Dance Music from Russia

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Dancing was a popular pursuit among the well-to-do of Imperial Russia, and not just as a participatory activity. Audiences flocked to the ballet, opera composers were well-advised to include dance numbers in their vocal scores, and pianists entertained guests in fashionable salons with lilting solos. This program offers selections from these three different genres, and although it focuses on just two dance forms – the waltz and the polonaise – there’s no lack of variety thanks to the unique gifts of each of the five composers here. Evgeni Svetlanov (1928-2002), a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, served as conductor of the Bolshoi Opera from 1955 until 1965, when he was named principal conductor of the USSR State Symphony Orchestra. Under his direction, this orchestra became a well-drilled virtuoso ensemble while maintaining its particularly Russian timbral character.

Dance Music from Russia: Waltzes & Polonaises, Music, USSR Symphony Orchestra, Svetlanov, Ballet, Classical, Classical Collections-Composer Desc., Keyboard, Opera, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Ballet, Russian Romantic Opera, Suite for Orchestra, Waltz for Keyboard

Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
Average customer rating:

Awesome Set!

Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection

Overall a strong Goldsmith sampler

Jerry Goldsmith - 40 years of pleasure

Almost the perfect compilation

Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
Jerry Goldsmith
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores

ASIN: B0009KIYDG
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
Blue Max, The
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: Doctor Kildare / Room 222 / Waltons, The / Barnaby Jones / Television Themes Medley
In Harm's Way
The Sandpebbles: Chinatown / Patch Of Blue, A / Poltergeist / Papillon / Wind And The Lion, The / Motion Pictures Medley
Generals, The
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Wild Rovers, The
Pursuit
Wind And The Lion, The

Tracks:

QB VII
QB VII
QB VII
QB VII
QB VII
Waltons, The
Papillon
Police Story
Omen, The
Capricorn One
Swarm, The
Boys From Brazil, The
, The (First) Great Train Robbery
Alien
Star Trek The Motion Picture

Tracks:

Masada
Poltergeist
First Blood - Rambo II
Twilight Zone: The Movie
Under Fire
Under Fire
Under Fire
Under Fire
Gremlins
Baby - Secret Of The Lost Legend
Legend
Lionheart
Rambo III
Total Recall

Tracks:

Star Trek Voyager
Basic Instinct
Russia House, The
Gremlins II
Medicine Man
Shadow, The
Forever Young
First Knight
Powder
Airforce One
L.A. Confidential
Mummy, The
Haunting, The

Album Description

Jerry Goldsmith's death in 2004 marked the end of one of the greatest careers in film composing. This lavish 57 track 4 CD set traces the path of his astonishing achievements and includes recordings conducted by Goldsmith himself. Featuring The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philharmonia Orchestra, The National Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Daniel Caine Orchestra. Includes over 280 minutes of music.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Set!.......2007-07-01

I am a huge fan of Jerry Goldsmith. They did a great job preserving his vision. I can listen to this collection for hours. Great music!

Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection.......2006-11-03

This is compilation of hit film music from one of the greatest composers in motion pictures. What is surprising though is the music not included like the Ghost And The Darkness, the 13th Warrior, Rudy and others. To be sure, 4 discs are not enough for a composure of this stature. THe recording, however, is an "engineering masterpiece" which makes the music even more enjoyable than when you first heard it at the movies. When are we ging to get the music that was omittd from this compilaton?

Overall a strong Goldsmith sampler.......2006-04-11

Okay, this is a CD review, so the focus is on music, but I've got to say this first: this has got to be a contender for the ugliest cover art ever. I mean, come on...instead of a tribute to the composer, the cover looks like someone spilled a glass of merlot over a NASA photo.

Fortunately, even an ugly cover will not ruin good music. And the good news is that I'd say about 75 percent of the music is good....and on a 4 cd set, that's a lot. Like other Silva compilations, the strength of this compilation is the variety. There are selections from the big releases (Star Trek, Omen, Rambo), but there is also a healthy dose of tracks from the smaller releases(Under Fire, Lionheart, The Swarm).

Two examples come to mind. Capricorn One and The Great Train Robbery are two movies that are not exactly household names today, but are dominated by two of Goldmith's finest main themes. The City of Prague Philharmonic come through with terrific renditions. And there are plenty of other strong performances...a few being concert versions conducted by Goldsmith himself. Suprisingly, "The Wind and the Lion" works, which is no small accomplishment given the ferentic original performance of "Raisuli Attacks".

