Legends of the 20th Century

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Historical EMI UK Series. CD Hardback Book Style Package. 20 Page Booklet with Extensive Liner Notes. Over 70 Minutes of Material.

Customer Reviews:

Must buy.......2006-05-16

Superlative seven-CDS hyper-bargain bid from BMG can't never beat that!!Over-all an allround best buy If you snooze you lose

Simply great Sibelius.......2006-05-15

At less than 20GBP, this set offers a most excellent initiation to the world of Johan Sibelius s'masterly work. A nice collection, that includes the symphonies (1--7) with important compositions such as the ever fascinating Kulervo and myriads of "TonePoems". The L.S.O play together with dedication, the sound and direction by sir Colin Davis increase the impression of greatness in the music. I was a little skeptical of the new Davis Kulervo "live", of which I prefer this one on rca, but been of course amazed by the L.S.O.Live powerful versions of symphonies 3 & 7. Otherwise, I generally love this uniformly excellent set, even more so than the earlier cycle in Boston of which I still like, above all, symphonies 5&6. Here, with this rca set, the "highlights" are to be found in symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as in a bracing and quite dramatic Kulervo. Among the poems, En Saga and Pohjola really shine along with a wonderful Suite Karelia. Of course everything is not perfection, but who will pretend to be anyway? I recommend highly this important box set, even more than the competitive 5CD Naxos however very good it is. Davis is a master Sibelian, no doubt about that. Kind regards. m.vuriling

Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis.......2004-12-31

This 7 CD set includes all of Sir Colin Davis' second Sibelius symphony cycle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the 1990's, along with almost all of Sibelius' other major orchestral works, most notably his tone poems (Some of these were recorded as recently as 2000 or 2001.). These are impressive, vibrant performances replete with exquisite playing by the London Symphony Orchestra. Critics have praised Davis' first Sibelius symphony cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as among the best; without question, his second symphony cycle is not only just as fine, but comes with better quality digital sound (However, with respect to sound, the best Sibelius symphony cycle that he's recorded may be the recent one with the LSO Live CD label.). I especially enjoyed the recordings of Sibelius' 2nd, 5th and 7th symphonies, and the tone poem En Saga, but all of Sibelius' works in this CD set are quite fine. Those interested in hearing music made by Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as our foremost interpreter of Sibelius, with one of the world's greatest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, will not be disappointed with this CD set.

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela

Average customer rating:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

Sibelius: Finlandia; En Saga; Valse triste; Karelia Suite; The Swan of Tuonela

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Jean Sibelius: Symphonies No. 4-7, Tapiola etc.
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection)
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Beethoven, Sibelius: Violin Concertos
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7

ASIN: B000AQACWU
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

En Saga Op.9
The Swan Of Tuonela
I: Intermezo
II: Ballade
III: Alla Marcia
Finlandia Op.26
Valse Triste Op.44
Tapiola Op.112

Customer Reviews:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?.......2005-12-14

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

It may well be.

This particular CD combines Karajan's 1976 analog recordings of four Sibelius tone poems with his 1981 digital recordings of Valse Triste and the Op 11 Karelia Suite. The analog material - Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela, En Saga and Tapiola - have always been demonstration-quality recordings. This particular CD marks the SEVENTH time I've purchased these recordings: first in their initial USA Angel LP & cassette issues, then as a British LP import, next as a German LP import, again in their initial EMI Studio CD release, once more in their second EMI CD release, and now in their almost-always-better-sounding Great Recordings of the Century series (there are exceptions to that particular rule, BTW).

Why all the copies? Simple: I was constantly seeking out a version that did full justice to the sound that one could tell was inscribed on the original tapes, and I think that finally, finally EMI have got it just about right.

First off, these recordings are very lifelike. They very much represent the Berlin Phil under Karajan that I heard in live performances at Carnegie Hall. And - except for a few intonation problems here and there that were previously buried in various degrees of sonic mush - the execution of the BPO is near immaculate (no clams in the brass!), matching American orchestras in their typical note-perfect playing.

The recorded ambience is also very easy on the ear, but - and this is a big but - the listening perspective on these recordings has now been shifted forward from second row orchestra to the conductor's podium. What I mean by that is that there is much more clarity and transparency in the orchestra than I recall from previous issues (it also helps if you listen to the CD at a slightly boosted volume level). It's a bit like the difference one gets when auditioning a recording on headphones rather than through speakers (in fact, I could swear that I can now hear Karajan - or someone - humming at certain points or urging on the orchestra).

There has also been a re-sequencing of the tracks themselves. Previous issues all opened with Karajan's massive version of Finlandia - an opening track that was sure to grab a listener by the gonads and pull him into the recording. This time around the CD opens with En Saga with Finlandia buried down the track listing. If you've never heard this disc and want to hear what it's all about, you'll play Finlandia first, trust me!

On the subject of this recording of Finlandia, it surely gains from Karajan opting for doubled winds who maintain their sound and texture over the massive strings and brass (augmented by VERY present timpani). Here, Karajan and the BPO launch what has to have set the all-time record for gravitas in Finlandia openings. This is slow, ballsy and brilliant. I can think of no greater compliment to give both Karajan and his orchestra than to say that they here play Finlandia as if it were the most important piece of music ever composed by anyone, ever.

The same "greatest piece ever" philosophy also inhabits the other works on this CD. The Swan, in particular, is hauntingly beautiful, no more so than in the huge string phrases that take over before the English horn's final, plaintive utterances. This is music making on such a high level that one might miss it for the emotional involvement of all concerned. You may find yourself - as did I - immediately replaying this track just to convince yourself that it really was that good.

