Folksong Symphony

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 4 ("Folk Song")
Composed by Roy Harris

Conducted by Vladimir Golschmann

2. Gregorian Chant for string orchestra
Composed by Paul Creston
Performed by New York Chamber Orchestra
Conducted by Arthur Lief

Tracks:

Ave Maria (new recording)
La Wally (from Time To Say Goodbye)
Winter Light (new recording)
Anytime, Anywhere (from Eden)
Alhambra (new recording)
Lascia Ch'io Pianga (from Eden)
Dans La Nuit (new recording)
Serenade/How Fair This Place (from La Luna)
O Mio Babbino Caro (new recording)
La Luna (from La Luna)
Pie Jesu (new recording)
Figlio Perduto (from La Luna)
Nessun Dorma (new recording)
Bailero (from Eden)
Time To Say Goodbye (New solo version--previously unavailable)

Amazon.com

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're a fan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's "Ave Maria,' "Winter Light," a fresh take on her signature song "Pie Jesu" (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). "Alhambra" and "Dans La Nuit"--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date. -Sarah Chin

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

More from Sarah Brightman

Time to Say Goodbye
Diva: The Singles Collection
Eden

Diva: The Video Collection
Live from Las Vegas
La Luna (Live in Concert)

Customer Reviews:

Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD.......2007-03-15

Sarah Brightman's talent is limitless. Her soprano and/or alto voice is among the best and she lets it show in 'CLASSICS'. CLASSICS is a beautiful, easy listening, and peaceful CD. CLASSICS is one to listen to in tranquil or relaxing moments. "CLASICS" is a collection of great pieces of music written by great composers (Shuburt, Handel, Chopin, Puccini, and the like). I have listened to CLASSICS about 15 times now and it always puts me in a quiet and peaceful mood (I am ~50 years old).

Best Brightman CD.......2007-02-07

A classical composition which showcases the beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman. A timeless CD which will continue to be a favourite over the years.

Sarah Brightman is a Classic.......2007-01-02

Sarah Brightman is at her best in "Classics." From Dvorak's "Rusalka" (Opera B.203) to Beethoven's haunting Op 52, slow movement (Symphony #7), Brightman's voice and lyrical style are a joy. I particularly enjoy her performances of Schubert's Ave Maria and Andrew Lloyd Weber's Pie Jesu. This is a great add to my collection of serious music.

Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman.......2006-12-30

After purchasing this CD for my iPod for iTunes, I must say that I'm a little bit dissapointed. 7 new recordings and 8 old ones, ones that I already happen to have. I do like the fact that they're all on one CD! Some of her new recordings, including, "Ave Maria", "Winter Light", "Alhambra", "Dans La Nuit", and the new recording of "Pie Jesu" are just too breathy for my taste. It seems as with every changing CD, Sarah's voice changes. I'm not saying that the result is bad; it actually gives the songs more of a dream like quality, but I'm used to the younger, more Andrew Lloyd-Webber integrated Sarah. Scooping continually occurs in new recordings of "O Mio Babbino Caro", and "Nessun Dorma". In some tracks from La Luna, like "Figlio Perduto", Sarah's voice is TOTALLY dominated by harmonizing recordings that sound almost mechanical.

OVERALLY - The new songs sound O.K. and the old recordings are just as good as they were back then. This album is still a great buy!

Nice Cover.......2006-12-27

I'm a heterosexual guy who's not an opera aficionado - I only mention these facts because I seem to be right in the bull's-eye of the target market for this product. Sarah B. has a nice voice and she's pretty. Both of these are featured prominently on this CD. The cover and several pages in the insert are devoted to what must have been a very long and expensive photo shoot (and Photoshop) of a semi-clad Sarah looking marvelous. (The CD also comes with a flyer so you can buy various Brightman "Classics" apparel - perhaps not for the heterosexual male).

As far as the music goes: not bad, not great. I don't claim to have the most discerning ears for this sort of music, but everything was OK by me. However, the pieces on the CD with which I'm somewhat familiar, such as "O Mio Babbino Caro," didn't sound quite as good as other versions I've heard (and that includes by Charlotte Church, not just opera stars). Also, the solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye" didn't sound nearly as good to me as the duet with Bocelli.

In sum, there were 3-4 songs I liked enough to rip to MP3s - which is enough so that I didn't feel ripped myself...

Average customer rating:

Would you like ketchup with your bug?
he makes you get up and dance
Live in Dublin
Live in Dublin
Live audience is great.

Live In Dublin
Andre Rieu
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tuscany
Andre Rieu in Concert
The Flying Dutchman
The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart
At The Movies

ASIN: B0000CABHH
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

Dark Eyes
Thunder & Lightning
The Merry Widow
Song of the Volga Boatman
Hor Ich Zimbalklange
Espana Cani (Bull)
O Mio Babbino Caro
The Blue Danube Waltz
Announcement Olympia Song
Song of Olympia (puppet)
My Heart Will Go On (Titanic)
All Men Shall Be Brothers - Beethoven 9th
Radetzky March
Opera Potpourri
The Red Rose Cafe
The Marino Waltz
Irish Washerwoman
The Last Rose
Chianti Song
Lullaby

Album Description

Recorded at the filming in Dublin's famous downtown train terminal, LIVE IN DUBLIN features Andre and the orchestra performing a collection of old favorites and exciting new selections. Already a smash PBS program LIVE IN DUBLIN captures Andre Rieu and his magical live performances at their most elegant best!

Customer Reviews:

Would you like ketchup with your bug?.......2007-05-05

The person who sang O Mio Babbino Caro is Carmen Monarcha. Do a search for her on YouTube; she's really fantastic!

Anyway, I saw Andre Rieu on a PBS special on television and it looked like such an awesome, high-energy concert! The CD is not so exciting, but it is worth buying just for that beautiful aria.

he makes you get up and dance.......2007-04-10

my 3 yr old enjoys this as much as us

Live in Dublin.......2007-02-17

The music is really toe tapping and excellent. Andre Rieu is a master of music.

Live in Dublin.......2006-07-05

This concert is magnificent in its energy and in the great performances by Andre Rieu and the Johann Stauss orchestra. I watch it when I need lifting up. I love the audience interaction which makes me feel as if I'm there in person.

Live audience is great........2006-05-03

This has to be one of Andre's best. The live audience adds much to the music being played. I wish I had been there for the performance.

Average customer rating:

Great CD
~*IT's Pure CLASSICAL*~
Poor Compilation

#1 Classical Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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#1 Piano Album
The #1 Opera Album
Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits
Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits
Grieg: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000667S0
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Opening - Berlin Philharmonic
William Tell Overture: Finale - Riccardo Chailly
Peer Gynt, Op.23: Morning Mood - Vienna Philharmonic
'O Sole Mio - Luciano Pavarotti
Suite No.3 In D Major, BWV 1068: Air - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K 467: Andante - Andras Schiff
Radetzky March, Op.28 - Vienna Philharmonic
Violin Concerto No.1 In G Minor: Adagio - Kyung Wha Chung
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Chants D'Auvergne: Bailero - Kiri Te Kanawa
Waltz In D Flat Major, Op.64 No.1 'Minute' - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Cantata No.28: Sheep May Safely Graze - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
The Flight Of The Bumblebee - Philharmonia Orchestra
Bolero: Finale - Charles Dutoit
Les Contes D'Hoffman: Barcarolle - Richard Bonynge
Adagio In G Minor - Martin Haselbock
Pizzicato Polka - Vienna Philharmonic
Das Land Des Lachelns: Dein Ist Mein Mein Ganzes Herz - Placido Domingo

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Radio-Symphonie-Chor Berlin
Jazz Suite No.2: Waltz II - Riccardo Chailly
Adagio For Strings - David Zinman
Fantasia On Greensleeves - Sir Neville Marriner
The Four Seasons: Spring: I. Allegro - Alan Loveday
Trumpet Voluntary - Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Canon - Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Casanova: Nuns' Chorus - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Rome & Juliet: Fantasy: Love Theme - Vienna Philharmonic
Warsaw Concerto - Cristina Ortiz
Symphony No.9 'From The New World': II. Largo (Excerpt) - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio (Excerpt) - Carlos Bonell
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - Sir Neville Marriner
Hungarian Dance No.5 In G Minor - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Thais: Meditation - Nigel Kennedy
Turandot: Nessun Dorma - John Alldis Choir

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2003-01-24

This is good CD for casual Classical listening, new comers to classical music or the car! I love it. It has a good variety of pieces, something to suit every mood.

~*IT's Pure CLASSICAL*~.......2002-08-14

I dont own this cd yet, but i will. I listened to samples and this is a beautifull, famous, pure classical music... if there's anyone who doesn't agree with me they probably are not familiar with classical music or (maybe can't read!!) You will enjoy this cd though!

Poor Compilation.......2002-06-14

After just one listening to this cd, I had to stop. It is just such a poor compliation of music, the flow, the rythm, it is terrible. Unlike the #1 Opera album, which I enjoyed, this one is a throwback.

Average customer rating:

A waste of Kodaly.
Kodaly Is The Funky Drummer
hungarian folk blossoms under marvelously modern orchestra!

Kodaly: Hary Janos Suite etc.

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations)

ASIN: B000000ALE
Release Date: 1992-04-09

Tracks:

Dances Of Galanta
Hary Janos Suite: I. Prld: the Fairy Tale begins
Hary Janos Suite: II. Viennese Musical Clock
Hary Janos Suite: III. Song
Hary Janos Suite: IV. The Battle And Defeat Of Napoleon
Hary Janos Suite: V. Intermezzo
Hary Janos Suite: VI. Entrance Of The Emperor & His Court
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): Moderato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): i. Con brio
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): ii.
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): iii. Piu mosso
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): iv. Poco calmato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): v. Appassionato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): vi. Calmato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): vii. Vivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): vii. Piu vivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): ix.
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): x. Molto vivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xi. Andante espressivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xii. Adagio
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xiii. Tempo di Marcia funebre
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xiv. Andante, poco rubato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xv. Allegro giocoso
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xvi. Maestoso
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): Finale. Vivace

Amazon.com

This sunny and brilliantly played disc gives you Kodaly's three most popular orchestral works, all in supercharged performances overflowing with color and excitement. Given the fact that Georg Solti, a real Hungarian, spent the better part of his life at the helm of this very orchestra, it's curious that it took Neeme Järvi (an Estonian) to make an all-Kodaly record with them. In any event, circumstances could hardly have turned out better. Järvi pushes the orchestra hard--the Galanta Dances really fly--but Chicago is one of those super-virtuoso orchestras that loves a challenge, and you can practically hear them taking Järvi's dare and running with it. A disc that's pure fun. -- David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A waste of Kodaly........2000-06-12

I regret not to share the review of my former companions about this CD. Three major facts was put together to make this CD a smashing success :A well known conductor as Neeme Jarvi ,who have already proved his abilty and crafmanship on several CD's like Dvorak Poems where he was outstanding... A first class Symphonic Orchestra as The Chicago Symphonic which had been groomed by Solti and was Wonderful playing Brahms Symphonies under his button and Chandos Records with its slogan "Worlds ahead for clarity " and a well-estalblished reputation for professional CD's. Allas ,In this CD All the three failed desperately.. Kodaly is everything but alienate and foggy music which is played as behind a curtain in this CD. On who shall I cast the blame ? A tired and perhaps misinterpreting conductor or An awfull sound which clarity is away ahead and you may experience ups and downs while trying ro listen to Hary Janos or Peacock Variations. The peacock colours have faded with such a performance . Just not to suspect me being biased try to listen to Galanta Dances with the legendary performance of Ferenc Friscay in the late 50th and Mono and you will see the light and colours immediately. Last but not least are the curious remarks and analogies done by Plummer in his so called enclosed review about the connection between Ravel and Mahler to this peace. I'm not in the habit of disqualifying but unfortunately this is the case not to buy a CD.

Kodaly Is The Funky Drummer.......2000-02-19

Replay value is high--I've spent hours with just the first track and it never gets old. This is one of the most exhilirating orchestral performances I have in my collection, and I highly recommend it.

hungarian folk blossoms under marvelously modern orchestra!.......1999-03-20

ZOLTAN KODALY WAS A COMPOSER OF THE FIRST RANK.HIS THRILLNG `DANCES OF GALANTA`WILL LEAVE YOUR SPIRIT SOARING,INSPIRED,AND THIRSTY FOR MORE.THE`HARY JANOS SUITE`IS BASICALLY FAIRY TALE MUSIC AWASH WITH BRIGHT HUES OF YELLOW,ORANGE,AND BLUE.IT IS PURE MAGIC.A LITTLE MORE THAN A HINT OF GYPSY PERMEATES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CD AND THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY TRULY CONFIRMS IT`S REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE WORLD`S FINEST.ALL CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVERS SHOULD BUY THIS NOW!!!!

Greatest Hits: The Tsar (Russian Orchestral Favorites)

Average customer rating:

A huge disapointment
The true Russian spirit.....

Greatest Hits: The Tsar (Russian Orchestral Favorites)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Russian Soul
Age Of Elegance - Greatest Hits
Russian Favourites
Best of Russian Folk Songs
Balalaika: Russia's Most Beautiful Songs

ASIN: B0000029T1
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
Khovanshchina: Dawn Over The River Moscow
The Seasons, Op. 67: Autumn
Symphony No. 4: Meadowland, Or Cavalry Of The Steppes
None But The Lonely Heart, Op. 6, No. 6 - Tchaikovsky
Nocturne
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 'Little Russian': IV. Finale (Coda: Presto) - Tchaikovsky
Two Guitars (Russian Gypsy Folksong)
Overture To The Tsar's Bride
Overture to Rusian und Ludmyla
Dark Eyes
The Red Poppy: Russian Sailor's Dance - Gliere
The Snow Maiden: Dance Of The Tumblers
Gayne Ballet: Sabre Dance
Caucasian Sketches, Op. 10: Procession Of The Sardar
Prince Igor: Polovstian Dance No. 2
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate Of Kiev
Tsar Sultan Suite, Op. 57: Farewell Of The Tsar
The Nutcracker Suite: Trepak - Tchaikovsky
Sorochinksy Fair: Gopak
1812 Overture, Op.49: Finale - Tchaikovsky

Customer Reviews:

A huge disapointment.......2004-12-01

Yes, this disc has some stunning music...about 2 minutes per selection of it. Sometimes a little more, but this is just a movement or so of each. I was thrilled to find Andrew Davis' version of The Polovstian Dances and found only a short choral section of it. It is a useful survey if you are a fledgeling listener to Russian classical music, but other than that, it is pretty useless for listening.

The true Russian spirit............2000-06-18

This CD has a wonderful combination of the best tunes Russia has to offer (under 10 minutes of course!). Folk tunes like Two Guitars and Dark Eyes add to the Russian spirit. Also a nice war-like tune by an unfamilar man by the name of Knipper. This is his only work that made it to the world of classical music. Many other works done nicely by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and many others who don't end with 'sky'. Very nice way to introduce you to the Russians. Buy it even if you know about the Russian works. There are a few 'one hitters' on this CD.

Average customer rating:

One Hit Wonders

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Barry Williams Presents: One-Hit Wonders of the 70s

ASIN: B00007MB4T
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

Canon In D - Frank Maus
Masterpiece Theatre Theme (Rondeau From Symphonies De Fanfares) - Simon Preston
Minuet In A - Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Trumpet Voluntary - John Wilbraham
Prelude (Rondeau) - The Michael Laird Brass Ensemble
Adagio In G Minor For Strings And Organ - Berlin Philharmonic
Meditation - Christer Thorvaldsson
Dome Epais Le Jasmin (Flower Duet) - Jane Berbie
Bailero - Elly Ameling Rudolf Jansen
Aria - Kiri Te Kanawa
Intermezzo - Berlin Philharmonic
Basse-Danse - Nicholas Kraemer
Pavane - Nicholas Kraemer
Tordion - Nicholas Kraemer
Bransles - Nicholas Kraemer
Pieds-en-l'air - Nicholas Kraemer
Mattachins (Sword Dance) - Nicholas Kraemer
To A Wild Rose - Joseph M Cooper
Adagio For Strings - Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Warsaw Concerto - Misha Dichter
Skaters' Waltz - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Procession Of The Sardar - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Dance Of The Hours - Berlin Philharmonic
Swedish Rhapsody No. 1, (Midsummer Vigil) - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Berlin Philharmonic
On The Trail - Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Galop - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Russian Sailors' Dance - Eastman Rochester 'Pops' Orchestra
Sabre Dance - Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra
Toccata: Allegro - Simon Preston
O Fortuna - The Chicago Symphony Chorus

Average customer rating:

Truly stunning voice, beautifully recorded
Delightful recital!
NOT SINGING BUT A SILVER HEAVEN GLITTERING WITH STARS
What angels must sound like...
One of the C20th Most Endearing Singers.

Strauss, Saint-Saens / Rita Streich

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rita Streich: Folksongs & Lullabies
The Viennese Nightingale
Rita Streich singt unvergängliche Melodien
Natalie Dessay - Vocalise
HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva

ASIN: B000006143
Release Date: 2005-03-21

Tracks:

Op.410: Fruhilingsstimmen
Le Rossignol et la rose
Lo spazzacamino
Jocelyn: Wiegenlied
Parla-Walzer
Boccaccio: Hab' ich nur deine liebe
Rusalka: Lied an den Mond
Dinorah: Schattentanz
Osterreich, Op.164: Dorfschwalben
Die Nachtigall
Les Filles de Cadix
Chi sa?
La felletta
Last Rose Of Summer
Villanelle
Draussen In Sievering
Il bacio

Customer Reviews:

Truly stunning voice, beautifully recorded.......2006-04-12

A most amazing and effortless coloratura voice, handling the German (of course) and Viennese style with native ease. A stunning "Fruhilingsstimmen." Easy on the ears and still exciting after much replaying.

Especially considering the era, the recording quality is quite clear and good. Delighted to find this on CD.

Delightful recital! .......2004-08-07

Rita Streich shines in this recital! Each piece is performed with remarkable accuracy and beauty of tone. She is particularly effective in communicating the Viennese spirit of the Walzer. There aren't sopranos today who sound this good in the German repertoire. Sadly, a lost tradition. Her Italian accent is not perfect but it's not distracting and besides there aren't many Italian arias here. She nevertheless sings them beautifully. Pity that not all tracks were recorded in stereo sound. Overall, a superb memento of Streich's rare artistry.

NOT SINGING BUT A SILVER HEAVEN GLITTERING WITH STARS.......2001-07-10

I have no single vocal record more prized than this. The other reviewers above all speak more knowledgably of her technique than I can. I can say only that this record puts me adrift in the heavenly beyond. Rita isn't just artful, she's a gift of God driven into your breast. She brightens one's whole sense of existence. Her yearning youth and richness blend the blue of spring with the heart of an agonizingly green June day. Just lovely, lovely, lovely. After you hear Rita Streich: Walzer & Arien, you'll want to get her double album with the reverse title: Rita Streich: Arien & Walzer, which is just as heavenly but slightly more mature and grandly brilliant. You may think Callas singing "Casta Diva" the height of vocal art. You are in for a wonderful surprise.

What angels must sound like..........2001-04-25

I will cut this short.. Streich has the most beautiful voice and tone, I in all likelihood will ever lend an ear to... (...Save that of an Angel, should I by some strange coincidence be allowed into heaven...) This compilation magnificantly dokcuments Streich's vocal talents in the more light-hearted repetoire, and it is a gem.. Get it!

One of the C20th Most Endearing Singers........2001-02-02

Rita Streich (1920-1987) enriched the annals of recorded music more than any other coloratura soprano of the C20th. Fluent in many languages, and well-coached by several eminent singers, she had a voice with a recognisable "colour". Naturally vivacious and charming herself, she could range successfully into deeper emotional expressiveness. As she explained in an interview, "the difficulty every coloratura encounters is to be expressive with a voice of restricted size and colour". Listen to the Dvorak aria here (Track 7) to see how well she overcame this difficulty.

In this well-filled CD, produced by a son of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, are found recordings originally issued on three LPs in the 1950s. There are some bravura coloratura items featuring a very secure trill, some rarities, and favourites new and old. The sound quality is first-rate. Texts are not included in the liner notes, instead there is a biographical appreciation printed in German, French, English and Italian.

Tracks:

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Morning Mood
Lyric Pieces, Op. 68 No. 5: At The Cradle
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: Solveig's Song
Lyric Suite, Op. 54 No. 4: Nocturne
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: The Last Spring
Piano Concerto In A Minor: Adagio
Lyric Suite, Op. 54 No. 1: Shepherd's Boy
Sarabande: Andante
Air: Andante religioso
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Ase's Death
Two Norwegian Melodies, Op. 63: In The Style Of A Folksong
Two Norwegian Melodies, Op. 63: Cowkeeper's Tune (excerpt)
Symphony In C Minor: Adagio espressivo

Customer Reviews:

Music to live by.......2001-11-05

This music makes living feel less like dragging your raw skin through sandpaper, and more like living in a soothing stream of bliss. Grieg is great.

very good.......2001-05-30

I like Grieg a lot. He writes music like nobody's business. A great CD, yeah.

Rafael Kubelik conducts Dvorák, Smetana, Mussorgsky, Bartók, Hindemith, Schoenberg

Average customer rating:

The Mussorgsky is a Delight
A nice collection of performances, but mixed sonics from 50 years ago
Kubelik's Classic MLP Recordings Are Back!

Rafael Kubelik conducts Dvorák, Smetana, Mussorgsky, Bartók, Hindemith, Schoenberg

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Antal Dorati Conducts
Howard Hanson Conducts American Masterworks
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Bartok: Orchestral Works; Bluebeard's Castle
Paul Paray Conducts French Orchestral Music

ASIN: B000A5DLPQ
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

I. Adagio-Allegro
II. Andante
III. Presto
I. Adagio-Allegro Molto
II. Largo
III. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

The High Castle
The Moldau
Sarka
From Bohemia's Meadows And Forests
Tabor
Blanik

Tracks:

Promenade
Gnomus
Promenade
Il Vecchio Castello
Promenade
Tuileries
Bydlo
Promenade
Ballet Des Poussins Dans Leurs Coques
Samuel Goldenberg Und Schmuyle
Limoges-Le Marche
Catacombae (Sepulchrum Romanum)
Cum Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
La Cabane Sur Des Pattes De Poule
La Grande Porte De Kiev
I. Andante Tranquillo - Irwin Fischer
II. Allegro - Irwin Fischer
III. Adagio - Irwin Fischer
IV. Allegro Molto - Irwin Fischer

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Turandot: Scherzo
III. Andantino
IV. Marsch
I. Premonitions
II. Yesteryears
III. Summer Morning By A Lake
IV. Peripetia
V. The Obbligato Recitative
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong 'The Peacock' - Antal Dorati
Suite From 'The Miraculous Mandarin' - Antal Dorati

Customer Reviews:

The Mussorgsky is a Delight .......2006-10-26

I am not an "audio expert", but I do know what I like. And I love this CD. I heard this recording of Mussorgksy's "Pictures From an Exhibition" on an NPR program from The Chicago Symphony. I was very taken with the clarity of sound. I searched for the recording through Amazon and I am absolutely delighted. It is a four dsic set, but I haven't gone on to the other recordings (yet) becasue I keep re-playing this lovely piece. I hope you enjoy it.

A nice collection of performances, but mixed sonics from 50 years ago.......2006-06-01

Audiophiles adore the Mercury Living Presence series issued throughout the early Fifties and Sixties, but for those of us who aren't specialty collectors, it's pretty clear that not evreything on MLP is a gem. This valuable colleciton (mono only) from the doomed tenure of Rafael Kubelik with the Chicago Sym.--he lasted only a few years before the local critic's stinging rebukes sent Kubelik packing in favor of Fritz Reiner--deserves detailed appraisal.

CD 1: Kubelik was a lively, stylish Mozartean, and this 1953 Sym. #38 is quite lovely. It's more streamlined than Walter's recordings of the "Prague," but cut form the same affectionate cloth. The recording, however, is thin and shrill. I found it uncomfortable to listen to except at low volume.

Kubelik recorded Dvorak's "New World" musltiple times; this Chicago reading dates from 1951 and is caught in sharp mono sonics with a bit too much stinging treble for my ears. Even so, there are those who think this lively, rather lean performance is one of Kubelik's best. I'm not sure that it's so special that one should do without stereo, but the choice is personal. The CSO plays superbly, and the general contour of the interpretation is straightforward.

CD 2 is entirely given over to Smetana's Ma Vlast, another Kubelik specialty that he recorded multiple times. This 1952 recording sounds identical to the Dvorak on CD 1--a deep soundstage with lots of dynamic range. The interpretation is essentially moderate and unexaggerated. It's certainly stylish and has real sweep, too. In terms of dramatic impact CD 2 is far ahead of CD 1.

CD 3: Curiously, there are audiophile purists who insist that the Golden Age of 50's mono produced better sound than any current digital recording. If that's a viable position (few outside the cult agree), the works on this CD are prime evidence. Kubelik's Pictures at an Exhibition and Bartok Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta were recorded in the spring of 1951. They are vivid and colorful, with tangy wind choirs and plenty of dynamic impact. Kubelik proves a restless, almost nervous interpreter of the Mussorgsky, which refreshes this warhose. Neither the recording nor the CSO's playing really matches the later, legendary RCA performance under Reiner, but Kubelik's reading has more sinew and rhythmic spring to it. He brings the same qualities to the Bartok, which gets a wiry "modernist" interpretation that's very appealing, less offical-sounding than the famous Reiner account.

CD 4: At the start of this CD we are back to the thin sound of CD 1 (both were recorded in 1953 with the same Telefunken 201 micropone). For some reason, however, this disc can be played at louder volume without treble sting. Kubelik's Hindemith Symphonic Meatmorphoses is lean and propulsive. This is a refreshing take, but without gorgeous stereo sound the coloristic aspects of this showpiece can't be fully apreciated.

Being too much of a modernist was a prime factor in getting Kubelik fired, which is all the more unfair because his Schoenberg Five Pieces for Orchestra is a standout, almost the performance of a lifetime. I hope somebody in the conservative Chicago audience appreciated how seductive and witty this performance was; if Schoenerg's masterpiece has ever sounded more like Daphnis and Chloe, I don't know when.

The last two works were recorded in 1954, at the tail end of Kubelik's stay, and the sound remains a bit shrieky. But his itnerpretations of Kodaly's Peacock Variations and Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin Suite are excellent, full of energy and fierceness in the Bartok, making it as scary as the composer intended. Playing the shrill mono recording at full volume is impossibly masochistic on the ears, but the reading is terrific.

Chicago was lucky--they exchanged a near-great conductor for a great one. Mercury, however, lost the best conductor it would ever have, moving on to Dorati and Paray and even more audiophile cult delights.

Kubelik's Classic MLP Recordings Are Back!.......2005-09-14

Those familiar with my reviews on Amazon know of my great love for the Mercury Living Presence series. Equally great is my disgust that so many of these brilliant recordings have been deleted in the last few years! Thankfully, some of these legendary performances are resurfacing, and while the single disc titles are unfortunately listed at full-price, it is wonderful to see the various multi-disc sets basically being sold at budget line. With this 4CD reissue, Rafael Kubelik's legendary recordings with the Chicago Symphony are restored to the catalog, as only his 1952 rendition of Smetana's "Ma Vlast" was currently in print. (Please note that the performances of Kodaly's "Peacock Variations" and Bartok's "Miraculous Mandarin" Suite are with Antal Dorati leading the same orchestra.) To illustrate how prized these recordings are by collectors, the extremely rare original CD issue coupling the Moussorgsky/Ravel "Pictures at an Exhibition" with Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta" has been known to fetch twice the price of this new set in the Amazon Marketplace! Buying this collection for the Pictures performance alone is worthwhile, as it was the recording that led a critic to coin the phrase "Living Presence," from which the Mercury named its series. Of course getting memorable accounts of Dvorak's 9th and Mozart's 38th Symphonies, Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphosis" and Schoenberg's Five Pieces, Op. 16 is just icing on the cake. Once again, Mercury Living Presence lives!