Rachmaninov/Stravinsky

On this CD:

1. Symphonic Dances, for orchestra (or 2 pianos), Op. 45
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eugene Goossens

2. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eugene Goossens

Tracks:

Chanson Sans Paroles
Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
Chanson Russe
Liebesleid
Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
Melodie
Serenade Espagnole
Serenade (Frasquita)
La Capricieuse, Op.17
Sicilienne
Molly On The Shore
Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
Melodie, Op.42 No.3
Estrellita
Spanish Dance No.5
Berceuse Sfaradite
Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

Average customer rating:

Elegance and precision
Did not buy this item
Mysterious, magical, and a little bit maudlin
Hypnotically Beautiful
THE ART OF THE THEREMIN

The Art Of The Theremin
Manuel de Falla , Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov , and Henryk Wieniawski
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Lost Theremin Album
Theremin - An Electronic Odyssey
Music from the Ether: Original Works for Theremin
Day the Earth Stood Still (Score)
Glass Harmonica

ASIN: B0000006U6
Release Date: 1992-12-14

Tracks:

Vocalise
Song Of Grusia
The Swan
Pantomime
Hebrew Melody
Romance
Berceuse
Piece en forme de Habanera
Berceuse
Valse sentimentale
Serenade melancolique
Chant du menestrel

Customer Reviews:

Elegance and precision.......2007-06-30

The theramin is, without question, the most difficult instrument in the world to play. Consider: since its invention in 1928 and commercial release in the early 1930s, only one musician - Clara Rockmore - has been able to produce any real music on it. Her performances are spellbinding and, if one sometimes years for, say, a whole sonata or something more substantial than encore pieces, think of how difficult it is to play ANYTHING on this instrument and be glad that we at least have this much.

A one-of-a-kind disc of a one-of-a-kind performer. If you like the samples you can hear on this site. by all means buy it.

Did not buy this item.......2007-05-03

Don't know why this is here as I never purchased this item.

Mysterious, magical, and a little bit maudlin.......2007-03-08

I recently went through a theremin phase after seeing the documetary "Theremin: An Electronic Oddysey" which featured Clara Rockmore prominently. That led me to buy this recording, which seems to be the traditional standard of classical theremin artistry. The story around the instrument is even more bizzare than the music it makes: spooky Cold-War intrigue, sudden disappearances in New York and the USSR, spy gadgets, dead men found alive, old friends reuniting after decades of separation and obscurity... it all fits the eerie ethos of the music. So to really "get" the instrument, you need to know the story behind it. That's the maudlin part.

While the rest of my family violently disagrees, this is indeed lovely music. A careful listening to Mrs. Rockmore's technique reveals, I think, that she's fascinatingly far beyond waving her hands up and down in front of antennas. She makes glissandos and runs happen with discrete pitches in a way that is hard for me to picture on an instrument that can generate any pitch, and every pitch in between. She developed a way to "finger" an instrument you don't touch. That's why it's magical.

A note on the recording: the timbre of the theremin seems to land in a resonant frequency range on most systems/speakers on which I have listened to this recording, leading to the solo instrument badly overbalancing the piano accompaniment.

PS: I have given on someday owning a theremin. Phase over.

Hypnotically Beautiful.......2007-02-28

Classical music, and specifically Theremin music, is not normally my favored listening. But I took a chance on this disc and am very glad I did. Clara Rockmore's mastery of her instrument is astonishing. The music is tastefully chosen and very beautiful. She often mimics violin or human voice in her phrasing, but subtly gives the theremin its own voice and proves its suitability for classical.

I knocked a star off for the lack of arrangement-diversity, but I have to admit that I usually listen to this disc from start to end. Its lyrical qualities are very transfixing and hypnotic. A welcome diversification to my music collection!

