Works for Trumpet & Organ

1. Chorale Prelude for trumpet & organ, "Gott der Vater Wohn Uns Bei"
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

2. Fantasia on "Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme" for trumpet & organ
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

3. Chorale Prelude for trumpet & organ, "Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme" (Version III)
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

4. Prelude in C major for organ (Pro organo pleno)
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Felix Friedrich

5. Chorale Prelude for trumpet & organ, "Es ist gewißlich an der Zeit"
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

6. Fantasia à Gusto Italiano for organ in F major
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Felix Friedrich

7. Chorale Prelude for trumpet & organ, "In Allen Meinen Taten"
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

8. Fantasia for trumpet and organ in F
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Felix Friedrich

9. Chorale Prelude for trumpet & organ, "Herzlich Lieb Hab Ich Dich, O Herr"
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

10. Prelude and Fugue for organ in D minor
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

11. Chorale Prelude for trumpet & organ, "Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme" (Version I)
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

12. Fantasia on "Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme" for trumpet & organ (Version II)
Composed by Johann Ludwig Krebs
with Mathias Schmutzler , Felix Friedrich

Works for Trumpet & Organ,Krebs,Schutzler,Friedrich,Motette Records,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music

Average customer rating: Uplifting An Excellent Bargain-priced CD!! Better than a dab of Imperial margarine One of my best CDs

Baroque Trumpet Concertos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Trumpet Concertos Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4 Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 5 & 6/Orchestral Suite No. 1; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields ASIN: B00000J90I Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

1. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: I. Allegro
2. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: II. Andante
3. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: III. Allegro
4. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Minor: I. Grave
5. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Minor: II. Allegro
6. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Minor: III. Andante
7. Concerto For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Minor: IV. Vivace
8. Concerto For 2 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Major, RV.537: I. Allegro
9. Concerto For 2 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Major, RV.537: II. Largo
10. Concerto For 2 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo In C Major, RV.537: III. Allegro
11. Concerto For Trumpet, Violin, Strings & Basso Continuo In B-Flat, RV.548: I. Allegro
12. Concerto For Trumpet, Violin, Strings & Basso Continuo In B-Flat, RV.548: II. Largo
13. Concerto For Trumpet, Violin, Strings & Basso Continuo In B-Flat, RV.548: III. Allegro
14. Concerto For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: I. Allegro
15. Concerto For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: II. Grave
16. Concerto For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: III. Aria (Andante)
17. Concerto For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: IV. Vivace
18. Concerto For Trumpet, Oboe, Strings & Basso Continuo In C, RV.534: I. Allegro
19. Concerto For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: II. Largo
20. Concerto For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: III. Allegro
21. Concerto Grosso For 6 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: I.
22. Concerto Grosso For 6 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: II. Adagio
23. Concerto Grosso For 6 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo In D Major: III. Vivace
24. Concerto For Trumpet, Oboe, Strings & Basso Continuo In C, RV.534: I. (Allegro)
25. Concerto For Trumpet, Oboe, Strings & Basso Continuo In C, RV.534: II. Adagio
26. Concerto For Trumpet, Oboe, Strings & Basso Continuo In C, RV.534: III. Presto

Customer Reviews:

Uplifting .......2006-11-15

I love this CD. The music is very uplifting. If you love Baroque Music then you can't go wrong with this CD. Great Price and Value.

An Excellent Bargain-priced CD!!.......2002-02-13

I originally purchased this disc as an EMI Classics Red Line release (I think I paid $5.99 for it). It was a steal then, and remains so today on the Seraphin line (simple a reissue of the same EMI Red Line release).

Maurice Andre is a fantastic trumpet player, and he simply shines on this recording (featuring the Academy of St. Martins on the Field under Sir Neville Marriner). Bargain-priced CDs tend to get the proverbial bum rap, but Seraphin (as usual) offers a first-rate recording that can compete with any full-priced release. I've listened to this disc at least 20 times, and I never tire of it. Andre and Marriner bring to life these works, some by lesser-known composers (like Stolzel, Telemann and Torelli). I can't think of a better introduction to these underrated Baroque artists (with the exception of Sony's 'Baroque in Italy' CD, which sadly is now out-of-print, too).

This recording, as with so many others, will not be available forever. Given the quality of the recording and beauty of the pieces, I strongly recommend purchasing this disc before it, too, goes out-of-print. It's a great disc at a great price, and would be a welcomed addition to any Classical music collection.

Better than a dab of Imperial margarine.......2001-03-01

This is a great feel-good record. Music to reign by.

The Stölzel concerto for four instrumental choirs is a particular gem, a great piece to cue up and wake up in the morning to. There is nothing particularly deep or heavy here. All of these pieces are light, in major keys. They are well recorded and well played.

One of my best CDs.......2001-01-07

This CD is just a delight. If you enjoy Baroque, you will find this CD one of your favorites. It has a pleasant register and a lightness that is a pleasure to any ear. An excellent value.

Average customer rating: poor sound quality SUPERB In this case: I'm baroque Come to laugh and stay to cry Great Introduction to Beautiful Music

25 Baroque Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Charpentier | Charpentier, Marc-Antoine | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gio Battista Sammartini | Sammartini, Gio Battista | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Giuseppe Sammartini | Sammartini, Giuseppe | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stradella | Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Alessandro Marcello | Marcello, Alessandro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Handel Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058I7 Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Canon
2. Concerto In D Minor For 2 Oboes & Strings, Op. 42, No. 2: I. Largo
3. Water Music: VI. Minuet
4. Trumpet Concerto In D: II. Adagio
5. Sarabande
6. Oboe Concerto In D Minor: II. Adagio
7. Concerto In D For Trumpet & Strings: III. Grave
8. Air On The G String
9. Adagio For Strings In G Minor
10. The Four Seasons: Spring, II. Largo
11. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: II. Andante
12. Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets & Strings: II. Largo
13. Concerto Grosso In D Minor, Op.3 No. 11: I. Allegro
14. Concerto In D For 6 Trumpets & Strings: II. Adagio
15. Ombra mai fu: Handel's Largo
16. Trumpet Sonata No. 1 In F: II. Grave
17. Suite In F Major For Horn, 2 Oboes & Strings: III. Der Alster Echo
18. Concerto In C For Viola Pomposa & Strings: II. Andante
19. Concerto In D For Trumpet, 2 Violins, Viola, Basso & Continuo: I. Allegro
20. Hapsichord Concerto In G Minor, BWV 1058: First Mvt.
21. Sonata For Trumpet & Strings: I. Allegro
22. Concerto Grosso No. 5 In D, Op. 6: I. Larghetto
23. Concerto in D for Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Continuo: I. Allegro
24. Concerto grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: II. Allegro
25. Trumpet Voluntary

Customer Reviews:

poor sound quality.......2004-09-29

a great selection of baroque favorites, but the sound quality, especially on the pachelbel canon, not great at all. for that reason, i cannot recommend getting it. what do you expect for five dollars, right !>? i would suggest spending a little more money and getting something that you can't bear to part with, for continued listening enjoyment.

SUPERB.......2004-02-19

An introduction to the best baroque music by famous composers.
Great sound on this CD. There are over 10 CD's in this Farorites collection, and this by far is one of the best ones.

If you like the classical sounds of music, then you will like this. Check out the samples on this page that they provide, that's the best way to review.

In this case: I'm baroque.......2004-02-07

I'm not usually a classical listener kind of gal. The only reason I stumbled onto this cd is because my favorite tune from a movie is on it. Sarabande is also played on the movie Persuasion (author: Jane Austen). I wanted to have that tune. Followed the links and landed on the Baroque cd. Ordered it. Sarabande is my favorite, followed by Canon, four seasons: spring, etc. I love this cd! It feels happy and light. For me, as a writer and an animator, it adds extra emotional impact when creating as well as influencing my imagination more. I recommend this cd when people want to feel like spring.

Come to laugh and stay to cry.......2003-11-26

Circumspect at first about buying any CD with a "best of" title, this one really exceeds expectations. Also bought the Vivaldi disc in this series which is likewise exceptional. With the caveat that "Ombra mai fu" is repeated in various of the "25 favorites" collections, I recommend these recordings wholeheartedly, especially in terms of cost per track.

"Canon" is the flagship piece on this CD, a lush arrangement that will move a strong man to tears. Almost as powerful are Bach's "Air on the G String" and of course, Handel's "Ombra mai fu". The disc ends on an up note with "Trumpet Voluntaire".

At this price, you can send "Baroque favorites" to every Classical music lover you know. I would recommend sending this CD even to people who don't like Classical...you might just change their minds.

Great Introduction to Beautiful Music.......2000-07-08

The Baroque period (1600-1750) was one of the most important in the history of music because many of our modern musical forms come from this time. The baroque style is diverse, including such elements as contrast and a deep emotionalism. Although orchestras perform the songs, many individual instruments are highlighted. The baroque composers especially loved strings, the trumpet, and the oboe. The songs range from the vibrant and the lively to the slow and the sad. I have found this CD is excellent as background music for studying, reading, or driving in rush hour traffic, mainly because the music is calming and relaxing. Baroque masters such as Bach and Handel are still popular today and their songs are loved by many. Fans of popular music will recognize a few of the songs on this CD. "Air on the G String" (Bach) was used by Procol Harum in their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale." "Canon," one of the most popular baroque songs today, is often performed at weddings and has been incorporated into pop songs by artists such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Vitamin C, and Rod McKuen.

This CD is considered an introduction to baroque music. It includes some of the most famous composers and their best songs. For example, Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi each have three songs on this disc. The liner notes are sparse, but a brief history of baroque music is included. Because of the inexpensive price and the huge amount of music (25 songs, 74 minutes of music), I highly recommend this for anyone who already loves the baroque style or wants an excellent introduction to this beautiful music.

Average customer rating: Heavenly. A must have album! Pyrotechnics A must for the trumpet player's library!

Trumpet Concertos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cimarosa, Domenico | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | 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 Michael Haydn | Haydn, Michael | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Benedetto Marcello | Marcello, Benedetto | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tartini | Tartini, Giuseppe | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Baroque Trumpet Concertos Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet Greatest Hits: Trumpet Classic Wynton ASIN: B000002SDO Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: Allegro
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: Andante
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: Allegro assai
4. Suite For Trumpet In D Major: Overture
5. Suite For Trumpet In D Major: Gigue (allegro)
6. Suite For Trumpet In D Major: Air
7. Suite For Trumpet In D Major: Bourree
8. Suite For Trumpet In D Major: Marche
9. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
10. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Grave
11. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Arie
12. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Grave
13. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Vivace
14. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
15. Trumpet Concerto In D Minor: Andante
16. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
17. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Adagio
18. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
19. Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major: Allegro
20. Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major: Andante
21. Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major: Allergo

Tracks:

1. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
2. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Adagio - Presto - Adagio
3. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
4. Concerto In D Minor Op. 9 No. 2: Allegro e non presto
5. Concerto In D Minor Op. 9 No. 2: Adagio
6. Concerto In D Minor Op. 9 No. 2: Allegro
7. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro
8. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Andante
9. Trumpet Concerto In D Major: Allegro grazioso
10. Concerto For 2 trumpets Op. 46 No.1: Allegro
11. Concerto For 2 trumpets Op. 46 No.1: Largo
12. Concerto For 2 trumpets Op. 46 No.1: Allegro
13. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Allegro moderato
14. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Adagio
15. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Allegro
16. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Introduction: larghetto
17. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Allegro
18. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Siciliana
19. Trumpet Concerto In C Major: Allegro giusto

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly........2003-09-20

That is how I describe Maurice Andre's sound. So smooth and suave, and accurate every time. The Michael Haydn Concerto In D is one of the most impressive trumpet works ever recorded. Andre does it better than anyone else ever did, if you ask me. He also takes on J.S. Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2" and the results are majestic. The essential Joseph Haydn Trumpet Concerto is on here as well, a piece in which Andre plays an especially stunning cadenza on the first movement. The Telemann, Tartini, Handel, Vivaldi and Marcello are all impeccably played. Maurice Andre was the second or third trumpet player I started listening to after Miles Davis. I also discovered Clifford Brown around then, back in 6th grade. Since then, they have all remained in my list of all-time favorite trumpet players and musicians.

A must have album!.......2001-09-17

The incredible playing of Maurice Andre fills up all two of these cds. From the incredible brandenberg reading to the Cimarosa. This album from start to finish is a text book on beauty, style, phrasing, and how to play the trumpet. Andre is a true master of the trumpet and even more a true master musician.

Pyrotechnics.......2001-06-21

Maurice André is one of those people whom one suspects isn't quite human like the rest of us (Michala Petri is another). To anyone who has ever struggled to get as much as a parp or a toot out of a trumpet, the astounding technical facility and the pure, clear, pitch-perfect sound and wonderful tone of an André is a revelation that some people are indeed more equal than others. This collection represents André in his prime (he's now sadly semi-retired) and he does a wonderful job. Many of these works are not originally for trumpet, and only a modern piccolo valved trumpet allows them to be played. Nevertheless, they come up shining.

A must for the trumpet player's library!.......1999-09-23

If you're into trumpet concertos, Maurice Andre is as smooth and technical as they come. This two-CD set contains not only Bach, but also Handel, Telemann, Haydn, Albinoni, and others. If you have Andre's concertos in your sheet music library, these CD's make for great accompaniment. The CDs are great while studying as well. Mega cerebral (when you're into that kind of thing)!

Average customer rating: Superb with just one reservation Go ahead, test your intelligence... The definitive recordings. Sound Splitting Music An aural knockout

Varèse - The Complete Works / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra · Asko Ensemble · Chailly Edgard Varese , Riccardo Chailly , Mireille Delunsch , Sarah Leonard , Royal Concertgebouw Orhcestra , and Asko Ensemble Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Percussion | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Varese: Arcana; Ameriques; Ionization; Offrandes; Density 21.5; Octandre; Integrales Penderecki: Anaklasis; Threnody; etc. Xenakis: Orchestral Works & Chamber Music Anton Webern: Complete Works, Opp. 1-31 Arnold Schoenberg: Serenade/Five Pieces For Orchestra ASIN: B00000AFR8 Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

1. Tuning Up
2. Amques (Original Version)
3. Po ectronique
4. Arcana
5. Nocturnal
6. Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Orchestral Version)

Tracks:

1. Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Original Version)
2. Offrandes: Chanson de laut
3. Offrandes: La Croix du Sud
4. Hyperprism
5. Octandre: Assez lent
6. Octandre: Trvif et nerveux
7. Octandre: Grave - Animt jubilatoire
8. Intales
9. Ecuatorial
10. Ionisation
11. Density 21.5
12. Drts: 1st Episode
13. Drts: 1st interpolation of organized sound
14. Drts: 2nd episode
15. Drts: 2nd interpolation
16. Drts: 3rd episode
17. Drts: 3rd interpolation
18. Drts: 4th episode
19. Dance for Burgess

Amazon.com essential recording

For a composer who is (now) recognizably part of the 20th-century classical canon, the French émigré Edgard Varèse's output was astoundingly meager. Just 15 compositions from his entire life (he destroyed the compositions from his early years, and was a merciless editor of his own material in general) made it out to the listening world. Varèse was caught in the chasm between the music of yesterday and the music of tomorrow: scoring music for modified theremin, steamboat whistles, or air sirens, all balanced with the force of a large orchestra; writing pieces based on the flows of water and wind because that's what shapes the earth; using the concepts of chemical reactions and specific gravity as a basis for his music. Using extremes of contrast, dissonance, and variety in sound, Varèse's pieces had power in the way he attacked and shaped the sound he imagined. From Ionisation (1929), scored almost entirely for unpitched percussion, to the electronic-only, three-dimensionally produced Poeme Electronique (1958), he's provided a foundation that many genres, musicians, and composers were to build from not only for the next 40 years, but inevitably beyond. --Robin Edgerton

Customer Reviews:

Superb with just one reservation.......2006-11-10

This complete works of Varèse, superbly performed and recorded, is a fine accomplishment. My only disappointment was its version of Poème Elèctronique being the sole representation of that ground-breaking work that still holds up for me today as one of the finest pieces of electronic music yet created. It is interesting to be able to hear the version in this collection, which appears to be a loving restoration of what must have been primarily the raw, performing version, to be further enhanced during its performances in a very large space? What I miss in the present version is the more clearly heard textures of its huge sound palette; the resonant and often humerous interplay between them, and its dramatic sweep as it was presented on a sparcely documented stereo mix that first appeared on a Columbia Records LP, later reissued on a CD, now out of print. That one is surely more like an actual performance, presumably mixed to re-create as well as possible then what it might have sounded like over its four hundred loudspeakers in the Philips Pavillion. I hope there will be further reissues. To me the CBS version's drama and energy are more like that of the performances of the other pieces in this wonderful Complete Works set. -Curt Wittig

Go ahead, test your intelligence..........2006-06-18

Frank Zappa used to play Varese to test the intelligence of his friends, and most of them used to look at him like he was "out of his f---ing mind" as he put it. As a major Zappa fan, I bought this compliation, and I love every minute of it. This 2 CD set contains all of Varese's work (needless to say, Edgar wasn't very prolific). You really hear Varese's influence in Zappa's work. Some favorite pieces are Deserts, Poem Electronique, and Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Original Version). Varese's music reminds me of universes being created, in all their violence, beauty, and glory. Instruments crashing down upon one another. This music is reminiscent of Zappa's Weasels Ripped My Flesh and his orchestral work especially. Varese is one of the great American composers, like Aaron Copland, John Cage, and Conlon Nancarrow. Superb....

The definitive recordings........2005-11-09

Riccardo Chailly once said Varèse was going to be the Brahms of the XXI Century. I really don't know if he will be right or wrong, specially because of the very conservative auditoriums we have all around the world, but it should be this way, as the french composer has died too many years ago and his music should be understood but most of the public. It's sad to know that composers, like the own Mahler said, use to be years, decades, even centuries in advance to the general public .

Anyway, it's very important for the popular knowledge of this composers to have recordings like this, in which everything works perfectly as if it was a clock. After many years having some good recordings conducted by Boulez (Sony) and Nagano (Erato) mainly, we have now the possibility of listening one of the most musical and technical orchestra & baton of this time: The Concertgebouworkest and Riccado Chailly.

Most of the versions in this 2CDs set are the best I know, specially the orchestral works, played with conviction and precision by the Concertgebouworkest, an orchestra that had some problems with Mr.Chailly when they begin to play this, for them, `rare' music. The way Arcana sounds its incredible, full of power, mistery and perfection, the performing of Ameriques is breathtaking and I can only compare it with the truly outstanding version by Pierre Boulez with the CSO for DG. Deserts is a new dimension in Chailly's hands, really terrible and full of dark emotions.

Of course, there are little things that could be a bit better, like the Spanish sung in Ecuatorial, better sung in Nagano's version, but generally the performing is marvellous and the instrumental and ondes Martenot's playing in this piece is perfect in Chailly's version.

The ASKO Ensemble versions are outstanding too, showing a very modern Varèse. The performing of Ionisation, that great jewel, listened with a good Hi-Fi system is a experience not to be lost.

The recordings are very good, not outstanding, as it sounds like distant sometimes, but clear and with good definition, of course better with good electronics.

Booklet and presentation of the box is marvellous too; as it has to be in real event in recorded music in the last decades.

Sound Splitting Music.......2002-06-25

First, let me state that I am a long-time Varese fanatic. I first heard Ionisation live at a contemporary music concert in my town when I was 12, and I was hooked. I immediately bought the old Robert Craft double album on Columbia and played it until there were scratches on the scratches. So I was overjoyed to see a modern "complete" recording with up to date sonics. For the most part, I haven't been too disappointed with the performances either.

Chailly is great on much of this music. Ameriques and Arcana are sonic extravagazas. And this is the best recording I've heard of Nocturnal and Ecuatorial. Chailly does a good job with the chamber pieces of the 20s and 30s, though I agree with other reviewers, Boulez is much clearer on Ionisation. Chailly misses some of my favorite parts, and I find it hard to hear the first snare drum theme. (I'm also quite partial to Craft's version, but I don't think it's available anymore.)

I also must add to the chorus of exceptions on the questionable material. The orhestrated version of the solo song has no place on this CD. It doesn't sound like Varese, more like Debussy, and though the song is quite impressionistic, I think we presume too much to orchestrate it and pass it off as "complete" Varese. And neither Tune Up nor Dance for Burgess really add much to our understanding of Varese, and are of questionable value. I suspect that Varese would have destroyed them completely had he been able. Much better to have a recording of the revised version of Ameriques. The revision is so extensive, that a side by side comparison would be illuminating.

All in all, I like this CD. Chailly's take on Varese is big and passionate, something that I think both Boulez and Craft miss. Abravanel comes close to this passion, but Chailly wins because of the gorgeous sonics. I highly recommend this CD to those interested in exploring the unique sound world of Varese.

An aural knockout.......2002-02-01

Here are two discs with some of the most exciting 20th-century music around. Chailly and the Concertgebouw give definitive readings of Varèse's complex pieces, some written for a huge orchestra, and recorded in typically opulent London sound.

My favorites are, without a doubt, "Ameriques" and "Arcana," two explosive showpieces that will give your sound system quite a workout. But far from being merely loud, the scores have many beautiful textures (including quiet ones) scattered throughout the orchestra, and Chailly captures much of the glittering detail.

I even like "Tuning Up," which may seem like a less substantial work to most ears. To be fair, if the piece is not the last word in Varèse's imagination, it is clever enough for its short duration, and as with everything on this disc, the orchestra sounds superb and totally undaunted. Their virtuosity is both satisfying and thrilling, especially in such seldom-performed music.

Make sure your neighbors are away before turning up the performance of "Ameriques," though - the last few pages will blow your roof off.

I suspect Varèse would have loved this collection.

Average customer rating: Excellent CD, beautiful playing Beautiful and Boring Great new sound great find a magnificent player, but not yet artistically mature

Bach: Works for Trumpet Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Caprice - Alison Balsom Music for Trumpet and Organ Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos Amanda Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet ASIN: B000CNEO1G Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Allegro Assai
4. Sarabande
5. Gigue
6. Aria Variata In A Minor (Italian Variations) BWV 989
7. Gigue From Violin Partita No.3 BWV 1006
8. Allegro
9. Largo
10. Allegro
11. Allegro
12. Largo
13. Presto
14. Bist Du Bei Mir From The Anna Magdalena Notebook BWV 508
15. Allegro
16. Larghetto
17. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
18. Badinerie From Orchestral Suite No.2 BWV 1067
19. Agnus Dei From Mass In B Minor BWV 232

Amazon.com

Alison Balsom's Bach is a spirited romp through various works of the master arranged for trumpet solo and a changing cast of colleagues. Orchestral works are done in a chamber reduction, with the trumpet taking the solo violin part; solo works, like two movements from Bach's Cello Suite No. 2, are played in arrangements for trumpet. Transpositions abound, the net result being vaguely familiar music sounding fresh and different. In general, Balsom is most effective in faster, more outgoing movements and pieces where her bright tone, technical mastery, and sprightly tempos carry the day. The Italian-based works, Bach's Italian Variations, and his own arrangements from Vivaldi and Marcello fit this pattern, and so does the Trio Sonata arrangement from an organ work, where Balsom's trumpet interacts with violin and basso continuo to strike sparks. Least effective are the arrangements of movements from Bach's unaccompanied violin and cello masterpieces, in part because the inherent brightness of her trumpet is at odds with the warmth and nuances of a stringed instrument. The Badinerie from Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2, whose melody and its association with the flute are indelibly imprinted on music lovers, comes off as a spectacular accomplishment on Balsom's far more unwieldy instrument. Excellent playing by the assisting musicians helps make this foray into a modernized version of Bach's music an enjoyable experience. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Excellent CD, beautiful playing.......2007-07-23

Of course you can only go wrong with Bach when playing is suspect or the sound quality is bad.

Neither are issues here as Balsom plays with technical command and beautiful phrasings. Also, as I learned in the liner notes, Balsom has studies with Hakan Hardenberger which is certainly great bona fides.

I'm not familiar with many other trumpet interpretations of these pieces, so the CD is an excellent addition to the catalog.

Beautiful and Boring.......2007-01-19

Ms. Balsom plays with exquisite technique throughout this disc. But her approach is so gentle that it seems to lack guts. The music sounds lifeless - devoid of personality and energy. I agree with the above reviewer who explains that she makes no real artistic statement.

Great new sound.......2007-01-14

Alison brings a feminine touch to the trumpet tone as I have never heard. Her transcriptions are well picked and flawlessly executed. I would highly recommend this cd to any instrumentalist.

great find.......2006-10-12

great music really enjoy this album and hope to hear more from this artist

a magnificent player, but not yet artistically mature.......2006-09-08

Balsom delivers an attractive disc here, with her impressive technical skill and a sophisticated seriousness of purpose in her programming, but there's something important missing from this album. Balsom plays with magnificent virtuosity, but she presents no message, no artistic voice, no aesthetic philosophy, no unique understanding of or approach to these works of J.S. Bach. I think she's overly preoccupied with proving herself. There's a Carnival of Venice sort of character to this disc: bars and bars of sixteenth notes flow effortlessly from her trumpet, and then bars and bars more, but for all that you get no sense of a distinct musical personality. (Her tone is very French as well: focused and bright. You can hear that she's been taking Håkan Hardenberger pills. Personally I'm not fond of this sort of trumpet sound, but I understand that it's a matter of taste.)

I have an album of Bach oboe concerti, played by Heinz Hollinger, that's similar to Balsom's effort here: flawlessly even, rapid-fire delivery of difficult lines is emphasized. But what Hollinger communicates that Balsom doesn't is a certain idiosyncrasy, a sense that only Hollinger could play those pieces quite like that, even if another oboist were to match his tempos. Even Wynton Marsalis -- who was often criticized for being mechanical and stylistically daft in his classical recordings of the '80s -- evinced an amiable flair and attitude that Balsom here lacks.

Listen, for example, to the slow, lyrical movements: the sarabande from the D minor cello suite, say. This is the sort of music through which an instrumentalist of consummate artistry -- a Milstein, or a Fournier -- could explore his own aesthetic vision while at same time revealing to us the sublime depth and breadth of Bach's artistry. With Balsom, though, there's no insight... it's all very pretty and she really means it, but you can't say much more about her reading. Not having hundreds and hundreds of notes to keep track of in this movement, she seems a bit unsure of exactly where to direct her energies.

Even so, I think that a musician must be of immense skill to merit this sort of criticism at all. Lesser players delight for being very good; Balsom here disappoints just a bit because her playing hints at true greatness but isn't quite there. Balsom is a magnificent player lacking a distinct voice, and if she develops one she will become one of the most important instrumentalists on the scene.

Average customer rating: Beautiful and inspiring best of the Hovhaness recordings I own Hovhaness Primer Inspiring, surprising, meditative all in one. Tzaikerk Allelula Evening Songs

Hovhaness: Celestial Gate and Other Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hovhaness, Alan | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 22 ("City of Light"); Cello Concerto Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountain Hovhaness: Requiem and Resurrection; Symphony No. 19 "Vishnu" Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountain/And God Created Great Whales Alan Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountains ASIN: B000003D0V Release Date: 1995-08-29

Tracks:

1. Celestial Gate
2. Prelude And Quadruple Fugue, Op. 128 For Orchestra
3. Tzaikerk, 'Evening Song'
4. Prayer Of Saint Gregory
5. Alleluia And Fugue, Op. 40b
6. I. Allegretto
7. II. Jhala: Allegro
8. III. Double Fugue: Allegretto

Amazon.com

Alan Hovhaness is an Armenian American composer whose music knows no end to experiments with styles, modes, and even instrumentation. But the core of his work seems to be mystical, as in Symphony 6 Celestial Gate based on a painting by the mystic Hermon de Giovanno. His Concerto for Orchestra, No. 7 is a 1953 work with Hindustan elements in it; but like a true concerto for orchestra, it makes its rounds to all the instruments. Tzaikerk, or Evening Song, is for flute, violin, timpani and string orchestra is heavily influenced by Korean (or Asian) music. This is a diverse collection by one of our best. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and inspiring.......2005-11-27

"Mysterious Mountain" was the first thing I had ever heard from Alan hovhaness and that was more than enough to get me interested in his music. Later I came across this CD and it instantly became one of my favorite CD's. "Celestial Gate" and "Tzaikerk" alone are worth the buy.

best of the Hovhaness recordings I own.......2005-10-08

I own several recordings of Alan Hovhaness' music and this is the best. The pieces contained are good exemplars of his best work. Symphony #6 is episodic in its structure but contains some of his most mystically atmospheric material and is not overly repetitive. Opp. 128 & 53 are nice works. The Prayer of Saint Gregory might be his best work. The playing here is really good and the sound is also good -- a nice sharp image, good depth. This is an excellent introduction to this somewhat obscure composer.

Hovhaness Primer.......2004-06-08

As is the case with many others, this was the first Alan Hovaness CD I ever purchse and I now own about 11.
For someone interested in getting to know this unique composer it is the best place to start. The variety of pieces are a good representation of this man's work. It is like no music I have ever heard before!

Inspiring, surprising, meditative all in one........2003-04-21

The CD cover art - a bright light shining boldly from deep in space - is an apt visual description of the music on this beautiful and graceful CD. It's the first Hovhaness CD I purchased, and I have bought many more since. Alan Hovhaness was an inspired genius, and not afraid to blaze his own path. In some respects, he reminds me of Jean Sibelius, another of my favorites, for his love of natural beauty and hints of eastern mysticism. The 5 minute Prayer of Saint Gregory alone is worth the price of the CD. I can't write very well about music I like - it's like describing wine and sounding snooty - but if you like to think, be surprised, and transported, then Hovhaness is your man. And this CD is a great place to start.

Tzaikerk Allelula Evening Songs.......2002-12-18

Alan Hovhaness was born on March 8th of 1911. Around 1940, after studies at the New England Conservatory of Music, he was appointed to the position of organist at an Armenian church near Boston. An inner prompting, around that same time, led to an intensive study of Oriental music, philosophy and religion. These two strong spiritual influences helped to contribute to a mystical disposition in both Mr. Hovhanness's life and in his abundant artistic creations.

The following may help to describe three of the major pieces on this Telarc disc:

"Celestial Gate" was completed in the year 1959. In this piece, Hovhaness describes an interior journey of many years duration, which culminated in the passage, through a 'mental gate', into a spiritual realm of expansive satiating presence. We are invited, through this translation into sound by conductor Rudolf Werthen and The Orchestra of Flanders, to know once again this welcoming spiritual state, in the act of listening to this wonderfully sensual recording.

"Concerto No. 7" was composed between August and October of 1953. A wealth of themes are introduced and woven together during the three movements. As the composer notes: "In the course of it's twenty-four minute duration all unnecessary elements are removed - only a voluptuous essence remains".

The "Prayer of Saint Gregory" is an excerpt from a Hovhanness Opera, conceived in 1946 and titled "Etchmiadzin". As the composer notes: "This music is like a prayer for mutuality and tender emotional reciprocity amidst melancholy social isolation".

The music of Hovhaness remains, to this day, a vehicle for the expression of delicate aesthetic mysteries and it's fine emotional qualities will be embraced by artists and audiences of varying social backgrounds. May you find, in the broad swirling orchestral notes of these performances, the deep blue dance of graceful spiritual release.

Average customer rating: Vibrant sound and Performance, some questionable interpretetations Good, but not the best ever Highly recommended

Michael Murray At The Cathedral Of St. John The Divine: Works By Franck, Widor, Dupré, Bach and Others Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dupré, Marcel | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Benedetto Marcello | Marcello, Benedetto | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Wanamaker Legacy The Willis Organ at Salisbury Cathedral Great Toccatas Organ Spectacular An Organ Blaster Sampler ASIN: B000003CUX Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Agincourt Hymn
2. The Emperor's Fanfare
3. Psalm 19
4. Trumpet Tune
5. Finale
6. Prelude And Fugue In E Minor, BWV 533, 'Cathedral'
7. Meditation
8. Prelude
9. Chorale No. 2 In B Minor
10. Cortege And Litany, Op. 19, No. 2
11. Final

Customer Reviews:

Vibrant sound and Performance, some questionable interpretetations.......2006-05-29

This particular michael murray recording makes up for the lack of recordings of the magnificent organ in St. John Divine. It is perhaps one of the greatest and largest American organs, notably the very powerful state trumpet stop located underneath one of the rose windows (This is one of the few stops of its kind in existence). The Agincourt Hynm really shows off what this stop is capable of. There is some good variety in this recording, although sometimes I felt that the State Trumpet was used in excess (it became annoying at points, simply because it was so powerful and overused). The biggest downfall of this recording is the interpretation of the Widor Symphony VI Finale. I felt the tempo was extremely too slow, and due to this, was lacking the excitment of this wonderful piece (For a more exciting, no holds-barred recording of the Widor 6th, check out David M. Patrick's recording). Overall, this recording is very powerful and really shows off what this famous, yet, not so very often recorded organ can do.

Good, but not the best ever.......1999-11-08

This disc has on it one of America's foremost organists playing one of the largest organs ever constructed. The result is a mix of good music well played with some rather irritating bits. Firstly, the Dunstable and the Purcell (actually by Jeremiah Clarke) make use of the incredible State Trumpet stop; whilst this makes for an excellent first track, in which it appears briefly at the start and end in a sort of fanfare motif, the use of this stop in the Trumpet Tune becomes ear-splitting and tiresome. Murray also has an apparent predilection for slower speeds (though in the main there is nothing wrong with that). Perhaps the most annoying thing is the second Vierne track (the Prelude in D major)- the sleeve notes make a clear point that "any music can be played on this organ", but whether as a result of the recording equipment or the gigantic acoustic or the instrument, it is as if this track was recorded through thick cotton wool from a distant room in the Cathedral. However, even with all these points, this is an interesting programme rendered with genuine sensitivity on a challenging instrument. Worth listening to.

Highly recommended.......1999-06-27

I bought this CD several years ago, and I never get tired of listening to it. Michael Murray gives his usual brilliant rendition of some of the world's greatest organ music in a setting with vibrant accoustics as St. John the Divine is one of the largest churches in the US. This should be required listening for any organ enthusiast.

Average customer rating: An important modern composer for voice. Another Entry into the Ligeti Library Contains some good mature writing with some frankly dull early works where's the dead weight? Excellent in parts, but lumbered with much dead weight

György Ligeti Edition 4: Vocal Works (Madrigals, Mysteries, Aventures, Songs) - The King's Singers / Philharmonia Orchestra / Esa-Pekka Salonen Gyorgy Ligeti , Esa-Pekka Salonen , Rosemary Hardy , Christiane Oelze , The King's Singers , Philharmonia Orchestra , Philip Lawson , Bruce Russell , Sibylle Ehlert , Phyllis Bryn-Julson , Omar Ebrahim , Irina Kataeva , David Hurley , Pierre-Laurent Aimard , Stephen Connolly , Malena Ernman , Eva Wedin , and Robert Chilcott Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Ligeti, György | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: György Ligeti Edition 2: A Cappella Choral Works - London Sinfonietta Voices György Ligeti Edition 6: Keyboard Works (Piano, Harpsichord, Organ) - Irina Kataeva / Pierre-Laurent Aimard / Elisabeth Chojnacka / Zsigmond Szathmáry Ligeti: Mechanical Music György Ligeti Edition 1: String Quartets and Duets - Arditti String Quartet György Ligeti Edition 3: Works for Piano (Etudes, Musica Ricercata) - Pierre-Laurent Aimard ASIN: B0000029P3 Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

1. Nonsense Madrigals: I Two Dreams And Little Bat
2. Nonsense Madrigals: II Cuckoo In The Pear-Tree
3. Nonsense Madrigals: III The Alphabet
4. Nonsense Madrigals: IV Flying Robert
5. Nonsense Madrigals: V The Lobster Quadrille
6. Nonsense Madrigals: VI A Long, Sad Tale
7. Le Grand Macabre: Mysteries Of The Macabre
8. Aventures
9. Nouvelles Aventures: Sostenuto
10. Nouvelles Aventures: Agitato molto
11. Der Sommer
12. Harom Weores-dal: I Tancol a Hold feher ingben
13. Harom Weores-dal: II Gyumolcs-furt
14. Harom Weores-dal: III Kalmar jott nagy madarakkal
15. Ot Arany-dal: I Csalfa sugar
16. Ot Arany-dal: II A legszebb virag
17. Ot Arany-dal: III A csendes dalokbol
18. Ot Arany-dal: IV A bujdoso
19. Ot Arany-dal: V Az ordog elvitte a financot
20. Negy lakodalmi tanc: I A menyasszony szep virag
21. Negy lakodalmi tanc: II A kapuban a szeker
22. Negy lakodalmi tanc: III Hopp ide tisztan
23. Negy lakodalmi tanc: IV Mikor kedves Laci batyam

Amazon.com

Rejoice! The world-premiere recordings of six Ligeti works are cause for celebration. Three of the pieces are recent (1988-93), and three were written during Ligeti's youth in Hungary. In the liner notes, Ligeti movingly describes the artistic climate under the Communist regime. One of the highlights, the third of six Nonsense Madrigals is a beautiful setting of the English alphabet. The other premieres are Mysteries of the Macabre sung by the brilliant Sibylle Ehlert, and a Hölderlin poem arranged for soprano and piano. The earlier premieres are settings of Hungarian poets, for one or three voices and piano. This is a stunning set, encompassing Ligeti's adventurous, polyphonic side and ample heartfelt poignance as well. --Robert Regile

Customer Reviews:

An important modern composer for voice........2006-08-26

'Gyorgy Ligeti Edition 4' composed by Gyorgy Ligeti and performed under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen is at least as entertaining as the second title in this series, even if it does not include any of Ligeti's works which were used on the sound track of '2001'. Like his 'a capella' works, this disk shows a great range of styles, going from central European folk dances to some phrases which sound as if they are being done by the Limelighters!. To the voices, the instruments add a lot of pops, whistles, and hoots which are beyond the range of the human voice, but the human and the mechanical sounds meld well to produce a really enjoyable sample of modern music.

Another Entry into the Ligeti Library.......2005-10-22

The solo voice and choral works of György Ligeti are rarely heard, with the exception of performances in some of the better university and college choral programs. This richly entertaining and fascinating recital once again survey's Ligeti's influence on contemporary music by scanning his career from early to current works, this time for the human voice.

The 'Nonsense Madrigals' as performed by the King's Singers are wildly funny and endearing. Here are compositional techniques that reflect the long career in instrumental composition that has influenced them. Esa-Pekka Salonen, long a devotee of Ligeti's music, conducts the Philharmonia when ensemble support is indicated ('Mysteries of the Macabre' excerpts form his opera "Le Grand Macabre" as perfectly intoned by Sibylle Ehlert; the various forms of 'Aventures & Nouvelles aventures' with soloists Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Omar Ebrahim and Rose Taylor). The remainder of the works are for voice and piano and are honored by the performances by the likes of pianists Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Irina Kataeva and vocalists Christiane Oelze, Rosemary Hardy, Malena Ernman and Eva Wedin.

The music recorded here may be new to many but it is fine, accessible Ligeti for the novice and true treats for the followers. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Contains some good mature writing with some frankly dull early works.......2005-09-30

The fourth volume of Sony's "Gyorgy Ligeti Edition" series of the contemporary Hungarian composer's collected works is dedicated to vocal works, especially those that use instrumentation. Like with all installments in Sony's series, performances are by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Salonen with Aimard and Kataeva on pianos. The vocal performances here are by the King's Singers.

The earliest pieces on the disc were written before Ligeti fled to the West following the Hungarian uprising, and among these the "Harom Weores-dal" (Three Weores songs) were composed while Ligeti was still a student. Sandor Weores was one of the greatest Hungarian poets of the last century, and was especially skilled in writing poems that hid deep philosophical insights behind child-like verse. This makes his poems especially suitable to be set to music (Peter Eotvos has tackled some of his more complex poetry). Ligeti's settings are quite traditional, and for lovers of contemporary repertoire that can even mean dull; Aimard must have been bored by the simple piano writing when he's tackled the composer's later "Etudes". Still, the music does complement the imagery of Weores well. The following two works by "prehistoric Ligeti" were composed as a way out of the straitjacket of socialist realism. The first, "Negy lakodalmi tanc" (Four wedding dances) takes folklore as a refuge, and the second "Ot Arany-dal" (Five Arany songs) sets to music the poems of the pre-revolutionary and accepted poet Jozef Arany. These early works don't hold up well against the rest at all.

After Ligeti came to the West, his music changed greatly. "Aventures" and "Nouvelles Adventures" were composed in the mid-1960s and are very reminiscent of the theatrical project of the music avant-garde of that time. They use a soprano, contralto, and baritone backed by orchestra and articulating nonsense text (notated in the score with the International Phonetic Alphabet) seek to express all emotions without using words. I think the pieces have aged quite well, though I know that others disagree. I don't know if this performance was satisfactory to Ligeti for, although he allowed it to appear on this disc, another performance can be found on volume five of Teldec's "Ligeti Project".

"Mysteries of the Macabre" is a setting for chamber ensemble of the zany solo by the Chief of Secret Police (a coloratura soprano) from the composer's sole opera "The Grand Macabre". Even for those who dislike the opera--and it is a work that leaves no one ambivalent--this is an exciting work, perhaps the high point of the disc. The seven minutes of vocal acrobatics here have been called the most challenging piece ever composed for coloratura soprano, and yet Sibylle Ehlert carries it through gloriously. Note that an alternate setting using trumpet in place of soprano can be found on the first volume of Teldec's "Ligeti Project".

"Nonsense Madrigals" for voices a capella (1988-1993) is the most recent work here, a collection of six English-language pieces based on favourite meaningless writers, such as Lewis Caroll, William Brighty Rands, and Heinrich Hoffmann. The finest of these is surely Ligeti's setting of the English alphabet, a diatonic but non-tonal "labyrinth" of polyrhythms. It combines the best of the micropolyphony sound of his 60s works with his newer interest in non-Western metrics. In the course of putting these together, he also set Hoelderlin's "Der Sommer".

The liner notes are fine, containing remarks on the pieces by Ligeti as well as the sung text and many photos. All in all, this is a three-star installment. If you are interested in the work of Ligeti but haven't gotten anything from "Gyorgy Ligeti Edition" yet, try the third volume (piano works) or the first (string works). Save this one for later.

where's the dead weight?.......2004-12-08

This is an amazing disc, one of the best in Sony's monumental Ligeti Edition series.

On Sony's Ligeti Edition 4, the _Nonsense Madrigals_ were premiered. These six pieces for six voices, composed in the late-80s/early-90s, are some of the composer's finest offerings. Writes Ligeti, "They are virtuosic works in which I have tried to create a non-tonal but diatonic harmony as well as rhythmic labyrinths." The songs set different pieces of strange poetry against each other in tightly meshed counterpoint, with humorous melodic lines and overwhelming musical imagination. Ligeti also colors the arrangement with nonsense phonetic sounds.

_Mysteries of the Macabre_ takes the three arias of the Chief of the Secret Police from Ligeti's wonderful opera (_Le Grand Macabre_) and rearranges them. This has been called the most difficult music ever written from coloratura soprano, but you wouldn't know it listening to Sibylle Ehlert. Amazing!

Contrary to another reviewer, I think the harsher, earlier avant-garde vocal works (_Aventures_ and _Nouvelles Aventures_) have aged very well. They are comprised of meaningless vocal sounds with chamber orchestra accompaniment. Their pure chromaticism was something Ligeti would later abandon, but even with the prevailing seriousness of the Darmstadt school, these pieces are quite witty and amusing and consistent with Ligeti's goal of composing idiomatically for instruments (including voice), given that the music is pretty much atonal.

This disc also features pieces for one or three voices and piano from Ligeti's early Hungarian days. Because of stifling artistic conditions under Communist rule, the pieces are consonant and accessible.

I assure you that there is no other avant-garde vocal music like Ligeti's. Very highly recommended!

Excellent in parts, but lumbered with much dead weight.......2003-11-26

Gyorgy Ligeti has not been greatly known for his music for solo voice--indeed it was not until 2000 that he completed his first mature song cycle--but this disc conveniently collects all his solo vocal music before then along with the Nonsense Madrigals for six voices, the Aventures and Nouvelles Aventures for three voices and some early socialist realism for three voices.

The Nonsense Madrigals are without doubt the highlight of the disc. These wonderfully witty a capella works were written for the performers on the disc, the King's Singers, who reward Ligeti with a wonderful reading of all six songs. Five of the songs are based on nonsense poems, with the remaining item being a setting of the alphabet. These vary wildly in style from the complex counterpoint of the first through the floating Lux Aeterna-like harmonies of the alphabet setting, to the bizarre backbeat in the finale.

Less worthwhile is Mysteries of the Macabre, a medley of the three coloratura arias from Ligeti's opera Le Grand Macabre, with reduced scoring arranged by the opera's first conductor, Elgar Howarth. While these are certainly entertaining, they don't add anything to the opera.

Aventures and Nouvelles Aventures are works from the 1960s, and to be honest it shows. Their verbal shrieks, contortions and phonetic texts--along with the fragmentary accompaniment--are very much of their time. They aren't devoid of musical interest, or humour, but nothing can hide the fact that they, unlike almost all of Ligeti's other avant-garde works, haven't aged well.

Der Sommer is a brief Hoelderlin setting for soprano and piano dating from 1989. Even though this song reuses the lamento motif prominent in the finale of the Horn Trio and the Sixth Etude, the general style and use of minimal material reminds me as much of Ligeti's countryman Gyorgy Kurtag as of Ligeti himself.

The rest of the disc is taken up with songs written from before Ligeti escaped from Hungary. The Three Weores Songs are from 1946 and 1947, during Ligeti's first year at the Budapest Conservatoire, and I'm sure they must have made it very clear that Ligeti was an outstanding student. Couched in a language derived from Bartok and Stravinsky, but going further than either, they have a splendid rustic feel. Sadly, the Stalinist ousting of the short-lived post-war regime made it impossible for Ligeti to continue along this direction and still be performed. Hence the Five Arany songs are pallid in comparison, and even if the last of the folk-song transcriptions that end the disc is infuriatingly catchy, the cycle as a whole is very minor Ligeti.

This disc can be recommended for the Nonsense Madrigals and (to a lesser extent Der Sommer and the Weores Songs). The rest of the music on it is more for completists only, despite the generally fine level of the performances.

Average customer rating: King's College Classic Britten Brilliance

Britten: Choral Works Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Britten: A Ceremony of Carols Penderecki: Sacred Choral Works A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High Britten - War Requiem / Vishnievskaya · Pears · Fischer-Dieskau · LSO · Britten Britten: Ceremony of Carols ASIN: B0001HAHHS Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

1. I: In A Garden Shady This Holy Lady - Sir David Willcocks
2. II: I Cannot Grow - Sir David Willcocks
3. III: O Ear Whose Creatures Cannot Wish To Fail - Sir David Willcocks
4. I: Procession - Sir David Willcocks
5. II: Wolcum Yole! - Sir David Willcocks
6. III: There Is No Rose - Sir David Willcocks
7. IV: (a) That Yonge Child - Sir David Willcocks
8. (b) Balulalow - Sir David Willcocks
9. V: As Dew In Aprille - Sir David Willcocks
10. VI: This Little Babe - Sir David Willcocks
11. VII: Interlude (Andante Pastorale) - Sir David Willcocks
12. VIII: In Freezing Winter Night - Sir David Willcocks
13. IX: Spring Carol - Sir David Willcocks
14. X: Deo Gracias! - Sir David Willcocks
15. XI: Recession - Sir David Willcocks
16. I: Kyrie - Sir David Willcocks
17. II: Gloria - Sir David Willcocks
18. III: Sanctus - Sir David Willcocks
19. IV: Benedictus - Sir David Willcocks
20. V: Agnus Dei - Sir David Willcocks
21. Festival Te Deum Op.32 - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
22. Rejoice In God, O Ye Tongues - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
23. For I Will Consider My Cat Jeoffrey - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
24. For The Mouse Is A Creature Of Great Personal Valour - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
25. For The Flowers Are Great Blessings - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
26. For I Am Under The Same Accusation With My Saviour - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
27. For H Is A Spirit And Therefore He Is God - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
28. Hallelujah From The Heart Of God - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
29. Te Deum In C - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
30. Jubilate Deo - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge

Customer Reviews:

King's College Classic.......2004-10-11

Way back in the dark ages, before CDs roamed the earth, I purchased the LP of this recording. It remains my favorite performance of Britten's work. The voices of the choir, accompanied by one harp, weave an achingly beautiful tapestry of sound. It is a wonderful way to introduce children and friends to the English choral tradition of sacred music.

Britten Brilliance.......2004-09-28

Captivating from start to finish: EMI has programmed & remastered this bounty of Britten choral work superbly. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge performs with stunning sensitivity, ethereal, heartbreaking & transcendent. A just classic disc

Average customer rating: Bought this for Concerto for Clarinet Aaron Copland: Populist and Conductor Tribute to Lincoln A great way to get your dose of Copland.... Well balanced retrospective, -or- Listen to this!

The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | 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 Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Copland Collection: Orchestral Works, 1948-1971 A Copland Celebration Vol. 3 Copland: Music for Films A Copland Celebration Vol. 1 Samuel Barber / Thomas Schippers ASIN: B0000027BJ Release Date: 1991-01-18

Tracks:

1. El Salon Mexico
2. An Outdoor Overture
3. Billy The Kid: Introduction: The Open Prairie
4. Billy The Kid: Street In A Frontier Town
5. Billy The Kid: Prairie Night (Card Game At Night)
6. Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
7. Billy The Kid: Celebration (After Billy's Capture)
8. Billy The Kid: Billy's Death
9. Billy The Kid: The Open Prairie Again
10. Quiet City
11. John Henry
12. Our Town
13. Las Agachadas
14. Fanfare For The Common Man

Tracks:

1. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): I. Buckaroo Holiday
2. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): II. Corral Nocturne
3. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): III. Saturday Night Waltz
4. Rodeo (Four Dance Episodes): IV. Hoedown
5. The City: New England Countryside
6. Of Mice And Men: Barley Wagons
7. The City: Sunday Traffic
8. Our Town: Grovers Corners
9. Of Mice And Men: Threshing Machines
10. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Very Slow
11. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Fast
12. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Moderato
13. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Fast
14. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Still Faster
15. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): As At First (Slowly)
16. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Calm And flowing
17. Appalachian Spring (Suite From The Ballet): Moderato; Coda
18. Letter From Home
19. Danzon Cubano

Tracks:

1. Lincoln Portrait: Lento
2. Lincoln Portrait: Subito Allegro
3. Lincoln Portrait: 'Fellow Citizens, We Cannot Escape History...'
4. Symphony No. 3: I. Molto Moderato-With Simple Expression
5. Symphony No. 3: II. Allegro Molto
6. Symphony No. 3: III. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
7. Symphony No. 3: IV. Molto Deliberato
8. Concerto For Clarinet, Strings, Harp, & Piano

Amazon.com

Aaron Copland made numerous recordings of his own music, including an extensive series for CBS during the 1960s and '70s, mostly with London orchestras. He was not an especially proficient conductor--consequently, the performances he conducted often lacked pace and rhythmic punch. His last recordings of his most popular scores have been reissued by Sony on an exceptionally well-remastered 3-CD set. These accounts do a good job of conveying the overall shape of the pieces, and they deliver telling characterizations of many episodes. Details emerge that are lost in some other accounts, and there is an appealing gentleness and sweetness to the approach. But the readings do not have as much grip as those of Bernstein and Slatkin, among others, and in spite of the authority they automatically possess, they are not necessarily preferable. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Bought this for Concerto for Clarinet.......2007-07-14

The sum is greater than the parts. This is a great Copland collection and shows his diversity. Yet as divers and the three CD are they are all distinctively Copland. Benny Goodman is usually associated with jazz yet he was also diverse in his career. "Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, and Harp & Piano" is a mantra that will carry you to a timeless place.

An added plus is the many other popular pieces that you know you heard but did not realize it was Copland especially the music from movies.

You may have to play the set a few times before being able to recognize the different tracks by name. The down side is many of Copland's works are outside of the date range of this collection.

Aaron Copland: Populist and Conductor.......2005-03-29

If you want a prime collection of Copland's more accessible works, this is it. Yes, it's true that Bernstein's recordings of individual pieces are often bolder and livelier; but this set offers the composer's own authoritative view of his work, and for that reason alone it is priceless. In addition, it includes virtually all the orchestral pieces he composed during his "populist phase," from El Salon Mexico (1936) to the Clarinet Concerto (1948). You won't find some of these lesser-known gems, such as An Outdoor Overture (1938) or Letter from Home (1944, written--like Rhapsody in Blue--for Paul Whiteman), on typical single-disc Copland compilations. I'd even go so far as to claim this as one of the four indispensable compilations of American instrumental music from the first half of the twentieth century (the others on my list--in case anyone cares--are Joshua Rifkin playing Scott Joplin, Oscar Levant playing Gershwin, and the Blanton-Webster band recordings of Duke Ellington).

What amazing riches flowed from Copland's pen during the period covered by these three discs! Billy the Kid (1939), Quiet City (1940), Our Town (1940), Fanfare for the Common Man (1942), Rodeo (1942), Lincoln Portrait (1942), Appalachian Spring (1944), and the Third Symphony (1946)--all are here. Some of this music is so familiar, so deeply ingrained in America's cultural consciousness, that we might be tempted to take it for granted. But imagine how much poorer the American concert repertoire would be without it. It's almost impossible, at this point, to conceive of a time when this wonderful music--which is to America roughly what Mussorgsky's music is to Russia, Grieg's to Norway, and Falla's to Spain--didn't exist. It was during the dozen years covered by this collection that Copland pulled away from the pack of his talented contemporaries (Hanson, Thomson, Harris, etc.) and, in a way, but with greater technical sophistication, filled the void left by the tragically early death of Gershwin, whose heyday, 1924-1935, immediately preceded the composition of the works on this collection.

The ballet music is all presented here in the familiar orchestral suites Copland arranged. Most of the selections are played by the London Symphony Orchestra, although the New Philharmonia and the just-plain Philharmonia get cracks at a few key works. The last-named orchestra, for instance, takes on the biggest piece on the program, Copland's Third, the closest thing American music has to a Beethoven's Ninth (although the work's sublime rhetoric has never completely convinced me--it's neither my personal favorite by Copland nor my favorite American symphony . . . but it sure has its moments). In addition to the fine orchestral playing, another treat is that Henry Fonda narrates the Lincoln Portrait--an almost inevitable pick, given the virtually mythic way his acting style embodied the American spirit and the fact that he had portrayed the sixteenth president in John Ford's classic film Young Mr. Lincoln (1939).

The set concludes with what, over the years, has become my favorite work by Copland, the Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp, & Piano, written for and performed here by surely the last century's greatest clarinetist, Benny Goodman. This work effects a concise synthesis between Copland's mature style and his earlier jazz stylings from the 1920s; in addition, the searing eloquence of the opening slow movement seems to me the most profound lyrical writing Copland ever achieved. Stoltzman's recording, ironically enough, swings harder than the king of swing's, but this collaboration between the composer and the man who commissioned it is for the ages.

The only major "populist" scores written after the period this collection covers are the film scores to The Red Pony (1948) and The Heiress (1949). Both can be acquired on an essential Leonard Slatkin CD for RCA. And since this collection doesn't include chamber music, the great Violin Sonata (1943), a kind of more intimate counterpart to Appalachian Spring, will have to be sought elsewhere. (One good option is Gil Shaham/Andre Previn on DG.) A serious Copland collector will also want to grab the other two volumes of the Copland Collection itself. The early set features important works such as the Organ Symphony (1924), Music for the Theater (1925), and the Short Symphony (1932)--but both of the other collections also include long, thorny pieces like the early Symphonic Ode and the late Connotations that can be rather difficult for the average enthusiast to enjoy.

Most of the essential, universal Copland is to be found on this second installment of the Copland Collection, and I would definitely recommend it as the place to start exploring Copland's magnificent contribution to American music. It has been a wonderful and treasured companion of mine for many years, and it also serves to conjure up a timely and inspiring vision of open prairies, nocturnal cityscapes, and the populist, humane values that America should, ideally, epitomize.

Tribute to Lincoln.......2001-10-28

I purchased this set of Copeland CD's because I wanted the Tribute to Lincoln narrated by Henry Fonda. This is a masterful recording especially for Americans in this time. The Tribute sends chills down my spine whenever I her it. My greatest joy however, was how much I have enjoyed all of the CD's in the set. I tend to be much more of a classical listener. I have heard Copeland but not in any organized fashion. This set has brought a new and delightful experience to my listening options.

A great way to get your dose of Copland...........2000-06-30

The 2nd of this three CD collection is wonderful. My favorite though is the third one. Doesn't mean this isn't good. This Sony Copland Collection set is worth the money for. Copland is sooo much more then Appalachian Spring, Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, etc... But you get a lot of typical Copland on these CDs. Songs we all know and love. But there are some unfamiliar good ones too. Concerto for Clarinet took me by storm. So did Letters from Home. Good quality, good booklet, good recording, good playing (how Copland got the London Symphony to play something right I will never know), good everything. It's not perfect because it doesn't compete with THE best Copland like the third CD set of this collection, or the The Tendeer Land. Oh, these three CD sets don't cover all Copland, but it does for the most part. It doesn't have many chamber works, two choral works, and his two operas. You can cover some of those with the full version of Tender Land and of Second Hurricane (which also comes with the choral work, In the Beginning). But this is a good series. I highly recommend it!

Well balanced retrospective, -or- Listen to this!.......1999-08-11

Mr. Copland's works, as always, are exceptional This album, which consists of his work both as a composer and as a conductor, brings his music to life in a way no other conductor can. This is a well mastered and well produced work and worth the listen. To hear Arron Copland's music as he intended is wonderfull.

Music Review:

1. 8 Symphonien
2. American Classics Vol. II
3. Anerio: Requiem; Christus Factus Est
4. Awake, sweet love... Songs and lute solos by John Dowland and his contemporaries / Bowman · Miller · The King's Consort
5. Bach: Partitas & Canonic Variations
6. Balakirev: Symphony No. 2; Tamara; Overture on Three Russian Themes
7. Bartók: 44 Duos for two violins
8. Bartok: Music Sz106; Dance Suite for orchestra No1-6
9. Bartok: Sonata for unaccompanied violin; Two Rhapsodies; etc.
10. Beethoven: String Quartet No16; String Quartet No12

Music Review

music review

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The Best of Herbie Hancock: The Hits [Original recording remastered]

Radio Kaos

La Nueva Cosecha

Millennium Chorus: The Greatest Story Ever Sung

pamelasuemann [Explicit Lyrics]

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Lo Mejor de la Quebradita en Vivo

Stiffs & Demons

Remix Collection [Import]

Screaming Target [Import]

Riverside Blues

"Al Hirt - All-Time Greatest Hits, Vol. 1"