Final Concert [Import] [Limited Edition] [Live]

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Burn

2. Stormbringer

3. Gypsy

4. Lady Double Dealer

5. Mistreated

6. Smoke on the Water

7. You Fool No One

Disc: 2

1. Space Truckin'

2. Going Down/Highway Star

3. Mistreated [Alternate Version]

4. You Fool No One [Alternate Version]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Japanese reissue taken from the same three concerts as 'Made In Europe' (Ritchie Blackmore's last three concerts before leaving the band to form Rainbow), packaged in a miniature LP gatefold sleeve, features 11 tracks. Purple. 2003.

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

Average customer rating:

These are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks
An outstanding compilation
The really good ones are missing.
"many were winners by the Academy for best scores"

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Battle of Britain
The Longest Day: Music From The Classic War Films (Soundtrack Anthology)
Patton (1970 Film): Also Featuring Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970 Film) (1997 Studio Recording)
Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood
The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection

ASIN: B00020R02O
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

The Longest Day
Attack On The Iron Coast
Band Of Brothers-Prelude
Band Of Brothers-Theme
Battle Of Britain
The Battle Of The Bulge
The Blue Max
Das Boot
The Bridge At Remagen
The Bridge On The River Kwai
A Bridge Too Far
The Caine Mutiny
The Captive Heart
Casablanca

Tracks:

Coastal Command
The Cruel Sea
The Dambusters
The Diary Of Anne Frank
The Eagle Has Landed
Empire Of The Sun
The English Patient
Fear And Desire
Force Ten From Navarone
Gallipoli
The Great Escape
The Guns Of Navarone

Tracks:

Hanover Street
The Hindenburg
In Harm's Way
Is Paris Burning?
King Rat
Lawrence Of Arabia
Lifeboat
Macarthur / Patton
Malta G.C.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence
Midway
The Mountain Road
1941

Tracks:

The Naked And The Dead
The Night Of The Generals
Paradise Road
Paths Of Glory
Pearl Harbor
Saving Private Ryan
Schindler'S List
Sergeant York
The Sharkfighters
Sink The Bismarck!
633 Squadron
Where Eagles Dare
The World At War
The Longest Day

Customer Reviews:

These are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks.......2007-01-21

I was disappointed that these are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks. For example, in Colonel Bogey, the countermarch from the movie soundtrack is not included in the arrangement on this CD. Don't get me wrong, the songs are good, but I would have preferred the same arrangements as the original movies.

An outstanding compilation.......2006-08-25

This compilation is superb and a real must-buy. From Band of Brothers to A Bridge Too Far: every war movie theme is represented here. An all time classic.

The really good ones are missing........2005-07-18

While this compilation has some masterpieces such as the theme from The Great Escape and Is Paris Burning, it's missing some of the finest tracts ever written. Where is the theme from Victory and Ernest Gold's stirring epic from Cross of Iron? The closing theme from Inchon was also a feast for the ears, but it's not here. It was written by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the foremost soundtrack composers of our time. Instead we're subjected to the likes of Hanover Street and The English Patient. I'll admit Inchon and Victory weren't Academy Award winning movies, but their soundtracks were second to none. As John Stossel would say," Give me a break"!!!

"many were winners by the Academy for best scores".......2004-05-26

Silva America presents the essential in film music during the period of World Wars ~ "Longest Day:Ultimate World War Movie Theme", featuring some long forgotten cues, 53 to be exact that sent chills and thrills into the pulses of world events ~ selections from a limited collectors edition that would make any "film-score-buff" green with envy.

Released to commemorate the sixth Anniversary of D-Day, never has there ever been such a tribute compilation package from any other label and Silva comes to the forefront ~ featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (Paul Bateman, Nic Raine Tony Bremner and Carl Davis as conductors), The Philharmonia (Kenneth Alwyn, Jerry Goldsmith, Mario Klemens and Paul Bateman as conductors) and also the world renown Crouch End Festival Chorus (David Temple as choir master) ~ what a gathering of talented musicians and singers fill this collection supreme.

The lineup of composers is a Who's Who in the world of film music ~ John Addison, Tomaso Albinoni, Kenneth J. Alford, Paul Anka, John Barry, Arnold Bax, Elmer Bernstein, Eric Coates, Carl Davis, Klaus Doldinger, Antonin Dvorak, Benjamin Frankel, Gerald Fried, Hugo Friedhofer, Jerry Goldsmith, Ron Goodwin, Bernard Herrmann, Maurice Jarre, Michael Kamen, Jerome Moross, Alfred Newman, Clifton Parker, Alan Rawsthorne, Ryvichi Sakamoto, Lalo Schifrin, Gerard Schurmann, David Shire, Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Williams, Gabriel Yared and Hans Zimmer ~ set the stage for compositional human drama while exploring the deepest troves of musical emotion ~ one masterpiece after another, each cue manages to display both a convincing authenticity of the times and places ~ experience every tracks passion and skill for striking the exotic orchestral colors, explosive power and spectacular works of full large scale orchestral arrangements previal at every turn.

We are grateful to James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reybnold da Silva (executive producer), Rick Clark (associate producer/album sequence), Marion Garden (associate producer) and the whole gang at Silva America who have resurrected many of the soundtracks for the "film-score-buffs" in all of us.

Tracks:

Introduction
Hard, Ain't It Hard
Early Morning Rain
M.T.A.
Tomorrow Is a Long Time
Reverend Mr. Black
Ballad Of the Shape Of Things
Greenback Dollar
Thirsty Boots
Colours
One Too Many Mornings
Tom Dooley
Wimoweh
Where Have All the Flowers Gone
Scotch & Soda

Amazon.com

Though the trio said that this concert farewell felt like "being at your own funeral," the spirit of the performance was more like a raucous Irish wake. By the time Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane, and John Stewart decided to disband in 1967, the hits were distant memories and the musical mood of the country had shifted radically--as a between-songs reference to the Summer of Love attests. Yet the three went out on a lively note, the harmonies and arrangements as tight as the interplay with the audience was loose (even including some mild profanity, at odds with the act's clean-cut image). Though breakthrough hits such as "M.T.A." and "Tom Dooley" were obligatory, the act was still trying to keep pace with the folk times, introducing "Thirsty Boots" by the then little-known Eric Andersen. Musical history has tended to marginalize the Kingston Trio's contribution to the early 1960s folk boom, but this recording reminds that they were strong artists and engaging performers to the end. --Don McLeese

Average customer rating:

Uneven quality but great value
A superb collection of Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

20020220: Final Fantasy Orchestra Concert

Average customer rating:

A Must-Have!
FF set to orchestra

20020220: Final Fantasy Orchestra Concert
Original Game Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Square Soft
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Final Fantasy: Symphonic Suite
The Black Mages: Final Fantasy
Black Mages, Vol. 2: The Skies Above
Final Fantasy, Vol. 6
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

ASIN: B0002CHR6Q
Release Date: 2004-08-02

Tracks:

Tuning
Liberi Fatali
Japanese Title
Mc-1
Final Fantasy
Mc-2
Japanese Title
Don't Be Afraid
Japanese Title
Mc-3
Japanese Title
Vamo' Alla Flamenco
Mc-1
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Mc-2
Love Grows
Japanese Title
Mc-3
Japanese Title
Mc-4
Japanese Title
Mc-5
Man With The Machine Gun
Final Fantasy

Album Description

Japan exclusive album recorded live at Tokyo International Forum on February 20, 2002. Guest artists include Eimiko Shiratori, Rikki, Aki Kuroda (pianist), et al. Also includes MC parts with Mayuko Aoki (voice of Yuna from FFX) & Seiichi Morita (voice of Tidus). It's virtually a best-of Final Fantasy compilation, incorporating tracks from Final Fantasies I through X. 2004.

Album Details

Two CD Release featuring Live Recordings of Final Fantasy Songs Performed at Tokyo's Kokusai Form Concert. Features Vocal Performances by Emiko Shiratori and Rikki, Piano Performances by Aki Kuroda, and the Toyko Philharmonic Orchestra.

Customer Reviews:

A Must-Have!.......2006-03-14

This 2-Disc set features the musical highlights of all the "Final Fantasy"-Games I - X. Recorded live in Japan, this CD represents the first video game music concert in the world - with amazing orchestral arrangements and an impressing choir, this CD features nothing but pure musical delight - for die hard fans as well as for people completely unfamiliar with Final Fantasy. Each song sends a new shiver down the spine, especially fans will know what I'm talking about. Of course the famous "One-Winged Angel", one of the most popular video game music pieces out there, is featured here in an excellent version, but more softer themes like "Aerith's Theme" are beautiful as well. The two vocal tracks ("Isnt it beautiful" from FFX and "Melodies of Life from FFIX") are great highlights. The only thing on this CD that can become a little annoying are the long moderations of the two hosts of the evening (the japanese voice actors for Tidus and Yuna from FFX), but they always set the right mood for the musical enjoyment that is about to follow, even if you don't understand any Japanese. So, I recommend EVERYONE to buy this perfect compilation/concert NOW - you definately won't regret it!!!

FF set to orchestra.......2005-12-29

Track list:
Disc One (53:23)
1) Tuning 1:08
2) Liberi Fatali [FFVIII] 3:33
3) Theme of Love [FFIV] 5:03
4) MC-1 3:31
5) Final Fantasy I-III Medley: The Prelude ~ Final Fantasy I Main Theme ~ Motoya's Cavern ~ Elia, the Water Maiden ~ Chocobo Theme ~ Rebel Army Theme 8:24
6) MC-2 3:42
7) Aerith's Theme [FFVII] 5:21
8) Don't Be Afraid [FFVIII] 3:41
9) Tina's Theme [FFVI] 4:47
10) MC-3 4:25
11) Dear Friends [FFV] 4:38
12) Vamo'alla Flamenco [FFIX] 5:04

Disc Two (54:04)
1) MC-1 0:09
2) At Zanarkand [FFX] 3:05
3) Yuna's Decision [FFX] 3:09
4) MC-2 2:35
5) Love Grows [FFVIII] 4:45
6) Suteki da ne (Isn't it Wonderful?) [FFX] 6:37
7) MC-3 3:50
8) The Place I'll Return to Someday ~ Melodies of Life [FFIX] 6:40
9) MC-4 6:28
10) One-Winged Angel [FFVII] 4:51
11) MC-5 4:20
12) The Man with the Machine Gun [FFVIII] 3:54
13) FINAL FANTASY 3:36

Average customer rating:

Gotschalk Festival
Very good performances of Gottschalk's works
An essential American composer
My two cents
There are better performances

A Gottschalk Festival

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gottschalk: A Night in the Tropics
Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Piano Music
Gottschalk: Piano Music for 2 and 4 hands
Gottschalk: Works for piano solo, four hands & with orchestra
Gottschalk: Piano Music

ASIN: B000001K21
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

Grande Tarantelle For Piano & Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 'A Montevido'
'The Union' Concert Paraphrase On National Airs
Marche Solennelle
Radieuse, Grande Valse De Concert
Ses Yeux, Polka De Concert
La Gallina, Danse Cubaine
Ojos Criollos, Danse Cubaine
Pasqinade, Caprice

Tracks:

Grande Fantaisie Triomphale Sur L'Hymne National Bresilien, Op. 69
Marcha Triunfal Y Final De Opera, For Orchestra & Band (RO 157)
Symphony No. I 'La Nuit Des Tropiques' (RO 157)
Variations On The Portuguese National Hymn For Piano & Orchestra (RO 289)
Track 5
Escenas Campestres (Cuban Country Scenes) Opera (RO 77)

Amazon.com

Despite the value revisionists pretend to find in MacDowell and his contemporaries, the only really interesting 19th century American composer is the Creole Louis Moreau Gottschalk, who conquered Europe and South America with his colorful music and extravaganza piano performances. These recordings aren't new, and they don't include any of his solo piano music. But they do include some of Gottschalk's most characteristic music, in performances and recordings that are at least fairly good. It's a lot of fun for the money, and the accompanying booklet does a very good job of telling you what is interesting about Gottschalk's life and music. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Gotschalk Festival.......2007-02-19

This CD had a piece that I was looking for everywhere that my father, a classical music connoisseur had been wanting for some time. When he received this CD as a gift, he was very pleased with the selection.

Very good performances of Gottschalk's works.......2005-04-13

The United States has produced very few great composers of anything that might be called classical music. Who was the best of them? While there have been many American composers, including MacDowell, Joplin, Rodgers, Copland, Gershwin, Sousa, Anderson, and Bernstein, well, how many were truly great?

My choice for the best of them is Gottschalk. And these discs give one a good idea of what he composed. A couple of "symphonies," some piano duets, some marches, a one-act opera. Yes, there are bombastic patriotic marches. And some precursors to ragtime. And plenty of what sounds like modern program music. Maybe my favorite of the orchestral works is "La Nuit des Tropiques." Now, is this performance as good as the ones by the Utah Symphony with Abravanel? Some folks think Abravanel's best one is better, but you may not be able to find it so easily. And I prefer this one.

Gottschalk's many solo piano compositions may be his best works, and they aren't included. But I still like these discs and performances.

An essential American composer.......2002-05-24

When I bought my first component stereo system some 30 years ago, Gottschalk was one record I took along to test the sound. Gottschalk remains as enjoyable now, but this cd would never be my test case of a stereo. The performance and recording are adequate but they lack the vitality one can find in other recordings. However, except for the lack of solo piano pieces, the album has a nice selection of Gottschalk's work and it's inexpensive. The last track on disc 1, Pasquinade, Caprice is probably his best known piece - a good introduction to his work.

Gottschalk's music is decidedly American - he grew up in New Orleans at the height of Creole culture. His father was of Spanish Jewish descent, his mother was French. However, Gottschalk began training in France at the age of 13. Thus he was very familiar with the European music of his era (1829-1869); in many ways, his music serves as a bridge between the European and American piano traditions - Scott Joplin being an example of the trajectory of American piano music. Depending upon your taste you may consider his music as classical, as salon orchestra music, as early decidedly American multi-cultural music or as just plain enjoyable fun.

My two cents.......2001-04-02

This is not a terrible album, but I do find it wanting. My greatest complaint is with the quality of the recordings and the CD's themselves (scratched too easily). My copy also has some misprints on the cover (the pieces are not listed in the correct order- if you didn't know any better you might think that you were listening to an arrangement of the Pourtuguese national anthem instead of "A Night in the Tropics"!). However, it is inexpensive (it is a 2 CD set) and worth it to those who are giving Gottschalk a first try. It also has an interesting and informative booklet on Gottschalk and the pieces featured (unfortunately I am not enough of an expert to verify their acuracy).

There are better performances.......1999-06-06

This album will disappoint Gottschalk fans. A better version of Night in the Tropics is the Maurice Abravanel & Utah Symphony. Only buy this one if you've already heard the Abravanel and want to know what it sounds like mangled by Europeans.

Average customer rating:

Bernstein steps into the pantheon
No more stars to give
5 stars for Beethoven; 0 stars for Britten. WORTH IT BUY IT
there will never be another Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein: The Final Concert

Bernstein: The Final Concert

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Ode to Freedom: Bernstein Conducts Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Berlin
Beethoven: String Quartets Op 131 & 135 / Bernstein
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.5 in E minor/Fantasy Overture "Romeo and Juliet"
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6 (Pathétique)
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7

ASIN: B000001GEY
Release Date: 1992-08-18

Tracks:

Peter Grimes Op.33: I - Dawn - Lento e tranquillo
Peter Grimes Op.33: II - Sunday Morning - Allegro spiritoso
Peter Grimes Op.33: III - Moonlight - Andante comodo e rubato
Peter Grimes Op.33: IV - Storm - Presto con fuoco
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: 1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: 2 - Allegretto
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: 3 - Presto
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: 4 - Allegro con brio

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein steps into the pantheon.......2005-09-18

Like one of the earlier reviewers, I bought this CD as a memorial and expected the performances to sound as frail as Bernstein looks on the cover. It's a tragedy that emphysema and a lifetime of smoking could cause such deterioration in someone just past seventy. But musically this is first-rate Bernstein, somewhat slow in the Beethoven, but no more so than Klemperer and with much better playing from the BSO than Klemperer ever got from the Philharmonia. Nothing in even the slowest passages is ponderous and much is deeply felt. The Britten is searingly emotional and elevated the Four Sea Interludes into an expressive realm I had never experienced, even from the composer himself. In all respects the two pieces on this splendid and moving CD exemplify why Bernstein, among all American conductors, is the only one to enter the pantheon.

No more stars to give.......2005-08-25

I have only just discovered this recording and am stunned by the quality of the playing.

OK the recording is slightly marred by the shuffling and coughing of a live performance but what magnificent playing.

Having read the earlier reviews I was expecting the Beethoven to be a dirge and bought the CD as a 'homage' to Lenny, but I think it is probably one of the most intense recordings of Beethoven's 7th I have heard - full of tension and vitality.

Don't be fooled, despite his physical frailty this Beethoven is inspired both in terms of conducting and instrumental playing. The orchestra knew this was Lenny's final appearance at Tanglewood and absolutely played their socks off - and Lenny knew exactly what he was doing with the slower tempos. There are so many phrases that leap out a bring new light and shade.

The Britten is wonderful to - but the Beethoven recording should be heard by everyone (at least once).

5 stars for Beethoven; 0 stars for Britten. WORTH IT BUY IT.......2005-03-23

The Beethoven 7th is worth the whole audio-CD.
Go straight to LvB; don't mess with any Britten.
You are NOT wasting your dough to splurge on the
CD with only one track being the target. Leonard
Bernstein did NOT go 'too slow' with Beethoven's
7th symphony; rather, it's an amazing chance to
explore a beautiful work IN DETAIL. What's the
blessed rush to admire and savor a masterpiece?
Skip Britten (Fahrenheit 451 for his MSS); home
in on the 7th by LvB, and don't dwell on the
BS about this recording being the swan-song of
Lenny: he'll get a special niche in Heaven for
this musical soundbite. Southern time ANY time.

there will never be another Leonard Bernstein.......2000-06-01

Due to the historic and sentimental impact of this recording, done at a live concert, I think it would be pretty mean-spirited to give it anything less than a full recommendation, although under other circumstances one might reconsider. Unlike other reviews, I found the Beethoven more successful than the Britten. The Sea Pictures from Peter Grimes were atmospheric but due to the slow tempi the horn parts tended to blare somewhat in the storm section. I find this music needs a quicker pulse to be completely effective, and would have to say this is not the equal of Previn's recording in London, or that of the composer, both of which were admittedly done under studio conditions.The central Pictures were very effective. It was nonetheless an individual interpretation, well worth hearing. The Beethoven 7th, as also noted elsewhere, is among the slowest recordings available, due to the basic tempo and the observance of all repeats. The Allegretto sounded more like an Adagio, which some purists would find objectionable, but its tempo fit in with the rest of the score. The Scherzo was slow too but Bernstein conducted the sforzandi very literally, which hit me with a jolt more than once - as surely Beethoven intended. Quite frankly I was surprised to read Bernstein was feeling so poorly he leaned against the podium for support during this movement, the playing doesn't give that impression. The finale has just enough of an increase in tempo to give it extra lift and sparkle, without losing symphonic strength. The orchestra plays with excellent rhythmic pointing and the horns blaze in the coda without sounding frenetic, as many other performances do. The immediate and boisterous ovation was gratifying and heart-warming. The digital recording is excellent, as is the detailed documentation. Overall, this recording is a valuable document, and its inevitable flaws make it none the worse for that. Strongly recommended.

Leonard Bernstein: The Final Concert.......2000-05-25

Even though this CD contained few orchestral mistakes and soft murmers of the audience during the performance, the program doesn't bother me much.

What I care about this CD is that it was a sort of a "good-bye" concert of my very favorite conductor of all times, Leonard Bernstein.

The performance was a little slower than other performances, but fairly neat.

Britten's Sea Interludes from "Peter Grimes" gave me plenty of oceanic imagination and mood.

I was nearly touched by the final movement of Beethoven's seventh symphony and the final bursts of applause and cries of the audiences.

Tracks:

Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Introduction et marche royale du lion
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Poules et coqs-Hemiones
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Tortues - L'Elephant-Kangourus
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Auqarium
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Personnages a longues oreilles - Le Coucou au fond des bois
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Voliere
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Pianistes-Fossiles
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Le Cygne
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Final
Introduction et rondo capriccioso, For Violin And Orchestra In B Minor, Op. 28
Danse Macabre, Symphonic Poem, Op.40
Phaeton, Symphonic Poem, Op.39
Le Rouet d'Omphale, Symphonic Poem, Op.31
Havanaise, For Violin And Orchestra, Op.83
Bacchanale de Samson et Dalila

Customer Reviews:

Simply Awesome.......2004-11-19

Whether you're really into classical music or just a casual listener, you can't go wrong with this CD. The first work, Carnival of the Animals, is sheer fun. The melodies and choice of instruments really convey the essence of each animal, while Saint-Saens' humor and wit shine through in the subtle jabs he takes at critics and woefully inept piano students. Carnival is also wonderful for children, as they can learn to identify the selections with their favorite animals.

If that weren't enough, the rest of the selections are just as fantastic. Like the above reviewer, I love Danse Macabre and its ingenious use of strings, but Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso is not to be missed either. I can honestly say that not a single track on this CD disappointed me, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

One of the best CDs I own.......2000-06-17

SAint-Saens ability to convey certian feelings and emotions through music amazes me. This Cd is one of my personal favorites. I own two of them... one for my car and the other for my house. My particular favorite is Danse Macabre. The use of the violin to convey a "ghost fiddler" boggles my mind. I can almost picture it all happening. Disney should definitly think about putting this in the next Fantasia. Anyone who loves classical music should definitly own this CD!

Toscanini: The April 4, 1954 Final Concert

Average customer rating:

Actually, quite good
For Toscanini Fans
Toscanini's Farewell Concert
When the memory turns off!
Genuine Stereo by Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony!

Toscanini: The April 4, 1954 Final Concert

Manufacturer: Music & Arts Program
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Toscanini: The Complete Concert of March 21, 1954
Arturo Toscanini: The Complete Philadelphia Orchestra Recordings 1941-42
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9; Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5
Arturo Toscanini & NBC Symphony Orchestra Vol. 7
Schubert: Symphony No. 2; Grand Duo

ASIN: B000001OJL
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Product Description

Final Concert at Carnegie Hall, recorded in High Fidelity Stereo: Wagner-Selections for Orchestra,

Customer Reviews:

Actually, quite good.......2007-05-16

The myths surrounding this final concert do not jibe with the realities. The legend - unfortunately perpetrated as much by Toscanini adherents such as B.H. Haggin as well as by the conductor's detractors - says that all the performances are "stiff," lacking in flexibility, and that the "Tannhauser" Bacchanale is a disaster because that is where the Great Conductor "broke down."

The actual recording says otherwise. Yes, there are weak moments and lapses, but not in the "Tannhauer" or the final "Meistersinger" prelude. The "Siegfried" forest murmurs is a clumsy, disjointed performance; the music completely lacks the elegant flow of his commercial recording. And in the "Gotterdammerung" Dawn and Rhine Journey, there is not only discontinuous phrasing but the trombones crack notes all over in one section.

On the other hand, the Act 1 prelude to "Lohengrin" is simply gorgeous; the "Meistersinger" prelude is invigorating and richly detailed; and the infamous "Tannhauser," though experiencing the one stiff moment (it lasts about a minute) when the maestro stopped conducting, is actually a looser, more relaxed and fluid reading than his mono recording. So, a good buy, for both Toscanini and Wagner fans...and the sound quality reveals the NBC Symphony to have actually had a warm sound, contrary to so many of the commercial recordings.

For Toscanini Fans.......2006-08-02

I suppose it's because my life with Wagner began a long time ago that I rate this recording with only three stars. Yes it's the Maestro's farewell, yes it's historic and yes it's a recording I'm glad to have in my collection. Yes, Maestro Toscanini ranks properly with the best conductors ever to raise a baton. But, I was introduced to Wagner by Otto Klemperer and then I met Georg Solti and Lorin Maazel and others. Especially Klemperer, these conductors glorified Wagner's dark beauty with orchestras full of sturm and drang and lush with unimaginable beauty. The lustrous, all enveloping darkness of evil and the shining brilliance of love and redemption is not present in this recording. It simply is not absorbing - it doesn't wrap around and capture me. It doesn't take over my mind to place me in an entirely different world as the music ordinarily does. Perhaps it's a smaller orchestra, perhaps it's because Toscanini had done it so often it no longer thrilled him to be conducting Wagner. Perhaps the players had not been together long enough - some of them seem to clamor for attention by playing so they will be heard above the others. Perhaps it's the engineering - a microphone or microphones were not properly placed. Perhaps the players were not used to their leader.

But mostly, I think, is that it is Toscanini's interpretation. The finale of Die Meistersinger as played here sounds as though it were written by Beethoven - not Wagner. Gotterdammerung is not played as the end of everything and every person and every god. It is played. With attention to the notes but without the realization that the world is coming to an end and Brunnhilde has leapt with her horse into Siegfried's funeral pyre and the Rhine is overflowing and the Rhinemaidens are going to drown Hagen and retake the ring. It simply is played as an episcopal minister delivers his sermon - heartfelt but without passion.

I cannot imagine the work and knowledge and talent involved in being a world class conductor and Toscanini certainly was that. I am simply a listener and an admirer of all things Wagner. I do not consider this recording a great interpretation.

Toscanini's Farewell Concert.......2006-06-02

Arturo Toscanini's final two broadcast concerts with the NBC Symphony Orchestra were the only ones to be taped in stereophonic sound. It was all part of RCA Victor's experiments with binaural recording in early 1954; many of these recordings were issued on reel-to-reel tapes and then on "Living Stereo" discs. Unfortunately, the two final Toscanini/NBCSO concerts were not up to his usual standards and he refused to allow them to be released.

It has long been reported that Toscanini suffered a memory lapse during the overture to the Paris version of Wagner's "Tannhauser." The lapse was rather brief, but it caused the orchestra to falter and conductor Guido Cantelli, who was in the broadcast booth of Carnegie Hall, temporarily interrupted the live feed with a recording of Brahms' first symphony. Within a minute, when it was apparent that Toscanini was back in control, the broadcast returned to Wagner's music.

Despite the temporary faltering in the overture and some "nerveless" playing of other pieces, the NBC Symphony still played with great beauty and sensitivity. Perhaps this concert was not up to Toscanini's usual high standards, but the experimental stereo recording clearly gives a better sense of the quality of the orchestra the Maestro led from 1937 to 1954.

Reportedly, the rehearsals for the last two concerts were also taped in stereo and it might have been possible to splice in sections to cover the passages where the orchestra faltered, especially in the "Tannhauser" overture. However, when this concert was first released on disc in the 1980's, the decision was made to include the final rehearsal and the full broadcast without any editing.

As I recall, during the final rehearsal Toscanini spoke mostly in Italian and he clearly lamented what was happening, both to him and to his beloved orchestra. He was very bitter and sad. There is speculation that Toscanini was pressured into retiring, either by his family or by David Sarnoff, the head of both RCA and NBC, or both. We may never know the full story. However, it is known that he signed a letter of resignation and the April 4, 1954, concert was his last. The NBC Symphony was later reorganized as the Symphony of the Air and continued to make recordings and give concerts until 1961.

The beauty of Wagner's music and the fine playing of the NBC Symphony can be clearly appreciated in the experimental recording. While the sound is not as spacious or impressive as most of the "Living Stereo" recordings of the Boston and Chicago orchestras of the same time, there is still a greater dimension in the recording than in most of Toscanini's well-known monaural recordings.

Remarkably, just two months later, Toscanini returned to Carnegie Hall to again conduct the NBC Symphony in portions of Verdi's "Aida" and "A Masked Ball" so that the broadcast performances of those opera could be commercially released by RCA Victor. Those present say it was amazing that Toscanini had completely recovered and was fully in charge again. The recording sessions of June 1954 were a great success. There were hopes that Toscanini might conduct more concerts and recordings, but health problems prevented that from occurring and the Maestro spent most of his remaining life participating in the editing of unreleased recordings.

So, this is among the final documents of Toscanini's extraordinary career, which had begun in Rio De Janeiro in 1886 when he was only 19 years old. For those of us who admire Toscanini's incredible achievements, it is well worth having this historic recording, even if it isn't absolutely perfect.

When the memory turns off!.......2005-11-14

April 4 1954. The Carnegie Hall is specially proud and honored for the presence of the great Aruro Toscanini. The NBC Orchestra will perform a whole program dedicated in Wagner 's memory.

The whole stage is disposed for such monumental occasion. The Italian master has arrived to the 87th anniversary. Three generations of listeners have known about him. The Hall was full crowded.

This day is to many people, perhaps the first experience to watch the mythic conductor; but no one knows the special transcendence and unforgettable evening that will be hard to forget.

The memory; that enviable faculty that distinguishes us of the rest of the species the fabulous mechanism that allows us to recreate the most vivid and past experiences in real time, this astonishing gift of Gods, this impeccable electric neuronal flow is at the verge of the collapse, in the fecund mind and outstanding of Toscanini.

This abominable memory 's fail will appear without previous announcement, a true unexpected guest in that musical session. At that fatidic moment, everybody has suspended the breathing, a gelid air has invaded even the most apathetic o the listeners. Toscanini has suspended suddenly the magic flight of his genial baton. Something terrible has happened; the members of the orchestra simply do not know what to do A silence of ice and a vague sensation of anguish empowers of all the people in the Hall.

For all of us, who did not live certainly the historic moment and were too far and even were not born, the sorrowful experience still awe us. Toscanini is living the worst moment of his brilliant career.

This musical document contains this unpleasant fact. For the young and new generations to come, it must be an absolute must to acquire this treasured episode. Many of us who appreciate the craft of Toscanini, who vibrated and lived his intense and mercurial temperament along so many registers, simply can not do without of this recording.

The Italian Master would never conduct again, and we agreed with him. This would be his last public appearance.

Genuine Stereo by Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony!.......1998-09-17

At last, after decades of fake stereo attempts by RCA Victor, Victrola, and numerous botched "bootleg" CDs, Toscanini is represented in a genuine two-channel recording which truly displays the full stereophonic perspective.

