Johann Sebastian Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of the Fugue)

1. Die Kunst der Fuge (Art of the Fugue), BWV 1080
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Christophe Coin , Bruce Dickey , Paolo Grazzi , Paolo Pandolfo , Charles Poet , Jordi Savall
Conducted by Roberto Gini

Tracks:

Contrapunctus I
Contrapunctus II
Contrapunctus III
Contrapunctus IV
Contrapunctus V
Contrapunctus VI, A 4, In Stylo Francese
Contrapunctus VII, A 4, Per Augmentationem Et Diminutionem
Contrapunctus VIII, A 3
Contrapunctus IX, A 4, Alla Duodecima
Contrapunctus X, A 4, Alla Decima
Contrapunctus XI, A 4
Conon Per Augmentationem In Contrario Motu (14a*)
Contrapunctus XII, A 4, Rectus
Contrapunctus XII, A 4, Inversus
Canon Alla Ottava (15)
Canon Alla Decima In Contrapuncto
Canon Alla Duodecima In Contrapuncto Alla Quinta
Contrapunctus XIII, A 3, Rectus
Contrapunctus XIII, A 3, Inversus
Canon Per Augmentationem In Contrario Motu (14)
Contrapunctus XIV (18)
Chorale: 'Vor Deinen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit' BWV 668a (19)

Customer Reviews:

Bach wouldn't like it.......2007-04-14

I enjoy this CD, but it's Bach played romantically. I'm not puting it down, just making the point that it isn't played the way Baroque music should be played. But that's ok, it's still good listening and well suited to modern ears.

Excellent rendition by a group I don't usually like.......2007-02-21

This performance surprised me. I don't care much for the Emerson Ensemble, as I find that they tend to miss the point musically much of the time. Still, they hit a home run with this cycle, providing a tasteful rendition of the Art of Fugue for string quartet. The musicianship is impeccable and never ostentatious, and a big bonus is that the whole work fits on one disc. I have to admit that Emerson is growing on me-between this recording and their performance of Haydn's seven last words of Christ, they seem to have hit a new stride. Rather than constantly trying to outdo one another and drown each other out, the group works together in a way that had been foreign to them prior to this disc. Overall a great performance of the work in a string quartet format. Highly recommended.

beautiful.......2007-01-11

Bach wrote this encyclopedic anthology of fugal technique as a theoretical exercise, not a concert work; indeed, he never so much as specified the instrumentation of these compositions. But you'd never guess that on the basis of these performances by the Emerson String Quartet. They imbue the album with an unflagging emotive engagement and continually mounting intensity sufficient to make the collection work as an extended suite --- it almost seems to have a coherent, dramatic formal construction, as played here. The Emersons are able to heat things up a bit with each successive fugue (especially after they're through the first ten, which are much more similar to one another than the ones that follow them), so that The Art of the Fugue comes off as much more than just a collection of loosely related contrapuntal etudes.

Furthermore the recorded sound and playing of the Emersons are magnificent. What sumptuous tone! What extraordinary resonance! This quartet is a well-oiled machine indeed.

I play both the trumpet and the viola; but the viola came much later, and my first experience of these fugues was with the Canadian Brass' album (for which, significantly, Glenn Gould served as mentor and artistic guide). But there's simply no comparison between the two discs. The Emerson String Quartet make three times as much out of these pieces.

the best.......2006-10-21

From the opening phrase this recording by the Emerson Quartet sends shivers up your spine. I have nine different recordings of the Art of the Fugue; this is the best. Punto e basta.

Bach and Brain Science? .......2006-08-11

David Finckel (cello): " I don't know there is scientific evidence to support it, but when I listen to this music I feel my brain cells being re-aligned."

Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering

Average customer rating:

Step Into The World Of Bach
Great recordings
Magisterial and Ethereal
Because of reviews
The Crown of Western Music

Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment (P.S.)
Bach: Great Organ Works
Bach: The Art of Fugue
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier
A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)

ASIN: B000050GK0
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus I
Contrapunctus II
Contrapunctus III
Contrapunctus IV
Contrapunctus V
Contrapunctus VI
Contrapunctus VII
Contrapunctus VIII
Contrapunctus IX
Contrapunctus X
Contrapunctus XI
Canon alla octava
Canon alla duodecima
Canon alla decima
Canon per augmentationem in contrario moto
Contrapunctus XII (rectus)
Contrapunctus XII (inversus)
Fuga a 2 Clavicemabli (rectus)
Fuga a 2 Clavicemabli (inversus)

Tracks:

Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII (rectus)
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII (inversus)
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Fuga a 4 soggetti
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 3
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus a 2
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 violini in unisono
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per motum contrarium
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per augmentationem, contrario motu
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per tonos
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus contrario motu
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 4
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Fuga canonica
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: I - Largo
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: II - Allegro
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: III - Andante
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: IV - Allegro
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 6

Customer Reviews:

Step Into The World Of Bach.......2007-06-09

I have nothing but good things to say about this double album. These extremely well-balanced compositions are sure to enthrall listeners with the most discerning taste. The theme here is point and counterpoint, done to perfection. These pieces are like complex equations, only done with music instead of numbers. Bach had an amazing musical mind, and this music showcases that. There is so much to the music; it is quite rich and there is so much going on here that you may not process it all the first time. If you like classical music and Bach's style, this is essential for your collection.

Great recordings.......2007-05-20

After I read Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment (P.S.), I had to have "Musical Offering" and "The Art of Fugue," and bought this version based on recommendations. The performance by an orchestra, rather than a single instrument such as a piano or harpsichord, seems to bring out the different voices. I listen to it over and over, and never tire of it.

Magisterial and Ethereal.......2006-11-28

As a college student, this 2-cd set has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and beautiful tools with which I can create an atmosphere amenable to studtying and doing homework. But it is not merely a background music; to be fully appreciated, it needs to be listened to while gently resting one's eyes (take care not to fall asleep -- a precaution against such is to have the music up rather high, although not painfully so).

I've listened to the whole set at least once a week since I've come to Stony Brook; its staying power, its ability to never seem to get trite or "used to" is so powerful that it really inspires. Only God (or the Divine Impetus, or whatever one wants to term the higher order), working through Bach, could have produced such an entrancing set of music.

Because of reviews.......2006-08-06

I bought this version because of the other reviews and I think it was a wise choice! The tempo's are perfect and the music is inspirational!

The Crown of Western Music.......2005-11-28

This recording of The Art of Fugue is my all-around favorite.

The premier piece of the set is the final (unfinished) fugue. I place this as the crown of all western music. Three parts of the fugue, out of a theorized four, were completed - but he didn't live to finish it. Some feel that he let it end there on purpose, for some reason. Just before he died, instead of finishing the final fugue, he composed a chorale. If the final fugue represents a journey into the after-life, then this chorale could be thought of as music from the other side, and as the only piece worthy of being played after the final fugue. That chorale is sometimes called "Vor Deinen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit", and is also known as "Wenn wir in Hochsten Noten Sein".

The Art of Fugue was written without scoring - no particular instruments were assigned - so one can find recordings done on the piano (Charles Rosen), harpsichord (Gustav Leonhardt - on vinyl only, I think), chamber orchestra, string orchestra, brass ensemble, organ, etc. My favorite recording of the final fugue is by Arthur Winograd (MGM) on vinyl, but that recording is very scarce.

Other decent recordings that I've heard so far on CD:
The Emerson String Quartet; Deutsche Grammophon B0000908-02 - their versions of the early fugues are quite good.
The Canadian Brass; Sony Essential Classics SBK 89731.
The Keller Quartet (ECM 1652) - some parts work well, others not as well.
Neville Marriner (Phillips 442-556-2) - a bit bland, but good.

Lukas Foss and the Sheffield Ensemble - Quite lively, but very unusual in its orchestration and in its freedom with the notes. Three or four of the pieces are as good as any version I've heard.
-------
One day, quite a while ago, I was walking through the quad of a university and heard one of the fugues being played inside a classroom. I looked in through the window and saw a room full of accordions playing it! True story!

Average customer rating:

Original is the best.
Swinging Bach
I've been looking for this for a LONG time...
Vol.1 Jazz Sebastian Bach

Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 2
The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus
Keyboard Classics
Anyone for Mozart, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi?
Swingle Singers

ASIN: B00004UFOL
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

The Art Of Fugue, BWV 1080: Fugue in D Minor
Schubler's Book, BWV 645: Choral No.1 'Wake, Arise, The Voices Call Us'
Orchestral Suite No.3 in D, BWV 1068: Aria
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 880: Prelude No.11 in F Major
English Suite No.2 in A Minor, BWV 807: Bourree
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 871: Fugue No.2 in C Minor
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, BWV 850: Fugue No.5 in D Major
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 878: Prelude No.9
Partita No.2 in C Minor, BWV 826: Sinfonia
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 870: Prelude No.1 in C Major
Canon
Two-Part Invention No.1 in C Major: BWV 772
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 874: Fugue No.5 in D Major

Customer Reviews:

Original is the best........2007-04-10

This is the original recording of the '60s Swingle Singers. It focuses on Bach and provides entertaining and intricate renditions of his works. I recently saw the New Swingle Singers, who were very good, but they are diverging into jazz and often sound like Manhattan Transfer. Their newer CDs all begin to sound alike. I prefer the original artistry.

Swinging Bach.......2005-12-30

When the Swingle Singers take on Bach's polyphony at full speed, it's exhilarating. Very cleanly done, very fun, and the jazz drums and bass add nicely to the sound.
Like many people, I have a soft spot for this group because my parents listened to them. (Next time your favorite retro-hipster starts in, pop this disk in, followed by a little Switched-On Bach, and let the love/hate debate begin.)
I could have done without a few of the slow Bach chestnuts featured here (maybe the "Wachet Auf" wasn't overdone in 1963), but the strong numbers, such as the mini-epic "Sinfonia", with a great soprano solo, carry the album to a higher plane. The drummer overplays in a few spots, but overall this record just plain works.
Recommended.

I've been looking for this for a LONG time..........2005-06-19

I loved listening to this with my Dad in the 60's and 70's and had always wanted a "clean" copy of my own. I have the original LP, but the pops and hisses now mar the recording and let's face it, a CD is a lot easier to listen to. This is NOT the title or album cover of the LP issued in the US, but IS the same recording as the "Bach's Greatest Hits" LP released here in 1963 (or 1964) with the white album cover and grey line drawings of Bach et al. It is just as I remebered it. What a nice memory.

Vol.1 Jazz Sebastian Bach.......2001-04-28

Dear Sirs! > I have not intention to buy the CD version of Jazz Sebastian Bach one of the highlights of the Swingle Singers. This is more testimony, but very, very rare, than professional review of one CD. But this text can be may be useful for your buyers. My English is not the best, so you fill free to rewrite this text in the way appropriate for you buyers.

Text of review

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

A Must!
great music
The one you need

Best of the Canadian Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Essential Canadian Brass
Go For Baroque! - The Canadian Brass
The Christmas Album
Super Hits: Canadian Brass
The Canadian Brass: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000026Z3
Release Date: 1989-11-20

Tracks:

Vespers Of The Blessed Virgin: Deus in adjutorium - Monteverdi
Canzon V - Canadian Brass
Canon In D - Pachelbel
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Overture - Mozart
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Non Piu Andrai - Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Mozart
Exultate Jubilate: Alleluia - Mozart
Piano sonata in A major: Rondo Alla Turca - Mozart
The Four Seasons: I - Allegro (Spring) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: II - Largo (Winter) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: III - Presto (Summer) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: IV - Allegro (Autumn) - Canadian Brass
Contrapunctus I (Andante Sostenuto) - Bach
Contrapunctus XIII (Rectus, Allegro Spiritoso) - Bach
Basin Street Blues - Canadian Brass
Chinatown, My Chinatown - Canadian Brass
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional
The Saints' Halleluja - Canadian Brass

Customer Reviews:

A Must!.......2004-12-28

This is a must have for any fan of brass instrumentals. (Especially if you are a fan of the Canadian Brass.)

great music.......2000-12-18

I just bought this cd yesterday and i love it already. as a trumpeter, i can really enjoy and appreciate the music they perform. i was quite intrigued hearing canon in D (currently playing right now on my stereo), et al.

The one you need.......2000-06-26

If you are to buy only 1 CD for Brass Enemble, Get this! It captured the BEST of the Candian Brass (one of the top brass enemble in the world). It has all the nice tunes, e.g. Four Seasons, Cannon in D, etc. Strongly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Brandon's Review
Consistent excellence
You can't go wrong with the Canadian Brass

Go For Baroque! - The Canadian Brass

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Best of the Canadian Brass
Bolero & Other Blockbusters
The Essential Canadian Brass
Super Hits: Canadian Brass
Basin Street

ASIN: B000003FV9
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Air Pour Les Trompettes
Trumpet Voluntary
Kanon
Fantasie In C
We Hasten With Eager Footsteps
Fantasia And Fugue In D Minor
My Heart Ever Faithful
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Fugue In G Minor ('Little')
Trumpet Voluntary
Contrapunctus
Trumpet Tune And Ayre
Galliard Battaglia
Canzon Aechiopican
Sonata In Three Movements For Trumpets
Where'er You Walk
Hallelujah, Amen
Madrigal

Customer Reviews:

Brandon's Review.......2004-02-09

I am a trumpet player who has studied under the tutalage of Bernie Nero principle trumpet of the Austin Symphony and am also a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music,therefore I feel that I am in a unique position to coment on the quality of this recording. Although the music assembled for the recording is an excellent combination of contrasting styles, the musical prhasing is not played charicteristically correct for that time period of music,and stylistically lacks cohesivness. None the less it is still a very good recording, that is why I give it a four rating.

Consistent excellence.......2002-05-20

The Canadian Brass never disappoints. There are some great arrangements of Baroque classics on this album. It may be hard to imagine an organ piece like Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor played by a brass quartet, but it actually works. Overall, this album is consistent in delivering great music.

You can't go wrong with the Canadian Brass.......1999-12-06

You really can't go wrong with any CD by the Canadian Brass; they're such an outstanding group. Because of this, it can oftentimes be difficult to choose which of their CDs to purchase. However, if you are looking for a Canadian Brass CD focused around the more classical aspect of music, "Go For Boroque!" is an excellent choice. Compared to the other CB baroque CD, I feel this one is the better. It has a lot more tracks, and the songs, in my opinion, are better. It has everything from my personal favorite, "We Hasten with Eager Footsteps," to "Trumpet Voluntary," to "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," which is more closely associated with "Phantom of the Opera." I highly recommend this recording.

Average customer rating:

It's the Empire Brass!

Baroque Music for Brass and Organ

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ
A Bach Festival for Brass & Organ
Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion
Music Of Gabrieli
Great Toccatas

ASIN: B00009NH8O
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Rondeay From Abdealazer
Fantaisie in C Major, BWV 570
Allegro
Sicilienne
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Rigaudon From Idomenee
Contrapunctus I From The Art Of Fuge
Allegro
Fantasia in D Minor
Overture And Allegro From King Author
March From The Married Beau
Allegro
Trumpet Voluntary
The Prince Of Denmark's March
Prelude From Te Deum in D Major
Opening Movement From A Mighty Fortess Is Our God, BWV 80

Amazon.com

Take a fine organist, a crack brass ensemble, bathe in wide-ranging, vivid sound, and you've got a recipe for an exciting disc. That's what Telarc has done in this recording of a live concert by the Empire Brass Quintet in effective arrangements of Baroque favorites and rarities. It may seem odd to hear a Handel Violin Sonata or a Telemann Trio Sonata played by a brass-organ combo, but it works thanks to clever arrangements and superb playing. A highlight here is the Largo of the Handel work, where marvelous horn and trombone solos enhance its beauties. And of course, such favorites as Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary and the Prince of Denmark's March join Campra's stately Rigaudon and other stirring processional pieces. The SACD version adds another level of air and bite, but the CD layer of this hybrid disc is demonstration quality too. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's the Empire Brass!.......2004-05-14

C'mon, it's the Empire Brass! They rock! What's not to like?

Average customer rating:

Extraordinary and beautiful rendering of Bach's great fugal opus
Excellent Exposition of the art of the fugue
A great master plays one of the monuments of the Baroque
Absolutely stunning
Best of the best

Bach: Die Kunst der Fugue

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | 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

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: Goldberg Variations
Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87
Art of the Fugue - 70th Anniversary Edition
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

ASIN: B000002ZS9
Release Date: 1993-11-23

Tracks:

A Musical Offering, BWV1079: Ricercare a 3
A Musical Offering, BWV1079: Ricercare a 6
Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 1 In E Minor
Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 2 In F Major
Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 3 In G Major
Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 4 In A Minor
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 1
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 2
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 3
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 4
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Canon in Hypodiapason (Canon alla Ottava)
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 5
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 6 (per Diminutionem) in Stylo Francese
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 7 per Augmentationem et Diminutionem
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Canon alla Duodecima in Contrapunto alla Quinta

Tracks:

The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 8
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 9 alla Duodecima
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 10 alla Decima
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 11
The Art Of The Fugue: Canon (in Hypodiatessaron) per Augmentationem in Contrario Motu
The Art Of The Fugue: Canon alla Decima (Contrapunto alla Terza)
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 13 (Rectus)
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 13 (Inversus)
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 12 (Rectus)
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 12 (Inversus)
The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 14

Customer Reviews:

Extraordinary and beautiful rendering of Bach's great fugal opus.......2007-07-11

As an obssesed fan of Glenn Gould, I would not have found my way to buying this album had I not realized that Gould had not recorded it on piano but only did some extracts on an organ, of all things. I have played through these fuges before and found them uninterested compared to the lovely themes that permeate the entire Well Tempered Clavier books 1 and 2. I read a few reviews of people who had bought this cd and on the strength of their passionate and positive appraisal, I bought it. Good that I did.

Her playing is first class, impeccable with a sure sense of dynamic, rythmic and colorful phrasing that entertain and enchant from the beginning to the end. This is a woman who had lived with these pieces, played them and contemplated their meaning. I have always said that a mere technician can reproduce sounds on a piano, often in a very accurate way but if there is no soul, if there is no artistic merit in the interpretation, then it is like listening to a robot playing the instrument. A gifted artist rises to the occassion and is motivated and inspired by the material at hand. The results here are worth a lifetime of repeated listening. If my memory is correct, there are so little, if any, indications in Bach's edition of how fast or loud or soft to play these pieces. That ommission allows an opportunity for the great artist to interpret with creativity. We are not disappointed here. The intuition of this artist led her to imbue this work with such beauty, allowing the work to reveal it's own inner realities on sublime levels. This is supposed to be Bach's crowning achievement and in most ways closes the Baroque era. A very rich accomplishment both for Bach, who died writing the last notes and for Tatiana Nikolayeva a recording that places her at the highest levels of musical accomplishments.

Excellent Exposition of the art of the fugue.......2007-07-10

The clarity of the notes and the even balance of the melody and harmony made this familiar piece of music sound new and exciting

A great master plays one of the monuments of the Baroque.......2006-04-21

When I first saw this recordings in a music store I never realized what was waiting for me inside the jewel case. Two or three years had to go before I got one. Since then this is one of my favourites. Nikolayeva was a master in all the meaning of the word and although I am a purist (would have liked a Harpsichord instead of a Piano) her interpretation is magnificent, moving and executed with the precision required for a Brain surgery. Do not miss this set, it is without a question one of the very best AoF ever recorded. You will only need to hear how this great Russian Master played the first three notes of the Ricercare a 3, BWV1079, to know what I mean.

Absolutely stunning.......2005-11-29

This is far and out the greatest interpretation ever (on piano) of this monumental work - absolutely perfect, under any aspect. If you are a classical music fan it would be a crime to give it a miss.

Best of the best.......2005-05-08

I own about a dozen performances of The Art of Fugue (ranging from solo piano and organ over string quartet to Hermann Scherchen's orchestral arrangement). This is hands down my favorite (Scherchen's a distant second). Glenn Gould's might have been equally good if he had ever recorded the whole set for piano. (He recorded a partial set for organ, and piano recordings of a few individual fugues were released posthumously.)
While Bach never specified instruments for TAoF, the voice leading is too keyboard-friendly to be coincidental. It is not a "flashy" work but --- despite that --- extremely demanding on a keyboard player in that exceptional articulation skills are required to clearly bring out the four voices.
The purist may be annoyed at the fact that a piano (rather than a harpsichord) is used at all, and that (obviously) modern A=440 tuning is used. If you are one of these, you may wish to consider Davitt Moroney's harpsichord recording instead.
Unlike Moroney and organist Helmut Walcha, Ms. Nikolayeva does not attempt to "complete" the final unfinished fugue: her playing tapers off on the last notes in the manuscript.
The playing is not only crisp and technically perfect but beautiful at all times, and the recording very clean.
Bonuses are the four Duets (which work surprisingly well on the piano) and the two Ricercars from The Musical Offering. (The Ricercar a 3, incredibly, is actually rooted in an improvisation session by Bach on an early Silbermann fortepiano at the palace of Frederick II in Potsdam.)

Average customer rating:

Masterpiece
Equally as beautiful as the book
"Two Treasures of Pure Pleasure"
Compulsory reading
Truly Equal!

Vikram Seth: An Equal Music

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

An Equal Music
Bach: The Art of Fugue
Two Lives
From Heaven Lake: Travels Through Sinkiang and Tibet
Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony

ASIN: B00003OO0L
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006: Preludio
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Allegro con brio
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Andante cantabile con variazioni
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Menuetto: Quasi allegro
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Finale: Prestissimo
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Allegro di molto e scherzando
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Adagio: Cantabile
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Menuetto: Allegreto
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Fuga a 3 soggetti: Allegro
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1
Sonata for piano and violin in E minor, K304-300c: Allegro
Sonata for piano and violin in E minor, K304-300c: Tempo di Menuetto
Quartettsatz in C minor, D703: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Allegro vivace
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Andante
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Scherzo: Presto
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Theme & Variations: Andantino
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Finale: Allegro giusto
String Quintet in C major, D956: Scherzo: Presto - Trio: Andante sostenuto
'Manchester Sonata' No. 1 for violin and piano in C major, RV 3: Largo
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': The Lark Ascending
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1

Amazon.com

Vikram Seth's novel An Equal Music is as evocative a portrait of the world of chamber music as you could wish for, but Seth is the first to say that words "can only attempt to describe what cannot truly be described." This two-CD set adds the inevitably missing dimension to a great book, with performances of works featured in the story. They include the world-premiere recording of Beethoven's String Quintet in C minor, an obscure work that is central to the plot.

This piece, like the other selections, is beautifully played and recorded, for this is not a collection of second-rate recordings cobbled together to suit the theme. Vikram Seth himself has chosen the performances, and with performers of the stature of Iona Brown and Andras Schiff, the playing is as good as it gets. Included in the selection is Schubert's celebrated Trout Quintet. If the book gives a taste for the music, and vice versa, these CDs will also get us delving further into this delightful and infectious repertoire. --Keith Clarke

Customer Reviews:

Masterpiece.......2006-11-11

The book is a masterpiece of literature on music, and the music itself are masterpieces

Equally as beautiful as the book.......2006-03-17

A beautiful collection of music ideal for lovers of Seth's stunning novel - a perfect introduction to classical music .

"Two Treasures of Pure Pleasure".......2004-09-21

I purchased the book "An Equal Music" by Vikram Seth, not knowing that there existed a CD that was meant to accompany it. I was about a third of the way through the book, and Vikrams story was so captivating, that I longed to hear the musical pieces that his characters where so passionate about. So I set forth on a quest of my own trying to track down and put together each piece of his repertoire. During my search, I discovered this CD, purchased it, and stopped all reading until its arrival. I slipped it into the disc player, settled in with liner notes in hand, closed my eyes, and found a new appreciation and passion for the classical genre. Exceptional was track 8 of disc 2, "The Lark Ascending" composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, an absolutely enchanting piece! Not to say that the other tracks are not of equal caliber, they are, just of a different mood.

This compilation is a brilliant companion to the book, yet alone, it stands proudly on its own merits. Bach, Beethoven, Hayden, Schubert, Vivaldi, and of course Williams are all featured on this CD, names all renowned in the world of classical music. The difference between this CD, and say another classical compilation, is that through the inspiration and support of the book, what once one could not identify nor differentiate between in the works of the above, begins to unfold with a keen grasp of each. This assemblage will definitely help you to recognize and feel each composer's unique style.

In the book, the Maggiore Quartet members expose to you, through beautifully interpreted prose, their driving passion behind performing each piece as they become consumed in each note. This caused me to listen intensely not only to each composition, but also to the individual score of each instruments harmonious part. Bringing a deeper connection with not only the characters in this book along with the featured musical selections, but also with the professional musicians themselves whose lives are music.

Mr. Seth should be commended for this creative marriage of fervent fodder. A brilliantly moving novel enhanced and brought to life through this CD. My next stop, an evening out savoring a live performance!

Compulsory reading.......2004-03-30

This amazing book MUST be read by any person who is even slightly interested in music. if you have ever been in a string quartet, you will love the way that this book perfectly captures the delicate balance of emotions within such a close kint group. the love story is alternated with lyrical and descriptive passages, often about something of little significance. The book is a rich and heartwrenching story of love, music and loss. absolutely fabulous!

Truly Equal!.......2004-02-03

Vikram Seth casts a melacholic spell with his novel. This is the first time I am reading a work of fiction woven around chamber musicians, which leads one to explore the inner workings of their thoughts.
The accompamying CD is truly marvellous. Listen to Iona Brown soar away in Vaughan Williams 'Lark Ascending'. The others are also truly 'equal'.

Average customer rating:

All Hail Brass on Bach!!!!!
A very good rendition
Don't let this get away...
Already out-of-print . . .

Bach: The Art of the Fugue

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: Goldberg Variations
Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering
The Art of the Fugue & A Musical Offering
Bach: The Art of Fugue
Haydn: Paris Symphonies

ASIN: B00005NWNZ
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1, Andante Sostenuto
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 3, Andante Espressivo E Dolce
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 2, Allegro Moderato E Ritmico
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 4, Allegro Moderato
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 5, Allegro Energico
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 9, Vivace
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 10, (Alla Decima), Allegro Moderato
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 6, Andante Ritmico, In Stile Francese
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 7, Larghetto Maestoso
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 8, Allegro
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 11, Allegro Moderato
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 12 (Rectus), Lento
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 12 (Inversus), Lento
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 13 (Rectus), Allegro Spiritoso
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 13 (Inversus), Allegro Spiritoso
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 14, Maestoso (Original Unfinished Version)
Chor Prld: 'Vor Deinem Thron Tret' Ich Hiermit'

