2 Pictures

On this CD:

1. Seven Romanian Folk Dances, for orchestra (Román népi táncok), Sz. 68, BB 76
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Adam Fischer

2. Dance Suite, for orchestra (Táncszvit), Sz. 77, BB 86a
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Adam Fischer

3. Hungarian Sketches, for orchestra (Magyar képek), Sz. 97, BB 103
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Adam Fischer

4. Pictures (2), for orchestra (Két kép), Sz. 46, BB 59 (Op. 10)
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Adam Fischer

5. Romanian Dance, for orchestra (Román tánc), Sz. 47a, BB 61
Composed by Bela Bartok
Performed by Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Adam Fischer

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

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

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Scott Joplin: Greatest Hits
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music
Classical Guitar, Vol. 2
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating:

Very touched
In Memorium
Priceless Souvenirs from a Rare Genius: Ave Atque Vale
Poetry without words
What Is Technically Difficult Is Not Always Pleasant To Hear

William Kapell Edition (Box Set)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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William Kapell in Performance: Brahms & Prokofiev Piano Concertos
Prokofiev: Sonata No.7/Toccata, Op.11/Barber: Sonata, Op.26/Kabalevsky: Sonata No.3/Fauré: Nocturne No.13/Poulenc: Pr
William Kapell, Vol.I: Rachmaninov/Khachaturian
Plays Schubert
Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore

ASIN: B00000B9MR
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Mazurkas: Op. 6, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 7, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 7, No. 5
Mazurkas: Op. 17, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op 17, No 3
Mazurkas: Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 24, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 30, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 41, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 41, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 50, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 50, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 1
Mazurkas: Op. 59, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 67, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 2
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 3
Mazurkas: Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurkas: Op posth. - 'Notre temps'
Mazurkas: Op posth - In B Flat

Tracks:

Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Allegro maestoso
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Scherzo: Molto vivace
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Largo
Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 In B Minor: Finale: Presto, non tanto
Waltz, Op. 18 In E Flat Major
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Grave; Doppio movimento
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Scherzo
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Marche funebre
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 In B-Flat Minor: Presto
Nocture, Op. 9, No. 1 In B Flat Minor
The Sheperd's Complaint: No. 5, Songs Without Words, Op. 67
Romance, Op. 28, No. 2 In F Sharp
Sonata No. 16, K. 570 In B Flat: II. Adagio

Tracks:

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction: Allegro vivace; Variation I: (Precedente)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation II: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation III: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation IV: Piu Vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation V: Tempo precedente
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation VI: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43:: Varation VII: Tempo 1
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation IX: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation X: Poco marcato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XI: Moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XII: Tempo di minuetto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIII: Allegro
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIV: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43:: Varation XV: Piu vivo scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVI: Allegretto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVII: [Allegretto]
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XVIII: Andante cantabile
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIX: A tempo vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XX: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXI: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XXIII: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Varation XIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Moderato; Allegro
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
Concero No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 In D Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 5 In D Major

Tracks:

Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Andante; Allegro
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Tema: Andantino
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation I: Listesso tempo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation II: Allegro
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation III: Allegro moderato (poco meno mosso)
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation IV: Andante meditativo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Variation V: Allegro giusto
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Tema: Listesso tempo
Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 In C: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto: Allegro mastoso
Concerto: Andante con anima
Concerto: Allegro brillante
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 14 In E Flat Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 5 In D Major

