Franck: Symphony; Symphonic Variations

1. Symphony, in D minor, Op. 48
Composed by Cesar Franck
Conducted by Hans Swarowsky

2. Symphonic Variations, for piano & orchestra (also arr. for 2 pianos), M. 46
Composed by Cesar Franck
with Dieter Goldmann
Conducted by Rato Tschupp

Tracks:

Violin Sonata In A: Allegretto ben moderato
Violin Sonata In A: Allegro - Quasi lento - Tempo l. Allegro
Violin Sonata In A: Recitativo - Fantasia. Ben moderato - Largamente - Molto vivace
Violin Sonata In A: Allegretto poco mosso
Piece haroique In B Minor
Choral No. 2 In B Minor
Panis angelicus
Variations symphoniques

Tracks:

Les Eolides: Les Eolides - Symphonic Poem
Prelude, choral et fugue: Prelude
Prelude, choral et fugue: Choral
Prelude, choral et fugue: Fugue
Cantabile In B: Cantabile In B - Pierre Cochereau
Symphony In D Minor: Lento - Allegro ma non troppo - Allegro
Symphony In D Minor: Allegretto
Symphony In D Minor: Allegro non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Phenomenal.......2005-07-11

Undoubtedly one of the best contemporary classical works. The Violin and Piano Sonata is in itself worth the price of the CD. The grace of this music perfectly reflects the optimism and progress in late 19C-early 20th century Western civilization. No composer since has captured the magic of classical music as Franck has done.

Great Music by a Great Composer.......2003-08-21

Cesar Franck (1822 -- 1890)was born in Belgium but spent most of his life in France. For much of his career, he was a church organist and professor of organ at the Paris Conservatory. He wrote music from an early age. His early works consist mostly of piano music or works for the organ. But he discovered himself as a composer only in the last decade or so of his life. During this period, he wrote in many musical genres (typically only a single work) and produced a small number of lasting masterpieces. His work is heavily influenced by late Beethoven, Liszt, and Wagner. It is late musical romanticism at, I think, its best.

This 2-CD mid-priced set, "The Best of Cesar Frank" lives up to its name. It consists of many of the masterpieces of Franck's late years in a variety of forms. It is a convenient way to get much of Cesar Frank's music, well-played, in a single set. It includes a symphony, vocal music, organ music, music for piano and orchestra, and a work for solo piano by a variety of musicians. The CD will repay repeated hearings and give the listener a good exposure to Franck.

The most famous work on this CD is Franck's "Symphony in D minor"
which was first performed in 1889 and presented here by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Willem Van Otterloo. This is a fine performance of a much-beloved symphony. I found it emphasized the romantic, passionate character of the music with its frequent changes of tempo and mood.

But other selections on this CD I enjoyed substantially more than the symphony. Franck's greates work is probably his violin sonata in A which dates from 1886. It receives an outstanding performance on this CD from violinist Arthur Gumiaux and pianist Istvan Hajdu. The violin sonata is in four movements, which develop aspects of the same underlying theme ("cyclic" composition, typical of Franck). The music is glorious, elevated and lyrical throughout, in contrast to most of Franck's music which emphasizes contrasts between serenity and passion. The first and third movements are slow and reflective while the second and fourth are faster. The climax of this work, its final movement, is intense, reflective, and joyous all at once. It is based upon the same theme that Beethoven used as his main theme in the finale of the cello sonata in A opus 69.
Frank's work (and Beethoven's cello sonata as well) is one of the high watermarks of chamber music literature.

I also was much taken with the "Prelude, Choral and Fugue" for solo piano. This work dates from 1884 and it is performed here by pianist Eduardo Del Pueyo. This was my first exposure to this work, and I loved it. It consists of three movements which combine, to my ears, a romantic style, featuring long passages of broken chords and lyrical melodies, with baroque contrapuntal writing. I found this piece and the violin sonata the highlights of this fine collection.

Franck wrote extensively for the organ and this CD features his "Piece Heroique" which lives up to its name together with two other late and deeper works, the Choral in B minor and the Cantabile in B that are much more intense and reflective in character. Listeners who are unfamiliar with organ music, or with organ music beyond Bach, may enjoy exploring this music.

The CD also includes a lovely vocal piece "Panis angelicus" , Franck's "Variations Symphoniques" for piano and orchestra, and a Wagnerian tone poem "Les Etolides" all of which are well performed here and worth knowing.

Franck is an inspiring figure to me in that he persevered, stayed within himself, and produced some undoubted musical masterworks near the close of a long life. This disc is a fine way to get to know his music.

