Schubert: Piano Trio

On this CD:

1. Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat major, D. 929 (Op. 100)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by David Geringas, Gerhard Oppitz, Dmitry Sitkovetsky

2. Piano Trio in B flat major ("Sonatensatz"), D. 28
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by David Geringas, Gerhard Oppitz, Dmitry Sitkovetsky

Schubert: Piano Trio, Music, Franz Schubert, Gerhard Oppitz, Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Chamber, Classical, Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments

Franz Schubert: Complete Trios
Average customer rating:

A Hidden Gem Worth Taking Without Hesitation!

first CD best

A great way to buy Schubert's chamber music

Good, but too "intellectualized"

One Schubert CD YOU Should Get

Franz Schubert: Complete Trios

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Pressler, Menahem | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000417B
Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

String Trio In B Flat, D.581: I. Allegro moderato
String Trio In B Flat, D.581: II. Andante
String Trio In B Flat, D.581: III. Menuetto (Allegretto)
String Trio In B Flat, D.581: IV. Rondo (Allegretto)
String Trio In B Flat, D. 471--Allegro
Piano Trio In B Flat, D.898: I. Allegro moderato
Piano Trio In B Flat, D.898: II. Andante un poco mosso
Piano Trio In B Flat, D.898: III. Scherzo (Allegro)
Piano Trio In B Flat, D.898: IV. Rondo (Allegro vivace)

Tracks:

Piano Trio In E Flat, C.929: I. Allegro
Piano Trio In E Flat, C.929: II. Andante con moto
Piano Trio In E Flat, C.929: III. Scherzo (Allegro moderato)
Piano Trio In E Flat, C.929: IV. Allegro moderato
Piano Trio In One Movement In B Flat, D.28: Allegro
Adagio In E Flat, D.897

Amazon.com

Schubert's two piano trios are the products of his last years when, knowing that he was ill and dying, he still managed to produce dozens of songs and chamber music masterpieces, as well as pursue counterpoint studies and make plans for further orchestral and stage works. Add to this the earlier String Trio and a couple of miscellaneous single movements, and his output in "trio" form is complete. Both of the piano trios are typically large works, generously stuffed with first-rate tunes, some of which you may recognize without knowing exactly where they came from. These excellent performances at a "twofer" price offer the most convenient and cost effective way to get to know this marvelous music. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A Hidden Gem Worth Taking Without Hesitation!.......2005-10-21

The Grumiaux Trio and the Beaux Arts trio are highly respected groups in the domain of chamber music and rank as highly as groups such as the Guarneri Quartet. These earlier performances of Schubert are exquisite in their execution and the only defect here is perhaps a slightly reduced sound quality than your typical contemporary performances due to its age. This is barely noticeable however and this CD is really a steal for the price.

The trios of Schubert are a good way of exploring various periods of his life in which he composed drastically different arrangements. His Piano Trio D. 28 is a good example of his foundations in Mozart and early Beethoven until you reach his Piano Trio D. 929 (performed often in Kurbrick's 'Barry Lyndon') where Schubert explores much more on impressionistic themes than romantic ones. Such themes were only pursued later by composers such as Brahms and Schumann. Liszt's romanticism was also stongly influenced by both Beethoven and Schubert. Of the performances I really have nothing to say as they are simply flawless and there are few I could compare. The sound has some disadvantages but not really significant ones.

This is really a magnificent performance giving you Schubert's complete trios on two CDs. For the quality of performance you get it's a bargain. I am glad I got it as it was worth every dollar.

first CD best.......2005-10-03

I enjoyed the string trios and first piano trio far more than the piano trios on the second CD. Those pieces seemed to stretch Schubert's tendency to repeat sections with slow development to the limit of my toleration. The recordings here are somewhat distant at times but the individual instruments are easy to discern. My comment above about the compositions reflects personal taste -- reasons I generally prefer Beethoven to Schubert. If the pace of his development is to your liking you might very well consider this a "5 star" recording. Recommended with some reservations.

A great way to buy Schubert's chamber music.......2005-08-03

A wonderful 2 CD set of Schubert's trios played by excellent musicians. I particularly like the Beaux Arts Trio and their playing of the piano trios. A great way to consolidate your collection.

Good, but too "intellectualized".......2002-08-20

This is an excellent CD to have; the Beaux Arts Trio is excellent, but sometimes their interpretation is too intellectual and doesn't care enough for the beauty of Schubert's melodies. For example, in the second movement of Schubert E flat Piano trio, the gorgeous solo, the accompaniment to the gorgeous cello solo, then piano solo, is staccato, which takes much of the beauty out of this gorgeous section. I could picture the three guys sitting there and saying, "The melody line is long, so we should make the accompaniment short." When this melody recurs in the fourth movement, it's played much much much too quickly, again taking the beauty, the melancholy out of it. It's clear in those gorgeous waterfall-like descending chords on the piano that Pressler is racing and shouldn't be. After the solo in the second movement, the violin gets too staccato and makes part of the piece unbearably corny, particularly during the fortissimo parts. The B flat in particular tends to race. However, the playing is still very expressive; Pressler in particular and Greenhouse next. I reccomend this CD very highly.

One Schubert CD YOU Should Get.......2001-04-23

There just doesn't seem to be quite the equal for their interpretations of the classical repertoire, but even among the numerous remarkable recordings the Beaux Arts Trio has produced, this gorgeous rendering of Schubert decisively stands out.

Trio No.1 in B flat Major is my favourite pick, with all of its very expansive movements (length-wise, rather than musically, which often make the piece sound boring in lesser hands) treated with extremely delicate and tasteful pacings. One more thing that is very noticeable is the lyricism of the cello tone that almost resembles that of a human voice; it is so light and transparent, as perfectly exhibited in the second movement of the Trio No.1, that at times it could be mistaken for violin.

This is one Schubert recording you should not miss, and I actually think I like this more than the overplayed (although very much deservedly) Trout Quintet. Enjoy!

Schubert: The Piano Trios
Average customer rating:

Those who criticize the sound quality ...

Performed with real gusto!

PURE MUSIC MAGIC

Schubert: The Piano Trios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell

ASIN: B0000042HH
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Trio In B Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 99, D898: I. Allegro moderato
Trio In B Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 99, D898: II. Andante un poco mosso
Trio In B Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 99, D898: III. Scherzo: Allegro - Trio
Trio In B Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 99, D898: IV. Rondo: Allegro vivace - Presto

Tracks:

Trio In E Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 100, D898: I. Allegro
Trio In E Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 100, D898: II. Andante con moto
Trio In E Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 100, D898: III. Scherzandro: Allegro moderato - Trio
Trio In E Flat Major For Piano, Violin And Cello, Op. 100, D898: IV. Allegro moderato

Customer Reviews:

Those who criticize the sound quality ..........2004-12-26

clearly have wax in their ears/speakers. Through a high fidelity system of any reasonable quality, these recordings sound warm, glorious, superb. And, of course, these compositions are performed in a manner that matches their quality. Among Schubert's best works, in my opinion.

Enjoy!

Performed with real gusto!.......2004-05-16

This recording of Schubert's two piano trios (the only two he wrote) is a real joy. Three masters of the trade provide a classy, lively, lyrical performance that is just full of enthusiasm and gusto (especially the B flat D898).