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Allegro con brio
Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Largo
Concerto No. 2, Op. 19 In B Flat Major: Rondo: Allegro scherzando
Moment Musical: Moment Musical In F Minor, D. 780, No. 3
Waltz: Waltz In B Major, D. 145, No. 2
Waltz: Waltz In B Major, D. 145, No. 6
Waltz: Waltz In E Major, D. 365, No. 26
Waltz: Waltz In F Major, D. 365, No. 32
German Dances: German Dance In B Flat Major, D. 783, No. 6
German Dances: German Dance In B Flat Major, D. 783, No. 7
Waltz: Waltz, In F Major, D. 365, No. 34
Landler: Landler, In G Major, D. 734, No. 1
Landler: Landler, In D Major, D. 734, No. 2
Impromptu: Impromptu In A Flat Major, D. 935, No. 2
Romance: Romance In F Sharp Major, Op. 28, No. 2
Intermezzo: Intermezzo In E Major, Op. 116, No. 6
Sonetto No. 104 del Petrarca - Liszt
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11 - Liszt
Mephisto Waltz No. 1 - Liszt

Tracks:

Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Ouverture
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Allemande
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Courante
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Aria
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Sarabande
Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Menuet
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Allemande
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Courante
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Sarabandes 1 & 2
Suite In A Minor, BWV 818: Gigue
Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 380 - L. 23
Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
From Iberia: Evocacion
Piano Playtime: No. 1: Waltz Of The Rainbow
Piano Playtime: No. 4: By The Brook
Piano Playtime: No. 5: Dancing Bagpipes
Piano Playtime: No. 6: Tricky Trumpet
Children's Corner: Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: Jimbo's Lullaby
Children's Corner: Serenade For The Doll
Children's Corner: The Snow Is Dancing
Children's Corner: The Little Shepherd
Children's Corner: Golliwog's Cakewalk
Toccata ostinato

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Lento; Allegro moderato
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Allegro scherzando
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Andante
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: Allegro mosso; Meno mosso; Moderato; Piu vivo
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Allegro appassionato
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Andante un poco adagio
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Allegretto grazioso
Sonata In F Minor, Op. 120, No. 1: Vivace
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Allegro
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Adagio
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Un poco presto e con sentimento
Sonata In D Minor, No. 3, Op. 108: Presto agitato

Tracks:

Piano Sonata (1941): Molto moderato
Piano Sonata (1941): Vivace
Piano Sonata (1941): Andante sostenuto
Nocturne In E - Flat - Op 55, 2
Mazurka In C - Op 33, 3
Polonaise-Fantasie In A - Flat - Op 61
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Gnome
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Tuileries
Pictures At An Exhibition: Bydlo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Unhatched Chicks
Pictures At An Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Limoges - The Market
Pictures At An Exhibition: Catacombs
Pictures At An Exhibition: Con mortuis In lingua Mortua
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Hut On Fowl's Legs
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate At Kiev
No 1 - Kinderszenen: About Foreign Lands And People
Sonata In E (K 380) - L. 23

Tracks:

Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV. 828: Allemande (Beginning)
Sonata No. 10 In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato (Beginning)
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: 1. Allegro maestoso (Beginning)
Sonata No. 3 In B Minor, Op. 58: 3. Largo
Mazurka In A Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
Sonata No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 108: 2. Adagio
No. 4, Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
Interview With William Kapell

Amazon.com essential recording

Blessed with transcendent technique and an affinity for big, bold Romantic works, William Kapell has been hailed as America's greatest homegrown pianist. This comprehensive collection of his complete recorded output, previously unreleased recordings, and broadcast tapes adds luster to a reputation that's become legendary since his tragic death in a plane crash at age 31. The earliest recordings, from the mid-1940s, bristle with raw energy and virtuosic flourishes tempered by an innate musicality that rises above mere display.

The disc coupling Khachaturian and Prokofiev concertos is charged with excitement; the Rachmaninoff pairing of the Paganini Variations and the Concerto No. 2 weds the Grand Romantic style to poetic lyricism; and an inspired Liszt group is charged with dynamic energy. Best may be the two Chopin discs: spontaneous, rhythmically flexible sonatas and mazurkas. The later recordings demonstrate the repose that comes with artistic maturity, and the "live" broadcasts reveal Kapell's warmth and spontaneity in concert. Splendid transfers help make this long-awaited set appealing to music lovers in general, as well as piano buffs. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Very touched.......2006-09-24

I wrote my doctoral dissertation on William Kapell (we share the same school, and my teacher was a student of his), and to still see the outpouring of admiration and love for Kapell's art is still very moving for me.