Customer Reviews:

All Hail Brass on Bach!!!!!.......2005-05-23

What I love about "The Art of Fugue" by J.S. Bach is how much it touches me. Obviously I don't mean physically because this is not supposed to evoke direct emotion or mood like Classical or Romantic pieces; it's ABSOLUTE MUSIC. Like what Bach did to all other fugues such as "Little" Fugue and the famous (Toccata and) Fugue in D minor, he truly had to put a huge effort and knowledge to make each voice work one another so it sounds so smooth and well-blended. Bach is a genius for having the relations between difference voices make so much sense, and even better is that the cantus firmus in each piece is based the one from the first piece; variations include change of rhythm, divided durations between voices (such as one voice playing half as fast as the CF and another twice as fast), and inversion. No matter how different in those tools is has become, Bach still managed to make them sound so "right". The "language" of music is what touches me and many of us so much, that he is indeed entitled to be one of the greatest composers ever.

"The Art of Fugue" is originally written for a keyboard, but there are different versions. The one I decided to own is this version, done beautifully by a brass quintet (Canadian Brass). Keyboard or strings are good, but I love this version because the gorgeous warmth and aerophonic quality (like human voice!) makes it so alive. The "grand" sound of brass suits for this "grand" (as in what I liked about as mentioned in the previous paragraph, plus all is in a melancholy but furious D minor ending in D major) set of pieces. The "language" of music itself has touched me, and the wonderful sound of the brass adds even more teardrops.

Whether you're getting a keyboard version or not, this must be bought and listened. This album really shows how powerful Bach's music can be. Unless you hate brass instruments or non-original versions, a must buy.

All Hail Brass on Bach!!!!!

A very good rendition.......2005-03-17

Although the Canadian Brass may sometimes seem like just a bunch of brass musicians joking around and not being too professional because of their "go for baroque!" and other such albums, choosing very popular, and sometimes "cliched" pieces, they are really professionals at the highest level. In my opinion, brass is a very good choice for this work, which some say to be the greatest of all "absolute music," because all of the parts in the fugues are easily distinguishable, but they still form a cohesive, weaving whole, and besides, you won't feel guilty for listening to a version for instruments other than what Bach wanted, because he never specified the instrumentation! Sound quality is very good. Highly recommended. Get a recording whenever you can, it has gone in and out of print.

Don't let this get away..........2003-02-22

Don't let this one get away. This has slipped in & out of print, & it is great to have it available again. An unusual project well worth having if you love Bach & especially if you love brass instruments. This piece by Bach is fascinating in itself, but hearing the brilliant scoring for Brass Ensemble makes it possible to hear the subtlety of the multiple parts better than say, for organ or harpsicord. Recently, the Canadian Brass also did the same magnificent job of scoring Bach's ever popular "Goldberg Variations" to similar great effect. The price of this disc, however, is a steal...

Already out-of-print . . ........2002-02-12

The Canadian Brass originally recorded Bach's 'The Art of the Fugue' in 1988. Sony released it under its 'Sony Classics' bargain line in Fall 2001. Sadly, it's already out-of-print. This disc represents sort of an exercise for showcasing all of the elements associated with Baroque music. It's an interesting work, even if it sometimes seems disjointed. Personally, I prefer a coherent work over a 'musical exercise.' Nonetheless, the piece is interesting, if only because it features all of the musical elements at Bach's disposal during the Baroque era.

If you can still find it, go ahead and buy it (especially if you can find it used). You might not listen to it every month (as you might Bach's Brandenburg Concertos or other orchestral works), but it's historic, and therefore worth a listen.

Music Review: