Camille Saint-Saëns: Etudes

On this CD:

1. Album, for piano, Op. 72
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Mi-Joo Lee

2. Études (6), for piano, Op. 52
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Mi-Joo Lee

3. Études (6), for piano, Op. 111
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Mi-Joo Lee

Tracks:

Scenes Form Childhood: Foreign Lands And People
Scenes Form Childhood: Dreaming
Scenes Form Childhood: Child Falling Asleep
Dream Of Children: Andante
Dream Of Children: Allegretto Piacevole
Sicilienne
Study No. 5: Moderato
The Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky
Notebooks Of Anna Magdalena Bach: Minuets 4 and 5
The Indian Queen: Adagio
Album Leaves: Lullaby
Album Leaves: Cradlesong
Prelude In C Major - Bach
The Carnival Of Animals: The Swan
Gymnopedie I
Gymnopedie III
Album for the Young: Morning Prayer - Tchaikovsky
Album for the Young: My Dear Little Mother - Tchaikovsky
Album for the Young: Sweet Reveries - Tchaikovsky
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Nocturne No. 7 - Mendelssohn
Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Major: Larghetto
Melody
Lullaby

Amazon.com

I think this music is intended for adults, though the photo on the cover is of a sleeping baby. In any event, Schumann's work, Scenes From Childhood, Op. 15, featured here is more likely to bolt you out of bed than put you to sleep, as the mike is far too close to the piano being played by Cyprien Katsaris. Purcell's Adagio from The Indian Queen is magnificent, performed by John Elliott Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists. The Weird Award goes to triple harpist Tim Hobrough and lutenist Stephen Barber for their bizarre, spiky rendition of Minuets Nos. 4 and 5 from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach. I would like to meet Bill Holland, producer of all these Atlantic Records classical compilations. He's programmed Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 on three different CDs, billed alternately as sensuous, romantic, and now here: good for a long snooze. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

What is all the hype about?.......2007-07-09

I purchased this CD on the basis of the reviews written on Amazon. I have to say I am terribly disappointed. My son hates the CD, I listened to it and I am not all that impressed either. It is ok but nothing like described by other users.

great cd.......2007-06-26

We play this cd every night at bedtime. It not only helps my baby stay asleep, but helps me fall asleep. The only issue I have is that one of the tracks near the end of the cd is a little louder than the tracks before it, so I just make sure I keep it on very quiet and it's wonderful.

My girls listen to this every night.......2006-11-10

My girls (ages 3 & 5) have a hard time winding down at night. We have a regular bedtime routine (bath, snack, teeth brushing, books, hugs), but they still take forever to settle down and sleep. Adding this CD to the bedtime routine has really helped.

I would give it more than 5 stars...........2005-11-18

I had this CD when my daughter was born 5 years ago, and it gave us such a soothing environment in which to bond during quiet times. We also put it on shortly before we'd put her down to sleep, and by 6 weeks she was sleeping through the night in her own crib. I think it was her sanctuary, and the music helped her feel comforted. We've since then completely worn out the CD (she listened to it through her 3rd year), and will have to buy a new one for our next little addition (coming soon!). I found it on this site and just listened to the samples from each track. Aahhh... very soothing for Mommy, too!
I also plan to get it as a baby gift for a friend. :)

Great CD: soothing music by best performers. Worth every penny........2005-08-05

I listened to this CD countless times ever since I first bought it from BMG music service back in 1997. Compositions of this CD are popular classical hits. That is, you will likely recognize at least some of them if you listen to the sampler.

What sets this CD apart is supreme music performance. Every composition is performed flawlessly, with real feeling and passion. There is a good reason why this CD that was released in 1997 is still around and costs over ten dollars. This reason is called quality.

Average customer rating:

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

Horowitz Encores

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Horowitz Plays Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Prokofiev, and others
Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist
Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD]
Horowitz in Moscow
Horowitz: The Last Recording

ASIN: B000003ER2
Release Date: 1990-02-22

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leon Fleisher Recital - Bach/Brahms, Scriabin, Saint-Saens

Average customer rating:

Dr. James L. Franklin
An Introduction to Leon Fleisher
Amazing left-hand recital!

Leon Fleisher Recital - Bach/Brahms, Scriabin, Saint-Saens

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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The Journey
Two Hands
Leon Fleisher Plays Brahms
Beethoven: The Complete Concertos/Mozart: Concerto No.25
Ravel, Prokofiev, Britten: Piano Works for the Left Hand

ASIN: B0000027UF
Release Date: 1993-07-27

Tracks:

Toccata and Fugue, Op. 56
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 1. Prde
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 2. Alla fuga
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 3. Moto perpetuo
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 4. Bourr
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 5. Ele
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 6. Gigue
Chacony (1988)
Partita II In D Minor For Solo Violin BWV 1004: Chaconne
Etude in A-flat major, Op. 36
Prde in C-sharp minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2
'Der Zigeunerbaron' By Johann Strauss: Symphonic Metamorphoses of the 'Schatz-Walzer'

Amazon.com

Leon Fleisher made this recording in 1991, several years before he regained the ability to play with both hands. What makes this disc worthwhile even for the general music lover is Brahms's transcription of the Bach Chaconne, much more faithful and effective than the famous one by Busoni. The disc also includes an amusing set of études by Saint-Saëns, a dazzling étude by Felix Blumenfeld (Horowitz's teacher), two excellent pieces by Scriabin and several contemporary works. If Fleisher doesn't quite eclipse memories of Simon Barere in the Blumenfeld Étude, his playing is always musical and technically sound, especially in the difficult Brahms transcription, the best performance of this arrangement ever recorded. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Dr. James L. Franklin.......2007-01-15

A wonderful introduction to a sampling of the most important works for solo piano left hand, beautifully played and with an informative discussion of the music on the "record jacket".

An Introduction to Leon Fleisher.......2006-09-15

Leon Fleisher needs no introduction. Don't you just hate that? Everybody needs an introduction, no matter how famous they are. You, out there, may have never heard of Leon Fleisher. You may not even feel bad about it, considering that you are way behind in your other self-improvement projects. You may be stuck in the middle of the Plato's Dialogues, and may not have even started that Balzac.
No matter what your circumstances are, you need to be urgently introduced to Mr. Fleisher, and this CD is a perfect way of doing it!
You will be immediately impressed by the most delicate playing ever, in which Mr. Fleisher literally caresses each note. As you listen to his performance of Bach you will finally understand what Plato meant by the world of perfect forms. The rest of the pieces reveal emotional variety and richness in which you will easily participate.
Maybe Mr. Fleisher is so famous because he makes his listeners feel so special. We achieve musical greatness vicariously, through him.
After you finish listening to this CD, please "Google" Mr. Fleisher to learn about his extraordinary courage and spirit in times of disability of his right hand. There is a happy ending in which his love and great gift for music conquered all adversity! You will also learn about his incredible, most impressive musical pedigree. By this time, fortunately, it will be too late to be intimidated by it! Leon Fleisher has already become your friend. He played his gentle music just for you, in your living room.

Amazing left-hand recital!.......2000-12-15

Clear and detailed Toccata and Fugue. Crisp Saint Saens Op 135. Masterful interpretation of Brahm's transcription of the Chaccone from Bach's Second Solo Violin Partita. The Scriabin and Blumenthal are expressive and warm but seem aren't terribly moving. Thee hand-taxing Symphonic Metamorphoses is sparkly and flamboyant. Sound is a bit bright, but disc is highly enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

excellent artists!

Masters of the Keyboard

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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Masters of the Guitar
Masters of the Bow: Cello
Masters of the Bow
Masters of the Voice: Tenor
Masters of the Voice: Soprano

ASIN: B0001ADB8M
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Toccata In C Minor - Martha Argerich
Sonata In C Major - Arturo Bendetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata In D Major - Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Sonata In D Major - Christoph Eschenbach
Piano Sonata In D Major - Christoph Eschenbach
Rondo In A Minor, K. 511 - Mitsuko Uchida
Fuga From Piano Sonata No. 31 In A-Flat - Emil Gilels
Inpromptu No. 2 In E-Flat - Sviatoslav Richter
Moment Musicans No, 2 In A-Flat - Andras Schiff
Ballad No. 2 In A- Flat Op. 23 - Arturo Benedettie Michelangeli
La Campanella From 'Paganini' Etudes - Jorge Bolet
Romance In F Sharp - Claudio Arrau
Spinning Song From Songs Without Words, Op. 67 - Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

Capriccio In B Minor From Eight Piano Pieces Op. 76 - Stephen Bishop-Kovacevich
Intermezzo In A Major From Siz Piano Pieces, Op.118 - Radu Lupu
Melody In F Major, Op.3, No.1 - Shura Cherkassky
Souvenir De Porto Rico, Marche Des Gibaros - Ivan Davis
Etude En FormeDe Valse - Magda Tagliaferro
Vers La Flamme, Op. 72 - Sviatoslav Richter
Prelude In B-Flat, Op.23 No. 2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Prelude In B Minor, Op. 32, No. 10 - Alicia De Larrocha
Navarra From Iberia - Alcia De Larrocha
The Girl With Flaxen Hair From Preludes-Book 1 - Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
L'Isle Joyeuse - Alexis Weissenberg
Menuet From Le Tombeau De Couperin - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Six Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68, Sz 56 - Zoltan Kocis
Bewegte Achtel From Three Piano Pieces, Op.11 - Mitsuko Uchida
Variations On 'I got Rhythm' For Piano And Orchestra - Wener Haas

Customer Reviews:

excellent artists!.......2004-05-20

I don't understand quite where the other reviewer is coming from. This is a treasure-trove of piano music by some of the best classical pianists of the last century. If you want a musical anthology of some of the best by some of the best, pick it up!

Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3; Works for solo instrument and orchestra

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording of J-J Kantarow/Saint-Saens 3

Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3; Works for solo instrument and orchestra

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000M4RF8E
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording of J-J Kantarow/Saint-Saens 3.......2007-06-05

Saint-Saens 3 in B minor is a war horse, make no mistake. It may not be as recognizable as Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mendelssohn, or Beethoven but it certainly is in the same league as Sibelius, Wieniawski, the prokofievs and Bartoks. It's a techical masterpiece that is demanding yet entertaining. Kantorow plays it with aplomb, emphasizing the Gallic wit and pyrotechnics while still making a cogent musical argument. I would characterize him as a cross between Yehudi Menuhin and Joshua Bell. But he's got his own musical voice. This is very refined yet passionate playing. The Tapiola Sinfonietta are more of a chamber orchestra which is fine for this music. The recording quality is excellent. This recording is highly recommended. The filler pieces are just that, the concerto is the main entree.

Average customer rating:

Introducing New York Legends

Manufacturer: Cala Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Average customer rating:

La Darre, la magnifique

Jeanne-Marie Darré: Early Recordings

Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003LJY
Release Date: 1994-10-24

Tracks:

Etude, Op. 10: No. 1 In C
Etude, Op. 10: No. 2 In A Minor
Etude, Op. 10: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor
Etude, Op. 10: No. 5 In G Flat, 'Black Key'
Etude, Op. 25: No. 1 In A Flat, 'The Aeolian Harp'
Etude, Op. 25: No. 6 In G Sharp Minor
Etude, Op. 25: No. 8 In D Flat
Etude, Op. 25: No. 9 In G Flat, 'Butterfly'
Three Ecossaises, Op. 72 Nos. 3 - 5
Tarantelle In A Flat, Op. 43
Andante Spianato e Grand Polonaise Brilliante In E Flat, Op. 22
Etude, Op. 111 No. 6 In F, 'Toccata d'apres le cinquieme concerto'
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op. 22: 1st Movement - Andante sostenuto - Molto animato
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op. 22: 2nd Movement - Allegro scherzando
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op. 22: 3rd Movement - Presto
The Gypsy Baron: Schatz Waltz

Tracks:

Prelude From Partita For Violin Unaccompanied, No. 3 In E
Sonata No. 1 In C, Op. 24, 4th Movement - Presto - Perpetuum mobile
Romance In F Sharp, Op. 28 No. 2
Prelude, Op. 104a No. 3 In D
Song Without Words: Op. 19 No.1 In E, 'Sweet Rememberance'
Song Without Words: Op. 53 No. 4 In F, 'Berceuse'
Song Without Words: Op. 62 No. 6 In A, 'Spring Song'
Song Without Words: Op. 67 No. 4 In C, 'the Spinning Song'
Paganini Etude No. 5 In E, 'La Chasse'
Paganini Etude No. 3 In A Flat Minor, 'La Campanella'
Paganini Etude No. 3 In A Flat Minor, 'La Campanella'
Transcendental Etude No. 5, 'Feux Follets'
Transcendental Etude No. 11, 'Harmonies du soir'
Polonaise No.2 In E
Liebestraum No. 3 in A Flat
Caprice In Double Notes In F Sharp
Op. 3 No. 2 In C Sharp Minor: Prelude
Op. 23 No. 5 In G Minor: Prelude
Toccata

Customer Reviews:

La Darre, la magnifique.......2001-12-21

Out here in Denver we used to wonder why this great virtuosa would want to stop by our humble province and treat us to her amazing recitals and concerts. When we found out that she was quite an outdoor and mountain enthusiast, we understood. And having her old pal Golschmann as conductor of the orchestra made her a regular on our cartelloni.

After one luxuriates in these old Pathe things together, Darre comes into focus on the world stage. The Saint Saens eclipses her later one with Fourestier; here she has Paray. It's a significant difference, because with her sense of line, inner-voicings, and fanatic attention to timbral qualities and overtones, one can hear that she is the pianistic equivalent OF Paray. Here we come face-to-face with what Paris musical life was like when Darre and Paray were both in town. The results are engrossing and original without going outside the mark set by Saint Saens himself (who had been dead aorund 20 years when Pathe did this). There is a dynamism here that is unique and right, and immortal.

We also have forgotten this pianist as a supreme interpreter of Chopin who shows up here with a snazzy bravado that is akin to Novaes, but with more refinement. The carillon highs come through strongly on the old recordings, the bass drops off...but since you know it's there, your mind can fill in the aural info. Like her much later Vanguard recordings, the incredibly agile midrange voicings are front and center without punching you. These are amazing performances, characteristic, admirable.

All of her other repertoire more or less affect the listener the same way--like her counterpart Paray, Darre never, ever tries to archly make a piece more than it is, but brings out the maximum the work has to offer. And that can be considerably more than what we might divine from the program on paper.

Really, folks, there'll never be another one like Darre. There will never be an elegant, athletic, stunning lady in silk pants who walks purposefully on stage, chucks her bejeweled bolero on a stagehand, and sits down for a couple of hours of enchantment, letting us in on her magic, including us listeners as if we're in her salon where she is hostess to the composers themselves nursing their drinks.

Tracks:

BWV 992: Jeusus Is Always My Gladness
Concerto In B Flat Major: Adagio
Organ Concerto In G Major: Largo
Moonlight Sonata In C Sharp Minor Op. 27-2: Quasi Una Fantasia (Adagio Sostenuto)
Mass In E Minor: Kyre Eleyson
Piano Concerto No. 26 In D Minor K537: Larghetto
Symphony No. 8 In Minor D 759: Andante Con Moto
Fantasy Op. 73: Tender And With Expression
The Moldau: Sympohic Poem
Valse Triste: Op. 44, 1 From 'Kuolema'
Oboe Concerto In C Major K314: Adagio - Mozart
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major K467 'Elvira Madigan': Andante

Tracks:

Souvenir De Florence In D Minor Op. 70: Adagio Cantibile - Tchaikovsky
Raindrop Prelude In D Flat Major Op. 28 - 15
Symphony No. 4 In A Major Op. 90 'Italian': Andante con molto
Love Dream No. 3 In A Flat Major Op. 62
Lullaby - Berceuse Op. 105
Berceuse: Lullaby Op. 57 - Chopin
Wind Quartet In E Flat Major Op. 88-2: Andante grazioso
Cello Concerto In G Major: Romance
Concerto For Flute, Harp And Orchestra In C Major K299: Andantino - Mozart
Sonata In C Minor Op. 13 'Pathetique': Adagio cantabile - Beethoven
Divertimento No. 1 In B Flat Major 'Chorale St. Antoni': Andante - Haydn _

Tracks:

Stabat Mater Op.58: Virgo Virginium Praeclara - Dvorak
Divertimento No. 1 In B Flat Major: Chorale - Haydn _
Consolation In E Major - Liszt
Symphony No. 5 In D Major, Op.107 'Reformation': Finale
Execution Transcendante: Evening Harmony - Liszt
Overture In D Major: Air BWV 1068 - Bach
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Gluck
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major Op. 15: Largo - Beethoven
String Quartet No. 62 In C Major, Op.76, 3 'Emperor': Adagiop cantabile - Haydn _

Customer Reviews:

FABULOUS SELECTION OF CLASSICAL MUSIC.......2001-05-16

Whether or not you are a fan of classical music, the truth is that everyone enjoys a few hours of peace and relaxation. This CD provides a wide selection of music from famous composers like Mozart to lesser known classical composers, which makes it the perfect CD to play on your stereo during those rare moments of peace. Play it while reading a favorite novel, or just simply sit down and meditate with the help of this classical CD. Beethoven's widely popular "Moonlight Sonata" for the piano and Chopin's extraordinary "Raindrop" are just two examples of musical pieces that will not only calm but enrich your life. With a total of three discs included at a phenomenal value, this is one CD that you cannot afford to pass up.

