Weber; Brahms; Strauss: for orchestra & in orchestra arrangements

1. Overture to Oberon
Composed by Carl Maria von Weber
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Arthur Nikisch

2. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 No 4 in E, Op 98
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Felix Weingartner

3. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Introduction Love Scene
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

4. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Marschallin's Monologue
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

5. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Presentation March
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

6. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~The Presentation of the Silver Rose
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

7. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Love Duet
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

8. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Waltz
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

9. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Trio
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

10. Der Rosenkavalier, opera: Film Score Adaptation (1925), AV 112 Film Music~Final Duet
Composed by Richard Strauss
Performed by London Augmented Tivoli Theatre Orchestra Conducted by Richard Strauss

11. Tragic Overture, in D minor, Op. 81
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

12. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

13. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Good Friday Music
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

14. Leonore Overture No. 3 in C major, Op. 72b
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

15. Tristan und Isolde, opera, WWV 90 Prelude, Act 3
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

16. Symphony No. 8 in B minor ("Unfinished"), D. 759
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

17. Così fan tutte, opera, K. 588 Overture
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Glyndebourne Festival Orchestra Conducted by Fritz Busch

18. Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major ("Eine kleine Nachtmusik"), K. 525
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Bruno Walter

19. Siegfried Idyll, for small orchestra in E major, WWV 103
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Bruno Walter

20. Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor
Composed by Gustav Mahler
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Bruno Walter

21. Tristan und Isolde, opera, WWV 90 Prelude, Act 1
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Fritz Reiner

22. Symphony No. 7, for orchestra in C major, Op. 105
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by BBC Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Serge Koussevitzky

23. Joyeuse marche (Marche française), for orchestra or piano 4-hands
Composed by Emmanuel Chabrier
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham

24. Irmelin, opera, RT i/2 Prelude
Composed by Frederick Delius
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham

25. Tapiola, tone poem for orchestra, Op. 112
Composed by Jean Sibelius
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham

26. Introduction and Allegro for string quartet & string orchestra in G major, Op. 47
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by London Sinfonia with Allegri String Quartet
Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

27. Symphony No. 8 in G major (first published as No. 4), B. 163 (Op.88)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Cleveland Orchestra Conducted by George Szell

28. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Otto Klemperer

29. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Herbert von Karajan

30. Vltava (The Moldau), symphonic poem (Má Vlast No. 2), JB 1:112/2
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Herbert von Karajan

31. Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor, BWV 565
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Conducted by Leopold Stokowski

32. Pini di Roma (The Pines of Rome), symphonic poem, P. 141
Composed by Ottorino Respighi
Performed by Symphony of the Air Conducted by Leopold Stokowski

33. Harold en Italie (Harold in Italy), symphony for viola & orchestra, H. 68 (Op. 16)
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Performed by Orchestre National de France with Donald McInnes
Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

34. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Arthur Nikisch

35. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

36. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

37. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

38. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Herbert von Karajan

39. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

40. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Otto Klemperer

41. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Excerpt for comparison
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven

42. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham

43. Leonore Overture No. 3 in C major, Op. 72b
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

44. Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Halle Orchestra Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

45. Die Entführung aus dem Serail, opera, K. 384 Act 3, Aria: Ha! wie will ich triumphieren
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Gottlob Frick
Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham

46. Symphony No. 100 in G major ("Military") H. 1/100
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham

Tracks:

An Die Musik D 547
Erlkonig D 328
IV. Standchen
Greisengesang D 778
Funftausend Taler! Traum Oder Wach Ich?
Wo Berg Ich Mich?-Schweigt, Gluhnden Sehens
Wie Todesahnung Dammrung Deckt Die Lande-O Du, Mein Holder Abendstern
Wie Schon Ist Doch Die Musik
Des Antonius Von Padua Fischpredigt
Lob Des Hohen Verstandes
Aria: Ich Habe Genug
Recitative: Ich Habe Genug! Mein Trost Ist Nur Allein
Aria: Schlummert Ein, Ihr Matten Augen
Recitative: Mein Gott! Wann Kommt Das Schone: Nun!
Aria: Ich Freue Mich Auf Meinen Tod

Tracks:

Auf Der Bruck D 853
Heidenroslein D 257
Die Forelle D 550
10. Tranenregen
11. Mein!
10. Das Fischermadchen
14. Die Taubenpost
24. Du Bist Wie Eine Blume
2. Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges
4. Verzagen
5. Unuberwindlich
4. Sapphische Ode
Die Loreley S 273 (1st Version)
O Lieb, So Lang Du Lieben Kannst S 298
Es Muss Ein Wunderbares Sein S 314
2. Herr Oluf
3. Heimliche Aufforderung
1. Zueignung
4. Morgen!
Solo Jazz Improvisation

Customer Reviews:

No Better Singer Alive Today!.......2007-02-19

My 80 year old aunt, a true fan of the classics assures me that NO ONE sings better than Thomas Quasthoff. She loves him, she loves this CD which I bought her as a gift.

the title is all you need to know........2007-01-10

i purchases this after i saw the artist perform at a rare carnegie hall recital. he's the real thing. if you sing at all, you'll appreciate how he slides up and down the scale with power, ease and juicy grace.

An inspiring introduction to Quasthoff, plus two bonus tracks.......2006-07-15

If like me you've eagerly bought every album released by the remarkable Thomas Quasthoff, this bargain two-fer from DG holds only two small surprises. On CD 1, dedicated to performances with orchestra, there's an unreleased Schubert song--Greisengesang D. 778--with orchestral accompaniment by Abbado. On CD 2, dedicated to lieder, there's an odd addendum called Jazz Improvisation, lasting six minutes, in which Quasthoff riffs and scat sings in the style of Bobby McFerrin, weird noises and all!

The rest is self-recommending. Quasthoff has shot up to the heights in recent years thanks to his exceptional vocal range, innate musicality, and deep intelligence. I wish DG hadn't pretentiously entitled this album "The Voice," but don't be put off. Everything here is first rate and will lead you to explore the complete albums that contributed to this compilation.

Excerpts from Previous Recordings Make a Fine Portrait of an Artist.......2006-07-13

Thomas Quasthoff has performed throughout the world in a repertoire so varied that his talents appear endless. This very fine recording is part of the DGG Portrait of an Artist Series and while there is little new work here, this is a compilation of many of the recordings the have made Thomas Quasthoff one of our leading bass-baritones of the day.

Included are excerpts from such superb recordings as the Mahler 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn' disc with Claudio Abbado conducting the Berlin Philharmonic, as well as recordings of the music of Bach, Brahms, Liszt, Carl Loewe, Lortzing, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Wagner and von Weber.

Not only does the recording include songs with orchestra (with Christian Thielemann conducting the Berlin Opera Orchestra, Abbado/Berlin Philharmonic, and Rainer Kussmal conducting the Berlin Barock Solisten), but it also has a generous sampling of works with piano with the fine Justus Zeyen as collaborator.

For those who are already devoted fans of Quasthoff's art, this is an excellent 'encore album'. For those unfamiliar with this great singer, this fine and affordable CD is a sampler that offers a taste of the range of Quasthoff's genius. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, July 06

Ljuba Welitsch: Her Historical Live Performances (The Radio Years)

Average customer rating:

Ljuba Welitsch: Her Historical Live Performances (The Radio Years)

Manufacturer: Enterprise
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Der Freischutz: 'Wie Nahte Mir Der Schlummer...Leise. Liese, Fromme Weise'
Un Ballo In Maschera: 'Morro, Ma Prima In Grazia'
Die Verkaufte Braut: 'Endlich Allein, Allein Mit Mir'
Rusalka: 'Du Lieber Mond'
Tosca: 'Vissi D'arte'
Elektra: Ich Kann Nicht Sitzen Und Ins Dunkel Starren
'Die Junge Nonne'
'Die Forelle'
'Die Liebesbotschaft'
'Widmung'
'Der Nussbaum'
'Mondnacht'
'Von Ewiger Liebe'
'Meine Liebe Ist Grun'

Average customer rating:

Kaleidoscope

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Gershwin: Rhapsody; Concerto for piano in F
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 / Midsummer Night's Dream
Felix Mendelssohn: Symphonies No. 3 & 4/Fingal's Cave Overture
Tchaikovsky: Symphony no. 4
Wienerwalzer Paprika

ASIN: B0000057MO
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

The Bartered Bride: Dance Of The Comedians
The Merry Wives Of Widsor, Overture
Radetzky March
Abu Hassan, Overture
Le Prophete: Coronation March
Hungarian Dance No. 1
Mignon , Overture
Mazeppa: Cossack Dance
The Jolly Robbers, Overture
Orpheus In The Underworld: 1. Overture
Orpheus In The Underworld: 2. Can-Can
Invitation To The Dance
Jota Aragonesa (Caprice Brillant)

Average customer rating:

From the review in the The Washington Post

Furtwängler: Early Recordings 1926-37

Manufacturer: Koch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | 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
ASIN: B000001SE9
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Tracks:

Der Freischutz: Ov
Der Freischutz: Entr' Acte
Invitation To The Dance
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Ov
Hebrides Ov
Damnation Of Faust: March

Tracks:

Lohengrin, Act I: Prld
Tristan Und Isole: Prld And Liebestod
Gotterdammerung: Trauermarsch
Hungarian Dances Nos.1 And 3
Die Fledermaus: Ov
Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche

Customer Reviews:

From the review in the The Washington Post.......2007-05-14

Wilhelm Furtwaengler was a poet of the baton, more interested in emotional communication than in the precise discipline favored today. He was likely to make each performance of a work sound different from the last, a quality hard to capture on records, which tend to go on doing the same things in the same way every time you play them. Still, the personality of the conductor comes through in some of his old recordings recently remastered on CD.

The Koch Legacy series has issued a thorough survey of Furtwangler's early recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic, from 1926 to 1937, in two volumes of two CDs each. The first (3-7059-2) has music of Bach (Brandenburg Concerto No. 3), Mozart ("Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and overtures), Schubert ("Rosamunde"), Beethoven ("Egmont" Overture and Symphony No. 5) and Rossini ("Gazza Ladra" and "Barber of Seville" overtures). The second (3-7073-2) includes theatrical music of Weber, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, Wagner and Johann Strauss Jr., as well as a superb performance of "Till Eulenspiegel" by the other Strauss. There is a special interest in comparing his fine 1926 recording of the "Freischutz" Overture (in the first set) with the more evocative 1935 recording in the second set. These interpretations cannot be called better or worse than their abundant and excellent competition; they are one-of-a-kind and to be treasured for that reason.

Average customer rating:

The Anti-Knapperts-busch
A beloved conductor, but don't expect much from the orchestra
Another one of the best in series
A Fully Worthy "Great Conductor" Selection
Great Conductors of 20th Century = Best Reissues of the 21st

Fritz Busch

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Hermann Scherchen

ASIN: B00005V33F
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro - Adagio - Presto
I. Adagio - Allegro Spiritoso
II. Andante
III. Menuetto - Trio
IV. Presto
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Con Moto Moderato
IV. Saltarello. Presto
Allegro Non Troppo - Molto Piu Moderato - Tempo I

Tracks:

Adagio - Molto Vivace - Leo Hansen
I. Allegro - Leo Hansen
II. Andante - Leo Hansen
III. Allegro Con Spirito - Leo Hansen
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Adagio Non Troppo - L'istesso Tempo, Ma Grazioso
III. Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino) Presto Ma Non Assai - Tempo I
IV. Allegro Con Spirito
Don Juan, Op.20 (Tone-Poem After Nikolaus Lenau) - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Anti-Knapperts-busch.......2006-01-14

Fast, fast, and fast, but the results, even with not the best orchestras, are exhilarating. Is this a function of the recording era (short takes) or Busch's training, which was very much of the previous century? The perfect Mozart from Glyndbourne isn't like this at all. Stories have it that everyone, from Mendelssohn on, conducted fast back then, sometimes insanely fast. Hmmm. Speed, or lack of it as Knappertsbusch frequently demonstrated, isn't the big issue (although one bizarre reviewer in a major publication compares timings of recordings--a phenomenon that drags the credibility of that publication down a bit). It's how one makes things hang together that matters.

The Brahms here, as everyone seems to agree, is something very special--especially given Busch's lineage to the master. Complaints about the Don Juan are trivial--it's an amazing performance that show real attention to the score without being the least bit fussy. The other offerings here, although mixed a hair, are generally very-to-extremely satisfying. I'd agree this is one of the best releases in this series, which was, despite some curmudgeonly complaints, oneof the best classical sampler sets of releases in memory

A beloved conductor, but don't expect much from the orchestra.......2005-11-09

Fritz Busch, who died prematruely at age 60, never made it into the stereo era. In fact, the latest of these performances are from 1950, the year before his death. busch is forgotten by the general public, although his famous Mozart operas from Glyndebourne are classics in England. He had no eccentricites as a conductor, was very musical, tended to be light and brisk, and to my ears rarely rose to inspired heights.

Both CDs are marked by variable sound, ranging from murky radio braodcasts to fairly clear studio sound. Except for the Strauss Don Juan (1936) that ends CD 2, all these performances are with the Danish Radio Orchestra, a scrappy band that a superior student orchestra could outplay today. The strings are barely able to cope with the faster passages in the Leonore II Over. on CD 1. Busch pushes them almost beyond their limits in a too-brisk Mozart Linz Sym. But his warm reading of the delightful Haydn Sinfonia Concertante brings out good-enough playing.

I find it hard to get past these technical limitations, though in pieces like the Brahms Tragic Over. and the Freischutz Over. one can hear how good Busch'es underlying conception is. The major work on CD 2 is a Brahms Second from 1947. The first movement begins alarmingly fast but makes musical sense. These traits hold true for the other movements as well--this is a fast-flowing reading. The mono sound is among the clearest in the set, but I don't quite get why Busch wanted to rush through, given the technical limitaitons of the Danish strings. The collection ends with a thrilling Strauss Don Juan from 1936 with Beecham's London Philharmonic. Again, the tempo is light and fast, but at least the orchestra can more than keep up. Four stars is generous.

Another one of the best in series.......2004-08-14

It's a shame that Fritz Busch wasn't recorded more in the orchestral staples. I also would have liked to have heard him with a world class orchestra on these discs. That of the Danish Radio (which is heard on all selections except Don Juan) is adequate, but thanks largely to the generally very fine leadership of Busch we get a number of excellent performances here. My favorite among them is the Mozart Symphony 36 ("Linz"). It is the finest reading of this piece I've heard. Balance and pacing are virtually ideal, but it is the sense of elan displayed by Busch that particularly stands out....I also like the conductor's Mendelssohn "Italian" Symphony. When one encounters the sort of marvelous musical presence he maintains here in the first movement it's easy to abandon the customary light speed tempo many others have employed. The combination of said presence with other charming features throughout makes this "Italian" extremely pleasurable....Despite the fact that Brahms Second too gets an excellent reading, I generally prefer a more romantic/poetic approach in this piece. My preferences are Jochum's mono reading with the Berlin Philharmonic, Walter's with either the New York Philharmonic (also mono) or the Columbia Symphony, Schuricht's with the Symphony Orchestra of the South German Radio, Weingartner's and Steinberg's Pittsburgh Symphony take (Command lp, but not available on cd)....The Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 2 and the Strauss Don Juan (the only composition performed by the London Philharmonic) get high marks as well, the former for the air of momentousness Busch conveys, the latter for its satisfying characterization, although its recorded sound quality is somewhat below that of the other pieces on these discs....The Weber Der Freischutz Overture is given a fairly decent account as is the Brahms Tragic Overture, however, in the Brahms I seek more tautness and fantasy....Lastly, the Haydn Sinfonia Concertante is the only disappointment. A transfusion of some carbonation would have been in order. No doubt in my mind, this "Great Conductors" installment is a keeper.

A Fully Worthy "Great Conductor" Selection.......2004-06-23

Fritz Busch (1890-1951) is one of the most deserving selections in this "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" series from IMG/EMI. Like Erich Kleiber, Busch was a non-Jewish conductor who elected to flee Germany with the advent of the Third Reich. And like Kleiber, Busch paid the price by never having a full-time, prestige post thereafter. But his subsequent readings of Mozart operas at Glyndebourne, and his work with the Danish State Radio Orchestra (DSRO), are among the greatest recordings ever made.

CD1 here contains Beethoven's Leonore III (DSRO "live" 1950), Mozart's "Linz" Symphony (DSRO 1949), Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony (DSRO "live" 1950 - from the same concert as the Leonore III), and Brahms' "Tragic Overture" (DSRO "live" 1950).

This is a fine Leonore, although it really "takes off" only in the closing pages. It is already available in a better transfer on Vol. 20 of DG's "Historic Beethoven" set - so its inclusion here is somewhat redundant. The "Linz" has long been my favorite recording of the work, just ahead of Scherchen, Koussevitzky, Otterloo and Matzerath. It's also a fine transfer - but I wish that room had been found here for its original HMV LP discmate - a superb Haydn #88.

