of detail that these studio recordings do. Klemperer was a very different conductor in front of an audience, and there is more vitality and drama in the live versions of the 3rd (Testament, with the Danish Symphony), 6th 7th and 8th (Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw) and the 9th (see above). Music&Arts' set of the complete symphonies, recorded live in Vienna in 1960, is long out of print and had cramped sound with poor detail - a supplement to this set, not a replacement.

As to the piano concerti: they are better than one might expect. Barenboim, although steeped in the Germanic performance tradition, is more naturally aligned with the Furtwangler and Edwin Fischer than with Klemperer. However, the two of them actually work together extremely well and this is a fine, insightful set.

Any complete cycle of Beethoven, symphonies or concerti, will have drawbacks. There will be unevenness in the performances, as there are here. But there are advantages to hearing one musician's perspective on the works, especially when (as here) the performer has depth of understanding, integrity of vision, and a structural understanding of the pieces.

The digital remastering is excellent and the sound barely shows its age. This may not be your only complete set of Beethoven's symphonies, but it should be one of them. And at a price this low, it's a bargain too.

The best value in classical music on CD at the moment..........2007-01-02

What is the best value in classical discs available today ? Who knows, but I defy anyone to beat the EMI compilation of Klemperer' recordings of the complete Beethoven Symphonies, Piano Concertos (with Barenboim), several overtures the Choral Fantasia etc etc. 9 discs for only $44 ( well that was the price I paid). You have got to be kidding... I only had two concerns with buying this. First on the age of the recordings, all more than 40 years old. No worry at all. This is a masterpiece of reconstruction. The sound quality indistinguishable from any modern recording. Secondly , the performances themselves. I had been warned that Klemperer notoriously chose rather slow tempi. Again I needn't have worried. I immediately went to the slow movements of the 2nd piano concerto and the fourth symphony, where many slow tempists have in the past come unstuck. The piano concerto was an absolute revelation. The combination of the youthful Barenboim and the Philharmonia's masterful playing time and gain had me on the edge of my seat. " Yes,go on, well...." Slow it may have been. Boring, never. The same applies in spades to the slow movement of the fourth. Right from the eerie opening, which is yes, very slow indeed, I knew this movement would be a revelation and I can honestly say I have never hear it better played. Follow this with a scherzo bounding in energy and thumping finale and you will never get a better performance of this, one of Beethoven's "lesser" symphonies. And I haven't even got round to the "biggies" yet! The box set looks unattractive and the portrait of Klemperer makes him appear a first class nerd. Pay absolutely no attention to this....

Wonderful Performances.......2006-04-07

I have admittedly not made it through the entire set as of yet, but feel sufficiently blown away by the First Symphony and the Eroica - particularly the second movement of the latter - to weigh in here. With respect to the tempo issue, I must - at least so far - argue in favor of Klemperer's decision to slow things down a bit. I think the effect is, as someone else has observed, a clearer and more visceral experience of Beethoven's composition. It brings out the feeling. The sound comes up a little short on the low end, but it isn't a major distraction. My only problem lies in EMI's inexplicable lack of any discussion of the performances. The notes are bland, dry descriptions of the pieces themselves, with some basic history thrown in. Given the fact that there are probably hundreds of different CDs of Beethoven's symphonies out there, all with similar explanatory notes, it is infuriating that nothing is said about these particular performances. This is in contrast with the EMI Bach set (with Yehudi Menuhin) in which there is a wonderful essay that discusses Menuhin's work in historical context.

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