Listeners who wish to hear more of the best of Cesar Franck beyond the selections on this CD might enjoy his Piano Quintet in F Minor (1880) and his String Quartet in D Major (1890).

5 Stars aren't enough!.......1998-11-14

The Sonata for Piano and Violin is the most beautiful piece of music I have EVER heard. especially movements 1 & 4. The Symphony (Disc 2) is merely outstanding. Either of the pieces is well worth the entire price for the collection.

Franck: Symphonic Variations; D'Indy: Symphony on a French Mountain Air

Average customer rating:

Exquisite
Good performances for a great price!
A beautiful bargain

Franck: Symphonic Variations; D'Indy: Symphony on a French Mountain Air
Gabriel Faure , Cesar Franck , and Antonio de Almeida
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Paganini: Violin Concerto Vo. 1; Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy
Franck: Quintet in Fm; Chausson: String quartet in Cm
Granados: 12 Danzas españolas
Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set)
Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto

ASIN: B0000013XT
Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

Symphonic Variations
Ballade In F Sharp Major, Op. 19
Symphony on a French Mountain Air, Op.25 (Symphonie Cevenole): Assez lent
Symphony on a French Mountain Air, Op.25 (Symphonie Cevenole): Assez modere
Symphony on a French Mountain Air, Op.25 (Symphonie Cevenole): Anime

Amazon.com

The D'Indy "Symphony" (really a piano concerto in all but name) used to be an extremely popular piece, but it seems to have disappeared entirely from concert programs. A couple of years ago, I talked a community orchestra into agreeing to play it, and we found a pianist--a hot-shot virtuoso, who agreed to do it as a "favor" since he would have preferred a "real concerto." Well, he waited until just before the concert before looking at the score, only to discover that he couldn't learn the music in time! We did find a substitute, but the point is that this is a more technically challenging (and musically rewarding) work than many more famous pieces, so if you like piano concertos, you'll want both this piece, as well as this smashing, budget-priced recording of it. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite .......2005-08-30

This is a stunning disc. If you enjoy 19th century French music at all, and don't know these works, you have no excuse. Especially when the music comes at super budget price from a respected label like Naxos. Okay, the Penguin guide is a little dismissive of this disc, saying that Francois-Joel Thiollier isn't as competitive as the big names. Rubbish. He's a fantastic pianist who gives color to any piece he plays, as his recordings of the Ravel concertos and de Falla's Nights in the Gardens on Spain can attest (also on Naxos). The ever-reliable National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland is completely first rate, and the sound is one of Naxos' best. You simply cannot be disappointed by the performances of these works, and though there may well be better versions out there, where can you find all these works on one disc? And they go together so beautifully...

Shamefully, it took me well over 10 years to discover the sheer beauty that is Franck's Symphonic Variations. It's one of the most concise and dramatic works of the century, particularly in a period that was known for its verbosity. It's every bit as passionate as his famous D minor symphony, but unlike that magnificent work, it has dashes of humor and playfulness. The surprise in this program is Faure's Ballade, a gently unfolding piece that reveals its charms slowly, over a few listens. But it's quite dramatic in its way, with a broad, sensuous melody that becomes very compelling. I've heard the solo version of the Ballade, and I think the orchestration, though subtle, adds just the right amount of color and atmosphere. And then there's the show stopper by D'Indy, Symphony on a French Mountain Air, which is right up there with de Falla's famous concertante work. Both works reek of nationalist perfumes, exotic colorings, and exquisite melodies. This work is jaw-droppingly effective, and only gets better with repeated listenings. From the brooding, dramatic first movement, we pass into a tender, mysterious slow movement, and then into the rollicking finale with the most memorable melody in the world. It's irresistable.

So in short, a fabulous disc, beautifuly played, with some of the most engaging piano/orchestra literature in the 19th century. I waited far too long before buying this disc. Don't make my mistake.

Good performances for a great price!.......2000-06-07

This disc is a good choice if you do not want to buy a $15+ CD featuring these works. The symphonic variations and the ballade, especially, are worth having in your collection. Good playing. 'Nuff said.

A beautiful bargain.......1999-12-28

This disc is well worth its price -- and more! All three compositions found here are played quite well by Thiollier. The Franck Variations highlight this disc; the Faure Ballade is also deserving of much praise. The d'Indy Symphony is a unique, delightful work which should be taken up by more pianists. Thank you, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, for also recording this work that suffers from unjust neglect.

Brahms: Piano Concerto no 1 / Curzon, Szell

Average customer rating:

A classic performance
A modest virtuoso scores a triumph
This is the one to get
Stunning Brahms First Piano Concerto
Top honors to Curzon/Szell in my book

Brahms: Piano Concerto no 1 / Curzon, Szell

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116
Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 / Karl Böhm
Brahms: Concerto No.2/Beethoven: Sonata No.23
Schubert: Wanderer-Fantasie; Schumann / Clifford Curzon
Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata

ASIN: B00000JXZ6
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: I Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: II Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: III Rondo: Allegro ma non tropo
Symphonic Variations For Piano & Orchestra
Concert symphonique No.4 Op.12: Scherzo

Amazon.com essential recording

This version of Brahms's massive First Concerto was an instant classic when released in 1962 and recommending it now is still a no-brainer, especially in this effective remastering. Curzon gets to the heart of the music. He captures the high drama of the symphonic opening movement, and his rapt concentration makes a profound effect in the Adagio, famous for his controversially slow tempo. Szell is his equal here, conducting with passion. The way he screws up the tension in the orchestra's opening statement and then, through judicious rubato and a warming of the string tone, makes the second subject come alive is a mini-lesson in great conducting. With Boult, Curzon's Franck is on a similarly lofty plane, and the Litolff is a worthy filler. A best buy. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A classic performance.......2007-06-11

Curzon's performance of the second movement of the Brahms is imaginative and astounding. Its slow tempo nearly deconstructs the piece, gives you time to think about how it works. It makes you think of Ucheda's performance of the Mozart Adagio, a slow dreaminess. The rest of Curzon's performance is also masterful, but Movement 2 is worth the price of admission and is a good bid for an immortal performance

A modest virtuoso scores a triumph.......2006-08-24

Agreeing with all the accolades heaped on this 1962 recording of the Brahms First Concerto is easy, but not many reviewers here have captured what makes this performance special. Clifford Curzon never relied upon power and flash; he was a modest man and a scrupulous musician steeped in European style. His Brahms First is magical because he finds a sensitive, lyrical way of phrasing every bar. Instead of crashing and bagning, which even the best pianists are tempted to do in order to compete with Brahms' thick, overbearing orchestration, Curzon plays forcefully but without excessive bravura.

This proves a triumphant way to approach the thorny first movement, even in a field where sensitive readings from Barenboim and Fleisher, among others, also avoid showmanship and keyboard bagning. Curzon profound, inward reading is aided by Szell, who reins in the orchestral part--there's no attempt to make the noisy opening of the first movement storm the heavens. I'm grateful to discover such a singing performance, which has been captured in amazingly natural, life-like sound by Decca.

This is the one to get.......2006-02-18

After you've listened to this CD fifty times, you might want to try the Alfred Brendel/Claudio Abbado CD, just for variety. Until then, don't bother with anyone else. Curzon takes the slow movement much slower than even Gilels dares to do, and manages to make it work as though nobody would ever consider a faster tempo. Szell makes a brief escape from the clutches of Columbia's engineers. It's all here. This is the penultimate rendition of this gripping concerto.

Stunning Brahms First Piano Concerto.......2002-12-18

I agree with all the rave reviews about this classic recording of Brahms First Piano Concerto. But so far no one has mentioned the technical aspect of this recording which makes it so stunning. If you are used to the Columbia recordings of Szell/Cleveland made in Severance Hall, you will be shocked by the close miking of the piano and the orchestra in this recording. The result in an "in-your-face" musical experience that is simply compelling - it is impossible to listen to it and remain disengaged. A worthy addition to any collection, even if you have other recordings of this great work.

Top honors to Curzon/Szell in my book.......2002-07-25

I think I've reached the point where I enjoy this product of Brahms' youth as much as his later Second Piano Concerto. This performance by Curzon and Szell stands at the head of the class, and CLASS is the perfect description here. I'm familiar with two other versions of this Brahms work that Szell recorded some time ago as well, with Leon Fleisher and Rudolf Serkin. While both of these pianists perform extremely well, Curzon moves to a higher level. He provides the nimbleness of Fleisher AND the sturdiness of Serkin, but he offers greater suppleness, repose and refinement. His lovely phrasing is more imaginative and he is more musical in his playing. The greater musicality is often manifested in the range of sonority he displays in fleshing out notes, particularly in the second movement. Though Fleisher might play with more abandon in the final movement, my overall experience with Curzon is simply more enjoyable. George Szell is superb as well, as he is also in both of the other recordings. Frankly, I own and enjoy all three of the Szell-led renditions, but if I had to go with one it would be the Curzon, though I do like very much the raw power of Serkin/Szell. And, no, I do not care for the style exhibited by Gilels/Jochum (in either the First or Second Concerto) that others have raved about. For me, their pace is frequently too slow.

