Smetana & Dvorák Piano Trios

On this CD:

1. Piano Trio in G minor, JB 1:64 (Op. 15)
Composed by Bedrich Smetana

2. Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor ("Dumky"), B. 166 (Op. 90)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak

Tracks:

Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
Spring Song
Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Canon
The Moldau
Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
Symphony No.9, New World
Fur Elise, WoO 59
The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
Kinderscene, Op.15
Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

Lame.......2007-07-22

I was really disappointed in this CD. I was expecting a toned-down version of real classical music, but it sounds really fake and tinkley and weird. Not soothing at all.

Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Not soothing.......2007-06-07

These synthesizer versions of classical songs get really old, really fast. Worse yet, the songs are sometimes not soothing at all, especially the very first song. The song seems to get particularly loud and uptempo, which is precisely what you don't expect in a lullaby. Please listen to the sample of the first song at least before you buy.

Average customer rating:

Selection is not good
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
Saved My Sanity
A Very Pleasant CD for Little Ones in the Car

Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
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ASIN: B0009AJK3O
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Orchestra Tune-Up
Bartered Bride Overture
Symphony 5, 1st Movement
The Four Seasons, Autumn, RV293, 1st Movement
Divertimento In F, K.138, 1st Movement
March Militaire
Symphony 5, 4th Movement
Annen Polka
Capriccio Espagnol, Alborada
Trish-Trash Polka
Concerto In C, RV537, 3rd Movement
Capriccio Espagnol, Fandango
The Four Seasons, Spring, RV269, 1st Movement
Serenade For Strings, Waltz
The Bartered Bride, Polka
Symphony 100, 'Military' 2nd Movement
Piano Sonata 15, Op.28, 4th Movement
Waltz In G Flat Op.70, No.1
Symphony 101, 'Clock' 2nd Movement
6 Children Pieces, Op.72, 2nd Movement
Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

Selection is not good.......2006-07-27

This tape is short and the melodies are not engaging for kids. It was waste of money.

Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies .......2006-02-23

Hello everyone,
This CD is great!
My son has ADD & when we are out & he gets Anxious I put this CD in his portibale CD player.
It seems to help him calm down & better cope with things.
I think that every parent should have this CD that has a special needs child.
Thanks so much for putting it online for people to buy.
Thanks Again,
A Greatfull Mom

Saved My Sanity.......2005-11-03

My husband and I are musicians so I inwardly groaned when we were given this CD as a gift--I'd rather play the originals rather than some synthesized kiddie version. However, on a recent road trip we got desperate when our colicky son would not stop screaming. We popped this in the CD player and it calmed him down immediately. I swear, it's like aural crack for babies. We now play it at bedtime to help calm him down and it still works. You may not love this CD, but your baby will.

A Very Pleasant CD for Little Ones in the Car.......2005-11-01

I picked this up for driving around music and was very pleasantly surprised. Quite enjoyable (and my son seems to like it too!) and perfect for exactly what it says--traveling around. Easy listening and could possibly make your child smarter, great!

Average customer rating:

Woo Hoo!
Einstein
The baby danced.
A Lot of Fun for Playtime
Synthesized dreck

Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies
Baby Mozart
Baby Neptune
Baby Einstein: Music Box Orchestra

ASIN: B0006SSRP6
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Tracks:

Carmen Suite Medley
Snow Maiden, Dance Of The Birds
William Tell Overture, 'Lone Ranger'
Flight Of The Bumblebee
Humpty Dumpty/Child's Verse Medley
The Bartered Bride, Furiant
Minute Waltz
Gaite Parisienne, Vivo
Hey Diddle Diddle
Wellington's Victory, Op.91, 'England'
Wellington's Victory, Op.91, 'Victory Finale'
Swan Lake, Waltz
Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Happy Farmer
Farmer In The Dell
Jack & Jill
Symphony No.4
Dance Of The Hours
The Bartered Bride, Skokna
Voices Of Spring, Waltz

Product Description

The Playtime Music Box music CD is a 20-track, 31-minute concert featuring a collection of up-beat classical melodies and traditional song favorites to inspire your little one to dance, clap and play! Each delightful piece was specially selected and produced to bring musical fun to any activity - playtime, travel time, tummy time and more. Playtime Music Box includes classical pieces such as Rossini's ?Ç£William Tell Overture?Ç¥ and Schumann's ?Ç£Happy Farmer,?Ç¥ as well as ?Ç£Old MacDonald Had a Farm.?Ç¥Musical Selections:1. Carmen Suite, Medley, G. Bizet2. Snow Maiden, Danse des Oiseaux, N. Rimsky-Korsakov3. William Tell Overture, G. Rossini4. Flight of the Bumblebee, N. Rimsky-Korsakov5. Humpty Dumpty, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)6. The Bartered Bride Suite, Furiant, B. Smetana7. Minute Waltz, F. Chopin8. Gaite Parisienne, Vivo, J. Offenbach9. Hey Diddle Diddle, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)10. Wellington's Victory, Op 91, England, L. Beethoven11. Wellington's Victory, Op 91, Victory Finale, L. Beethoven12. Swan Lake, Waltz, P. Tchaikovsky13. Old MacDonald Had a Farm, traditional14. Happy Farmer, R. Schumann15. Farmer in the Dell, traditional16. Jack & Jill, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)17. Symphony No. 4, Italian, F. Mendelssohn18. Dance of the Hours, A. Ponchielli19. The Bartered Bride Suite, Skocna, B. Smetana20. Voices of Spring, Waltz, J. Strauss IIAge: birth +

Customer Reviews:

Woo Hoo!.......2007-05-07

This is by far the best CD in the Baby Einstein collection--it will put your toddler in hyperactive playful mode and exhaust you as you try to keep up. But for today's overweight, tv- and game- addicted children, this is great!

Einstein.......2007-04-09

Anything that has an Einstein in the title my twins love. I used to play this for them at night while they slept.

The baby danced........2007-03-09

I gave Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box to a little boy on his first birthday. He loves it and dances and dances to the music.

A Lot of Fun for Playtime.......2006-01-04

This CD is a lot of fun. The music is bubbly and upbeat and makes you want to get up and dance or just jump around. It's a great way to spend some play time with your kids. And the classical music exposure is a bonus.

Synthesized dreck.......2005-08-13

Why did the producers use synthesizers for this music? It's awful. It's possible to hook kids on classical music using the actual instruments written for it - that's how I got hooked. That's what Mel Blanc and Disney did in their cartoons, Bugs Bunny and Fantasia. I do NOT recommend this CD to anyone. It was a shower gift. If you are not familiar with classical music, then I recommend "Baby Needs Beethoven", which is a collection of music using real instruments (albeit shortened - no full length symphonies here).

Average customer rating:

Beautiful voice and beautiful music
Superb - and I'm not a fan
For the opera fan who has everything
Beautiful - lovely singing
Today's Diva pays hommage to the past

HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Russian Album
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Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss

ASIN: B000HXDEV2
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Tracks:

Poveri fiori, gemme de'prati
Dobra! Ja mu je dam!...Jak je mi?
Pochudilis mne budto golosa...Za dvorom luzhok zelenvoshek
Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore
Ich ging zu ihm
Le ciel rayonne...O légère hirondelle
Orchesterzwischenspiel
Wie umgibst du mich mit Frieden
Tsveti moi!
Che più t'arresti? - Tacea la notte - Di tale amor
J'ai versé le poison dans cette coupe d'or
Mamicko, mam tezkou hlavu
Kdo to je? - Jenufko, ty jsi jeste vzuru?
Ich soll ihn niemals, niemals mehr sehn

Album Description

RARELY PERFORMED OPERA ARIAS AND FORGOTTEN GEMS CAREFULLY SELECTED BY TODAY'S LEADING SOPRANO. HOMAGE, THE AGE OF THE DIVA IS A TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTS WHO GAVE LIFE TO THESE WORKS.

Acclaimed throughout the world's great opera houses, American soprano Renée Fleming enjoys particular success in roles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries when glorious vocal writing and opulent orchestrations took the art of opera to new heights.

In studying and performing this passionately lyrical music Renée Fleming became increasingly fascinated with her predecessors - sopranos of a golden age who made this intensely emotional music their own.

In her latest recording project Renée Fleming pays tribute to remarkable singers including Lotte Lehmann, Maria Jeritza, Rosa Ponselle and Mary Garden; women who achieved iconic status in a rapidly changing world in which their fame was spread through recordings, film and advertising - a time which could be described as `The Age Of The Diva'.

