Chopin: Études & Ballades

Amazon.com
In Chopin, Andrei Gavrilov appears to be a pianistic Billy the Kid. His high-octane, well-greased fingers tend to shoot first before asking the musical question. Piano fanciers might get their jollies hearing the "Black Key" or "Winter Wind" études dispatched with no effort, but the surface is still glassy and glib. Conversely, Gavrilov handles the slower, lyrical études and the opening sections of the ballades with "Kid" gloves (all puns intended), to prosaic results. If you want a young pair of hands in the Chopin études, you'll get more musical satisfaction (and sturdier technique) from Vladimir Ashkenazy in his early 20s on Melodya. --Jed Distler

Chopin: Études & Ballades,Fryderyk Chopin,Andrei Gavrilov,Angel Records,Ballade for Keyboard,Classical,Classical Music,Collection of Etudes, Studies, or Exercises for Keyboard,Keyboard

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: Elegance at the piano VALUE FOR MONEY Good bang for the buck. Really good price.

Piano Favorites Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Etudes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Etudes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Piano Favorites The World's Favorite Piano Music Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes ASIN: B000000UVY Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Fantasie Impromptu in C-sharp minor, OP.66
2. Waltz No.15 in A-flat, Op.39
3. Rondo all turca from Sonata in A, K.331
4. Minuet in G
5. Traumerei Op.15 No.7 (from Kinderzenen)
6. Un sospiro
7. Etude in C-sharp minor, Op.10 No.4
8. Etude in G-flat, Op.10 No.5
9. Humoresque, Op.101 No.7
10. 'Fur Elise' (Bagatelle Wo0.59)
11. Claire de lune (Suite Bergamasque, No.3)
12. Golliwog's Cakewalk (Coin des enfants, No.6)
13. Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op.3 No.2
14. Melody in F, Op.3 No.1
15. The Cuckoo
16. La fille aux cheveux de lin (from Preludes Book I)
17. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op.64 No.2
18. Waltz in G-flat, Op.70 No.1
19. Jeux d'eau
20. Gymnopedie No.1 (Lent et douloureux)

Customer Reviews:

Elegance at the piano.......2007-06-16

I grew up listening to Moura Lympany's playing, especially Litolff's Scherzo. Never could understand how a person could play with absolute control at high speed. In this recording, most (though not all - the Etude in C# minor an obvious exception)of the music is more laid back, and played with great grace and with the controlled touch of a pianist at the peak of her career.
The ambience of the recording is a wide open one, giving us the full clear sound that makes listening to a grand piano to enjoyable.
If you enjoy listening to good piano music, this is a recording that you will enjoy a great deal.

VALUE FOR MONEY.......2006-08-24

Dame Moura is my favourite pianist. Her great style and sublety of expression comes out in all her recordings. this CD is the best value for money ever!!

Good bang for the buck........2005-12-07

I was killing some time in the store the other day and was in the mood for a cheap CD for the car for the ride home. I ran across this and saw a few recognizable titles so for about $5 I figured I'd take a chance. I'm fairly impressed, I wasn't crazy about some of her dynamics in Un Sospiro plus her little added frill in there but still enjoyed it...I'd learned that piece myself years back, still can't play it and probably never will! Another piece I've known for years is the infamous Rachmaninov Prelude in C#m. Again, I wasn't crazy about some of the dynamics of her style but she still nails it without a hitch. Then I got to some other interesting pieces, I love the Debussy Golliwog's Cakewalk...really sticks in your head. Sort of a classisized (?) ragtime and it's cool enough that I'm going to dig through my music and see if I don't have it somewhere. I thought the Chopin Etude in C#m was absolutely fabulous, she just cooks through it from beginning to end. I probably have the music for that too...I'm not even going to attempt it! ;-) In fact, I liked all the Chopin she plays here, it seems she had a real flair for his music. Without going on forever here I'll just say that there are several tracks I listen to extensively on here and I'm fairly impressed. For a lousy $5 how can you go wrong? Just buy the thing! I'd never heard of her before so I just did a little 'net searching and I'm saddened to find that she just passed away about 8 months ago at age 88, truly a loss to the classical music world. In any case, even at twice the price I doubt anyone would be disappointed with this CD.

Really good price........2002-06-15

This is a great CD and you can't beat the price. These piano compositions are great for restful backgroud music after a hard day. I want to get a second one for when this one wears out.

Average customer rating: Gabriela Montero CDs Non-professional Review Absolutely Magnificent! Improvisations Unbelievable! A beautiful breath of fresh air!

Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD] Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ginastera | Ginastera, Alberto | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ginastera, Alberto | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach & Beyond - Gabriela Montero Gabriela Montero en Concert à Montréal Bach & Beyond [United Kingdom] The Carnegie Hall Concert Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording ASIN: B0009VK0LO Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Moment Musical In E Mino Op. 12 No. 4
2. Prelude In G Op.32 No.5
3. Etude-Tableau In D Op.39 No.9
4. Prelude in D Flat Op.17 No.3
5. Prelude In E Flat Minor Op.16 No.4
6. Prelude In G Op.13 No.3
7. Etude in C Sharp Minor Op.42 No.5
8. La Vida Breve: First Spanish Dance - Manuel De Falla
9. Goyescas: Quejas O La Maya Y El Ruisenor
10. Danza Del Viejo Boyero
11. Danza De La Moza Donosa
12. Danza Del Gaucho Matrero
13. Nocturne In D Flat Op.27 No.2
14. Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66
15. Mephisto Waltz No.1

Tracks:

1. On Rachmaniov: Vocalise
2. On The Theme From Bach 'Goldberg Variations'
3. On Chopin: Nocturne In D Flat
4. On Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
5. Inspired By Scriabin
6. On Duermete Mi Nino
7. In The Style Of Tango
8. On Granados: 'Quejas O La Maya El Ruisenor'
9. In The Style Of Bach
10. On Chopin: Prelude In A
11. 'Improvisation in Blue (Gabriela Montero)'
12. 'Song for Natalia and Isabella (Gabriela Montero)'

Customer Reviews:

Gabriela Montero CDs.......2007-06-12

Excellent service -- speedy, just as described, well-packaged. I'd definitely buy from this seller again.

Non-professional Review.......2007-03-27

Okay, I listen almost exclusively to classical music, but I do so simply for the pleasure and nothing more. I cannot tell you about Gabriela Montero's technique, and, when she improvises, I have no ability to judge the music's intrinsic value, authenticity, or whatever. I can only tell you this: while I own many dozens of albums, running the full spectrum of the classical genre, I value none of them above Montero's Bach and Beyond and her Piano Recital. Pure listening joy!

Absolutely Magnificent!.......2007-03-09

I first saw Gabriela Montero on 60 Minutes a few months ago and was taken by her playing ability as well as her ability to improvise on the classics. Ms. Montero's fingers fly over the keyboard, playing Rachmaninoff more dramatically and key-perfect than I've heard in a long time. I decided to purchase this CD and have not been disappointed.

Improvisations Unbelievable!.......2007-01-26

Gabriela Montero is a tremendous talent, both in standard classical repertoire, and improvisation. I have know her since she was a young girl, and she was by far the best pianist around, even then. She is an undersung pianist of our age, and should rise to the top very soon!

A beautiful breath of fresh air!.......2007-01-20

What a sheer delight hearing her play. I've never heard anyone quite like her. A phenomenally gifted player, and it's a rare treat to hear someone who defies pigeonholing. I had heard her on the radio, and knew I was onto something when her improvisation on a very simple theme gave me the chills. I love both CD's in this collection.

It's interesting hearing the negative response coming from some classical musicians and fans. At times it can seem to roughly follow the stages of grief as proposed by Kubler-Ross. I'm a professional guitarist, and it's funny because it's almost identical to how guitarists react to hearing another guitarist, but with an big class-conscious overlay (all very civilized, of course). Think of the "guitarist screwing in a lightbulb" joke. To paraphrase and extrapolate on what someone might say upon hearing her improvisation:

1. Shock: Wow, he's good. Oh, and it's a woman!? And you say it's improvisation??

2. Denial: That can't possibly be improvisation. Classical musicians don't engage in that untidy process. What she's playing must be written out, and I can tell! Don't ask, I just know it.

3. Anger: This stuff is no good. Only permanent music is of value through the ages, and that's why classical music (and only the European kind) is better than any other music. Besides, I can't improvise, so I reject it - and only THOSE people engage in improvisation.

4. Depression: She can play all the classical music, and seemingly can improvise, or at least pass her stuff off as such. Not only that, she's getting attention and money, and we're not. Why is the world unfair?

5. Acceptance: (sort of) Well, I guess she's selling CD's, and is becoming successful. She is, I hate to admit it, a great player. Even if she is a faker. Of course, they're begging my Muffy to become artist-in-residence in Spoleto....

The other reviewer has a point when he says that she may be viewed as a curiosity. Because she's crossing genres, people may not know what to make of it, and this often causes reflexive hostility. As an improvisor, I would agree that it's hard to say that something is 100% improvised - players tend to have pet phrases and favorite general ideas they return to. But to me, Gabriela's playing is at the highest level of skill, beauty, and feeling, whether improvising or playing written pieces.

Average customer rating: My experience of this CD Beautiful! Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful! Best investment to make A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !

Chopin: The Piano Works Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Liszt: Piano Works Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Works for Solo Piano Mozart: The Piano Concertos ASIN: B0000041KB Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

1. 24 Preludes, Op.28: I - C Major
2. 24 Preludes, Op.28: II - A Minor
3. 24 Preludes, Op.28: III - G Major
4. 24 Preludes, Op.28: IV - E Minor
5. 24 Preludes, Op.28: V - D Major
6. 24 Preludes, Op.28: VI - B Minor
7. 24 Preludes, Op.28: VII - A Major
8. 24 Preludes, Op.28: VIII - F Sharp Minor
9. 24 Preludes, Op.28: IX - E Major
10. 24 Preludes, Op.28: X - C Sharp Minor
11. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XI - B Major
12. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XII - G Sharp Minor
13. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIII - F Sharp Major
14. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIV - E Flat Minor
15. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XV - D Flat Major 'Raindrop'
16. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVI - B Flat Minor
17. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVII - A Flat Major
18. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVIII - F Minor
19. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIX - E Flat Major
20. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XX - C Minor
21. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXI - B Flat Major
22. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXII - G Minor
23. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIII - F Major
24. 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIV - D Minor
25. Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
26. Prelude In A Flat Major
27. Impromptu In A Flat Major, Op.29
28. Impromptu In F Sharp Major, Op.36
29. Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.51
30. Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor, Op.66

Tracks:

1. Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
2. Ballade No.2 In F Major, Op.38
3. Ballade No.3 In A Flat Major, Op.47
4. Ballade No.4 In F Minor, Op.52
5. Scherzo No.1 In B Minor, Op.20
6. Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
7. Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
8. Scherzo No.4 In E Minor, Op.54

Tracks:

1. 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: I - B Flat Minor
2. 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: II - E Flat Major
3. 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: III - B Major
4. 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: I - F Major
5. 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: II - F Sharp Major
6. 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: III - G Minor
7. 2 Nocturnes, Op.27: I - C Sharp Minor
8. 2 Nocturnes, Op.27: II - D Flat Major
9. 2 Nocturnes, Op.32: I - B Major
10. 2 Nocturnes, Op.32: II - A Flat Major
11. 2 Nocturnes, Op.37: I - G Minor
12. 2 Nocturnes, Op.37: II - G Major

Tracks:

1. 2 Nocturnes, Op.48: I - C Minor
2. 2 Nocturnes, Op.48: II - F Sharp Minor
3. 2 Nocturnes, Op.55: I - F Minor
4. 2 Nocturnes, Op.55: II - E Flat Major
5. 2 Nocturnes, Op.62: I - B Major
6. 2 Nocturnes, Op.62: II - E Major
7. Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1
8. Nocutrne In C Sharp Minor
9. Nocturne In C Minor

Tracks:

1. 12 Etudes, Op.10: I - C Major
2. 12 Etudes, Op.10: II - A Minor
3. 12 Etudes, Op.10: III - E Major
4. 12 Etudes, Op.10: IV - C Sharp Minor
5. 12 Etudes, Op.10: V - G Flat Major 'Black Key'
6. 12 Etudes, Op.10: VI - E Flat Minor
7. 12 Etudes, Op.10: VII - C Major
8. 12 Etudes, Op.10: VIII - F Major
9. 12 Etudes, Op.10: IX - F Minor
10. 12 Etudes, Op.10: X - A Flat Major
11. 12 Etudes, Op.10: XI - E Flat Major
12. 12 Etudes, Op.10: XII - C Minor 'Revolutionary'
13. 12 Etudes, Op.25: I - A Flat Major
14. 12 Etudes, Op.25: II - F Minor
15. 12 Etudes, Op.25: III - F Major
16. 12 Etudes, Op.25: IV - A Minor
17. 12 Etudes, Op.25: V - E Minor
18. 12 Etudes, Op.25: VI - G Sharp Minor
19. 12 Etudes, Op.25: VII - C Sharp Minor
20. 12 Etudes, Op.25: VIII - D Flat Major
21. 12 Etudes, Op.25: IX - G Flat Major
22. 12 Etudes, Op.25: X - B Minor
23. 12 Etudes, Op.25: XI - A Minor 'Winter Wind'
24. 12 Etudes, Op.25: XII - C Minor

Tracks:

1. 2 Polonaises, Op.26: I - C Sharp Minor
2. 2 Polonaises, Op.26: II - E Flat Minor
3. 2 Polonaises, Op.40: I - A Major
4. 2 Polonaises, Op.40: II - C Minor
5. Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44
6. Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53
7. Polonaise-fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op.61

Tracks:

1. 3 Polonaises, Op.71: I - D Minor
2. 3 Polonaises, Op.71: II - B Flat Major
3. 3 Polonaises, Op.71: III - F Minor
4. Polonaise In B Flat Minor
5. Polonaise In G Flat Major
6. Polonaise In G Minor
7. Polonaise In B Flat Major
8. Polonaise In A Flat Major
9. Polonaise In G Sharp Minor

Tracks:

1. Waltz In E Flat Major, Op.18
2. 3 Waltzes, Op.34: I - A Flat Major
3. 3 Waltzes, Op.34: II - A Minor
4. 3 Waltzes, Op.34: III - F Major
5. Waltz In A Flat Major, Op.42
6. 3 Waltzes, Op.64: I - D Flat Major
7. 3 Waltzes, Op.64: II - C Sharp Minor
8. 3 Waltzes, Op.64: III - A Flat Major
9. 2 Waltzes, Op.69: I - A Flat Major
10. 2 Waltzes, Op.69: II - B Minor
11. 3 Waltzes, Op.70: I - G Flat Major
12. 3 Waltzes, Op.70: II - F Minor
13. 3 Waltzes, Op.70: III - D Flat Major
14. Waltz In E Minor (1830)
15. Waltz In E Major (1829)
16. Waltz In A Minor (?1843)
17. Waltz In A Flat Major (1827)
18. Waltz In E Flat Major ('Sostenuto', 1840)
19. Waltz In E Flat Major (1829 - 1830)

Tracks:

1. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: I - F Sharp Minor
2. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: II - C Sharp Minor
3. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: III - E Major
4. 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: IV - E Flat Minor
5. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: I - B Flat Major
6. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: II - A Minor
7. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: III - F Minor
8. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: IV - A Flat Major
9. 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: V - C Major
10. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: I - B Flat Major
11. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: II - E Minor
12. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: III - A Flat Major
13. 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: IV - A Minor
14. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: I - G Minor
15. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: II - C Major
16. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: III - A Flat Major
17. 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: IV - B Flat Minor
18. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: I - C Minor
19. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: II - B Minor
20. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: III - D Flat Major
21. 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: IV - C Sharp Minor
22. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: I - G Sharp Minor
23. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: II - D Major
24. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: III - C Major
25. 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: IV - B Minor
26. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: I - C Sharp Minor
27. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: II - E Minor
28. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: III - B Major
29. 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: IV - A Flat Major

Tracks:

1. 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: I - G Major
2. 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: II - A Flat Major
3. 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: III - C Sharp Minor
4. 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: I - B Major
5. 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: II - C Major
6. 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: III - C Minor
7. 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: I - A Minor
8. 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: II - A Flat Major
9. 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: III - F Sharp Minor
10. 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: I - B Major
11. 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: II - F Minor
12. 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: III - C Sharp Minor
13. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: I - G Major
14. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: II - G Minor
15. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: III - C Major
16. 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: IV - A Minor
17. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: I - C Major
18. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: II - A Minor
19. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: III - F Major
20. 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: IV - F Minor
21. Mazurka In A Minor ('a Emile Gaillard', 1840)
22. Mazurka In A Minor ('Notre temps', 1840)
23. Mazurka In B Flat Major (1826)
24. Mazurka In G Major (1826)
25. Mazurka In A Flat Major (1834)
26. Mazurka In C Major (1833)
27. Mazurka In B Flat Major (For Alexandra Wolowska, 1832)
28. Mazurka In D Major (1832)
29. Mazurka In D Major (?1820)
30. Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No. 4 - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: I - Grave - Doppio movimento
2. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: II - Scherzo
3. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: III - Marche funebre
4. Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: IV - Finale: Presto
5. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: I - Allegro maestoso
6. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: II - Scherzo: Molto vivace
7. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: III - Largo
8. Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: IV - Finale: Presto, non tanto
9. Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: I - Allegro maestoso
2. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: II - Minuetto - Trio
3. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: III - Larghetto
4. Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: IV - Finale: Presto
5. Variations sur un air national allemand - E Major (1826)
6. Rondo In C Minor, Op.1
7. 3 Ecossaises, Op.72 No.3: I - D Major; II - G Major; III - D Flat Major
8. Rondo 'a la Mazur' In F Major, Op.5
9. Marche funebre In C Minor, Op.72 No.2
10. Contredanse In G Flat Major (?1827) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
11. Rondo In C Major, Op.73 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
12. Variations In D Major For Piano Duet (1826) - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

1. Variations In A Major ('Souvenir de Paganini', 1829)
2. Variations brillantes In B Flat Major, Op.12
3. Rondo In E Flat Major, Op.16
4. Bolero In A Minor, Op.19
5. Cantabile In B Flat Major
6. Variation In E Major
7. Largo In E Flat Major
8. Allegro de concert In A Major, Op.46
9. 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): I - F Minor
10. 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): II - A Flat Major
11. 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): III - D Flat Major
12. Tarentelle In A Flat Major, Op.43
13. Fugue In A Minor (1841 - 42)
14. Albumblatt in E Major (1843)
15. Op.74 No.2: Wiosna - Spring
16. 2 Bourrees (1846): I - G Minor; II - A Major
17. Galop Marquis
18. Berceuse In D Flat Major, Op.57
19. Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60

Customer Reviews:

My experience of this CD.......2007-04-04

My hats off to this CD collection! It was worth it!!! Chopin is a true genius for the piano, on this collection.

Beautiful!.......2006-08-18

This is a beautifully played collection of Chopin's work. It was a birthday gift,
and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite
CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.

Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!.......2006-06-10

I am not a classical music expert but I am an expert when it comes to a great product. I have listened to the works of rubenstein and Horowitz, but nothing is comparable to this great collection of polands favorite son. The nocturnes are dreamy and romantic. The other pieces though not as mesmerizing have plenty of depth and feeling. This is a collection that you will listen to over and over again. Although this music is great anytime, it's especially meaningful during a light rainfall. Go ahead and make this investment. It's only $100.00. For the next 100 days save a dollar and you will have it paid for. I promise you won't be sorry. Excellent! Excellent!

Best investment to make.......2006-05-21

In my opinion, this is the apex of classical music. You will not find a better CD for Chopin or any piano recordings. There may be plenty of comparable CDs, but nothing can claim to surpass this.

Although some pieces are not as good as those by other artists, Ashkenazy's interpretations of Chopin are the best I've ever heard. Add in his amazing technical performance and you've got some sublime music.

Listening to these pieces have immensely helped my own Chopin reportoire. I don't play to mimic Ashkenazy, but I use his insights and apply my own style over that and end up with something exponentially better than what I could produce on my own.

The price is something you have to seriously consider. A hundred bucks. Yeah, that's a lot of money, but that's 48 cents per song. And you'll listen to these songs dozens of times, at least, I guarantee. Plus it's a great deal... if you were to get all the Ashkenazy-Chopin CDs available on Amazon, overlapping pieces as little as possible, you'd pay $30 more and still not have everything.

This is an investment for life and will definitely remain one of my favorite CD sets for decades. Decades. A hundred bucks for decades of amazing music. This stuff is larger than today, larger than life.. music this good is something you can't afford to pass up because of temporary financial difficulties.

A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !.......2005-09-15

Lets imagine that Chopin himself has recorded his own compositions in a perfectly clear CD. I am sure that some classical music reviewers would say "This is not the way Chopin is meant to be played". These classical music "pundits" are very intolerant.

Interpretation and emotion feeling is also a matter of taste, so that the only one who can give a final answer is Franois (Frederic).

Ashkenazy is gifted with a phenomenal technique, a great pianist. So that this collection is for sure 5 stars. Enjoy it.

Ah, if you like to see piano technique in action, listen to Georgy Cziffra's interpretation of Etude op. 10 no. 4. (Search the album in my reviews.)

Average customer rating: Beautiful Music for a Romantic Evening perfect dramatic piano Arguably, one of the best classical pianists ever.

Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Dichter, Misha | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Etudes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Etudes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit Vivaldi for Valentines: Romantic Interludes for the One You Love ASIN: B0000041NL Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

1. Liebestraum (Dream Of Love)
2. Waldesrauschen (Forest Murmurs)
3. Un sospiro (A Sigh)
4. Liebesbotschaft (Message of Love)
5. Widmung (Dedication)
6. The Maiden's Wish
7. My Darling
8. Die Loreley
9. Au Bord D'Une Source
10. Harmonies Du Soir
11. Les Jeux D'Eaux A La Villa D'Este
12. Sonata In B Minor - Andante Sostenuto
13. Isolde's Liebestodt

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music for a Romantic Evening.......2005-12-15

The CD insert design of the Set Your Life to Music series might suggest that this is a collection "Classical Lite." However, while this compilation provides some Liszt's most well-known music, these beautiful and deep pieces should not be mistaken for "easy listening." These are wonderful compositions by a great composer, performed by musicians of the highest caliber (especially Claudio Arrau). This is music to close your eyes to while listening to and enjoying every note and every nuance of the performances.

Most of the selections are performed by Claudio Arrau, one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, an acknowledged master of the Liszt repertoire and, furthermore, a pupil of one of Liszt's pupils. Arrau plays these selections with power, passion, sensitivity, and highly nuanced delicacy, depending on what a given passage calls for, as he takes the listener through the rising and falling tides of passion in Liszt's music.

The "non-Arrau" selections recorded by Misha Dichter, Wibi Soerjadi, and Zoltan Kocsis are also excellent. All the recorded selections, whether digital or analog, have very clear sound quality. Highly recommended, whether as an introduction to Lizst or to add to several other CDs of music by this great Romantic composer.

perfect dramatic piano.......2004-05-28

Both Liszt and Arrau are at their apogee in this CD. This is one the few piano cd's I've heard where Liszt's passionate genius is both appropriately frighteningly strong and beautifully tender (as many of his contemporaries noted 150 years ago). Arrau, always thoughtful, and with his emphasis on touch and color, and delicacy, penetrates to the heart of these sometimes breathtakingly orchestral piano sounds. This is lush arch-romantic piano with a huge nuanced sound, and a constant emotional ebb and flow (and sound volume) as powerful than any other composer of that tempestuous era I have heard. The cd is very clearly recorded with excellent dynamics. Every selection is strong and well chosen and the cd sets a very consistent brooding romantic mood. The best introduction to (and still my favorite) Liszt.