It's not a complete success. A few of the performances fall flat, particularly some of the more inventive scores. Total Recall is just bad, mangling the performance with poor percussion and synthesizer choices to boot. Also a letdown is the Klingon Attack from the first Star Trek movie. The Prague Philhamonic attempt doesn't sound bad--it's just that once you've heard the original soundtrack's "blaster beam" with enough bass to rattle your teeth...well let's just say Silva's version is a little tinny in comparison.

But I shouldn't dwell on the negative. Overall, this is a strong sampler of Goldsmith's variety. There are plenty of quality performances here, and despite a few omissions (noticeably Planet of the Apes)this is a very good release from Silva.

Jerry Goldsmith - 40 years of pleasure.......2006-02-22

It was wonderful to hear Mr. Goldsmith's music that went all the way back to The Man from UNCLE, The Waltons, Dr Kildare, etc. And then to hear his music up to the present. The man was a genius!

Almost the perfect compilation.......2005-12-31

Age has its value.... This sweeping collection of compositions brings back so many great memories. This collection shows how significant Goldsmith was for both the movie screen and the small screen. With such a grand collection, every reader can be assured that at least one movie or TV program they like or remember had Goldsmith's contribution. It was an amazing life and the collection well worth having.

However, as sweepig as it is, there are a few holes in the selection. "First Contact", one of the sweetest and richest compositions from the Star Trek is absent. "The Ghost and the Darkness" is missing and the "Medicine Man" music should include the theme song. By dwelling on several selections from the Blue Max, these were squeezed out. Three full and important movie themes got the axe.

However, all but "The Ghost and the Darkness" are readily available and not overly expensive as is the "Ghost" CD. This is a must have for the TV and movie music fan.

Before there was Hans Solo there was Napolean Solo, before ER there was Dr. Kildare. Jerry Goldsmith IS Sci-Fi. "Resistance is futile.. you MUST assimilate this CD collection."

Hitman: Codename 47 / Hitman 2 - Silent Assassin

Average customer rating:

Pretty Good

Hitman: Codename 47 / Hitman 2 - Silent Assassin
Jesper Kyd
Manufacturer: La-La Land Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Fable

ASIN: B000A2GP5W
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Intro
Main Title (Extended Version)
Hong Kong Themes
Jungle Exploration
Dark Jungle
Hotel Themes
Harbor Themes
Hospital Themes
Hotel Music (Early Demo)
Rainforest (Early Demo)
Atmosphere Demo
Main Title (Original Slow Version)

Tracks:

Hitman 2 Main Title
Waiting For Action
Action Begins
47 Makes A Decision
The Penthouse
Japanese Mansion
Japanese Snow Castle
Streets Of India
Mission In India
47 In St. Petersburg
Trouble In Russia
Desert Sun
Arabian Dance
The Setup
End Boss
Slow Ambience
Fast Ambience
H2 Exploration
H2 Action
Dreams Of Instanbul (Bonus Track)

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good.......2006-07-29

This was a very unique item. Fans of the series will enjoy it. At times some of the tracks seem out of place when out of the game, but that's more than made up for by the many powerful and classic tracks that these CD's have. The first CD is more techno-inspired while the second is more operatic. It's good music to do push-ups to or to drive to. Especially the first track of the first CD.

Average customer rating:

Award Winning Movie Themes: The Sixties

Manufacturer: Michelle Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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The High & The Mighty
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000011JM
Release Date: 1994-11-28

Tracks:

The Magnificent Seven: The Magnificent Seven
A Man And A Woman: A Man And A Woman
Breakfast At Tiffany's: Moon River
Dr. Zhivago: Lara's Theme (Somewhere My Love)
A Summer Place: Theme From A Summer Place
Never On Sunday: Never On Sunday
The Apartment: Theme From The Apartment
The Alamo: The Green Leaves Of Summer
Exodus: Theme From Exodus
From Russia With Love: From Russia With Love
A Man Could Get Killed: Strangers In The Night
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
Mondo Cane: More
Zorba The Greek: Zorba's Dance

Average customer rating:

Eisner doen't need your money!

Fantasia

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)

ASIN: B0000014CK
Release Date: 1997-05-13

Tracks:

Tocatta And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Toccata
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Chinese Dance
Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra: Dance Of The Reed Flutes
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Arabian Dance
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Russian Dance (Trepak)
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Waltz Of The Flowers
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice
Sympony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 86, 'Pastoral': Scene By The Brook
La Giaconda: Dance Of The Hours
A Night On The Bare Mountain
Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Eisner doen't need your money!.......2007-01-29

If you wan the "Fantasia" experience on a budget, or you have moral objections to giving Eisner too much money, then this CD is for you. It is the entire "Fantasia" super-symphony culled from the archives at Naxos. Consequently, it does not have a continual level of quality. Directors, musicians, and recording equipment change from suite to suite, which can be hard on people with Brian Wilson "dog ears."

The only noticeable difference is on "Toccata And Fugue In D Minor." Instead of a full Stokowski orchestra, we get the solo organ version. If you want to be true to Bach on his own terms, this should not be a problem. However, if you wanted the full string and woodwind treatment, you may have to break down and cross Eisner's palm with silver.

Aside from this one difference (and a slight warble on the open note to "Toccata and Fugue," which may be a copying error) everything you heard in the movie is here. This is an enjoyable collection of Classical hits, great for cutting one's teeth on, or for a home schooler.

Philadelphia Orchestra and Leopold Stokowski

Average customer rating:

Philadelphia Orchestra and Leopold Stokowski
Philadelphia Orchestra , Stokowski , and Schoenberg
Manufacturer: Andante
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Leopold Stokowski, Conductor

ASIN: B00007E8LP
Release Date: 2002-10-29

Album Description

This four-CD set showcases the Philadelphia Orchestra with conductor Leopold Stokowski, the world-famous originator of the lush "Philadelphia Sound." The centerpiece in this collection of vintage Philadelphia/Stokowski achievements is the premiere 1932 recording of Schoenberg's epic post-Romantic cantata Gurrelieder. Dating from 1927 to 1940, the rest of the repertoire ranges from the conductor's own "symphonic synthesis" of Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov to Rimsky-Korsakov, Hindemith and such rarities as a setting of Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven by Arkadi Dubensky. The 158-page booklet features photos of Stokowski, his soloists and the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tim Page, a producer's note by Ward Marston and an essay by longtime Philadelphia Inquirer critic Daniel Webster ("Stokowski and Philadelphia: Virtuosity as Glamour").

Average customer rating:

The original Russian sound - glorious Svetlanov recordings!
A Collection Like No Other
Russian sound for russian music.
Authentic Russian Interpretations
This is an obscure but worthwhile CD

Orchestral Pictures From Russia

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Symphonic Poems From Russia
Russian Moods
Rachmaninov-Symphony No. 2/The Rock

ASIN: B000001HDC
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

Dawn on the Moskva-River (from 'Khaovanshchina')
A Night on Bald Mountain
Hopak (from 'Sorochintsy Fair')
In the Steppes of Central Asia
Polovtsian Dances with Chorus (from 'Prince Igor') - USSR Radio Large Chor/Klavdi Ptitsa
Sadko, Op.5
Bright Holiday (Russian Easter Festival Ov, op.36)
Islamey

Tracks:

Ov from 'Dream on the Volga'
Spring, Op.34
Romantic Intermezzo in D, Op.69
About Olden Times, Op.21b
From the Apocalypse, Op.66
Baba Yaga, Op.56
The Enchanted Lake, Op.62
Kikimora, Op.63
Nymphs

Customer Reviews:

The original Russian sound - glorious Svetlanov recordings!.......2007-07-20

This CD set was part of a series released by BMG in the mid 90s after their licensing agreement with Russian record label MELODIYA. All CDs in the series have now been deleted (shame on BMG!). This particular title was one of the first in the series.

It is amazing that one reviewer claimed that both orchestra & conductor are 'obscure'!! Hello??? The USSR (State) Symphony Orchestra, now the Russian State Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest orchestras in Russia and the late maestro Svetlanov one of the leading and most prolific conductors of the ex-USSR. He recorded an endless list of works by a wide range of composers for various labels all over the globe.

This CD focuses on known Russian works (Night on the Bare Mountain, In the Steppes of Central Asia, Russian Easter Festival Overture etc) and some very rare Russian gems (on CD2). The recordings are typical of the golden era of MELODIYA and the Russian sound of the orchestra is unmistakable. There might be better engineered recordings of these works, but Svetlanov's magic cannot be easily surpassed. Of all the 'Steppes' I have heard, this wins hands down!

