Clara Schumann & Fanny Mendelssohn Piano Trios

1. Trio for piano, violin & cello in G Minor, Op 17
Composed by Clara Wieck Schumann
with Oliver Butterworth , Dartington Piano Trio , Michael Evans , Frank Wibaut

2. Trio for piano, violin & cello in D minor, Op 11
Composed by Fanny Mendelssohn
with Oliver Butterworth , Dartington Piano Trio , Michael Evans , Frank Wibaut

Clara Schumann & Fanny Mendelssohn Piano Trios,Clara Wieck Schumann,Fanny Mendelssohn,Oliver Butterworth,Michael Evans,Frank Wibaut,Dartington Piano Trio,Hyperion,Chamber,Classical,Classical Music,Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments

Average customer rating: Excellent, I love it Clara Haskil Returns!

Clara Haskil: Philips Recordings, 1951-1960 Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( 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 Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | 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 Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | 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 Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | 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 Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964 Arthur Grumiaux: Philips Recordings, 1955-1978 Ernest Ansermet: Decca Recordings 1953-1967 The Complete Decca Reordings of Ataúlfo Argenta, 1953-1957 The Glory of Rostropovich: 80th Birthday Tribute ASIN: B000G6BJK8 Release Date: 2007-01-09

Tracks:

1. Sonata In E Flat Major, KK 193
2. Sonata In B Minor, KK 87
3. Sonata In F Minor, KK 386
4. 9 Variations On A Minuet By Jean-Pierre Duport, K 573
5. I Allegro Moderato
6. II Andante Cantabile
7. III Allegretto
8. I Modere
9. II Mouvement De Menuet
10. III Anime
11. I Nicht Schnell, Mit Innigkeit
12. II Sehr Rasch
13. III Frisch
14. IV Ziemlich Langsam
15. V Schnell
16. VI Ziemlich Langsam, Sehr Gesangvoll
17. VII Langsam
18. VIII Sehr Langsam
19. Variations On The Name Abegg, Op. 1

Tracks:

1. I Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen
2. II Kuriose Geschichte
3. III Hasche-Mann
4. V Bittendes Kind
5. V Gluckes Genug
6. VI Wichtige Begebenheit
7. VII Traumerei
8. VIII Am Kamin
9. IX Ritter Vom Steckenpferd
10. X Fast Zu Ernst
11. XI Furchtenmachen
12. XII Kind Im Einschlummern
13. XIII Der Dichter Spricht
14. I Eintritt
15. II Jager Auf Der Lauer
16. III Einsame Blumen
17. IV Verrufene Stelle
18. V Freundliche Landschaft
19. VI Herberge
20. VII Vogel Als Prophet
21. VIII Jagdlied
22. IX Abschied
23. I Largo - Allegro
24. II Adagio
25. III Allegretto
26. I Allegro
27. II Scherzo: Allegretto Vivace
28. III Menuetto: Moderato E Grazioso
29. IV Presto Con Fuoco

Tracks:

1. I Molto Moderato
2. II Andante Sostenuto
3. III Scherzo: Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza
4. IV Allegro Ma Non Troppo
5. I Largo - Allegro
6. II Adagio
7. III Allegretto
8. I Allegro
9. II Scherzo: Allegretto Vivace
10. III Menuetto: Moderato E Grazioso
11. IV Presto Con Fuoco

Tracks:

1. I Allegro
2. II Andantino
3. III Rondeau: Presto
4. I Allegro
5. II Romance
6. III (Allegro Assai)
7. Rondo In A Major For Piano And Orchestra, K386

Tracks:

1. I Allegro
2. II Romance
3. III (Allegro Assai)
4. I Allegro
5. II (Larghetto)
6. III (Allegretto)
7. I Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

1. II Largo
2. III Rondo: Allegro
3. I Allegro
4. II Adagio
5. III Allegro Assai
6. I Allegro Affettuoso
7. II Intermezzo: Andantino Graziosos
8. III Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

1. En El Generalife
2. Danza Lejana
3. En Los Jardines De La Sierra De Cordoba
4. I Maestoso
5. II Larghetto
6. III Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, I love it.......2007-03-01

For anyone who likes to relive the golden era of pianists, a time when music itself was the core of a performance, this collection is a must have. The serene loneliness in Clara Haskil's interpretation of Mozart and Schubert was simply heartbreaking. Honest, elegant, and never self-centered, these memorable recordings deserve 5 solid stars.

Clara Haskil Returns!.......2007-02-04

Like many of the recent "Original Masters" reissues, this 7CD set of music performed by pianist Clara Haskil has been available since last July as an import, and now has finally been released in the U.S. In fact, all of the music contained on "Clara Haskil: Philips Recordings 1951-1960" has been reissued previously on CD, in two different box sets in the now out-of-print "Clara Haskil Legacy" series. Despite this, it is wonderful to have these classic performances back, particularly because those "Legacy" volumes were fetching outrageous prices as rare collector's items. Haskil was one of the legendary interpreters of Mozart and her Concerto recordings presented here of Nos. 9, 20 (two versions, mono & stereo), 23 & 24 (along with those she made for Westminster and DG -- see my reviews) are not to be missed. But also her Beethoven, Schumann and Chopin renditions are so delicately light and breathtaking, they cannot be overlooked, and they provide such a nice contrast to all the romantic ivory pounders out there. The first three CDs capture her sensitivity in various Sonatas, and they are most excellent. If you love great piano music and didn't have a chance to get these marvelous performances the first time around, don't miss out now!

Average customer rating: A great Schumann, a very good Brahms, good value Again, Some Interesting Programme from Ms. Grimaud Understanding the Intricacies of the Schumann/Brahms Love Triangle Reflection Heart and Head

Reflection Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Clara Wieck Schumann | Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | 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 Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Grimaud, Hélène | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grimaud, Hélène | ( G ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wild Harmonies: A Life of Music and Wolves Credo Hélène Grimaud plays Chopin & Rachmaninov Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1; Spohr: Violin Concerto No. 8 Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B000C5RRL8 Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. Allegro affettuoso
2. Intermezzo (Andantino grazioso)
3. Allegro vivace
4. Er is gekommen in Sturm und Regen
5. Warum willst du and're fragen?
6. Am Strande
7. Allegro non troppo
8. Allegretto quasi minuetto
9. Allegro - Pisto
10. No.1 in B minor, op.79/1
11. No.2 in G minor, op.79/2

Amazon.com

Titled Reflection, this CD program examines one of classical music's most fascinating triangles: the love between Robert Schumann and his wife, Clara, and their friend Johannes Brahms, who loved them both. There is music by all three composers here, and the almost 80-minute program is varied and fascinating. Robert's popular, stunning A minor Piano Concerto is played by Grimaud with romantic abandon but little sentiment; when it is showy, it comes from the music itself and is not an affectation. The first movement is filled with poetic vs. dramatic contrasts; there is a subtle but noble transition on piano and winds from the gently presented second movement to the springy, dramatically energetic third. Esa-Pekka Salonen is the remarkable conductor of the superb Staatskapelle Dresden. Grimaud then joins with mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter in three songs by Clara. Two, with texts by Rückert, are poems to connubial love and the third, "Am Strande," was composed as a gift for Robert's 40th birthday. Brahms's Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1 in E minor is given a strong but lyrical and well-balanced reading by Grimaud and cellist Truls Mørk; both play with passion. Brahms's two Rhapsodies for piano complete the program; Grimaud gathers the darkness of the second and gives a fervent performance. What a beautiful CD! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A great Schumann, a very good Brahms, good value.......2007-05-30

If you are looking for a Schumann piano concerto that is not coupled with the Grieg, you've come to the right place. At first, this coupling may seem strange, but there is a compelling logic to it. Brahms was an intimate friend of the Schumanns (perhaps in more ways than one although there is no clear evidence to support this view). Clara Schumann was a fine composer in her own right, but has been overshadowed by her more famous husband (both she and Fanny Mendelssohn). Helene Grimaud proves herself to be up to the task here and she delivers a sparkling concerto performance as does the Dresden Staatskapelle orchestra (the same orchestra that premiered the work with Clara as the soloist). Five stars for her performance, five stars for the orchesta and five stars for the sound. Truls Mork recorded the Brahms E minor cello sonata previously, but coupled with the F major which is the usual coupling. The sonata was written in Brahms' youth and is full of energy, passion and stunningly beautiful melodies. Mork does not disappoint and Helene Grimaud is more than a competent partner. Her piano sings without overpowering the cello. A lovely performance, although I must confess that I am slightly more partial to Starker/Buchbinder. Very good recorded sound in the sonata. The two lieder are not familiar to me so I have no point of reference and can only say that Anne Sofie von Otter sings like an angel. (German and English texts are provided for the lieder.) The two piano rhapsodies are also unknown to me. They make a nice filler for this very fine disk but the piano gets a little clangy in the rhapsodies and I wish the engineering had been better. But no one will be buying this CD for the filler. Notes in English only. All in all, a very musical and well thought out and executed program.

Again, Some Interesting Programme from Ms. Grimaud.......2007-02-06

After the rather controversial latest release of Chopin and Rachmaninoff's Sonatas, Grimaud is back on the scene. This time with the music of the Schumanns and Brahms, the latter being the composer this pianist is often associated with. The result is an eclectic, engaging program - even though it may not be perfect. The programme is also designed to show listeners the different sides of Grimaud: as a soloist in a concerto, an accompanist, and a solo performer.

A famous work of the standard repertoire, Robert Schumann's "Concerto in A minor for Piano and Orchestra" is performed with unassuming clarity, pleasant balance, and most notably impeccable articulation. Grimaud, known for her adherrence to the original score and 'composer's intention' again gives a very sensitive rendition of this work. Although personally I think she lacks contrasts, color, and warmth in timbre, this rendition is logical and structurally well-built. Salonen provides great accompaniment to Grimaud, very sensitive although the relationship between piano-orchestra may not be developed to the point of say, Argerich-Rostropovich. When compared to Argerich's playing, Grimaud falls heavily on the conservative side. Her tempi are definitely slower than Argerich's both in the first and third movt. The downfall is that she does not utilize this moderate tempi to allow more interpretations and variation of tone color which Argerich does despite her quick tempi. Hers is then probably closer to that of Katchen's or Zimerman's - elegant, well-articulated, but unfortunately somewhat lacking fire and fluidity. Most praiseworthy in this recording is Grimaud's clean touch and articulation. There is a sense of control and confidence in every passages of this concerto, probably facilitated by her moderate tempi. Thanks to the great piano sound and recording, it is not hard to listen to all the voices she is trying to emphasize, an evidence of perfect articulation. You can easily hear all the notes in her quintuplet in the first minute of the piece without sounding 'busy' or dirty.

Grimaud's collaboration with von Otter on Clara Schumann's lieder are also praiseworthy. While some says Grimaud often overpowers von Otter, I personally don't think she does. Although I am not familiar with these lieder, they really are great songs. The piano accompaniment is utilized to its greatest potential and the melody is haunting. Both soloist and accompanist provide a passionate rendition. It is obvious that Grimaud chose a great order for these lieder, as the three forms a sonata-like combination - the outer lieder (Er is gekommen and Am Strande) being fiery while 'Warum' is serene and beautiful. The fact that the next work is Brahms' cello sonata gives a psychological effect that the album actually has three sonatas. However, it is in the Brahms' cello sonatas that Grimaud actually overpowers Mork in a quite obtruding manner. Grimaud the soloist seems to step over Grimaud the accompanist.

The Rhapsodies serve as the 'encores' but are actually my favorite pieces in the album. In both these Rhapsodies, Grimaud not only provides convincing, confident, and unique interpretation but also fire and passion which makes up for the cool Schumann Concerto. Although she maintains the same sense of control and balance, the first Rhapsody has great contrasts and tone color despite rather quick tempo. The second Rhapsody is relatively heavy and took on slow tempo but accurately conveys the 'agitato'. Very well done.

The booklet is somewhat rather disappointing despite the great photography works. While in 'Credo' and the Chopin-Rachmaninoff sonata album she offers great written insights and ideas, in 'Reflection', there is only a foreword (which I think is written by her, but not written so I'm sure) and a historical background of the composer. Pretty dull, considering you can find those stories in any music history books or Wikipedia even! These weaknesses are somewhat, although not completely, compensated by the beautiful photographs of Grimaud, especially when she wears white and the one in which she is playing the piano. Gorgeous!

All in all, definitely give this album a try. Besides the fact that it has an awesome rendition of Brahms' Rhapsodies, Clara Schumann's lieder, and Robert Schumann's concerto, it is also very generous (80 min) and has awesome pictures of Grimaud inside the booklet. It may not be your favorite rendition of the works, but it still has an addictive quality.

Understanding the Intricacies of the Schumann/Brahms Love Triangle.......2006-12-26

Whispers, poems, and pages have been floating around for years about the strangely romantic triangle that bound the composers Robert Schumann, Clara Wieck Schumann and Johannes Brahms - secrets that will be forever the purview of intuitive writers and philosophers and historians. This very intelligent and tender CD REFLECTION is one way of examining the closeness of these three remarkable and very human artists. And it is a complete success, musically and thoughtfully.

Incorporating some the finest artists available today this CD is the brainchild of the remarkable Hélène Grimaud, a pianist who not only is a remarkably fine artist but who also looks for more in her musical thoughts than merely the notes on the score. She offers here a collaboration with Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Dresden Staatskapelle in an elegant and wistful performance of Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, rich in subtleties and deeply felt melodic line.

Grimaud then partners with Anne Sofie von Otter in three songs by Clara Schumann: 'Er is gekommen in Sturm und Regen', 'Warum willst du and're fragen?', and 'Am Strande' - songs that give both artists the opportunity to remind us how gifted Clara was with song writing.

The third member of this remembered and honored triad is Johannes Brahms and his 'Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1 in E minor' is performed with passion and grand scale by Grimaud and the gifted cellist Truls Mørk. Grimaud then closes the recital with Brahms' 'Rhapsodies for Piano Nos. 1 (B minor) and 2 (G minor)', sublime works that not only serve as a fitting closure to this thoughtful program but that also leave us with the desire for more Brahms from Hélène Grimaud! This is a very special recording, well produced technically, and one with which we are left with the feeling that both the Schumanns and Brahms would have warmly applauded. Highly recommended as one of the important issues of the year. Grady Harp, December 06

Reflection.......2006-12-23

When reflection makes Clara alive I applaud Helene for her spirits to bring to us such a wonderful design. This CD is carefully crafted to engage the listener to the colors of the sonatas and what they express.

After listening to this CD I had a remarkable experience. I was approaching a friend at the hallway. The shadows from the overhead lights created a magical experience. I was seeing Helene just like she appears on the CD cover. As I was getting closer and closer I realized Helene was really my mentor.

This was so strange and also so remarkable I am making a note in my poetry log.

Heart and Head.......2006-11-15

Lovely and committed playing by Grimaud and all concerned combined with an inspired selection. I'm usually not a fan of "concept" albums but this recording makes its musical and intellectual point deftly and with great musicality. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: A WONDERFUL ALBUM LEAF FALLING FROM THE FAMILY TREE Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto and Piano Trio

Clara Schumann: Piano Concerto; Piano Trio Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Clara Wieck Schumann | Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works Clara Schumann: Piano Works Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso Fanny Mendelssohn & Clara Schumann Piano Trios [IMPORT] Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat major, Op. 20; Bruch: Octet in B flat major ASIN: B0007XHL0W Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

1. Allegro Maestoso
2. Romanze: Andante Non Troppo Con Grazia
3. Finale: Allegro Non Troppo - Allegro Molto
4. Allegro Moderato
5. Scherzo: Tempo De Menuetto
6. Andante
7. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

A WONDERFUL ALBUM LEAF FALLING FROM THE FAMILY TREE.......2007-01-01

THIS IS AN ENJOYABLE CONCERTO AND IT IS ON MY CHOPIN LISZT.

Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto and Piano Trio.......2005-04-20

Of all the women pianists of the age, Clara Schumann was the paragon. She had a successful career almost alone among women pianists in the mid-19th century. But she did not have a particularly successful career as a composer, although she was certainly talented enough. In those days, it wasn't considered seemly (or, in some quarters, even possible) for a woman to be a composer, and getting performances outside the family circle was nigh impossible. Clara was able to play her piano concerto a few times largely because of her clout as a pianist, but neither it nor the piano trio recorded here was widely known.

The two works recorded here are as different as day and night. The Piano Concerto, written when Clara was only fourteen, is an apprentice work. It feels awkward and cobbled together. Even the first entrance of the piano sounds diffident because the first notes it plays are the passage-work that comprises the second half of the work's initial theme. It's almost as if the pianist has to make its entrance through a side door. The musical language of the concerto is a combination of that of Mendelssohn and of a kind of proto-Chopin. The latter similarity, I suspect, actually draws more from the bel canto melodies of Bellini than from Chopin. In this performance pianist Francesco Nicolosi does as much as can be expected with the work, and he is ably, if just a bit tentatively, accompanied by the Alma Mahler Sinfonietta, conducted by Stefania Rinaldi. The Sinfonietta is an orchestra made up entirely of women musicians.

The Piano Trio, on the other hand, is quite on a par with other great chamber pieces of the time that include piano. It was written ten years after the Concerto and is both assured and original. In four movements, it is marked by memorable melodies and easy polyphony used to make a classically balanced work. The fluid contrapuntal weaving of lines is masterful. Indeed, the fugato in the middle of the fourth movement is possibly more assured than that in a similar spot in her husband's more familiar Piano Quintet. Nicolosi is joined by violinist Rodolfo Bonucci and cellist Andrea Noferini in a decent performance. I must comment, though, that the recording of this work by the Dartington Trio (and which also includes Fanny Mendelssohn's Piano Trio) trumps this one with its grace and fire.

If you are interested to hear the Piano Concerto, this is the only easily available recorded version. If you are particularly drawn to hear the Piano Trio, I'd suggest you investigate the Dartington's recording, although I will warn you that the latter costs several dollars more than this one.

TT=54:00

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating: Add it to your collection Another "Original Masters" Gem

Philips Recordings, 1967-1974 (Limited Edition) Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Clara Wieck Schumann | Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( 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 Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Beaux Arts Trio | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Haydn: Complete Piano Trios Beethoven: The Piano Trios Les Introuvables de Pierre Fournier Liszt: Piano Works Antonín Dvorák: Complete Piano Trios ASIN: B0000B0A0R Release Date: 2003-11-25

Customer Reviews:

Add it to your collection.......2006-09-18

Uniformly great playing on recordings spanning eight years, eleven compositions, and two violinists is not an easy feat, but the BAT does it admirably here. Excellent also is the sound: analog to digital remastering sounds like an LP to my ears, and the balance of the three instruments is always even and well tempered. True, I am on more than one compostion drawn to Pressler's beautiful cantabile touch more than the other instruments, but the violin and cello are always first rate.

Nine of the pieces are 19th century, Romantic works which are paired with two from the 20th: Ives and Shostakovich. They deftly and successfully handle the disparate styles.

Thirty dollars will get you over five hours of pleasure on four discs. Highly recommended.

Another "Original Masters" Gem.......2005-05-22

Those familiar with my reviews on Amazon know of my love for Universal's "Original Masters" box set series, but at first I passed on purchasing this title. It's not that I don't enjoy the Beaux Arts Trio, for I do, and I own their recordings of the Piano Trios of Beethoven, Haydn, Dvorak, and Mozart among others. Mainly it had to the with the fact that I don't collect chamber performances the way I do concertos and symphonies, and I already had other renditions of many of the works collected here -- Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, etc. However, after stumbling upon this set at my local library, it took only one listen to know that I had to add this limited edition box to my shelves. These recordings, made between 1967 and 1974, capture Beaux Arts in their prime in glorious, crisp analog stereo sound. Many of their accounts, particularly of the Chopin, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, are superior to the other versions I own (in this case trios featuring Ma and Argerich respectively). Also, there are several compositions I had never heard before, including trios by Smetana, Ives and Clara Schumann, which are all delightful. Overall, this is a wonderful box set and another gem in the "Original Masters" series.

Average customer rating: Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD. ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID? merely spectacular! I have never regretted buying this... The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | 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 J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( 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 Clementi | Clementi, Muzio | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Medtner | Medtner, Nikolai | ( M ) | 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 All Works by Domenico Scarlatti | Scarlatti, Domenico | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | 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 All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | 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 Preludes | 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 General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | 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 General | 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 Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music | Hadley, Jerry | Hagegård, Håkan | Hahn, Hilary | Hamelin, Marc-André | Hampson, Thomas | Hantaï, Pierre | Harnoncourt, Nikolaus | Harrell, Lynn | Heifetz, Jascha | Hendricks, Barbara | Heppner, Ben | Hess, Myra | Hewitt, Angela | Hilliard Ensemble | Hogwood, Christopher | Holliger, Heinz | Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra | Horne, Marilyn | Horszowski, Mieczyslaw | Hotter, Hans | Hough, Stephen | Houston Symphony Orchestra | Howard, Leslie | Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | Hvorostovsky, Dmitri General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Chopin: The Piano Works Liszt: Piano Works Horowitz: Discovered Treasures Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD] ASIN: B000002909 Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

1. Sonata In E Major, K 531 (L430): Allegro
2. Sonata In A Major, K322 (L483): Allegro
3. Sonata In G Major K455 (L209): Allegro
4. Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
5. Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
6. Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': III. Rondo. Allegro
7. Impromptu In G-flat Major, Op. 90 (D899) No. 3: Andante
8. Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
9. Etude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 7: Lento
10. Scherzo No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20: Presto con fuoco
11. 3 Preludes - From Book II: IV. Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses. Rapide et leger
12. 3 Preludes - From Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
13. 3 Preludes - From Book II: VI. General Lavine - eccentric.
14. Poeme In F-sharp Major, Op. 32 No. 1: Andante cantabile
15. Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
16. Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: I. Grave- Doppio movimento
2. Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo
3. Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: III. Marche funebre. Lento
4. Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: IV. Finale. Presto
5. Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Allegro
6. Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Appassionato
7. Arabeske In C, Op.18: Leicht und zart
8. Kinderszenen, Op.15 - Scenes From Childhood: 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
9. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 2. Kuriose Geschichte
10. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 3. Hansche-Mann
11. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 4. Bittendes Kind
12. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 5. Gluckes genug
13. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 6. Wichtige Begbenheit
14. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 7. Traumerei
15. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 8. Am Kamin
16. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
17. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 10. Fast zu ernst
18. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 11. Furchtenmachen
19. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 12. Kind im Einschlummern
20. KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 13. Der Dichter spricht
21. Toccata In C, Op.7: Allegro
22. Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 In D Minor: Lento patetico (Lassan)- Vivace (Friska)

Tracks:

1. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
2. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
3. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
4. Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
5. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegretto
6. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
7. Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
8. Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
9. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
10. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
11. Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
12. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
13. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
14. Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
15. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
16. Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
17. Keyboard Sonatas: Vivo
18. Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro

Tracks:

1. Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: I. Preludio, quasi improvvisando. Tempo moderato
2. Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: II. Intermezzo. Adagio
3. Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: III. Fuga. Moderamente sherzando, un poco umoristico
4. Fantasie In C, Op.17: I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschalflich vorzutragen
5. Fantasie In C, Op.17: II. Massig. Durchaus energisch
6. Fantasie In C, Op.17: III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
7. Piano Sonata No.9, Op.68 'Black Mass': Moderato quasi andante-Molto meno vivo-Allegro-Piu vivo-Allegro...
8. Poeme In F-Sharp Major, Op.32 No.1: Andante cantibile

Tracks:

1. Mazurka In C-sharp Minor, Op. 30. No. 4: Allegretto
2. Etude In F major, Op. 10 No. 8: Allegro
3. Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
4. Serenade For The Doll. Allegro ma non troppo
5. Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
6. Etude In A-Flat Major, Op. 72 No. 11: Presto e con leggierezza
7. Traumerei
8. Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: I. Tema.Andante grazioso e variazioni
9. Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: II. Menuetto - Trio
10. Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla Turca
11. Polonaise-Fantaisie In A-Flat Major, Op. 61: Allegro maestoso

Tracks:

1. Mazurka In B minor, Op. 33 No. 4: Mesto
2. Nocturne In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1: Andante
3. Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70: Moderato - Allegro - Puissant, radieux - Allegro - Piu vivo - Presto - Moderato
4. Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: I. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: II. Adagio
6. Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: III. Finale
7. Blumenstuck In D-Flat Major, Op. 19: Leise bewegt
8. L'ISLE JOYEUSE: Quasi una cadenza - Tempo.
9. Vallee d'Obermann: Lento assai - Piu lento - Un poco piu di moto ma sempre lento - Presto - Lento

Tracks:

1. Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
2. Nocturne In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1: Andante
3. Polonaise In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44: Tempo di polacca - Doppio movimento, tempo di Mazurka - Tempo I
4. Sonata In E major, K 380 (L23): Andante commodo
5. Sonata In G major, K 55 (L335): Allegro
6. Arabeske In C Major, Op. 18: Leicht und zart
7. Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico
8. Traumerei
9. Variations On A Theme From Bizet's Opera 'Carmen'

Tracks:

1. Sonata In E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 2: III. Rondo
2. Adagio sostenuto In F Major
3. Sonata In B-Flat Major, Op. 25 No. 3: II. Rondo
4. Sonata In A Major, Op. 50 No. 1: II. Adagio
5. Corale Prelude 'Lch ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
6. Sonata In F-Sharp Major, K 319 (L35): Allegro
7. Sonata In G Major, K 260 (L124): Allegro
8. Sonata In C Major, HOB. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione
9. Sonata In C major, Hob. XVI:48: II. Rondo
10. Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: I. Allegretto ma non troppo
11. Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: II. Vivace alla Marcia
12. Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: III. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
2. II. Allegretto
3. Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
4. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': I. Allegro con brio
5. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': II. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attacca
6. Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': III. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Prestissimo
7. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': I. Allegro assai
8. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': II. Andante con moto -attacca
9. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

1. Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4: Lento, ma non troppo
2. Etude in G-flat major, Op. 10 No. 5: Vivace
3. Introduction & Rondo In E-Flat Major, Op. 16: Introduzione. Andante - Rondo. Allegro vivace
4. Waltz in A minor, Op. 34 No. 2: Lento
5. Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53: Maestoso
6. Mazurka in F-sharp minor, Op. 59 No. 3: Vivace
7. Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 50 No. 3: Moderato
8. Mazurka in D-flat major, Op. 30 No. 3: Allegro non troppo
9. Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41 No. 2: Andantino
10. Mazurka in D major, Op. 33 No. 2: Vivace
11. Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4: Presto
12. Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3: Lento, ma non troppo
13. Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
14. Prelidu In B Minor, Op. 28 No. 6: Lento assai

Tracks:

1. Posonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1: Allegro con brio
2. Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15: Sostenuto
3. Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6: Andante
4. Etude No. 2 in A-flat major from 'Trois Nouvelles Etudes': Allegretto
5. Mazurka In F Minor, Op. 7 No. 3
6. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2: Tempo giusto
7. Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck From Sonata No. 3 In F Minor,Op. 14: Andantino
8. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: I. Ausserst bewegt
9. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: II.Sehr innig
10. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: III. Sehr aufgeregt
11. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: IV. Sehr langsam
12. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: V. Sehr lebhaft
13. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VI. Sehr langsam
14. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VII. Sehr rasch
15. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VIII. Schnell und spielend

Tracks:

1. Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 4: Allegretto
2. Impromptu In F Minor Op. 142 (D935) No. 1: Allegro moderato
3. Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 142 (935) No. 2: Allegretto
4. Impromptu In E-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 2: Allegro
5. Consolation In E Major S. 172 (R.12) No. 2
6. Pour les arpeges composes: Dolce e lusingando
7. La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune: Lent
8. Etude In A Minor Op. 104b No. 3: Allegro vivace
9. Scherzo & March S. 177 (R.20)

Tracks:

1. Feuillet d'album In E-Flat Major Op. 45 No. 1: Andante piacevole
2. Etude In F-Sharp Minor Op. 8 No. 2: A capriccio, con forza
3. Etude In B-Flat Minor Op. 8 No. 11: Andante cantabile
4. Etude In D-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 10: Allegro
5. Etude In A-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 8: Lento (Tempo rubato)
6. Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No 3: Prestissimo
7. Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No. 4: Andante
8. Etude In C-Sharp Minor Op. 42 No. 5: Affannato
9. Etude Op. 65 No. 3: Molto vivace
10. No. 1: Allegretto
11. 2 Poemes Op. 69: No. 2: Allegretto
12. Vers la flamme Op. 72: Allegro moderato
13. Feuillet d'album Op. 58
14. Fairy Tale In A Major Op. 51 No. 3
15. Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor Op. 36: I. Allegro agitato
16. Sonata No. 2 In B-flat, Minor, Op. 36: II. Non allegro
17. Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 36: III. Allegro molto
18. Prelude In G-Sharp Minor Op. 32 No. 12: Allegro
19. Moment musical In B Minor Op. 16 No. 3: Andante cantabile
20. Etude-Tableau In E-Flat Minor Op. 33 No. 5: Non allegro - Presto
21. Etude-Tableau In C Major Op. 33 No. 2: Allegro
22. Etude-Tableau In D Major Op. 39 No. 9: Allegro moderato (Tempo di Marcia)

Amazon.com

It may surprise you to learn that, despite his untouchable reputation with the public, Vladimir Horowitz enjoyed a certain dubious reputation with the critics. For many, he was the epitome of the witless virtuoso, all technique and vulgar display, and no brains. There was some truth in this to the extent that he really could be variable on record, but by general consensus his Masterworks recordings show him at his absolute best. Aside from his famous Carnegie Hall concerts from 1965, you get stunning performances of music by Schumann, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, and above all, Scarlatti--the composer that Horowitz, more than anyone, put back on the map for pianists the world over. A great set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD........2004-05-24

I bought this set in December, and because I have so many classical CD's (more than 300), it took me 5 months to realize that the set contained TWO volume 8's and NO volume 9's. Worried that it might be too late, I e-mailed Amazon. Their first reply was that the replacement was already on its way (with return shipping paid for as well). Wow, that was a relief!

When I got the new set, I decided to study it closely and make sure that everything was good. It turns out that several of the discs (in both sets) had holes through the aluminum reflective layer -- which seemed to be because it was too thin to begin with. One disc was cracked, and another looked like the aluminum was "rotting out" on the edge. You would think that for $230, Sony Classical would put more quality into their discs. So what good is "Super Bit Mapping" and "High Definition Remastering" if the discs are so cheap that the player will misread the data? And I don't have much confidence that the discs will last many years, either.

Fortunately I got to pick the best discs from the 2 sets, so I won't need to replace this one for another. But I certainly lost respect for Sony Classical.

And kudos to you Amazon; you're really looking out for your customers!

ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?.......2002-08-25

Why would any one in the right mind plunk down [money] for 13 CDS by the same pianist? Is it so you can brag about owning 11 years' worth of the same old thing? Or did you get it as a gift designed to impress but not really to listened to? Now you could probably get [money] for it whether you used it or not. Columbia Masterworks should have brought along new and younger talent. For my bet I can't think of many American pianists who are currently recording. Do we have to recycle Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, and others over and over? This is the Twenty-first Century. We should at least be thinking of Twentieth Century piano works. I can get 10 CDs by 10 pianists currently recording if I look to Europe.

merely spectacular!.......2001-03-10

I've only had this set about a week and have already indulged three complete listenings; it's a gold mine! - the power of preaching is persuasive in the Temple of Horowitz! I'm taken aback by the unity and continuity of sonics, an excellent and remarkable display of high engineering art. Everything important is here (almost! I wish some of the Scriabin Preludes had been included). There are sketches of incomparable pianism and supreme intelligence in these discs: Liszt's 'Vallee d'Obermann', and the Consolations; Debussy's 'L'isle joyeux' - so 'russian playing french'! - Scriabin's 'Vers le flamme' and the Black Mass sonata - one simply can't climb out of the volcano, it's terrifying and beautiful! - and the Scarlatti and Chopin. Only Gilels approaches Horowitz's indigenous understanding of Chopin. In the course of thirteen discs the glory can start to crash in around you, but at the last moment of endurance along comes 'Serenade of the Doll', or one of the Consolations. The Bach-Busoni is cerebral and fine. Horowitz gets rapped for the wrong romanticism - it's the romanticism of artistic intelligence that his art claims! I love that famous C clunker at the beginning of the Bach-Busoni in the Return to Carnegie Hall recital; more than that, I appreciate how Horowitz played his public pride in it, no retouches, etc. Shrewd, and very real, I think. He was a pianist of enormous humility on the inside, so completely knowing of his gifts - one of the reason his playing was something special. He possessed the often disregarded ability to stand completely outside his playing and admire it as one might a beautiful woman, with complete humility. It affords us the privilege of reaping joy after joy of a remarkable art the likes of which will surely stand true for a long time. 200 bucks is a lot of money, I probably would have thought it too much for the convenience of a collection; I'm glad someone else didn't feel that way, and gave me the set! - now I find it curiously too clever a package to be considered merely a consolidation of recordings into a 'set' - there is something indefinably congruent about these recordings. They fit together with harmonious intent, and shine and shadow the land with a marvelous music. Highest recommendation without reservation.

I have never regretted buying this..........2000-08-22

Considering that this set is devoted to a single instrument played by one artist in a 12-year period, the depth is mind-blowing. If variety is the spice of life, than this set is a very warming set indeed.

For the most part, Horowitz communicates a deep respect for the specific style of each composer: his Scarlatti is done articulately and without any smear with the pedal. His Liszt is demonic. His Rachmaninov is dazzling, with all of the "superfluous" notes (!) and Russian virtuosity in tact. Horowitz's Schumann is sensitive, passionate and Romantic.

And then there are his interpretations of Chopin. To me, Vladimir Horowitz is one of Chopin's best ambassadors. In particular, I draw attention to the Polonaise-Fantaisie in Vol. 3 and the mazurkas and etudes of Vol. 7.

For a good summary of this collection, listen to Vol. 4, "The Legendary 1968 TV Concert." Applause is omitted between selections, and the repertoire is tailored to Horowitz's pianistic gifts.

The first disc of Vol. 3 (Including the Bach-Busoni Toccata and the Schumann Fantasy) is not top-notch piano-playing... It's a little sloppy and inaccurate. I'm sure there are other minor slips elsewhere in this collection, but here they are most obviously seen.

Regardless, this collection is a MUST for Horowitz fans. Save up your money little by little and go and buy it. It is truly the most rewarding purchase of classical music I have ever made.

The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!.......2000-04-15

If you were to take a set of piano music from only one performer to a desert island, this would be the set. Vladimir Horowitz was a pianist of incredible, almost unique, technical prowess capable of creating wonderful piano textures and tone colorings, and possessing his own dark, distinctive sound on a wonderful Steinway he had transported to each of his concerts or studio recording sessions. Of almost limitless ability, he suffered criticism from music critics because he severely limited his performing repertoire and stayed away from the concert stage for several prolonged periods because of his terrible insecurity and stagefright. He was especially criticized in his early years for bravura performances which were brilliant, but loud and not always tasteful. He was known for giving his enthralled audiences what they wanted, but it should be remembered that he championed Scarlatti and almost single-handedly brought him back into the performing world from near-oblivion, and it was Horowitz who premiered several important works by twentieth century composers such as Barber and Khatchaturian. He kept the works of the mysterious and exotic Alexander Scriabin from disappearing from piano benches in the conservatories, and he created some of the most imaginative and thrilling encore transcriptions ever heard in the concert hall. In later years, his repertoire expanded and he played some wonderful Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, much of which is featured in this set. The highlight of this disc collection from the early 60's through about 1973 is the historic return concert at Carnegie Hall in 1965. After a self-imposed exile from public performing for 12 years, he made this famous recital which is one of the most memorable in the history of recorded piano performance. Although he made several nerve-induced mistakes in the opening Bach piece, he settled down quickly and delivered a thrilling performance, highlighted, for me, at least, by the Chopin Ballade in G minor, which took away my breath and featured one of the most dazzling climaxes I have ever heard on a piano. His incredible performance possessed a youthful vitality which belied his 62 years. Throughout the other discs in this set one hears Horowitz at his best: still technically awesome yet more musically mature and capable of producing little miracles from pieces well-known, and less-known. No longer pandering to the expectations of the audience, he gave as his encore at the Carnegie Hall return concert, a precious, child-like Traumerei from Kinderszenen. The Schumann featured on these discs includes some of the most beautiful offerings available anywhere of this composer, including a wonderful Fantasy in C and perhaps the best performance ever on record of Kreisleriana. The Schubert impromptus are little miracles, and the Debussy that's thrown in makes us fantasize about the other French music he could have given us! His wonderful Chopin reminds us there are other views besides Rubinstein's to this most-important-of-all piano literature, and his Rachmaninoff is glorious. Performing into his eighties, he was a wonder of music and the 13 discs offered here give a personal record of a dazzling career from his very best years. It might be pointed out that several pieces are offered more than once in the set as they were recorded in several concerts and studio sessions and it is interesting to hear the differences in his performances. One might wish that his piano oeuvre had included more composers and a wider range of pieces, but this collection certainly highlights the work he was best known for, including as it does the various Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Schumann, Scarlatti, Scriabin, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Clementi, and Beethoven gems he was noted for throughout his long career. Anyone loving the piano, or just beautiful music must hear these discs!

Average customer rating: Great collection of 19th/20th Century music It's about Time!

Women of Note ~ Beach, Boulanger, Clarke, Gubaidulina, Larsen, Mendelssohn, Monk, Musgrave, Ran, Zwilich Libby Larsen , Sofia Gubaidulina , Nadia Boulanger , Germaine Tailleferre , Amy Beach , Lili Boulanger , Ellen Taaffe Zwilich , Rebecca Clarke , Clara Wieck Schumann , Sofiya Asgatovna Gubaydulina , Meredith Monk , Shulamit Ran , Thea Musgrave , Galina Ustvolskaya , Royal Philharmonic Chorus , Minnesota Orchestra , Women's Philharmonic , Louisville Orchestra , English Chamber Orchestra , New Zealand Chamber Orchestra , Joann Falletta , Joel Revzen , James Sedares , Nicholas Braithwaite , Arleen Auger , Nina Flyer , and Chi Fun Lee Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beach | Beach, Amy Marcy Cheney | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gubaidulina, Sofia | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Larsen, Libby | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn-Hensel | Mendelssohn-Hensel, Fanny | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Clara Wieck Schumann | Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tailleferre | Tailleferre, Germaine | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | 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 Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | 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 Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fanny Mendelssohn & Clara Schumann Piano Trios [IMPORT] The Women Composers Women's Voices: Five Centuries of Song Chamber Works by Women Composers The Norton/Grove Dictionary of Women Composers ASIN: B000001SKH Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

1. Concertino For Harp (Allegretto)
2. Three Pieces For Cello And Piano (Vite et nerveusement rythme)
3. Sonnets Fro The Portuguese (How Do I Love Thee?)
4. Das Jahr (Mai)
5. Du'un Matin de Priintemps
6. Ballad In Db
7. Symphony No. 3 (Largo)
8. Missa Gaia (Introit)
9. Sonata (Impetuoso)
10. Sonata (Adagio
11. Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Staccato - Legato
12. Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Legato - Staccato
13. Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Con Sordino - Senza Sordino
14. Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Ricochet
15. Travel Song
16. Three Fantasy Movements (Slow)
17. Orfeo II (Orpheo Laments)
18. Sonata No. 6

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of 19th/20th Century music.......2003-08-12

This is a great collection of works from 19th and 20th century women composers. Keep in mind, it is only a small sample of what's available, but an excellent place to start. It is also a good choice if you are a teacher wanting to introduce women composers to your class and do not want to invest in dozens of CDs. There are no large-scale works on this CD, so it is ideal as a sampler (or for use with kids in a classroom setting). I highly recommend this CD.

It's about Time!.......2001-12-07

A top-notch sampling of mainly 20th-century music by women composers, including Lili Boulanger and Pulitzer Prize-winners Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and Shulamit Ran, this cd proves that the music has been excellent all along. What we have needed are good recordings of superior performances. The samples often are brief--e.g., a single movement from Clarke's cello sonata--yet do provide jumping off points for more concentrated pursuit of favorite composers. Those uninitiated in women's works will become familiar here with some of the best of the last 150 years: Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Thea Musgrave, and on and on. I hope every author of a text on music since 1840 will come to know and adore this cd, then include the music in their discussions of music history. It's about time!

Average customer rating: The Schumann Kreisleriana is worth everything, and the Chopin is magical Chopin + Schumann + Horowitz = Unforgettable Playing Classic Chopin

Vladimir Horowitz, The Complete Masterworks Recordings 1962-1973, Volume VII: Early Romantics Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 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 Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | 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 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: Vladimir Horowitz, Complete Masterworks Recordings 1962-1973, Vol. I: The Studio Recordings 1962-63 Late Russian Romantics Vladimir Horowitz, Complete Masterworks Recordings 1962-1973, Vol. VI: Horowitz Performs Beethoven Horowitz: The Historic Return Carnegie Hall 1965; The 1966 Concerts The Complete Masterworks Recordings, Vol. 4: The Legendary 1968 TV Concert ASIN: B00000290G Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4: Lento, ma non troppo
2. Etude in G-flat major, Op. 10 No. 5: Vivace
3. Introduction & Rondo in E-flat major, Op. 16
4. Waltz in A minor, Op. 34 No. 2: Lento
5. Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53: Maestoso
6. Mazurka in F-sharp minor, Op. 59 No. 3: Vivace
7. Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 50 No. 3: Moderato
8. Mazurka in D-flat major, Op. 30 No. 3: Allegro non troppo
9. Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41 No. 2: Andantino
10. Mazurka in D major, Op. 33 No. 2: Vivace
11. Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4: Presto
12. Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3: Lento, ma non troppo
13. Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
14. Prelude in B minor, Op. 28 No. 6: Lento assai

Tracks:

1. Posonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1: Allegro con brio
2. Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15: Sostenuto
3. Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6: Andante
4. Etude No. 2 in A-flat major from 'Trois Nouvelles Etudes': Allegretto
5. Mazurka in F minor, Op. 7 No. 3
6. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2: Tempo giusto
7. Variations on a Theme by Clara Wieck from Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 14: Andantino
8. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: I. Auberst bewegt
9. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: II. Sehr innig
10. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: III. Sehr aufgeregt
11. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: IV. Sehr langsam
12. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: V. Sehr lebhaft
13. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VI. Sehr langsam
14. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VII. Sehr rasch
15. Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VIII. Schnell und spielend

Amazon.com essential recording

Schumann and Chopin were staples of Horowitz's repertory, and this late 1960s-early 1970s collection finds him at his mature peak, playing with elan and imaginative fantasy. The Kreisleriana is one of his greatest recordings, trumping rivals with its spectacular pianism and complete identification with the composer. The Chopin set typifies Horowitz's approach--big and bold, with personalized editorial emendations and an energy that shatters the conventional salon approach. But he also sings Chopin's touching melodies as few others can, making the lovely Op. 10 No. 3 Etude an achingly touching poem. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

The Schumann Kreisleriana is worth everything, and the Chopin is magical.......2005-12-20

This is a must have dual CD set of one of the great pianists of all time playing some of his favorite music. Later in life Horowitz made a TV show that became a best selling VHS tape entitled "Horowitz: The Last Romantic". If you ever heard him play, you know that title is appropriate and what the grand piano style was all about.

I have often referred to recordings of music as photographs of music. And just as photographs of people a wonderfully valuable, they are not the real person and do not capture the real person. Even a movie or documentary distorts the reality of the person. Still, we treasure our home movies, photos, and recordings. And we should. We just need to remember what they really are and that they are representations of reality (or of fictions if that is what they are) rather than real life.

It was my good fortune to hear Horowitz in recital three times; twice here in Ann Arbor and once in East Lansing. While I have heard dozens of great pianists, and hundreds of very fine quality, Horowitz (and Rubenstein) had a special charisma that was totally involving. His playing had special qualities that were unique to him. He played more quietly and yet was able to send that whisper of sound to the farthest rows in Hill Auditorium. I believe the secret of his power was that he had so many shades of pianissimo. While we clearly here a great dynamic range in these recordings, the compressed nature of recordings cannot capture the full range of what we heard in live performance.

The other thing he had was the ability to not only keep the voices clear in the music he was playing, but to give each voice its own character and sound. The recording of Schumann's fabulous Opus 16, Kreisleriana included here captures this ability to a stunning degree. This recording should be in your collection and studied carefully. While these phantasies are full of contrasts that make listening to them seemingly easy, there is so much quality and interesting music that they will reward as much close listening and study as you can lavish on them.

The other Schumann work included is the "Variations on a theme by Clara Wieck" (who became Schumann's wife and was a superb and important pianist).

The Chopin pieces included here are a wonderful collection of etudes, mazurkas, the two famous polonaises, preludes, waltzes, and the wonderful but not often heard "Introduction and Rondo in E-flat major Op 16". These are all full of magic and will hold your imagination closely. I find myself saying, "Oh, I LOVE this piece" and then the next one comes on, and I say the same thing again and then again for the next one. They are all pieces I have learned to play or want to learn (like the Intro & Rondo).

Get a hold of these disks if you can. Just a number of wonderful listening experiences.

Chopin + Schumann + Horowitz = Unforgettable Playing.......2003-04-12

Volume Seven of Sony's Horowitz reissue contains very convincing performances of Chopin and Schumann, Romantic composers whose music was sympathetic to the pianist's interpretive style.

It was not uncommon for Horowitz to bring to light a rarely played work by a well known composer, which is the case with Chopin's Introduction & Rondo in E-flat. This early composition (probably written for Chopin's most advanced pupils) abounds with glittery passagework and technical configurations similar to his Concertos (which Horowitz never recorded). Under Horowitz's hands, the work exceeds the boundaries of mere salon piece and emerges as a virtuoso tour de force.

Horowitz (who had a Polish grandmother and was fond of pointing out that he was "half as much a Pole as Chopin") considered the Mazurkas to be Chopin's greatest works, and often stated that there was more music in the shortest Chopin Mazurka than in the longest Mahler Symphony. The pianist treated the Mazurkas less as dance pieces than as "dance-fantasies" and his playing of the works was freer than the more straightforward Rubinstein. Highlights of this set include a seductive F-sharp Minor, Op. 59 No. 3.

Horowitz made several recordings of the ever popular A-flat Polonaise, and this one adheres most closely to Chopin's text. The introduction is very sparsely pedalled (as if Horowitz were saying "Look! I can play the tricky introduction without using the pedal to cover up insufficient fingerwork. Take THAT, Rubinstein!"). The remainder of the piece goes with gusto and flair (too fast to be a Maestoso), but he somehow misses the grandeur which Rubinstein brought to the piece--and which Horowitz himself would attain in his last years. The A-major Polonaise is also taken at a fast clip, but this somehow seems more appropriate to this work, and one is reminded of Chopin's remark that if he were able to play the piece the way he meant it to be played, the piano would lay in ruins afterward.

If anyone thought Horowitz, then approaching 70, had lost any of his fire, their worries were quickly dispelled with the Etudes included here. The C-sharp Minor goes at a rapid clip, but unlike many pianists, there is no loss of clarity. The famous Revolutionary Etude is given a more outwardly virtuosic performance then the pianist's 1963 recording, yet somehow the piece has less impact here.

The ubiquitous C-sharp Minor Waltz is from the Boston concert of April 7, 1968. Three days previously, the Reverend Martin Luther King had been murdered in Memphis. At the beginning of this concert, Horowitz came onstage with an African-American minister, and played Chopin's Funeral March in memory of Dr. King.

Horowitz learned Shumann's Kreisleriana in the 1930s, but did not play it in public until 1968. Several attempts to record the work in concert were not successful, and Horowitz came to the conclusion that he needed the peace and quiet of a recording studio to achieve the concentration for a performance suitable for posterity. Horowitz recorded the work at one inspired session on December 1, 1969, and this may well be the most successful Kreisleriana ever recorded. Ironically, Horowitz, who often had trouble holding together a Beethoven Sonata, makes this structurally splintered work emerge as one piece. This is one Kriesleriana which is never rambling or boring. There is virtuosity here, but never for its own sake, and there is poetry in plenty. This stands alongside the 1932 Liszt Sonata and 1951 Rachmaninoff Third Concerto as one of Horowitz's greatest recordings. However, it should be pointed out that this reissue of Kriesleriana uses a few alternate takes, which are markedly different from the original LP and an earlier CD issue (MK42409). Although the performance is basically similar, there are several differences in detail.

Schumann's Variations on a Theme by Clara Wieck, originally included as a filler for the Kriesleriana record, is given a straightforward reading here. It a lovely little work, but it is even more beautiful in its original context: as the third movement from the composer's Sonata in F Minor, another rarely played work Horowitz would bring to light in 1975.

The sound is more than acceptable here, and especially fine in the Schumann works.

Classic Chopin.......2000-11-23

Volume Seven of Vladimir Horowitz's "Complete Masterworks Recordings" ("Early Romantics") compiles almost two discs worth of classic Chopin performances. There's a little bit of everything here -- Polonaises, Etudes, Mazurkas and Preludes, but sadly no Nocturnes. The Chopin renditions here are as good as, if not better than, anything available -- Rubinstein, Kissin, Pollini and Cliburn included. And just when you thought the highlight of this collection was the Chopin material, on come two amazing pieces by Schumann, "Variations on a Theme by Clara Wreck" and "Kreislerania." The latter piece is a particular favorite of mine -- a wild and turbulent, and at times poetic and lovely, masterpiece which Horowitz captures in all its brilliance. In all, "Early Romantics" is a thoroughly enjoyable couple of discs that anyone should love.

Average customer rating: Brava Bonney! A Beautiful Blend of Passion and Poetry

Songs by Robert & Clara Schumann Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Clara Wieck Schumann | Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music Schumann, Robert | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Bonney, Barbara | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: Lieder Barbara Bonney - Fairest Isle Exultate, Jubilate Mozart: Lieder The Radiant Voice of Barbara Bonney ASIN: B0000042G4 Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

1. Myrthen, op.25: Widmung
2. Myrthen, op.25: Der Nussbaum
3. Myrthen, op.25: Die Lotosblume
4. Myrthen, op.25: Lied der Suleika
5. Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen
6. Liebst du um Schonheit
7. Das Veilchen
8. Lorelei
9. Mein Stern
10. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: Seit ich ihn gesehen
11. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: Er, der Herrlichste von allen
12. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben
13. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: Du Ring an meinem Finger
14. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: Helft mir, iht Schwestern
15. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: SFreund, du blickest
16. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust
17. Frauenliebe und -leben, op.42: Nun hast du mir den ersten Schmerz getan
18. 6 Lieder, op.13: Ich stand in dunklen Traumen
19. 6 Lieder, op.13: Sie liebten sich beide
20. 6 Lieder, op.13: Liebeszauber
21. 6 Lieder, op.13: Der Mond kommt still gegangen
22. 6 Lieder, op.13: Ich hab' in deinem Auge
23. 6 Lieder, op.13: Die stille Lotosblume
24. Liederkreis, op.39: Waldesgesprach
25. Liederkreis, op.39: Mondnacht
26. Liederkreis, op.39: Er ist's, op. 79 no.24
27. Liederkreis, op.39: Sehnsucht, op. 51 no.1
28. Liederkreis, op.39: Mein Sch Stern!, op. 101 no.4
29. Liederkreis, op.39: Mignon, op 79 no. 29

Customer Reviews:

Brava Bonney!.......1999-12-04

I've listened to many recordings of "Fraunliebe", and although I still would not give up my precious disc with Lucia Popp's interpretation (now out of print), Bonney's interpretation is so moving on account of it's very convincing use of rubato. I listened to Bonney sing these songs (meaning "Fraunliebe" and some of Clara Schumann's) in Vienna. Her interpretation (especially through rubato) gave me the impression that she was not singing but speaking -- more specifically, speaking to *me*, about all the joys and sorrows of life. Of course I'm aware that she wasn't really doing so, but the effect was just magical. And now I enjoy that same impression every time I listen to this CD! Ashkenazy accompanies with utmost sensitivity, bringing out some voices which one doesn't usually hear. And yes, Clara Schumann's Lieder are beautiful in their own right. Has anyone noticed that "Er ist gekommen" resembles the D minor episode of the last movement of Robert's "Kreisleriana"? Also, Clara's "Mein Stern" resembles the chorale-like theme from the end of the penultimate movement of "Kreisleriana." Any musicologists out there who might know what to make of this? I know Clara and Robert were fond of quoting each other in their own compositions, so it's hard to imagine these cases being mere coincidences of musical invention...

A Beautiful Blend of Passion and Poetry.......1999-01-08

This CD is one of the most beautiful recordings of Schumann lieder I have heard to date. I recently wrote a paper for a music history class about Robert Schumann's use of "musical code" (imagery through musical motives) in the song cycle "Frauenliebe und Leben." During my research, I fell in love with the song cycle, which is a perfect blend of passion and poetry. I had listened to several recordings, but none paired piano and voice so well as Bonney and Ashkenazy have. "Frauenliebe und Leben" was meant to be a vocal/piano duet rather than merely a vocal solo with piano accompaniment, and they have captured the essence of the song cycle in that respect. Bonney's gorgeous, mellow voice and Ashkenazy's perfectly complementary, soulful interpretation give this album a truly "romantic" feel--both emotionally and musically. I highly recommend this album for lovers of "Frauenliebe und Leben." I plan to share this album with my accompanist as we prepare for my upcoming senior recital, in which I will perform this song cycle. Bonney and Ashkenazy's portrayal of "woman's love and life" is inspirational. Five stars, three thumbs up, and a big "WOW!" for this album.

Average customer rating: MORE PLEASE A Pair of Trios Worth Knowing

Fanny Mendelssohn & Clara Schumann Piano Trios [IMPORT] Dartington Piano Trio Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn-Hensel | Mendelssohn-Hensel, Fanny | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Clara Wieck Schumann | Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mendelssohn-Hensel, Fanny | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Clara Wieck | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works Fanny Mendelssohn: Lieder Women of Note ~ Beach, Boulanger, Clarke, Gubaidulina, Larsen, Mendelssohn, Monk, Musgrave, Ran, Zwilich Clara Schumann: Piano Concerto; Piano Trio Clara Schumann Piano Music ASIN: B00005NUPK Release Date: 2001-10-09

Customer Reviews:

MORE PLEASE.......2005-01-11

This disc is a 2001 reissue of recordings originally made in 1988 and first marketed by Hyperion in the following year. As is often the way of such matters, I had never heard Clara Schumann's piano trio until two days ago, and now here is another fine performance of the work while it is still fresh in my mind.

So far as I'm concerned these are piano trios by two little-known romantic composers, not trios by someone's wife and someone else's sister. Fanny Mendelssohn was older than her brother and therefore had a start on him: Clara Wieck showed precocious musical talent that her ambitious and overbearing father had determined to make the most of before she ever heard of Robert Schumann, and I have no reason to believe that the musical influence as between brother and sister in the one case and husband and wife in the other was not a two-way street. Honesty compels me to say that I couldn't be sure of identifying other work by either composer on the strength of what I so far know, which is (on top of these trios) some violin/piano duos, songs and piano solos by Clara and nothing else whatsoever by Fanny. Honesty equally allows me to say that my first reaction to the first movement of CS's trio was that it showed a lot more continuity and fluency than many first movements by her husband, whose genius lay in other aspects of the matter. However you finally assess these two compositions, they are not the work of dilettantes or amateurs. Both show thorough musical schooling both in terms of the construction and of the instrumental writing. There is melodic talent too, and if I had had to guess the composer of FM's trio I might not necessarily have guessed anyone with the same surname. It is interestingly planned, with two slow movements in effect, an andante followed by a 'Lied' marked allegretto, but a slow allegretto. I can't believe that the speed adopted on the disc is wrong as the movement is less than two and a half minutes in length even played like this. For a moment or two it almost seemed as if there was going to be a third slow movement, but the finale gathers a bit of pace after a while.

The performances strike me as excellent, and the recording too. The liner-note is slightly humdrum, but it contains some useful background. The total playing-time is roughly 55 minutes. I would have appreciated some fillers, given how little the composers' work is generally known, but at a bargain price I suppose I ought not to be greedy. I know for a fact that there is some very interesting stuff by CS, and I should be pleased to learn that more of FM's work, still I believe largely unpublished, is being made available to us.

A Pair of Trios Worth Knowing.......2001-11-14

Reissued on Hyperion's budget label Helios, this CD is an especially welcome addition to the catalog. While Clara Schumann's very competent Trio is reminiscent of Robert's Trio No. 3, it lacks the memorable melodies and much of the drama of the latter work. I generally find that Clara, as a composer, rightly worked in the shadow of her husband, and here is a good example--a work that doesn't really measure up to the least-popular of Robert's fine trios.

But with Fanny--who worked in her famous brother's shadow throughout her composing career, was discouraged by him from publishing her works, and only came to publish win the last year of her life--the story is different. Her Trio Op. 11 is a haunting work. Classical in structure and in feeling, it certainly has echoes of Felix's work, but it is much more characterful and individual than Clara's trio. The restless first movement in D minor is brightened by a noble, singing melody introduced by the cello; this theme oscillates between the major and minor key, so what brightness it lends is ambiguous. Altogether, the first movement is a dark, troubled affair that forms a wonderful aesthetic whole.

The second and third movements manage to lift the pall, the slow movement a lovely, nostalgic sort of dialogue among the instruments that does remind one of Felix in a similar vein. The third movement is another song without words, at a faster tempo, but Fanny should have sought a greater contrast here, and this is the weakest movement of the three.

The last movement returns to the drama of the first movement, opening with a slow, elegiac recitative for the piano that turns into the Allegro proper and returns throughout the movement. The Allegro is aggitated music as well with many emotional turns and twists that are always interesting to follow. The battle is clearly won as the Allegro theme turns to the major key at the end of the movement. And then, with all the skill of Schubert in his Trio No. 2, Fanny recalls the beautiful major-minor second melody of the first movement to cap the Allegro with a triumphant coda. Emotionally and musically, this is a satisfying conclusion to a distinguished work.

The Dartington Trio produces a big, dramatic tone--especially in Hyperion's intimate recording--and plays with fine ensemble and true sympathy for the music throughout.

Average customer rating: Sunny

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3; Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dvorák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104; Bruch Kol Nidrei; Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme / Dorati, Starker, London Symphony Orchestra (3-Channel and Stereo Hybrid SACD) Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3 [Hybrid SACD] Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet); Fireworks [Hybrid SACD] Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1-6 [Hybrid SACD] Janos Starker: Cello Concertos of Schumann, Lalo, Saint-Saëns [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B0007YP0UE Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. I. Andante-Allegro
2. II. Tema Con Variazione
3. III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
4. I. Vivace
5. II. Andante
6. III. Allegro Vivace
7. Toccata
8. Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck ('Quasi Variazioni')
9. Song Without Words, Op.62, No.1
10. I. Run, Run
11. II. March
12. III. Hobby-Horse

Customer Reviews:

Sunny.......2007-02-05

I consider myself supremely unqualified to rate any musical item. I am more than happy to criticize literature. Ironically, I have a degree in music and no such thing in literature. But, then again, my literature professor never smacked my hands with a ruler and told me to stop despoiling his piano with my clumsy touch. I wonder if there was anyway to write that last sentence without the suggestion of piano-human sex.

So take this with the salt it deserves--this album is top-notch.

There is something about Janis's playing that I can't put my finger on: somehow, no matter the piece, there is a feeling of cheerfulness. One would expect this in the Prokofiev, but we find it even in the melancholy Rachmaninoff, even slivers of it in the morose Schumann excerpt. It's no cause for complaint: one still gets all the emotion these works deserve. Somehow, still, everything seems so bright and sunny in Janis's hands.

His playing is above any criticism.

This is, perhaps, not my favorite recording of the Rach 1, but that may simply be because I'm used to a more somber sound. Nonetheless, it is a remarkable rendition, clear as a bell. The Prokofiev 3rd is breathtaking, the typical sarcasm and snide humor of the composer.

The Op. 11 Tocatta must be heard to be believed.

The Pinto pieces are charming little bits of dessert.

My only complaint, and this goes not to Janis, is that the album is somewhat old and thus suffers from a kind of dusty grain in the sound. That detracts not a bit from the music itself, however.

Music Review:

1. Claude le Jeune: Magnificat, Benedicite Dominum, Missa Ad Placitum
2. Consort Music by Peter Philips - The Parley of Instruments
3. Debussy: La Mer/Prelude A L'apres-midi D'un Faune/Ravel: Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte/Daphnis Et Chloe
4. Divertimenti 6
5. Dizzy Fingers
6. Duke Ellington: Four-Handed Piano
7. Durante: Lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae
8. Dutilleux: Orchestral Works I
9. Ernst Toch: Symphonies 5-7
10. Famous European Organs: Basedow (Gercke-Herbst Organ) - Klaus Eichhorn

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