Debussy: Sonata for violin & piano, L. 140

On this CD:

1. Sonata for violin & piano, FP 119
Composed by Francis Poulenc
Performed by Paul Crossley, Cho-Liang Lin

2. Sonata No. 1 for violin & piano
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Paul Crossley, Cho-Liang Lin

3. Sonata for violin & piano No. 2
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Paul Crossley, Cho-Liang Lin

4. Tzigane, rhapsodie de concert for violin & piano (or orchestra)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Paul Crossley, Cho-Liang Lin

5. Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré, for violin & piano
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Paul Crossley, Cho-Liang Lin

6. Sonata for violin & piano, L. 140
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by Paul Crossley, Cho-Liang Lin

Tracks:

Intro
Rondeau Brillante In B Minor Opus70
I Allegro Con Fuoco
II Intermezzo
III Presto Tragico
I Allegro Con Brio
II Adagio Cantabile
III Scherzo Allegro - Trio - Allegro
IV Finale - Allegro
Midnight Bells
4th Movment
Outtakes

Customer Reviews:

Nadja and Anne-Marie in concert.......2006-07-31

I have been privileged to see Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg perform live four times, the last two in chamber music situations with her current piano partner, Anne-Marie McDermott. So this, for me, is a rare instance of my buying a recording as a souvenir of seeing someone fantastic in person, rather than the other way round. (Other examples, for me, were tenor Jon Vickers and conductor Klaus Tennstedt.)

For me, personally, Anne-Marie McDermott is one of the world's greatest pianists and certainly the greatest living woman pianist. She imbues all of her playing with both a respect for the musical text and a passion for the musical drama. She is incapable of playing a dull phrase or an uninteresting movement of anything; in fact, she would be my candidate for the next great complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle.

When paired with Nadja, their playing as a team transcends what each of them can do individually. To say that this program "strikes sparks" would be an understatement. Every note, every phrase of the larger works is filled with an inner tension and complete commitment to excellence not often encountered in today's homogenized "classics lite" world, and the Kreisler "fillip" is played with exactly the right amount of schmaltz and humor.

To say more would be redundant; these performances speak for themselves. Buy, and enjoy.

Nadja live.......2006-05-28

Any recording of Nadja is great, but a live recording of her, is extra special. I have seen her live six times within the last three years, and have traveled out of state, four of those six times.

Nadja has another live recording, also on her own private label, which is simply fantastic, with the great Tchaikovsky violin concerto, and a beautiful new composition, by Clarice Assad.

Average customer rating:

Who, What and Why.
nice
Appealing Junction of Master Oboists & Composers
Really masters...

Masters of the Oboe

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Italian Oboe Concertos

ASIN: B000FGG6GG
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

Andante E Spiccato - I Musici
Adagio - I Musici
Presto - I Musici
Allegro Aperto - John Mack
Adagio Non Troppo - John Mack
Rondo.Allegretto - John Mack
Allegro Moderato - Herbert Von Karajan
Andante - Herbert Von Karajan
Vivace - Allegro - Herbert Von Karajan
Rondo Pastorale - The Academy Of St. Martin-In-The-Fields
Minuet & Musette - The Academy Of St. Martin-In-The-Fields
Finale - The Academy Of St. Martin-In-The-Fields

Tracks:

(Allegro) - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Adagio - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Allegro - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Allegro - Stephen Shingles
Adagio - Stephen Shingles
Rondeau. Allegro - Stephen Shingles
Prelude From Le Tombeau De Couperin - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Finale. Presto - Heinz Holliger
No.1 Nicht Schnell - Hansjorg Schellenberger
No.2 Einfach, Innig - Hansjorg Schellenberger
No.3 Nicht Schnell - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Pan - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Phaeton - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Niobe - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Bacchus - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Narcissus - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Arethusa - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Elegie - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Scherzo - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Deploration - Hansjorg Schellenberger
Pastorale - Joseph Silverstein

Customer Reviews:

Who, What and Why........2007-05-30

I recommend this cd for the listener who would like to hear a large sampling of oboe repertoire at a reasonable price. That said, I believe your money is better commited to other recordings of the pieces represented in this collection that highlight the individual mastery of oboe that these artists have achchieved.

For examlple:

Le Tombeau de Couperin: James Caldwell with The Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia, conducted by Anshel Brusilow. This recording is by far the most artistic, and lyrical recording of Tombeau I have ever heard. It was rereleased on the cd "Building Castles in the Sky". (which also contains quintessential Baroque recordings of Telemann and Handel)
Building Castles in the Sky

Richard Strauss, Concerto for Oboe and Small Orchestra: Alex Klein with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barenboim. a definitive recording. grammy winner.
Strauss: Wind Concertos

Marcello in D min. : John de Lancie, Ray Still
Concertos for Oboe

Mozart k314: John Mack, Conducted by Christoph Von Dohnanyi (Cleveland Orchestra Mozart: Clarinet, Oboe, and Bassoon Concertos.) strong recording of a pivotal repertoire piece.
Chicago Symphony released two recordings of the mozart, one with Ray Still and one with Alex Klein. Released on The Chicago Principal Reocrdings volume 1 and 3.
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto; Oboe Concerto; Bassoon Concerto /F Cohen * Mack * McGill * Cleveland Orchestra * Dohnanyi
Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 3; Bassoon Concerto; Oboe Concerto; Haydn: Trumpet Concerto

I recommend these recordings for all listeners who desire the most artistic and expressive recordings possibly available. They are also an essential addition to any music collection.

nice.......2007-01-11

Received in a few weeks, probably because it was shipped with another oboe cd. Both are excellent cd's and were in very good condiiton.

Appealing Junction of Master Oboists & Composers.......2006-12-14

This two CD set brings together eleven great composers: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Marcello, Vaughan Williams, Ravel, Schumann, Britten, Poulenc and Stravinsky with their compositions for oboe. These are played by eight oboists: Black, Gomberg, Holliger, Koch, Mack, Nicklin, Schellenberger and Still. This is all world oboe team from Europe as well as states.

For many like me you will find both some familiar pieces and performers and some new ones to discover and delight in as well. New in this set for this reviewer was Strauss' Concerto in D Major for Oboe and Small Orchestra, played here wonderfully by Lothar Koch backed by Berliner Philharmonic. The Andante and Vivace were moving pieces! However, my favorite track which is also new is the Finale/Presto to Beethoven's Trio in C Major for 2 Oboes and English Horn.

This collection also allowed me to be acquainted with an oboist previously not known to me, Celia Nicklin. She performs Vaughan Williams Concerto for Oboe and Strings, ably backed by Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Sir Neville. This pastoral work is dreamy and flowing, and Nicklin's playing enhances this with clarity and clear tonal sound.

Black's stylistic playing is very evident and carrys the day on Mozart's Quartet in F Major for Oboe and Strings, especially his fine delivery on the Rondeau.

Such a nice collection of composers and oboists that should be purchased, given and listened to with joy.

Really masters..........2006-11-04

I recommended this CD not only for oboists. It can be really helpful for peoples, who study music or just interested about oboe. But it is not CD for «phone».
Of course, all oboists are marvelous. And when they strike up, I go away from my listening-room.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful French Ambiance
Poulence and Milhaud shine, but the rest can be samey.
french flute power
Pahud is by far one of the absolute best flutists right now!

Emmanuel Pahud - Paris
Francis Poulenc , Henri Dutilleux , Pierre Sancan , Jacques Ibert , Darius Milhaud , Olivier Messiaen , André Jolivet , Emmanuel Pahud , and Eric Le Sage
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beau Soir

ASIN: B000002RZA
Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

Sonate: I : Allegro malinconico
Sonate: II : Cantilena
Sonate: III : Presto giocoso
Sonatine: Allegro -
Sonatine: Andante -
Sonatine: Anime
Sonatine: Moderato -
Sonatine: Andante espressivo -
Sonatine: Anime
Jeux (Sonatine): I : Anime
Jeux (Sonatine): II : Tendre
Sonatine: I : Tendre
Sonatine: II : Souple
Sonatine: III : Clair
Aria
Le merle noir
Chant de Linos

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful French Ambiance.......2003-07-14

Most of the music on this disk was unknown to me, but I was glad to make its acquaintance. The performances are crisp, clean, clear and elegant; in a word, French. Having recently been in Paris I could safely make the connection to the place with this music instantly.

Poulence and Milhaud shine, but the rest can be samey........2001-02-08

Pahud perhaps errs in beginning his disc with by far its strongest piece, Poulenc's joyously melodic 'Flute Sonata', serenely playful, influenced by Stravinsky's neo-classicism, but spiritually just as close to Mozart. The only other work here that compares is Poulenc's old 'Les Six' chum Milhaud's 'Sonatina', which has a rhythmic energy and strangeness that marks it out from its rather fey surroundings.

Three of the works are Conservatoire test pieces, and they show, Dutilleux's and Sancan's being pleasant, but samey variations on Debussy and Faure. Ibert's contributions are more original, but just as amiably forgettable. Messian's replication of bird-song, 'Le Merle Noir', is evocative and exciting, but fatiguing; Jolivet's closer just fatigues. Pahud's playing is flexible and expressive throughout, and Le Sage's quiet invention on the piano shouldn't be ignored, but this disc really only sparkles on first hearing.

french flute power.......2000-09-20

Pahud has become one of the biggest flutist around the world these days. His selections on this all-French composer disc span the gamut of the French repertory from the Ibert to the still living Dutilleux. I got this disc for two reasons 1) because there aren't too many recordings of the Dutilleux Sonatine--a contemporary flute and piano piece {The two which spring to my mind are Paula Robison and Michael Bellavance 's but there are probably 1 or 2 more out there} and 2)i was curious about Pahud's mysterious sound. Many flutist friends had told me I HAD to hear a recording of his. Let me say that it takes a lot to impress me after getting used to hearing the flute squad of the Boston Symphony--wood flute pioneer Jacques Zoon, Fenwick Smith and Elizabeth Ostling, but this Pahud's sound IS all that AND a bag of potato chips. This collection although almost exclusively from the 20th century is quite accessible, lyric (in the French style), even the 'bird' calls in Messiaen's 'Le Merle Noir' don't even come close to other ear-challenging 20th century repertory. The disc is a great sampler of the 'greatest flute hits/repertory' of the 20th century (excluding the solo flute pieces-Debussy's Syrinx or Varese's Density 21.5).

That said I have 2 cents more to add to my review of the Dutilleux Sonatine. Although I like this disc a lot, I LOVE Paula Robison's Recording of it even more (if that is possible). IT IS probably the DEFINITIVE recording of that piece. Check out her CD on the Vanguard label which has a smattering of 19th and 20th century works on it.

Pahud is by far one of the absolute best flutists right now!.......1999-02-03

After attending a masterclass with Emmanuel Pahud, I bought this recording, and as he demonstrated in the classes, he is a phenomenal all-around performer. If you ever have a chance to see him live, definitely go for it. Otherwise, get a recording... or two!

Average customer rating:

Interesting CD
Impressive Poulenc... 4 1/2 stars
Fiery, sharp, delicate and bold, yet sophisticated
Midori is an amazing and talented violinist!!

French Violin Sonatas
Midori , Debussy , Poulenc , and Saint-Saens
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006GOA7
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Amazon.com

This beautiful recording displays Midori at her radiant best. Her virtuosity is entirely at the service of the music; her tone is lovely, pure, intense, and expressive, and she adapts it to style, mood, and atmosphere with bow and vibrato. The Poulenc Sonata, written in 1942-43 and dedicated to the memory of Federico Garcia Lorca, is unsettled and unsettling. Irresolute, unpredictable, it veers between stormy turbulence and pleading lyricism. The slow movement is dreamy, tender, improvisatory, with echoes of Debussy; the Finale, called "Presto tragico," is aggressive and almost cheerful, becoming truly tragic only in the last pages. Midori captures its mood swings, from passion to serenity, with unerring poise.

The Debussy Sonata, written in 1917 and his final work, is a unique masterpiece. Free yet coherent in form, infinitely imaginative, it combines languid sensuousness, assertive vitality, and sardonic grotesquerie. One would never guess that he was battling illness and the ravages of war at the time. Clearing its formidable technical hurdles with consummate ease, Midori brings out the work's color, character, and expression, taking great liberties with tempo and rhythm, but carefully avoiding exaggeration.

The Saint-Saëns Sonata, written in 1885, is a bravura piece for both instruments, but its rapturous melodies, original rhythms, and expressive contrast give it weight and substance. Its four movements are linked in pairs; the first alternates menacing drama with soaring lyricism, the second is a songful Aria, the third a charming Scherzo. In the Finale, the players chase each other in a marathon "perpetual motion," broken by an occasional melodic outburst in the violin. Naturally, the performance is dazzling, but even here, Midori succeeds in making the brilliance subservient to the music. The record's only flaw is the balance: the piano consistently overpowers the violin. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Interesting CD.......2007-05-11

Midori can always be counted on for great recordings, and this is no exception. After hearing probably 20 different people play the Debussy sonata, I'd probably say that this is my second-favorite recording (the first is a live one with Oistrakh and Frida Bauer from the 1960s.) The reviewer below mentioned Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu as their favorite...well, it's not bad but to quote one of my colleagues, "Chung is way too angular for Debussy." Anyhow, back to this disc.... The Saint-Saens sonata is the highlight. When I first heard this, I had a hard time forgetting the Heifetz/Brooks Smith discing that is just fricking amazing. But after listening to it a few times, I think I like Midori's equally well. Heifetz often played slow movements too fast, and fast movements too fast. Midori's tempos, for just about everything, are much more sensible. In the second movement, she plays the sixteenths in separate bows, which makes it far more interesting. The last movement is paced pretty well too.

Impressive Poulenc... 4 1/2 stars.......2002-12-20

Francis Poulenc wrote three violin sonatas and threw out the first two. We already know that this sonata was dedicated to the emotional violinist Ginette Neveu and that it was written between 1942-1943, think long and hard about the feelings of a French impressionist composer trying to compose while a war is going on for a soloist who plays with unbelievable beauty. Of course the result is a moody yet beautiful composition worthy of attention.

There are few recordings of this work, of the ones I have heard include Grumiaux, Menuhin, Van Keulen, Suk (grandson of the composer), and Kang. I actually like the Grumiaux recording the best but it is only available in Japan and I liked this recording almost as much.

Midori has a very colorful violin tone, a lush vibrato, and a sense of romance in her playing. I remembered thinking of how her Paganini Caprices recording was so colorful and romantic sounding. While I believe this is the wrong approach to play Paganini, I did think she had incredible warmth and feeling in her playing and wanted to hear her play something more in that direction. So here it is, a rarely played masterpiece that has plenty of room for emotional expression. This piece perfectly fits her style and she delivers with a great sounding recording.

The Debussy sonata is much more popular but I don't know why. Forgive me but I don't really listen to it much because I really don't enjoy his violin sonata as much as his great composition "Images" 1 & 2 and many other chamber works. Therefore I will not comment on this performance of the Debussy.

The Saint Saens is my favorite sonata ever written, I recommend the recording of Gil Shaham as alternative to this one.

I completely recommend this CD without hesitation for a great performance of the Poulenc.

Fiery, sharp, delicate and bold, yet sophisticated.......2002-11-01

In this new disc, Midori shows an edgier side of her without losing her usual balancing act.

She sounds miraculous throughout, especially in Poulenc. In Poulenc, sounding so fiery but also very calm at the same time, Midori effectively brings out dichotomizing qualities of the work in a razor sharp performance. Each very fine detail is delicately yet boldly realized with subtle shading of color with such a broad palette, but she never misses the whole view of the music. The contrast between the introverted side and the extroverted side is so beautifully rendered in great depth that the impression of the music would last for a very long time.

Midori's Debussy sounds very very sharp and aggressive (in an extra refined manner as always). But I have to say that such conviction also sounds very imposing, and it lost spontaneity and fantasy from the piece. It felt like as if I were enjoying a very modern art piece in a minimal space... meaning lack of an organic quality; She sounds beautiful but not so engaging. I would recommend Kyung-Wha Chung/Radu Lupu for Debussy.

Then, a great joy comes back with Saint Saens violin sonata. Sounding fiery again, but also with sweeter tones and mesmerizing technique, Midori sounds just breathtaking, especially at the dashing finale. Most violinists play this piece by beautifying each phrase in a calculative way, but Midori brings "wholeness" into the piece. She also gives the piece more weights, but also brings out some "lightness" with clarity and speed.

I also have to mention that the piano (Robert McDonald) sounds just great. He shares the equal weight, and the communication between the violin and the piano is spot-on accurate yet spontaneous. Also I actually liked the recording balance. The piano comes much more forward and sounds magical.

Midori is an amazing and talented violinist!!.......2002-09-25

I bought this cd on a whim, because I wanted to listen to new classical music. Although, I have heard of Camille St.Saens, but I wasn't familiar with Francis Poulenc. Anybody who loves great violin pieces, should buy this cd. In my opinion, I would compare Midori to Joshua Bell, Sarah Chang, and Hillary Hahn. So, if you're looking for unfamiliar classical music played with not only technical excellence but with passion, I suggest you get this cd now!!

Average customer rating:

A must have
The Best 20th Master pieces
Super Collection of 20th C. Flute Reportoire
A must have for the serious Flutist or 20th Century collectr

Flute Master Pieces

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005E94
Release Date: 1992-11-03

Tracks:

Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Allegro
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Andante
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Allegro scherzando
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Allegro con fermezzo
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Andante sostenuto
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Allegro vivace
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Andante cantabile-Allegro scherzando
Concerto For Flute And Orchestra: Largo-Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Sonata For Flute And Piano: Allegro moderato
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Adagio
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Allegro poco moderato
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Heiter Bewegt
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Sehr Langsam
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Sehr Lebhaft, Marsh
Sonata For Flute And Piano In D Major Op.94: Moderato
Sonata For Flute And Piano In D Major Op.94: Scherzo
Sonata For Flute And Piano In D Major Op.94: Andante
Sonata For Flute And Piano In D Major Op.94: Allegro con brio
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Allegro malincolico
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Cantinela
Sonata For Flute And Piano: Presto giocoso

Customer Reviews:

A must have.......2005-09-08

I am typically not a fan of Jean Pierre's flute playing (I find his tone to be thin and his technical passages to be a bit sloppy). With that said I was very surprised to actually like this CD. This collection is full of great pieces. Like everyone else reviewing I love the Katchaturian Concerto and having played it myself, I can tell you that it is one tough piece. I also adore the last movement of the Ibert concerto. The sonatas in this collection are also great and very well known pieces. This CD collection is a bargain.

The Best 20th Master pieces.......2004-04-03

Your attention is drawn to the fact that in one CD we have concertos and on the other one are sonatas, totalling 2 hrs 10 minutes.

the two French orchestras are superb and the recording is very nice too. Somehow, the recording of the piano part of the sonatas is not equally nice and the pianist is not quite as impressing as the flutist. Furthermore, its up to the audience to judge whether Rampal had slightest past his very prime when he recorded these two records albeit that technically there isn't any sign of obvious aging.

I'm no flutist but my attention is not just attracted by the Khatchatourian concerto: they are more jems than you could possibly imagine. In case you want to have the fullest reportoire of modern composers played by the greatest artist, you definitely shouldn't miss them.

Super Collection of 20th C. Flute Reportoire.......2003-01-09

Here is the collection of 20th century flute reportoire, played by master Rampal.

Ibert, Jolivert, Poulenc, are all here in two disc set with Rampal accompanied by Robert Veyron-Lacroix on piano.

Recording is clear and play is spectacular. Flute lovers will definitely want this in their collection.

A must have for the serious Flutist or 20th Century collectr.......2001-03-10

As a flutist I say that this CD is a must have for any aspiring flutist. It contains THE piece de resistance of the flute repertoire and the performance is simply legendary. Most of these pieces were dedicated to or commissioned by Rampal himself.

Tracks:

Oboe

Customer Reviews:

A very pleasing eclectic selection.......2003-01-08

CDs like this often don't quite work, because there seems to be either not enough contrast when there is some, or some of the pieces are simply not enjoyable. Luckily this CD garners no complaints to my ears, and there's a very nice variety as well, all played wonderfully by Allan Vogel.

Saint-Saens is a composer who was almost always "on", and the Oboe Sonata is no exception. Though written at the end of his life (along with the Clarinet Sonata), it could just have easily come 30 years earlier. It's a very nice late romantic piece, if not quite as tuneful as the Clarinet one.
The Poulenc sonata is a very lovely piece of French post-impressionism, akin to his choral music really. The Britten piece is typical Britten -- hovering around "modern" sound without quite going there.

The Schumann Three romances are also typical of the composer -- nice but not overly memorable. Still it's a pleasing piece. Now the W. F. Bach piece was a surprise -- the flute and oboe get equal treatment here, and as with the Schumann it's very pleasing.

The final piece is the only one that may dissuade someone from picking this CD up -- the Obsession for Oboe and Piano is quite "modern", though luckily it's still a very interesting piece. A clear show of virtuosity, it has energy and vigor, and is certainly one of the better examples of this style that I've heard.

So, I can safely recommend this. Even if you don't like Obsession, it IS at the end. This CD is a good buy for anyone who likes solo wind music, especially if you don't have a recording of the Saint-Saens.

Wide Ranging Oboe Repertoire.......2001-10-31

As others have detailed, this is vast and far ranging oboe performance from the likes of Saint-Saens, Poulenc, Schumann and Bach.

I have reviewed oboe pieces from these composers, and found Vogel's performance to be quite worthy of five stars.

However, the pieces by Britten and Shinohara are new for me and outstanding! These are flowing and satiny with a high gloss finish which is very delightful to the ears with the melodic, romantic sound that is so unique and pleasing to oboe lovers such as this reviewer. Vogel and his accompanists are to be commended for producing such a high-quality, wide ranging disc of one of the truly great soloist instruments.

Lovely recital with a possible exception at the end.......2000-06-16

Gallant little Delos has been releasing some marvelous oboe recitals with Allan Vogel, and the latest entry has not let us down at all. (DE3235) provides us with some rare items including Saint-Saens' "Sonata for Oboe and Piano, Op. 166," Poulenc's "Sonata for Oboe and Piano," Britten's "Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for Oboe Solo," Schumann's "Three Romances for Oboe and Piano," W.F. Bach's "Duet for Flute and Oboe, No. 4" [in which he is joined by Janice Tipton], and Shinohara's "Obsession for Oboe and Piano." Bryan Pezzone is at the keyboard.

Never having heard any of these before, I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed, liquid playing of the first, second, third, and fourth selections. The Britten piece took some careful listening, being of a more intellectual nature so to speak, and was even more rewarding. My tastes being what they are, I did not like the last piece very much, finding it noisy and grating; and I was glad it came at the end of the CD and could easily be avoided on future playings. Naturally many of you might find this 1961 selection the best of the lot. The liner notes are terse and helpful.

Oboe repertoire brilliantly played.......2000-06-14

The works presented on this disc constitute some of the cornerstones of oboe/piano literature. Allan Vogel's performance is very warm and insightful. His pianist, Bryan Pezzone, performs no less sensitively. The recording is also rich and warm. These works are all a delight to listen to. The Saint-Saens and Poulenc sonatas express both the charm and wit of these two great French composers. The Britten is the most important work for solo oboe. The Schumann Romances are another masterpiece for oboe and piano. A must for any oboist or music lover! The closing piece, Obsession by Japanese composer Makoto Shinohara is very powerful. A gem.

Average customer rating:

Keep your eye, and your EAR, on this one!
Beautiful, passionate, compelling!
A leading cellist of our time

French Music for Cello and Piano
Claude Debussy , Francis Poulenc , Cesar Franck , Maurice Ravel , Daniel Muller-Schott , and Robert Kulek
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Music for Cello and Piano
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ASIN: B0000647IU
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

Sonata For Violoncello And Piano In D Minor: I. Prologue. Lent
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano In D Minor: II. Serenade. Moderement Anime
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano In D Minor: III. Finale. Anime
Intermezzo
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano, Op.143: I. Allegro. Tempo Di Marcia
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano, Op.143: II. Cavatine. Tres Calme
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano, Op.143: III. Ballabile. Tres Anime Et Gai
Sonata For Violoncello And Piano, Op.143: IV. Finale. Largo/Presto Subito/Largo
Sonata For Violin And Piano In A (Transcribed For Violoncello): I. Allegretto Ben Moderato
Sonata For Violin And Piano In A (Transcribed For Violoncello): II. Allegro/Quasi Lento/Tempo I
Sonata For Violin And Piano In A (Transcribed For Violoncello): III. Recitativo-Fantasia. Ben Moderato
Sonata For Violin And Piano In A (Transcribed For Violoncello): IV. Allegretto Poco Mosso
Piece En Forme De Habanera (Transcribed For Violoncello)

Customer Reviews:

Keep your eye, and your EAR, on this one!.......2003-12-22

Just a few hours after ordering this disc I found out that Müller Schott would be performing with our local symphony orchestra, only five minutes from my doorstep, in less than a week. I got myself a ticket the next day (give him another year and he will sell out everywhere months in advance - and probably will no longer be performing in provincial backwaters...), and was rewarded with the first performance of Prokofiev's rambling, abstruse Sinfonia Concertante that actually made sense to me - all thanks to the musicianship of this young cellist. Sitting in a front row hardly 4 meters away from the performer, I also had ample opportunity to be dazzled by the apparent facility with which even the most demanding technical difficulties were tackled.
That virtuosity needs not get in the way of deeply felt music-making is proved with equal eloquence on this disc. Don't let the cover mislead you; - at first glance you might fear that you are dealing with the male counterpart of one-time cello pin-up Ofra Harnoy. I gathered from a recent interview that Müller Schott considers his uncommon good looks an embarrassment rather than an asset, but clearly his marketing people think otherwise, as evidenced by the sleeve and back inlay of this disc (not to mention his website). However, with musical qualities of this magnitude, you will soon be listening, and be amazed at what you hear! My only recording of the Debussy sonata was that by Maisky and Argerich (EMI), which I always found overblown, aggressive and unduly hectic and rushed - so much so that Maisky is unable to cope with the fast runs in the finale and reduces them to glissandi. Kulek and MS, who form an ideal partnership, inhabit a different world altogether and one, I would guess, much closer to the heart of Debussy. The strange, nostalgic mood of the first movement is perfectly realized, the introverted playing making this a deeply personal experience. That MS is a virtuoso as good as any is nevertheless quite plain to hear in his delightful rendering of the bizarre scherzo. The Finale is taken at a sensible speed that doesn't get in the way of clear articulation, and here even more than in other tracks I was struck by the meticulous attention paid to dynamic markings - e.g., the ecstatic ascending and crescendo phrase of the cello ending on a truly soft, not a loud high E. The Poulenc is a gem and Müller-Schott deserves praise both for unearthing it and for the way he plays it. The slow movement especially is haunting, quite as touching as the best of Poulenc's many songs. And even if, like me, you don't care much for the Franck violin sonata in its cello guise, this musical couple is audibly committed to it. If anyone can save it from stuffiness they can, and they are highly adept at clothing its (to my ears, many) stolid patches with such sheer beauty of sound that you might be tempted to start loving the piece... All in all a wonderful disc, representing an extremely felicitous marriage of infallible technique to musical insight. Whether you like M-S's inclination to use slides as an expressive gesture is a matter of taste - they were the only aspect in the music making that I suspect I may find somewhat irksome on repeated hearing, but that won't stop me from playing this disc very, very often!

Beautiful, passionate, compelling!.......2003-07-21

WONDERFUL: this word describes the music and the performances. Muller-Schott and Kulek play these lovely works with a superb sense of phrasing, dynamics, architecture, and rubato. I bought this CD originally to become familiar with the Debussy and Poulenc Sonatas for cello and piano (I am a pianist), but the unexpected gem on the CD for me is the Franck Sonata in A (originally for violin and piano) transcribed for cello! It is, to me, the best performance of this work I have ever heard, live or recorded. The short Ravel piece which ends the disk is a minuature oasis of quiet beauty. This is one of my favorite CDs in a very extensive collection, and at the price listed it is a great deal!

A leading cellist of our time.......2002-11-14

Daniel Mueller-Schott performed the Dvorak concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival in June 2001. During the rehearsal - I was lucky to attend it - something extraordinary happened. When the echo of the last chord of the first movement had faded away, the uncomparable CSO spontaneously broke into an enormous ovation for the young cellist. Now, with his second CD with French chamber music being released, everybody will be able to verify the enthusiasm of these professional musicians. It is evident that Daniel Mueller-Schott must be ranked among the leading cellists of our time. The particular merit of this EMI recording is not only to be seen in presenting this miracle of a musician but more in the way really great chamber music is performed by Daniel and his absolutely congenial partner Robert Kulek, a Latvian born New Yorker. I actually had not heard of this pianist before, but as an old musician, I dare say Robert Kulek has everything that is needed for a great carrier. If you like to listen to an interpretation bursting of deeply felt passion and fervor in every single note, of breath taking virtuosity and heart breaking lyricisms: on this stunning CD you'll find it in abundance. Thank you, guys, for providing me with a musical experience so intense and cheering I have not had for a long, long time.

Average customer rating:

A standard for any oboe player

John Mack, Oboe

Manufacturer: Crystal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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John Mack, Oboe Mozart: Quartet, K.370/Loeffler: Deux Rhapsodies/Paladilhe: Solo De Concert/Britten: Six Metamorphoses
Orchestral Excerpts for Oboe
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ASIN: B000003J3J
Release Date: 1993-12-29

Tracks:

Three Romances, Op. 94: Nicht Schnell
Three Romances, Op. 94: Einfach, Innig
Three Romances, Op. 94: 3. Nicht Schnell
Oboe Sonata, Op. 166: Andantino
Oboe Sonata, Op. 166: Pastorale
Oboe Sonata, Op. 166: Molto Allegro
Sonata For Oboe: Munter
Sonata For Oboe: Sehr Langsam-Lebhaft-Sehr Langsam-Wieder Lebhaft
Sonata For Oboe: Elegie
Sonata For Oboe: Scherzo
Sonata For Oboe: Deploration
Capriccio
Pavane
Serenade
Romance

Customer Reviews:

A standard for any oboe player.......2001-10-14

John Mack is definitely one of the pillars of the oboe playing world. His playing and teaching alike draw much praise. This CD is no expception. During his career, Mack has put out many definitive and emulated performances, and this CD contains many of the pieces standard in the oboe repetoire. In fact, some of these pieces are rarely recorded and can only be found on this CD. The Schumann Romances are beautifully done with excellent tone and phrasing, the Saint-Saens is wonderful and Mack's interpretation has become the standard for this sonata, the Hindemith is playful and quirky, and the Poulenc is pretty and well executed(though I prefer the Leleux interpretation). The little French pieces are pretty and a nice addition, though not that exciting.

Tracks:

Spring And Autumn (In Two Parts)
Romance
Andate Con Dolore
Allegro
Moderato, Prestisimo
Etude-Tableaux, Op. 39 No. 6
Romanza
Romancet, Op. 6 No. 1
Liebfreude
Liebelied
Overture
Divertissement
Jew
Intro Et Fina

Average customer rating:

Review of Flute Passion CD

Flute Passion

Manufacturer: EMI Classics Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008PW65
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

IV. Bourrees 1 & 2 - Elaine Schaffer
V. Polonaise & Double - Elaine Schaffer
VI. Menuet - Elaine Schaffer
VII. Badinerie - Elaine Schaffer
II. Siciliano - Michel Debost
Ouverture - David Munrow
Les Plaisirs - David Munrow
Sonate Pour 2 Flutes En Sol Majeur, Op.2 No.1: II. Andante - Allegro - James Galway
I. Largo - Bruno Cavallo
II. 'Fantasmi' Presto - Bruno Cavallo
III. Largo - Bruno Cavallo
IV. Presto - Bruno Cavallo
V. Largo 'II Sonno' - Bruno Cavallo
VI. Allegro - Bruno Cavallo
I. Allegro - Michel Sanvoisin
Concerto Pour Flute, Harpe & Orchestra En Ut Majeur, K.299: II. Andantino - James Galway
Romance Pour Flute & Piano En La Majeur, Op.94 No.1 - Jean-Pierre Rampal
L'Arlesienne: Menuet - Michel Debost
Carmen: Entracte (Acte III) - Michel Debost
L'Oiseau Des Bois, Idylle Pour Flute & 4 Cors, Op.21 - John Solum
Casse-Noisette: Danse Des Mirlitons - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Adagio - London Symphony Orchestra
L'Oiseau Bleu Et La Princess Florine - London Symphony Orchestra
Le Carnaval Des Animaux: Voliere - Francois Laurent
Pelleas Et Melisande: Sicilienne - Patricia Nagle
Daphnis Et Chloe: Pantomime - Michel Debost

Tracks:

Syrinx Pour Flute Seule - Michel Debost
Danse De La Chevre Pour Flute Seule - Jonathan Snowden
Entr'acte - Roger Bourdin
I. Allegro Malinconico - Eric Le Sage
II. Cantilene - Eric Le Sage
III. Presto Giocoso - Eric Le Sage
Density 21/5 Pour Flute Seule - Michel Debost
I. Pan - Raymund Havenith
Ballade Pour Flute, Orchestre A Cordes & Piano - Aurele Nicolet
Le Merle Noir - Karlheinz Zoller
Vermont Counterpoint - Ransom Wilson
I. Allegretto - Kathleen Chastain
II. Andante - Kathleen Chastain
III. Anime - Kathleen Chastain
Sequenza Pour Flute Seule - Karlheinz Zoller
Chant De Linos, Pour Flute & Piano - Eric Le Sage

Customer Reviews:

Review of Flute Passion CD.......2004-08-08

I came across this CD while looking for recordings of music that I could play to Flute Students. This CD is a winner, as it contains music at the Grade -7 level (Australia) and makes a wonderful purchase for both teachers and students. The various artists represented on the CD's are amongst the best flautists in the world. An excellent choice for anyone passionate about the flute.

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