Grab a copy of this set if you come across it - an excellent 'sampler' of the art of Yevgeny Svetlanov!

A Collection Like No Other.......2007-07-10

This is a boon: a scoop of Russian gems, well-known and not-so-well-known, in some of Evgeny's Svetlanov's greatest performances (recorded between 1963 and 1990), in superbly remastered sound. If you are familiar with Svetlanov's Hyperion Balakirev set, you already know that, at his best, he was the equal of Mvravinsky, Reiner, Beecham and a few select others.

All but a few tracks of this two-disc set are of definitive quality...The NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN is HAIR-RAISING, and the DAWN ON THE MOSCOW RIVER makes the great 1936 Boston / Koussevitsky look TAME by comparison.

The BRIGHT HOLIDAY (aka RUSSIAN EASTER OVERTURE) is as exciting as but completely different from the classic '68 Stokowski / Chicago.

The various Liadov tracks are among the great recordings of any Russian music. (KIKIMORA is a sort of Russian "Sorcerer's Apprentice" but even more pungent, and THE ENCHANTED LAKE really is just that.)

The Balakirev ISLAMEY (orchestrated by his protegee Lypunov) is scintillating and energizing; you can almost SMELL the mountain air of the Caucus region. (A note to the paranoid: this work does not promote or portray "radical Islam" ; the "Islamey" is a Kabardinian folk dance...Think of whirling dervishes.) True, at 1:47-1:49 there is a moment when the woodwinds go off the rails. Still, no other version has the spine-tingling ELAN of this one. And since Svetlanov apparently made no commerical recording of ISLAMEY, this precious live performance (from Christmas Eve, 1986) rounds out his recorded Balakirev.

Perhaps the most affecting track is the last to be recorded, Glazunov's VESNA [SPRING], which cuts as emotionally deep as anything by Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov- but, paradoxically, with a lighter touch.

Admittedly, as one prior reviewer pointed out, the PRINCE IGOR scene is not among the more powerful tracks, here; Nemi Jarvi's rival effort on DG outshines this one in terms of splendor, ensemble and chosen tempos.

Why this set received so little promotion (and even "littler" critical notice) is beyond me. But don't let this set get beyond YOU if you run across a copy. Because, more and more, when these things go they GO.

Russian sound for russian music........2002-12-03

Soviet orchestras were the only orchestras ever to properly do justice to many russian pieces in my opinion. After hearing many of the pieces on this disc, I can't help but find American or West European versions of the same works a bit bland in comparison. Extremely emotional and moving renditions.

Authentic Russian Interpretations.......2002-09-20

Don't be misled by the claim in another review that this conductor and orchestra are obscure. Svetlanov was a leading Russian conductor (he died recently), and the USSR Symphony (now the Russian State Orchestra) was one of Russia's leading orchestras. These performances are part of a series of re-releases of material originally recorded by Melodiya during the Soviet era. Do not consider buying this compilation for the more familiar music; consider it for the rarities and for the the authentic Russian-sounding performances in good remastered analog stereo. If you are unsure about the music on these particular discs, investigate Svetlanov's other BMG releases, such as his Tchaikovsky symphonies (including one of the best Manfred Symphonies ever recorded).

This is an obscure but worthwhile CD.......2002-06-06

I have a penchant for shopping in local used music stores, and this is one of the CDs I found. This CD does not cater to the Tchaikovsky, bombastic Russian fan which I am, but instead explores lesser-known works with excellent merit in their own right. Though I bought the CD for Bright Holiday (that is, the Russian Easter Overture), I kept it for the pieces by Liadov, Glazunov and other virtual unknowns.
The Russian Easter Overture was sub-par by my standards, but for an obscure orchestra (USSR Symphony? Who are they?) and an obscure conductor (Svetlanov? Who's he?), I was quite impressed by the maturity and expressiveness of the lesser-known pieces on the second disc. About Olden Times by Liadov became my instant favorite, and the nostalgic and passionate harp and strings at the start endeared me to it instantly.
Do not buy this CD for the "known" pieces. The Polovtsian Dances are also sub-par. However, this CD is worth a listen, and perhaps a purchase, for the touching mystique and fiery obscurity of the lesser-knowns.

Average customer rating:

Decent Dvorak

Dvorak: Orchestral Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00018D5SK
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Decent Dvorak.......2005-04-30

After purchasing and enjoying a few of the recently reissued "2CD Masterpieces" from Vanguard Classics (Boult's Beethoven Symphony performances in particular -- see my reviews), I decided I would sample a few more titles from this series. This double disc features three of composer Antonin Dvorak's greatest orchestral works -- the 9th Symphony, Violin Concerto and complete Slavonic Dances op. 46 & 72. First comes the "New World" with Vladimir Golschmann conducting the Vienna State Opera Orchestra in a 1959 stereo recording, here making its CD debut. I am familiar with both conductor and orchestra (from various EMI Full Dimension Sound and Westminster releases respectively), and they provide a solid performance, though it certainly falls short of celebrated renditions by the likes of Kubelik, Fricsay, Reiner, or Szell. Next is the Concerto, performed by violinist David Oistrakh with Kiril Kondrashin leading State Symphony Orchestra of Russia, again appearing on CD for the first time. These two were frequent collaborators over the years and they turn in a fine performance here, however the 1954 mono sound leaves much to be desired. Disc 2 offers previously available accounts of the Slavonic Dances by Mario Rossi leading the VSOO in recordings from 1957. These are the collection's weakest offerings -- with mediocre stereo sound and uneven tempi I won't be returning to them anytime soon, and definitely not before giving the Kubelik, Dorati or Szell versions another spin. In all though, a decent Dvorak collection at a very affordable price.

Balalaika Favorites (3-Channel and Stereo Hybrid SACD)

Average customer rating:

Balalaika Favorites (3-Channel and Stereo Hybrid SACD)

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsody No. 1; Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies Nos. 1-6 [Hybrid SACD]
Respighi: Ancient Dances and Airs for Lute Suites 1, 2 & 3 [Hybrid SACD]
Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Debussy: La mer [Hybrid SACD]
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD]
Dvorák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104; Bruch Kol Nidrei; Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme / Dorati, Starker, London Symphony Orchestra (3-Channel and Stereo Hybrid SACD)

ASIN: B0007YP0UY
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Fantasy On Two Folk Songs
At Sunrise
The Linden Tree
Kamarinskaya
Fantasy On Volga Melodies
In The Moonlight
Midnight In Moscow
Under The Apple Tree
Dance Of The Comedians
The Living Room
Evening Bells
My Dear Old Friend, Please Visit Me
Waltz Of The Faun
Flight Of The Bumble-Bee

Average customer rating:

Russia!

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

The Life and Works of Antonín Dvorák, Narration with Musical Excerpts

Average customer rating:

An Extraordinary User-Friendly Multimedia Dvorák Biography

The Life and Works of Antonín Dvorák, Narration with Musical Excerpts

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Life and Works of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Life and Works of Franz Schubert
Life & Works of Verdi
Brahms: Life & Works
The Life and Works of Joseph Haydn

ASIN: B0001HOXLO
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

Slavonic Dance In G Minor, Op.46 No.8/Childhood, Boyhood, Youth
Symphony No.8 In G, Op.88 (Mvt 3: Allegretto Grazioso - Molto Vivace)
A Secret Life: Early Manhood, Determination And First Love
Cypresses, B.152 (No.3: When Thy Sweet Glances)
A Change Of Job, Marriage And Increasing Success
Symphony No.3 In E Flat, Op.10 (Mvt 1: Allegro Moderato)
Hope, Grief And Sublimation/Stabat Mater, Op.58 (Quando Corpus Morietur)
International Celebrity And Deceptive Simplicity
Serenade In E For Strings, Op.22 (Mvt 2: Walzer)
A New Championing, A New Friendship: Brahms Weighs In
String Quartet In D Minor, Op.34 (Mvt 1: Allegro)

Tracks:

A Populist Commission
Slavonic Dance In C, Op.46 No.1
An Amateur Pianist's Dream
Slavonic Dance In A, Op.46 No.5
A Token Of Gratitude
Serenade For Wind Instruments, Op.44 (Mvt 1: Moderato, Quasi Marcia)
An Explosion Of Popularity - On Both Sides Of The Atlantic
Romance In F Minor For Violin And Orchestra, Op.11
Personal Glimpses: The Outer Man
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 (Mvt 1: Allegro Non Tanto)
The Anti-Czech Stance Of Vienna
Piano Trio In F Minor, Op.65 (Mvt 3: Poco Adagio)
Dvorak In London
Vysoka: A New Home, A Simple Life
The Second London Visit
Symphony No.7 In D Minor, Op.70 (Mvt 1: Allegro Maestoso)
Dvorak The Conductor
Czech Suite, Op.39 (Preludium: Pastorale)
London, Birmingham - And Brighton Belles
Dvorak The Czech
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 (Mvt 3: Scherzo: Furiant)

Tracks:

Discord With Simrock
Slavonic Dances In A For Piano Duet, Op.72 No.15
'Orchestra!'
Slavonic Dance In B, Op.72 No.1
Dvorak In Leeds
Piano Quintet In A, Op.81 (Mvt 3: Finale: Allegro Con Brio)
Dvorak And Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin: (Act III: Polonaise)
Dvorak In Russia
Schezo Capriccioso, Op.66
Dvorak The Teacher
Mozart: Symphony No.29 In A, K.201 (Mvt 4: Allegro Con Spirito)
Dvorak In Cambridge
Dvorak In New York
String Quartet In F, Op.96 ('American' - Mvt 1: Allegro Ma Non Troppo)

Tracks:

Dvorak In Iowa
Sonatian In G For Violin And Piano, Op.100 (Mvt 2: Larghetto)
Niagara Falls
Symphony No.9 In E Minor, Op.95 ('From The New World' - Mvt 1: Adagio - Allegro Molto)
The Dark Side
Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op.104 (Mvt 3: Finale: Allegro Moderato - Andante - Allegro Vivo)
Home Again
Symphony No.9 In E Minor, Op.95 ('From The New World' - Mvt 4: Allegro Con Fuoco)
The Death Of Brahms And A Change Of Direction
A Hero's Song, Op.111
The Return To Opera
Rusalka (Act I: Song To The Moon)
Distraction, Disappointment And Death
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 (Mvt 4: Finale: Allegro Con Spirito)

Customer Reviews:

An Extraordinary User-Friendly Multimedia Dvorák Biography.......2004-04-28

I have followed with interest the series of CDs explaining popular operas by Jeremy Siepmann, an American musicologist long resident in Britain. Each of those is a single CD with a spoken text interspersed with longish excerpts from the opera in question. This 4-CD set, though, is something else again. It is a combination of music/audio CDs with superimposed CD-ROM material (on the same discs). One plays the audio portion on your regular stereo equipment. When put in your PC or Mac CD drive, the CD-ROM portion of the discs brings up an extensive set of hyperlinked text materials as well as links to the CDs from which the musical examples are taken (all from the Naxos music recordings library, of course). Also included in the CD-ROM material is the full text of Siepmann's detailed biography of Dvorák. There is also a thick booklet that includes cast lists (various actors playing various important people in Dvorák's life), an extensive essay about the sociopolitical and cultural conditions extant during Dvorák's life, an longish essay about his major works and their significance, a graded listening plan, an article outlining recommended reading, biographical snippets about each of the important people in Dvorák's life, a chronological calendar of Dvorák's life, and an extensive glossary of musical and other pertinent terms.

Siepmann's four-and-a-half-hour exploration of Dvorák's life and works is in his wonted polished, often witty, prose. It is read gracefully by Siepmann himself. Dvorák is played by the suave-voiced British actor, Sean Barrett. The musical examples are extensive, often including complete movements, arias, etc., and are placed expertly within the flow of the text. Production values for this budget-priced set are quite high.

I will admit that I had a particular interest in this production as I grew up in a rural Oklahoma town settled by Bohemians (Czechs) and came to love some of Dvorák's music before even that of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. I've already recommended this set to the public schools and town library in my hometown.

I am not quite sure who the intended audience for this set is. Presumably there are those, like me, who are insatiable when it comes to increasing their knowledge of classical music, its composers and their sociocultural milieu. One also imagines that even in these days of decreasing support for music and music appreciation courses in our schools, there are teachers who could make wonderful use of this material for their students. Whoever the audience is, I cannot imagine a listener coming away from this set without a great deal more information and appreciation for the genius of Antonin Dvorák.

Recommended.

Scott Morrison

Music Review: