Symphonic Music of Cesar Franck

On this CD:

1. Le Chasseur maudit (The Accursed Huntsman), symphonic poem (also arr. for piano 4-hands), M. 44
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Massimo Freccia

2. Symphonic Variations, for piano & orchestra (also arr. for 2 pianos), M. 46
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra with Earl Wild
Conducted by Massimo Freccia

3. Psyché, symphonic poem for chorus & orchestra (also arr. for piano 4-hands), M. 47 Psyche and Eros
Composed by Cesar Franck

Conducted by Georges Pretre

4. Symphony, in D minor, Op. 48
Composed by Cesar Franck

Conducted by Sir Adrian Boult

Tracks:

Going To School featuring John Williams
IV. Allegretto poco mosso from Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano
II. Andante con moto e poco rubato from Three Preludes
II. Largo from "Winter", Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 from the Four Seasons
Doce de coco
II. Largo from Concerto No. 1 in G minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 49
Cinema Paradiso: Nostalgia from Giuseppe Tornatore Suite
The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)
Yanzi (Swallow Song)
II. Andante from Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra in A minor,
Soledad
No. 4 Mikin Pekko from Five Finnish Folk Songs
First Impressions featuring Edgar Meyer; Mark O'Connor
Song Without Words, Op. 109
Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission featuring Ennio Morricone

Amazon.com

Any new compilation CD starring Yo-Yo Ma is certain to please. This master of the cello takes the listener through so many types of music that the ear and mind never tire. The present selection is billed as a sort of "musical autobiography," and, indeed, it gives us a tour of Ma's musical life. The Silk Road Project is represented by Zhao's "Swallow Song," with its eerie, fascinating soundscape (specially re-recorded for this CD). We also accompany Ma on his excursions into the world of the baroque cello with Vivaldi or of the Finnish folk song (by Mamiya, a first recording). There are Gershwin's languid Second Prelude, with its intimations of the song "Summertime," and an all-new recording of a nine-minute heart-breaker by Astor Piazzolla ("Soledad"). Ma also gives us more familiar Brahms, Franck, and Saint-Saens. The compilation's mellow 65 minutes offer relaxing, beautiful music, all exquisitely played. Ma is joined by the best: Emanuel Ax, Kathryn Stott, John Williams (who plays piano on his own "Going to School" from Memoirs of a Geisha), Isaac Stern, and Claudio Abbado. This is a veritable Who's Who of superb musicians. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Pure Listening Pleasure.......2007-05-18

There is no pretension in this collection - just the pure, simple pleasure in Ma's performance and in our enjoyment.

Appassionato.......2007-05-18

With a little help of some of his friends Yo Yo Ma offered us another of his masterpieces. No other title could define better the tracks selection, pleasant and inspired.

Deep, Serious and diverse.......2007-04-26

Yo Yo Ma is simply fantastic, and has arrived as such a height of recognition that any production he is invovled in will be top of the line, as this is.

This is a darker collection than I expected. And like a serious, reserved friend, it can take a little longer to appreciate than the bubbly outgoing ones. I now find I like it very much, but it is serious "conversation."

There is great variety here as well, and I gave it to a friend's teenager who is considering whether she wants to learn the cello. Her response was much the same as mine. Initially not so sure, but over time, has really come to like it, too. This collection has great depth.

Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato.......2007-04-13

For those who share Yo-Yo Ma's passion for music, and especially his passion for diversity in music, and for connecting with the spirit of global humanity, this recording has a prominant place in your library.

A soulful compilation.......2007-04-13

I love this album for the diversity of music and the great programming. I especially love the collaboration with Isaac Stern, no longer with us in body, but always in music. Thanks YoYo.

Rubinstein Plays Saint-Saëns, Franck & Liszt [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Ruby Does it Again
Rubinstein at his Best

Rubinstein Plays Saint-Saëns, Franck & Liszt [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Piano Concertos by Beethoven & Schumann [Hybrid SACD]
Richard Strauss: Symphonia Domestica [Hybrid SACD]
Berlioz: Harold in Italy; Overtures [Hybrid SACD]
Mahler: The Song of the Earth [Hybrid SACD]
Spain (RMST)

ASIN: B000QEIM4G
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Andante
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegretto vivace (Redbook Stereo) 9.
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Andante sostenuto (2007 SACD
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Allegro scherzando (2007 SACD
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Presto (2007 SACD Remastered)
Symphonic Variations; Poco allegro (2007 SACD Remastered)
Symphonic Variations; Allegro non troppo (2007 SACD Remastered)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegro maestoso (2007 SACD Remastered)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Quasi adagio (2007 SACD Remastered)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegretto vivace (2007 SACD
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegro marziale animato (2007 SACD
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Andante sostenuto (5.1
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Allegro scherzando (5.1
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22; Presto (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphonic Variations; Poco allegro (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphonic Variations; Allegro non troppo (5.1 Surround Mix)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegro maestoso (5.1 Surround Mix)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Quasi adagio (5.1 Surround Mix)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegretto vivace (5.1 Surround Mix)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat; Allegro marziale animato (5.1 Surround

Customer Reviews:

Ruby Does it Again.......2007-07-22

Sony/BMG continues their Living Stereo SACD reissue series with three Concerto recordings from the 1950s featuring pianist Arthur Rubinstein.

The Saint-Saëns Second Concerto was a great favorite of Rubinstein's. He made his American debut with this piece back in 1906. This recording was made in 1958 in collaboration with the Symphony of the Air (formerly the NBC Symphony Orchestra) under Alfred Wallenstein. There is slightly more forward motion here than in the 1969 version with Ormandy, and even more stunning virtuosity in the finale. However, the recording with Ormandy has the advantage of better orchestral playing, so the two versions balance each other out as my favorites. There is also an excellent filmed version on a Deutsche Grammophon DVD, with Andre Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra, made in 1975.

Rubinstein learned Cesar Frank's Symphonic Variations while traveling by train to a concert in Spain, practicing the passages in his lap. The man had an amazing memory. Here again, he is in top form, giving a performance of brio and élan, with Wallenstein and the orchestra providing a fine accompaniment.

The Liszt is less successful. I don't think Rubinstein ever loved Liszt the way he loved Chopin and Brahms, and as he grew older Liszt's music gradually began dropping out of his repertoire. (Rubinstein made no Liszt recordings after 1965.) Both of Rubinstein's recordings of the Liszt Concerto suffer from a great deal of technical bluffing and general sloppiness. Adding to the problem here is some crude microphone placement, with the infamous triangle passages spotlit beyond all reason. The remastering has not been able to solve this problem and the sound remains excessively dry, although the piano sound is more natural than in previous issues. Wallenstein and the RCA Victor Symphony (mostly made of members of the New York Philharmonic) do a reasonable job of accompaniment.

The Saint-Saëns and Franck are in three channel sound, which is much more dimensional and dynamic than the previous issues. The Liszt is in standard two channel stereo.

Rubinstein at his Best.......2007-07-13

Arthur Rubinstein had performed Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 many times throughout his concert career; in fact, this was one of the pieces on the program of his first public concert given in 1900. The style in which he plays it is simply captivating. It's not a serious concerto in the German-school, but rather a light-hearted and somewhat amusing concerto. This is probably the most famous recording of the composition, and it's no wonder why.

The Symphonic Variations of Cesar Franck are fantastic, full of energy, vitality and French-Romantic beauty.

Franz Liszt's First Piano Concerto is very well performed here by Rubinstein. I really cannot complain about it.

The reason I give this recording only four (4) stars is because of the sound. Having heard most of the recordings in RCA's newly released and remastered Living Stereo Hybrid-SACD collection, I can conclude that this has rather poor quality sound when compared to the others in the library. It is most noticeable in the Saint-Saens, just a background "hiss" that reminds the listener of just how old the recording is; not the intentions of the remasterers!

Overall, a great recording and well worth your money.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Wedding Album
The Best!
A beautiful CD - wedding or not
The best of my Wedding CD's
When they say Ultimate, they mean it!

The Ultimate Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

Classical Wedding
The Complete Wedding Album
25 Wedding Favorites
Classical Wedding Traditions
Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day

ASIN: B00000427S
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
Xerxes: Largo
The Water Music: Air
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Because
West Side Story: One Hand, One Heart
Be My Love
The Water Music: Hornpipe In D
Fifth Symphony: Toccata
Trumpet Tune And Air
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Wedding Album.......2007-06-01

The perfect album for anyone planning a wedding. Both traditional and contemporary wedding favorites. Sound quality is excellent.

The Best!.......2007-05-24

Send this to every future bride and groom - yes. But even better, send a copy to the PARENT(S) of the future bride and groom!!! It gets everyone in the mood and filled with excitement! Also, it allows them to hear some choices other than "Here Comes the Bride." This CD can also be a lasting pre-wedding shower gift.

A beautiful CD - wedding or not.......2007-01-11

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding or just want some sweet music to listen to - this album is it. A terrific collection of some of the most beautiful music ever written.

The best of my Wedding CD's.......2007-01-10

I purchased quite a few Wedding CD's but for me, this Album has the most elegant and classic pieces. Ultra modern, trendy girls...don't you dare go here. Classic, beautiful, refined women...this is your CD.

Pamela

When they say Ultimate, they mean it!.......2006-03-14

This album really is great. As of writing the review I haven't gotten married yet, but I am definetly using it in my June wedding. It has all of the classics that we always associate with weddings and only weddings ("Bridal Chorus" for the bridal processional, "Wedding March" for a recessional, etc.) PLUS plenty of other music for the wedding party processional, unity candle lighting, prelude music, etc. I purchased another CD, but only because that music was used in EVERY ceremony at my high school and it has sentimental value to me. I didn't need to, as the album cover even sorts the tracks by Prelude, Processional, Ceremony, and Recessional.

The songs are so peaceful, well performed, and just plain pretty. Those with organ truly remind me of being in church as a child. I plan to keep the CD in my IPod and listen to it when I need some "chill out" time. Those which are not AS specific to weddings ("Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Air on the G String," etc.) sort of make you feel like you're in a classy coffee shop or in a bakery in an Italian villa.

Overall, a very well-rounded album. You could get by with this CD alone for all of your ceremony music and save hundreds of dollars on hiring an organist and soloist. With a decent sound system at your ceremony site, guests who didn't know any better would wonder where the orchestra is.

Average customer rating:

Underrated Superb Performances Of These Franck Orchestral Pieces From Muti and The Philadelphia Orchestra
Cesar Franck's Symphony -full score
frank-symphony in d minor
Whirlwind Romanticism
Some of the Best Franck Performances Around--and at a Budget Price

Franck: Symphony in Dm; Chasseur maudit

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Symphonie Fantastique
Liszt: Piano Concertos; Totentanz; Hungarian Fantasy
Strauss: Til Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks/Don Juan/Death And Transfiguration
Lalo: Symphonie espagnole; Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen: Massenet: Thaïs - Meditation
Sibelius: Finlandia/Tone Poems.

ASIN: B00000JQY7
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

I. Lento
II. Allegretto
III. Allegro Non Troppo
Le Chasseur Maudit

Customer Reviews:

Underrated Superb Performances Of These Franck Orchestral Pieces From Muti and The Philadelphia Orchestra.......2007-05-12

This relatively old digital recording of these Franck orchestral pieces should be regarded not only as among the best, but also one of the recording highlights during Riccardo Muti's tenure as music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Muti gives a lush, Romantic interpretation of the Symphony in D minor, emphasizing it as a musical piece which conveys a struggle between the forces of Light and Dark, in which Light ultimately triumphs. The Philadelphian strings and wind sections are absolutely radiant, offering warm, vibrant playing. I haven't heard the "Chasseur maudit" before, but it too is yet another excellent performance, replete with exciting horn solos. In both works, the orchestra sounds almost Central European in its playing, as if Muti was conducting either the Berliner Philharmoniker during Karajan's tenure or the Wiener Philharmoniker. If you're a fan of composer Cesar Franck, conductor Riccardo Muti or The Philadelphia Orchestra, then you most certainly must add this fine recording to your collection; for others this is absolutely a bargain Franck recording that is worthy of your consideration.

Cesar Franck's Symphony -full score.......2007-01-10

Every score I have purchased from Amazon has been of a very high standard. The print of the music is beautifully clear and has proved to be most helpful as a study score and for a conductor's score. I would recommend this score to any student of Cesar Franck's work.

Alison Edgar, Christchurch, New Zealand

frank-symphony in d minor.......2006-08-30

one of the best pieces of music ever written and this performance is one of the best we have ever heard.

Whirlwind Romanticism.......2006-06-07

Forget the criticisms of Franck's symphony you may have encountered. This is the essence of Romantic era passion and poetry in a very accessible form. If you have ears for this sort of thing at all this Muti / Philly record will knock you off your feet.

I had never heard Chasseur Maudit before but is also an exciting and lyrical piece. Too bad Franck was so discouraged about his symphonic composing. I want more!

Some of the Best Franck Performances Around--and at a Budget Price.......2006-03-29

The record of Riccardo Muti's work with Philadelphia Orchestra is variable, at least as it appears on currently available CDs, but this is certainly a disc that reminds one how well Muti and the Philadelphians performed when at the top of their game. If you want a performance of the D Minor Symphony that speaks to Franck's mysticism or the cloistered quality of his existence as organist and teacher--forget it. Muti sees the Franck Symphony as the echt-Romantic drama that Franck conceived it as, a movement from dark to light in the manner of Beethoven's Fifth or Tchaikovsky's Fifth. Along the way, Muti helps clarify the form so that the seams don't show, or as little as possible, a complaint that critics often have about this symphony. Here, the musical logic is clear and cogent. In Franck, listeners sometimes profess a preference for a Gallic approach. I find Muti's muscular "international" approach brings its own rewards, but you'll probably want another performance of the D Minor Symphony in your collection as well--perhaps Monteux's famous one on RCA or Dutoit's on Decca, to which I'm partial also. Dutoit manages to sound very French (not hard, I guess) without leaching the passion out of Franck's creation. I probably like his performance because it is similar to Muti's. (I see, however, that Dutoit's recording is currently unavailable. What about it, Decca?)

On the other hand, Franck's underrated tone poem "Le Chasseur maudit" has never been accorded a performance and recording as robust and exciting as Muti's. The magnificent climax as the church bells chime when the hunter sets out on the chase is wonderfully grandiose here, and the wild chase itself is breathtaking in its virtuosity. The final scene in which the huntsman is chased by the demons from hell has never been more frightening, not even in Munch's celebrated Boston version, which I find somewhat raw by comparison. On this day at least, Muti had by far the finer orchestra and recording team at his disposal!

Average customer rating:

"Blasted" away
Wow!
For those who like BIG organ works
Pure Majestic Power!
Excellent Performance by Murray

An Organ Blaster Sampler

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Organ Spectacular
Bach: Great Organ Works
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3
Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ
Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion

ASIN: B000003CXP
Release Date: 1991-02-10

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Toccata
Toccata
The Emperor's Fanfare
Beaucoup Plus Largement
Dieu Parmi Nous
Finale
Rigaudon
Fanfare
Maestoso

Customer Reviews:

"Blasted" away.......2006-09-27

I am by no standards an expert on music, let alone organ music. I just purchased this CD because I love the sound of the organ, and wanted an album from a mix of artists before I started branching out to single composers. I would also consider myself an audiophile, only listening to high quality music with my portable headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD-555's. Let me tell you, the quality is perfect, and the music is incredible! Such a full sound, it's *almost* as good as sitting in audience, only lacking the full body experience of organ music. I would recommend this to anybody looking to get a foot into the world of organ music.

Wow!.......2006-06-07

I happen to love organ music, even that tacky Saint-Saens
Third Symphony (with which this CD ends and just the third movement).

I grew up with E. Power Biggs, Virgil Fox, et al. and had never heard of Michael Murray (okay, it's been a while). I bought this delightful CD when it first appeared and before Amazon had been invented.

Upon hearing that most famous work with which Murray begins, I confess I was just this side of hysterical -- I was laughing with pure happiness. Murray's take on is it wonderfully over-the-top in the best possible sense. I have a son-in-law who is a musician and, indeed, does play the organ (i.e., if any of them have had pipes, I don't know, but I'm here to tell you, I don't want to hear ANY but pipe organs -- okay, I'm old).

At any rate, to hear this Toccata and Fugue played with such (carefully studied) abandon so tickled me, I called Brian (the son-in-law) and demanded that he listen while I put it on my stereo.

Now I'm going to send it to my son Bruce upon learning last night that he LOVES organ music. Who knew? He's 54 years old, for goodness' sake and never mentioned that little item before.

For those who like BIG organ works.......2005-09-04

This CD concentrates on the big, showy organ pieces that organists love to play. As an organist myself, I find that such numbers are usually more fun to play than to hear. Fortunately, this CD is very listenable, and makes the case for both playing and listening to these works. I'd buy it again; maybe more telling, I'm looking for some of the music, so I can go play it!

Pure Majestic Power!.......2003-07-20

Corey is right - this is an outstanding organ CD, one of the best I've heard. Murray plays some of the largest and most powerful organs on Earth, and uses the reed stops more than the usual organist to produce great effects and a wall of sound that are majestic in the extreme. The selections are all great virtuoso showpieces, and track #6 by Messiaen (Dieu parmi nous from La Nativite') is especially demonstrative of the great contrasts available in a large organ. The horizontal trumpets in this piece are predominant and very bright, contrasting with the snarling bass of the pedal organ.

A word of caution - this CD requires a capable stereo (think subwoofer) to sound its best. Trust me - if you listen to this CD on a good stereo and if you like organ music, you'll sit there with a big grin on your face and tears in your eyes as you listen to this CD.

Excellent Performance by Murray.......2001-11-09

This is by far one of the best organ CD's I have ever listened to. The variety is very good overall. From the state trumpets at St. John's to the mighty organ of First Congregational Church, Murray provides nice registration on all of the organs sampled. The Finale from Saint-Saens No. 3 is awesome with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy,s direction. Murray provides his own notes on the organs and the pieces in the booklet that is included. This is some fine organ music!!

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

I love it and I give it as a gift
MarMSED
Diverse range but the songs are butchered...

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The #1 Choral Album
Choral Masterpieces
The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration
The Greatest Cinema Choral Classics (2 CD SET)

ASIN: B00002ZZH6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Average customer rating:

Phenomenal
Great Music by a Great Composer
5 Stars aren't enough!

The Best Of César Franck

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Best Of Weber
Franck: Quintet in Fm; Chausson: String quartet in Cm
César Franck: Piano Music
Franck: Symphony in Dm; Chasseur maudit
The Best of Fauré

ASIN: B00000419D
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

Violin Sonata In A: Allegretto ben moderato
Violin Sonata In A: Allegro - Quasi lento - Tempo l. Allegro
Violin Sonata In A: Recitativo - Fantasia. Ben moderato - Largamente - Molto vivace
Violin Sonata In A: Allegretto poco mosso
Piece haroique In B Minor
Choral No. 2 In B Minor
Panis angelicus
Variations symphoniques

Tracks:

Les Eolides: Les Eolides - Symphonic Poem
Prelude, choral et fugue: Prelude
Prelude, choral et fugue: Choral
Prelude, choral et fugue: Fugue
Cantabile In B: Cantabile In B - Pierre Cochereau
Symphony In D Minor: Lento - Allegro ma non troppo - Allegro
Symphony In D Minor: Allegretto
Symphony In D Minor: Allegro non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Phenomenal.......2005-07-11

Undoubtedly one of the best contemporary classical works. The Violin and Piano Sonata is in itself worth the price of the CD. The grace of this music perfectly reflects the optimism and progress in late 19C-early 20th century Western civilization. No composer since has captured the magic of classical music as Franck has done.

Great Music by a Great Composer.......2003-08-21

Cesar Franck (1822 -- 1890)was born in Belgium but spent most of his life in France. For much of his career, he was a church organist and professor of organ at the Paris Conservatory. He wrote music from an early age. His early works consist mostly of piano music or works for the organ. But he discovered himself as a composer only in the last decade or so of his life. During this period, he wrote in many musical genres (typically only a single work) and produced a small number of lasting masterpieces. His work is heavily influenced by late Beethoven, Liszt, and Wagner. It is late musical romanticism at, I think, its best.

This 2-CD mid-priced set, "The Best of Cesar Frank" lives up to its name. It consists of many of the masterpieces of Franck's late years in a variety of forms. It is a convenient way to get much of Cesar Frank's music, well-played, in a single set. It includes a symphony, vocal music, organ music, music for piano and orchestra, and a work for solo piano by a variety of musicians. The CD will repay repeated hearings and give the listener a good exposure to Franck.

The most famous work on this CD is Franck's "Symphony in D minor"
which was first performed in 1889 and presented here by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Willem Van Otterloo. This is a fine performance of a much-beloved symphony. I found it emphasized the romantic, passionate character of the music with its frequent changes of tempo and mood.

But other selections on this CD I enjoyed substantially more than the symphony. Franck's greates work is probably his violin sonata in A which dates from 1886. It receives an outstanding performance on this CD from violinist Arthur Gumiaux and pianist Istvan Hajdu. The violin sonata is in four movements, which develop aspects of the same underlying theme ("cyclic" composition, typical of Franck). The music is glorious, elevated and lyrical throughout, in contrast to most of Franck's music which emphasizes contrasts between serenity and passion. The first and third movements are slow and reflective while the second and fourth are faster. The climax of this work, its final movement, is intense, reflective, and joyous all at once. It is based upon the same theme that Beethoven used as his main theme in the finale of the cello sonata in A opus 69.
Frank's work (and Beethoven's cello sonata as well) is one of the high watermarks of chamber music literature.

I also was much taken with the "Prelude, Choral and Fugue" for solo piano. This work dates from 1884 and it is performed here by pianist Eduardo Del Pueyo. This was my first exposure to this work, and I loved it. It consists of three movements which combine, to my ears, a romantic style, featuring long passages of broken chords and lyrical melodies, with baroque contrapuntal writing. I found this piece and the violin sonata the highlights of this fine collection.

Franck wrote extensively for the organ and this CD features his "Piece Heroique" which lives up to its name together with two other late and deeper works, the Choral in B minor and the Cantabile in B that are much more intense and reflective in character. Listeners who are unfamiliar with organ music, or with organ music beyond Bach, may enjoy exploring this music.

The CD also includes a lovely vocal piece "Panis angelicus" , Franck's "Variations Symphoniques" for piano and orchestra, and a Wagnerian tone poem "Les Etolides" all of which are well performed here and worth knowing.

Franck is an inspiring figure to me in that he persevered, stayed within himself, and produced some undoubted musical masterworks near the close of a long life. This disc is a fine way to get to know his music.

Listeners who wish to hear more of the best of Cesar Franck beyond the selections on this CD might enjoy his Piano Quintet in F Minor (1880) and his String Quartet in D Major (1890).

5 Stars aren't enough!.......1998-11-14

The Sonata for Piano and Violin is the most beautiful piece of music I have EVER heard. especially movements 1 & 4. The Symphony (Disc 2) is merely outstanding. Either of the pieces is well worth the entire price for the collection.

Average customer rating:

Technically Excellent, but Uninspiring
Hurford plays organ "pops" pieces
Exellent organ playing!
GREAT FOR NEW CONVERTS TO ORGAN MUSIC!
Excellent

Organ Spectacular

Manufacturer: London
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Bach: Great Organ Works
An Organ Blaster Sampler
Organ of the Mormon Tabernacle
Michael Murray At The Cathedral Of St. John The Divine: Works By Franck, Widor, Dupré, Bach and Others
Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ

ASIN: B0000041YP
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Technically Excellent, but Uninspiring.......2006-08-22

Hurford is clearly a very capable technical organist. His nimble feet and fingers do an excellent job with fast passages. Musically, however, most of the pieces felt uninspired and I was a bit disappointed.

Hurford plays organ "pops" pieces.......2006-06-02

On this particular album, organist peter hurford shows off what the organ can do with a pair of nimble hands (and feet). The recording herein contains all of the more familiar "pops" pieces(i.e., you would expect to hear one of these pieces played on nearly every organ recital), and also a rarity or two. The reason I initially purchased this recording was because of the complete Suite Gothique (the only recording available?). Besides the famous toccata, this suite contains some wonderful momemts, such as the sirene priere to the jolly yet sometimes macabre-sounding minuet gothique. The Widor Allegro from Symphonie VI is OK (I still recommend David M. Patrick's album over all others) and the mendelssohn is a nice finishing touch (use this to show off your stereo!) All in all, another well done recording by the scholarly virtuoso Hurford, pleasingly light yet sonically thrilling.

Exellent organ playing!.......2001-11-21

"Organ Spectacular" is truly spectacular. Peter Hurford has combined the finest organ pieces along with absolutely superb playing. All of the pieces are as if the composer himself is playing them. This recording is very rewarding and worth every penny.

GREAT FOR NEW CONVERTS TO ORGAN MUSIC!.......2001-01-14

This CD got me started as an organ lover years ago. Something for everyone here, this recording covers the biggest hits of the organ rather well. Frank's Chorale No. 3 will impress you with the sheer range and power of the organ, and is very moving. And be sure to listen to the Wedding March as it was meant to be played and heard! A great compilation. Enjoy!

Excellent.......1999-01-20

Hurford delivers an exciting compilation of these high-powered organ favorites. For people who love the organ for its ability to rattle the fillings in your teeth, this album is a must! If you are looking for soft, mellow, soothing music, well...you're going to have your fillings rattled. His rendition of Widor's allegro from the sixth symphony is the best piece on the album, but I found the tocotta from the fifth to be rather bland. The Boellmann suite gothique (why I bought the album) is also great. Overall, money well spent

Franck: Symphonic Variations; D'Indy: Symphony on a French Mountain Air

Average customer rating:

Exquisite
Good performances for a great price!
A beautiful bargain

Franck: Symphonic Variations; D'Indy: Symphony on a French Mountain Air
Gabriel Faure , Cesar Franck , and Antonio de Almeida
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0000013XT
Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

Symphonic Variations
Ballade In F Sharp Major, Op. 19
Symphony on a French Mountain Air, Op.25 (Symphonie Cevenole): Assez lent
Symphony on a French Mountain Air, Op.25 (Symphonie Cevenole): Assez modere
Symphony on a French Mountain Air, Op.25 (Symphonie Cevenole): Anime

Amazon.com

The D'Indy "Symphony" (really a piano concerto in all but name) used to be an extremely popular piece, but it seems to have disappeared entirely from concert programs. A couple of years ago, I talked a community orchestra into agreeing to play it, and we found a pianist--a hot-shot virtuoso, who agreed to do it as a "favor" since he would have preferred a "real concerto." Well, he waited until just before the concert before looking at the score, only to discover that he couldn't learn the music in time! We did find a substitute, but the point is that this is a more technically challenging (and musically rewarding) work than many more famous pieces, so if you like piano concertos, you'll want both this piece, as well as this smashing, budget-priced recording of it. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite .......2005-08-30

This is a stunning disc. If you enjoy 19th century French music at all, and don't know these works, you have no excuse. Especially when the music comes at super budget price from a respected label like Naxos. Okay, the Penguin guide is a little dismissive of this disc, saying that Francois-Joel Thiollier isn't as competitive as the big names. Rubbish. He's a fantastic pianist who gives color to any piece he plays, as his recordings of the Ravel concertos and de Falla's Nights in the Gardens on Spain can attest (also on Naxos). The ever-reliable National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland is completely first rate, and the sound is one of Naxos' best. You simply cannot be disappointed by the performances of these works, and though there may well be better versions out there, where can you find all these works on one disc? And they go together so beautifully...

Shamefully, it took me well over 10 years to discover the sheer beauty that is Franck's Symphonic Variations. It's one of the most concise and dramatic works of the century, particularly in a period that was known for its verbosity. It's every bit as passionate as his famous D minor symphony, but unlike that magnificent work, it has dashes of humor and playfulness. The surprise in this program is Faure's Ballade, a gently unfolding piece that reveals its charms slowly, over a few listens. But it's quite dramatic in its way, with a broad, sensuous melody that becomes very compelling. I've heard the solo version of the Ballade, and I think the orchestration, though subtle, adds just the right amount of color and atmosphere. And then there's the show stopper by D'Indy, Symphony on a French Mountain Air, which is right up there with de Falla's famous concertante work. Both works reek of nationalist perfumes, exotic colorings, and exquisite melodies. This work is jaw-droppingly effective, and only gets better with repeated listenings. From the brooding, dramatic first movement, we pass into a tender, mysterious slow movement, and then into the rollicking finale with the most memorable melody in the world. It's irresistable.

So in short, a fabulous disc, beautifuly played, with some of the most engaging piano/orchestra literature in the 19th century. I waited far too long before buying this disc. Don't make my mistake.

Good performances for a great price!.......2000-06-07

This disc is a good choice if you do not want to buy a $15+ CD featuring these works. The symphonic variations and the ballade, especially, are worth having in your collection. Good playing. 'Nuff said.

A beautiful bargain.......1999-12-28

This disc is well worth its price -- and more! All three compositions found here are played quite well by Thiollier. The Franck Variations highlight this disc; the Faure Ballade is also deserving of much praise. The d'Indy Symphony is a unique, delightful work which should be taken up by more pianists. Thank you, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, for also recording this work that suffers from unjust neglect.