Likewise, Karajan's 1981 Valse triste surpasses his previous efforts (not to mention those of most others). This is a slow but enervated version of a piece that I just never tire of hearing. However, I will say that the digital sound is slightly less fulsome than that captured on the analog tracks. The Karelia Suite is also of digital origin and reflects the same caveat, though this is picking nits - the recordings are all fabulous.

The real revelation on the disc is Tapiola. Karajan recorded it a few times, and I find this one to be his best if not THE best recording of the piece ever made. If you want to know what the term "heavy classic" means, seek no further. It was once opined that Sibelius' fame could have rested on Tapiola alone, and it may well be that Tapiola recordings may come down to this one and this one alone. It is just that impressive as a recording and as an interpretation.

Seventeen years after his death, it's becoming quite clear to me that Karajan went through something of a golden age in the 1970s. His recordings from that period - particularly his EMI recordings - showcase an orchestra and conductor at the absolute summit of their powers, fully in tune with each other and the music at hand. These Sibelius recordings rank with the very best from that period and are well deserving of the Great Recordings of the Century moniker.

I'd urge you to purchase this disc before EMI consigns this issue to deletion status.

It simply doesn't get any better.

Sibelius: Lemminkainen Suite: Four Legends of the Kalevala; Tapiola

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Lemminkainen Suite: Four Legends of the Kalevala; Tapiola
Philadelphia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000PGTHRG
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

I. Lemminkainen And the Maidens Of Saari
II. The Swan Of Tuonela
III. Lemminkainen In Tuonela
IV. Lemminkainen's Return
Tapiola Op.112 - Helsinki Philarmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Superb!!
A little comment !
Let's call it fifty/fifty.
Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless
Not essential for Sibelians

Sibelius: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000029YV
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante, ma non troppo; Allegro energico - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante (man non troppo lento) - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Scherzo. Allegro - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Finale (Quasi una fantasia). Andante - National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Swan Of Tuonela, From Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22, No. 3 - Michael Winfield
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro moderato - Zino Francescatti
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Adagio di molto - Zino Francescatti
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro, ma non tanto - Zino Francescatti

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op. 26 - London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Allegretto - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Tempo Andante, ma rubato - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Vivacissimo - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Finale: Allegro moderato - New York Philharmonic
Valse Triste From Kuolema, Op. 44 - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade. Tempo di menuetto - Un poco piu lento - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Superb!!.......2005-11-04

An excellant recording of the most popular pieces by this wonderful composer. The performance of each and every piece is truly stunning and the sound quality of the recording---excellant. A very good introduction to Sibelius.

A little comment !.......2004-08-31

The Second Symphony is a real issue of that overwhelming who was Thomas Schippers . Even if i do not agree with the timings due I consider extremely contemplative , it has personality and expressiveness .
The jewel of the crown is the first symphony , one of the best in the market .
The Sibelius violin concerto remains in the top list of the ten greatets performances in any age . Warmth and poetic rendition .
Finlandia is irrelevant .
So consider this buying worthable for the expossed reasons.

Let's call it fifty/fifty........2003-06-12

Like some of the other reviewers, I am inclined also to rate this compilation mixed fare. I would consider purchase of this two cd set only if it was available at a bargain price. To begin with, I find Thomas Schippers' Sibelius Second hard to take seriously. It seems to be an exercise in theatrics more than anything else. On the other hand, Stokowski's Sibelius First is one of the best performances this work has ever been given. He demonstrates tautness and clarity and an attention to detail that is extremely satisfying. There is also boldness and adventuressness, and not least of all a very pleasing sense of atmosphere. My only disappointment comes in the second movement, where in the quieter pastoral sections I find Stokowski's pace a little too slow, though I still appreciate the attractiveness he displays. In the Sibelius Violin Concerto, Francescatti and Bernstein offer some pleasing moments, though the idiomatic and atmospheric elements are a little shortchanged. Despite this, Francescatti realizes some nicely expressive tonal shadings and accents. A different sort of performance from Heifetz and Oistrakh, but one that stands well on its own merit. Otherwise, I find Hickox's Finlandia presentation somewhat wayward. We should have been given Ormandy's solid and moving version with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, although I could have done without his views here on Valse Triste and the Karelia Suite, especially the latter, which would have benefitted from a livelier, more atmospheric approach.

Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless.......2001-02-06

Sony should have re-released only the Schippers on a single CD. This is the most brilliant reading of this difficult symphony I have ever heard. As for #1...Stokowski hit his high point as a conductor with the pap from "Fantasia"...it was all downhill for him after that. The best recording of Finlandia is Sir Colin Davis/Boston Symphony. Richard Hickox is a nullity and his conducting shows that in ample display with this reading. As for Eugene Ormandy and his Karelia...Stravinsky said it best..."Ormandy is an ideal conductor of Strauss waltzes." The Violin Concerto is serviceable, but nothing special...Good playing by Francescatti, but an indifferent accompaniment by Bernstein and his charges.

Not essential for Sibelians.......2000-04-04

I have heard countless recordings of the Sibelius symphonies, so from my perspective as a listener and as a conductor, I would recommend other recordings of these works. Firstly, the tempi in the recordings of the 1st and 2nd Symphonies are generally wrong. Sibelius was one of those composers who was particular about interpretations of his music, with only a slight flexibility. What Stokowski achieves, on the other hand, is a beautiful musical and emotional thread, as he always did. He brought out interesting harmonic balances and shadings in the "Swan of Tuonela" recording that many other recordings of the work lack. The Swan is obviously music that is perfectly suited to Stokowski's typical poetic treatment and wizardry. Zino Francescatti's recording of the Violin Concerto is actually quite good. Bernstein's accompaniment is lovingly dedicated. Bernstein ignores less of Sibelius's tempi here than he usually did. Francescatti is really in top form in this recording, and even though I'm not a big fan of mid-20th century styles of violin playing, I think that Francescatti displays a great deal of integrity, coupled with an obvious Mediterranean passion. This aesthetic is not too far removed from Sibelius's intent, since the composer frequently visited Italy around the time he wrote the work (The 2nd Symphony was actually composed in Italy). However, there's much of the Northern temperament in this work as well.

The recording of the 2nd Symphony is just wrong. Thomas Schippers had little understanding of Sibelius's music, in my opinion. The tempi are mostly incorrect, and the orchestral playing here is dull.

Tracks:

I. Intermezzo. Moderato
II. Ballade. Tempo Di Menuetto-Un Poco Piu Lento
III. Alla Marcia. Moderato
Tempo Moderato - Soile Isokoski
Andante Festivo For String Orchestra
Sostenuto Assai
Nocturne. Molto Moderato
I. Elegie. Andante Sostenuto
II. Musette. Allegretto
Serenade. Moderato Assai (Quasi Menuetto)
Ballade. Allegro Molto-Vivace
Andante Sostenuto-Allegro Moderato-Allegro

Tracks:

Largo-Allegro
Allegro-Tempo Del Commincio-Moderato Assai-Largamente-Largo
Allegro Molto Moderato
Andante Molto Sostenuto
Il Tempo Largamente
Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Moderato Assai-Allegro
Tempo Moderato E Sostenuto
Lento
Scene With Cranes Op.44 No.2
Andantino
Commodo
Lento Assai
Largamente-Allegro Moderato

Customer Reviews:

More Great Sibelius from GSO/Jarvi.......2006-06-02

I recently purchased this 3-disc set new for about 18 bucks, including shipping and handling. Each disc has over 70 mins of music. More importantly, the performances are evocative and highly emotional. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (of Sweden, for those of you who might not know this) and Neeme Jarvi did a terrific job on the Sibelius Symphonies for the BIS label in the 80s. I have 'em all, and they are my favorite cycle.

These are more recent recordings done by Deutche Grammaphon, with somewhat different engineering, but equally satisfying sound (to me, at least). Purchasing this "Trio" was almost a no-brainer, given the price. Now that I have the set in hand (and in CD-player), I know that it was a good decision.

Whether you know nothing about Sibelius but want to hear terrific classical music-making, or you have some Sibelius and would like to hear some arguably definitive performance of the tone poems, this set is for you.

Enjoy, Adam.

Tons of Great Sibelius, All Very Well Done.......2006-05-23

I may be in a minority, but I think Sibelius is a far more successful composer of program music than of so-called absolute music. In fact, his most successful symphony, No. 2, has a definite program, and his most successful symphonic movement, the marvelous finale of Symphony No. 5, is also pictorial, supposedly inspired by a flight of geese and the bell-like music that their calls made as they passed overhead. So I believe these generously filled discs in the Trio Series present some of the best of orchestral Sibelius, including "Pohjola's Daughter," "En Saga," "The Oceanides," and "Tapiola." There are other favorites as well, of course, including "Finlandia," "Valse Triste," and "The Swan of Tuonela" (part of the spacious "Four Legends"), as well as some lesser-known (to non-Sibelians, anyway) masterworks such as "Luonnotar" and "Night Ride and Sunrise," a quirky, more interesting incarnation of the binary form that Sibelius tried out in the finale of his Third Symphony.

There's still more and more, including some music (such as "King Christian" and "The Bard") that is rarely heard but well worth hearing. In fact, if there are any clunkers here, I don't know of them. Sibelius emerges as a composer who rarely failed when inspired by literature, especially his beloved Kalevala, or the purely pictorial. Neemi Jarvi, whose baton is sometimes too fleet and whose interpretations sometimes skate along the surface of the music, is here inspired to give some of his finest interpretations (and there are many, many on CD). The Goteborg Orchestra has this music in its blood and proves the perfect medium for the dark vision of "The Four Legends," for the shimmer and sheen of "The Oceanides," or for the easy folksiness of "Karelia" and "King Christian." Fine, wide-ranging sound from DG as well. It's up-front but not oppressive, allowing woodwind and percussion detail to emerge with real clarity. Try "Night Ride and Sunrise" as an example; it's rarely sounded this alive in recording.

a perfect introduction to sibelius.......2006-02-18

this is a great set of Sibelius's work. There are some of unknown as as well known pieces. I recommend this work to introduce people to Sibelius and Sibelian's as well. neeme jarvi is a master interpreter of Sibelius work and the orchestra is brillent.

Steinway Legends: Grand Edition/Various (Box)

Average customer rating:

What results do you get when you mix Decca, Philips, Deutsche Grammophone, and Steinway????.....I'd call them GRAND!!
Steinway Ledgends

Steinway Legends: Grand Edition/Various (Box)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set)

ASIN: B000ICLSWO
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

Sonata for Piano no 17 in D minor, Op. 31 no 2 "Tempest" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Hélène Grimaud (Piano)
Andante spianato et Grand polonaise brillante in E flat major, Op. 22 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Yundi Li (Piano)
Hungarian Rhapsodies (19) for Piano, S 244: no 2 in C sharp minor by Franz Liszt. Performer: Lang Lang (Piano)
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Valses oubliées (4) for Piano, S 215: no 1 in F sharp major by Franz Liszt. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 13 in B flat major, K 333 (315c) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Moments musicaux (6) for Piano, D 780/Op. 94: no 3 in F minor by Franz Schubert. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Consolations (6) for Piano, S 172: no 3 in D flat major, Lento placido by Franz Liszt. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Polonaise for Piano in A flat major, B 147/Op. 53 "Heroic" by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Mazurkas (4) for Piano, B 77/Op. 17: no 4 in A minor by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Scherzo for Piano no 1 in B minor, B 65/Op. 20 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Schwanengesang (Schubert), S 560: no 7, Ständchen "Leise flehen" by Franz Liszt. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Impromptu for Piano in F sharp major, S 191 "Nocturne" by Franz Liszt. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Etudes (15) de virtuosité, Op. 72 "Per aspera ad astra": no 6 in F major by Moritz Moszkowski. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Characteristic Pieces (8), Op. 36: no 6, Etincelles by Moritz Moszkowski. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Military Marches (3) for Piano 4 hands, D 733/Op. 51: no 1 in D major by Franz Schubert. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Rondo for Piano no 1 in D major, K 485 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Impromptus (4) for Piano, D 935/Op. 142: no 3 in B flat major by Franz Schubert. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Impromptus (4) for Piano, D 899/Op. 90: no 4 in A flat major by Franz Schubert. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
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Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 8: no 12 in D sharp minor by Alexander Scriabin. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
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Lachtäubchen (Behr) "Polka de W.R." by Sergei Rachmaninov. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Sonata for Harpsichord in E major, K 380/L 23 by Domenico Scarlatti. Performer: Vladimir Horowitz (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 no 2 "Moonlight" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Rondo for Piano no 3 in A minor, K 511 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Allegretto for Piano in C minor, D 915 by Franz Schubert. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in B minor, S 178 by Franz Liszt. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Oriental Fantasy for Piano, Op. 18 "Islamey" by Mily Balakirev. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Impromptu for Piano no 1 in A flat major, B 110/Op. 29 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Impromptu for Piano no 2 in F sharp major, B 129/Op. 36 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Impromptu for Piano no 3 in G flat major, b 149/Op. 51 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Impromptu for Piano no 4 in C sharp minor, B 87/Op. 66 "Fantaisie-Impromptu" by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Variations (15) and Fugue for Piano in E flat major, Op. 35 "Eroica" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Claudio Arrau (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 21 in C major, Op. 53 "Waldstein" by Ludwig van
Symphonic Etudes for Piano, Op. 13 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Pétrouchka: Three movements for Piano by Igor Stravinsky. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Variations for Piano, Op. 27 by Anton von Webern. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Arabeske for Piano in C major, Op. 18 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Berceuse for Piano in D flat major, B 154/Op. 57 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25: no 1 in A flat major by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25: no 7 in C sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25: no 9 in G flat major by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25: no 10 in B minor by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25: no 11 in A minor by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25: no 12 in C minor by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in B minor, S 178 by Franz Liszt. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 9, Pour les notes répétées by Claude Debussy. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 10, Pour les sonorités opposées by Claude Debussy. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 11, Pour les arpèges composées by Claude Debussy. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 12, Pour les accords by Claude Debussy. Performer: Maurizio Pollini (Piano)
Sonata for 2 Pianos in D major, K 448 (375a) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Prelude for Piano in C sharp minor, B 141/Op. 45 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Scherzo for Piano no 4 in E major, B 148/Op. 54 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Mazurkas (3) for Piano, B 157/Op. 59: no 2 in A flat major by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Dumka for Piano in C minor, Op. 59 "Russian rustic scene" by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 5 in F sharp major, Op. 53 by Alexander Scriabin. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Etudes-tableaux (9) for Piano, Op. 39: no 1 in C minor by Sergei Rachmaninov. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Etudes-tableaux (9) for Piano, Op. 39: no 2 in A minor by Sergei Rachmaninov. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Etudes-tableaux (9) for Piano, Op. 39: no 5 in E flat minor by Sergei Rachmaninov. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 30 in E major, Op. 109 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in D major, D 850/Op. 53 "Gasteiner" by Franz Schubert. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Pieces (10) for Piano from "Romeo and Juliet", Op. 75: no 10, Romeo and
Pieces (10) for Piano from "Romeo and Juliet", Op. 75: no 5, Masks by Sergei Prokofiev. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Prelude and Fugue in G sharp minor, Op. 29 by Sergei Taneyev. Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy (Piano)
Rondo for Piano no 3 in A minor, K 511 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Fantasia for Piano in D minor, K 397 (385g) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Impromptus (4) for Piano, D 899/Op. 90: no 4 in A flat major by Franz Schubert. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Variations (32) for Piano in C minor on an Original Theme, WoO 80 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 11, Pour les arpèges composées by Claude Debussy. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 10, Pour les sonorités opposées by Claude Debussy. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 9, Pour les notes répétées by Claude Debussy. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Etudes (12) for Piano, Book 2: no 8, Pour les agréments by Claude Debussy. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Sonata for Piano, Op. 1 by Alban Berg. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 18 in D major, K 576 "Hunt" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in C major, D 840 "Reliquie" by Franz Schubert. Performer: Mitsuko Uchida (Piano)
Sonata for Harpsichord in C minor, K 11/L 352 by Domenico Scarlatti. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Sonata for Harpsichord in A major, K 322/L 483 by Domenico Scarlatti. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Sonata for Harpsichord in C major, K 159/L 104 by Domenico Scarlatti. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 4 in E flat major, Op. 7 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Ballades (4) for Piano, Op. 10: no 1 in D minor "Edward" by Johannes Brahms. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Images for Piano, Set 1: no 1, Reflets dans l'eau by Claude Debussy. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Images for Piano, Set 2: no 2, Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fût by Claude Debussy. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Images for Piano, Set 2: no 3, Poissons d'or by Claude Debussy. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Children's Corner by Claude Debussy. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Ballade for Piano no 1 in G minor, B 66/Op. 23 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Scherzo for Piano no 2 in B flat minor/D flat major, B 111/Op. 31 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Mazurkas (4) for Piano, B 115/Op. 33: no 4 in B minor by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Prelude for Piano in C sharp minor, B 141/Op. 45 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in A minor, D 537/Op. 164 by Franz Schubert. Performer: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Piano)
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: Jesu bleibet meine Freude "Jesu, joy of man's desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Fantasy for Piano in C minor, K 475 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 26 in E flat major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Pieces (3) for Piano, D 946 by Franz Schubert. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Nocturnes (3) for Piano, B 54/Op. 9: no 3 in B major by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Impromptu for Piano no 3 in G flat major, b 149/Op. 51 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Scherzo for Piano in E flat minor, Op. 4 by Johannes Brahms. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Pieces (4) for Piano, Op. 119 by Johannes Brahms. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Legends of St Francis (2), S 354 by Franz Liszt. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140: Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performer: Wilhelm Kempff (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 18 in E flat major, Op. 31 no 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Fantasy for Piano 4 hands in F minor, D 940/Op. 103 by Franz Schubert. Performer: Elena Gilels (Piano), Emil Gilels (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in G minor, Op. 22 by Nikolai Medtner. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Ballades (4) for Piano, Op. 10: no 1 in D minor "Edward" by Johannes Brahms. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Ballades (4) for Piano, Op. 10: no 2 in D major by Johannes Brahms. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Fantasia for Piano in D minor, K 397 (385g) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 3 in B minor, B 155/Op. 58 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (8), Book 2, Op. 38: no 1, Berceuse by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (6), Book 3, Op. 43: no 1, Butterfly by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (7), Book 4, Op. 47: no 2, Albumblatt by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (7), Book 4, Op. 47: no 4, Halling by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (6), Book 5, Op. 54: no 4, Notturno by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (6), Book 9, Op. 68: no 2, Grandmother's Minuet by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (6), Book 9, Op. 68: no 3, At Your Feet by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (7), Book 10, Op. 71: no 1, Once upon a Time by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Lyric Pieces (7), Book 10, Op. 71: no 3, Puck by Edvard Grieg. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 3 in B flat major, K 281 (189f) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Emil Gilels (Piano)
Toccata in C minor, BWV 911 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 2 in G minor, Op. 22 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Rhapsodies (2) for Piano, Op. 79 by Johannes Brahms. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Hungarian Themes and Rhapsodies (21) for Piano, S 242: no 6 in G minor, Lento by Franz Liszt. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Sonata for Piano in B minor, S 178 by Franz Liszt. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Prelude for Piano in C sharp minor, B 141/Op. 45 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Barcarolle for Piano in F sharp major, B 158/Op. 60 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Scherzo for Piano no 3 in C sharp minor, B 125/Op. 39 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Prelude for Piano in A flat major, B 86 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Jeux d'eau by Maurice Ravel. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Gaspard de la nuit by Maurice Ravel. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Toccata for Piano in D minor, Op. 11 by Sergei Prokofiev. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: no 1, Non allegro by Sergei Rachmaninov. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Andante spianato et Grand polonaise brillante in E flat major, Op. 22 by Frédéric Chopin. Performer: Martha Argerich (Piano)
Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Sonata for Keyboard no 60 in C major, H 16 no 50 by Franz Joseph Haydn. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Fantasia for Piano in C minor, K 396 (385f) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Pieces (3) for Piano, D 946: no 2 in E flat major by Franz Schubert. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Nuages gris for Piano, S 199 by Franz Liszt. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Nocturne for Piano, S 207 "En rêve" by Franz Liszt. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
R. W. - Venezia, S 201 by Franz Liszt. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Années de pèlerinage, deuxième année, S 161 "Italie": no 7, Après une lecture du Dante by Franz Liszt. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Bagatelle for Piano in A minor, WoO 59 "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Phantasiestücke (8) for Piano, Op. 12 by Robert Schumann. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Sonata for Piano no 10 in C major, K 330 (300h) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)

Album Description

THE STEINWAY LEGENDS GRAND EDITION Steinway & Sons, for over 150 years the maker of the world's finest pianos and the symbol of quality and excellence to generations, joins forces with Universal Classics, home to history's greatest pianists on the Deutsche Grammophon, Decca and Philips labels, to present the Steinway Legends Grand Edition, an impressive box that holds all 10 Steinway Legends packages in the series in a unique "Steinway Series D" Piano Box. Boxed set includes the complete Steinway Legends series on 20 compact discs (that's 301 tracks!) plus a special bonus CD. Each title features "spot-on" repertoire choices of legendary pianists that have strong associations with Steinway & Sons, along with informative notes and unique packaging. Each album includes two long-playing CDs housed in high gloss black digipacks with Steinway & Sons logo & iconography embossed in gold brass on the cover--just like on the real Steinway piano! Bonus CD--Steinway Legends in the Making--features three great pianists from the current generation of Steinway artists--HÃ¨lÃ©ne Grimaud, Yundi Li and Lang Lang. Only available as part of the Grand Edition boxed set. Souvenir Photo Album--Boxed set includes a big (10˝ x 6˝), full color 40-page booklet that offers a rare glimpse into the world of Steinway & Sons - chock full of rare photos, unique memorabilia, autograph reproductions and testimonials all from the personal archive of Steinway & Sons and more! Packaging--CDs and booklet housed in a beautiful reproduction of a Steinway Series D Grand Piano--with incredible detail--including full keyboard, working piano lid and sweeping body that is the unmistakable look of a Steinway. Grand Edition includes these great titles: Steinway Legends Martha Argerich, Steinway Legends Claudio Arrau, Steinway Legends Vladimir Ashkenazy, Steinway Legends Alfred Brendel, Steinway Legends Emil Gilels, Steinway Legends Vladimir Horowitz, Steinway Legends Wilhelm Kempff, Steinway Legends Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Steinway Legends Maurizio Pollini, Steinway Legends Mitsuko Uchida, and Steinway Legends in the Making.

Customer Reviews:

What results do you get when you mix Decca, Philips, Deutsche Grammophone, and Steinway????.....I'd call them GRAND!!.......2007-04-16

Yes, GRAND, indeed is the word for this spectacular collection of solo piano recordings by the creme-de-la-creme of Decca's, Deutsche Grammophone's, and Philips' vaults.........AWESOME by ALL measure!

Two discs each, in individual deluxe folders, from the archives of Decca, DGG, and Philips........featuring Claudio Arrau, Mitsuko Uchida, Vladimir Horowitz, Maurizio Pollini, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Emil Gilels, Martha Argerich, Wilhelm Kempff, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, and Alfred Brendel........what a list, huh?

And, Wait!.....It gets Better!!! Included on each individual collection are rare, long out of print, recordings....the best of each artist's familiar recordings, and....unknown, never-released recordings.....could it get any better than this???

YES! A bonus disc of "Steinway Legends in the Making".......featuring the incredibly gifted artists Lang Lang, Helene Grimaud, and Yundi Li....how great it is to hear these young artists against their towering predecessors of keyboard artistry.

Also included is a forty page deluxe book with tons of photos and memorabilia from Steinway. Remember, all these pianists were solid, dedicated, Steinway artists, and would not play anything else.

While the presentation of these recordings simply could never match or meet the level of the performances themselves (lucky us that they were recorded and preserved so we may hear them again and again, just as fresh and wonderful as the first time), the package IS pretty darned AWESOME!!! The whole collection, book included, fits inside a perfectly proportioned Steinway Piano shaped box, complete with opening lid and support to hold it up, revealing the frame and strings below, which also lifts up to reveal the booklet and individual folders and discs beneath. The entire "piano" itself slips into an oversized slipcase.

What a unique and beautiful set this truly is. Sadly, it was released as a deluxe set in very few numbers. But, luckily, the individual two disc sets by each artist are available separately, so at least the recordings are available still to those who want them.***

Luckily, I knew about this collection many many months before it's limited release and had pre-ordered my set (very happy bear, indeed). It's a joy just to look at this set, and also to know that these "performances" are here in my home for me to enjoy over and over again and again.

To my knowledge, I am unaware of individual companies working together before (Decca, DGG, Philips, and Steinway in this case) to present this type of collection as a "unified" set, and we truly are very lucky beneficiaries of this wonderful partnership of these companies.

My only "complaint"......the outer slipcase that the "piano box" slides into is made of a very inferior weight of paperboard to support such a heavy presentation as this, and is so flimsy that it will not stand up to much use before it simply disintigrates. Sort of too bad, as the rest of the set/presentation is so first rate...shame on you folks...I can't think of anybody who would not have paid a few dollars more for a suitable slipcase for this beautiful set. ~operabruin

***June 22, 2007...I just found out that this set is now, once again, available! Do yourself a favor, and get a copy NOW, before it is gone again! I just found it on another site [classical only online seller], and when I came back here to amazon to make this notation, I also see that they have it in stock again!!! What a stroke of luck for those of you who want this set. Trust me, it is just beautiful, and one of the most unique items you have ever seen! ~operabruin

Steinway Ledgends.......2007-03-09

The quality of the pianos and recording is breath taking says my friend, a professional tuner and former buyer of American & European pianos . And I was just stunned by the playing of these masters...the Liszt pieces of Kempff were were a revelation as was Gilels, and the supreme Horowitz..What is astounding to me is the presence of the piano ( played with a moderately good system only); it is as if they were there in the room.

Average customer rating:

Steinway Legends: Maurizio Pollini

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Steinway Legends: Mitsuko Uchida
Steinway Legends: Vladimir Ashkenazy
Steinway Legends: Vladimir Horowitz
Steinway Legends: Martha Argerich
Steinway Legends: Claudio Arrau

ASIN: B000GIWGNK
Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Introduzione (Adagio Molto)
Rondo (Allegretto Moderato - Prestissimo)
Theme
Etude I
Etude II
Etude III
Etude IV
Etude V
Variation I
Variation II
Variation III
Variation IV
Variation V
Etude VI
Etude VII
Etude VIII
Etude IX
Etude X
Etude XI
Etude XII (Finale)
Danse Russe. Allegro Giusto
Chez Petrouchka
La Semaine Grasse: Con Moto - Allegretto - Tempo Giusto - Agitato
Sehr Mabig
Sehr Schnell
Ruhig, Fliebend

Tracks:

Arabeske, Op.18
Berceuse In D-Flat, Op.57
No.1 In A-Flat 'Aeolian Harp'
No.7 In C-Sharp Minor
No.9 In G-Flat Major, 'Butterfly'
No.10 In B-Minor
No.11 In A Minor 'Winter Wind'
No.12 In C Minor
Lento Assai
Allegro Energico
Grandioso
Recitativo
Andante Sostenuto
Quasi Adagio
Allegro Energico
Piu Mosso
Stretta Quasi Presto
Presto - Prestissimo
Andante Sostenuto
Allegro Moderato
Lento Assai
Pour Les Notes Repetees
Pour Les Sonorities Opposees
Pour Les Arpeges Composes
Pour Les Accords

Baker Sings Gluck, Lully, Marcello, etc.

Average customer rating:

Baker Sings Gluck, Lully, Marcello, etc.

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Philips and Decca Recordings, 1961-1979 (Limited Edition)

ASIN: B00008OP2A
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
Bois Epais
Il Mio Bel Foco - Quella Fiamma Che M'accende
Lauds (Among The Leaves)
O Lurcher-Loving Collier
What's In Your Mind, My Dove
Eyes Look Into The Well
Carry Her Over The Water
Come Away, Come Away, Death
Who Is Sylvia?
Fear No More The Heat Of The Sun
O Mistress Mine
It Was A Lover And His Lass
Let Beauty Awake
Tired
Silent Noon
Linden Lea
The Sally Gardens
O Can Ye Sew Cushions?
O Waly, Waly
Come You Not From Newcastle?
Sleep, Adam, Sleep And Take Thy Rest
Lord, What Is A Man
Sleep
Pretty Ring Time
Rest, Sweet Nymphs
The Jolly Sheperd

Sibelius: Lemminkainen Legends, The Tempest: Suites, Tone Poems; Sir Charles Groves

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Sibelius: Lemminkainen Legends, The Tempest: Suites, Tone Poems; Sir Charles Groves
Jean Sibelius , Sir Charles Groves , and oyal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sibelius: Tone Poems; Songs
Sibelius: Wood-Nymph Op15; Lonely Ski-Trail; Swanwhite Op54
Sibelius: The Origin of Fire
Sibelius: PIANO MUSIC Vol. 1
John Adams - Harmonielehre · The Chairman Dances · Tromba lontana · Short Ride in a Fast Machine / Sir Simon Rattle

ASIN: B0000CGP1U
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

Spring Song, Op.16 (Tone Poem)
Lemminkainen And The Maidens Of The Island, Op.22 No.1
The Swan Of Tuonela, Op.22 No.3
Lemminkainen In Tuonela, Op.22 No.2
Lemminkainen's Return, Op.22 No.4
Romance For Strings, Op.42 In C
The Dryad, Op.45 No.1 (Tone Poem)
Dance Intermezzo, Op.45 No.2
Pan And Echo, Op.53a (Dance Intermezzo)

Tracks:

In Memoriam, Op.59 (Funeral March)
Canzonetta For Strings, Op.62a
Valse Romantique, Op.62b
Petite Scene - Polka - Epilogue
Piece Caracteristique - Melodie Elegiaque - Danse
Prelude, Op.109 No.1
The Oak Tree
Humoresque
Caliban's Song
The Harvesters
Canon
Scena
Intrada - Berceuse
Entr'Acte
Ariel's Song
The Storm
Chorus Of The Winds
Intermezzo
Dance Of The Nymphs
Prospero
Song 1
Song 2
Miranda
The Naiads
Dance Episode
Andante Festivo For Strings

Sibelius: Finlandia Op26/7; Karelia Op11

Average customer rating:

An admirable collection of musical treasures!
Great Sibelius from Ashkenazy with Philharmonia
very good recordings
Great Music, Sturdy Performances

Sibelius: Finlandia Op26/7; Karelia Op11

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Sibelius: Finlandia/Karelia Suite/The Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 4
Mozart: The Great Serenades

ASIN: B0000041L7
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op. 26 No. 7 - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: I. Intermezzo - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: II. Ballade - Jean Sibelius
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: III. Alla marcia - Jean Sibelius
Luonnotar, Op. 70 - Jean Sibelius
Tapiola, Op. 112 - Jean Sibelius
En saga, Op. 9 - Jean Sibelius

Tracks:

Night-Ride And Sunrise, Op. 55 - J. Sibelius
Pohjola's Daughter, Op. 49 - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: I. Lemminkainen And The Maidens Of Saari - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: II. The Swan Of Tuonela - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: III. Lemminkainen In Tuonela - J. Sibelius
Four Legends From The Kalevala, Op. 22: IV. Lemminkainen's Return - J. Sibelius

Customer Reviews:

An admirable collection of musical treasures!.......2005-12-03

Sibelius Finlandia must signify to his citizens the same meaning that Elgar `s Pomp and circumstance for the British people, the final expression of fervent, passionate and fevered feeling of brotherhood and national fervor. Vladmir Ashkenazy achieved an incisive and towering performance with the members of one of my beloved orchestras ever: The Philharmonia Orchestra. He extracted the musical vein in its whole expression and exultant boiling.

Karelia was also another artistic achievement, having in Colllins the maximum peak until this date. This version could be my second choice.

Tapiola Op. 112 ha a winner: Hans Rosbaud and Berlin Philharmonic in 1957 but Ashkenazy transmits us the essential and reminiscent echoes of Debussy 's La mer and obviously his Fourth Symphony through his intense performance. En Saga, in the glorious baton of Collins is simply unsurpassed, but this version is mercurial and very propulsive. Luonotar, Op. 70 is an exquisite version.

But what it is really worthy to remark is this sense of full aristocratic and committed approach; the horns, woods and strings of this Orchestra are pure gold. A colossal artistic triumph, and perhaps the major musical achievement of Ashkenazy as conductor, until this date.

Horst Stein conducted a very heartfelt performance of this superb musical treasure of Sibelius: The Four Legends are performed in just few opportunities. However, Erik Tuxen made a historical register in the early Fifties with the Royal Danish that still belong to the most prominent achievement ever made of this mythical work.

Pohjola 's Daughter has serious rivals: Koussevitzky and Toscanini and the night-Ride and Sunrise found in Essa Pekka Salonen a distinguished interpreter

In sum, an album to be collected, because in just two CD's for Sibelius newcomers constitutes a notable contribution and a very complete approach to the work of this noted composer: the most conspicuous and beloved musical son of Finland: Jean Sibelius.

Great Sibelius from Ashkenazy with Philharmonia.......2005-05-05

Before I launch into my review, I would like to make it clear that I do not actually have this album. I do, however, have two other albums of Ashkenazy/Philharmonia that are not listed on Amazon, which include the works Symphony No. 4, Luonuotar, Finlandia (twice), Karelia Suite, Tapiola, and En Saga.

Ashkenazy conducts Sibelius better than anyone else I have heard. Under his baton, the music is more exciting, more colorful, and far more alive than I have heard it elsewhere. His interpretation of Finlandia is the only one that I will listen to; nothing else even compares. These are recordings that I would trust to the ends of the earth.

Ashkenazy's instrument for the recordings I refer to is the incredible Philharmonia Orchestra of London. They are well up to the task, technically, musically, and sonically. Every section is filled with color. The strings are beautiful and lush (with VERY powerful bassi), winds have a very dark sound with much more presence than I often hear elsewhere, and brass are more alive, have more blend, and are more together than virtually anyone else I have heard - certainly more so than anyone else I've heard play Sibelius.

I highly recommend all recordings of Sibelius by Ashkenazy with the Philharmonia Orchestra, without reservation.

very good recordings.......2003-09-22

This box set contains, all famous symphonic poems of Sibelius...

i think, especially, The Night-Ride and Sunrise and Leminkainen in Tuonela (No. 3 of suite) is best tracks in CD 2, perhaps these are among in Horst Stein's all recordings...L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (the orchestra of E. Ansermet) is very good...

In CD 1, all works recorded by Ashkenazy and his PO. Already, his all Sibelius recording are very good, and especially the performances of Finlandia and Karelia are best.

And Elisabeth Sodeström is very good on Luonottar. This is a lied-symphonic poem and not too known, but very interesting music. And based on famous Kalevala epic...

However, the tempos of "En saga" is very slow (aproxx. 20 min.)
But not bad. This symphonic poem is Sibelius' first succesful work and hasn't a programme.

In other words: this box set (at this price) very good and highly recommended for all Sibelius fans.

Great Music, Sturdy Performances.......2002-01-10

With some composers, it seems that when it is a matter of writing symphonies, the music is a little graver, a little rhetorical, perhaps even a little long-winded and heavy-footed; but when such a composer turns to symphonic poems, or dances/ballet, the music is more imaginative, lighter in spirit and surer of foot, or even in some cases, just plain more inspired.

While Sibelius managed to write brilliant and engaging music in both "spheres," there are times when I feel [parts of] the symphonies are a little ruminative, a shade too self-absorbed ... and it is then that I find the tone-poems - in which he often, simply, sang, and sang for the sheer joy of singing - especially welcome.

This recording is one of those re-issues, which were originally two separate releases; so we have two different conductors, and two different orchestras, to discuss.

In general, I am not mad about Ashkenazy as a conductor; and in a sense, this recording is no exception ... I don't walk away thinking, "Wow, what a great conductor." But he is certainly a competent musician, and he does a creditable job here; the Philharmonia sounds fine for the most part. The brass are a little edgier in "Finlandia" than I quite like; and towards the end, the timpani are a little too wild. But on the whole, neither "Finlandia" nor the Karelia Suite is done any great hurt on the Ashkenazy half of this set.

The bright gem on this disc is "Luonnotar," a restless folk-ballad for soprano and orchestra. Elisabeth Söderström is splendid here. "Tapiola" and "En Saga" come across well, too.

Not a disc that you walk away saying, "Wow, what a great conductor"; but, "Wow, what great music."

The other disc is Horst Stein leading L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Any composer might design to follow Sibelius' example here: the program is "Night-Ride and Sunrise," "Pohjola's Daughter," and the four "Legends from the Kalevala" (including the well-loved, and often separately-peformed, "Swan of Tuonela"). Seventy-one minutes of music, and not a dull moment from start to finish.

Music:

Music

Music