Average customer rating:

FRANKLY FRANCK

Symphonic Music of Cesar Franck

Manufacturer: Chesky Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Bizet: Symphony in C

ASIN: B000003GDU
Release Date: 1993-01-18

Tracks:

The Accursed Huntsman
Symphonic Variations For Piano And Orchestra
Psyche: 'Psyche And Eros'
Symphony In D Minor - Lento-Allegro non troppo
Symphony In D Minor - Allegretto
Symphony In D Minor - Allegro non troppo

Customer Reviews:

FRANKLY FRANCK.......2003-02-20

Culled from recordings dating back to1960-68, Chesky has compiled a very generous selection of mainstay orchestral works by Cesar Franck [1822-1890], including the attractive symphonic fragment, "Psyche and Eros," a decided bonus. This appealing CD would be noteworthy if for no other reason than having so much penultimate Franck at one's fingertips. However, the appeal is hardly limited to this alone. We are also treated to excellent performances and riveting interpretations.

A fine example of the latter is Freccia's exciting, roustabout rendition of The Accursed Huntsman, replete with hair-raising brass, ominous tolling bells, and fervent romantic sweep. The RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra keeps brilliantly apace. [1968]

In the Symphonic Variations, Freccia and the RCA VSO accompany pianist Earl Wild in a warmly engaging performance that emphasizes Franck's charming lyricism rather than bravura. Wild's gentle wending way is hypnotic: in full chordal passages his manner is never aggressive, and in meditative sections his touch is like a whisper. Wild's poetic vision of the Variations is the most personal I have ever heard, and a beauty. [1968]

"Psyche and Eros," extracted from Psyche, the composer's large-scale endeavor for chorus and orchestra, and rarely heard in other than fragments, is a pleasing melodic segue, especially idiomatic under Pretre and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. [1963]

But Franck's masterpiece Symphony in D minor remains the virtual core of his output, its contrasting ideas, repeating motifs and evocative orchestration still luminous. Under Sir Adrian Boult, the London Orchestra Society, in what to me sounds like a live recording, but I could be mistaken, tackles the work with aplomb. The opening Lento/Allegro, at over sixteen minutes, is a perfectly shaped mood piece of darkness and light beautifully balanced. The central Allegretto continues subdued and mysterious, yet maintaining an underlying tension, released in the recapitulative popular Allegro finale. All told, Boult's reading is unique, committed and romantic, if, unfortunately, hindered by somewhat dated sound. However, the ear adjusts, and the wisdom of the conductor's seamless grip fascinates. [1960]

Tracks:

I. Allegro Affettuoso
II. Intermezzo: Andantino Grazioso
III. Allegro Vivace
Thema: Andante
Etude I (Variation I): Un Poco Piu Vivo
Etude II (Var. II)
Etude III: Vivace
Etude IV (Var. III)
Etude V (Var. IV): Vivacissimo
Etude Vi (Var. V): Agitato
Variation II Posth.
Etude VII (Var. VI): Allegro Molto
Etude VIII (Var. VII): Andante
Variation V Posth.
Etude IX: Presto Possibile
Etude X (Var.VIII): Allegro
Etude XI (Var. IX): Con Espressione
Finale: Etude XII: Allegro Brillante
Symphonic Variations For Piano And Orchestra
Allegretto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Allegro Appassionato
III. Andante-Piu Adagio
IV. Allegretto Grazioso-Un Poco Piu Presto
Adagio Molto
Poco Allegretto
Vivace

Tracks:

Thema: Vivace
Var. I: Alla Marcia Maestoso
Var. II: Poco Allegro
Var. III: L'Istesso Tempo
Var. IV: Un Poco Piu Vivace
Var. V: Allegro Vivace
Var. VI: Allegro Ma Non Troppo E Serioso
Var. VII: Un Poco Piu Allegro
Var. VIII: Poco Vivace
Var. IX: Allegro Pesante E Risoluto
Var. X: Presto
Var. XI: Allegretto
Var. XII: Un Poco Piu Moto
Var. XIII: Vivace
Var. XIV: Grave E Maestoso
Var. XV: Presto Scherzando
Var. XVI: Allegro
Var. XVII
Var. XVIII: Poco Moderato
Var. XIX: Presto
Var. XX: Andante
Var. XXI: Allegro Con Brio-Meno Allegro-Tempo I
Var. XXII: Allegro Molto (Alla 'Notte E Giorno Faticar' Di Mozart)
Var. XXIII: Allegro Assai
Var. XXIV: Fughetta: Andante
Var. XXV: Allegro
Var. XXVI
Var. XXVII: Vivace
Var. XXVIII: Allegro
Var. XXIX: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Var. XXX: Andante, Sempre Cantabile
Var.XXXI: Largo, Molto Espressivo
Var. XXXII: Fuga: Allegro-Poco Adagio
Var.XXXIII: Tempo Di Menuetto Moderato
I. Molto Moderato
II. Andante Sostenuto
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza (Quasi Attacca:)
IV. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

No.1 In C Major: Agitato
No.2 In A Minor: Lento
No.3 In G Major: Vivace
No.4 In E Minor: Largo
No.5 In D Major: Allegro Molto
No.6 In B Minor: Lento Assai
No.7 In A Major: Andantino
No.8 In F Sharp Minor: Molto Agitato
No.9 In E Major: Largo
No.10 In C Sharp Minor: Allegro Molto
No.11 In B Major: Vivace
No.12 In G Sharp Minor: Presto
No.13 In F Sharp Major: Lento
No.14 In E Flat Minor: Allegro
No.15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrop': Sostenuto
No.16 In B Flat Minor: Presto Con Fuoco
No.17 In A Flat Major: Allegretto
No.18 In F Minor: Allegro Molto
No.19 In E Flat Major: Vivace
No.20 In C Minor: Largo
No.21 In B Flat Major: Cantabile
No.22 In G Minor: Molto Agitato
No.23 In F Major: Moderato
No.24 In D Minor: Allegro Appasionato
Maestoso
I. Lebhaft
II. Innig
III. Mit Humor (Etwas Hahnbuchen)
IV. Ungeduldig
V. Einfach
VI. Sehr Rasch (Sehr Rasch Und In Sich Hinein)
VII. Nicht Schnell (Mit Ausserst Starker Empfindung)
VIII. Frisch
IX. Lebhaft
X. Balladenmassig. Sehr Rasch
XI. Einfach
XII. Mit Humor
XIII. Wild Und Lustig
XIV. Zart Und Singend
XV. Frisch
XVI. Mit Gutem Humor
XVII. Wie Aus Der Ferne
XVIII. Nicht Schnell
Vivace
Allegretto
Lento

Tracks:

I. Ausserst Bewegt
II. Sehr Innig Und Nicht Zu Rasch-Intermezzo I: Sehr Lebhaft/Intermezzo II: Etwas Bewegter-Langsamer (Erstes Tempo)
III. Sehr Aufgeregt
IV. Sehr Langsam
V. Sehr Lebhaft
VI. Sehr Langsam
VII. Sehr Rasch
VIII. Schnell Und Spielend
I. Durchaus Phantastisch Und Leidenschaftlich Vorzutragen-Im Legendenton-Tempo Primo
II. Massig. Durchaus Energisch-Etwas Langsamer-Viel Bewegter
III. Langsam Getragen. Durchweg Leise Zu Halten-Etwas Bewegter
Thema: Andante
Etude I (Var. I): Un Poco Piu Vivo
Etude II (Var. II)
Etude III: Vivace
Etude IV (Var. III)
Etude V (Var. IV): Vivacissimo
Etude VI (Var. V): Agitato
Variation II Posth.
Etude VII (Var. VI): Allegro Molto
Etude VIII (Var. VII): Andante
Variation V Posth.
Etude IX: Presto Possibile
Etude X (Var. VIII): Allegro
Etude XI (Var. IX): Con Espressione
Finale: Etude XII: Allegro Brillante

Customer Reviews:

Anda The Master.......2006-09-02

It's fortunate that DGG is re-releasing so many of the stellar recordings of artists of the past including this 5-CD set of Geza Anda. Recordings of his that have been out of print for a long time are in this set thankfully. As a young budding piano student I had never purchased or listened to an Anda recording having been taken with the more technically richly endowed wiles of Horowitz and Richter's pianism. I focussed almost exclusively on pyrotechnics as a youth and didn't appreciate the intellect and artistry of artists such as Anda, Backhaus and Kempff until many years later as an adult.

Once I discovered Anda (or re-discovered him might be more like it) I fell in love with his deep sense of musicianship, grasp of musical structure, elemental pianism and visceral yet intellectually weighted emotionality. Because most of his recordings had gone out of print I snapped up what I could, notably the Bartok 3 piano concertos and Mozart complete piano concertos with the Camerata Salzburg. I also got some of the live performance CDs floating around which elucidated his excitement as a performer (along with the fallibility of his technique at times; a technique though that could handle anything thrown at it however).