Arguably, one of the best classical pianists ever........2001-08-12

As soon as I heard the piano solo, Liebestraume, I immediately purchased this cd particularly because it contains some of the greatest piano pieces ever composed. During Liszt's lifetime, audiences were very appreciative of his talent and ability to express his emotions through the use of his piano. Influenced by Chopin, Franz Liszt ultimately achieved high status as a composer with the ability to play spectacular classical music. Some of the songs included possess titles about nature, and in one of the songs, the piano is played so brilliantly that it feels as if you're actually listening to fountains. Lovers of classical music should purchase this remarkable disc. And best of all, at a low price, this is a great bargain.

Average customer rating: Irresistable true to its title Suffers much from poor quality The Encore is more important than you might think! Rave Review!

Horowitz Encores Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Horowitz, Vladimir | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Horowitz Plays Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Prokofiev, and others Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD] Horowitz in Moscow Horowitz: The Last Recording ASIN: B000003ER2 Release Date: 1990-02-22

Tracks:

1. Horowitz Variations on a theme from Carmen
2. Danse macabre
3. Sonata No.11, K.331: Rondo alla turca
4. Wedding march and variations: Liszt - Horowitz Wedding march and variations
5. Elegie Op.85 No.4: Songs without words - Elegie
6. Spring Song,Op.62, No 6: Mendelssohn: Spring Song
7. The Sheperd's Complaint,Op.67,No.5: Mendelssohn: The Sheperd's Complaint
8. Serenade of the doll: Debussy - Serenade of the doll
9. Etude In A-flat
10. Etude,Op.72 No.6 in F: Etude In F
11. Op.36,No.6: Etincelles
12. polonaise, Op. 53 In A-flat
13. C- Traumerei Op.15 No.7: Traumerei
14. Scherzo a capriccio
15. Rakoczy March Hungarian Rhapsody No.15: Rakoczy March
16. Valse oubliee #1: Valse oubliee No. 1
17. Prelude in G Minor Op.23,No.5: Prelude In G Minor
18. The Stars And Stripes Forever

Amazon.com

Whether you love Vladimir Horowitz or not, you had to admit that in some showpieces he is incomparable. Here are lots of them: his own Variations on a Theme from Carmen, his souped-up versions of the Danse Macabre and Rakoczy March, and Moszkowski's Sparks. Stars and Stripes Forever sounds as though the pianist had at least three hands--and good ones at that. I never cared for Horowitz's Chopin, and I'm afraid he beats the hell out of the Chopin Polonaise he plays here. But when you want to hear Horowitz the great showman, this is definitely the disc to play. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Irresistable.......2006-02-17

Vladimir Horowitz was a master programmer, for the formal recital, and for an informal recital of encores after the printed program was finished. His first encore would invariably be a restful, contemplative piece, with contrasting fireworks to follow. Not every piece on this CD, recorded from 1942-1981, was used by Horowitz for encore material, and the emphasis here is on fireworks.

The works on this CD can be divided into three categories: Horowitz's arrangements of orchestra pieces, double hyphenated elaborations by Horowitz of Liszt transcriptions, and "straight" piano music.

Horowitz's Variations on a Theme from Bizet's Carmen followed him throughout most of his career. None of Horowitz's seven recordings (including two piano roles, three studio recordings [1928 this one from 1947, and 1957], and two televised performances) are quite the same, as Horowitz was constantly revising and refining this piece.

As an expression of gratitude and pride at becoming an American citizen, Horowitz concocted an arrangement of Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever--which he premiered in 1945 at I Am An American Day in New York's Central Park. By playing the piece at a true march tempo (rather than the scherzo-like tempo used in most orchestral performances) Horowitz is able to perform nearly very detail of Sousa's orchestration--including the piccolo flourishes at the climax.

Both Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre and the Mendelsson-Liszt Wedding March are enhancements of Liszt's arrangements which would have made even that 19th Century titan gasp. Likewise Horowitz's total reworking of Liszt's Rakóczy March (which really sounds more like an arrangement of Berlioz's orchestral version), which takes demonism to new levels.

Yet there is an intimate side to Horowitz's playing which can be forgotten in the virtuosic sound & fury. The three Mendelssohn Songs Without Words are played with a lyrical simplicity. The inner voices of Schumann's Träumerai wake up and stretch while the piece dreams away. Horowitz's performance of Debussy's Serenade of the Doll makes one wish he had recorded the entire Children's Corner. He did record the complete Mozart Sonata in A, K. 331 years after the exerpt included here, and unlike the standard performance here, played the Rondo alla turca at a true march tempo.

Horowitz's performances of Moszkowski are so well known that it's difficult to think of the composer without thinking of the pianist. Yet he only recorded three pieces, all included here. Over fifty years after their issue, they remain benchmarks among piano recordings.

Not every performance on this CD shows Horowitz at his best. Chopin's A-flat Polonaise is effortlessly tossed-off, yet somehow misses the majesty Rubinstein brought to this piece. Both Mendelssohn's Scherzo a capriccio and Rachmaninoff's G minor Prelude have labored moments. Yet even off form Horowitz is better than many another pianist's best efforts.

The sound varies on this CD, and most of it is in mono. Many of these pieces had been dropped from Horowitz's repertoire by the stereo era. But as examples of masterful exploitation of the piano's resources, exciting interpretation, and brilliant--even manic--performance, this compilation transcends any sonic limitations.

true to its title.......2005-03-24

Horowitz plays these gems with the brilliance that can only come from his hands. "Technique" is the operative word here, and you can find it in abundance. Several of these pieces are Horowitz arrangements of pieces in the classical repertory (ie, Variations on a theme from Carmen, Danse Macabre, Wedding March, Racokzy March, Stars and Stripes, etc.). It is in these arrangements that Horowitz' technique flames overwhelmingly. Others are performances of pieces in their original form (Alla Turca March, Chopin Polonaise, Elegy, Midsummer Night's Dream, etc.). It is in these latter pieces that one finds light, sweet treats that tantalize our auditory "taste buds."

Dont expect anything heavy, profound, or deep-thinking. Encores were meant to be light, showy, brilliant gems of limited significance musically.

Suffers much from poor quality.......2002-09-02

Its a shame that Horowitz was in retirement through most of the "golden age" of recording in the 60's. I didn't discover 'til I had it unwrapped (and non-returnable) that most of the pieces on this disk are simply transfers from old 78's, and Horowitz's magical piano dynamics are simply gone. This one is only for the true afficianados, scholars, and historical buffs. Buy it for the historic value, but not the sound; which is terrible.

The Encore is more important than you might think!.......2002-07-09

These are famous Horowitz encores. They are not the titanic pieces he became famous or historically important for, but they are the pieces that made him popular with the public. Some are his own transcriptions, and every performance is his own.

As one reviewer below said well, the encore was a special part of the recital that had its own demands and expectations. Having attended many recitals in my life I can tell you that it is a part of the recital art form that could use some revival. It isn't enough to simply flash and toss off little musical candies. That isn't what these are.

Nor do you want to lay on something with too much weight that detracts from what you did during the main recital. However, you want to send the audience away happy, impressed, and with a sense of delight with the performer and their recital experience.

Each of these pieces accomplished those goals. And Horowitz has a lot to teach all of us.

Plus these are wonderful and spectacular performances. I am so glad to have them on disk.

Rave Review!.......2000-03-19

As a lifetime student and advanced coach of the piano I highly recommend this recording to all, who would like to here music of a bygone era. This album features encores of a pianistic style seldom heard in our day, recorded by the last of the truly great masters of the art of keyboard science. Though most are flashy in appearance (such as his 1940's recording of The Stars and Stripes Forever), some reveal an elegant simplicity (Schumann's Traumerei), and all display a technical mastery of the keyboard rarely achieved in the pianistic art. Trully all of these recordings reflect the art form of the encore, which was an intricate part of the 19th century concert stage. The Horowitz recordings contained on this CD are historic and will be a real treat for all who appreciate fine music.

Average customer rating: Impecable! Superb Playing Really extraordinary performance of the Preludes and Etudes! About the Etudes This Music Doesn't Need A Title

Chopin: Etudes/Preludes/Polonaises Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Pollini, Maurizio | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Chopin: Nocturnes Beethoven: Die Späten Klaviersonaten Chopin: 4 Ballades; Fantaisie, Op. 49; Prelude, Op. 45 Chopin: The Complete Nocturnes And Impromptus Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording ASIN: B000001GE5 Release Date: 1991-02-08

Tracks:

1. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 1 C-dur: Allegro
2. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 2 a-moll: Allegro
3. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 3 E-dur: Lento, ma non troppo
4. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 4 cis-moll: Presto
5. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 5 Ges-dur: Vivace
6. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 6 es-moll: Andante
7. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 7 C-dur: Vivace
8. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 8 F-dur: Allegro
9. 12 Etudes Op. 10: No. 9 f-moll: Allegro, molto agitato
10. Etudes Op. 10: No. 10 As-dur: Vivace assai
11. Etudes Op. 10: No. 11 Es-dur: Allegretto
12. Etudes Op. 10: No. 12 c-moll: Allegro con fuoco
13. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 1 As-dur: Allegro sostenuto
14. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 2 f-moll: Presto
15. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 3 F-dur: Allegro
16. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 4 a-moll: Agitato
17. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 5 e-moll: Vivace
18. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 6 gis-moll: Allegro
19. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 7 cis-moll: Lento
20. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 8 Des-dur: Vivace
21. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 9 Ges-dur: Allegro assai
22. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 10 h-moll: Allegro con fuoco
23. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 11 a-moll: Lento - Allegro con brio
24. 12 Etudes Op. 25: No. 12 c-moll: Molto allegro, con fuoco

Tracks:

1. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 1 C-Dur: Agitato
2. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 2 a-moll: Lento
3. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 3 G-Dur: Vivace
4. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 4 e-moll: Largo
5. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 5 D-Dur: Allegro molto
6. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 6 h-moll: Lento assai
7. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 7 A-Dur: Andantino
8. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 8 fis-moll: Molto agitato
9. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 9 E-Dur: Largo
10. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 10 cis-moll: Allegro molto
11. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 11 H-Dur: Vivace
12. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 12 gis-moll: Presto
13. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 13 Fis-Dur: Lento
14. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 14 es-moll: Allegro
15. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 15 Des-Dur: Sostenuto
16. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 16 b-moll: Presto con fuoco
17. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 17 As-Dur: Allegretto
18. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 18 f-moll: Allegro molto
19. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 19 Es-Dur: Vivace
20. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 20 c-moll: Largo
21. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 21 B-Dur: Cantabile
22. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 22 g-moll: Molto agitato
23. 24 Preludes Op. 28: Nr. 23 F-Dur: Moderato
24. 24 Preludes Op. 28: No. 24 d-moll: Allegro apassionato

Tracks:

1. Polonaise Op. 26: No. 1: Allegro appassionato
2. Polonaise Op. 26: No. 2: Maestoso
3. Polonaise Op. 40: No. 1: Allegro con brio
4. Polonaise Op. 40: No. 2: Allegro maestoso
5. Polonaise Op. 44
6. Polonaise Op. 53
7. Polonaise-Fantasie Op. 61

Amazon.com essential recording

Chopin may have distrusted romanticism, yet no other romantic composer has worn as well. His music both stings and sings with harmonic adventurousness, together with an uncanny instinct for the geography of the keyboard. The Op. 28 Préludes exemplify Chopin's genius for telegraphing big ideas into snug spaces, while his Études provide an index to his pianistic idiom. Pollini fares best in the Préludes, where his aristocratic pacing and cool control allow the music's mood swings to speak for themselves. The Études glitter with icy accuracy, but the Polonaises lack Rubinstein's rhythmic snap and generosity of spirit. Still, Pollini's unruffled pianism remains the envy of every conservatory student and competition aspirant. DG's analog sonics are fully competitive. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Impecable!.......2005-11-09

Pollini's interpretation and execution of the 24 etudes is superb, as are his polanaises. His preludes however, no.19 especially, I feel, have a touch of delicacy which it could do without. Where marked 'vivace' it is played closer to 'presto'. Apart from this however it is a first class performance, and fully worthy of the 5 stars I have given it.

Matt

Superb Playing.......2005-08-24

While sometimes a little faster than generally performed (as my teacher put it "because he can!") Pollini exeplifies near flawless technique with wonderful interpretation of Chopin. The only complaint I personally have, is that the playing seems a bit technical, and not as much emotion is put into the actual peices. Though Etudes are not generally known for their musicality, Pollini, I feel, could still be afford a little more push/pull in some of the selections.

Pollini does bring a new freshness to the set of preludes. Overplayed and sometimes butchered by the amateur pianist, Pollini peroforms these preludes masterfully and brings them to a level that I've rarely heard.

Other than my minor complaint, I feel that for any student or teacher willing to complete, add or update their library this is a great choice. Pollini delivers a crystal clear performance, worthy of any listener. Easily one of my favorite recordings in my collection!

Really extraordinary performance of the Preludes and Etudes!.......2005-02-25

It takes a very great artist to be able to play pieces which have been overperformed and overtaught, and bring something fresh to the table. Pollini does just that, especially in his performances of the Preludes and Etudes.

I would love to take a poll of the pianists and piano teachers here to see how many times they have taught the Chopin Preludes. From my own experience, I've taught these pieces so many times that I find myself dreading teaching #4 (e minor), #6 (b minor), #7 (A Major) or #20 (c minor) -- and I think we forget that these pieces are actual music and NOT "teaching pieces".

Pollini succeeds in taking these over-played pieces and transforming them back into "music". It's really nothing short of amazing. As I listened, I began noticing secondary melodies I'd never heard, particularly in #5 (D Major), #13 (F-Sharp Major), and #14 (e-flat minor). The F-Sharp Major Prelude is particularly gorgeous -- almost heart-rendingly so in the middle section. The g-sharp minor Prelude has exactly the right sense of fire and drive to bring this piece across; the A-Flat Major, E-Flat Major and F Major Preludes are nothing short of ravishing.

I bought this CD collection on suggestion of a friend of mine (also a pianist) who has experienced the same kind of burn-out I have with Chopin pieces which are over-taught and over-played, and/or over-interpreted to the point where the pieces become parodies of themselves. (I never heard so much bad, truly affected Chopin playing as I did at the school where I initially trained as a pianist!).

Pollini's Chopin is a real breath of fresh air -- restrained, elegantly timed rubatos; enough pedal to effect tonal coloring without the overpedalling so common in so many Chopin performances; a sense of drama in the playing combined with an edge of restraint so the pieces are never "over-played"; and he has an uncanny ability to convey a strong sense of structure to these pieces.

I can say quite honestly that the performances of the Preludes and Etudes on this CD have the force of a revelation. The proof of this is that after hearing the CD (many times), I have decided to learn all 24 Preludes (plus the C-Sharp Minor Prelude, op. 45) and play them all in a recital.

The Polonaises aren't quite as spellbinding as the Preludes and as riveting as the Etudes; but the Preludes and Etudes make this a compelling collection. I strongly and enthusiastically recommend this CD compilation!

About the Etudes.......2001-02-14

This album may be the best Chopin package on the market, especially given the bargain price. That said, an out-of-print CD featuring a young Vladimir Ashkenazy, recorded in Moscow in 1959/60, would be an even better choice (with respect to the Etudes) should it ever again become available. In that legendary recording, Ashkenazy's technique - especially in Op. 25, No. 6 - sends chills down the spine, and he infuses more life into the music than does Pollini. The Ashkenazy of that vintage should not be confused with his older ghost, currently available on the London/Decca label.

What Pollini offers here are whistle-clean performances of (some of) Chopin's major solo works. Pollini's approach, if somewhat clinical, is refreshing for its lack of affectation or excess. He does not belabor the music as many other Chopin performers are inclined to do, and he plays with solid technique throughout.

This Music Doesn't Need A Title.......2001-02-09

I really like this CD because (1) I am a big Chopin fan, and (2) I know these pieces well. Chopin's good point is his romanticism. The tracks on this CD are full of his deep, pasionate feeling for his native Poland, even though he was half French and lived outside Poland in such places as Majorca. He was the archetype of the romantic exile, and did his best to live up to this image by writing appropriately evocative music.

Average customer rating: A historical legacy! Masterpieces played by the great Horowitz Insert Here Any Superlative You Can Think Of WHAT IS GOING ON? Just the Facts...

Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD] Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Busoni | Busoni, Ferruccio | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Magic of Horowitz Horowitz in Moscow Horowitz: The Last Recording Horowitz in Moscow Horowitz Encores ASIN: B0000CF314 Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

1. Organ Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564 I. - J.S. Bach
2. Organ Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564 II. - J.S. Bach
3. Organ Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564 III. - J.S. Bach
4. Fantasy In C Major, Op.17 (I)
5. Fantasy In C Major, Op.17 (II)
6. Fantasy In C Major, Op.17 (III)
7. Piano Sonata No. 9 In F Major, Op. 68 'Black Mass' - Scriabin
8. Poeme In F-Sharp Major, Op. 32, No. 1 - Scriabin

Tracks:

1. Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30, No.4 - Chopin
2. Etude No. 8 In F Major, Op. 10 - Chopin
3. Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23, No.1 - Chopin
4. Serenade For The Doll No.3 - DeBussy
5. Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op.2, No.1 - Scriabin
6. Etude No. 11 In A-Flat Major, Op.72 - Moszkowski
7. Traumerei
8. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (1)
9. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (2)
10. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (3)
11. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (4)
12. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (5)
13. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (6)
14. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (7)
15. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (8)
16. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (9)
17. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (10)
18. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (11)
19. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (12)
20. Kinderszenen, Op. 15 (13)

Customer Reviews:

A historical legacy!.......2006-03-28

Despite I am not a Horowitz admirer, it 's worthy to underline and emphasize the colossal pianism and thunderous fingering around every one of its different performances.