The beautiful music links the 19th century of Verdi and Gounod with the 20th century of Korngold and Richard Strauss. All of the pieces were championed by the Divas of the past, some of them come from operas that are still very popular today (Tosca & Il Trovatore), many others are from operas that have been forgotten. Renée Fleming rediscovers these "lost jewels" - including arias by Cilea, Smetana, and Rimsky-Korsakov - that were big hits during their time and now presents them for a new generation.

For this passionate, richly orchestrated repertoire, the role of the orchestra is enormously important and Renée is joined by the acclaimed Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre under their music director Valery Gergiev.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful voice and beautiful music.......2007-06-27

This ia a wonderful collection of pieces and sung with a very clear and strong lyrical voice. Ms. Fleming's voice is lige warm butter. She has very diction most specifically in Czech ans German. This is a must have for anone who is a fan of Renee Flemming

Superb - and I'm not a fan.......2007-04-11

No, I'm not a Fleming fan. However, this was recommended to me by someone who once said to me, "The voice is gorgeous but whenever she's on stage I just want to slap her." Because he was so taken with this CD, I had to have it. For the most part, the voice is ravishing and she does very well with all the languages. She has never been good at recitive in Italian, just couldn't seem to latch onto it. And if I never hear anything about her singing jazz again, that would be "swell." Having said all that, I do admire this album, although I understand very well why some reviewers were not pleased. Even educated opinions can differ.

For the opera fan who has everything.......2007-04-10

If you are looking for something to give a collector of opera CDs get this one. Most of the repertoire is less well known so you will most likely not be dupilcating too much of an existing collection.
Flemming sings this repertoire so well, perhaps someone will will be inspired to produce a production of one of these unusual operas so we can hear her sing some of these roles on stage.

Beautiful - lovely singing.......2007-02-12

Opens a whole new world of arias to me....I play it often.

Today's Diva pays hommage to the past.......2007-02-06

The most interesting parts of this disc are those exploring new territory. The results give us hope that Fleming will be given the opportunity to record some of these roles in their entirety, particularly Rimsky-Korsakov's Servilia and Strauss's Die Liebe der Danae.

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Average customer rating:

Obra-prima
Magical
I enjoyed it.
Beautiful...

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor
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Sibelius: Finlandia/Tone Poems.
Symphonie Fantastique
Dvorak: 3 Great Symphonies

ASIN: B000001G4X
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Moldau (Vitava): The Moldau (Vltava)
From Bohemia's Meadows And Forests
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 1 in C Major: Presto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 2 In E Minor: Allegretto Schezando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 3 In A Flat Major: Poco Allegro
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 4 In F Major: Tempo di Minuetto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.6 In D Major: Allegretto Scherzando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.7 In C Minor: Alegro assai
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.2 in E minor: Allegretto Grazioso
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.8 In A Flat Mijor: Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi Tempo di Valse

Customer Reviews:

Obra-prima.......2007-05-13

Smetana não é muito difundido, mas "O Moldávia", parte integrante do poema sinfônico "Minha Pátria", é uma obra-prima da música clássica. Ao que parece, Rafael Kubelik, tanto no comando da sinfônica de Boston, quanto da orquestra sinfônica da rádio Bávara, dão um show de interpretação e lirismo. A gravação, como era esperado, não é boa, pois é muito antiga, mas artisticamenté a composição e execução são piramidais. Existem vários cds com esta obra com Rafael Kubelik, variando muito a técnica de gravação, mas a música em si é difícil de esquecer, eu mesmo fico com a melodia na minha cabeça todos os dias. Tem um cd da Mercury que nem estéreo é, contendo o poema completo, é magnífico, mesmo com chiados. Imperdível todos eles.

Magical.......2003-10-12

While listening to this CD, I had the undeniable feeling that I was outside breathing in the fresh air, relaxing in the sunshine listening to the sounds of a babbling brook and this glorious music!

I enjoyed it........2001-12-17

I enjoyed it, that's about all I can say. Couldn't fault it.

Beautiful..........2000-07-08

I love "The Moldau". It is one of the most prettiest works by Smetna. I still get chills from repeated listening.

Dvorák's New World Symphony and Other Orchestral Masterworks [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Excellent rendition
A Good CD with a BIG mistake in it!
A truly wonderful experience
One of the Great Recordings of this All Time Classic
Stunning clarity for classic performance

Dvorák's New World Symphony and Other Orchestral Masterworks [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Debussy: La mer [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00076OMW4
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Adagio/Allegro Molto
Largo
Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco
Carnival Overture, Op.92
Overture
Polka And Fugue

Customer Reviews:

Excellent rendition.......2007-02-16

As good as it gets. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the "old days."
I cannot speak for the other titles, but Dvorak's 9th was very good indeed...

Be sure you get the Hybrid SACD version and not an SACD unless you have an SACD player...

A Good CD with a BIG mistake in it!.......2006-02-10

The New World Symphony is the best blended and most musical I've ever heard, but the end of the Polka and Fugue everyone, except the tubist, is playing too loud. Its blatty and offensive to me especially the trumpets. Don't get me wrong I like loud playing but not when the whole section is in unison. Also there is a very loud wrong note in the trumpets in the last statement of the subject! It's kind of funny! Anyways everything else about this CD is very good. Especially the New World Symphony.

A truly wonderful experience.......2006-01-09

I have several CD's of Dvorak's 9th Symphony but it's unlikely I will play them again. The performance is the best I've heard and the recording is outstanding. My wife, who doesn't even particularly like classical music, came into the room when I played this recording the first time and actually sat down and listened to the whole CD. That might be a first for her and the fact that she was impressed, impresses me.

I've been buying a number of the RCA Living Stereo SACD's recently and I'm more impressed every time I listen to them. I also have a few of the Mercury Living Presence CD's and SACD's which are also outstanding (although the Living Presence SACD's are premium priced). Considering more recent recordings of the same works, the performances and the sound are both better on the 45-50 year old recordings than on the current DDD's.

To those who want to buy recordings of the most popular classical works, I would highly recommend Living Stereo and Living Presence CD's and SACD's. Of the Dvorak's "From The New World" Symphony recordings available, I consider this a first choice.

One of the Great Recordings of this All Time Classic.......2005-12-08

RCA has a vast and incredible library of classical music recordings, particularly in its LIVING STEREO series, and over the years has re-released some of its great titles. One of the more popular and enduring recordings in this series is Fritz Reiner's recording of Dvorak's Ninth Symphony with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. People familiar with the LP version will instantly recognize it distinctive cover with a photograph of the Statue of Liberty, the same monument which would have greeted Dvorak when he first visited the United States and where he was inspired to write this great work.

The showpiece of the recording is Dvorak's 9th. Recorded in 1957, the orchestra has a hearty sound. Both Reiner and the orchestra seem familiar with the work. Reiner moves the work along, and is particularly vigorous in his conducting of the fourth movement, which may not be to everyone's liking, but works well with this recording. The CD also contains three other works that are in keeping with Dvorak's 9th. Two are overtures: a robust version of Dvorak's "Carnival Overture," and a lively recording of Smetena's overture to "The Bartered Bride." The third piece is Weinberger's Polka and Fugue from "Schwanda the Bagpiper." Interestingly, while he conducts the Dvorak's pieces with energy, the Weinberger piece is conducted a bit slower than other recordings of the work.

One bonus of the re-release of the "Living Stereo" recordings is that they contain the original liner notes from the LP. Since this CD is a compilation from two different LP's, the liner notes from both are included in this set. RCA has not re-released as many of the titles as they promised ten years ago when they first opened the vaults. Let's hope some of the other great titles will be released in the near future.

Stunning clarity for classic performance.......2005-03-26

A well thought out and impassioned classic performance of Dvorak's 9th from Reiner and the CSO, who are both in excellent form here.
The SACD transfer allows you to really hear all of the little details in the score/recording with stunning clarity. Woodwind and horn solos come out firmly placed and well defined rather than lost in the mix. The rich sound produced by these musicians is well served, faithfully reproduced.
The Bartered Bride Overture is given a lively and striking performance, string sections digging in ferociously, and it is nice to have the Weinberger piece, more of a rarity, given such high quality treatment.

I got the impression that these particular recordings are showing their age a bit more than some of the other Living Stereo master tapes, but the sound is still incredible all things considered. The symphony is presented in its original three-track multichannel, and it is well worth hearing it in that format.
All in all, another fine addition to this series of remasterings.

Average customer rating:

Perfect before bedtime.
Delightful and energetic performance
World Class Musician
22 Bravos
You'll stand and shout "encore!"

Horizons - Leif Ove Andsnes

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000HC2PBS
Release Date: 2006-09-12

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Sibelius: 13 Pieces Op. 76, No. 2 Etude
Scriabin: 2 Impromtus Op. 14, No. 1
Mendelssohn: Songs Without WordsBook VI Op. 67 - No. 2 in F Sharp minor
R. Strauss/Gieseking: Standchen (No. 2 of 6 Lieder, Op. 17)
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J. S. Bach/Bussoni: Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (from 10 Chorale
Chopin: Impromptu No. 1 in A flat Op. 29
Liszt: 3 Liebestraume S541 - No. 3 "O Lieb, so land du lieben kannst!"
Shostakovich: The Golden Age Op. 22 - Polka
Albeniz: Espana Op.165, No. 2 Tango
Mompou: Cancion y danza No. 1
Chopin/Liszt: 6 Chants polonaises s480 - No. 5 Meine Freunden
Liszt: Valse - impromptu S213
Antheil: Toccata No. 2
Trenet: Chanson: Coin de rue
Halvorsen/Andsnes: Suite de morceaux caracteristiques for violin &
Grieg: Humoresque Op. 6, No. 3
Smetana: Am Seegestade ("At the Sea") - Concert Study in G sharp minor
Scott: 2 Pieces Op. 47, No. 2 Lotus Land
Ibert: 10 Histoires No. 2 Le Petit Ane blanc
Debussy: Suite bergamasque No. 3 Clair de lune
Grieg: Stemninger Op. 73, No. 4 Folketone

Amazon.com

A great player can give meaning and substance even to lightweight miniatures. Andsnes says that his musical "horizon," at first limited to "big, important" music, opened to the appreciation of the short "salon" pieces and arrangements assembled on this record only as he got older, though they had accompanied him since childhood. The program features original compositions and transcriptions, including many familiar favorites. They span several centuries and come from every corner of Europe. Andsnes' virtuosity is breath-taking, his tone is beautiful, and his legato sings regardless of the accompanying texture. Above all, he captures every style, idiom, and mood. Andsnes' phrasing, dynamics, and liberties are balanced and poised, and his love for the music speaks through every note. Listeners will choose their own favorites among these 22 very different pieces, but surely no one will be able to resist Gieseking's spectacular arrangement of Richard Strauss' "Serenade," which adds torrents of notes to the virtuosic piano part and incorporates the vocal line as well. The fleetness and clarity of the Chopin "Impromptu" here never touches the ground, while Ibert's "Little White Donkey" has charm and delicacy and Liszt's "Liebestraum" resounds with ardent passion. Andsnes' brilliant, captivating performance will induce smiles of admiration and pleasure as well as a new respect for this versatile and colorful repertoire. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Perfect before bedtime........2007-07-17

I never heard of Leif Ove Andsnes before but as soon as I heard the first track, I could already tell that he has a distinct style.

Delightful and energetic performance.......2007-03-11

I like the way he made the songs come to life. They were filled with energy and feelings.

World Class Musician.......2007-02-07

Leif Ove Andsnes is an incredible artist on the piano and his talents are showcased in this cd. His artistry has an extensive range as exhibited in the diversity of this repertoire. This is classical piano at its best.

22 Bravos.......2007-01-22

22 piano encores some familiar most not, at least to me, played with manly beauty by Leif Ove Andsnes. A treasure chest. A horizon expanding recording. 22 Bravos

You'll stand and shout "encore!".......2007-01-03

The appearance of this disk on many Best of 2006 lists came as no surprise. I heard Andsnes perform several of these selections in Chicago and Kalamazoo early in the year, and in Michigan even got a sampler CD of "Horizons" as we left the recital that whetted my appetite. Everything that makes Andsnes' playing compelling is here, but listen in particular for how, in so many of the pieces, he's able to bring out the left hand that are clearly not just microphone/recording studio wizardry. A true gem.

Average customer rating:

the best Ma Vlast
Kubelik and the Czechs play Smetana
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Excellent heart-felt performance!
The epitome of beauty

Smetana: Má Vlast

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Smetana: Má Vlast
Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72
Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky / Abbado
Debussy: Orchestral Music
Dvorák: The Symphonies

ASIN: B00000DFMX
Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

My Country: Vysehrad
My Country: Vltava
My Country: Sarka
My Country: From Bohemia's Woods And Fields
My Country: Tabor
My Country: Blanik

Customer Reviews:

the best Ma Vlast.......2007-05-06

this is a must have for any classical music lover. it's a powerful piece that took me through a variety of emotional highs. this particular recording is special indeed.Kubelik is a master. i rate it as the finest Ma Vlast i've ever heard. beautiful!!!

Kubelik and the Czechs play Smetana.......2005-09-10

I've always thought Smetana a fine composer of chamber music, but have never gotten really excited about his signature work. Thanks to this wonderful recording by Kubelik and the Czechs, I can now say that this is one of my favorite 19th century orchestral works. Kubelik obviously understood and identified with Smetana and his conducting shows it. I have listened to this work many times over the years, but after hearing this recording I can truly say that I really heard it for the first time.

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.......2005-08-14

Best sound quality and glorious performance. I also listened to Ma vlast performed by Chicago Orchestra and I missed something - I missed the heard and power in the music. thanks this recording by conducting of Rafael Kubik I could really enjoy it.

Excellent heart-felt performance! .......2005-06-03

I just bought this CD on a tour of Eastern Europe. This particular CD was highly recommended by a CD music shop owner in Prague. He told me that among all the CD versions he has heard of this piece, this one was the most emotionally heart-rendering and moving. I listened to it and I agree. It is absolutely wonderful.

What other reviewers may not realize is that this recording is special for 2 other reasons: 1) This 1990 recording is historically significant because it follows the 1989 Velvet Revolution in Hungary where Communism was overthrown and freedom bells were heard all throughout Eastern Europe. 2) Rafael Kubelik's return to conducting after a long absence and his conducting of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

You must understand the emotional feelings of all the Eastern Europeans after the fall of Communism in 1989, the conducting of their most beloved piece by Smetana, and the playing by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

It is an outstanding performance & recording, as other reviewers have expressed so well. Listen to it and think in light of the freedom that just came to the Czechs and Hungarians due to many years of oppression.

Highly recommended!

The epitome of beauty.......2005-03-04

I really don't see the point in sitting here and repeating what everyone has written so, well, I'll just tell you why I bought three copies of this disc.

I was fortunate to get this CD as a gift many years ago, and I honestly wore it out. This recording is of a quality that one rarely gets to experience. The amount of emotion, and yet, control, that the members of the orchestra exhibit is amazing.

Vysehrad.
I was caught off guard. The harp breathes a story of such beauty, that it just invites you in to the rest of the piece. Conflict ensues, and you are hooked. The orchestra does a fabulous job of projecting confidence, which this piece requires, and does not for a minute sway into the arena of monotony: basically, they don't LET it get boring.

Vltava.

Ah, beautiful Vltava: the defining moment of this CD. As I sit here, I am listening to a Telarc recording of Vltava and grumble as I hear how harsh it sounds. Telarc has always impressed me with what they have to offer, but in this case Supraphon got it right. Honestly, this piece brought me to tears the first time I heard it. The flute performance is simply compelling, not to mention the amount of acoustical ambience that is kept with the recording. As the main melody kicks in, the string section does a magnificent job of bellowing out the melody. Of importance is the tempo. The Telarc recording is always off. Perhaps it is due to a "Miles Davis' `Kind of Blue' " - type error or perhaps it is due to the actual performers themselves, but in the end, it is completely off. This Supraphon recording hits it perfectly. The tempo is emotional, with various fluxes here and there, but it results in something truly brilliant that I am sure you will enjoy.

From Bohemia's Woods And Fields .....Great performance. Nothing else to say about it.

I have to go...but to sum it up:

if you enjoy classical music that displays true control of emotion, classical music that moves you but that doesn't get lost in itself, classical music that exhibits sonic perfection, classical music that defines passion for how wonderful and acute it can be...

this is the CD to get....

Perhaps the reason I have so much to say is because I am a violinist:o

P.S. ...let's get back to why I have to buy this CD for a third time. As it turns out, CDs are not indestructible, and if you play them practically 24hours a day, they tend to get scratched. ;)

Average customer rating:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording
RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006)
SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
¡PERFECT!
PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN

The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Great Recordings Of The Century - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta / Ackermann
Strauss: Four Last Songs/12 Orchestral Songs
Schubert: 24 Lieder
Mozart: Opera Arias
Mozart: Lieder & Concert Arias

ASIN: B0000AF1SC
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Ach War Ich Schon (Fidelio)
Non So Piu (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Porgi, Amor (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono (Le Nozze Di Figaro)
Mi Tradi Quell'Alma Ingrata (Don Giovanni)
Come Scoglio (Cosi Fan Tutti)
Leise, Leise, Fromme Weise (Der Freischutz)
Dich, Teure Halle (Tannhauser)
Einsam In Truben Tagen (Lohengrin)
Wie Fremd Und Tot (Die Verkaufte Braut)
Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir (Hansel Und Gretel)
Da Geht Er Hin (Der Rosenkavalier)
Es Gibt Ein Reich (Ariadne Auf Naxos) - Richard Strauss
Das War Sehr Gut (Arabella)

Tracks:

Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen
Bist Du Bei Mir
Ridente La Calma
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Nachtviolen
Der Musensohn
Auch Kleine Dinge
Mein Liebster Ist So Klein
Verschling' Der Abgrund
Ich Hab' In Penna
Wiegenlied Im Sommer
Mausfallenspruchlein
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken
Mignon (Kennst Du Das Land?)
Gsatzli (Swiss Folksong)
Fruhling
Im Abendrot
Muttertandelei
Zueignung
Klange Der Heimat (Die Fledermaus)
Es Lebt'Eine Vilja (Die Lustige Witwe)
Im Chambre Separee (Der Opemball)
Wien, Du Stadt Meiner Traume

Amazon.com

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was certainly one of the greatest singers of her own, or indeed any other time. An obsessive perfectionist, her flawless technique and intonation over a huge range, vocal flexibility, breath control, phrasing, stylistic versatility, and above all her focused, radiantly beautiful sound were matchless and incomparable. All these are on full display on this generous 2-CD set, which features over a dozen arias, songs by Schubert, Wolf and Richard Strauss, and some lighter fare. The recordings were made between 1950 and 1967, and the singing becomes better and better, the voice richer and more varied, the expression deeper and more immediate. Not surprisingly, the peaks come in the arias from her signature roles in Mozart's Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi fan tutte; Richard Strauss' Ariadne, Rosenkavalier, and Arabella, which rise to real ecstasy; and arias from Weber's Freischütz and Smetana's Bartered Bride, which are wonderfully intimate and touching. She is less convincing in roles she never sang on stage, and the "childish" voice she cultivated especially for Hänsel and Gretel is unnatural and contrived. The same is true of the last two "popular" numbers, which sound condescending and artificial. The songs, however, have all her customary finesse and inwardness; the Wolf group, perhaps chosen for its gentle humor, is charming, while Strauss' "Four Last Songs" (represented by two) shimmer and soar. Schwarzkopf's singing had instantly recognizable characteristics: a tendency to hold back both vocally and emotionally, giving a sense of noble restraint, but also of cool detachment; excessive use of color and nuance, creating a fussy, calculated and somewhat artificial air. Only rarely does she "let go" with full voice and spontaneous feeling. However, as these recordings show, she invariably inspires admiration and captures ear and heart through the inimitable, glorious beauty of her voice. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Fine anthology but still prefer her "Four Last Songs" recording.......2006-11-06

The engineering and audio quality of these 1960's performances are surprisingly good. The songs are wonderfully peformed and cover a range of periods and styles, but I find myself returning to her recording (also re-released on CD) of Strauss' "Four Last Songs", which I would give 6 stars -- my favorite recording of all time.

RIP DAME ELIZABETH (1915-2006).......2006-08-04

This set is a fine tribute to this extraordinary singer and musician. I was saddened to read about her passing. She had a long life (90 years) and inspired a whole generation of singers and music lovers throughout the world.

SCHWARZKOPF ----- ONE OF THE GREATS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.......2006-01-29

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's career is what legends are made of. She is every bit as fundamental to classical singing in the twentieth century as is Maria Callas. Schwarzkopf sang with refinement, polish, beauty of voice, and meticulous articulation. She was the greatest Mozart and Strauss soprano of her day; her ability to sing the operetta music of Lehar, Suppe', and Johann Strauss has not been equalled; she performed with distinction orchestral compositions of Mahler, Brahms, Bach, and Handel; her Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, and Mahler lieder were exemplary. She sang many operatic roles, far more than many people realize, and was certainly the definitive Marshallin in "Rosenkavalier" throughout the 1950's and 1960'. I saw her many times in recital in Chicago, and even at the time of her farewell (which I was fortunate enough to see), she was sublime. All of the superlative qualities of Schwarzkopf are generously demonstrated throughout these two wonder CD's. Virtually every item is magnificent (though obviously some will prefer some to others) and has the detailed Schwarzkopf imprint stamped right into the music. This CD, great as it is, represents only a very small part of the greatness of Schwarzkopf. I already own tons of her operas and recitals, from which many of the items here come from. But for the sake of completeness, I will probably add it. A person who loves great singing can never have too much of the art of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She's a vocal icon.

¡PERFECT!.......2005-02-10

I only want to say that you can hear, in this double cd, one of the great singers of all time. Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Why? Because she sings all the arias and lieder with pure of tone, brilliance, perfect inflexion, modulation, excellent control breath, measured vibrato, and, all above, great emision of colours. She is master in this art.

PERFECTA INTERPRETACIÓN.......2005-02-09

La mejor recopilación de la discografía de Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Su belleza de voz, la impecable hilación de frases, y, sobre todo, su expresiva interpretación son algunas de las sorpresas que se podrán escuchar en estos dos discos. Sin duda, UNA DE LAS MEJORES SOPRANOS DEL SIGLO XX.

Average customer rating:

Ever-reigning Queen of Sopranos
Lucia Popp
Lucy: The Reigning Queen of Opera

The Very Best of Lucia Popp

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Czech | 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

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

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Very Best of
Very Best of
The Very Best of Janet Baker

ASIN: B0000AHEAY
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Song To The Moon
Should I Ever Learn
How Confused I Feel
Solveig's Song
Solveig's Cradle Song
Amor Volat Undique
Stetit Puella
In Trutina
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Vier Letzte Lieder
Symphony No. 4 In G
Tatiana's Letter Scene

Tracks:

Un Cenno Leggiadretto
Ho Perduto Il Caro Sposo
O Had I Jubel's Lyre
Laudate Dominum
Welche Wonne, Welche Lust
Porgi, Amor
Voi Che Sapete
Giunse Alfin Il Momento...Deh Vieni, Non Tardar
Crudele?...Non Mi Dir
Come Scoglio
Una Donna A Quindici Anni
Der Holle Rache
Ach, Ich Fuhl's
Crucifixus
Die Forelle
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
An Sylvia
Zueignung
Es Lebt' Eine Vilja
Klange Der Heimat

Customer Reviews:

Ever-reigning Queen of Sopranos.......2007-05-28

Listening through these two discs, one thought kept leaping up to mind: will ever there be another soprano as versatile and accomplished as Lucia Popp? Died in 1994 at the early age of 54, the operatic world hadn't really mourned her enough.
People are still lingering on Maria Callas, the 'star' soprano with all her glamour and legendary life could offer.
Real listeners, however, could not give up the memory of Lucia Popp's terrific artistry and almost supernatural voice.
Her Rusalka, her Solveig, her Susanna, Zerlina, Despina in the da Ponte/Mozart trio, her terrific Queen of the Night (unsurpassed by ANY subsequent sopranos up till now), and ALSO her Pamina in the same opera. In any language you ask her to sing, and she excelled. I marvel at the Letter Scene in Eugene Onegin - only if Lucia had the chance to perform the whole opera during her short life! The joy, the expectation, the emotional tribulations, so vividly captured in girlish and pure timbre. No one will ever beat her; not even Fleming and Netrebko.
"Weird and wonderful" - that's what Elisabeth Schwarzkopf said of Lucia Popp's singing. We today would modify it to 'wonderful and unsurpassable'.
This 2-CD set is an absolute must have, even if you have never heard of Lucia Popp before.

Lucia Popp.......2006-01-12

This is a wonderful album showcasing the very best of Lucia Popp (as the title suggests). Her voice was absolutely beautiful. She could sing the slavic languages like no one else. Her version of Dvorak's Song to the Moon is unbeatable. I dare anyone to find a better performance! Also, the song from Die Zauberflute -Ah Ich fuls (sp?) is outstanding. I've yet to hear a better version. Her diction was fantastic and while she wasn't the highest soprano around - she knew what worked for her voice. This is album is a keeper!

Lucy: The Reigning Queen of Opera.......2004-07-12

Lucia Popp is one of the best sopranos to ever grace the operatic/classical voice stage. This CD compilation shows her progression through lyric Handel to lyric and dramatic Mozart (her Der Holle Rache from Magic Flute is unrivaled) to tender art song and operetta literature. The first disc also showcases her adeptness with 20th Century literature as well as the ability to step out of the traditional four languages of opera. Any avid music fan MUST have this CD compilation.

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