The most eagerly awaited work for me in this set is the Brahms B-Flat performance which I had unsuccessfully had tried to acquire in LP format for a few years. It was the first thing I listened to in the set and it lived up to my expectations and more. This is a titanic performance of this towering massive concerto. Anda brings out all the fire and gut-pounding power in the places that call for it (e.g. at the beginning opening cadenza's finish before the orchestra tutti starts). He also brings an element of deep elemental mystery to other of the more ethereal passages in the first movement. The second movement it elemental in its power and expression. The end of the 2nd movement is exciting as all get out. My heart raced as Anda came cascading down in the d minor chords at the end of the movement! The cello soloist in the 3rd movement plays with soulfull intensity yet the movement is not taken at too slow a tempo which keeps the overall conception of the work moving with a forward impetus. Anda's entrance is beautiful beyond belief. He conveys a sense of mystery in his playing without it ever getting bogged down in the beautiful details of the notes. The last movement is buoyant and jubilation along with a sense of the delicateness abound. All in all a great performance! The DGG engineering is apparent in this recording with even being so old sounds as if it were recorded yesterday.

The rest of the performances are just as enthralling including 2 performances of the symphonic etudes (an early mono version on Disc 1 and the later stereo version on Disc 5) which are interesting to hear the juxtaposition of an artist's development. Like Julius Katchen, William Kapell and Dino Ciani, Anda was taken from us much too soon.

Awesome Anda.......2006-02-08

Best known as the first pianist to record a complete cycle of Mozart's Piano Concertos, Geza Anda shows his awesome power as both soloist and accompanist in a variety of works on "Troubadour of the Piano." For me, the collection's best moments were the opportunity to finally hear Anda's highly acclaimed accounts of the Schumann Piano Concerto, with Rafael Kubelik and the Berlin Philharmonic in stereo from 1963, and the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, with Ferenc Fricsay and the Berliners in stereo from 1960. The Schumann is outstanding, but the Brahms is truly brilliant! Those familiar with Anda will know that the pianist made his definitive readings of the Bartok PCs with Fricsay, and they capture that magic once again. The pace is never rushed, and the playing clear and distinct -- it is a legendary performance. Speaking of Bartok, Anda and Fricsay also combine to perform the composer's Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra. Recorded in 1960 and originally paired on vinyl with the Bartok 1st, it was unable to fit on the aforementioned disc of the three Concertos and thus makes its CD debut here. Other highlights from this collection are stereo performances of Beethoven's Diabelli Variations and Chopin's 24 Preludes, and two versions of Schumann's Symphonic Etudes -- one in mono from 1943 and the other in stereo twenty years later. Some of the historical recordings are marred by poor sound, in particular the Franck Symphonic Variations with Van Beinum from 1943, but are delightful as reference material. In all, "Troubadour of the Piano" is another gem in Deutsche Grammophon's "Original Masters" series.

Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet

Average customer rating:

Good, but not the best methods for bass trombonists
Mulcahy Rocks, Reynolds is Hilarious!
Very Helpful
A perfecrt resource...almost!

Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet

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

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hungarian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Orchestral Excerpts for Tuba
Orchestral Excerpts for Trombone
Charles Vernon, Bass Trombone
Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet
Orchestral Excerpts For Horn

ASIN: B0000038JV
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

Bass Trbn: Sarabande in c - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Till Eulenspeigel, Zarathustra, Ein Heldenleben - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Miraculous Mandarin/Sym No.9/Vn Con - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Hungarian March, Rome And Juliet - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.1 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.7/Sym in d - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: The Creation/Hary Janos - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Syms No.5, 6, 7, 9 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Pictures/Romeo And Juliet/Pines Of Rome/Gazza Ladra - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.3 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.5 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Lohengrin, Ride Of Valkyries - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Tpt: Intro - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Das Rheingold - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Die Walkure - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Siegfried - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Die Gotterdammerung - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Bydlo - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Sym No.7 - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Don Quixote - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Ein Heldenleben - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: The Planets - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym

Customer Reviews:

Good, but not the best methods for bass trombonists.......2007-07-05

After listening to the excerpts, I recognized Jeffrey Reynolds' perspective. He is an experienced player, but some of his advice is not as practical as it seems. For the Franck excerpt, common orchestral practice is to play the f-sharp as written: it is an applicable range study and should be kept intact. The Schumann excerpt is not played as written also, and should be taken literally in the context that it was written. Mr. Reynolds' approach to Wagner is interesting, especially to Die Walkure. It's not for everyone, but it may be beneficial to some. The Kodaly is well presented, as well as the Mahler, Berg, and Strauss excerpts. All things considered, it is a decent aide for study, but should not be seen as a "this is how it must be done" collection of excerpts.

Mulcahy Rocks, Reynolds is Hilarious!.......2006-10-26

Okay, for anyone seriously interested in what NOT to do in an audition, make sure to listen to Reynolds on this disc. There's a reason this CD is infamous, and he's the reason. Even his advice is pretty awful. Take part of the D Major down an octave because the commitee won't notice? Hah! That kills me every time.

Mulcahy rocks on this, though. Just listen to the VAlhalla theme and tell me he's not a monster.

Then, go back and listen to Reynolds play Ein Heldenleben with 'oblique intonation' and 'questionable sound' and roll on the floor for a while.

Very Helpful.......2006-05-27

This CD was very helpful for me, a student bass trombonist. The CD enables you to not only hear the exerpt, but also listen to what the performer says about it and how it should be played. Mr. Reynolds, as well as Mr. Mulcahy played the exerpts beautifully.

A perfecrt resource...almost!.......2000-08-02

The Orchestra Pro series are a very useful tool to student musicians trying to get a grasp on how the major symphonic excerpts should be played. More useful, however is the spoken commentary, which resembles a one on one lesson with the performer. The bass trumpet and tenor tuba excerpts are played beautifully by Mulcahy. The bass trombone playing or Reynolds often leaves the listener wondering if he could not have done a slightly better job on some of the excerpts. All in all this CD is a great resource for those trying to get their foot in the door of the orchestral music scene.

Decca Recordings, 1965-1972 (Limited Edition)

Average customer rating:

Stokowski in Phase 4 land, Vol. 1
Stupendous Stokowski

Decca Recordings, 1965-1972 (Limited Edition)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Original Masters: Leopold Stokowski: Decca Recordings 1964-1975 [BOX SET]
Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964
Ernest Ansermet: Decca Recordings 1953-1967
CARL SCHURICHT Decca Recordings 1949-1956
Dvorak: Symphony No7;Symphony No8;Symphony No9

ASIN: B0000B0A0P
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Customer Reviews:

Stokowski in Phase 4 land, Vol. 1.......2006-09-22

Decca has pulled a lot of Stokowski's gaudy Phase 4 recordings off the market so that they can reappear in this box set, but the company had already licensed many out to another label, Cala, that specializes in all things Stokowski. So if you pick and choose, you can buy your favorites recordings individually with a little effort. Of the two volumes in the Original Masters series, this one is the more interesting musically.

For one thing, it features two of the conductor's great strengths: his incomparable Bach transcriptions (no one else performs them with the same total commitment) and his Debussy and Ravel. Admittedly, this La Mer and Daphnis and Chloes have been multi-miked within an inch of their lives, and neither represents Stokowski as wonderuflly as his EMI Debussy collection, but if you love the old magician, you'll love these readings.

Aslo very appealing are the Enigma Variations, which Stokowski recorded only once, and the Franck D minor Sym., though don't expect world-class execution in either case. Stokowski championed early Messiaen in l'Ascension, and here is his last version, along with a swooning and seductive Scriabin Poeme d'Extase.

You have to adore recorded excess to swallow this Symphonie fantastique and Firebird, both gorgeous in a kind of Las Vegas neon billboard sort of way. But for geneations of listeners, that's what Stokowski is all about. What he's not about, sadly, is the wretchedly eccentric and nearly unlistenable Tchaikovsky Fifth Sym., the only performance in this whole set that made me hold my nose.

In all, thee are enough goodie here to justify buying the whole box, unless you want to pick and choose, in which case turn to Cala's excellent reissues.

Stupendous Stokowski.......2004-03-30

This five disc box set featuring the Decca Recordings (1965-72) of conductor Leopold Stokowski is among the latest batch of releases in the limited edition "Original Masters" series. While parts of this particular collection have been available on CD in the past (in the old "Phase 4" and "Weekend Classics" series), some of this material is being made available for the first time internationally. Those performances include Franck's Symphony (Hilversium RPO, 1970), Elgar's Enigma Variations (Czech PO, 1972), Ravel's "Fanfare" (Hilversium, 1970) and Messiaen's "L'Ascension" (London SO, 1970). Other highlights include an entire disc (CD1) of Stokowski's Transcriptions, and a delightful reading of Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" with the New Philharmonia Orchestra from 1968. In all, another great set in the "Original Masters" series.