Average customer rating:

A wonderful disc that deserves a larger audience
A wonderful disc

Saint-Saëns: The Complete Etudes

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Henselt: Études Opus 2 & Opus 5
Saint-Saëns: Music for Violin
Saint-Saëns: Piano Quartet; Piano Quintet; Septet; etc.
Dukas: Piano Sonata; Decaux; Clairs de Lune
Saint-Saëns: The Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra

ASIN: B00000DLY3
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

Six Etudes Op 52: No. 1 Prelude: Con bravura
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 2 Pour l'independence des doigts: Andantino malinconico
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 3 Prelude et Fugue en fa mineur - Prelude: Allegro
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 3 Prelude et Fugue en fa minuer - Fugue: Animato
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 4 Etude de rythme: Andantino
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 5 Prelude et Fugue en la mineur - Prelude: Allegro moderato
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 5 Prelude et Fugue en la mineur - Fugue: Moderato
Six Etudes Op 52: No. 6 En forme de Valse: Mouvement de Valse
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 1 Tierces majeures et mineures: Allegretto
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 2 Traits chromatiques: Allegretto
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 3 Prelude et Fugue - Prelude: Moderato agitato
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 3 Prelude et Fugue - Fugue: Moderato espressivo
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 4 Les cloches de Las Palmas: Andantino
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 5 Tierces majeures chromatiques: Vivace
Six Etudes Op 111: No. 6 Toccata d'apres le 5e Concerto: Molto Allegro
Six Etudes pour la main gauche seule Op 135: No. 1 Prelude: Allegretto moderato
Six Etudes pour la main gauche seule Op 135: No. 2 Alla fuga: Allegro non troppo
Six Etudes pour la main gauche seule Op 135: No. 3 Moto perpetuo: Allegretto - doux et tranquille
Six Etudes pour la main gauche seule Op 135: No. 4 Bourree: Molto allegro
Six Etudes pour la main gauche seule Op 135: No. 5 Elegie: Poco adagio
Six Etudes pour la main gauche seule Op 135: No. 6 Gigue: Presto
Theme Varie Op 97

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful disc that deserves a larger audience.......2002-04-17

It's taken me a while to develop a true appreciation for Saint-Saens' works. Like many I have been familiar with his Carnaval since early childhood, followed by his Organ Symphony after its final movement's theme made its way into the top ten hit "If I had words" by the then still delectable future sister in law of Adam Curry.

In my mid teens when Beethoven became my main musical interest, Saint-Saens remarks on Beethoven's late piano sonatas and divine string quartets resulted in a boycott that lasted for over two decades. Yet due to spousal appreciation of the bearded dandy's works and my renewed interest in this repertoire generated by Hamelin's stellar Alkan recordings, I am glad I decided to explore the oeuvre of cher Camile a little further.

Two things that one has to give Saint-Saens credit for are his never abandoning his beliefs/principles in a rapidly changing musical climate and his remaining within the boundaries of his significant abilities. This splendid cd is a testimony to the virtues of Camille's credo.

While Brahms was addressing the Universe writing Opus 116-119, Saint-Saens was perfectly happy to keep his scope limited to the Parisian salons. While, I would not want to claim a "masterwork status" for the three sets of etudes on this cd, many of them are the result of such compository skill and insight into piano technique, that I still think that Piers Lane's superb performance turns this cd in a "must" for the serious student / collector of the repertoire.

Even while familiar with the baroque opening of his second piano concerto - often described as going from Bach to Offenbach through the work's three movements- Camille's four splendid explorations of the Baroque's most lasting form, the fugue, took me by complete surprise. They are simply wonderful! While Camille does not make an attempt to outdo Johann Sebastian, I must add that the fugue for the left hand only, Opus 135 nr. 2, is quite a neat piece of work.

In addition, there are more than a few moments, take "the Bells of Las Palmas" Opus 111 nr. 4, in which Debussy is just, and I mean JUST, around the corner. Moreover, it escapes me why Saint-Saens' Toccata after his own fifth piano concerto, Opus 111 nr. 6, is not a staple of the current encore repertoire.

These works could hardly have received a better advocate than Piers Lane. While the works are often pretty taxing, his great technique allows them to unfold in a very relaxed and never overburdening fashion.

The recording is of the typical Hyperion, Tony Faulkner, quality: good but not tops and showing more timbral accuracy than precision in soundstage and dynamics.

A wonderful disc.......1999-09-10

Saint-Saens is one of those underrated composers who is slighted mostly because his muse wasn't tragic or dramatic. Most of what he wrote is well crafted and enjoyable for the sheer pleasure of being beautiful music.

This disc is no exception. Saint Saens was a formidable pianist, so this music isn't easy, but Lane sails through it with aplomb and a sweet tone. There are many gems here, including a wonderful fugue for the left hand alone.

Amazon.com

This series of Saint-Saëns' piano music, recorded in 1974, will be of interest to the composer's admirers, but it's not likely to win any awards. Most of the music consists of glittering generalities, with few memorable moments and a lot of padding. Saint-Saëns had inspirations, but he didn't waste many of them on his solo piano music. In the few cases when a piece has become familiar, we can tell that Dosse's performances are mostly just adequate, seldom exciting or insightful. She gets around the keys well enough, and the last of the Six Etudes (based on the composer's own Fifth Piano Concerto) is pretty dazzling, but elsewhere she seems to be just going through the motions. The solo piano music, recorded by the wonderful Elite team of Nickrenz & Aubort, has splendid sound quality. But the duets, recorded in Stuttgart, sound boxy and flat--except for "Carnival of the Animals," with the sparkling chamber orchestra. This certainly isn't a bad set, but it's only a compelling purchase for lovers of this composer who can't get enough of his piano music. Well, now they can. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Decent performances but terrible sound quality.......2007-06-01

The performances on this collection were decent, although it is somewhat hard to judge them, not being familiar with most of the items. However, the sound quality is way below expectations for something that was originally recorded in ca. 1974 (more like what one would expect from the 1920s or 1930s). There are inexplicable bumps and pops (no pits or scratches obvious on the CDs), and the general acoustics are very subdued (as if the transfer were done using a tape recorder on a monophonic turntable). One cannot claim that it this way because of the budget price - other labels have managed to do much better in their offerings at this price point (such as the D. Scarlatti sonata selection by Pletnev on Virgin Classics which I had purchased in the same order as this CD set).

Proto-Modern Music.......2004-05-21

Saint-Saens didn't believe that music must express deep emotion to be worthwhile. He was more interested in beautiful surfaces than in profundity. The composer's aesthetic, which might be described as "decorative," justifies certain limitations and is not all that different from Milhaud's or Poulenc's, although the musical idiom is more 19th century than 20th century.

Because this is a "complete works" set of CDs, the quality of the compositions is predictably uneven. Several of the many pieces included are too protracted, formulaic and even dull, but few are without any interest. Almost all seem impersonal and dispassionate. That said, much of the music is lovely, frequently colorful and occasionally dazzling. Saint-Saens piano writing is almost always transparent, elegant, ironic and wry. Some pieces, like the Scherzo for Two Pianos (which is organized as a palindrome), the Valse Gaie and the Etude en Forme de Valse, are stunning mixtures of modern musical language and traditional gestures. There is truly no other music like this.

Admirers of French music are fortunate that Vox decided to reissue these performances, which range from adequate to excellent.

COMPLEMENTS STEPHEN HOUGHT SAINT SAENS CONCERTOS.......2003-08-12

I AM LISTENING TO THE FOURTH OF FIVE CDS PLAYED ON THE PIANO BY FRENCH WOMEN MARYLENE DOSSE AND ANNIE PETIT. THEY ARE EXCELLENT ESCAPISMS. I DON'T KNOW ONE FROM THE OTHER, BUT JUST LAY BACK ON A SULTRY DAY AND ENJOY.
I THOUGHT I MAY HAVE DUPLICATED SAINT-SAENS COMPLETE WORKS FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA BY SAKARI ORAMO UNDER STEPHEN HOUGH OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. WITH VOX I GOT 5 CDS AT HALF THE PRICE OF THE HOUGH TWO CDS. SO THE SELECTIONS AREN'T FAMILIAR. WHO NEEDS MORE OF THE SAME?

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