This "Italian" is my desert island choice. While I also admire the early Koussevitzky and the Toscanini, Busch's reading has more sensible tempos - and the string playing is incredibly lyrical throughout. The Brahms "Tragic" is wonderfully weighty and ruminative - it's one of my favorite readings, along with those by Hans Knappertsbusch (M&A), Fritz Lehmann (Decca LP), Otto Matzerath (Webster LP), and Willem Mengelberg (Naxos).

CD2 opens with Weber's "Der Freischutz" Overture (DSRO 1948), and is followed by Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante (1951 DSRO), Brahms' 2nd Symphony (DSRO 1947), and Richard Strauss's "Don Juan" (1936 London Philharmonic).

This Weber is a fine reading, but it strikes me as a little reticent when compared with the Kleiber and Furtwangler. Busch's Brahms Symphony #2 is a MAGNIFICENT reading. I feel it is the finest "classical" account of the score - it ranks with Furtwangler ("live" 1952 BPO on EMI) and Schuricht/VPO (London LP) as one of the three greatest interpretations ever. Busch studied conducting at the Cologne Conservatory with Fritz Steinbach, who was reputed to be Brahms' favorite conductor of his symphonies, and this account is probably similar to what Brahms so admired. I happen to have a rather sentimental attachment here: my piano teacher from 1955 to 1964 was that conductor's great niece Gretchen Steinbach. I should add that the fine Swiss conductor Peter Maag was Steinbach's great nephew. Busch was also regarded as one of the greatest Strauss conductors - and this "Don Juan" certainly confirms that perception (sadly, it has the poorest sound in this set).

This is one of the few entries in the "Great Conductors" series that displays a representative cross-section of a maestro's art in well-selected performances. But if given a say in the matter, I would have skipped the Leonore, Freitschutz and Sinfonia Concertante in favor of that regal Haydn #88. And that would have left enough room for the stupendous "live" 1942 NY Phil. Beethoven Violin Concerto, which featured the conductor's brother Adolf Busch as soloist. To my ears, it is the only recorded account that rivals the classic 1932 Szigeti/Walter. But regardless of my quibbles, this wonderful 2-disc Busch set is utterly indispensable.

Great Conductors of 20th Century = Best Reissues of the 21st.......2003-05-28

It's sad that the "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" reissue series has not gotten more notice on Amazon and in other places, because it has my vote for the best reissue program thus far of the 21st Century. Drawing from the archives of all the major classical labels (EMI, Sony, BMG, DG, Decca, Philips, Supraphon, etc.), EMI and IMG Artists have assembled a wonderful series of affordable two-disc sets by the leading conductors of the last century. And unlike its counterpart, "The Great Pianists of the 20th Century," which are basically compilations of material already available on other CDs, the "Great Conductors" features rare and, for the most part, previously unreleased performances!

This particular CD, Volume 5, features the great conductor Fritz Busch, brother of the equally great violinist and composer Adolf Busch. As F. Busch died in 1951 before the dawn of the stereo age, the performances presented here are all in mono but don't let that disappoint you. Busch was a master of the German repertoire, but he was forced to take these talents on the road when he was ousted from the Dresden Philharmonic in 1933, thus fleeing Nazi Germany. He spent the war years in a variety of locales, but the concentration of his remaining years was in Copenhagen with the Danish State RSO. All but one of the tracks on this collection document that partnership with brilliant performances of Mozart's "Linz," Mendelssohn's "Italian" and Brahms' 2nd Symphonies, in addition to Beethoven, Brahms and Weber Overtures, and Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante. The final performance is of Strauss' Don Juan with the London Philharmonic, the disc's only pre-WWII recording.

Tracks:

Concerto Grosso In A Minor Op.3, No.8
Concerto In D Minor For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo Bwv1043
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor For Flute & Strings Bwv1067
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D Major Bwv1068
Serenade No.13 In G Kv525 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik'
Overture Der Freischutz
Overture Oberon
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastorale'
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92
Symphony No.8 In B Minor 'Unfinished'
Symphony No.9 In C Major 'Great'
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Major, Op.26
Tannhauser Overture
Lohengrin Prelude To Act One
Les Preludes
In The Steppes Of Central Asia
Symphony No.3 In F Major, Op.90
Academic Festival Overture In C Minor, Op.80
Tragic Overture In D Minor, Op.81
Symphony No.6 In B Minor, Op.74 'Pathetique'
Romeo And Juliet Fantasy Overture
Overture 1812, Op.49
Symphony In D Minor
Fantaisie For Piano And Orchestra
Daphnis Et Chloe Suite No.2
Symphony No.4 In G Major
Don Juan, Op.20
Ein Heldenleben 'A Hero's Life', Op.40
Violin Concerto No.2
Variations On The Hungarian Folk Song 'The Peacock'

Average customer rating:

It Will Blow You Away!!!
Wonderful - but ...
At Last Accordiorama! on CD

Accordiorama

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006290
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Perpetuum Mobile, Op. 25
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Rudolph Wurther: Concert Etude on a Theme of Paganini 'La Campanella'
Invitation To The Dance, Op. 65
Hungarian Dance No. 5
Hungarian Dance No. 6
William Tell Overture
Hora Staccato
La Gioconda: Dance of the Hours

Amazon.com

Here's just what you've been waiting for: a collection of Viennese orchestral pops played by a roomful of accordions! The conductor also made the arrangements, except for one piece he wrote himself, which is the only bore on the program. Accordion freaks may be drool at the thought of a chance to hear Rossini's William Tell Overture played by this ensemble. But after hearing it even non-freaks will have to admit that the arrangements are tasty, the performances lively and involving. This is certainly a unique disc; it turns out to be surprisingly entertaining. The 1961 sound is still pretty lively. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

It Will Blow You Away!!!.......2000-09-12

I love this CD! I always have believed that the accordion had classical potential, and this recording proves it. This group is of the same class as any serious orchestra.

Wonderful - but ..........2000-05-10

I found Accordiorama to be a true delight. The only issue I have with the recording is the use of electronic instruments. Considering the date of the recording this is to be expected. I was truly hoping for a totally acoustic recording. I have played the accordion since childhood and have participated in accordion bands and appreciate the level of professionalism that went into the making of this album. I would recommend this recording to all accordion and/or music lovers.

At Last Accordiorama! on CD.......2000-03-10

When I was a boy growing up in Toronto Canada, I played the Accordion. Yeh I heard all the jokes. One day I bought a Vanguard L.P. called Accordiorama, by the Hohner Accordion Orch. Since I played in an all Accordion orchestra myself, playing classical music, I bought it. When I played the William Tell for my firends they couldn't believe how great it sounded. I wore it out. I even gave a copy to the legendary Garth Hudson of "The Band" who plays Accordion and he enjoyed it as well. I can't wait to hear this on CD. Thanks Amazon. com.

Average customer rating:

A great companion to the book

Orchestral Excerpts for Flute

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

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Orchestral Excerpts for Flute
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ASIN: B0000038JW
Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

Opening Remarks
'Aus Liebe'- St. Mathew Passion
'Domine Deus'- Mass In b
Sym No.3
Sym No.4
Leonore No.3
Entr'acte From Carmen
Menuet From L'Arlesienne
Sym No.1
Sym No.4
Afternoon Of A Faun
Sym No.8
Menuet & Dance From Orpheus
Sym Metamorphoses
Midsummer Night's Dream
Classical Sym
Peter And The Wolf
Bolero
Daphnis Et Chloe'
Russian Easter Ov
Capriccio Espagnol
William Tell Ov
Carnival Of The Animals
Salome
Petrouchka
Chant Du Rossignol
Sym No.4
Closing Remarks

Customer Reviews:

A great companion to the book.......2000-10-28

I own the book of the same title of excerpts, though expensive it was worth it. I was considering not buying this CD since I have recording of the pieces anyway but I am glad I did. Not only is it convienient to have all the excerpts on once CD but Jeanne has a wonderful clear sound makes this a joy to listen to. Having it isolated to better hear what she is talking about is immensely helpful. It's not a fun to listen to recording, it is meant for study, but if you are a flutist learning your major orchestral solos it is just as good as having your teacher walk you through the piece. Perhaps more helpful as a second view is always good to know.

Average customer rating:

Autobahn

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Route 66
Pacific Coast Highway
Blue Ridge Parkway

ASIN: B0009OUB10
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

William Tell Overture - London Symphony Orchestra
Ride Of The Valkeries - From Die Walkure - New York Philharmonic
Fanfare - From Mad Max; Beyond Thunderdome - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sabre Dance - From Gayane - Andre Kostelanetz
Prelude To Act III Of Lohengrin - Boston Pops Orchestra
Friska From Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25 (IV. Rondo Alla Zingarese) - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Procession For Pleasure, Op. 281 - Ensemble Wien-Berlin
Danse Bacchanale - From Samson Et Dalila - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Danse Generale - From Daphnis Et Chloe, Suite No. 2 - Camerata Singers
African Dance - From Aladdin Suite - Swedish Radio Chorus
Symphony No. 9 Choral (II. Molto Vivace) - English Chamber Orchestra
Intrada - From Glagolitic Mass - London Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Carl Maria Von Weber (IV. Marsch) - Los Angeles Philharmonic
Symphony No. 3 - Organ Symphony (IV. Maestoso) - Anthony Newman
1812 Overture, Op. 49 (Finale) - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Average customer rating:

An Eloquent Example of Sensitive Programming
A Little Gem

Des Knaben Wunderhorn

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000000SC1
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Tracks:

Jagdlied aus Op.84 No.3
Altdeutsches Fruhlingslied aus Op.86 No.6
Scheiden und Meiden aus: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit
Ablosung im Sommer aus: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit
Marienwurmchen aus: Lieder-Album fur die Jugend Op.79 No.13
Der Uberlaufer aus: Sieben Lieder mit Begleitung des Pianoforte Op.48 No.2
Liebesklage eines Madchens aus: Sieven Lieder mit Begleitung des Pianoforte Op.48 No.3
Nicht Wiedersehen! aus: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit
Herr Oluf aus: Drei Balladen Op.2 No.2
Ich ging mit Lust aus: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit
Um schlimme Kinder artig zu machen aus: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit
Zu Straurg auf der Schanz aus: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit
Himmelsboten aus: Op.32 No.5
Junggesellenschwur aus: Op.49 No.6
Das bucklichte mannlein
Wie Georg von Frundsberg von sich selver sang aus: Sechs lieder Op.3 No.1
Abendsegen aus: Acht Volkslieder fur Gesang und Klavier Op.64 No.5
Wiegenlied aus: Funf Lieder mit Begleitung des Pianoforte Op.49 No.4

Customer Reviews:

An Eloquent Example of Sensitive Programming.......2005-05-18

Thomas Hampson has long been admired not only for the beauty of his richly pliant baritone voice, but also for the amount of research about composers and musicology he incorporates into his busy recital and opera life. This recording made in 1989 with the superb collaboration of pianist Geoffrey Parsons is an excellent example of what Hampson does best. He has selected the collection of German folk poetry 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn' assembled in 1896 - 1808 by Achim von Arnim and Clemens von Brentano which Goethe proclaimed the true essence of the German people, a legacy that would last forever, and found all of the musical settings to these poems. Indeed Goethe's prophecy proved correct in that many composers set these poems to music with varying degrees of celebrity.

Hampson has collected the renderings of this poems by composers Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, von Weber, Loewe, Richard Strauss, Schoenberg, and of course the most popular settings by Gustav Mahler. The result is a fascinating insight into the way like poems are interpreted by different composers. There are many well-known episodes here but there are also intriguing discoveries of some very beautiful, seldom heard songs. Hampson and Parsons create an atmosphere of musicality and expressivity that is all too rare. That they are performed beautifully is a given!

This is the second release of this particular recital and before it, too, becomes history it is highly recommended for connoisseurs of thoughtful programs. Grady Harp, May 05

A Little Gem.......2002-09-22

This is simply one of the best Lieder records available. It has everything, an excellent selection, a great baritone and a perfect piano partnership. Des Knaben Wunderhorn is a loose collection of text and songs from the German Folklore, which has been taken up by German composers. This collection goes through almost 150 year of German musical history, from Carl Maria von Weber to Richard Strauss. The tone tend to be sprightly, amusing, with the sad touch for balance. The original recording catches Thomas Hampson early in his extensive recording career, with still a fresh bloom in his voice that is perfect for the tunes. It goes to show you that baritones can be fun too. Mr. Parsons is always the perfect pianist for accompaniment. If you do not know what Lieder are, or thing they are boring and "passe", do yourself a favor and check this out.

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