Average customer rating:

Maestro Classico, Vol. 2 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: History
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mengelberg: Maestro Appassionato (Box Set)
Furtwängler: Maestro Classico, Vol. 3 (Box Set)
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli Vol. 2 [Germany]
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli plays Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, etc. (Box) [Germany]
Furtwängler: Maestro Classico (Box Set)

ASIN: B00003L2KI
Release Date: 2006-04-28

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In E Flat 'Eroica', Op.55
Symphony No.9 In D Minor, Op.125 'Chorale'
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In A Minor, Op.54
Concerto For Cello And Orchestra In A Minor, Op.129
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.2 In B Flat, Op.83
Symphony No.8 In C Minor
Symphony No.9 In D Minor
Symphony In D Minor
Daphnis Et Chloe Suite No.2
Sinfonia Domestica, Op.53
Metamorphosen
Symphonic Concerto In B Minor For Piano And Orchestra
Sinfonische Metamorphosen On A Theme By Carl Maria Von Weber
Symphony No.2 In F Minor

Album Details

10 CD set.

Franck: Symphony in D Minor, Symphonic Variations

Average customer rating:

Franck: Symphony in D Minor, Symphonic Variations
Cesar Franck , Herbert Von Karajan , Alexis Weissenberg , and Berliner Philharmoniker
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DOGX
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Saint-Saens: Concerto No. 2; Franck: Symphonic Variations; Liszt: Concerto No. 1

Average customer rating:

War-horses you want to know!
THE Recording of the Saint-Saens to Have

Saint-Saens: Concerto No. 2; Franck: Symphonic Variations; Liszt: Concerto No. 1

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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:

Boston Tea Party

ASIN: B000003FEC
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: Andante sostenuto
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: Allegro scherzando
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: Presto
Symphonic variations: Poco allegro
Symphonic variations: Allegro non troppo
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: Allegro maestoso
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: Quasi adagio
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: Allegretto vivace
Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: Allegro marziale animato

Customer Reviews:

War-horses you want to know!.......2002-07-04

These three pieces were war-horses for Rubenstein throughout his career and were very popular in his day. They were popular for good reason. They are wonderful pieces.

They aren't as popular with today's pianists, but I have heard some performances of them. The problem isn't technical, it is taste and style. Most pianists today don't have the heroic temperment or style of tone production that was the staple of the nineteenth century. And, frankly, pianos today are usually so bright in tone that they can sound harsh when used for this kind of music.

Technically, these pieces can be done by any number of pianists and orchestras. They don't present a huge challenge to simply play through them for today's virtuosi. However, it often sounds as if they are just going through the motions or that they are playing something in a foreign language. But the right pianist with the right instrument with the right orchestra and conductor can pull off these pieces and show them off for what they are.

Rubenstein was truly out of the nineteenth century and though he was a twentieth century pianist, he was from the earlier time and played in that way. This recording gives us a window into that time and style. Really, you should hear this. It is definitely worth owning.

THE Recording of the Saint-Saens to Have.......2001-04-01

It's a wonder no other pianist ever got it - ever got the idea that the second movement of the Saint-Saens should proceed at so rapid a clip. That the opening vamp in the left hand in the first movement should not be unduly emphasized. That in the third movement the piano at one point should sound reasonably like great crashing bells. Etc., etc. In all the many recordings that have come after it, no one has succeeded in coming close to this old 1958 recording. Rubinstein owns this concerto. Period. And what a great concerto it is!

The Franck Symphonic Variations that follow, well, some folks (like me) may quibble with some of the tempi Rubinstein chooses, but this is also a performance of great integrity and, most importantly, with a particularly joyous ending.

Those two works together made up the original LP, and even by the relaxed standards of the day for the LP it was always counted a slim volume. On the CD the editors have added a third work, the Liszt Piano Concerto # 1, from an even earlier (1956) RCA Living Stereo release, to make it a decent length. Even then the whole CD comes in at only 55 minutes.

No matter. Rubinstein is his usual great self in the Liszt. His choice of tempi would be challenging for a lesser pianist - for Rubinstein it is merely a vehicle for achieving his own sense of cohesiveness and drive. There are a couple of missed notes, and the RCA Victor Symphony plays a bit unsubtly in places (a fault perhaps of overbearing microphones in a venue not always kind to recording - Carnegie Hall), but it's still a remarkable performance.

[A technical note: At the time of this posting, Amazon lists two orchestras for the Saint-Saens. The correct one is the Symphony of the Air.]

Music Review: