Mendelssohn: Incidental Music To A Midsummer Night's Dream/Octet, Op.20

On this CD:

1. A Midsummer Night's Dream, overture, Op. 21
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra with Edna Phillips
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

2. A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61 Op. 61
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra with Edna Phillips
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

3. Octet for strings in E flat major, Op. 20
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

Mendelssohn: Incidental Music To A Midsummer Night's Dream/Octet, Op.20, Music, Felix Mendelssohn, Arturo Toscanini, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Edna Phillips, Chamber, Classical, Classical Music, Octet for Eight String Instruments, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra, Romantic Overture for Orchestra
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Uneven quality but great value
  • A superb collection of Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

OctetsOctets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
QuintetsQuintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Theatrical, Incidental & Program MusicTheatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ClarinetClarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
CelloCello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolaViola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PsalmsPsalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Te DeumTe Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Blowout Box SetsBlowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 20% OffMore Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Mendelssohn, FelixMendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
  2. Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
  3. Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
  4. Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]
  5. Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

5 out of 5 stars A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.
Dream Melodies, Vols. 6-10 (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Dream Melodies, Vols. 6-10 (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Delta
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    OctetsOctets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by DebussyAll Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Grieg, EdvardGrieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Michael HaydnAll Works by Michael Haydn | Haydn, Michael | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by LisztAll Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by LortzingAll Works by Lortzing | Lortzing, Albert | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MascagniAll Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MassenetAll Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartAll Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PonchielliAll Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by RubinsteinAll Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SarasateAll Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by VerdiAll Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by WeberAll Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    EtudesEtudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    RondosRondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    BagatellesBagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    ImpromptusImpromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    IntermezzosIntermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Theatrical, Incidental & Program MusicTheatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
    Bargain Box SetsBargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    Bargain Box SetsBargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    ASIN: B000001W1F
    Release Date: 1992-07-10

    Tracks:

    1. 'Moonlight' Son: Adagio Sostenuto - Evelyne Dubourg
    2. Kinderscenen: Traumerei - Evelyne Dubourg
    3. Liebestraum No.3 - Donatella Failoni
    4. Fur Elise - Evelyne Dubourg
    5. Impromptu in A-flat, D 935 No.2 - Evelyne Dubourg
    6. The Merry Peasant - Evelyne Dubourg
    7. Intermezzo in E-flat - Andreas Pistorius
    8. Nocturne in c-sharp - Evelyne Dubourg
    9. Romance in F-sharp - Evelyne Dubourg
    10. Paganini Study No.3 'La Campanella' - Donatella Failoni
    11. Clair De Lune, From 'Ste Bergamasque' - Andreas Pistorius
    12. Waltz in A-flat - Evelyne Dubourg
    13. Son 123 Del Petrarca - Andreas Pistorius
    14. Invitation To The Dance - Evelyne Dubourg

    Tracks:

    1. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Franz Liszt CO/Janos Rolla
    2. Ser in C: Elegia - Berlin CO/Peter Wohlert
    3. Ser in E: Moderato - Berlin CO/Peter Wohlert
    4. Wind Ser in c: Andante - Budapest Wind Ens
    5. Ser in D: Aria. Andante - Virtuosi Saxoniae/Ludwig Guttler
    6. Ser in D, 'Ser Notturna': Rondeau. Allegretto - Berlin CO/Peter Wohlert
    7. Ser No.1 in D: Adagio Non Troppo - Luxembourg Radio and TV Orch/Leopold Hager
    8. Ser in C: Waltz - Berlin CO/Peter Wohlert
    9. Ser in E: Larghetto - Berlin CO/Peter Wohlert
    10. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Romance. Andante - Franz Liszt CO/Janos Rolla
    11. Op.3 No.5: Ser - Budapest Strs

    Tracks:

    1. Swan Lake: Scene - Bavarian RSO/Hans Vonk
    2. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March - Budapest PO/Janos Kovacs
    3. Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers - Staatkapelle Dresden/Hans Vonk
    4. Peer Gynt: Anitra's Dance - Budapest PO/Janos Sandor
    5. Rosamunde: Ballet Music in G - Budapest PO/Janos Kovacs
    6. Tsar And Carpenter: Clog Dance - Bratislava PO/Kurt Woss
    7. Coppelia: Czardas - Berlin RSO/Heinz Fricke
    8. Eugene Onegin: Waltz - Staatskapelle Dresden/Hans Vonk
    9. L'Arlesienne: Farandole - Budapest PO/Janos Sandor
    10. La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours - Budapest PO/Andras Korodi
    11. The Sleeping Beauty: Pas D'Action. Adagio - Bavarian RSO/Hans Vonk
    12. Sylvia': Cortege De Bacchus - Budapest PO/Janos Sandor

    Tracks:

    1. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Budapest PO/Andras Korodi
    2. The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle - Budapest PO/Janos Sandor
    3. Thais: Meditation - Budapest PO/Andras Korodi
    4. Carmen: Intermezzo - Budapest PO/Janos Sandor
    5. Madame Butterfly: Humming Chor - Sofia Nat Opr Chor
    6. La Traviata: Prld - Sofia SO/Vassil Stefanov
    7. The Valkyrie: Fire Magic - Budapest SO/Gyorgy Lehel
    8. Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Staatskapelle Dresden/Hans Vonk
    9. The Marriage Of Figaro: Ov - Staatskapelle Dresden/Hans Vonk
    10. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey - Vienna SO/Yuri Ahronovitch
    11. The Force Of Destiny: Ov - Sofia SO/Vassil Stefanov
    12. Lohengrin: Prelude - Budapest SO/Gyorgy Lehel

    Tracks:

    1. Humoresque - Budapest Strs
    2. Melody in F - Budapest Strs
    3. Ave Maria - Budapest Strs
    4. Norwegian Dance No.2 - Budapest Strs
    5. Caro Mio Ben - Budapest Strs
    6. Chanson Triste - Budapest Strs
    7. Spring Song - Budapest Strs
    8. Nocturne in E-flat - Budapest Strs
    9. German Dance No.1 - Budapest Strs
    10. Cradle Song - Budapest Strs
    11. Zigeunerweisen - Budapest Strs
    12. Minuet - Budapest Strs
    13. Romance - Budapest Strs
    14. Standchen - Budapest Strs
    15. Waltz - Budapest Strs
    16. Oct in E flat: Scherzo - Budapest Strs
    Mendelssohn: Incidental Music To A Midsummer Night's Dream/Octet, Op.20
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Magic Mendelssohn
    Mendelssohn: Incidental Music To A Midsummer Night's Dream/Octet, Op.20

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    OctetsOctets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante
    Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Theatrical, Incidental & Program MusicTheatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Toscanini, ArturoToscanini, Arturo | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony/Romeo and Juliet
    2. Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 101/Symphony No. 99/Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 84

    ASIN: B000003EXD
    Release Date: 1992-08-11

    Tracks:

    1. Overture - Edna Phillips
    2. Intermezzo - Edna Phillips
    3. Nocturne - Edna Phillips
    4. Scherzo - Edna Phillips
    5. Wedding March - Edna Phillips
    6. Finale - Edna Phillips
    7. Allegro Moderato Ma Con Fuoco - Arturo Toscanini
    8. Andante - Arturo Toscanini
    9. Scherzo: Allegro Leggierissmo - Arturo Toscanini
    10. Presto - Arturo Toscanini

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Magic Mendelssohn.......2006-02-21

    It's astonishing to realize that Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed the overture to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when he was only 17 years old. It is a strikingly mature work with brilliant writing for strings, much in the vein of the series of string symphonies he wrote during his teenage years. There is clearly magic in the overture, as well as the later incidental music he composed for the same classic play. (Erich Wolfgang Korngold arranged this music for Warner Brother's delightful 1935 film version of the play.)

    Mendlessohn's writing is at times very delicate and precise, which is so apparent in this 1947 Carnegie Hall recording with Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. There is also a relentless energy and drive, typical of Toscanini's conducting, without necessarily overwhelming the listener. In other words, the performance is NEVER heavy-handed, nor does it drag. It is an absolutely brilliant performance, filled with life and vigor.

    The earlier LP releases of these recordings suffered from RCA's decision to place the microphones far back in the historic auditorium. This frequently resulted in a shallow and distant sound that was particularly troublesome in the sections for the female vocalists and chorus. It was much like sitting in the very back of Carnegie Hall or even out in the lobby; only the louder sections were really clear. So much of the sound was muddy or indistinct.

    What can be heard today in the recordings is really marvelous. The fact that Toscanini included so much of the incidental music is amazing, since the recordings were made in the 78-rpm era (1947). One would have to listen to the much later recording by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, along with soloists and chorus, to hear more of Mendelssohn's amazing music, also recorded for RCA Victor.

    The incidental music was written years after the overture, but Mendelssohn managed to match the same magical sound he had achieved earlier. He recogni0zed the mysterious and delightful qualities of Shakespeare's comic play. Mendelssohn even represented Bottom's fate of being turned into a donkey by using a braying sound, particularly during the overture.

    The scherzo is especially delightful and has more relentless energy than his two recordings with the New York Philharmonic. The nocture, also recorded with the Philharmonic, is quite moving. There is a sadness at times in this music, while other moments have a nobility and dignity that is particularly poignant in Toscanini's hands.

    The celebrated wedding march has seldom sounded more spectacular and imposing than in this recording. Despite the distant miking, the full effects of this music, complete with clashing cymbals, comes across. During the more lyrical bridge section one can hear Toscanini humming, an example of his deep involvement with the music.

    Toscanini's recording with the Philadelphia Orchestra of much of the same music comes close to the overwhelming efforts of the NBC Symphony. The vocal sections are much clearer and one can clearly understand the English words, which are actually translated from the German text (a translation from Shakespeare's original text that Mendelssohn used).

    Overall, this is a very fine performance and has clearly benefited from digital technology.

    The music of Mendelssohn's Octet, here arranged by Toscanini for the NBC Symphony's celebrated string section, goes well with the overture and incidental music. The scherzo rivals that of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It is quite a challenge to play this music at the lightning speed requested by Mendelssohn. Here is clear documentation of the fine playing by Toscanini's string players. A former concert cellist, Toscanini never lost his love for the strings and his ability to coax precise and inspired playing for the strings.

    Music Review:

    1. Mozart: Quintet in A; Quartet in F
    2. Mozart: Sonatas For Piano And Violin/12 Variations
    3. Mozart: Sonatas, K306, K301, K378
    4. Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40, 41
    5. Ofra Harnoy Collection, Volume 6
    6. Pfitzner: Von deutscher Seele
    7. Piano Trio / Adagio
    8. Puccini, Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky
    9. Ravel: Boléro; Rapsodie espagnole
    10. Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Roman Festivals

    Music Review

    music review

    Music Review

    Home & Dry [CD-single] [Import]

    Rossini: The Supreme Operatic Recordings

    Mozart: Requiem Mass, K.626

    Skins

    Stir

    Las Clasicas [Original recording remastered]

    No Place So Far

    Nu-Clear Sounds [Import]

    Presenca Coral [Import]

    Piazzolla: Chamber Works

    Secrets of the Soul

    Pa' Curubande Yo Soy

    Power Movement

    Sunday Evening Songs Of Praise: Choral Expressions Of Faith

    Blessings of Liberty