THE ART OF THE THEREMIN.......2007-02-24

I HAVE HAD THIS CD FOR YEARS AND HAVE NEVER GOTTEN TIRED OF HEARING IT, ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE RIGHT MOOD TO REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU ARE HEARING. THIS IS THE PREEMINENT THERMEIN RECORDING, BY THE PREEMINENT THEREMIN PERFORMER, CLARA ROCKMORE. HAUNTING, STRANGE, HYPNOTIC, YET MELODICAL, THE THERMEIN IS A VERY DIFFICULT INSTRUMENT TO PLAY, AND CLARA ROCKMORE WAS THE ONLY PERSON TO EVER REALLY "MASTER" IT. IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THEREMIN MUSIC, I GUESS THIS IS THE ONE CD YOU NEED TO GET.

Average customer rating:

One of Two Versions
Wonderful introduction to "The Art of Dessay"

The Miracle of the Voice

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Russian Album
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Gitano

ASIN: B000F3T3B4
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Delibes: Lakmé- Où va la jeune hindoue (Bell song)
Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann- Les oiseaux dans la
Meyerbeer: Le Pardon de Ploërmel- Ombre légère4-5.
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette- Ah! Je veux vivre dans le
Chabrier: Le Roi melgré lui- Il est un vieux chant de
Donizetti: La Fille du régiment- Salut à la France9-12.
Offenbach: Orphée aux Enfers- Duo de la mouche
Offenbach: Robinson Crusoë- Conduisez-mois vers celui

Tracks:

Mozart: Popoli di Tessaglia!
Handel: Delirio amoroso- Per te lasciai la luce
R. Straus: Ariadne auf Naxos- Groβmachtige Prinzessin
J. Strauss: Frühlingsstimmenwalzer
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Alabiev: Salavieï (The Nightingale)
StravinskY: Le Rossignol- Song of the Nightingale
Ave Maria from the original soundtrack of the film `Merry
Monk/Nougaro: `Round Midnight'
Bernstein: Candide- Glitter and be gay

Customer Reviews:

One of Two Versions.......2007-01-31

This excellent 2-disc version has 18 tracks.

Another version, containing 26 tracks, is available on iTunes for $19.98. It contains additional tracks from Lucie de Lammermoor and Die Zauberflote (Der Holle Rache should not be missed!).

Wonderful introduction to "The Art of Dessay".......2007-01-21

Natalie Dessay's "The Miracle of the Voice" is a welcome addition to the recording oeuvre. She covers much territory in this 2 CD work--from Offenbach to Donizetti to Gounod to Delibes to Massenet to Stravinsky and Bernstein (Candide). I'll mention sample selections below, rather than going through each one separately.

She shows the ability to do well in the bel canto repertoire, featuring an agile, light voice that can get to the high notes and master coloratura techniques (trills and so on). In "The Bell Song" from Delibes "Lakme," her clear voice handles this work well. Fleming and Sutherland have darker voices; Dessay's is quite a bit lighter, more typical of what we think of as a coloratura voice (even though coloratura singing is manifest from basses to sopranos). She demonstrates nice trills and an ability to hit high notes accurately. In "Olympia's Song" from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffman," she captures nicely the "mechanical" voice of her character. Once more, nice trills and agility with the notes.

Of course, the "Mad Scene" from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" (here, sung in French) is prime coloratura territory. Dessay essays this nicely. In the slower earlier parts of this long scene, she shows a certain pathos, appropriate for a young woman who has gone mad over love and betrayal. When she gets to what in Italian would be "Spargi d'amaro pianto," she does well. Again, she exemplifies agile vocal technique. The second time through, she displays nice ornamentation. Given that she can trill well, it is somewhat surprising that this technique is not deployed better and more often. Nonetheless, well done.

From Mozart's "Die Zauberflote," Dessay takes on The Queen of the Night's "Der Holle Rache." Again, well done. She hits the high notes easily and without strain (not something that all sopranos can say). And now for something completely different. . . . Johann Strauss' "Fruhlingsstimmenwalzer." A delightful romp. A Strauss waltz. Nice vocal technique. One wonders if Dessay could not have made this more "fun," since it is a waltz. Nonetheless, this is an easy and pleasant "listen." I once heard (is my memory correct on the name?) Theresa Stich-Randall sing this, and the effect was similar.