Made during the radio broadcast on NBC on 4 April 1954, using a stereophonic pickup and recording system separate from the monaural feed used for the network transmission, this recording is one of several tests done in stereo by RCA; others include the Rossini "Barber of Seville" overture and Tchaikovsky Sixth Symphony broadcast of 21 March 1954 (rumor has it that an RCA executive accidentally erased the master tape of the "Pathetique" symphony's dramatic third movement, thus defacing the complete recording, which was circulated in "samizdat" bootleg tapes with stereo in movements 1, 2, and 4, but fake stereo in #3!)

Do not expect an enhancement of spatial richness: the mike placement seems almost claustrophobically close to the ensemble, and separation is exaggerated. It is so dry sounding that the venue could almost be Studio 8-H; the reflection of Carnegie Hall reverberation and bloom is largely lost, overshadowed by the incident instrumental pickup.

Toscanini became perturbed at this, his last NBC broadcast, and lost his concentration during the Tannhauser "Venusberg" section; the producers panicked and cut him off the air, but here -- on this tape -- he and the orchestra martial their resources and plod along, avoiding a total breakdown. The effect is very poignant and sad, and might upset some listeners who are sensitive to the significance of the event.

Interpretatively, each work is performed with greater intensity and polish in a commercial Toscanini recording, as this concert definitely represents an "off day" of the Maestro. The Siegfried "Forest Murmurs" is the best played; the end of the Meistersinger, and the confusion in the Venusberg music, the worst.

The source is a close copy of the original master tape, and there is not too much hiss or distortion. For further information on those early RCA "Living Stereo" experiments, consult the fascinating RCA / BMG CD tribute to the RCA music producer, John Pfeiffer.

Tracks:

Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland - John Eliot Gardiner
Vous Qui Desirez Sans Fin - The English Concert
Al La Venue De Noel - The English Concert
Or Nous Dites, Marie - The English Concert
Ou S'en Vont Ces Gais Bergers? - The English Concert
Audite Principes - Paul McCreesh
Nuit - Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Kyrie - Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Christe - Les Musiciens Du Louvre
Salvator Noster - Gabrieli Consort & Players
O Jesu Mi Dulcissime - Gabrieli Consort & Players
Dank Sagen Wir Alle Gott - Gabrieli Consort & Players
O Bone Jesu, Fili Mariae - Gabrieli Consort & Players
Pastorale - The English Concert
Puer Natus In Bethlehem - Gabrieli Consort & Players
Puer Nobis Nascitur - Gabrieli Consort & Players
Nun Lob Mein Seel (Organ) - Gabrieli Consort & Players
In Dulci Jubilo - Gabrieli Consort & Players

Amazon.com

This compilation of re-issues, originally recorded in the 1990s and 2001 features music, by Bach, Charpentier, Gabrieli, Schütz, Corelli (the famous beloved "Pastorale") and Praetorius, all of it beautiful and just right for celebrating a festival of light, hope, worshipful praise, and jubilation. It is performed to perfection by several period vocal and instrumental groups, the latter tuned to various "authentic" pitches. Some of the pieces are excerpts from longer works, some are arrangements, such as four lovely French Christmas carols in an instrumental version by Charpentier, whose harmonic and contrapuntal complexity makes the simplicity of the melodies all the more touching. There are also two reconstructions by Paul McCreesh of Christmas services as they might have been heard during Gabrieli's lifetime at Saint Mark's in Venice and during Schütz's lifetime at the Dresden Hofkapelle. The program is arranged for utmost contrast between vocal and instrumental textures, speed, length, mood and character. Among the highlights are the devout, fervent, quite melancholy "O Jesu me dulcissime" by Gabrieli, who wrote for voices with the same luminous brilliance as for brasses, and Praetorius' "In dulce jubilo," which, with fanfares of trumpets and drums, makes a fittingly triumphant, glorious ending. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

5-PLUS Stars.......2005-12-28

There are not many things in life that I would describe as just Gorgeous -- but this album is definitely one of them. The selections, the arrangements, the production quality, all are clean, yet lush -- simultaneously light and rich. The effect is wonderful.

This may not appeal to hardest-core periodists, but for beautiful music lovingly performed, the album is very hard to beat. Not only rocketted to the top of my favorite holiday album list - it is already high on my favorite all-time list. It will NOT be getting put away with the rest of the Christmas albums. Year-round keeper!

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Burn
2. Stormbringer
3. Gypsy
4. Lady Double Dealer
5. Mistreated
6. Smoke on the Water
7. You Fool No One

1. Space Truckin'
2. Going Down/Highway Star
3. Mistreated [Alternate Version]
4. You Fool No One [Alternate Version]