The special distinction around this album is the fresh inspiration and notable musicality emanated in this Recital, that deserves to be catalogued as a cult recording among the impressive and even excellent live recordings in the Sixties.

A bravura performance and a genuine expression make of this album a very special recommendation.

Masterpieces played by the great Horowitz.......2004-12-12

This Carnegie Hall return recital is one of the greatest recordings by Horowitz. With a huge audience, Horowitz did not disappoint. He plays the Bach/Busoni as only he can play; it is eternally beautiful. Schumann has some mistakes, but those mistakes make the playing even more fascinating. The Scriabin is also excellent.

I am confident in saying that Horowitz's mazurka here is the best recording of op. 30 no. 4. Horowitz takes his time and does not rush the tempo, which is soooo easy to do with this piece. The etude is played awesomely, but the real treat is the Ballade no. 1. Horowitz played this piece all his life and played it very different many times, but this ballade is the best, most musical he ever played, mistakes and all.

The encores are also a treat, and the complete Kinderszenen bonus is another reason to buy this cd. The bonus dvd contains Liszt's Au Bord D'une Source, Chopin's Black key etude, and Moszkowski's etude in f major, op. 72, no.6.

This cd is my favorite, and I have a lot...

Insert Here Any Superlative You Can Think Of.......2004-06-10

For those of you who don't enjoy reading long drawn-out reviews: This is the best CD set I could possibly imagine buying before I bought it. After I bought it, I wept twice in the first listening of just the second disc. The Chopin recordings on this disc are simply legendary, definitive, and indescribably beautiful.

Horowitz out-did even himself at this concert. Sure, wow, wrong notes, even in the first couple measures. Who cares. You had better not. I noticed two exposed wrong notes in my first listen of this disc. It is by far the best CD set I own.

Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major: Sure, wrong note. Grand. I'm not too large a fan of this piece, but, regardless, if you like Bach, you like Horowitz for this recording.

Fantasy in C Major: True to its title, this performance was indeed fantastic. Horowitz is acclaimed most for his different tones on the piano. Let me tell you, that is for a reason.

Scriaban: I, personally, do not like Scriaban. An acquired taste. If you do like him, however, you will by all means enjoy these two recordings of the Black Mass Sonata and the Poeme in F-sharp Major.

The Chopin: The Mazurka is the greatest mazurka recording I have ever heard, period. The Etude is technically flawless and musically flawless. The Ballade. One of my favorite pieces of all time. This is my favorite recording, simply. It is quite, quite unbelievable. I wept. Every theme Chopin includes, Horowitz includes with care. This piece is one that takes a long long long time to figure out. Musically, it is one of the hardest. Horowitz seems to finally understand it after having played it for almost forty years undoubtedly. I have heard roughly 10 or 12 recordings of this piece, and Horowitz's trumps all.

The encores: Debussy, Scriaban, Moszkowski are all wonderful in their own right, but Traumerei is practically Horowitz's child. People in the audience were weeping when they heard this piece. I went in with the intention of not weeping, and failed miserably. It is the singly most beautiful performance I have ever heard.

Buy this set. You will absolutely not regret it.

WHAT IS GOING ON?.......2003-12-27

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? WHY CANT YOU JUST LEAVE THE POOR MAN ALONE? I AM A PIANO STUDENT WHO JUST FINISHED A CONCERT SERIES OUTSIDE OF MY OWN COUNTRY AND I HAVE JUST READ SOME OF THE OTHER REIEWS ABOUT HOROWITZ HERE AND I AM FRANKLY DIGUSTED.
ARE WRONG NOTES ALL YOU PEOPLE LISTEN TO?
HOROWITZ WAS BRILLIANT, YES, BUT HE WAS ALSO HUMAN LIKE ALL OF US. I MAKE MY FAIR SHARE OF WRONG NOTES AND WOULD HATE TO THINK THAT THEY WOULD BE THE ONLY THING THAT AN AUDIENCE WOULD REMEMBER AFTER A CONCERT. WRONG NOTES ARE A PART OF LIFE AND SOMETIMES ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO TAKE RISKS, EVEN IF IT RESULTS IN FAILIURE. ITS WHAT BREATHES LIFE INTO A PERSONS PLAYING, KNOWING THAT ONE SPLIT NOTE OR TWO IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING MORE MUSICAL OR MORE TECHNICAL, I WOULD RATHER BE A MUSICIAN AND NOT A ROBOT.
IN HOROWITZ'S PLAYING, THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO LISTEN TO. SO NEXT TIME YOU SWITCH ON ONE OF HIS RECORDINGS, WHY NOT TRY TO FORGET EVERYTHING YOU HAVE HAD BRAINWASHED INTO YOU ABOUT PERFECTION AND JUST LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART INSTEAD OF YOUR HEAD.

HOROWITZ WOULD HAVE BEEN THE FIRST PERSON TO TELL YOU THAT A PERFECT TECHNIQUE IS A COMPLETE MYTH. EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES, WE CANT BE PERFECT FOR YOU ALL THE TIME, SO JUST GIVE US A BREAK.

Just the Facts..........2003-11-29

This is not a review per se. My review is elsewhere on this page. But I wanted to follow-up and correct a few errors, which have been circulated in regard to this recording.

First, the corrections used on the original version of Horowitz at Carnegie Hall were not made at a "patch session at Carnegie a few days" after the concert. Columbia's engineers had already recorded Horowitz's rehearsals and used that material for the editing.

Second, the editing in the album was neither as extensive as some have suggested, nor as insignificant as the anonymous reviewer from Baltimore states.

Here is a (mostly) complete list of the patches on the original album, which have been removed from this new edition:

Bach-Busoni: Preludio: Measures 2-12 and parts of the coda (Horowitz, by the way, does not play the ossias at bars 8, 10, and 12); Intermezzo: Small patches at bars 7 and 11; Fugue: Several edits between bars 97 and 110, and again in the coda.

Schumann Fantasy: 1st Movement: patches at 7:32 and 10:21; 2nd Movement: small patches at