Espana

On this CD:

1. El Amor brujo (2 versions), ballet for mezzo-soprano & orchestra in 1 act, G. 44/68 Introducción y escena: En la Cueva, Canción del amor dolido
Composed by Manuel de Falla

Conducted by Anton Nanut

2. El Amor brujo (2 versions), ballet for mezzo-soprano & orchestra in 1 act, G. 44/68 El Aparecido: Danza del Terro
Composed by Manuel de Falla

Conducted by Anton Nanut

3. El Amor brujo (2 versions), ballet for mezzo-soprano & orchestra in 1 act, G. 44/68 El Círculo Mágico
Composed by Manuel de Falla

Conducted by Anton Nanut

4. El Amor brujo (2 versions), ballet for mezzo-soprano & orchestra in 1 act, G. 44/68 A Media Noche: Danza ritual del Fuego
Composed by Manuel de Falla

Conducted by Anton Nanut

5. El Amor brujo (2 versions), ballet for mezzo-soprano & orchestra in 1 act, G. 44/68 Escena: Canción del fuego fatuo
Composed by Manuel de Falla

Conducted by Anton Nanut

6. El Amor brujo (2 versions), ballet for mezzo-soprano & orchestra in 1 act, G. 44/68 Pantomima: Danza del juego de Amor, Final
Composed by Manuel de Falla

Conducted by Anton Nanut

7. Carmen Suite for orchestra, No. 2 (assembled by Ernest Guirard)
Composed by Georges Bizet
Performed by London Festival Orchestra
Conducted by Alfred Scholz

8. Rhapsodie espagnole for orchestra (or 2 pianos)
Composed by Maurice Ravel
Performed by Vienna ORF Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Milan Horvath

9. España, rhapsody for orchestra, also arranged for 2 pianos
Composed by Emmanuel Chabrier

Conducted by Anton Nanut

Tracks:

Albeniz: Asturias
Albeniz: Tango
Sanz: Canarios
Rodrigo: Fandango
Torroba: Nocturno
Segreras - El Colibri
Albeniz: Sonata in D
De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
De Falla: Fisherman's Song
De Falla: The Miller's Dance
Torroba: Madronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
Abeniz: Cordoba
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
Albeniz: Sevilla
De Falla: Homanaje
Mudarra: Fantasia
Turina: Fandanguillo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music.......2005-09-18

As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The music ranges from Renaissance composers (Sanz, Mudarra) and harmonized folk melodies to standard 20th Century works (Rodrigo, Torroba etc).

John Williams is excellent throughout. The CD is also cheap, and can be used either just for enjoyment, or further to explore other recordings by Williams, the classical guitar repertoire, or other classical guitarists.

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

For the collector or classical guitar enthusiast, the chief disadvantages of the CD are duplication of other recordings, and that the way at least some of the works on this CD are listed isn't helpful in telling the listener the set(s) to which these pieces belong and how to find them (e.g. "from ______, Op # "). The font listing the titles and track numbers is small and somewhat hard to read.

However, this CD should attract many listeners and enthusiasts both to the classical guitar, the repertoire, and guitarist John Williams - and I'm all for that.

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!.......2005-02-05

This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.

John Williams has always known the delicate equilibrium between the expresiveness and the glamouer. His impresive technique however is not exposed as his prima edonna. He goes directly to the soul of the composer, melts in his spirit and let the music sharp the qith eloquent conviction the composer's demanded atmosphere.

From Granados to Albeniz, from Rodrigo to Agustin Barrios - El indio Mangore -, from Moreno Torroba to Ponce , you will find the warmth, the passion and the Midas touch of this golden guitarrist.

GUITAR MAJESTY.......2004-12-21

John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young.

Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection.......2004-12-07

I originally bought this album three years ago, looking for a good introduction to Spanish guitar music. And this one fits that need perfectly. I still listen to and enjoy it today. I play this for guests at happy hour or dinner for a relaxed atmosphere. At Amazon's current price, this is a great value.

A True Classic.......2004-01-26

This album/cd is extraordinary. All the songs are gorgeous and exciting to listen to. John Williams' interpretation and technique are perfect. After 22 years of listening to it, I still enjoy and appreciate it more every time. I love giving it as a gift.

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Average customer rating:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss
not what i expected
excellent guitar performances
Essential Guitar...
Lives up to its Name!

Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Spanish Guitar Music
Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar
Art of Segovia
Baroque Guitar

ASIN: B000069KIT
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Customer Reviews:

Two-and-a-half hours of bliss.......2007-04-04

This may be the best money I've ever spent. I got 2-1/2 hours of bliss for less than what I'd usually pay for one CD -- and you know how it is with music. You buy an album because of a song or two that you love, and you find that you like maybe half the songs on it. There's not a single selection in this one that I would've left out. It includes Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by Pepe Romero on the guitar with the Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields. I needed to replace my old LP recording of that. But I also get 30 other classical compositions and traditional Spanish pieces, each special in its own way.

Have you ever heard music that you wanted to last forever, maybe even to dive inside and live there for a while, immersing yourself in sound? That's how I feel about this collection. The only problem I have with it is that I bought it thinking it might be nice to listen to while I write. Not so. It's terrible for that. I'll sit with my hands poised above the laptop keyboard, assuring myself I'll get some work done while I listen. The music takes hold and carries me away.

I'm not expert at describing this or any type of music. I just know what I love. You might too, if you enjoy classical or Spanish guitar -- unless you have absurd expectations about combining listening with work.

not what i expected.......2007-03-26

This CD for me was a waste of money. Its just not what i thought it would be. Others may enjoy it but for me..it wasnt what i was hoping to hear.

excellent guitar performances.......2006-07-27

Outstanding guitar performances. I gave it only 4 stars because I do not personally like some of the compositions.

Essential Guitar..........2005-07-26

Up until this collection, I'd never heard the "Cavatina" played in the Deer Hunter movie. After hearing it, I could play it all day and not tire of it! It moves me that much, considering that it's almost "not" a classical guitar selection. The rest of the music is first rate! Excellent playing, but the "Cavatina..."
Buy it and enjoy!!!!

Lives up to its Name!.......2005-06-10

If you only bought this double CD set, you'd have a good starter collection of classical guitar music. It includes most of the standards, as well as rarer pieces. In addition to the many solo pieces, there are several excerpts from orchestral works, with Rodrigo's indispensible Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez" topping the list. There are also several flamenco numbers included, complete with heel taps and castanets.

The recording quality is uniformly good, even on the tracks by Segovia. I don't know if they were remastered or recorded late in his career, but they're free of the surface noise present in so many of his recordings. The set clocks in at a generous 2 1/2 hours - one of the greatest deals in instrumental music; this is not a "bargain" quality set. Listen to the samples online - great stuff.

My only mild criticism is in the marketing. The advertising features John Williams and Julian Bream. Each contributes exactly one track. I would have enjoyed more pieces by them for stylistic comparison. But the less well-known (at least to guitar music neophytes like me) artists are every bit as good, and I intend to obtain more of their work.

The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

something to have
Excellent Music
buy now
Lovely
Aesthetically Pleasing

The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Jazz Music in the Universe
The World's Favorite Piano Music

ASIN: B000059Q4Q
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

II: Andante - Stephen Hough
I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
Aria - Maria Tipo
II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams

Average customer rating:

The very best
Sublime
An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar

Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Together/Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Bach: Lute Suites
Music of Spain

ASIN: B000003FDN
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Largo maestoso; Allegro moderato
Larghetto
Serenade In A, Op. 96: Finale
Rondella aragonesa
Spanish Songs, Op. 232, No.3: Beneath The Palm Tree
Zambra
Variazioni concertanti, Op. 130
Evocacion
Pavan
Galliard
Ouverture
Harlequinade
Laughter
Rigidon
The Fighters
Gigue
Reverie
Golliwog's Cakewalk
Clair de lune

Customer Reviews:

The very best.......2007-01-11

I have a large collection of classical guitar recordings. Quite simply, "Together Again" is the finest,best recordings of its genre ever made. It features arrangements that had never been before heard and that a big plus, for the normal repertoire for guitar is fairly small and we soon tire of hearng the same pieces again and again. The virtuosity of both Williams and Bream is unqustionalble. Bream sounds a bit steely at times. whereas Williams is soft. Together, they produce a magnificent sound.

Sublime.......2006-03-14

The two foremost virtuosos of our time have come together once again to produce this sublime album.

What John Williams lacks in lyricism is easily compensated for by Bream and the result is outstanding.

Their chemistry is so amazing and the pieces come to life in such a cohesive way that I sometimes think it is one person with 10 fingers on each hand playing the pieces.

Not every piece is easily accessible, so give it time.

Highly recommended.

An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar.......2000-06-12

This CD is a must have for all lovers of the classical guitar. As is the case of the first album, aptly named "Together", the modern masters of the classical guitar, Bream & Williams, join forces again in order to achieve some spectacular results.

The main problem of playing a classical guitar is the genuine lack of material, apart from those (relatively few) pieces which were originally written for the guitar. Furthermore, being a fairly limited instrument, the guitar limits severely the possibilities of adapting various classical pieces which were not written originally for the guitar. Thus, Bream & Williams, set out on a mission - to achieve what is not possible on one guitar, by playing a duet of classical guitars. Hence, almost all the compositions here are adaptations, but this is by no means a bad thing - the arrangements very cleverly hides the limits of the instruments, while emphasizing it's intimate and warm nature.

Two of the most notable of these adaptations are "Evocacion", from Albeniz "Suite Iberia" and "Bajo la palmera" from "Cantos de Espana", both of which were written for piano. It is well worth mentioning that many of Albeniz compositions were based on traditional spanish tunes, played originally on guitars. Thus, by playing these truly great pieces on classical guitars, Bream & Williams are restoring some of the magic which allured Albeniz to these tunes in the first place. One might also feel these tunes sound actually more natural played on two guitars rather than on a piano.

Other interesting adaptations are the three pieces by Debussy, which are very melodic and are very suitable to be played on guitars.

Tracks:

Clavelitos
Espana Cani
Cielito Lindo
Seventh Heaven Of Love
Carmen: Ov
Hava Nagila
Tea For Two
Moulin Rouge/Paris Canaille
Sirtaki (Zorba's Dance)
Fascination
The Gipsy Princess Medley: Love, Love, Love!/The Swallow Song/How Could I Know?/Love, Love, Love!
William Tell: Ov
Jalousie
The Canals Of Amsterdam
Let's Go To Varasdin
Chianti-Lied
La Vie En Rose/Padam Padam/Sous Les Ponts De Paris
Funiculi Funicula
Auld Lang Syne

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2005-10-23

This DVD is spectacular. Andre Rieu is absolutely fascinating to listen to and the costumes of the orchestra as gorgeous. Well worth every penny.

Andre Rieu "Fiesta".......2005-09-20

This CD is absolutely fantastic. There is no musician quite like Andre Rieu. His music does indeed lift the spirit.

Fiesta.......2005-09-12

The music lifts my spirits! It is fun and lighthearted. I sincerely recommend this CD by Andre Rieu.

Not the best versions available.......2002-02-12

First of all, why call this recording
"Fiesta"? only for the first four latin-american
works? because the rest of the cd is of
German music.I you want a real "Fiesta"
disc, I recomendation is that disc
of Keith Lockhart, is much more fun and
much more in a fiesta spirit than this one.

This is a great album!.......2002-01-02

I highly recommend this album. Andre Rieu is a great violinist. If you buy this album you will not be dissappointed. I'd give it ten stars if I could.

Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman

Average customer rating:

A wonderful encore to the movie soundtrack!
The Pianist Original Recordings
Impressive CD by the Pianist
The original recordings by THE PIANIST W. Szpilman

Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman
Wladyslaw Szpilman
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Pianist: Music from the Motion Picture
The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man's Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945
Original Recordings
The Pianist
Schindler's List: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B00007KFRG
Release Date: 2002-12-17

Tracks:

Frederik Chopin (1810-1849): Nocturne, No.20 Op.Posthumous in C sharp minor Recorded 1980
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)Year Composed: 1916, Daisies Op. 38 Nr.3 Recorded 1954
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943), Prelude in G-sharp minor op. 32, Recorded 1954
Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Fantasie C-dur op 17 (Sonata for Beethoven) Part 3 (slowly plangent) Recorded 1960
Wladyslaw Szpilman Concertino for Piano and Orchestra (1940) Recorded 1969
Claude Debussy (1888-1905) The Girl with the Flaxen Hair Recorded 1948
Claude Debussy (1888-1905) Images No 3 - Reflections in the Water Recorded 1948
Isaac Albiniz, (1860-1909) Cordoba (Cantos de Espaqa No.4, Op. 232) Recorded 1948
Alfred Gruenfeld, (1852-1924) Paraphrase on theme from Johann Strauss (1825 - 1899) Die Fledermaus Recorded 1948
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 - Arr. Busoni (1866 - 1924) Recorded 1972
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) Arr. Rachmaninow (1873-1943) Liebesleid Recorded 1948
Frederik Chopin (1810-1849) Mazurka in A-Flat op. 17 nr. 3 Recorded 1980
Frederik Chopin (1810-1849): Nocturne, No 20 op. Posthumous in C sharp minor Recorded 1948

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful encore to the movie soundtrack!.......2003-07-20

After I listened to the CD 'Music from the motion picture The Pianist', which had one piece played by Wladyslaw Szpilman, it was only natural to want to hear more recordings of this great musician and person. This CD has 13 music pieces by Szpilman, and they are wonderful. The movie used mainly Chopin's music, but Szpilman's repertoire- which he preserved through mental piano practice during the war- is quite varied. The CD has him playing Rachmaninov, Schumann, Debussy, Albeniz, Gruenfeld, J.S.Bach, Kreisler, and of course Chopin (Nocturne in C sharp minor appears twice- recorded in 1980 and 1948 respectively).

The highlight of the CD is Szpilman's own composition- Concertino for Piano and Orchestra which he mentions in his book, and which he wrote in 1940- just when the difficult times began.

Szpilman's piano style is different from that of Janusz Olejniczac, whose performances are on the other CD. They both are wonderful in their own way, but it was exciting for me to listen to the real life Pianist. I will look for more works by Wladyslaw Szpilman, including his songs.

The Pianist Original Recordings.......2003-03-26

THe Pianist won 3 Oscars on Sunday
This classical recording inspired Roman Polanski to direct this great movie about a pianist, Szpilman who survived the war.
Everyone should have this cd in their collection.

Impressive CD by the Pianist.......2003-01-06

Could not wait to get my hands on this one. Sorry, but did have to buy it elsewhere. Could not wait. After seing the movie I wanted to know more about this man and what he played. It includes his version of Chopin's Nocturne as performed on the end credits. Great !
Only sorry that I did not get such a good deal as from Amazon. This is a keeper !

The original recordings by THE PIANIST W. Szpilman.......2003-01-06

I saw Polanski's "THE PIANIST" last weekend and was very impressed and wanted to learn more about the real hero of the movie. I searched online for his recordings. After two days I received two CD's from Amazon.com related to Wladyslaw Szpilman: One with his beautiful songs by Wendy Lands and another one with his Original recordings. He plays wonderful Chopin ( i.e. the Nocturne from the final scene of the movie ), Rachmaninoff, Bach and his own music - Concertino for Piano and Orchestra composed in the Warsaw Ghetto in a time of deepest repressions by the Germans. He was a great pianist but I was surprised how optimistic is his music and indeed how American it is. After I learned his story through the movie, now I also got in touch with this man personally, trough his artistry. Great feeling!!

Average customer rating:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Together, first time
Masters
Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Baroque Guitar
Bach: Lute Suites

ASIN: B000003FDM
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
Goyescas: Intermezzo
La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
Dolly, Op. 56: Spanish Dance
Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, No. 2: Oriental

Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

Average customer rating:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore
Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!
Everyone would love this album!
Incredible
One well worth the price of two

Ultimate Guitar Collection

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces
Baroque Guitar
Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00000I9M1
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Allegro Giusto
Largo
Allegro
Packington's Pound
Greensleeves
Fantasia 'A Fancy'
Canarios
Sonata In D
Leyenda (Asturias)
The Three Cornered Hat: The Millar's Dance
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Choros No.1
Andantino Espressivo
Poco Animato
En Los Trigales
Allegro Con Spirito
Adagio
Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

Mallorca, Op. 202 - Albeniz
Cataluna
Granada
Sevilla
Cadiz
Cordoba
Dedicatoria
La Maja De Goya
Danza Espanola No. 4
Valses Poeticos - Granados
Danza Espanola No. 5 - Granados
Fandango
Passacaglia
Zapateado

Customer Reviews:

Like a rainy day in a good bookstore.......2007-07-10

"Always pleasant, never a false cord." That's what I think each time I listen to this collection. I guess I should be listening more closely, but I find the music and the virtuosity with which it is played to be a springboard to other thoughts and activities. I can read with it in the background, write with it or simply drift into thought. And that is really quite enough for me.

Not "Ultimate", but Wonderful!.......2007-03-29

As good a guitarist as Julian Bream is, one must begin by acknowledging that the title of this 2-CD set containing 32 admittedly seminal pieces written for hand-played strings ( primarily, the lute) is a tad hyperbolistic. An "Ultimate" collection of anything would have to be more complete, by definition, than any two CDs can be and, again, it almost goes without saying that no two people are apt to be in total agreement about what should or should not have been included in any such collection. All caveats considered and aside, this is, indeed, a thoughtfully selected and masterfully performed collection of what is, unarguably, some of the very best classical pieces ever written for the lute. Bream plays some of them on the guitar and others on a renaissance lute - the latter giving a somewhat truer indication of the stylings and musical nuances intended by the various composers. But, even the pieces he plays on the guitar - an instrument that, in it's current form, did not exist when many of the pieces were originally composed - are sensitive and lyrical interpretations that sound as if they MIGHT have been composed for the guitar.

Without spending space here reiterating the specific pieces, their titles and lengths, I will simply list the composers whose works Bream presents so nicely in this collection. They span a range of about five centuries beginning in the time of England's Elizabeth I and spanning the years through to the 20th Century's premier Spanish and Brazilian classical guitar composers. The list reads like a `Whose Who" of classical plucked-string instrument music and of composers whose keyboard compositions work particularly well on the strings of a lute or guitar, and includes;
- John Dowland
- Francis Cutting
- Antonio Vivaldi
- Gaspar Sanz (*)
- Mateo Albeniz (*)
- Manuel de Falla
- Enrique Granados (*)
- Hector Villa-Lobos, and
- Joaquin Rodrigo
(*) = Pieces originally written for keyboard play.

Every classical guitarist has his own recognizable style and approach to the instrument and the material. An experience listener would not confuse Bream's work with that of Andres Segovia, for example: but it is not that one is better than the other. Each, in his own distinctive way, is simply superb. Though the Spanish influence is clearly audible with both musicians, Bream's stylings have a more contemporary lilt and inflection than do those of Segovia; he makes each piece his own. One suspects that each time he plays a piece it comes out differently according to the moment, his mood, the instrument and God knows what else. Segovia, on the other hand, was well known for his constancy once he had found a version of each piece that fully suited his own ear and temperament.
While I am admittedly a Segovia fan, I find Bream's renditions to be noticeably fresher and each infused with an aura of presence in the here-and-now which I find especially enjoyable.

The collection is neither complete not `ultimate', but it is VERY good and well worth having in any collection of classical guitar music. In fact, for audiophiles not familiar with this genre, it is a fair place to begin to develop an ear for and a listener's knowledge of and experience with the classical guitar.

I recommend it highly.

Everyone would love this album!.......2007-01-16

This album is fantastic. Easy to listen to and wonderful background music for working or dinner parties

Incredible.......2005-10-24

This is the leading guitar player of his generation at his best.

He is especially amazing in the second CD, with some of the solo guitar transcriptions of Albeniz. His rendition of Rodrigo's three pieces is also sublime.

I can't imagine anybody buying this cd then regretting it.

One well worth the price of two.......2004-09-25

This two cd set is an odd juxtaposition. The first cd consists of a sampler of Bream's career output - but without (and I believe the omission is disgraceful) any acknowledgement of Bream's significant contribution toward the creation of a truly 20th century concert repertoire for guitar. The second cd is a re-release of his superb early 1980's recording of Albeniz and Granados transcriptions with the added bonus of a sublime interpretation of the "Three Spanish Pieces" by J Rodrigo.

Speaking as a musician I find the selections and the production of the first cd problematic. We get a few of the more lightweight examples of renaissance lute and baroque guitar (but no JS Bach and no (solo) baroque lute work); we get no vihuela repertoire and nothing truly representative of classical period composition. We do have all six movements from two contrasting concertos but the remainder of the cd consists mostly of neo-romantic repertoire from the twentieth century. Worse still, the recording quality is highly variable; for example one of the Villa Lobos pieces sounds as though it was recorded in an indoor swimming complex. Given the cd's title more care should have been taken to better represent Bream's career and musical diversity. In the opinion of one familiar with Bream's output this is a disappointing selection. Well played but not representative of the artist nor the art form.

However the opposite is the case with the second cd. These recordings were made at a time when Bream set out to commit to (then) vinyl, via the guitar, the musical heritage of Spain. Bream here was at the height of his interpretive power - and a fine film documentary also resulted from this endeavour.

The inclusion of the Rodrigo set makes this cd a better buy than the original Albeniz and Granados recording, although those who find this compilation rewarding might perhaps profit from researching Bream's catalogue, and adding the complete recording from which the Rodrigo is sourced (circa 1980-90) to their collection.

As for the Albeniz and Granados Bream offers his own transcriptions. These tread a fine line between fidelity to the piano scores and Bream's concept of what works on the guitar. As a general observation Bream seeks to include significantly more of the original score's textures than do many of his peers (e.g. J Williams, P Romero). At the same time he is not averse to significantly modifying the original (e.g. amongst others 'Granada' and 'Cordoba'). Such a process is part of any transcription but here the results are not only excellent but also personal to Bream, as a result we have further confirmation of the craft of a great performing artist.

Every listener will discover their own favourites and I have more than space allows me to relate. I believe that Bream brings more expression to his performances of the Valses Poeticos by Granados than any other guitarist I have heard, and the Passacaglia by Rodrigo is played with such a sense of a brooding menace that my spine tingles every time I listen to it.

The second cd alone is worth twice the compilation's asking price.

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Fantasía para un gentilhombre

Average customer rating:

A good introduction to a great composer

Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Fantasía para un gentilhombre

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Music of Spain
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Falla: El Amor Brujo
Villa-Lobos: Guitar Concerto; Preludes; Etudes
Concierto
The Complete Last Concert

ASIN: B0002DD67Y
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

Allegro Con Spirito
Adagio
Allegro Gentile
Fandango
Passacaglia
Zapateado
Invocacion Y Danza (Hommage A Manual De Falla)
En Los Trigales
Villano Y
Ricercare
Espanoleta
Fanfare De La Caballeria De Napoles
Danza De Las Hachas
Canario

Customer Reviews:

A good introduction to a great composer.......2006-11-10

This CD is a good gift choice to introduce a friend to a wonderful composer; the works on it are full of a deliciously evocative Spanish flair and style. I think anyone who enjoys classical music, particularly anyone who likes music with a strong romantic impulse, will like this CD.

Average customer rating:

One of he greatest voice ever!
overall
Beautiful

Zarzuela Arias & Duets

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Preludes & Choruses From Zarzuelas
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On the Wings Of Song and Zarzuela Arias - Victoria de los Angeles
Very Best of

ASIN: B000003FW6
Release Date: 1995-09-04

Tracks:

El Rey que rabi?: Mi t?o se figura
El Caser?o: Bueno d?as
La Canci?n del olvido: Marinela, Marinela
El Cabo primero: Yo quiero a un hombre
La Leyenda Del Beso: Amor, mi raza sabe conquistar
Bohemios: No quiero que sepa que aqu? vengo yo
La generala: Mi dulce sueno de adolescente
MARINA: Pensar en ?l
La Dolores: !Dolores m ... ! Aquu!
El Nino jud?o: De Espana vengo
Luisa Fernanda: Caballero del alto plumero
La Rosa del Azafr?n: No me duele que se vaya
Don Gil de AlcalBendita cruz
El D?o de la Africana: Comprende lo grave de mi situaci?n

Customer Reviews:

One of he greatest voice ever!.......2007-01-10

A privilege to hear this wonderful voice in these native, for her, works.

overall.......2006-03-16

Great recording
Great music selection, Great orchestration

Every thing is what I was looking for.
I wish you had the same subjects in DVD
Thank you

Beautiful.......2001-09-29

This is a must have if you are not familiar with zarzuela (Madrid's response to Vienna's operetta). It's a nice combination of arias sung by Caballe in beautiful voice and joined by her husband tenor Bernabe Marti for the duets. The CD comes with translations for non Spanish speaking which will greatly improve your satisfaction.
Caballe is in as beautful voice as ever and feels at home with this non very taxing repertoire. She doesn't overindulge in her other times frequent "floatiness" and is very expressive throughout. Thogh sometimes when some coloratura is needed she tends to drop the consonants blurring her enunciation of the words. We are used to this from her opera recordings though she's not as bad as Sutherland.
Marti is a nice tenor but is not in the same league as Caballe. That's why he never got star recognition though he made a few recordings whith his wife, like Bellini's "Il Pirata". His is a lyrical tenor, a little throaty but with nice projection of the sound. He sounds a little strained over the "passagio" but hits all the notes. More importantly, he compensates for his lack of vocal lustre with burning impersonations of his characters. Passionate and burning in some, tender and caressing in others. In this respect is better than his wife who is a little more doll like hidding behind her vocal resources. So I specially enjoyed the many and varied duets in this recording.
Strongly recommended.

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