I admit that I have not heard the two higher-priced recordings recommended by Gramophone, but I'd be very surprised if anyone could top this performance. This is one of my most frequently played CD sets -- for good reason. [I say much the same about the Mozart Piano Quartets recording on Naxos, for the same reasons.]

PURE MUSIC MAGIC.......2002-10-31

THESE TWO PIANO TRIOS ARE THE BEST EVER COMPOSED FOR THE VIOLIN, CELLO, AND PIANO. SCHUBERTS MELODIC GENIUS IS ON DISPLAY IN THESE WORKS. ASHKENAZYS KEYBOARD TEMPO IS PERFECT AND ZUKERMANS PLAYING IS WARM AND BRILLIANT. HARRELLS CELLO SOUNDS RICH AND FULL. FANS OF STANLEY KUBRICKS FILM BARRY LYNDON WILL RECALL HIS USE OF THE SECOND MOVEMENT OF THE E FLAT MAJOR IN THE DELIBERATELY PACED DRAWING ROOM SCENES. THE MUSIC FIT PERFECTLY. THE SLOW MOVEMENT THEME RETURNS IN THE FINAL MOVEMENT TO CONTRAST WITH A ROCKING, LIVELY ALLEGRO. THE B FLAT MAJOR OPENS WITH A BEETHOVEN LIKE HEROIC THEME AND IS FOLLOWED BY ONE OF SCHUBERTS MOST EXPRESSIVE MELODIES. A BOUNCY SCHERZO IS THEN FOLLOWED BY A WELL CONSTRUCTED RONDO THAT IS A FINE ENDING TO A GREAT PIECE OF MUSIC. BUYING THESE TOGETHER IN THIS TWO CD CASE IS BEST. THEY WERE ALWAYS SPLIT UP TILL NOW. SCHUBERT ROCKS!!

Average customer rating:

Music for Thinking
A nice sound, not enough clarity

Music for Thinking

Manufacturer: Advanced Brain Techno
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Music for Concentration
Music for Learning
Music for Productivity
Music for Motivation
Music to De-Stress

ASIN: B00004NS1E
Release Date: 2000-01-26

Tracks:

Beethoven: Adagio
Debussy: Variations
Lawrence: Test of the Heart
Beethoven: Variations
Schubert: Variations
Debussy: Reverie
Brahms: Andante
Schubert: Andante
Massenet: Meditation

Album Description

Music for Thinking is designed to enhance your concentration and energize your thought processes. Consisting of psychoacoustically-refined classical masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Massenet, Schubert, and Lawrence, instrumentation includes string quintet, woodwinds, and piano. With rhythms alternating between 50-70 beats per minute, this recording naturally invites brainwaves to patterns conducive to maximized focus.

Customer Reviews:

Music for Thinking.......2002-02-28

Music for Thinking should be considered a MUST HAVE!! The recordings are beautiful, and can be played continuosly in the backgroung while you are writing, reading, or studying. I find Music for Thinking to be VERY effective and can be played all day long. I use this CD to create a condusive study and work environment!

A nice sound, not enough clarity.......2000-07-11

If you are looking for something to make you think at a higher level, then this is not your album. The music on this CD is familiar to anyone who enjoys classical music. And I will admit that it does provide the correct setting for focusing on a task. I only wish that the clarity of the recording was more pure. The first time that I played this CD I wondered if my equalizer had been bumped; the songs sounded flat. In any event, if you are looking for a nice blend of classical music, something to provide a calm atmosphere, this is an excellent choice.

Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat

Average customer rating:

A treasure for all time.
Amusing golden musical treasures!
Good music, bad sound quality
The joy of pure music making!
The greatest of all trios

Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat
Cortot-Thibaud-Casals Trio
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K4FL
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': I: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': II: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': III: Andante cantabile ma pero moto
Piano Trio In B Flat, Op.97 'Archduke': IV: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: I: Allegro moderato
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: II: Andante un poco mosso
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: III: Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio
Piano Trio No.1 In B Flat, D.898: IV: Rondo (Allegro vivace - Presto)

Amazon.com essential recording

More than 70 years have passed since the Cortot-Thibaud-Casals trio waxed the Schubert B flat and Beethoven Archduke trios. Both recordings were hailed as classics in the early days of electrical recording and have enjoyed numerous incarnations on LP and CD. Even if you already own these performances, you honestly haven't heard them until you experience these new restorations. The effect is not unlike washing your eyeglasses. All the surface snap, crackle, and swish has been tamed, but more room tone emerges along with long-buried, intermingling overtones from all three instruments. There's more tempo fluctuation than modern ears may be accustomed to, along with Thibaud's slippery portamentos. Yet these devices are channeled toward specific expressive ends. Mannered they may seem, but indulgent, never. And listeners used to Cortot's freewheeling approach to solo repertoire will be surprised at how much he behaves himself in a chamber music context. Write, petition, call, beg, cajole, do anything to induce EMI to bring out the remainder of this trio's recorded output in equally amazing transfers. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

A treasure for all time........2006-10-30

These performances have stood the test of time, without relying on dazzling virtuosity or technique, or reaching for effect. Nothing but affectionate musicianship.

Amusing golden musical treasures!.......2004-08-24

No matter if the sound is not the best . You and me know the meaning of these recordings . The pleasure of enjoying such trio with this giant trio Thibaud , Cortot and Casals makes you soon forget the delightful sound of DDD for instance .
The Archiduke is plenty of soverignity . However I rather prefer the recording of 1960 with Casals (84) , Vegh and Horszowski .
Nevertheless this commented version is much more lyrical than the sixties . Thibaud with his flamboyant and nuance vibrato literally sings all along the work , Casals is the real master and commander in this performing and Cortot knows how enter with his cantabile without forcing or shade the principal voice .
The Schubert trio is anthological . To me it was the best recording till that overwhelming version of Stern , Istomin and Rose . You may well consider both of them as one two winners in all the discography .
This album is really a treasure file .
Casals was the most gifted musician - plenty of commitment and mercurial magnetism - in all the XX century . He was the Midas musician for excellence!

Good music, bad sound quality.......2004-02-26

This is indeed wonderful music and they do it right. The Schubert Trio No 1 is clearly played better than the Archduke. You can feel on piece that they really enjoy playing together.
The only drawback, which I find quite anoying, is the sound quality which is close to terrible. If you listen to it through headphones, the noise becomes overwhelming. It definitely worths as a document, not clear if it worths as a music record.

The joy of pure music making!.......2003-09-29

To me, this is what music making is all about.

The performance of Archduke on this disc is so loyal, so friendly, so charming and so so musical that one feels as though they are sitting down for an intimate exchange with the Old World herself.

Enjoy!

The greatest of all trios.......2003-09-29

When Alfred Cortot, Jaques Thibaud and Pablo Casals formed their trio in 1905, their intention was simply to make music together as three friends, each with a very busy solo career to maintain. They became, for reasons which the present recordings make very clear, THE trio. It was indeed fortunate that, after twenty years of their performing for one month out of each year together, the Gramophone Company persuaded them to commit a small representative selection of their repertoire to the new medium of "electrical" recording, introduced in 1925. It was this new medium which made the recording of chamber music viable for the first time.

The first recording to be made was also the best: the legendary Schubert trio Op. 99. Not only did it have the very real advantage of being recorded in London's Kingsway Hall, but the Cortot-Thibaud-Casals trio over twenty years had obviously made the piece their own. Of all the performances they committed to wax, this was the only one to be recorded without any re-taking. This means that the first "take" of each 4 minute side was the one that was released. This was certainly not true for Beethoven's "Archduke", which required many takes for a number of the sides. Clearly, they found this piece more difficult to penetrate.

The characteristics of this trio which made them great - far greater as chamber musicians than, for example, great virtuosi such as Heifetz, Rubinstein and Feuermann (who also recorded as a trio) - were their exemplary sense of give and take, their expressive range and their miraculous rhythmic flexibility. Just listen to Thibaud's marvellous tone in the slow movement of the Schubert - his use of vibrato ranges all the way from none (the very last note!) to continuous expressive vibrato where it's warranted. Casals plays sthe cello in every style possible, from non-vibrato "continuo" style to the expressive manner befitting the soloist. Both string players are not shy of portamenti, so uncommon in our modern clinical age, but to them (and probably to Schubert and Beethoven) an essential expressive device. Cortot is the glue that binds it all together. The wonderful flexibility displayed by each player also underscores another characteristic of this trio - a real sense of the music's structure and design. Clearly, these players knew each part of these trios, and not only their own.

Just listen to this particular transfer: the Kingsway Hall (Schubert) sounds marvellous and the tone of Cortot's piano (a beautiful instrument, impeccably tuned, by the way) is pure magic. The ear adjusts quickly to the recorded sounds of 1926 and 1928. There are innumerable features which make this recording great and it's futile to attempt to list them there. Much better to invest in a copy instead. If I were attempting to demonstrate great musicianship to a younger student, in ways that cannot be conveyed in words, I'd simply play them this recording of the Schubert. It speaks for itself and it's no accident that it has never been out of circulation since 1926.

The Archduke trio also provides compelling music making, although the sound (not recorded in the Kingsway, unfortunately) is not as good as that of the Schubert of two years before. Actually, for my money, part of the problem is with the work itself - it just doesn't seem to have the same tightness and unity as the Schubert. Cortot is also a little more prone to his famous penchant for hitting wrong notes, but it really doesn't matter: the music's all there.

Tracks:

Bach: Arioso
Beethoven: Adagio
Chopin: Largo
Corelli: Adagio
Schubert: Piano Trio
Bach: Air
Bach: Concerto
Vivaldi: Largo
Schumann: Traumerei
Bach: Arioso with Ensemble

Album Description

Music to Relax is designed to create space to calm the mind and unwind the body. Simplified harmonies, the mid-range sounds of the viola, alto flute, cello, and piano, and elegant compositions make this an exceptionally peaceful and fulfilling listening experience. Improvised classical music is quite rare. However, in the hands of sensitive and skilled craftsmen, we now have the opportunity to experience what was commonly done in the time of the original composers. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and their contemporaries were highly respected for improvisational skills and adaptations of other composer's music.

Customer Reviews:

Great alternative--.......2007-06-07

We first heard selections from this CD on Internet Radio one evening at home. My wife enjoyed them so much she began requesting to hear them every night before bedtime. We both find the CD very relaxing and calming, just the thing after we've had a long day at work. Don't look for technical perfection here, that's not what this is about. It's about enjoyment of the music for the pure music's sake. Kids can "tolerate the grown-up music" and begin their appreciation of the classics in a very unobtrusive way. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a wonderful alternative to the fully orchestrated versions of these pieces.

Music to Relax...JUST LISTEN!.......2002-02-28

I have found Music to Relax to be so enjoyable. It creates such a comfortable mood in my home. Our family is large, and to have this beautiful music playing in the background is so peaceful for all of us. It's also great to listen to while you read or just need to Relax! It really works!

Average customer rating:

Volodos
Warning: Saddening waste of technical gifts
superlatives fail
Mind-shatteringly superb
S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R

Piano Transcriptions / Arcadi Volodos
Arcadi Volodos , Vladimir Horowitz , Sergey Rachmaninov , Franz Liszt , Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov , Sergey Prokofiev , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Johann Sebastian Bach , and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Volodos Plays Liszt
Schubert: Solo Piano Works

ASIN: B0000029T8
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

Carmen Variations
Utro
Melodiya (Melody)
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Litanei (Litany)
Aufenthalt (Resting Place)
Liebesbotschaft (Love Message)
Flight Of The Bumblebee
Cinderella: Gavotte, Op. 95 No. 2
Orientale, Op. 97 No. 6
Valse, Op. 102 No. 1
Scherzo (Symphony No. 6)
Largo (Trio Sonata No. 5 BWV 529)
Turkish March

Amazon.com

Face it, anyone who can play Horowitz's fabled transcriptions or Cziffra's madcap interlocking octaves Flight of the Bumblebee will get attention. What is most impressive, though, is that Arcadi Volodos replicates the notes, but not the performances. His tempos and voicings are completely different, and just as valid, if not quite as coruscating as the originals. In other words, Volodos makes this repertoire his own, as well as the other selections on this well-recorded debut outing. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Volodos.......2007-06-08

The piano transcriptions are fantastic.
Volodos proves that he's a real genious and one of the best in the world today.

Warning: Saddening waste of technical gifts .......2007-02-06

I do not want to take away the pleasure of the many reviewers who have found this item a thrilling enjoyment. Only I want to issue a warning to all lovers of the art of the piano: Do not buy this album in the hope of hearing a worthy successor to such past Russian titans as Richter and Gilels! Volodos is easily their master in terms of blistering dexterity, power of attack and distinct arpeggios. Yet, in all other respects he is dwarfed by comparison. His playing, all in all, is egocentric, crude in terms of its conventionality of expression and bereft of the humour that might have made his incredibly overloaded arrangements truly delightful. Now, they are at most decent circus acts, leaving one to wonder how one man with only two hands can plays this fast and how that very same man can take such a hamfisted approach to his slap-stick repertoire.

With an orchestra Volodos most often plays as if he cannot hear the other musicians through the noise he is making. On his own he fares slightly better. Still, he seems to be more in the service of technical boasting than musical expression. To take two examples:

1. His "Bumblebee" clocks in at a mindboggling 1.36 sharp. That's about all that recommends it. In musical terms, the performance is absurd: This witty piece is meant to portray an amiably buzzing furball, NOT an angry wasp on steroids.

2. Many performers have been tempted to beef up Mozart's somewhat monotone K331 "Turkish March". Volodos' paraphrase goes over the top with nifty counterpoint coupled with all sorts of tricks from the virtuoso shelf. This could have been a true delight if the performer had only loosened up a little and offered the occasional comic relief that such an encore so obviosuly calls for. Here Volodos simply seems oblivious to the inherent potential for musical expression. On a repeated listening the performance tires by its utter conventionality of phrasing.

Praised be the day when Volodos opens up his ears to the music he is performing. Then we might hope for new reference recordings of various works in the superdifficult division. Until then we may only grieve that such supernatural technique is going to waste in sideshow idleness. If you crave for a contemporary Russian virtuoso, try out Nikolai Lugansky, even if his somewhat austere taste in the romantic repertoire might deter some fans of Horowitz et al. Lugansky is in supernatural technical command if the keyboard, yet never leaves you in doubt that you are listening to a true musician.

superlatives fail.......2006-10-22

Volodos is simply one of the greatest pianists I have ever heard. The transcriptions on this CD are well worth your investment. I was fortunate to hear Volodos at Lincoln Center play the finger-bending Prokofiev 2nd piano concerto. I am a professionally trained pianist, and I have simply never heard a performance to equal it. I was convinced two or more people were playing. The emotional power was overwhelming. I wish he would record it. And the complete Transcendantal Etudes.

Mind-shatteringly superb.......2006-08-08

Volodos strikes us with some incredible works here, friends. These are quite simply some of the most perfectly executed works upon the piano I have heard, and this is no light affair considering the depression-inducing difficulty of some of these behemoths of the piano (Horowitz transcription of the Hungarian Rhapsody sounds like it requires a virtuoso of the highest order to play well.) We're dealing with a pianistic genius who I'm sure will continue to astound us in the future. And what, he began studying at the age of sixteen!? I want him to record all the Transcendental Etudes, but who knows if that will ever occur. Check out his Rachmaninoff concerto as well, it's about as close to perfect as it gets.

Unbelievable.

S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R.......2006-03-05

Ladies and Gentlemen, what we have here is quite possibly the greatest piano virtuoso alive today. While the musicality and emotion the artist puts in his work are exeptional, but not without precedence, his virtuosity, technique and rapidity of execution are quite simply...GOD-GIVEN. Period. End of statement.

Average customer rating:

Masterpiece
Equally as beautiful as the book
"Two Treasures of Pure Pleasure"
Compulsory reading
Truly Equal!

Vikram Seth: An Equal Music

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: The Art of Fugue
Two Lives
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Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony

ASIN: B00003OO0L
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006: Preludio
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Allegro con brio
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Andante cantabile con variazioni
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Menuetto: Quasi allegro
String Quintet in C minor, op.104: Finale: Prestissimo
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Allegro di molto e scherzando
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Adagio: Cantabile
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Menuetto: Allegreto
Quartet in A major, op.20 no.6, Hob.III-36: Fuga a 3 soggetti: Allegro
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1
Sonata for piano and violin in E minor, K304-300c: Allegro
Sonata for piano and violin in E minor, K304-300c: Tempo di Menuetto
Quartettsatz in C minor, D703: Allegro assai

Tracks:

Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Allegro vivace
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Andante
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Scherzo: Presto
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Theme & Variations: Andantino
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': Finale: Allegro giusto
String Quintet in C major, D956: Scherzo: Presto - Trio: Andante sostenuto
'Manchester Sonata' No. 1 for violin and piano in C major, RV 3: Largo
Piano Quintet In A Major, D667 'The Trout': The Lark Ascending
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1

Amazon.com

Vikram Seth's novel An Equal Music is as evocative a portrait of the world of chamber music as you could wish for, but Seth is the first to say that words "can only attempt to describe what cannot truly be described." This two-CD set adds the inevitably missing dimension to a great book, with performances of works featured in the story. They include the world-premiere recording of Beethoven's String Quintet in C minor, an obscure work that is central to the plot.

This piece, like the other selections, is beautifully played and recorded, for this is not a collection of second-rate recordings cobbled together to suit the theme. Vikram Seth himself has chosen the performances, and with performers of the stature of Iona Brown and Andras Schiff, the playing is as good as it gets. Included in the selection is Schubert's celebrated Trout Quintet. If the book gives a taste for the music, and vice versa, these CDs will also get us delving further into this delightful and infectious repertoire. --Keith Clarke

Customer Reviews:

Masterpiece.......2006-11-11

The book is a masterpiece of literature on music, and the music itself are masterpieces

Equally as beautiful as the book.......2006-03-17

A beautiful collection of music ideal for lovers of Seth's stunning novel - a perfect introduction to classical music .

"Two Treasures of Pure Pleasure".......2004-09-21

I purchased the book "An Equal Music" by Vikram Seth, not knowing that there existed a CD that was meant to accompany it. I was about a third of the way through the book, and Vikrams story was so captivating, that I longed to hear the musical pieces that his characters where so passionate about. So I set forth on a quest of my own trying to track down and put together each piece of his repertoire. During my search, I discovered this CD, purchased it, and stopped all reading until its arrival. I slipped it into the disc player, settled in with liner notes in hand, closed my eyes, and found a new appreciation and passion for the classical genre. Exceptional was track 8 of disc 2, "The Lark Ascending" composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, an absolutely enchanting piece! Not to say that the other tracks are not of equal caliber, they are, just of a different mood.

This compilation is a brilliant companion to the book, yet alone, it stands proudly on its own merits. Bach, Beethoven, Hayden, Schubert, Vivaldi, and of course Williams are all featured on this CD, names all renowned in the world of classical music. The difference between this CD, and say another classical compilation, is that through the inspiration and support of the book, what once one could not identify nor differentiate between in the works of the above, begins to unfold with a keen grasp of each. This assemblage will definitely help you to recognize and feel each composer's unique style.

In the book, the Maggiore Quartet members expose to you, through beautifully interpreted prose, their driving passion behind performing each piece as they become consumed in each note. This caused me to listen intensely not only to each composition, but also to the individual score of each instruments harmonious part. Bringing a deeper connection with not only the characters in this book along with the featured musical selections, but also with the professional musicians themselves whose lives are music.

Mr. Seth should be commended for this creative marriage of fervent fodder. A brilliantly moving novel enhanced and brought to life through this CD. My next stop, an evening out savoring a live performance!

Compulsory reading.......2004-03-30

This amazing book MUST be read by any person who is even slightly interested in music. if you have ever been in a string quartet, you will love the way that this book perfectly captures the delicate balance of emotions within such a close kint group. the love story is alternated with lyrical and descriptive passages, often about something of little significance. The book is a rich and heartwrenching story of love, music and loss. absolutely fabulous!

Truly Equal!.......2004-02-03

Vikram Seth casts a melacholic spell with his novel. This is the first time I am reading a work of fiction woven around chamber musicians, which leads one to explore the inner workings of their thoughts.
The accompamying CD is truly marvellous. Listen to Iona Brown soar away in Vaughan Williams 'Lark Ascending'. The others are also truly 'equal'.

Average customer rating:

Thank You Boulez
5 Star music. Some very good performances, some are aimless.
not much more to be said
a transcendent masterpiece
Five stars and a bullet

Complete Webern
Anton von Webern , Clemens Hagen , David Finckel , Anton Webern , Pierre Boulez , Ensemble InterContemporain , Mary Ann McCormick , Berliner Philharmoniker , Eric Schneider , Gianluca Cascioli , Krystian Zimerman , Oleg Maisenberg , Pierre-Laurent Aimard , Christiane Oelze , Francoise Pollet , Lawrence Dutton , Gidon Kremer , and Philip Setzer
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Alban Berg Collection / Various (Coll)
Arnold Schoenberg: Serenade/Five Pieces For Orchestra
Schoenberg: Piano Concerto
Arnold Schoenberg: Chamber Music for Strings
Schoenberg: Piano Works

ASIN: B00004R9F0
Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

Passacaglia For Orchestra Op. 1: Sehr massig, Tempo I - Massig bewegt, Tempo II - Sehr lebhaft, Tempo III
5 Movements Op. 5: I. Heftig bewegt
5 Movements Op. 5: II. Sehr langsam
5 Movements Op. 5: III. Sehr lebhaft
5 Movements Op. 5: IV. Sehr langsam
5 Movements Op. 5: V. In zarter Bewegung
6 Pieces For Orchestra Op. 6: I. Etwas bewegte Achtel
6 Pieces For Orchestra Op. 6: II. Bewegt
6 Pieces For Orchestra Op. 6: III. Zart bewegt
6 Pieces For Orchestra Op. 6: IV. Langsam. Marcia funebre
6 Pieces For Orchestra Op. 6: V. Sehr langsam
6 Pieces For Orchestra Op. 6: VI. Zart bewegt
2 Arrangements: J.S. Bach: Fuga (Ricercata) a 6 voci: Sehr massig
Franz Schubert: German Dances Op. Post. D 820: No. 1 - No. 2 (No. 1) - No. 3 ( No. 1) In A Flat Major
Franz Schubert: German Dances Op. Post. D 820: No. 4 - No. 5 (No. 4) - No. 6 (No. 4) In B Flat Major
Im Sommerwind - Idyll For Large Orchestra: Ruhig bewegt - Ruhig - Lustig - Schnell - Feierlich bewegt - Voll Schwung - Aufjauchzend - sehr ruhig und weihevoll

Tracks:

5 Pieces For Orchestra: I. Bewegt
5 Pieces For Orchestra: II. Langsam (sostenuto)
5 Pieces For Orchestra: III. Sehr bewegte Viertel
5 Pieces For Orchestra: IV. Langsame Viertel
5 Pieces For Orchestra: V. (Alla breve)
3 Orchestral Songs: I. Leise Dufte: 'Leise Dufte, Bluten so zart'
3 Orchestral Songs: II. Kunfttag III: 'Nun wird es wieder Lenz'
3 Orchestral Songs: III. 'O sanftes Gluhn der Berge'
Symphony Op. 21: I. Ruhig schreitend
Symphony Op. 21: II. Variationen: Thema. Sehr ruhig - Var. I. Lebhafter - Var. II Sehr lebhaft - Var. III. Wieder massiger - Var. IV. Ausserst ruhig - Var. V. Sehr lebhaft - Var. VI. Marschmassig. Nicht eilen - Var. VII. Etwas breiter - Coda
Das Augenlicht Op. 26: 'Durch unsre offnen Augen' - 'The Eyes Of Radiance' - Langsam
Cantata No. 1 Op. 29: I. 'Zundender Lichtblitz des Lebens' - Getragen - Lebhaft
Cantata No. 1 Op. 29: II. 'Kleiner Flugel Ahornsamen' - Leicht bewegt
Cantata No. 1 Op. 29: III. 'Tonen die seligen Saiten Apolls' - Ruhig
Variations For Orchestra Op. 30
Cantata No. 2 Op. 31: I. 'Schweigt auch die Welt' - Sehr lebhaft - Ruhig
Cantata No. 2 Op. 31: II. 'Sehr tief verhalten innerst Leben' - Sehr verhalten
Cantata No. 2 Op. 31: III. 'Schopfen aus Brunnen des Himmels' - Sehr bewegt
Cantata No. 2 Op. 31: IV. 'Leichteste Burden der Baume' - Sehr lebhaft
Cantata No. 2 Op. 31: V. 'Freundselig ist das Wort' - Sehr massig
Cantata No. 2 Op. 31: VI. 'Gelockert aus dem Schosse' - Sehr fliessend

Tracks:

Piano Quintet: Moderato
'Entflieht auf leichten Kahnen' op. 2: Zart bewegt
2 Lieder op. 8: I. 'Du, der ichs nicht sage'
2 Lieder op. 8: 'Du machst mich allein'
5 Pieces for Orchestra op. 10: I. Sehr ruhig und zart
5 Pieces for Orchestra op. 10: II. Leghaft und zart bewegt
5 Pieces for Orchestra op. 10: III. Sehr langsam und ausserst ruhig
5 Pieces for Orchestra op. 10: IV. Fliessend, ausserst zart
5 Pieces for Orchestra op. 10: V. Sehr fliessend
4 Lieder op. 13: I. Wiese im Park: 'Wie wird mir zeitlos'
4 Lieder op. 13: II. Die Einsame: 'An dunkelblauem Himmel'
4 Lieder op. 13: III. In der Fremde: 'In fremden Lande lag ich'
4 Lieder op. 13: IV. Ein Winterabend: 'Wenn der Schnee ans Fenster fallt'
6 Lieder op. 14: I. Die Sonne: 'Taglich kommt die gelbe Sonne'
6 Lieder op. 14: II. Abendland I: 'Mond, als trate ein Totes'
6 Lieder op. 14: III. Abendland II: 'So leise sind die grunen Walder'
6 Lieder op. 14: IV. Abendland IV: 'Ihr grossen Stadte steinern aufgebaut'
6 Lieder op. 14: V. Nachts: 'Die Blaue meiner Augen'
6 Lieder op. 14: VI. Gesang einer gefangenen Amsel: 'Dunkler Odem im grunen Gezweig'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: I. 'Das Kreuz, das musst' er tragen'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: II. Morgenlied: 'Steht auf, ihr lieben Kinderlein'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: III. 'In Gottes Namen aufstehn'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: IV. 'Mein Weg geht jetzt voruber'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: V. 'Fahr hin, o Seel', zu deinem Gott'
5 Canons op. 16: I. 'Christus factus est'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: II. 'Dormi Jesu, mater ridet' From 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: III. 'Crux fidelis'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: IV. 'Asperges me, Domine'
5 Sacred Songs op. 15: V. 'Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine'
3 Traditional Rymes op. 17: I. 'Armer Sunder, du'
3 Traditional Rymes op. 17: II. 'Liebste Jungfrau, wir sind dein'
3 Traditional Rymes op. 17: III. 'Heiland, unsre Missetaten'
3 Lieder for voice, E flat clarinet and guitar op. 18: I. 'Schatzerl klein'
3 Lieder for voice, E flat clarinet and guitar op. 18: II. Erlosung: 'Mein Kind, sieh an' From 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn'
3 Lieder for voice, E flat clarinet and guitar op. 18: III. 'Ave , Regina coelorum'
2 Lieder op. 19 for mixed choir: I. 'Wiess wie Lilien'
2 Lieder op. 19 for mixed choir: II. 'Ziehn die Schafe'
Quartet op. 22: I. Sehr massig
Quartet op. 22: II. Sehr schwungvall
Concerto op. 24: I. Etwas lebhaft
Concerto op. 24: II. Sehr schwungvoll
Concerto op. 24: III. Sehr rasch

Tracks:

3 Poems: I. Vorfruhling: 'Leise tritt auf...'
3 Poems: II. Nachtgebet der Braut: 'O mein Geliebter'
3 Poems: III. Fromm: 'Der Mond scheint auf mein Lager'
8 Early Lieder: I. Tief von fern: 'Aus des Abends weissen Wagen'
8 Early Lieder: II. Aufblick: 'Uber unsre Liebe hangt eine Trauerweide'
8 Early Lieder: III. Bleuengruss: 'Der Strauss, den ich gepflucket'
8 Early Lieder: IV. Bild der Liebe: 'Von Wald umgeben'
8 Early Lieder: V. Sommerbend: 'Du Sommerbend! Heilig, goldnes Licht!'
8 Early Lieder: VI. Heiter: 'Mein Herz ist wie ein See so weit'
8 Early Lieder: VII. Der Tod: 'Ach, es ist do dunkel in des Todes Kammer'
8 Early Lieder: VIII. Heimgang in der Fruhe: 'In der Dammerung'
3 Lieder on poems by Ferdinand Avenarius: I. Gefunden: 'Nun wir uns lieben, rauscht mein stolzes Gluck'
3 Lieder on poems by Ferdinand Avenarius: II. Gebet: 'Ertrage du's, lass schneiden dir den Schmerz'
3 Lieder on poems by Ferdinand Avenarius: III. Greunde: 'Schmerze und Freuden reift jede Stunde'
5 Lieder on poems by Richard Dehmel: I. Ideale Landschaft: 'Du hattest einen Glanz auf deiner Stirn'
5 Lieder on poems by Richard Dehmel: II. Am Ufer: 'Die Wlet verstummt, dein Blut erklingt'
5 Lieder on poems by Richard Dehmel: III. Himmelfahrt: 'Schwebst du nieder aus den Weiten'
5 Lieder on poems by Richard Dehmel: IV. Nachtliche Scheu: 'Zaghaft vom Gewolk ins Land'
5 Lieder on poems by Richard Dehmel: V. Helle Nacht: 'Weich kusst die Zweige der weisse Mond'
5 Lieder from 'Der siebente Ring' by Stefan George op. 3: I. 'Dies ist ein lied'
5 Lieder from 'Der siebente Ring' by Stefan George op. 3: II. ''Im windes-weben'
5 Lieder from 'Der siebente Ring' by Stefan George op. 3: III. 'An baches ranft'
5 Lieder from 'Der siebente Ring' by Stefan George op. 3: IV. 'Im morgen-taun'
5 Lieder from 'Der siebente Ring' by Stefan George op. 3: V. 'Kahl reckt der baum'
5 Lieder on poems by Stefan George op. 4: I. Eingang: 'Welt der gestalten lang lebewohl!'
5 Lieder on poems by Stefan George op. 4: II. Noch zwingt mich treue uber dir zu wachen'
5 Lieder on poems by Stefan George op. 4: III. 'Ja heil und dank dir'
5 Lieder on poems by Stefan George op. 4: IV. 'So ich traurig bin'
5 Lieder on poems by Stefan George op. 4: V. 'Ihr tratet zu dem herde'
4 Lieder on poems by Stefan George: I. 'Erwachen aus dem tiefsten traumes-schoosse'
4 Lieder on poems by Stefan George: II. Kunfttag I: 'Dem bist du kind, dem freund'
4 Lieder on poems by Stefan George: III. Trauer I: 'So wart bis ich dies dir noch kunde'
4 Lieder on poems by Stefan George: IV. 'Das lockere saatgefilde lechzet krank'
4 Lieder op. 12: I. 'Der Tag ist vergangen' - Folksong
4 Lieder op. 12: II. Die geheimnisvolle Flote: 'An einem Abend, da die Blumen dufteten' - Li-Tai-Po
4 Lieder op. 12: III. 'Schien mir's, als ich sah die Sonne' - 'Gespenstersonate'
4 Lieder op. 12: IV. Gleich und gleich: 'Ein Blumenglockchen'
3 Songs From 'Viae inviae' by HildegardJone op. 23: I. 'Das dunkle Herz, das in sich lauscht'
3 Songs From 'Viae inviae' by HildegardJone op. 23: II. Es sturzt aus Hohen Frische'
3 Songs From 'Viae inviae' by HildegardJone op. 23: III. Herr Jesus mein'
3 Lieder on poems by Hildegard Jone op. 25: I. 'Wie bein ich froh!'
3 Lieder on poems by Hildegard Jone op. 25: II. 'Des Herzens Purpurvogel fliegt durch Nacht'
3 Lieder on poems by Hildegard Jone op. 25: III. 'Sterne, ihr silbernen Bienen der Nacht'

Tracks:

Slow Movement For String Quartet: Langsam, mit bewegtem Ausdruck
5 Movements For String Quartet: I. Heftig bewegt
5 Movements For String Quartet: II. Sehr langsam
5 Movements For String Quartet: III. Sehr bewegt
5 Movements For String Quartet: IV. Sehr langsam
5 Movements For String Quartet: V. In zarter Bewegung
String Quartet
6 Batatelles For String Quartet op. 9: I. Massig
6 Batatelles For String Quartet op. 9: II. Leicht bewegt
6 Batatelles For String Quartet op. 9: III. Ziemlich fliessend
6 Batatelles For String Quartet op. 9: IV. Sehr langsam
6 Batatelles For String Quartet op. 9: V. Ausserst langsam
6 Batatelles For String Quartet op. 9: VI. Fliessend
Rondo For String Quartet: Bewegt
Movement For String Trio op. post.: Ruhig fliessend
3 Pieces For String Quartet: I. Bewegt
3 Pieces For String Quartet: II. Langsam: Grief Always; Looking Upward; Heaven's Dew; Memory; Black Flowers; On Breast; Out Of Mother
3 Pieces For String Quartet: III. Nicht zu langsam
String Trio op. 20: I. Sehr langsam
String Trio op. 20: II. Sehr getragen und ausdrucksvoll
String Quartet op. 28: I. Massig
String Quartet op. 28: II. Gemachlich - Bewegt
String Quartet op. 28: III. Sehr fliessend

Tracks:

2 Pieces For Cello And Piano: I. Langsam
2 Pieces For Cello And Piano: II. Langsam
Movement For Piano: Lebhaft
Sonata Movement (Rondo) For Piano: (Bewegt) - Ruhig bewegt - Sehr ruhig
4 Pieces For Violin And Piano op. 7: I. Sehr langsam
4 Pieces For Violin And Piano op. 7: II. Rasch
4 Pieces For Violin And Piano op. 7: III. Sehr langsam
4 Pieces For Violin And Piano op. 7: IV. Bewegt
3 Little Pieces For Cello And Piano op. 11: I. Massige
3 Little Pieces For Cello And Piano op. 11: II. Sehr bewegt
3 Little Pieces For Cello And Piano op. 11: III. Ausserst ruhig
Cello Sonata: Sehr bewegt
Children's Piece For Piano: Lieblich
Piano Piece: Im Tempo eines Menuetts
Variations For Piano op. 27: I. Sehr massig
Variations For Piano op. 27: II. Sehr schnell
Variations For Piano op. 27: III. Ruhig fleissend

Amazon.com

Pierre Boulez's Complete Webern Edition appears just over two decades after his last traversal. Well, it's not literally complete, but does have enough early works to set the mature ones in the right context. These days, Webern is no longer seen so much as a new music guru as he is a major composer, pure and simple--his expression as concise as it is intense. Performancewise, there's a quality of musicianship here that few previous recordings have matched; familiarity with the idiom certainly plays its part, but so does Boulez's belief that what we're hearing needs to be presented with conviction. Try the Passacaglia, sensuous music that combines the soundworld of Brahms and Mahler, or the string quartet or orchestra pieces--miniatures in duration, but whole dramas of expression.

Ease of performance doesn't always make this music easy to come to grips with: the song cycles need several listenings to grasp the meaning behind the compression, while the later instrumental and choral works have a luminous austerity that looks back to Bach and beyond to Renaissance masters such as Schütz and Isaac. While much of Webern's music has long been admired, only now is it becoming possible to respond to it through the heart as well as the brain. This set, superbly packaged and comprehensively documented, marks a major step forward, and deserves investigating by anyone keen to appreciate something of the music's quiet, calm essence in an often strident, dislocated century. --Richard Whitehouse

Customer Reviews:

Thank You Boulez.......2001-10-23

If you are a fan of the "New Vienna School" (Schoenberg, Berg, Webern) or 20th century "classical" or "serious" music, this disk set is very rewarding. Beautifully recorded and packaged, and with equally good liner notes, it is a treat to strap on the headphones and listen.

I debated between buying this or Boulez's older Webern set and went with this one. There is much more music on this set because pieces without opus numbers are included. They lend a lot of insight into his "published" works. I also went with this set because it is a modern digital recording, the previous set being from the early 70's. I will often side with a classic recording when needed-performance over sound. Here, I'm happy to report, the listener gets both. Every detail is captured.

Thank you very much Pierre Boulez and DG for making this project happen. Please keep the Schoenberg and Berg disks coming. And thank you Anton Webern for continually opening my ears.

5 Star music. Some very good performances, some are aimless........2001-08-25

Webern's music demonstrates a level of craft, in which few composers ever contend. The more that I listen to the works of Webern, the more I hear that each note must be just as it is. There is nothing wasted in this music. The expression is never vague, always intense. I do admire the works of many modern composers, but few are so discerning and meticulous in their works. Webern's craft is equal with the greats of music history; Guillarme de Machaut, Carlo Gesualdo, Claudio Monteverdi, J.S. Bach, Franz Joseph Haydn, Ludwig Beethoven. He is a towering figure. The music that is played here is first rate. However, I have not yet heard performances of many of his works that bring out everything that Webern's music has to offer. For example, the Op. 27 Piano Variations are seldom done justice. All of the movements are given `circa' tempo indications, but many take the movements much slower or faster than indicated. Unfortunately, on this recording the fast movement is slow and the slow movements fast. Presumably the slower tempo in the fast movement would allow for more accurate interpretation of the frequent changes between piano and forte. The problem is that the F's typically don't fade away fast enough and drown out the P's. The other option is to make the P's a little bit more like mezzo forte's. The recording that Pollini did of the work on Deutsche Gramaphon with the Boulez 2nd Sonata manages to reconcile the dynamics with the tempo. However, what I have not heard with the work is the full impact of the affect in the work. What the Pollini performance fails in is the coldness of the interpretation. For those interested, I believe that DG is currently putting out the Pollini performance with Stravinsky's Petruska and a Prokofiev sonata at a fairly low price. This recording brings together several performances of more `high profile' ensembles than the older recording on Sony, which mostly featured performances of musicians from Juilliard. The performances are often more colorful, but I can't say that I always think they surpass their predecessors. The interpretations of the works are a little bit `hit and miss.' The ensembles that Boulez conducts tend to bring out the same sorts of things in the works that the previous ensembles did with the last `complete Webern.' This is good in places; I appreciate the more resonant quality that the recent recording equipment affords, and Boulez conducts a comparable performance of the orchestral works such as the `Symphonie.' The recording of the `Konzert' for nine instruments is good. The performances of the early expressionist works, such as the `Five Orchestral Pieces,' are powerful. Boulez is less afraid to see the human in Webern and let the shocked silences speak. Furthermore, the peaks are less harsh, allowing more of the subtle affects to become visible. Some of the performances just lack a certain power of expression that the previous `complete webern' had; a viscerally that the strength of the `Webern - Vogue' afforded them. The musicians that played the previous complete were looking at Webern as a giant, they are young and virile performances. These performances sometimes view Webern as a curiosity, a historical anachronism, the way that your grandfather will tell you a strange story, of which he himself doesn't understand the point, but he relates as a bit of curio. All in all, I wouldn't say that this set of recordings is the final word on the majority of Webern's works. Many of the performances in the previous set are just as good, but neither do those constantly surpass these performances. Both have their faults. The previous set tended to be cold and more aggressive than was necessary in places. The new set tends to wander at times, as if the performer does not understand the point. It's always difficult to sum up a complete works set for a prospective buyer. Just as in `complete works' of Bach sets that I own, the performances are not always amazing. However, the strength of the compositions often overcomes my desire for a strong performance, and I'm just glad that I have a recording of someone performing that Bach work that I want to hear. Here, similarly, the performances aren't always the best, but there is a wider range of Webern's ouvre represented and many of the performances are quite good. I suppose my counsel would be that one should consider the price of this set vs. the older sony set. The sony set is less complete, but it does include all of the really monolithic, profound Webern works. You also get a view of the younger, romantic Webern in this new set, in addition to better sound quality. Certain performances are better in each set, and so you'll get some good and some bad in either choice. For those that already have a strong taste for Webern's music, try this set. For those who are looking for a starting place, you might try the sony set. The highlights of this set are the Boulez orchestral performances. He has honed his vision for Webern since the last set and they are `worth the price.' For those further exploring Webern, those performances should be heard.

not much more to be said.......2001-08-01

... i could be extremely nit-picky, and complain about the solo piano pieces, and their performer's occasional humming, and the baffling ordering of the quartet disc, and the discrepencies in the translations of the booklet, and how the english left out any explanation of sator arepo etc..., yet the french seems to, and all the little tiny errors, in the booklet... but... these are all moot points when any of the performances are heard. it brings to light all facets of the composer, so he no longer seems ascetic and overly intellectual, just check out the highly romantic string quartet op. 28, and variations for orchestra, yes even the solo piano pieces with the humming. all in all, a very enlightening experience.

a transcendent masterpiece.......2000-07-17

The performances here are absolutely brilliant.

Nuance, detail, sensitivity.

This is not merely music, this is magic!

Five stars and a bullet.......2000-06-13

Pierre Boulez, the enfant not-very-terrible-any-more of French music, has surpassed himself. Twenty-two years ago, CBS released his Complete Works of Anton Webern, and it's remained the definitive Webern collection. Until, as they say in movie trailers, now.

This consists of the three Webern albums Boulez has recorded for DG over the past five years or so, plus everything else Webern ever wrote. It thus scores straightaway over the earlier CBS/Sony set, which was restricted to works that had opus numbers and filled three CDs. This one includes the charming early songs, the equally early "Im Sommerwind" for orchestra and a number of posthumous and otherwise non-Opus works that didn't make it onto the earlier set. Webern is a composer whose entire output takes about six hours to listen to in its entirety, and it's all here, on six CDs.

That's fine; is it any good? Well, it's digitally recorded, and if ever a composer was born for CD, it's Webern. The pianissimos are more ppp than ever, thanks to better recording techniques. Boulez himself has also unbuttoned a bit. His earlier set, recorded between 1967 and 1972, was high on austerity and, if it fell down at all, did so on emotion. The older Boulez (he's 75 this year) is more relaxed about letting tuttis blare and climaxes, well, climax. The result is both as intellectually satisfying as we've come to expect from Boulez, and warmly expressive; in general, a more moving and less didactic set of recordings than the previous lot. And all the better for it, as far as this composer (and this listener) is concerned.

There are many benefits of a digital set, not the least being the better registration of timbral variety, which Webern (as is well known) made into a compositional principle. Even those allergic to twelve-tone music can't help but be ravished by the intricate sweetness of his arrangement of the Bach six-part fugue from the "Musical Offering". The arrangement of Schubert's German Dances has been re-recorded, and can be heard now in all its sprightliness. (The CBS/Sony set has an archive recording conducted by Webern himself in the thirties, but dodgy sound quality prevented it from shining forth properly, despite Webern's witty conducting.)

Tracks:

Adagio Notturno- Op. Posth. 148 D. 897: Only Time Will Tell
Norma: Qual Cor Tradisti
Danse Espagnole, No.5- Andalouse: La Andaluza
Adagio Per Archi Ed Organo: Adagio
Maitre Pathelin: Romance
Suite No.11- Sarabande: Gloria Eterna
Aranjuez: En Aranjuez Con Mi Amor
Le nozze di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete
Carmen: Habanera
Nabucco: Song for Liberty
Elixir Of Love: Una Furtiva Lagrima
Moise En Egypte: Mon Dieu
Serenade_: Serenade
La Celestine: Plaisir d'Amour
Norma: Casta Diva
Winterreise: Der Lindenbaum
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Ave Maria, Op. 52, No.6- 1825: Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Surprised.......2004-05-04

I am an opera fan and normally detest the sound of non-opera singers trying out their pipes on Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, etc. I bought this disc years ago and it's been collecting dust. But since breaking it out, I can't stop listening. Nana's voice doesn't have the classical quality that I am used to from the likes of Kiri Te Kanawa and Mirella Freni, but she makes up for it with her unique style, although she gets a tad shrill on a couple of the songs. But considering she was about 55 when this was recorded it's amazing she still had such range and quality. The arrangements, orchestrations and chorus are breathtaking. Rodrigo's Concierto Aranjuez, with words, was a real surprise. The second movement has to be one of the all-time beautiful melodies ever written and what a perfect voice to sing it. Verdi's "Song for Liberty" from Nabucco is my favorite cut on the disc but there isn't one dud out of 18 tracks and that in itself is a marvel.

You will be transfixed..........2003-07-23

...when you hear Nana Mouskouri's rendition of the Bellini aria from Norma. This artist has been recording for at least 30 years or so-- and I have yet to hear her sing something badly-- she sings in Greek, English, French-- every language-- with astonishing beauty. Excellent

Soft, Real, and Very Good.......2001-10-17

I am sorry to say that I had never heard of Nana before. That is to my detriment. This album is supurb. The music is real, the orchestration is very good, and Nana's voice is unequaled for this type of music. Based exclusively on this album, I plan to buy every one of her CD's I can find.

An elegant classical offering from a pop icon.......1999-11-19

I'm program director of a classical music radio station, and this disc has become a favorite with our morning drive audience -- less idiosyncratic than Sarah Brightman's popular but over-hyped offerings, and Mouskouri's voice is richer (though with less power) as well. Mouskouri has always been more popular in Europe than the US but has had a strong following in America anyway. Even her most ardent fans must have been surprised when this disc was released a few years ago, for it is a surprisingly elegant and moving interpretation of classical melodies. A few retain their original lyrics, and Mouskouri has added lyrics to some works that were originally instrumental, but everything is handled with grace and style. And that voice! Fluid, silky, always balanced -- it's a wonderful disc.

Dohnányi: Piano Quintets; Serenade for string trio

Average customer rating:

Both Piano Quintets and the 'Serenade' (String Trio)
Wonderful chamber music

Dohnányi: Piano Quintets; Serenade for string trio

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dohnányi: Symphony No. 2; Symphonic Minutes
Dohnányi: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor; Piano Concerto no. 2 in B minor
Schumann: Op. Nos. 44 & 47
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
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ASIN: B000002ZVX
Release Date: 1996-08-10

Tracks:

Piano Quintet No.1 In C Minor, Op.1: Allegro
Piano Quintet No.1 In C Minor, Op.1: Scherzo (Allegro vivace) - Trio - Reprise
Piano Quintet No.1 In C Minor, Op.1: Adagio, quasi andante
Piano Quintet No.1 In C Minor, Op.1: Piano Quintet No.1 In C Minor, Op.1Finale (Allegro animato - Allegro)
Sernade For String Trio: Marcia (Allegro)
Sernade For String Trio: Romanza (Adagio non troppo)
Sernade For String Trio: Scherzo (Vivace)
Sernade For String Trio: Tema con variazioni (Andante con moto)
Sernade For String Trio: Rondo (Finale)
Piano Quintet No.2 In E-Flat Minor, Op.26: Allegro non troppo
Piano Quintet No.2 In E-Flat Minor, Op.26: Intermezzo (Allegretto)
Piano Quintet No.2 In E-Flat Minor, Op.26: Moderato - Tempo del primo pezzo

Customer Reviews:

Both Piano Quintets and the 'Serenade' (String Trio) .......2005-03-09

This review is actually to mention and comment briefly on competing recordings of Dohnanyi chamber works, primarily the First Piano Quintet, an amazing, melodic, well-crafted work from Dohnányi's student years and his Opus 1. Every movement has its felicities, including the catchy final movement with its 5/4 meter and obligatory fugal ending. There are competing versions of that work recorded by the Gabrieli Quartet with Wolfgang Manz, piano; the Vanbrugh Quartet, with Martin Roscoe, piano; and the Takacs Quartet with András Schiff. All are actually quite wonderful performances and I suspect the main draw for any of these recordings will be the Quintet's discmates. The couplings: Schubert Ensemble (Second Piano Quintet, the delightful 'Serenade,' which is a string trio), Gabrieli Quartet (Second String Quartet, Op. 15), Takacs (Sextet, Op. 37).

On this disc is the Second Quintet, Op. 26, which is considerably advanced from the Op. 1, but is still in the ambit of Brahmsian harmonic warmth. And sandwiched between the two quintets is the delightful 'Serenade.' The Serenade, written in 1902, is for string trio, that rarest of chamber music forms; it is difficult to write music with full-sounding romantic harmonies with just three instruments. However, by judicious use of double-stops and lots of cello and viola arpeggios using 4ths, 5ths, 6ths and 10ths, the harmonies are filled out admirably and richly. Indeed, this piece is every bit as yummy as a cup of hot dark rich chocolate. If you love Brahms, you'll love this piece. It has been much-recorded and even rescored (by Dimitry Sitkovetsky) for string orchestra; this recording holds its own with that company.

Recommended both for performances and for the repertoire represented. You can't go wrong with this one if you love Brahms or music of that ilk.

Scott Morrison

Wonderful chamber music.......2003-01-01

Dohnanyi's two piano quintets and the serenade for string trio belong to the category of finest chamber music ever written. It is sad that they are so little known today, because the melodic inventiveness, the solid structures and overall material of these works prove him to have been a true genius in the shadow of his contemporaries Bartok and Kodaly. The Schubert ensemble of London plays with great affection for this music. In my collection of over 200 records of classical music this ranks to top 5 without a doubt. An absolute must-have for a romantic music lover!

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