Stravinsky's "Song of the Nightingale" from "Le Rossignol" is another change of pace. Nessay shows the range of her repertoire with this piece. Thelonius Monk's "'Round Midnight" was adopted for the French language here, with Claude Nougaro joining Dessay on vocals. Another interesting departure from the earlier operatic sound--an engaging piece. Her operatic skills do not overwhelm this song or work against Nougaro's voice. Finally, Leonard Bernstein's "Glitter and Be Gay" from "Candide." This is a credible effort at somewhat lighter music, while she still exhibits the vocal skills that she has.

This is the first CD from Dessay that I have listened to. It won't be the last. A remarkable range of singing, done well across a variety of genres. This is a good introduction to the art of Dessay for those who have not heard her before.

Average customer rating:

Love the soprano sax
Incredibly Musical Peformance
Just a small point of rectifition
What am I missing?
Beautiful!!

Romances for Saxophone

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Creation
Music for Saxophone & Orchestra
Eternal
Braggtown
Saxophone Colors

ASIN: B0000026EH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

L'Isle Joyeuse
Pavane
Arabesque No. 1
Vocalise
Pastorale
Emmanuel
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
Gymnopedie No. 3
Prelude
Piece en forme de Habanera
Sicilienne
Serenata
The Old Castle

Customer Reviews:

Love the soprano sax.......2007-05-18

If you don't already love the soprano sax, this should do it for you.

Incredibly Musical Peformance.......2006-03-20

In my opinion, this is one of the best Classical CDs ever produced. I listen to it often and I am amazed at what an incredibly MUSICAL performance Branford Marsalis had. If you like saxaphone, I think you will love it. If you don't, I think you will still find it valuable because the technique, the phrasing are quintissential.

Just a small point of rectifition.......2004-12-28

None of the works presented here precede the invention of the saxophone. Please look this up. You will find the saxophone invented around 1840, yes early romantic. And in addition, I believe many of the composers here used the saxophone at least once in their music. This is certainly true of Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel and Villa-Lobos. (Villa-Lobos used the saxophone in at least 40 works!)

What am I missing?.......2003-12-19

I think it is very admirable that Marsalis has attempted to produce a classical CD, however, this is not the sublime, masterpiece that so many previous reviewers have labelled it. His tone is particularly unstable, and not very even, his soprano playing is miles better than his alto however. This is a real shame, as the primary solo instrument in the saxophone family is the alto, anyone beginning study in classical saxophone would need to get this sorted first. His tuning is barely acceptable, but only for a jazzo, he would be shot if he played so out for a real saxophone teacher. Please have a listen to some real repertoire for saxophone, played by a real player, such as Bornkamp, Rousseau, Delangle, Fourmeau, Michat, Londeix, etc. This is a good INTRODUCTION to classical music, if for the first time, but please don't accept this as being the be all and end all of classical music, and of saxophone.

Beautiful!!.......2003-03-17

I hae been a fan of Branford Marsalis for a while, but I had no idea that he had created a classical album. All of the songs are beautifully rendered. This CD is a treasure at any price.

Average customer rating:

If Music Could Spin the World...
An enjoyable CD
no sophomore slump here
Different and inspiring!
Dual Disc

No Boundaries

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The 5 Browns
No Boundaries
The 5 Browns
Memory [Includes Bonus CD]
Romance Of The Violin (Live From New York In Concert)

ASIN: B000ELJB0A
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue
Malaguena from Andalucia Suite
Simple Gifts/Going Home; Shaker Hymn\ Going Home
Full Stride Ahead (Rag)
Feria from Rapsodie Espagnole
Gargoyles, Op. 29; III. Allegro moderato
Gargoyles, Op. 29; IV. Presto feroce
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
Variations on a Theme of Paganini
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; I. Danza del viejo boyero (Dance of the Old Cowherd)
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; II. Danza de la mozo donosa (Dance of the Delightful Young Girl)
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2; III. Danza del gaucho matrero (Dance of the Artful Herdsman)
Valse and Romance; Valse
Valse and Romance; Romance
The Firebird (from the 1911 Version)

Amazon.com

This piano-playing team of five siblings could be easily dismissed as just another crossover ploy, but that would be a mistake. My initial surprise turned into an hour of pleasant listening and, on rehearings, to admiration for this unique ensemble of talented young artists. For one thing, they've got the chops to bring off some fiendishly difficult works. Listen to the way sisters Desirae and Deondra tackle modernist Witold Lutoslawski's Variations on a Theme of Paganini, or brother Ryan's colorful romp through Ginastera's tricky dance rhythms. The fivesome also achieve carefully balances in their concerted works, with a scrupulously turned version of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and their arrangement of highlights from Stravinsky's Firebird. Those in doubt should hear tracks two through four, for irresistible versions of Lecouna's popular Malaguena, a fetching combination of Dvorak and Copland, and a piano rag by John Novacek. A delightful, spirited disc that never fails to please. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

If Music Could Spin the World..........2006-12-05

...this CD would have our planet twirling voraciously. The Browns are back, and they're as stunning as ever. The brilliant fivesome (Desirae, Deondra, Gregory, Melody, and Ryan) simply shine in this recording. Their first recording was absoulutely breathtaking, but you could sense a cautious sort of "nervousness." The 5 Browns have overcome all caution, nervous or naught, and whiz confidently through dazzling solos, duets, and, of course, quintets. The highlights of this CD for me personally were 1) The 5 piano Rhapsody in Blue 2) Malaguena, performed by the lovely Brown brothers 3) Last but DEFINATELY not least, the 5 piano interpretation of Stravinsky's Firebird. Oh, I cannot convey to you the power and incandescent beauty of 'The Firebird,' especially on 5 pianos! 'The Firebird' alone makes this CD a winner. Other than that, frankly, I didn't get all excited about the other tracks. The Argentinian Dances are quite masterfully performed by Ryan, and I very much enjoyed Desirae and Deondra's (the inseparable duoists) 'Variations on a Theme of Paganini." This is not to be confused with the immensely popular 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini'(composed by the incomparable Rachmaninoff.) All in all, if you enjoy a twist (but a respectful twist) on the world's greatest music, you will enjoy the power that's contained in this little Dual Discer.
(As a closing note, the video side of the disc is very entertaining, including music videos of Rhap in Blue, Simple Gifts, and The Firebird. Of course they cut the clips a bit, and I won't say it isn't noticeable, but boy is it cool to see the 5 in action!)

An enjoyable CD.......2006-08-05

I would have to say that I was absolutely amazed with this CD. I'm usually not the type of person who would listen to classical music, but I thoroughly loved it. I love playing it in the car on the way to class; it gets me relaxed. Buy 'No Boundaries'!! You will not regret it!

no sophomore slump here.......2006-08-04

I had always been a little bored by music for 2 or more pianos, but this disc changed my mind -- very exciting!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting The 5 Browns - what a nice bunch. They are all very talented, but the sum is even better than the parts -- what playing & what great enthusiasm. They obviously have fun making music together and they have the chops to make it exciting for the listener. Especially fun are Rhapsody in Blue and the excerpts from the Firebird. The DVD video bits are a nice bonus.

I'm waiting impatiently for their next disc.

Different and inspiring!.......2006-06-22

Well, I must say that I enjoyed this second CD better than the first one. There was more variety and I loved the arrangements for 5 pianos! As a teen classical pianist, it is cool to see someone finally making classical music fun and interesting. They have re-inspired me and my love for classical music!

Dual Disc.......2006-06-21

I really enjoyed the DualDisc version. Being able to see the 5 Browns playing adds so much. This is a wonderful disk. A great gift to introduce younger and older audiences to classical music!

Average customer rating:

If stranded on an island and had one disc...
Truly inspired collection
Encore! Encore!
Encore! Encore!
Surprised and ... inspired

Classical Dreams: Music to Inspire

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Cathedral Dreams: Music to Inspire
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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Modern Times

ASIN: B00005Q467
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane - Paul Tortelier
The Planets: Venus - Sir Charles Mackerras
Old And Lost Rivers - Christoph Eschenbach
Prld To The Afternoon Of A Faun - Dmitri Kitaenko
Summer Pastorale - Jesus Lopez-Cobos
Masques Et Bergamasques: Pastorale - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Summa - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle - Sir Charles Mackerras
The Wounded Heart - Jonathan Rees
Ser in e: Larghetto - Andrew Litton

Tracks:

Apollon Musagete: The Birth Of Apollo - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Adagio for Strings - City Of London Sinfonia
The Swan Of Tuonela - Paavo Jarvi
Enigma Vars: Nimrod - RPO/Andrew Litton
Petite Ste: En Bateau (Orch. Busser) - Jean-Bernard Pommier
Holberg Ste: Air - Jonathan Rees
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Christopher Warren-Green
Gymnopedie No. 3 - Paul Tortelier
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Jukka-Pekka Saraste
The Last Spring - Jonathan Rees
Thais: Meditation (From Thais) - Paul Tortelier
Vocalise - Andrew Litton
Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden - Dmitri Kitaenko
Antiphon: Ecce Annuntio Vobis - Dominique Vellard

Customer Reviews:

If stranded on an island and had one disc..........2006-01-23

I'd be tempted to make this the one, and I own over 2,000. I agree with what has been said above, but have a few thoughts of my own. I live near a major city with a known orchestra. Why are classical audienced declining? Maybe they're overplaying hackneyed works, and not playing some neglected masterpieces. In this double album there are some well known works, but some exquisite finds, like Picker's Old and Lost Rivers, Honegger's Pastorale, Arvo Part's Summa (!!!). Most highly recommended, with a good bottle of red wine.

Truly inspired collection.......2004-12-07

I came upon this compilation while researching a somewhat obscure piece called "Summer Pastorale", which is contained in the collection. One look at the play list and I was sold - here were most of my favorite tone poems, adagios, and assorted short works, all on one CD (OK, two CD's...)

Another gem here that I had never heard before is Pick's "Old and Lost Rivers". Ravel's final movement from Mother Goose is one of his best orchestrations and at the top of my 'A' list.

About the only pieces I missed here were Debussy's Engulfed Cathedral and Respighi's fourth church window, St. Gregory the Great. Perhaps they would be a bit too dramatic for this collection, though.

The only shortcoming of this collection is the lack of liner notes, but this is a minor issue. The music is superb.

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc that passes muster with neophytes and long time classical music lovers alike. I humbly suggest -- make that BEG -- that Virgin Classics turn "Classical Dreams" into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical collection I have yet heard. Encore!

Encore! Encore!.......2004-06-17

Like a few other reviewers here, I purchased this disc for Tobias Picker's miraculous (and criminally underrated) "Old and Lost Rivers." But from the Gregorian chants that open this two-CD set to the closing strains of Ravel's "Mother Goose: The Fairy Garden," I was absolutely captivated by the beauty and cohesiveness of this compilation. Producer Robert Laporta has created a disc both neophytes and long time classical music lovers can approve of. I humbly suggest that Virgin Classics turn Classical Dreams into a series. I would love to hear a second volume featuring such favorites as the BBC Symphony Orchestra's interpretation of Delius' "On Hearing the 1st Cuckoo In Spring," the Royal Philharmonic's version of Vaughan Williams' "Fantastia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and the London Symphony's recording of Vaughan Williams' "Symphony No. 3 Pastoral" (Andre Previn conducting both Vaughan Williams' selections). By far, this is the finest classical compilation I have yet heard. Encore!

Surprised and ... inspired.......2002-05-10

What a pleasant surprise this double CD turned out to be. I bought it used just for Picker's gorgeous and poetic "Old and Lost Rivers" but fell in love with the whole thing. I'm not usully one for "Best Of ---" or themed classical collections, but this one's in a class by itself. The selections are unusual and achingly lovely in themselves and as a whole. This is my new favorite disk. It's a relaxation or concentration tool... hell, it's a companion - it goes wherever my laptop and headphones go. You get over two hours of gorgeous and lyrical - never mushy, sentimental or tired - classical music, the perfect backdrop for everything from dinner dates to writing code. This CD has added sustained moments of beauty and poise to a busy life - which is more than I could have asked for!

Average customer rating:

The Greatest Music CD there Ever Was

25 Romantic Moods

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000058IO
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

Gymnopedie No. 1 - Frank Glazer
Intermezzo - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Nocturne - Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Rustle Of Spring - Dubravka Tomsic
Entr'acte - Peter Maag
Dawn - Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Introduction & Allegro Harp/Flute/Strings - Helga Storck
Au Bord D'une Source - Jerome Rose
Un Sospiro - Jerome Rose
Scherzo - Abbey Simon
1. Allegro Piacevole - Hamburg Symphony
Etude In A Flat Major Op. 25 No. 1 - Abbey Simon
Kinderszenen IV - Walter Klien
Adagio - Leonard Slatkin
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Minnesota Orchestra
Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant - Minnesota Orchestra
Montagues & Capulets - Minnesota Orchestra
The Lovers Before Parting - Minnesota Orchestra
Adagio - George Silfies
Morning Mood - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Notturno - Utah Symphony Orchestra
Nimrod From Enigma Variations - London Symphony Orchestra
Etude In C Major Op. 10 No. 1 - Abbey Simon
Jupiter - Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Finale - Minnesota Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Music CD there Ever Was.......2006-05-10

I am a boy who dislikes Romantic Music. I love video game music. But this CD whisked my heart away, and now that I have lost my copy, I have longed deeply for the days--just two years ago--that I listened to this CD endlessly. A beautiful alignment in music will capture you in a trance like now other--from the haunting tones of the Intermezzo, to the forceful Monteques & Capulets. I'm not so keen on what comes after Monteques & Capulets, but nonetheless, this is a CD to end all CDs. I recommend it to anybody who simply likes to listen to music without words! Just listen to it while doing something else; maybe with headphones. Enjoy, relax, and feel the songs travelling through you.

Decca Recordings, 1965-1972 (Limited Edition)

Average customer rating:

Stokowski in Phase 4 land, Vol. 1
Stupendous Stokowski

Decca Recordings, 1965-1972 (Limited Edition)

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Original Masters: Leopold Stokowski: Decca Recordings 1964-1975 [BOX SET]
Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964
Ernest Ansermet: Decca Recordings 1953-1967
CARL SCHURICHT Decca Recordings 1949-1956
Dvorak: Symphony No7;Symphony No8;Symphony No9

ASIN: B0000B0A0P
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Customer Reviews:

Stokowski in Phase 4 land, Vol. 1.......2006-09-22

Decca has pulled a lot of Stokowski's gaudy Phase 4 recordings off the market so that they can reappear in this box set, but the company had already licensed many out to another label, Cala, that specializes in all things Stokowski. So if you pick and choose, you can buy your favorites recordings individually with a little effort. Of the two volumes in the Original Masters series, this one is the more interesting musically.

For one thing, it features two of the conductor's great strengths: his incomparable Bach transcriptions (no one else performs them with the same total commitment) and his Debussy and Ravel. Admittedly, this La Mer and Daphnis and Chloes have been multi-miked within an inch of their lives, and neither represents Stokowski as wonderuflly as his EMI Debussy collection, but if you love the old magician, you'll love these readings.

Aslo very appealing are the Enigma Variations, which Stokowski recorded only once, and the Franck D minor Sym., though don't expect world-class execution in either case. Stokowski championed early Messiaen in l'Ascension, and here is his last version, along with a swooning and seductive Scriabin Poeme d'Extase.

You have to adore recorded excess to swallow this Symphonie fantastique and Firebird, both gorgeous in a kind of Las Vegas neon billboard sort of way. But for geneations of listeners, that's what Stokowski is all about. What he's not about, sadly, is the wretchedly eccentric and nearly unlistenable Tchaikovsky Fifth Sym., the only performance in this whole set that made me hold my nose.

In all, thee are enough goodie here to justify buying the whole box, unless you want to pick and choose, in which case turn to Cala's excellent reissues.

Stupendous Stokowski.......2004-03-30

This five disc box set featuring the Decca Recordings (1965-72) of conductor Leopold Stokowski is among the latest batch of releases in the limited edition "Original Masters" series. While parts of this particular collection have been available on CD in the past (in the old "Phase 4" and "Weekend Classics" series), some of this material is being made available for the first time internationally. Those performances include Franck's Symphony (Hilversium RPO, 1970), Elgar's Enigma Variations (Czech PO, 1972), Ravel's "Fanfare" (Hilversium, 1970) and Messiaen's "L'Ascension" (London SO, 1970). Other highlights include an entire disc (CD1) of Stokowski's Transcriptions, and a delightful reading of Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" with the New Philharmonia Orchestra from 1968. In all, another great set in the "Original Masters" series.

Average customer rating:

Super-human virtuosity of young Horowitz

Recordings 1930-1951

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Horowitz Plays Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Prokofiev, and others

ASIN: B000002S1W
Release Date: 1990-07-18

Tracks:

Choral Prld, BWV 734: Nun freut euch, leiben Christen
Son in b, KK 87
Son in G, KK 87
Son in a, KK 188
Son in A, KK 188
Son in E flat
Etude in c#, Op.10
Etude in G flat, Op.10
Etude in F, Op.10
Etude in F, Op.25
Impromptu in A flat, Op.29
Nocturne in e, Op.72
Mazurka in f, Op.7
Mazurka in e, Op.41
Mazurka in c#, Op. 50
Mazurka in E, Op. 54
Etude No.11: 'pour les arpeges composes'
Pastourelle (L'Eventail de Jeanne, No.8)
Toccata (3 peices for pno, No.2)

Tracks:

32 Vars in c, WO 80
Arabeske, Op.18
Toccata in C, Op.7
Traumeswirren (Fantasiestucke Op.12 No.7)
Presto passionato (Original Finale of Son No.2 Op.22)
Funerailles (Harmonies poetiques et religieuses, No.7)
Son in b

Tracks:

Con for pno in d, No.3 Op.30: I. Allegro
Con for pno in d, No.3 Op.30: II. Intermezzo-Adagio
Con for pno in d, No.3 Op.30: III. Finale (Alla breve)
Prld in g, Op.23 No.5
The Flight of the Bumble-Bee
Petrouchka: Danse Russe
Toccata, Op. 11

Amazon.com

The drawback to this comprehensive feast of prime Vladimir Horowitz is EMI's overzealous noise reduction, which smoothes the edges off of the great pianist's unique sonority. This is less bothersome in the 1951 sessions, which produced two delicious Scarlatti Sonatas not reissued elsewhere. The high-voltage Horowitz of the thirties was a more direct, less mannered artist than his older self. But his classic Liszt Sonata, Chopin Fourth Scherzo, and other solo EMI jewels are best heard via APR's superior (albeit more expensive) transfers. This erratic but exciting Rach 3 (with cuts, and a momentary third movement memory lapse) still awaits a CD transfer to match that of a bygone Seraphim LP. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Super-human virtuosity of young Horowitz.......2007-06-15

I give 5 stars for this 3CD set despite the old recording sound. Sound of piano itself is reasonably well for the day once you are used to the background noise, good enough to convey the subtlty and delicacy of his playing.

Prokofiev's Toccata is still fastest and most exciting on records, verging on super-human. Rachmaninov's 3rd concerto is the best performance by Horowitz with more argency and intensity than his later recordings. The incandescent account of Liszt Sonata is one of the most compelling and beautiful along side Richter and Pogorelich's classic accounts.

Haydn and Scarlatti sonatas, Beethoven variations, Schumann's Toccata, Chopin Etudes, Stravinsky's Petrushka and so much more display Horowitz' keen sense of tonal colours and mind blowing fluency of playing.

Average customer rating:

Hot - Music for Clarinet
Joseph Horovitz , Claude Debussy , Serban Nichifor , Sergey Rachmaninov , Carl Maria von Weber , Igor Stravinsky , Luigi Bassi , Darius Milhaud , George Gershwin , Andrew Simon , and John Klibonoff
Manufacturer: MSR Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD