Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer; Lohengrin; Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg; Tannhäuser; Tristan und Isolde

Amazon.com
Karajan's complete operas of Wagner were very much a mixed bag--some were great and some much less so, largely because Karajan had a strange concept of casting in which he wanted singers who were subservient to his concept, rather than ideal for the part they were singing. In the orchestral music, however, we can appreciate his qualities as an interpreter of Wagner without vocal distraction. And make no mistake, Karajan was a great conductor, if not perhaps as great as he might have thought he was. These are exciting, impassioned, and very well played performances of Wagner preludes and overtures, and it's particularly nice to have the complete Venusberg Ballet--silly music, but fun. --David Hurwitz

Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer; Lohengrin; Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg; Tannhäuser; Tristan und Isolde,Richard Wagner,Herbert von Karajan,Berliner Philharmoniker,Angel Records,Classical,Classical Music,German/Austrian Romantic Opera,Miscellaneous Music,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio,Orchestral,Orchestral Music

Average customer rating: masters of classical music A good basic collection An excellent introduction to classical music Very Beautiful!!!!!1 Still Stuck on Beethoven

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set) Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
2. Piano Concerto In A Major, K 488: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
3. Flute Concerto In D Major, K 314: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
4. Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
5. Clarinet Concerto KV 622: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
6. Serenade, K 375: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
7. Turkish March - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
8. Violin Concerto, K 216: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
9. Divertimento, K 334: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
10. Horn Concerto, K 447: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
11. Cassation, K 99: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Tracks:

1. Overture No. 4 In Major: Rejouissance - J.S.Bach
2. Overture No. 3 In D Major: Air - J.S.Bach
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro - J.S.Bach
4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach
5. Overture No. 2 In B Minor: Menuet & Badinerie - J.S.Bach
6. Prelude In C Major - J.S.Bach
7. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - J.S.Bach
8. Prelude In C Minor - J.S.Bach
9. Overture No. 1 In C Major: Passepied - J.S.Bach
10. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio - J.S.Bach
11. Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter, Chorale - J.S.Bach
12. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: II. Allegro - J.S.Bach
13. Violin Concerto In E Major: I. Adagio - J.S.Bach
14. St. Matthew Passion: Finale Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder' - J.S.Bach

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
2. Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
3. Violin Romance No. 2 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
4. 'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
5. Minuet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
6. Symphony No. 8 In F Major: Allegretto scherzando - Ludwig Van Beethoven
7. Coriolan: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
8. Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
9. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
10. Egmont: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

1. Die Fledermaus: Die Fledermaus (Excerpts) - Johann Strauss
2. Wine, Woman And Song - Johann Strauss
3. Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauss
4. The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss
5. The Gypsy Baron: Introduction - Johann Strauss
6. Annen Polka - Johann Strauss
7. Vienna Blood - Johann Strauss
8. The Gypsy Baron: Einzugsmarsch - Johann Strauss

Tracks:

1. Tannhauser: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
2. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Prentices - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
3. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude Act 3 - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
4. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Aufzug der Meistersinger - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
5. Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
6. Lohengrin: Prelude - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
7. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude And Liebestod - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
8. Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo - Peter Tchaikovsky
2. String Serenade: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
3. Violin Concerto: Andante - Peter Tchaikovsky
4. The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction - Peter Tchaikovsky
5. The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action - Adagio - Peter Tchaikovsky
6. The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
7. Capriccio italien Op. 45 - Peter Tchaikovsky
8. Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Scene No. 10 - Peter Tchaikovsky
9. Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
10. Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Peter Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

1. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: Spring - VIVALDI, Antonio
2. Siciliano - VIVALDI, Antonio
3. Concerto In D Minor:: (Allegro Assai) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
4. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Summer - VIVALDI, Antonio
5. Oboe Sonata In B Flat Major, RV 34: Adagio - Allegro - Largo - Allegro - VIVALDI, Antonio
6. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: Autumn - VIVALDI, Antonio
7. Oboe Concerto: Allegro non tasto - Largo - Allegro non molto - VIVALDI, Antonio
8. Concerto In D Minor: (Largo e spiccato) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
9. The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: Winter - VIVALDI, Antonio

Tracks:

1. Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20 - Frederic Chopin_
2. Three Nocturnes, Op. 9: No 3 In B Major - Frederic Chopin_
3. Twelve Etudes, Op. 10: No 5 In G Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
4. Twelve Etudes, Op. 25: No 10 In B Minor - Frederic Chopin_
5. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major - Frederic Chopin_
6. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
7. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrops' - Frederic Chopin_
8. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
9. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
10. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor - Frederic Chopin_
11. Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31 - Frederic Chopin_
12. Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18 - Frederic Chopin_
13. Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Frederic Chopin_
14. Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 3 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
15. Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 4 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
2. Impromptu In E Flat Major - Franz Schubert
3. Standchen - Franz Schubert
4. Trout Quintet: Tema con variazioni - Franz Schubert
5. 'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 1 - Franz Schubert
6. Moment Musical In A Flat Major - Franz Schubert
7. 'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 2 - Franz Schubert
8. Moment Musical No. 3 In F Minor - Franz Schubert
9. 'Rosamunde': Ballet Music No.2 - Franz Schubert
10. Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
2. Nabucco: Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate - Verdi, Giuseppe
3. Aida: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
4. II Trovatore: Verdi! le fosche notturne (Gypsies' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
5. II Trovatore: Or co' daddi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
6. Aroldo: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
7. La Traviata: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
8. La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle - Verdi, Giuseppe
9. La Traviata:: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Verdi, Giuseppe
10. La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori - Verdi, Giuseppe
11. La forza del destino: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe

Customer Reviews:

masters of classical music.......2007-03-26

A nice collection for the classical listener. Great variety of composers and the music quality of the cds are very good.

A good basic collection.......2006-11-10

With selections from numerous composers, it is an easy way to familiarize oneself with some of the most popular classical works and excerpts. A pleasant listen for the initiated too.

An excellent introduction to classical music.......2006-10-18

This is an excellent introduction to classical music. Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1.......2006-10-05

If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven.......2006-08-22

I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...

My interest started in this genre of music because I'm researching my ancestry in Prussia and this is the music of those times. Never mind my ancestors were poor peasants who probably never got the chance to hear such wonderful music... when listening to these CDs, I'm taken back in time... to a royal court in Europe... to another place in time. The music is inspiring, relaxing, invigorating.

I have yet to listen to all the CD's in the set. I'm stuck on Beethoven! Wasn't he AWESOME!?!

I think this set is a wonderful introduction to classical music!!!!!

Average customer rating: Wonderful collection and price! Awesome collection! Helicopters? Marines? A great addition to my music collection Quintessential Wagner

Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Overture & Preludes The Best Of Wagner Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Wagner without Words 25 Thunderous Classics ASIN: B000009ON7 Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. The Valkyries: Ride Of The Valkyries
2. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Funeral March
3. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
4. The Flying Dutchman: Overture
5. The Flying Dutchman: Sailors' Chorus
6. The Rheingold: Journey Down To Nibelheim
7. The Mastersingers Of Nuremberg: Overture
8. Tannhauser: Overture
9. Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests
10. Tannhauser: Tannhauser's Pilgrimage
11. Siegfried: Act III Orchestral Interlude
12. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
13. Twilight Of The Gods: Finale
14. The Rheingold: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
2. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
3. Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
4. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
5. Parsifal: Transformation Scene
6. Tannhauser: Venusberg Music
7. Tannhauser: Pilgrims Chorus
8. The Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Prelude To Act III
9. The Rheingold: Vision Of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction)
10. Siegfried Idyll
11. Siegfried: Brunnhildes Awakening
12. Tristan And Isolde: Prelude To Act III
13. Tristan And Isolde: Death Of Isolde

Amazon.com

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes of Herbert von Karajan, with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Apocalypse Now--and the sound, some of it from very good originals, seems to have been juiced with a little added digital reverb, resulting in an overall glassiness. The gaps between tracks are minimized, disco style, so there's no dead air, and the whole thing has an Entertainment Tonight feel to it. Were he around, Wagner would have screamed bloody murder, then happily taken his cut of the action. For today's on-the-go listener, this may well be the most practical way to enjoy Wagner's music, but we won't be happy until it motivates at least one newcomer to seek out a recording of a complete opera. Anyone who does that will find out what "apocalypse" really means. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

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

Awesome collection!.......2007-01-10

This is a great collection of some of Wagner's most memorable songs for those of you who do not want to buy the whole opera's for some of his works.

Helicopters? Marines?.......2006-12-05

Do those infotainment marketing mavens ever get it right? Talk about Hollywood disconnect! Not only are the helicopters irrelevant, but to quote from the gushy drivel on the jacket, "The gripping power of Richard Wagner's music was demonstrated with spectacular effect in...Apocalpse Now, when the "Ride of the Valkyries' became synonymous with the chilling journey of Marine 'Huey' helicopters into battle..."

Marine? Marine? Them Hueys in the movie was ARMY Air Cav, slick! "First of the ninth--air mobile." If you're going to dally down that primrose path, at least get it right.

Better yet, drop the choppers. Most people who listen to Wagner probably realize that quality of an artistic work has a mystically inverse relationship to the number of helicopters contained in it.

As for the music, it is good, but the operatic equivalent of sound bites, which may be just right for people who are new to Wagner or just can't take very much of him. Hmm...perfect for a helicopter ride, perhaps?

A great addition to my music collection.......2006-07-20

This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety. I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner.......2006-05-15

Okay, so I like Wagner. I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries". Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did? No. If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.

But if you like Wagner and appreciate "Ride Of The Valkyries", and maybe require it in just a little more substance than what is included in "Apocolypse Now Redux", then this is what you want. The extra tracks are bonuses and are quite good. Meets my needs, presentation great, performance excellent. I recommend it for anyone that needs a Wagner fix.

Average customer rating: A well-kept secret Essential Wagner Excellent Wagner from a surprising source ... or maybe not! Go For Boult Memorable and dramatic- A must have for Wagner fans

Wagner: Overtures & Preludes Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Tristan und Isolde/Parsifal/Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg/Lohengrin/Tannhäuser The Best Of Wagner Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words ASIN: B000002S08 Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. Tannher: Overture
2. Tannher: Grand March
3. Der Fliegende Holler: Overture
4. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 1
5. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 3
6. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Overture
7. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act 3
8. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 1

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 3
2. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 1
3. Parsifal: Act 1 Transformation scene
4. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 3
5. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
6. Das Rheingold: Entrance of the Gods
7. Die Walkure: Ride of the Walkyries
8. Siegfried: Forest murmurs
9. Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
10. Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Funeral March

Customer Reviews:

A well-kept secret.......2007-05-18

Everyone wants to have a crack at the "bleeding chunks" eventually, and while I love the flashier Stoky and Furtwangler approach, I wouldn't want to be without the Boult. He's a great Wagnerian, strange as it may seem. Who could blame him for not wanting to go down in history merely as the finest Holstian? As long as this stays in print, Ormandy will still be considered the least sexy conductor. (I heard CBS researchers found an Ormandy fan once!)

Essential Wagner.......2006-06-17

As a child, this set was my first experience of Wagner's music, and it made quite an impression on me. However, as I grew older and began to collect the full operas I felt I could surely do better than Adrian Boult and the British for a collection of the preludes, overtures, and orchestral music from the operas. I was wrong. I have yet to here any recordings that can match the power and intensity as demonstrated in these discs from Boult and the LSO (and LPO). The Meistersinger prelude alone is worth the price, and the only version of the prelude to Tristan which outdoes the one here is Bohm's live 1966 Tristan. The Solti, Karajan, and Klemperer highlight discs have their moments (and truthfully, I do prefer Solti and Karajan for the "Ring" highlights), but their contributions are greatest in the full operas, and overall, they simply can't muster the power and intensity that Boult brings to these preludes, overtures, etc.

Even if you have other compilations of Wagner's music in "bleeding chunks", I can assure you they don't come close to this one; and with two discs (the second containing mostly music from Parsifal and the "Ring") at 14 bucks, there is absolutely no excuse not to have this essential recording. So go ahead and buy this disc, never buy another Wagner compilation again, and with the money you save get started on the more important task at hand: the full operas.

Excellent Wagner from a surprising source ... or maybe not!.......2004-09-27

Does Sir Adrian Boult conjure up of images of Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughn Williams, but not Wagner? You're not alone! Nevertheless, this is a double CD set not to be missed! Many years ago, I was listening to a classical radio music station in NYC that was playing the music of Wagner. The performance was so good, that I wouldn't leave the radio until I found out the name of the conductor. When the announcer said the conductor was Sir Adrian Boult, I was quite surprised. I had recordings of English music from Sir Adrian on Angel/EMI, but I never associated that conductor with Wagner. Having been blessed with a friend who had knowledge of classical music way beyond his years, I gave him a call to find out more about the recording. He told me that, Boult had solid expertise in the area of Germanic music, but, in England, had been overshadowed in that repertoire by Otto Klemperer. He told me not to be surprised about Boult's very fine Wagner, it was an excellent recording to purchase and, indeed, search out Sir Adrian's wonderful performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (now available on Vanguard). Fast-forward many years and I find myself browsing through Amazon for a recording of Wagner's Overtures and Preludes. Like everyone else I know, I foolishly jettisoned my LPs in the 1990s and have been "back-filling" ever since. Well, I was able to obtain this splendid set for less than $7 per CD! There are a total of 18 selections covering most of Wagner's operas including five excerpts from the Ring Cycle. The performances are excellent coming from no less than three British orchestras, and the sound is top-shelf EMI. Sir Adrian's pacing is measured and his vision is broad and sensitive, highlighting the beauty and grandeur --rather than just the fire-- of this glorious music. I heartily recommend this two-CD set, and at this price, I think it's a steal.

Go For Boult.......2003-07-08

Sir Adrian Boult is best known for his recordings of the British repertoire, and his performances, particularly of Holst's "The Planets" and Elgar's Symphonies and Orchestral Works, are legendary. But Boult was also an excellent conductor of Beethoven, Brahms and Wagner, and this 2-CD set collects the Overtures and Preludes of the latter German titan. These stereo recordings from the early to mid-1970s with the New Philharmonia Orchestra, and London Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras are truly first rate. EMI's set compares nicely in terms of price, quality and musical offerings with competing sets by DG (Bohm, Kubelik, et al) and Sony (Ormandy & Szell). You might have reservations about getting German music conducted by a Brit, but you really can't go wrong with Boult.

Memorable and dramatic- A must have for Wagner fans.......2000-03-20

I bought this cd for the following reasons: 1 I'm a Wagner fan, 2 the cover looks exquisite and 3 I wanted to hear a "prelude" since it sounds fancy and never heard one. The result is great cd. The Tannhauser overture, Tristan and Isolde prelude and Lohengrin Prelude to act 3 are all very excellent. Excerpts from the Ring of the Nibelunge aren't as good as I had anticipated but are still enjoyable. The music speaks the tales of Wagner's operas. Just hear it, as slow and irksome as they maybe, these preludes make you feel the tragic love of Tristan and Isolde, the epic odyssey of Lohengrin and the holy, heavenly spirit in Parsifal as he discovers the Holy Grail. Buy this CD and you won't regret it. Except that one bit from Gotterdammerung, Siegfried's Funeral March. It does'nt quite have the feel of grand disaster as it did in John Boorman's film Excalibur. If you're hoping to find that version(which is better) stick with the Classics Go To The Movies Vol 2 cd. But all the other pieces on this CD are excellent. Go and buy this CD- now !

Average customer rating:

Story Of Wagner In Words And Music Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Story Of Verdi In Words And Music Stories Of Schumann And Grieg The Story Of Brahms Story Of Dvorák In Words And Music Mendelssohn In Words And Music ASIN: B000001KD3 Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. The Mastersingers: Prelude
2. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act III
3. Faust: Overture
4. The Mastersingers: 'Awake!'
5. The Mastersingers: 'Mad, All The World Is Mad'
6. The Fairies: Overture
7. Siegfried: Forest Murmurs
8. The Mastersingers: Act III Quintet
9. Rienzi: Overture
10. The Flying Dutchman: Overture
11. Tannhaeuser: Pilgrim's Chorus
12. Tannhaeuser: Overture
13. Gotterdammerung (Twilight Of The Gods): Siegfried's Rhine Journey
14. Tannhaeuser: Song Of The Evening Star
15. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
16. Tristan und Isolde: Love-Death
17. Tannhaeuser: Venusberg Music
18. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
19. The Mastersingers: Prelude
20. The Mastersingers: Prize Song
21. The Mastersingers: Beckmesser And Sachs Duet In Act II
22. The Valkyrie: The Ride Of The Valkyries
23. Gotterdammerung: Siegfred's Rhine Journey
24. Siegfried: Siegfried Idyll
25. Parsifal: Good Friday Spell
26. Gotterdammerung: Siegfred's Funeral Music
27. Tannhaeuser: Overture
28. Lohengrin: Preludes To Act I And III, And Bridal Chorus

Average customer rating: Excellent The Only Truly Memorable Tracks On This 2 Disc Album Are Jochum's Parsifal Pieces A Thing of Beauty It's OK Falls short of being great.

Wagner: Overture & Preludes Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection The Best Of Wagner Wagner without Words Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/ Marche Slave ASIN: B000001GLB Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

1. Rienzi: Overture
2. Overture
3. Overture
4. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act I
5. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
6. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act I
7. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act III
8. Die Walkure: The Ride of the Valkyries

Tracks:

1. TRISTAN & ISOLDE - Prelude to Act I
2. TRISTAN & ISOLDE - Introduction to Act III (Massig Langsam)
3. TRISTAN & ISOLDE - Liebestodt
4. SIEGFRIED - Siegfried-Idyll
5. GOTTERDAMMERUNG - Orchestral Interlude: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
6. PARSIFAL
7. PARSIFAL - Good Friday Music

Amazon.com

This is a dazzling collection of nonvocal excerpts from Wagner's operas, from the peace and loveliness of Rafael Kubelik's Siegfried Idyll to the passionate, disturbed Prelude to the first act of Tristan, led by Karl Bohm, and the wild Ride of the Valkyries, with Herbert von Karajan in a particularly rambunctious mood. Other highlights in the two and a half hours of music are transcendent readings of two Parsifal excerpts by Eugen Jochum and the Bavarian Radio Orchestra and a Flying Dutchman set. But couldn't DG have tried to include some information about anything in their teeny paper insert? --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-02-13

I grew up listening to all kinds of music. I must say that listiening to this CD is a wonderful change to today's music. It is relaxing and soothing.

The Only Truly Memorable Tracks On This 2 Disc Album Are Jochum's Parsifal Pieces.......2006-11-06

Many reviewers are stating that this is some sort of great introduction to Wagner, when I think they are not aware of many other terrific orchestral Wagner CDs. EMI has recently released an outstanding CD by Karajan of various Wagner preludes and overtures from the non "Ring" operas. That CD is part of EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" catalogue and it's also available in the "Karajan Collection". Two different pressings, exact same thing.

To get some juicy "Ring" selections, you should investigate George Szell's oustanding CD on Sony Essential Classics which is uniquely captivating as far as orchestral excerpts from the Ring operas go.

Getting back to this DG Double, here is my rundown of all the tracks. The Rienzi Overture is done well by Karl Bohm but it's nothing remarkable. The Flying Duthchman also conducted by Bohm is played with gusto, pretty good. The Tannhauser Overture is an extremely dull run-through by Otto Gerdes, what a nightmare! Listen to Solti instead to get the full power of this terrific piece! The Lohengrin preludes by Kubelik lack the dreamy mysticism and rich power of Karajan's versions on EMI. The preludes to Die Meistersinger are played by Bohm and Jochum, Bohm is too relaxed and slow in the prelude to Act 1 but Jochum finds more life in the prelude to act 3. The ultra-famous "Ride of the Valkyries" is played by Karajan, an excerpt from his complete set of the Ring and yes the soprano soloists are on display here. It's a good account but hardly matches the excitement of Solti's version from his complete Ring recording.

The second CD opens up with powerful excerpts from Tristan and Isolde played by Bohm, the prelude and Act 3 intro are taken from his famous Bayreuth set with Birgit Nilsson. Nilsson however is not represented in the final Liebestod, instead a later, not very passionate Bohm recording is tacked on. The Siegfried Idyll is conducted by Kubelik and is not very memorable, certainly lacking the romantic abandon of the famous Karajan versions. Siegfried's Rhine Journey from Gotterdammerung is led by Karajan and sounds great.

Finally we get to the best part of this 2CD package, Eugen Jochum's performances of the Prelude and Good Friday Music from Wagner's final masterpiece, Parsifal. Both sound highly involved and deeply spiritual, the sound is great for something that was recorded way back in 1957. The brass get a bit edgy but it's not much of a worry, the readings are exceptional.

If you're a Wagner newbie, this 2CD set might satisfy you but I recommend you go and buy that EMI Karajan CD and the Ring excerpts by Szell, listen to those and you'll be well on your way to tackling a full opera. The most accessible opera to start with is Lohengrin.

A Thing of Beauty.......2006-06-17

I am not overly fond of opera but there are exceptions. This album is such an exception. I suppose that is because there is little to be heard in the way of singing on it. I like it for the instrumental passages and they are wonderful.

As the title suggests, these are primarily overtures and preludes. They are not as bombastic as Wagner is wont to be but they are very strong. They are evocative of beauty and majesty. It is good orchestral music.

The performances included are all from Germanic orchestras. This music is a part of the culture and it is well done. If I have one complaint, it is a minor one. The pianissimo passages are sometimes so soft as to not be present. They are...understated in the extreme.

All in all, this is a quality recording capable of producing hours of enjoyment from its two disks.

It's OK.......2006-03-20

I judge this CD for it's sound quality - very good. The Wagner's music it's not really my type of music, therefore I can't say it's a poor CD. If the music is just OK is not the CD's fault. Simply my taste doesn't match Wagner's music.

Falls short of being great........2006-02-01

I'm surprised that all of the other reviewers neglected to mention the shortcomings of this set. Without Siegfried's Funeral March from Die Gotterdammerung and coupled with the fact that the liner notes stink, this is well deserving of 2 stars, but I was generous. Get the EMI set "Orchestral Music" with Szell conducting which has everything that this collection has plus Siegfried's Funeral March, good liner notes and extra selections.

Average customer rating:

Wagner: Preludes & Overtures [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Pentatone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr) Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD] Russian Ballet Suites - Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet Suite 1 / Khachaturian Suite from Spartacus / Shostakovich Suite from The Bolt (Multichannel Hybrid SACD) Mahler: Symphony No. 5 Mozart, W.A.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 5 ASIN: B0002TX9F2 Release Date: 2004-12-14

Average customer rating: The ultimate Wagner orchestral music Magical 5 stars for Klemp and Wagner! Excellent "Mistah Klemps" is a Winner, Here!

Wagner: Orchestral Music Richard Wagner , Otto Klemperer , and Philharmonia Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Orchestral Music Wagner: Extracts from the operas EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer Beethoven: Fidelio Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde ASIN: B00006I0AU Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Overture
3. Act.3/Prelude
4. Act.1/Prelude
5. Act.3/Prelude
6. Prelude
7. Act.3: Dance Of The Apprentices & Entry Of The Masters
8. Act.1/Prelude

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Scene 4: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla
3. Act.3: Ride Of The Valkyries
4. Siegfried-Idyll
5. Act.2: Forest Murmurs
6. Interlude: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
7. Act.3: Siegfried's Funeral March
8. Prelude

Customer Reviews:

The ultimate Wagner orchestral music.......2006-02-05

I have these CDs for almost 15 years before they became a 2-CD set and still play them regularly. Got to know Wagner from the classical Furtwangler cycle, for many the best Wagner music ever recorded. Although Furtwangler is exceptional I do not think that it can surpass these accounts of Klemperer's Wagner. The sound of my CDs is not that great (something that probably has been fixed in these CDs) but the music is illumining in every instance. If you listen to this Tannhuaser you will understand what I am talking about. The Philharmonia Orchestra under Klemperer works miracles as always. A must have for every music-lover, even if you hate Wagner.

Magical.......2005-03-15

I've loved and cherished these performances for nearly 35 years. Much has been said about Wagner's merits (or lack of them) for over a century and a half. When the music is played as Klemperer and his orchestra play it here, there's little doubt as to why The Master had such an enormous impact on so many in his time.

Just sample the Entry of the God's into Valhalla or Siegfried's Funeral March or the incandescent Prelude to Parsifal. They're among the most sublime, noble, and epic recordings of anything you'll ever hear. Rather sad that within the vast bulk of the recent film version of The Lord of the Rings there's not a single moment that equals these three short pieces. What's the point in all that we create these days if we can't plumb a depth now and then?

5 stars for Klemp and Wagner!.......2004-12-16

This set is indispensible for any Wagnerite or Klemperite! It contains glorious playing of the finest calibre, with much weight, energy and beauty.

A definite in anyone's collection.

Excellent.......2004-08-11

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Klemperer's interpretation of this music and, for the most part, the playing of the orchestra. However, when performing to such a high standard, the playing of the Philharmonia Orchestra should be seamless - as it frequently is. But there is alarming sloppiness on exposed wind entrances sometimes and even disunity on such exits, which make this wind-player's ears cringe.
Other than that, I joyfully recommend this recording along with James Levine's MET "Wagner Orchestral music" and "Wagner Overtures and Preludes", which have much of the same music in modern sound and with spotless technique in the orchestra. A comparison between the two interpretations is worthy; Klemperer's approach is spacious a deep, while Levine, though calling for similar tempi in many places, leans tremendously forward.
Summary: some inexcusable blurbs in the winds, but more than worth the price of admission overall.

"Mistah Klemps" is a Winner, Here!.......2004-04-03

As many others, I normally do not care for Wagnerian "bleeding chunks", but when performed as wonderfully as in these fabulous performances, I can more than merely accept them. To pick out some examples, the Meistersinger Prelude is taken surely at the broadest pace I have ever heard, but there is a lightness of touch and sunniness to the interpretation that is absolutely irresistable. Teh Tannhaeuser Overture is overwhelmingly majestic in the Pilgrims' Chorus and volatile in the Venusberg sections. Siegfried goes off on a surprisingly swift Rhine Journey, and the Funeral March has the kind of cataclismic force that Knappertsbusch brought to his famous 1951 Bayreuth performance. The Siegfried Idyll is performed in its original chamber group version, and has more charm than any other I have heard. And the Tristan Prelude and Liebestod has an urgency and sheer erotic impulse that not even Furtwaengler surpassed. These wonderful renditions make one regret that Big Otto never recorded any of the later Wagner Operas complete.

Average customer rating: The best collection of Wagner excerpts from Furtwangler This deserves 5 stars, plus! Sublimity for the Ages Wondrous Wagner

Wagner: Extracts from the operas Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore Wagner: Tristan und Isolde Furtwängler conducts Wagner Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 9 / Furtwangler, Schwarzkopf Wagner: Orchestral Music ASIN: B00064N8RM Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Prelude To Act 1
3. Ride Of The Valkyries (Act 3)
4. Prelude: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
5. Siegfried's Funeral March (Act 3)
6. Brunnhilde's Immolation (Act 3) - Kirsten Flagstad

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Prelude to Act 1 - Berliner Philharmoniker
3. Liebestod (Death Of Isolde) - Berliner Philharmoniker
4. Prelude To Act 1
5. Prelude To Act 3
6. Dance Of The Apprentices (Act 3)
7. Prelude To Act 1 - Berliner Philharmoniker
8. Good Friday Music (Act 3) - Berliner Philharmoniker

Customer Reviews:

The best collection of Wagner excerpts from Furtwangler.......2005-12-16

In the post-war era Furtwangler left us two Ring cycles from Italy (both very scrapy in execution), a classic Tristan from London, and a somewhat disappointing (to me, at least) Die Walkure from Vienna. Those represent the bulk of his Wagner conducting, since he didn't record many excerpts. This classic EMI set gathers together two hours wroth from 1938 to 1954. Other reviewers have extolled the 2004 remastering, which I compared to the original 1993 "References" release. I didn't hear a revelatory transformation, but it's helpful to have any sonic improvement, particularly in the muzzy early recordings from Berlin.

The Gramophone declared that these excerpts validated Furtwangler's position as the greatest of all Wagner conductors. In their musical depth and emotional wisdom it's hard to disagree, although newcomers may find the tempos too braod, and the orchestral execution is never razor sharp--Furtwangler showed little interest in that.

I think the touchstones would be the opening Tannhauser Over. from 1952, which is in the best sound, and the Tristan Prelude from 1938, which is in the worst. Both draw us into Furtwangler's hypnotic way with Wagner, weaving a complete emotional experience that overarches mere details and passing events. I find it easy to listen past the dated sound; these are readings to sink into for a lifetime. (My only reservation is that Flagstad's Immolation scene from Gotterdammerung, recorded in 1952 when she and Furtwangler made their famous Tristan, seems grand without much regard for specific words or emotions.)

By now the Furtwangler canon has been scoured for more Wagner, and there is a live postwar collection in comparable sound from Testament that serves as the natural mate to these priceless studio recordings. Every scattered performance has been catalogued in the late John Ardoin's invaluable book, "The Furtwangler Record."

This deserves 5 stars, plus!.......2005-08-21

Wilhelm Furtwangler's recordings of Wagner Overtures and Preludes, refurbished by EMI and released in January, 2005, is so good it deserves more than five stars! "How?" you may ask, "can recordings made in the late 1930s, late 1940s/early '50s sound this good?" EMI's engineers have worked marvels, both in restoring the sound so that it is nearly modern, and in equalizing volume levels so the listener doesn't have to adjust volume up and down between tracks, sometimes a problem with compilation discs when different recording locales and orchestras were used.

The performances are all first rate: Furtwangler uses subtle liberties of tempo and nuance - his trademark as a conductor - to produce works of freshness and beauty. Three different orchestras are used: the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and Philharmonia:all sound uniformly excellent. Kirsten Flagstad sings Brunnhilde's Immolation scene with great intensity, and in this track, the Philharmonia is in no way inferior to either Berlin or Vienna Philharmonic.

I had to keep reminding myself listening to Disc 1, Track 1,the TANNHAUSER Overture, that this was made in the era before stereo. From the first bars, this strikes me as very fresh and celebratory, and I'm not a huge Wagner fan: I prefer Overtures and Preludes over complete operas. My advice to anyone, even if you don't think you care for Wagner, is to invest in this: grab it before it goes out of circulation - for under $15.00 you can't go wrong.

Sublimity for the Ages.......2005-07-24

In a strange way, one almost needs to have known these recordings in their previous incarnations to appreciate the miraculous transparency that EMI engineers have achieved in this latest transfer. Having long treasured these performances on LP and their first CD transfer (1993), I was stunned by the immediacy, power, and splendor of the sound. What a jaw-dropping revelation! Who ever dreamt of tracing so many more threads in these complex orchestral tapestries via these classic interpretations?

As for the performances themselves, there are none better -- and there never will be. The only equally sublime Wagner excerpts are also in monophonic sound: check out the superb set of Stokowski's Wagner with the 1920s-40s Philadelphia Orchestra on Andante. Both conductors give us a kind of musicmaking that no one before or since has touched in this repertoire. And within the technical limitations of the times, the recordings admirably capture Wagner's sumptuous sound.

No, the decibel level will not knock you out of your seat. If you want that kind of displacement, you must naturally seek a more recent recording. But grandeur is not merely a function of decibels, and on this recording and Stokowski's you will hear a level of rapport with Wagner's deepest impulses, a grandeur of conception, and a quality of orchestral execution that come through loud and clear as they do nowhere else. Remember, many musicians playing in these recordings studied under Wagner's contemporaries (indeed, in the earliest recordings of both conductors, we are probably even hearing a few people who were children or teenagers during Wagner's final years). As a result, these players absorbed the spirit of the age with their every formative breath. Through these recordings, they effortlessly project intangible qualities to which no later generations can ever lay claim.

My own personal favorites here are the *Lohengrin* Prelude (boasting some of the most ethereal high-string sonorities ever recorded, courtesy of the Vienna Philharmonic -- a pure and perfect evocation of spiritual light descending from on high), the *Tristan* selections, Flagstad's grandly voiced Immolation Scene, and the incomparable *Parsifal* Prelude. *Parsifal* has never been my favorite Wagner opera, but its Prelude easily ranks among the chief glories of music. Never has it sounded more ravishing than it does here, with Furtwängler's patient and probing baton guiding Berlin's flawless execution (oh, those shimmering string tremolos!).

These are just a few personal high points. In reality, nothing falls below superb here -- and the new transfers put us closer to the music than ever before (to mix in a bit of Richard Strauss, Salome has dropped another sonic veil; will the engineers find a way to make her drop still another in the next decade?!). If you want a direct route to the heart of Wagner, this EMI anthology and Andante's five-disc Stokowski set are the royal road to Wagner's kingdom of bliss. I urge you to make the journey.

Wondrous Wagner.......2005-06-09

In this era of limited edition, out-of-print and rapidly disappearing classical CDs, sometimes it is better to wait and see instead of immediately buying a given title. Case in point, these famous Furtwangler recordings of Wagner extracts from the Operas, which have been available for years as a costly import in the EMI "References" series. I struggled off and on for some time about whether or not to buy it, knowing that these are among the very best Wagner performances ever committed to disc (despite their mono sound), but not wanting to pay an arm and a leg for them either. Well now with this inexpensively priced reissue in EMI's "Historical" Series, I can get the best of both worlds. Furtwangler's renditions, made with both the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics between 1949 and 1954, are absolutely fantastic. This is the conductor at his very best, and there are few rivals in this material, even in stereo. In particular, the Tannhauser Overture, Lohengrin Prelude, and Tristan and Parsifal selections are magical. For price and performance, this CD is without peer.

Average customer rating: Karajan's Phenomenal Wagner

Wagner: Orchestral Music from Der Fliegende Holländer, Lohengrin, etc. Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 40 & 41 "Jupiter"; Oboe Concerto Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 (The Karajan Collection) Philharmonia Promenade Concert Bruckner: Symphony No. 8; Overtures by Mendelssohn, Nicolai, Wagner & Weber Mozart: Symphonies 29, 35 "Haffner" & 36 "Linz" ASIN: B0009NDKWS Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Overture And Venusberg Music (Paris Version)
2. Prelude (Act I)
3. Prelude (Act III)
4. Prelude And Liebestod
5. Overture
6. Prelude (Act I)

Customer Reviews:

Karajan's Phenomenal Wagner.......2006-11-06

This CD contains the exact same performances and the exact same remastering as the EMI "Great Recordings of the Century" release. The only difference is that the tracks are reordered. I have reviewed that Karajan CD and my review stands for this CD too, since it is the same thing in different packaging.

These are some of the most passionate, romantic and utterly thrilling performances of Wagner orchestral music you can hope to hear. Herbert von Karajan was the greatest conductor alive at the time these recordings were made and the Berlin Philharmonic was the greatest orchestra in the world. United in Wagner's music, they send chills up the spin. The sound is great, for such a cheap price you can't be without this recording whether you buy it here in the "Karajan Collection" or the "Great Recordings of the Century".

Average customer rating: Great overview to Wagner's non-Ring operas Good introduction, good value

Panorama (Highlights from der fliegende Hollander, Lohengrin, Tannhauser, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, Parsifal, Tristan und Isolde) Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Studer, Cheryl | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Highlights from Der Ring des Nibelungen Wagner: The Best of the Ring Wagner: The Compact Ring (Highlights from Der Ring des Nibelungen) / Levine; Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Panorama: Giacomo Puccini Charles Gounod: Faust (Highlights) ASIN: B00004XN6N Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - Chor Und Orchester Der Bayreuther Festspiele
2. Der fliegende Hollander: Johohoe! Traft ihr das Schiff im Meere an - Chor Und Orchester Der Bayreuther Festspiele
3. Der fliegende Hollander: Steuermann, lass die Wacht - Chor Und Orchester Der Bayreuther Festspiele
4. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 1 - Wiener Philharmoniker
5. Lohengrin: Einsam in truben Tagen - Wiener Philharmoniker
6. Lohengrin: Brautlied - Wiener Philharmoniker
7. Lohengrin: In fernam Land, unnahbar euren Schritten - Wiener Philharmoniker
8. Tannhauser: Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra
9. Tannhauser: Dich, teure Halle, gruss ich wieder - Philharmonia Orchestra
10. Tannhauser: Pilgerchor - Philharmonia Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act 1 - Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin
2. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Was duftet doch der Flieder - Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin
3. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prize Song - Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin
4. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 1 - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
5. Parsifal: Good Friday Music - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
6. Parsifal: Du siehst, das ist nicht so - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
7. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 1 - Orchester Der Bayreuther Festspiele
8. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 3 - Orchester Der Bayreuther Festspiele
9. Tristan und Isolde: Isoldes Liebestod - Orchester Der Bayreuther Festspiele

Customer Reviews:

Great overview to Wagner's non-Ring operas.......2006-03-28

Listeners seeking an overview of Wagner's operas are well-served by this 2-cd set and its companion 2-cd set of excerpts from Karajan's performance of the 4 Ring operas. This set features excerpts from the DG operas "Der Fliegende Hollander" (Flying Dutchmman), "Lohengrin", "Tannhauser", "Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg", "Parsifal", and "Tristan und Isolde". The recorded sound is superb, and the performances flow together very well, even though the works are performed by different orchestras, conductors, and singers.

This is a very enjoyable set in a crowded and competitive field. It offers almost a 50-50 split between orchestral and vocal excerpts, so those seeking primarily orchestral excerpts might be better served by the 2-cd set of overtures conducted by Sir Adrian Boult, which contains purely orchestral excerpts from these same operas as well as a few excerpts from the four Ring operas. Those listeners who value great performance and don't mind putting up with the good but dated mono sonics from the 50s may want to seek out the excellent 2-cd set of Wagner excerpts on EMI conducted by Wilhelm Furtwanger, which offers primarily orchestral excerpts except for a stunning rendition of Brunnhilde's Immolation sung by Kirsten Flagstad. Also, George Szell conducted a single disk of orchestral excerpts from the Ring that does contain the prelude from Die Meistersinger and the prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. I purchased all of these outstanding disks before getting this Panorama set, but I am very glad that I got this set, because of the the beauty of the choral works not contained in the other sets. Also, the interpretation of the orchestral pieces is outstanding, and I was glad to add them to the others. This set was so good, it inspired me to obtain versions of the complete operas.

Good introduction, good value.......2001-10-04

This is a sensible, cost-effective way to gain a nodding if superficial acquaintance with Wagner's six most important non-Ring operas. (The four Ring operas are similarly if somewhat more generously highlighted, in the Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic recordings, on a 2-CD Deutsche Grammophon set that is a companion volume to this one, so if you buy both sets--4 CDs--you gain at least some exposure to all ten major Wagner operas.)

CD 1 of this set (64'22 in length) gives you 21'04 of Der fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman), in the Karl Bohm/Bayreuth recording (1972); 21'25 of Lohengrin, in the Claudio Abbado/Vienna Philharmonic recording (1994); and 21'53 of Tannhauser, in the Giuseppe Sinopoli/Philharmonia recording (1989). CD 2 (70'55 in length) gives you 23'15 of Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, in the Eugen Jochum/Deutschen Oper Berlin recording (1976); 25'50 of Parsifal, in the James Levine/Metropolitan Opera recording (1994); and 21'18 of Tristan und Isolde, in the Karl Bohm/Bayreuth recording (1966). All the music here is drawn, obviously, from complete opera recordings in the Deutsche Grammophon catalog.

As you would expect from a collection so various in provenance (five different conductors, five different orchestras in four countries, a widely diverse crop of singers, with recordings spread over a period of almost 30 years), there is no uniform or consistent point of view here (such as is furnished by the single conductor and orchestra typically recording the Ring cycle of operas). But this is not necessarily a problem; these, after all, are all independent, free-standing, unrelated operas, each with its own character. The performances, singing, and sound quality here are all variable, but all are at a minimum thoroughly competent and listenable, some considerably more than that.

I'm not going to try to comment individually on the diversity of conductors and orchestras represented here. Fully half of the music here is purely orchestral (two overtures and five preludes, totaling 69 minutes). There are also three choral selections, including the bridal chorus from Lohengrin containing the famous wedding music ("Here comes the bride"), and the absolutely stunning Pilgrims' chorus from Tannhauser, rousingly performed by the men of the Covent Garden Chorus (this begins softly, as from a distance, then builds to a terrific climax, then recedes to softness again). Of the soloists who sing long enough here to matter, Gwyneth Jones as Senta gives mingled pleasure and concern: she does some attractive soft singing but occasionally sounds insecure and unsteady, her voice under marginal control. Cheryl Studer is first-rate as both Elsa and Elisabeth; this is able singing, secure from top to bottom, from soft to loud. Siegfried Jerusalem as Lohengrin sings well and sensitively when singing softly or at middle voice; when he opens up, his voice becomes more problematic, and there is strain on top.

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Hans Sachs), great artist though he was in his proper sphere, unfortunately kept straying out of it, as he does here: Hans Sachs, one of the greatest of baritone roles, is for a Wagnerian Heldenbariton, and this Fischer-Dieskau certainly was not. He sounds lightweight, underpowered, and somewhat fussy; sometimes he blusters, sometimes he croons, but he's no Hans Sachs (to hear what can be done with this role you have to go back to earlier recordings by Friedrich Schorr). Placido Domingo (Walther von Stolzing and Parsifal), a famously versatile and capable all-around tenor (an opera-house manager's dream who could, and would, sing just about any role), offers pleasing, sensitive singing in both roles; some have complained that he doesn't sound idiomatic in Wagner, but I'll take his secure, musicianly singing any day over what we usually get these days in Wagner tenor roles. Kurt Moll is an imposing, rich-voiced Gurnemanz.

The most memorable singing here comes from Birgit Nilsson in Isolde's Liebestod; she was the greatest Wagnerian soprano of the second half of the twentieth century (Flagstad and Traubel had seen their best days by 1950), and some would add that she was the only great Wagnerian soprano of the second half of the twentieth century. None of the other singers heard here are in her class as Wagnerians, or, indeed, in terms of basic vocal endowment. She is secure, rock solid, strong on top, commands an enormous dynamic range (she closes on a beautiful pianissimo note), and hearing her unleash her huge voice and letting it soar out over the orchestra is thrilling. This is the kind of singing that hasn't been heard since Flagstad and Traubel from anyone but Nilsson; her Liebestod reminds us of what the seemingly vanishing art of heroic Wagner singing is all about.

In a nutshell, this set is a good value and serves as a useful introduction to the Wagner non-Ring operas.

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