In Memorium.......2005-10-29

I heard William Kapell play the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with the fledgling Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in the late 1940's or very early 1950's. My only memory of the occasion is that I was enthralled. Kapell has held me in thrall ever since.

A few years later, in the middle 50's, I bought Kapell's recording of the same work, with Fritz Reiner and the Robin Hood Dell Orchestra (alias of The Philadelphia Orchestra). I still have that LP, though I wore it out long ago. It was the beginning of my musical education. But since 1998, we have had this wonderful box of reissues from the vaults of RCA. The sound is mostly excellent, considering the age of the monophonic originals. To this day, Kapell's Rachmaninov Rhapsody remains-in my opinion-the most impassioned, yet the most musical, reading of the piece ever recorded. No one had, or has, Kapell's combination of white-hot temperament, technical brilliance, and musical insight. We have had musical geniuses; technical wizards abound. It is the combination of these gifts, as Kapell possessed them in particular, married to his incendiary passion, that made him unique.

He was still learning, and he was learning at such an astounding rate! He had moved from Khachaturian to the most unforgettable Chopin B minor Sonata ever recorded in little more than a decade. His deep throated, noble, and articulate Bach has caused some to speculate that Glenn Gould might have found his inspiration in Kapell. One Gould biographer, and a New York critic, wrote that the reverse was true. The critic acknowledged the error, in print, noting that Kapell could not have been influenced by Gould's style since he had been dead for two years by the time of Gould's debut recital in New York City in 1955.

The lyrical side of romantic music is not what Kapell was or is known for, not his "style" as people remember him now. But listening to the lyrical music in this set shows a side of him that was, nevertheless, as real as any, and perhaps more revealing. It also gives us a notion of what we might have expected of William Kapell had he lived a normal span of years and played a normal variety of music. In a live performance, he plays Chopin's Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 1, with melting legato and exquisite timing: his innate sense about when to tug on the beat and when to surge forward makes the music breathe. His use of dynamic variety demands the greatest respect: at one point, the repetition of a melodic phrase is but a pale echo of its first statement. His tonal palette is no less wondrous. When a deep bass note suddenly appears, early in the A section of the ABA structure, it sounds-not loud nor quiet, not muffled nor distinct-but awesomely subterranean. Kapell begins the piece without much sustaining pedal, but in the B section, he subtly adds more and more. Then, when the A section returns near the end, the pedal disappears. This dramatic change in color-along with Chopin's change of key-seems like the parting of clouds. We are in the hands of two masters here, Chopin and Kapell. Kapell gave this performance in Carnegie Hall in February of 1945, when he was twenty-two years old.

In the Bach and Chopin works I've discussed, the steely, percussive tone that some speak of is nowhere to be heard. Rather, we hear a full, rich, and complex piano tone. In the Chopin Sonatas, the Debussy pieces, and the Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Debussy, and Albeniz, the sound Kapell produces is beautiful and varied.

He was a chamber musician of the first order, as his collaborations with Heifetz prove. (He was one of the very few musicians who had the force of personality to make Heifetz accompany HIM. And you can hear it.) And if you've never heard Rachmaninov's great Cello Sonata, played here with the grand Russian/German cellist Edmund Kurtz, you're in for a treat. There are several fine, modern stereo recordings, but this one is special. The piano part is very important-Rachmaninov did write it, after all-and Kapell is magnificent. This was Rachmaninov's next published work after the 2nd Piano Concerto, to give you an idea of its melodic grandeur. If there is a flaw here, it is that the piano is recorded too far back, relative to the cello.

