La Mer / Bolero

On this CD:

1. La Mer (3), symphonic sketches for orchestra, L. 109
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Lamoureux Concert Association Orchestra
Conducted by Jean-Claude Bernede

2. Pavane pour une infante défunte, for piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Lamoureux Concert Association Orchestra
Conducted by Jean-Claude Bernede

3. Boléro, ballet for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Lamoureux Concert Association Orchestra
Conducted by Jean-Claude Bernede

4. La valse, poème choréographique for orchestra (or piano)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Lamoureux Concert Association Orchestra
Conducted by Jean-Claude Bernede

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.

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Every Track a Winner
A top performance
There are better recordings of Pictures
Disappointing, but...
Three of Von Karajan's finest directions

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GQH
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

La Mer - Trois esquisses symphoniques: 1. De l'aube a midi sur la mer - Tres lent
La Mer - Trois esquisses symphoniques: 2. Jeux de vagues. Allegro
La Mer - Trois esquisses symphoniques: 3. Dialogue du vent et de la mer. Anime et tumultueux
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Gnomus
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Il vecchio castello
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Tuileries
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Bydlo
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Promenade
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Ballet des petits poussins dans leurs coques
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Samuel Goldenburg und Schmuyle
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Limoges: Le marche
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Catacombae: Sepulchrum Romanum
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: Cum Mortuis in lingua mortua
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: La cabane de Baba Yaga sur des pattes de poule
Bilder Einer Ausstellung: La grande porte de Kiev
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

Every Track a Winner.......2007-04-20

It is interesting that the Austrian Karajan and his German Berlin Phil. Orch. was so competent in the French and Russian repitiore. In all Karajan's programing of more "serious" and more Teutonic works by Beethoven, Brahms ect.; it is ironic that Ravel's "Bolero" is Karajan at his best-this rendition is very intense and at once very passionate. Likewise, Mussorgsky/Ravel's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is also very vivid and sonorous.

"Pictures at an Exhibition" was one of my first introductions to "Classical" music when I was a teenager. It is an outstanding work, that captures the mysterious and very Russian essence of Mussorgsky; but also displays Ravel's orchestral mastery and French sensibility.

Debussy's "La Mer" is a musical portrait of the sea. It creates a mood, more than it delivers a melody; and Karajan and the Berlin Phil. and the "German/Romantic treatment" actually works quite well in giving "La Mer" sweep and power.

Comparison for "Bolero": Bernstein
Comparison for "Pictures": Bernstein; Szell
Comparison for "La Mer": Munch; Boulez/Cleveland Orch.

A top performance.......2001-02-06

This has long been one of my favourite performances of "Pictures". The sound quality from the early 60s recording is very good indeed. I find the pacing to be just right for this extraordinary work. I have listened to a number of versions over the years, including more recent recordings - including the Sinopoli version on DG, and a London Symphony version, as well as a few others that I have forgotten - none of them made my spine tingle like this one has. (The Ashkenazy version is a worthy complement to this version). The Bolero on this disc is also excellent. This is an excellent value CD.

There are better recordings of Pictures.......2001-01-01

I bought this CD thinking, "Hey, it's the Berlin Phil, it's got to be amazing." Well, it wasn't. If you're looking for "La Mer" or "Bolero", BUY this CD. They are magnificent and hypnotic, demonstrating what the orchestra and its conductor are really capable of. That is why this CD gets 4 stars.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for "Pictures", look elsewhere. The Chicago Symphony under Reiner is the best recording I have found. Next to that, this version just doesn't compare. First of all, the opening Promenade has an uneven sound quality. It almost sounds like the trumpets are switching off on the solo. Not only that, but the trumpet seems to have an unusual buzz in his sound. It's really not pleasant to listen to. This is compounded by Karajan's slow tempos - the opening "Promenade" isn't too bad, but the others just drag. "Gnomus" is played brilliantly in places, but it lacks the twisting, wicked sound of the violins found in the CSO under Reiner. "The Old Castle", however, is one of the CD's strongest tracks. In "Samuel Goldenberg", I was once again displeased with the trumpet. He needs to get control of his tonguing and let some sound out. I know the solo is high and difficult and staccato - I play trumpet myself - but it just sounds ugly. The notes are spit out with little attention to quality and a few bobbles. "Limoges", "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks", and "Tuileries" all lacked the playfulness found with the CSO, while "Baba Yaga" just was not vicious enough for my tastes. "The Great Gate" some of you may really enjoy. It is more calm and less brassy than the CSO version. However, the trumpet is yet again a problem. Either he's shaking and having trouble controlling the notes, or he's putting way too much vibrato in where it's not needed or wanted.

Most of the problems I have with this "Pictures" are interpretational - the BPO does overall play quite well. Some of you will disagree with my notion of how the suite should sound and for you, this might be an excellent recording. I, however, don't like this version very much. I enjoy much more the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Reiner, and also Ashkenazy's piano and orchestral versions.

Disappointing, but..........2000-11-01

Herbert von Karajan always played "impressionist" music in a strange way. At a glance, Debussy should be his favourite composer, because his music requires beautiful sound, and Karajan's sound is as beautiful as sound gets. Unfortunately, Herbie is often tempted to look for spectacularity where you shouldn't find it; so "La Mer" sounds much more like Berlioz than Debussy. The "Pictures" are much better, but they fall short from being completely convincing; even though the Berliners play at their best, there's something missing; you can't feel the mysterious sadness of the Old Castle, nor the excitement of the Limoges market, nor the impressive sense of "spleen" that makes the Catacombs so great. The only conductor - after Toscanini - who made the Pictures sound really good is probably Sinopoli, in his DG recording with the NYP. Fortunately, Karajan's Bolero is a pure beauty: nobody ever found a more ideal way to play the "crescendo continuo". If you love Bolero as much as I do, you can forgive Karajan and buy this CD in spite of its disappointing overall quality.

Three of Von Karajan's finest directions.......2000-07-11

The three performances in this CD will help immortalize perhaps the greatest director of the twentieth century: Herbert von Karajan. Karajan's control of Debussy's La Mer (The Sea) leaves you breathless, as it transports you directly to the big blue. Mussorgky's Pictures at an Exhibition, is another excellent example of not only Karajan's genius, but also of the richness of sound and musical textures that the Berliner Philarmoniker (Berlin Philharmonic) is capable. But what really makes this CD worth, is Karajan's direction of Ravel's Bolero, a magnificent, hypnotic composition lasting more than 16 minutes of pulsating musical beauty. If you want to know why von Karajan is considered one of the best orchestral directors, this CD will answer all those questions and eliminate all doubts.

Average customer rating:

Greatest Collection of Classical I have.
This is not a good digital recording

Classics for Lovers

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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'Peer Gynt' Suite: Morning Song - Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra
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The Sleeping Beauty Suite: Pas d'action: Andante - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Scheherazade: The Young Prince And Young Princess - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Clarinet Concerto In A Major: Adagio - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Dawn Until Noon On The Sea: La Mer - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Intermezzo - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Seguidilla - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Habanera - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
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Carmina Buraba: Dies, nox et omnia - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Symphony No.6, 'Pathetique': Adagio lamentoso: Andante - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Collection of Classical I have........2006-12-14

I don't care much for compilation CDs. Usually they are someone else's favorite set of songs from that genre or composer. I usually like the songs, but when I get into listening to the other songs in the genre or by the same composer I find songs that I'm more fond of.

This collection is different.

I try not to be too generous with my top ratings in iTunes for songs, I don't give out a four or five stars to just anything, but many of the songs from this collection make up a good chunk of my top rated songs. I just love this collection.

This is not a good digital recording.......1999-07-27

There is a 'record player' hum in the background when you try to listen to various tracks on these CDs. The compilation is wonderful. The Quality of the recording is very disappointing. The outside of the album cover reads DDD which I thought to mean clean and clear all digital recording. Don't be deceived by the cover.

Average customer rating:

The only set you need
Outstanding performances at any price
More Evocative than some of Mahler's Symphonies
One stop shopping! Unparalleled Debussy, and excellent Ravel
In Debussy Martinon is unbeatble!

Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Claude Debussy , Jean Martinon , and Orchestre de Paris
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006HM8X
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

I: De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer - Jean Martinon
II: Jeux De Vagues - Jean Martinon
III: Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer - Jean Martinon
I: Nuages - Jean Martinon
II: Fetes - Jean Martinon
III: Sirenes - Choeurs De L'Ortf
Prelude A L'apres-midi D'un Faune - Alain Marion
Marche Ecossaise - Jean Martinon
Berceuse Heroique - Jean Martinon
I: Fanfare - Jean Martinon
II: Le Sommeil De Lear - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

Jeux (Poeme Danse) - Jean Martinon
1. Gigues/2. Iberia - Jean Martinon
I: Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins - Jean Martinon
II: Les Parfums De La Nuit - Jean Martinon
III: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete - Jean Martinon
3. Rondes De Printemps - Jean Martinon
Premiere Partie - Jean Martinon
Deuxieme Partie - Fabienne Boury

Tracks:

1. Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum - Jules Goetgheluck
2. Jimbo's Lullaby - Jules Goetgheluck
3. Serenade For The Doll - Jules Goetgheluck
4. The Snow Is Dancing - Jules Goetgheluck
5. The Little Shepherd - Jules Goetgheluck
6. Golliwoggs Cakewalk - Jules Goetgheluck
I: En Bateau - Jean Martinon
II: Cortege - Jean Martinon
III: Menuet - Jean Martinon
IV: Ballet - Jean Martinon
I: Danse Sacree - Marie-Claire Jamet
II: Danse Profane - Marie-Claire Jamet
I: Le Magasin De Jouets - Jean Martinon
II: Le Champ De Bataille - Jean Martinon
III: La Bergerie A Vendre - Jean Martinon
IV: Apres Fortune Faite - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

I: Andante - Allegro - Aldo Ciccolini
II: Lento E Molto Espressivo - Aldo Ciccolini
III: Allegro Molto - Aldo Ciccolini
La Plus Que Lente - John Leach
Premiere Rapsodie Pour Orchestre Avec Clarinette Principale - Guy Dangain
Rapsodie Pour Orchestre Et Saxophone Solo - Jean-Marie Loneix
Khamma - Fabienne Boury
Danse: Tarantelle Styrienne - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

Bolero - Marcel Galiegue
Une Barque Sur L'Ocean (Miroirs: No.3) - Orchestre De Paris
Prelude - Orchestre De Paris
Premier Tableau: Danse Du Rouet Et Scene - Orchestre De Paris
Deuxieme Tableau: Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Troisieme Tableau: Les Entretiens De La Belle Et De La Bete - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Quatrieme Tableau: Petit Poucet - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Cinquieme Tableau: Laideronnette, Imperatrice Des Pagodes - Orchestre De Paris
Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
Sixieme Tableau: Le Jardin Feerique - Orchestre De Paris
Alborada Del Gracioso (Miroirs: No.4) - Andre Sennedat
I: Prelude A La Nuit - Orchestre De Paris
II: Malaguena - Orchestre De Paris
III: Habanera - Orchestre De Paris
IV: Feria - Orchestre De Paris

Tracks:

Sheherazade: Ouverture De Feerie - Orchestre De Paris
La Valse (Poeme Choregraphique) - Orchestre De Paris
I: Prelude - Orchestre De Paris
II: Forlane - Orchestre De Paris
III: Menuet - Orchestre De Paris
IV: Rigaudon - Orchestre De Paris
Menuet Antique - Orchestre De Paris
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Michel Garcin-Marrou
1. Modere - Orchestre De Paris
2. Assez Lent - Orchestre De Paris
3. Modere - Orchestre De Paris
4. Assez Anime - Orchestre De Paris
5. Presque Lent - Orchestre De Paris
6. Assez Vif - Orchestre De Paris
7. Moins Vif - Orchestre De Paris
8. Epilogue: Lent - Orchestre De Paris

Tracks:

Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Religieuse - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Generale - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Grotesque De Dorcon - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Legere Et Gracieuse De Daphnis - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Nocturne - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Lente Et Mysterieuse Des Nymphes - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Interlude - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danses Guerrieres Et Diverses - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Suppliante De Chloe - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Lever Du Jour - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Pantomime - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
Danse Generale - Bacchanale - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera

Tracks:

Lento - Aldo Ciccolini
Piu Lento - Aldo Ciccolini
Allegro - Aldo Ciccolini
I: Allegramente - Jean-Claude Malgoire
II: Adagio Assai - Jean-Claude Malgoire
III: Presto - Jean-Claude Malgoire
Lento, Quasi Cadenza - Moderato - Itzhak Perlman

Amazon.com

At long last, Jean Martinon's classic EMI Debussy and Ravel cycles from the 1970s have been gathered in a space-saving, budget-priced box set. If you love this repertoire, you'll gasp with joy at the conductor's crystal-clear orchestral balances, which truly reproduce what you see in the printed music. If you respond to a lean, sinewy approach to this repertoire in the manner of Toscanini and Boulez, but pine for the timbral characteristics that used to distinguish French orchestras (silver-coated strings, tart woodwinds, and slightly watery brass) in gorgeous, vibrant sonics, Martinon's your man. Aldo Ciccolini's crisp, diamond-edged finger work stands out in Ravel's two piano concertos and in Debussy's rarely heard Fantasie. The young Itzhak Perlman's dazzling, effortless traversal of Ravel's Tzigane will humble many an aspiring fiddler. And you won't find a more sparkling, translucent Ravel Mother Goose Suite on record. Martinon was a marvel, and a sadly underrated podium giant. Grab this set while you can. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

The only set you need.......2006-01-13

After owning dozens of Debussy, Ravel recordings, all I can say is ,
if you have this set, no need to look further.
My Ingelbrecht sets are good, but Martinon is better.
Forget the Munch and Monteaux, Bernsteins, Levine, Karajan (UUCCKKKK) etc etc.

Outstanding performances at any price.......2005-04-28

This boxed set provides a comprehensive collection of the orchestral works of both Debussy and Ravel. Jean Martinon conducts the Orchestre National de l'ORTF in the Debussy and the Orchestre de Paris in the Ravel pieces. The sound is stunning, and the performances are extraordinarily engaging. I have other sets of music by these composers (Simon and the Philharmonia Orchestra for the Debussy) Michal Tilson Thomas and the LSO as well as Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic for some of the Ravel pieces (Boulez and the NY Phil for Daphnis and Chloe) but these other sets do not contain all the music in the 8 CDs by Martinon and his orchestras. I agree with the other reviewers who find the Debussy especially compelling. I am listening to La Mer now, and the recording captures the performance perfectly, clearly separating the horns, strings and woodwinds and providing a great balance. This is a very dramatic reading of La Mer! However, I find the Ravel performances equally inspired. The Daphnis and Chloe performance is tremendously exciting, and the ballet Ma Mere l'Oye is exquisite. When I decided to buy this set, I was looking for performances that would give me new insight into familiar works and also introduce me to some musical treats like Debussy's La Boite a Joujoux. I was not disappointed. This set is not just a bargain, it's a real treasure!

More Evocative than some of Mahler's Symphonies.......2005-01-25

I can't exactly visualise the oils of the French impressionists when hearing these pieces. But I do know what the other reviewer is talking about and the point is well made. They are so inspiring and evocative that they touch your heart strings perhaps deeper than most of Mahler's symphonies despite Mahler's gigantic orchetrations! The recorded sound is excellent: and the conductor is obviously gifted and the orchestra is just beautiful despite the fact that I am no big fan of either Ciccolini or Perlman. Believe it or not, in Hong Kong HK Records and HMV are selling the boxset at about 60% of the listed price in US: a real bargain. Grap it while it is still available, particularly those who live in HK.

One stop shopping! Unparalleled Debussy, and excellent Ravel.......2004-11-21

I've treasured both of these cycles since the 1970s when both appeared in single LP installements, each one eagerly awaited with deserved anticipation. To get them both in outstanding remasterings in a bargain priced box set is almost unthinkable. I'd pay twice the price, even more, if I had to for these recordings.

Other recordings of individual works may excel these, like Karajan's La Mer, or Monteux's Daphnis, Haitink's Nocturnes, and so on. But when listened to in such consistent interpretations as these from Jean Martinon, the works as a whole take on a different dimension. Each work is like a chapter in a novel, and they all weave together to make a very satisfying experience that is quite different than one gets with just the individual compositions.

That is especially true of the Debussy.

Two different Orchestras are represented. The Debussy are performed by the French National Orchestra, the Ravel by the more well known Orchestre De Paris, an orchestra that made recordings in those days with such notables as Kerbert von Karajan and Seiji Ozawa. The Debussy, though is actually better executed. The ensemble is tighter, the string tone more sumptuous.

The Debussy has no competition for completeness. No other conductor has traversed the entire orchestral output with the thoroughness that Martinon has. Boulez is probably the closest available. I think very highly of the Boulez recordings, especially the newer ones for DG. But the interpretations lack the unity and consistency that Martinon maintains throughout the cycle.

There is more competition with the Ravel, though. When issued, the cycle was met equally by an excellent set from the Minnesota Orchestra under Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, which came in a box at a lower price. Again, Martinon won my heart for his consistency. The Skrowaczewski was better executed by the Minnesota Orchestra than Martinon's Orchetre De Paris. The EMI sound was better, but back then the quality of the Angel LPs was terrible, so the Skrowaczewski go tthe nod for technical superiority unless you were fortunate enough to get your hands on more expensive import copies of the Martinon. There was a cycle from Ozawa on DG also, but artistically it could not match up with the other two. When CDs were introduced, along came Charles Dutoit and the Montreal SO on London/Decca. And they came with a huge splash and acclaim. I puked! and I have always puked when I hear Dutoit conduct anything, with maybe one or two exceptions. Dutoit makes Ravel sound too smooth and glossy. I do give the Decca engineers great credit for the sound (though the Daphnis gets my vote as the worst CD ever produced, being that it was 55 minutes long with no tracks or indexes!).

Now that EMI have so excellently remastered the Martinon recordings though,the choice for a complete set of the orchestral works is very clear. The experience of Martinon's unified consistent interpretations is not quite the same with Ravel as it is with Debussy, partly owing to a less well formed vision from that composer than Debussy. Debussy was more rigid in his world view and musical thought throughout his life, whereas Ravel wavered in many different directions.

When you consider the price, there no reason to think twice about this set. The accompanying booklet is not extremely comprehensive, but adequate enough.

In Debussy Martinon is unbeatble!.......2004-07-31

Jean Martinon is the last director really inmersed in the impresionist mood . His performances are deeply inspired and above all idiomatic . Marie Claire Jamet in the Sacred Dances is absolutely comitted with the elusive forms and pagan enchantment.
Martinon belonged to that hard to find status conductor who really know to engage with the composer mood . So when he played his music the results were overwhelming . He had a enormous gift to suggest . I still remind The Prokoviev seventh symphony with the Chicago Symphony and I can not get another first movement so well performed , for instance .
Back to Debussy he combines the charm and nuance with that incorporean and elusive approach that Debussy and Ravel demands . I state a parallel (if I may) between Martinon - Debussy and Beecham - Delius in what idiomatism concerns .
When Martinon performs Debussy the paintings of Matisse , Monet and Manet seem to awake and come to our mind .
The prientemps and the children 's corner are absolutely of first rate . The clarinet rhapsody is the best in the market .
In the images I prefer the Ansermet version , but the whole set is fundamental if you enjoy the orchestral music of Debussy.
Notice I have not mentioned Ravel works . I have another name in Ravel : Andre Cluytens . But this is out of context.

Average customer rating:

This is Ravel's Bolero

Ravel: Bolero; Debussy: La Mer / Solti

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Tchaikovsky: 1812; Mussorgsky / Solti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

ASIN: B0000041Y3
Release Date: 1991-05-10

Tracks:

Bolero
Le tombeau de Couperin: I. Prelude
Le tombeau de Couperin: II. Forlane
Le tombeau de Couperin: III. Menuet
Le tombeau de Couperin: IV. Rigaudon
Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune
La Mer: I. De l'aube a midi sur la mer
La Mer: II. Jeux de vagues
La Mer: III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer

Customer Reviews:

This is Ravel's Bolero.......1999-06-02

If you want to listen to Ravel's Bolero, I really reccomend you to listen this recording. The sounds are beautifully executed by the orchestra, an inmense clarity and a perfect balance during the entire performance. Listen carefully to the sax. You won't find any other version of the Bolero better than this.

Average customer rating:

Note from OANegrin

French Favourites

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004W3J9
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Customer Reviews:

Note from OANegrin.......2003-10-01

Note to fellow saxophonists:

Donald Sinta plays the tenor saxophone solo in Ravel's "Bolero" on this album. Russel Mallare plays the soprano solo.

Tracks:

Bolero: Tempo di Bolero moderato assai
La Mer - Trois Esquisses Symphoniques: I. De l'aube a midi sur la mer. Tres lent
La Mer - Trois Esquisses Symphoniques: II. Jeux de vagues. Allegro
La Mer - Trois Esquisses Symphoniques: III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer. Anime et tumultueux
Daphnis et ChloLever du jour (Lent) - Pantomime (Lent - Tres Lent - Vif - Tres Lent) - Danse generale (Lent - Anime)
Prde 'aprmidi d'une faune: Tres modere

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2000-10-02

I was glad to know that this CD had Karajan's 1966 Bolero, because I especially wanted that--and it is everything that I had heard and hoped it would be. Additionally his La Mer is also wonderful, and instead of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, one gets, on this CD, Debussy's Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune (which I, for one, would rather have) and Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe Suite (which definitely has its charms, notwithstanding the fact that having the complete ballest is seen by me as being perhaps more desirale, if one has to chose betwen them, which one doesn't). I would like to say to people who are afraid that there is something wrong with the range of decibels/volume on Bolero- or any of the other works here (because another reviewer complained of this)--not on my CD player! And, at present (and for the forseeable future), I do NOT have a top notch CD player either--but it does just fine and this recording comes off sounding superlatively good from start to finish--and the sound quality is such that you can hear everything in the kind of detail you should be able to--and that includes ALL of Bolero--without having to change the volume--from the very lowest sounds at the beginning to the very loudest at the end, and it isn't even true that the range of volume on this recording is such that Bolero (or any other work) is unacceptably loud at the end. I think, in particular, that the Bolero is as exciting and even thrilling as account as can be had. La Mer is aslo beautiful, and the other two, an unexpected delight.

Too loud and too quiet, a nightmare on tile floors.......2000-07-15

It was such a dissapointment to get this cd after all the good reviews. The range of this recording is too broad. There are moments when there is barely any sound and then MEGA loud. I have heard other recordings of Bolero that weren't so extreme. I'll keep searching.

still hard to beat.......2000-04-15

These performances were originally made in 1965 and 1966, and still sound amazingly good today. The digital remastering enhances what was already very fine sound. This La Mer is even better than Karajan's later account on EMI (which is a shade too hard-driven) and the equal of any other in the catalogue. The combination of sensuousity and discipline, along with practically flawless playing, produced magical results here. It is a real pity that Karajan did not record the entire Daphnis et Chloe ballet, as his Suite No. 2 was also one of the very best. Karlheinz Zoller's solo flute contribution in the Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune is outstanding. The Bolero is also well done. Taken as a whole, this remains a remarkable disc. Strongly recommended.

Good choice!.......2000-01-13

If you like Karajan, you probably already have this one, or you should. If you don't, well, at least the CD won't smell like a rat. The performances are exquisite and not overly polished like late (a.k.a. digital) Karajan recordings. The La Mer is definitely in the same class as Reiner, Haitink and Boulez. The Daphne suite and Bolero are certainly near the top as well.

What a disc!.......1999-07-06

This recording of "La Mer" is universally acknowledged as the best ever, even by people who hate Karajan (like me). The rest of the disc is pretty special too...

Average customer rating:

Classics for Lovers

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002PYSTC
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

Pachelbel: Canon in D major
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 ("Elvira Madigan") -Adante
Leoncavallo: Vesti la giubba from "Pagliacci"
Puccini: Madame Butterfly - Un bel dm
Tchaikovsky: "Romeo and Juliet" Fantasy Overture
Borodin: Prince Igor -Polovstian Dances 8 and 17
Wagner: Overture to "Tristan and Isolde"
Saint-Sakns: Symphony No. 3, "Organ" -- Poco adagio

Tracks:

Bach: Air for the "G" String
Beethoven: "Moonlight" Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
Tchaikovsky: "Swan Lake" Suite-Scene: Enchanted Lake
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 - Adagio sostenuto
Debussy: Clair de lune
Verdi: Aida - Celeste, Aida
Puccini: La Boheme -Che gelida manina
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9, "From the New World" -- Largo
Flotow: Martha - Ach, so Fromm
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32 -Venus (The Bringer of Peace)
Ravel: Bolero

Tracks:

Grieg: "Peer Gynt" Suite - Morning Song
Handel: Largo from "Xerxes"
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 - Romance
Tchaikovsky: "The Nutcracker" Suite -Arabian Dance
Ravel: Pavan
Debussy: Prelude to "The Afternoon of a Faun"
Adam: Giselle- Adagio ; Waltz
Saint-Sakns: The Carnivals of the Animals -The Swan
Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik -- Romanze: Adante
Offenbach: The Tales of Hoffman - Barcarolle
Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana -Intermezzo
Ravel: Daphnis et Chloi: Suite No. 2

Tracks:

Tchaikovsky: "The Sleeping Beauty" Suite - Pas d' action:
Rimsky-Korsakoff: Scheherazade - The Young Prince and
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major - Adagio
Strauss Jr.: On the Beautiful, Blue Danube
Debussy: La Mer - From Dawn Until Noon on the Sea
Bizet: "Carmen" Highlights: Intermezzo
Seguidilla
Habaqera
Nocturne
Orff: "Carmina Burana" Highlights: Omina sol temperat
Amor volat undique
Dies, nox et omina
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, "Pathitique" - Adagio

Average customer rating:

Best Recording of Faune
The Voice of Dissent
Not the one to get
Half and Half

Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000S8S
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

Prelude a l aprees-midi d'un faune
Rapsodie pour orchestre et saxophone
La Mer: Trois Esquisses symphoniques: De l'Aube a midi sur la mer
La Mer: Trois Esquisses symphoniques: Jeux de vagues
La Mer: Trois Esquisses symphoniques: Dialogue du vent et de la mer
La Valse: Poeme choregraphique
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

Best Recording of Faune.......2002-05-07

I am a professional flutist, and this is the best recording of Prelude a l'apres midi d'une faune that I have heard. Of course, Jeanne Baxtresser's performance (flute) is flawless and musical. The CD is very well recorded, and each piece is performed impeccably and with the highest artistry. In my opinion, this CD sets the standard for these works. Buy it!

The Voice of Dissent.......2002-02-07

Did you notice the other two reviews disagree on which pieces are the bad ones? Masur does a great job of interpreting one of the more difficult composer's works (Debussy) and nicely handles the more popular and familiar as well (Ravel). This is a good intro to two composers that are often compared--and often share space on one CD.

Not the one to get.......2000-02-24

I had such high hopes in getting this CD. Being still somewhat new to classical music, I listen to associates for new ideas. Kurt Masur was recommended to me as a very good conductor and interpreter. With this in mind, when I bought this CD I hoped to be wowed. I wasn't. First let me just say boo to "La Valse". The ending just doesn't ignite like it's supposed to. Instead of the caustic ending I have grown to love I hear a bland ending without the Byronic element. Same with Bolero. The redeeming features of the CD are the Debussy pieces--and then only somewhat. Bottom line.....there are better recordings to buy.

Half and Half.......1999-02-17

About half of this CD is really good and the other half is not. The Prelude is very good as are La Valse and Bolero. This recording brings out much of the inner detail in those peices that other recordings may miss. The saxophone peice was not very interesting. La Mer was porly interpreted and very unexciting. La Mer does have some beautiful moments though. For example, the trumpet solo at the beginning of the Dialogue is exceptionally well played.