Kapell died on October 30, 1953. He had just turned thirty-three. He played his last recital in Geelong, Australia, on the 22nd. It included the Chopin 2nd Piano Sonata which contains the well-known "Marche funèbre." That performance is included here, transferred from the original acetates. It is a great performance but very hard to listen to now, in light of what was to follow just over a week later. I am writing this one day short of the 52nd anniversary of Kapell's death. Had he lived until today, he would be younger than either Earl Wild or Ivan Moravec, both of whom are still making magnificent music. For those of us who love William Kapell's music, it is heartbreaking to consider, and fruitless. Thank Heaven we have recordings like the ones in this set. They are essential for any lover of good music.

John Pendley

Priceless Souvenirs from a Rare Genius: Ave Atque Vale.......2005-10-28

During the last century we have had many tragic losses in the arts, often affecting men and women who are at the peak of their careers, shimmering with excellence, only to be silenced by death and all too often, by accidental death. The names of Anton Webern, Fritz Wunderlich, WG Sebald, Sylvia Plath, Dinu Lipatti, and so many others arise, but none as tragic as the death of William Kapell in 1953.

William Kapell is still considered by most as the America's greatest pianist, even fifty odd years after his death at the age of 31 in a plane crash. Those who heard him perform still rhapsodize over the magic he created. Those of us who are left with only recordings, such as this spectacular boxed set of all of his recordings, can only be uplifted by the man's genius, his extraordinary technical facility, and his intuitive, profound approach to the great works of music.

All styles of music were easily accessible to Kapell. Listen to the Mozart, Bach, Scarlatti, Paganini and Mendelssohn and try to imagine performances of more clarity and finesse than these. His Chopin is well represented in this set and glows with the uncanny power and tenderness that Chopin combined in his works. His works for solo piano by Rachmaninov and Shostakovich are the gold standard, and yet his Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Mussorgsky and Liszt raise the bar for excellence that has since not been excelled. Joyously this set includes concerti including Prokofiev, Beethoven, Khachaturian, and Rachmaninov with the various conductors who saw Kapell's gifts and championed them.

The memory of this great artist is felt throughout the year, but never as acutely as on October 29th which marks the date of his cruel death. The world was brightened for too short a time by William Kapell, yet because of his recorded legacy his legend lives on. This is an impossibly fine box set of treasures. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Poetry without words.......2004-12-14

In listening ot this collection, I think of the other 20th century pianistic genius who died tragically young: Dinu Lipatti (d. 1950). Both men excelled at Chopin but each had a thoroughly individual sound. In addition to Chopin, the Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev are especially fine. Highly recommended.

What Is Technically Difficult Is Not Always Pleasant To Hear.......2004-10-02

Piano enthusiasts might find this set incredible, but I prefer my music to be pleasant. Consider your tastes before buying.

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Piano Collection

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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An Inconvenient Truth

ASIN: B000002SBJ
Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

For Elise
Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2 'Clair de Lune': 1st movement - Adagio sostenuto
Marche Militaire
Moment Musical No. 3
La Campanella, Etude No. 3: After Paganini
Reve D'amour
La Ronde Des Lutins
Etude No. 3, Op. 10 No. 3
Valse Brillante, Op. 34 No. 3
Nocturne No. 13, Op. 48
Mazurka, Op. 33, No. 2: Mazurka, Op. 33 No. 2
Prelude No. 15, Op. 28: Goutte D'eau
Polonaise 'Heroique', Op. 53
Valse, Op. 39
Hungarian Dance No. 1
Scenes d'enfants: Reverie
L'album a la jeunesse: Le Gai laboureur
Carnival Of Vienna: Intermezzo
Op. 62, No. 6: Spring Song - Mendelssohn
La Tartine De Beurre
Sonata K. 331: Marche Turque
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Bach

Tracks:

Tambourin
Sonata For Flute And Piano, BWV 1031: Sicilienne
Le Coucou
Au Printemps, Op. 53
Suite Bergamasque: Clair De Lune
Children's Corner: Golliwog's Cake-Walk
Preludes, Book 1: La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin
3 Mouvements Perpetuels
Gymnopedie No. 1
Gnossienne No. 3
Dolly: Berceuse
Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
Pavane pour une Infante defunte
'Scaramouche' For Two Pianos: Brazileira
L'Amour sorcier: Ritual Fire Dance
Danse Espagnole No. 5: Andaluza
Tango
Prelude En Ut Diese Mineur, Op. 3, No. 2
Pictures At An Exhibition: Great Gate Of Kiev
The Entertainer

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Listen,Learn, & Grow: Playtime
Grandkids love it!

Listen, Learn, & Grow: Playtime

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Listen, Learn and Grow Lullabies
Listen, Learn and Grow
Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Children's Favorites

ASIN: B00005LMZT
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
The Four Seasons: Autumn: Allegro
Symphony No.6 'Pastoral': Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No.41 'Jupiter': Menuetto Allegro
Fair At Sorochintsy: Gopak
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours
Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
La Mer: Play Of The Waves
Humoresque
Sheep May Safely Graze
Masques Et Bergamasques: Ouverture
The Gadfly: Barrel-Organ Waltz
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra: Fugue
Symphony No.104 'London': Allegro Finale

Tracks:

Orpheus In The Underworld: Can-Can
William Tell: Overture
Four Overtures: Rakoczy March
Perpetual Motion: A Musical Joke
Pizzicato Polka
Minute Waltz
Concerto For Two Horns: Vivace
Pomp And Circumstance
Parade Of The Sandwich Board Men
Thunderbird Suite: Wolf Song
Indian Scenes: On The Jocko
Lieutenant Kije
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
Radetzky March
The Tale Of The Tsar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Walkyries
The Bartered Bride: Dance Of The Comedians

Tracks:

Gayane: Sabre Dance
Carmen Suite: March Of The Toreadors
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 In D Minor (Excerpt)
Suite No.2: Badinerie
Fireworks Music: Allegro Finale
Children's Corner Suite: Golliwog's Cake Walk
Parade Of The Tin Soldiers
Carnival Of The Animals: Fossils
Sleeping Beauty: Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Giselle: Allegro
Giselle: Gallop
Peter And The Wolf: Peter In The Meadow/The Bird
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Chickens
Masquerade: Gallop
Sylvia: Pizzicato
Italian Polka
The Red Poppy: Russian Sailor's Dance
Shepherd's Hey
Emperor Waltz
Peer Gynt: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
A Night In The Tropics: Festa Criolla
Hungarian Dance No.5

Customer Reviews:

Listen,Learn, & Grow: Playtime.......2007-05-14

The music is excellent, with high quality sound. Not irritating as some classical music can be. Plus the tempo's are varied which is great depending if you need something fast paced or more slow. Best of all, the kids enjoyed it!

Grandkids love it!.......2007-01-03

How to gently insert a little culture into the grandkids' lives without Mom freaking out.....send this set of CDs for Christmas. Dad's into heavy metal and Mom, although she has a long history of listening to Classical music as a child, is now into Country. Nothing wrong with that, but how are the three little ones going to hear any of the Classics with Grandma living more than 600 miles away? "Play this in the background while they're having creative time," said I, "and see if they don't enjoy it." When I talked with them a week later the 4 year old couldn't wait to tell me how much he liked the "playtime music" I'd sent him. The quality of the recording is good and the variety of rhythms and tempos make it interesting. Yes they're a little trite and you're going to have to explain that the theme to "the Bad News Bears" really is Classical, but that's okay. If they skipped the genius of Mozart as an infant, or even if they teethed to "the Magic Flute", these CDs will give them a taste of a variety of good music and who knows how far into the Classical realm it may send them as they mature?

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It's only snippets of the music!

Classical Music 101

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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