Kreutzer & Witt: Septets

On this CD:

1. Septet for clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello & double bass in E flat major, Op 62
Composed by Conradin Kreutzer

2. Septet in F major for 2 violins, viloa, clarinet, horn, bassoon, cello & double bass
Composed by Friedrich (composer) Witt

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Napoleon Shells Vienna
Fur Elise: Childhood Dreams
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 55: Ludwig And Julia At Schonbrunn Palace Gardens
Piano Sonata No. 14 (Quasi Una Fantasia) In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Julia And Her Father Secretly Watch
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': Ludwig And Caspar Fight
Piano Trio No. 4 In D Major, Op. 70 No. 1 'Ghost': Ludwig Consols Anna Marie
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 61: The Beethoven Brothers In Baden
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': A Concert For Lichnowsky
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 'Emperor': The Letter
Missa Solemnis In D Major, Op.123: The Funeral
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Karl At The Ruins
Violin Sonata In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer': The Carriage Stuck In The Mud
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: The Night Of The Premiere

Customer Reviews:

Below Average Beethoven Performances.......2007-03-10

It is unfortunate that they chose Solti's direction for the symphonic pieces in this soundtrack as he is simply one of the worst conductors for Beethoven. His direction is so slow one would think he is leading a funeral procession instead of music inspired by the French Revolution.

Of all old school directors such as Karajan, Toscanini, etc., Solti's performances are simply morbidly slow to the point of killing the grieving attendants with boredom. The cacophony of the oversized orchestra doesn't help either. Solti's interpretations are even too slow for a requiem. You think a regular interpretation of the 7th's second movement is slow? Wait 'til you hear this one; you're going to need a massage you'll be so stiff. The 9th symphony march is supposed to be a brisk revolutionary march calling the citizens to arms and to join the militia marching through a town. With Solti you imagine only a funeral procession coming through the town. In the Fifth the whole orchestra is almost struggling to slow down to match the strings. Karajan's interpretations are not particularly fast either but at least he breathes some life into them and the orchestra. I personally like Toscanini in terms of the old 20th century symphonic conductors and Gardiner's traditional interpretations that are at least at a correct speed and give the listener the impression they are marching off as part of a revolutionary batallion to bring liberty to the oppressed instead of being rolled to the morgue. Beethoven was a revolutionary anti-monarchist and strongly supported the idea of political change. Although Periah is a great pianist for Beethoven's concertos, there are simply better performances by him that fortunately aren't conducted by Solti such as on Sony with Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The same goes for the performances with Axe and Yo-Yo Ma. Gidon Kramer's performance for the Violin Concerto in D is also mediocre at best: there are better violinists out there than Kremer for Beethoven.

This is just not the best CD to get quality performances of Beethoven's works. Overall, Solti's interpretations are simply too sluggish and indecipherable to represent the ideals of Beethoven's music. Solti would definitely be my last choice for anything. You won't lose anything by not buying this soundtrack that's for sure: Solti's interpretations are so slow they will simply fossilize you.

Immortal beloved film.......2007-02-06

having watched a recording of Immortal beloved for a number of years the tape was past its best. now that i have the chance of ordering on line i did , and a good move it was. It was nice to see the film and things so clear, i had not see before, the writing on the love letter at the begining and tears that was shed. Iam very pleased with the dvd.

Living Perfection.......2007-01-14

This is one of the most perfect CDs I own, it's one I come back to time and time again. The recording quality is excellent - even on the cassette, which I've finally replaced after 12 years - but even better, the musical interpretation is splendid. Anyone who thinks that classical music is no longer relevant in our culture needs to buy this CD.

A wonderful tribute to the artist.......2005-05-25

This CD is perfect in my opinion. The recording is perfect, the pitch is perfect, the tempo is perfect, and the track selections are perfect. I think the album samples Beethoven's most remarkable pieces of work from his early years to his death. I have heard many recordings of the Ninth symphony that was just executed poorly; which is a shame because it is such a powerful piece. However, this album does it superbly. Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia did an amazing job with this album.

The album just flows really well from one piece to the next evoking a vast array of emotions along the way. Beethoven is timeless and forever will be. There is no comparison even to this day. This a wonderful tribute to the artist.

Very emotional and moving!!.......2005-05-23

I am a big fan of classical music. Beethoven, in my opinion, was one of the best composers, Mozart 1st, Beethoven 2nd, etc. This album is very moving and filled with emotion. I am currently listening to Adagio Cantabile-from Piano Sonata No. 8-from the film album. This piece is so moving and emotional. Another piece was Moonlight Sonata which I especially liked. Beethoven loads this piece with love and emotion for his one true love. In my opinion, Beethoven was the best at writing emotional and moving music. Whenever I listen to his music, I am immersed in a world of emotion and feeling. His music is truly beautiful. Back to the album, Sir Georg Solti really captured Beethoven's genius and devotion to his music in this album. This album really accents the film. You cannot have one, you must have both the film and the soundtrack. This is a must have for classical music/Beethoven fanatics and people who want to get a great summary of Beethoven's genius. BUY THIS!!!!

Average customer rating:

Incredible
Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever
Best complete set I know of
Magnetic from start to finish!!
Two contemporary musical masters pay homage

Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
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Beethoven: The Piano Trios
Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell

ASIN: B0000041UF
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: l Allegro con brio
Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: ll Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto
Violin Sonata No.1 in D major, Op.12 No.1: lll Rondo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: l Allegro viva
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: ll Andante, piu tosto allegretto
Violin Sonata No.2 in A major, Op.12 No.2: lll Allegro piacevolo
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: l Allegro con spirito
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: ll Adagio con molt'espressione
Violin Sonata No.3 in E flat major, Op.12 No.3: lll Rondo: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: l Presto
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Andante scherzoso, piu allegretto
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegro molto
Violin Sonata No.6 in A major, Op.30 No.1: l Allegro
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: ll Adagio molto espressivo
Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Op23: lll Allegretto con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: l Allegro assai
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: ll Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
Violin Sonata No.8 in G major, Op.30 No.3: lll Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': l Adagio sostenuto-Presto-Adagio
Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': ll Andante con variazioni
Violin Sonata No.9 in A major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': lll Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': l Allegro
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': ll Adagio molto espr
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lll Scherzo & trio:
Violin Sonata No.5 in F Major, Op.24 'Spring'-'Le Printemps'-'Fruhlingssonate': lV Rondo: Allegro ma

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: l Allegro con brio
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: ll Adagio cantabile
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lll Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor, Op.30 No.2: lV Finale: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: l Allegro moderato
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: ll Adagio espressivo
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lll Scherzo: Allegro
Violin Sonata No.10 in G major, Op.96: lV Poco allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

There are two really famous Beethoven violin sonatas, the Kreutzer and the Spring. The Kreutzer Sonata inspired the story by Leo Tolstoy, which in turn became the subject of Janácek's First String Quartet, so if you're into comparative studies in the arts, there's a thesis topic for you! The Spring Sonata was featured in Woody Allen's Love and Death, among other places. And perhaps most intriguingly of all, the scherzo of the late sonata, Op. 96, turns up quite clearly in the third movement of Mahler's Second Symphony. So you may already know more about this splendid music than you think. Why not take the plunge with these superb performances and get to know the sonatas at first hand? Just as there are two truly famous Mozart sonatas, there are also two sides to Itzhak Perlman's musical career--the flashy virtuoso and the considerate partner. Chamber-music recordings such as this feature Perlman in this second role, one that gets less attention than his other, more sensational, persona, but which for many listeners is even more musically rewarding. Ashkenazy, no mere accompanist, is very much involved in the proceedings, and the two musicians combine to produce one of the finest sets of Beethoven violin sonatas available as well as one of Perlman's very greatest recordings in any genre. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2005-04-03

Let me just start off by saying that this set is an absolute no brainer. What more could you ask for than amazing pieces such as the Beethoven Violin Sonatas performed by none other than Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy, who are both GIANTS in the violin and piano worlds. These recordings are absolutely wonderful, and the performances are definitely what is expected from these incredible musicians, if not more. The sound quality is very good, even though the recording was converted from analog to digital. Highly recommended.

However, if you would like to only have the most famous, and the best, Beethoven Violin Sonatas, you can still get Perlman and Ashkenazy performing the Spring and Kreutzer Sonatas on a separate disc. It is obviously less expensive, because it is only one CD as opposed to four, even though this four CD set is relatively cheap.

Greatest cycle of the greatest violin sonatas ever.......2004-05-11

I agree that this is the greatest cycle of the greatest set of violin sonatas ever written. Gidon and Argerich are also good but Argerich doesn't articulate her notes clearly like Ashkenazy. You feel that Argerich is kind of "cheating" by skimming to lightly over some notes - whereas Beethoven needs to be played with a greater force. Ashkenazy provides just the right kind of Beethovenian playing.

This set also contains the greatest performance of the greatest violin sonata ever written - the Kreutzer - plus a highly delectable Spring sonata.

If you're not familiar with the rest of Beethoven's sonatas, you'll be surprised at how magnetic they are in the hands of musicians the likes of Ashkenazy and Perlman.

I cannot recommend this too highly. Enjoy.

Best complete set I know of.......2004-04-01

There are probably better-known recordings of the individual sonatas, but if you are looking for a consistently good collection from start to finish, this would be it, especially if you are familiar only with the Spring & Kreutzer sonatas. This is a collection that gets wonderfully intimate at times, and is a consistent delight to the listener. This is definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

Magnetic from start to finish!!.......2004-01-06

This classic set is magnetic from the first note to the last. If you haven't heard it, you haven't heard Beethoven's Violin Sonatas.

Two contemporary musical masters pay homage.......2002-08-08

Listen to this music if you want a searching, thoughtful dialog by the Great Brooder between two superb interpreters of their respective instruments....two instruments only, that manage to fill the room and the world completely.....
Listen with the best equipment you can justify, because this music alone justifies the technology- the access of which to the common man fulfills Beethoven's wildest, unnamed hope.

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Look at the List of Performers First
this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France
You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks!
Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLHE
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Average customer rating:

As others have said...
A more relaxed & sublime reading
Highly rewarding
Would EMI Remaster Them, please?
It just sounds right

Sonatas for Violin and Piano

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3; Rondo, K. 373
Beethoven: The Piano Trios

ASIN: B00005ND42
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Tema Con Variazioni (Andante Con Moto)
III. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante Piu Tosto Allegretto
III. Allegro Piacevole
I. Allegro Con Sprito
II. Adagio Con Molt'Espressione
III. Rondo (Allegro Molto)

Tracks:

I. Presto
II. Andante Scherzoso, Piu Allegretto
III. Allegro Molto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio Molto Espressivo
III. Scherzo (Allegro Molto)
IV. Rondo (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegretto Con Variazioni

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Adagio Cantabile
III. Scherzo (Allegro)
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Assai
II. Tempo Di Minuetto, Ma Molto Moderato E Grazioso
III. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto-Presto
II. Andante Con Variazioni
III. Finale (Presto)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Espressivo/III. Scherzo (Allegro)
IV. Poco Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

As others have said..........2007-05-23

...this is the one you want. It may have been recorded more than forty years ago, but the sound is warm and wonderful. These guys are tremendous, reminding one that Beethoven was essentially writings duets, not sonatas, and the interplay between the two is joyous, complex, and densely shadowed, as only a composer of Beethoven's timber could be.

A more relaxed & sublime reading.......2005-08-10

Many pairs have given us some fine readings of Beethoven's violin sonatas: Argerich/Kremer, Ashkenazy/Perlman, Grumiaux/Haskil, Szeryng/Haebler, Mutter/Orkis, Dumay/Pires, Pamela Frank/Claude Frank and others - each with their own style, color and insight. For a dazzling and spontaneous-sounding performance, Argerich/Kremer get high marks on a nice DG Beethoven Edition set which includes some great in-depth liner notes. Then, the romantic master, Perlman teams with Ashkenazy to give some of the most energetic, bold and satisfying readings - with that penetrating tone and showman style that is classic Perlman. Mutter and Orkis take a more daring, adventurous and romantic approach in their live 1998 recordings on tour. And so on.

But, listening to the performances of Oistrakh/Obirin, you hear a different take on these violin sonatas - one of more serenity, lyricism and really gentleness. What is notable about these readings is a consistent pace and more graceful tone to the music overall, conspicuosly lacking the more dramatic shifts in tempo and dynamics of other readings or that which one would nonrmally expect from Beethoven. Not to say this team does not fire it up in the scherzos and fast movements, but it is rarely done in an overly dramatic way or for effect. Also immediately heard is the ever-so beautiful and sweet tone of legendary violinist David Oistrakh which conveys a more tender side of Beethoven especially in the slower movements. Perhaps this duo's tonally-sensitive readings helps us remember that Beethoven also had a really gentle, loving inner nature and was equally adept at poinant lyricism as well as banging on the lower register of the keyboard. The tempos are overall a little slower, but highly poetic. Occassionally in some of the adagios, the tempo is so slow that forward progression seems to cease. But, this is the only minor drawback I see to this set and it depends on what nuances attracts you to the music. The sound quality is very good and completely enjoyable but not perfect given the 1962 recording date. Rightfully, ClassicsToday rated this set 8/10 for sound quality, but then gave it a top 10/10 for the Artistry category. Also on the positive side is its low price for a quality set of all 10 of the violin sonatas - some $20 lower than some others.

But, if I were to pick one complete set, my lean would be to either Kremer/Argerich (on DG's Beethoven Series) or Claude Frank/Pamela Frank, both who I think best bring out the passionate side of Beethoven but without losing the songful, tender side in the famous slow movements. The Franks' set possess tremendous musicality and is offered at a really super budget price - a suprizingly exceptional recording obscured by the greater giants. But the set that takes first place for sheer beauty of tone and lyricism is this one by Oistrakh/Obinin. And while they may lack a little of the fire and propulsion that is classic mid-late Beethoven`in the later sonatas, their set is probably the most admirable one if you lean more towards more the subtle and sublime. Perhaps Penguin Guide best sums up the story here: "The 1962 versions by Oistrakh and Obirin are also performances to treasure. There is a relaxed joy in the music-making and an almost effortless lyricism and an infectious sparkle. Some might feel a lack of inner tension, but it is a beautiful sound in every other aspect."

Highly rewarding.......2004-06-12

I listen to these recordings over and over. Oistrakh is marvelous and Oborin provides a well balanced accompaniment.

Would EMI Remaster Them, please? .......2004-02-13

There is no need to say anything about Oistrakh's command of the violin, which in many ways are unsurpassed.

His partner Oborin, however may not be as inspiring as Schnabel or Kempff. But he was the first Chopin gold medalist and the teacher of Ashkenazy. He is elegant and rather poetic. There are reasons to prefer him to Haebler as far as Beethoven's Sonatas are concerned.

However, from these CDs you will only get what you had when you listened to your LPs some 40 years ago and there hasn't been any change since they were first digitalized. What a shame for much craved for master pieces like these!

It just sounds right.......2004-01-13

While I don't have the wealth of musical experience as some of the other reviewers, and while my reasons for buting this disc, as opposed to others (it was the cheapest complete set), I am very please with what I got. The entire disc sounds right. It is in balance.

More generally, some discs make a hash of the notes, choosing to "inturpret" the pace. This does not, it flows at a constant pace.

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major - Op. 47: I Adagio sostenuto - Presto - Adagio
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major - Op. 47: II Andante con Variazioni
Violin Sonata No.9 In A Major - Op. 47: III Finale - Presto
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: I Allegro
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: II Adagio molto espressivo
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: III Scherzo & Trio - Allegro molto
Violin SonataNo. 5 In F Major Op. 24: IV Rondo - Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com

Itzhak Perlman and Vladimir Ashkenazy play both of these pieces with unflagging virtuosity and impressive energy, bringing symphonic grandeur and scale to their account of the Kreutzer. The fingers and bow fly, yet Perlman never loses command of his tone. Recorded in 1973 and 1974, the readings are closely miked--so closely that one can literally hear the hair on Perlman's bow. The sound is weighty but clear, with excellent presence. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

The Amazing duo.......2000-06-13

In the past i have listened to at least six different versions of the "Kreutzer" sonata. None of them compare to the performance given by the magical Ashkenazy/Perlman duo. After listening to this cd I would have to say that Itzhak Perlman is the best violinist in existance. He expresses his deepest emotions through his instrument. This shows, especially in the first movement. Ashkenazy and Perlman seem to work extraordinarily well together which is why I give this title five stars.

great, great, great.......1999-05-31

Expect a great recording of great music by a great violinist... this performance lives up to it.

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Kreutzer" & "Spring"

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Kreutzer" & "Spring"

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Missa Solemnis in D major, op.123
Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell

ASIN: B000E6EGXC
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

I. Adagio Sostenuto-Presto-Adagio
II. Andante Con Variazioni
III. Finale: Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio Molto Espressivo
III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Molto
IV. Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo

The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD]

Average customer rating:

Delightful!
A Great and Varied Collection
MAGIC is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich

The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Very Best of
Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor
The Art of Fritz Wunderlich
An die Musik [2 CD & DVD Limited Edition]
Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen

ASIN: B000AC5B20
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Finstre Furien, Ihr Geister Der Holle (Crude Furie Delg'orridi Abissi)
Wenn Der Freude Tranen Flieben
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Lebe Wohl Flandrisch Madchen
Nadir, Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir - Und In Des Tempels Grund (C'est Toi, Toi Qu'enfin Je Revois - Au Fond Du Temple Saint)
Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden (Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis)
Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Statde - Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben (Signor Ne Principe Io O Vorrei - E Il So Dell'anima, La Vita E Amora)
O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern (Parigi, O Cara, Noi Lasceremo)
Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne (E Lucevan Le Stelle)
Wenn Es Abend Wird - Grub Mir Mein Wein
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
Heute Nacht Oder Nie
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Be My Love
Granada

Tracks:

Nun Schwanden Vor Dem Heiligen Strahle/Verzweiflung, Wut Und Schrecken
Mit Wurd' Und Hoheit Angetan
Ma Qual Mai S'ofre, Oh Dei - Fuggi Crudele
Come Mai Creder Deggio - Dalla Sua Pace
Amici Miei - Il Mio Tesoro Intanto
Nur Einen Wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen (Unis Des La Plus Tendre Enfance)
O Unverhofftes Gluck - Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? (O Moment Trop Heureux! - Et Tu Pretends Encore Que Tu M'aimes?)
Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue (Prendie: L'anel Ti Dono)
O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten (Ne Parle Pas, Rose, Je T'en Supplie)
Doch Nun Zu Dir - Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe
Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
Heimliche Aufforderung Op.27 No.3
Ich Trage Meine Minne Op.32 No.1
Standchen Op.17 No.2
Zueignung Op.10 No.1
Morgen Op.27 No.4

Customer Reviews:

Delightful!.......2007-01-19

What a beautful voice and such an artist. I've always loved Wunderlich's voice and this album was such a delightful surprise to happen across. The Pearl Fishers' duet with Herman Prey is spectacular--it would be even better than Bjoerling/Merrill if it were in the original French!

A Great and Varied Collection.......2005-12-19

Fritz Wunderlich is a name that is familiar to opera buffs, at least those who enjoy the great singers of the past, but his name is not as familiar with the general public. It probably would have been, had it not been for a tragic and fluke accident that claimed his life. For those who are familiar with this great tenor, he's a beloved musician that makes listeners wonder what could have been.

Wunderlich's voice is one that can be light and airy at times, yet it can also have a dramatic intensity. This two disc set includes a variety of pieces that display Wunderlich's wide range and great vocal talent. His excerpts from Mozart are perhaps his strongest. So often the tenor roles in Mozart operas are cast with performers who are agile and can reach the higher notes, but their voices are somewhat weak. Wunderlich shows just how beautiful these arias can be. The same holds true for his arias from EUGENE ONEGIN and the pieces from well known operettas. His "Au Fond De Temple Saint" performed with Hermann Prey (a dream team pairing if there ever was one) is close to the Bjorling/Merrill rendition. We see his versatility in the excerpt from Haydn's CREATION and the live performance of "Di Rigori Armato" from DER ROSENKAVALIER is a treat and allows the listener to compare his live and studio recordings. The bonus DVD has a few slight flaws, but we see, at least in the scenes from THE BARBER OF SEVILLE that he not only has a wonderful voice but a good stage presence as well.

Most of the tracks are performed in German, even the Bellini, Bizet, and Verdi tracks, as was the case in many of the recordings of famous German singers. This may detract at first, especially of we expect to hear gorgeous French singing and it comes out, well German sounding. Still, it's a wonderful set with great variety and shows us what we missed in this tenor whose career had just begun.

MAGIC is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich.......2005-11-08

Magic is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), and if you aren't already familiar with his work, you'll see why when you experience this CD.

Many of the tracks are not new to CDs: I'd say 50% of them are also in the "Art of Fritz Wunderlich" set (DG, 7 CDs), including Handel, Mozart, Bellini, and other opera arias. There are 3 tracks from "Don Giovanni" which I had not encountered elsewhere, and a scene from Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" + 5 Strauss Lieder (with orchestra) not previously released in recent years.

Wunderlich was never less than the very best, and here is no exception. The bonus DVD has almost 30 minutes of scenes of Wunderlich (Count Almaviva) in Rossini's "Barber of Seville", sung in German with Hermann Prey (Figaro) and Erika Koth (Rosina) from a 1959 black and white TV production, in very good mono sound; and two scenes from Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin", also sung in German, and with a young Brigitte Fassbaender (a little more hiss but very good, full, rich mono sound). The Rossini is available from English sources, and hopefully will be available in the US soon.

Like conductor Karl Bohm (1894-1981), I'm going to try to get as much Fritz Wunderlich material as I can find, CD or DVD, as is practical (and even when it isn't!).

Every Violinists Guide: Caprices - Etudes - Studies

Average customer rating:

Every Violinists Guide: Caprices - Etudes - Studies

Manufacturer: Centaur
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Technique of Violin Playing: The Joachim Method (Dover Books on Music)
Fiddling With Life: The Unusual Journey of Steven Staryk
Ivry Gitlis [DVD Video]
Art of Practicing the Violin: With Useful Hints for All String Players
Nathan Milstein - In Portrait

ASIN: B000BLI4ZG
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Spring" & "Kreutzer"

Average customer rating:

Delightful

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Spring" & "Kreutzer"

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Prokofiev & Shostakovich: Violin Concertos, No.2
Aaron Rosand Plays Sarasate
Prokofiev, Shostakovich: Violin Concertos no 1 / Rostropovich, Vengerov
Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy

ASIN: B00005MO9L
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio Molto Espressivo
Scherzo. Allegro Molto
Rondo. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Adagio Sostenuto. Presto
Andante Con Variazioni
Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Delightful.......2005-03-05

First off, bravo to Apex. It's the Teldec/Warner's bargain label, and these are real bargains. These performances date from the early 90s, are in pristine sound, and offer two of Beethoven's best-loved violin sonatas in vibrant, lively performances. You can't miss.

Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata

Average customer rating:

A Must Have!
Perlman's poor tempo
WOW!
Argerich is not at her best here
Not as good as expected...

Beethoven: Kreutzer Sonata; Franck: Sonata
Ludwig van Beethoven , Cesar Franck , Martha Argerich , and Itzhak Perlman
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Panorama: Joseph Haydn
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter"
Nicholas Maw: Violin Concerto
Panorama: Sergey Prokofiev
Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 20, 23, 24, 26 & 27

ASIN: B00002CF0S
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

Sonata for Piano and Violin, No. 9 In A Major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': I. Adagio sostenuto; Presto
Sonata for Piano and Violin, No. 9 In A Major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': II. Andante con variazioni
Sonata for Piano and Violin, No. 9 In A Major, Op.47 'Kreutzer': III. Finale: Presto
Violin Sonata In A Major: I. Allegretto ben moderato
Violin Sonata In A Major: II. Allegro
Violin Sonata In A Major: III. Recitativo - Fantasia: ben moderato - molto lento
Violin Sonata In A Major: IV. Allegretto poco mosso

Amazon.com

Itzhak Perlman's '70s recordings with Vladimir Ashkenazy resulted in one of the finest Kreutzer Sonata performances ever recorded. At this live 1998 recital, Perlman is joined by another piano great, Martha Argerich, on that very piece along with Franck's Violin Sonata. Though the two powerhouses haven't recorded together before, they prove to be both sympathetic and intuitive partners. By now, we've come to expect Argerich to steal the show with her brute force and passionate playing, but Perlman's lyricism throughout the first two Beethoven movements is the real highlight. (It's not that Argerich is being tepid; the room's acoustics and microphones just favor the violinist.) On Franck's Violin Sonata, the duo fare even better. Argerich and Perlman sound like they've been playing together forever, and the music's melancholic, but playful poetry really comes into focus. All told, a memorable live performance by two classical greats. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

A Must Have!.......2007-02-25

Argerich and Perlman are amazing on this CD. This CD has a special place in my CD player. It's a great example of wonderful music.

Perlman's poor tempo.......2003-07-01

I have not listened to all of the tracks on this recording. However, I have listened to the Kreutzer Sonata recording. Perlman holds the tempo down ( you can hear Argerich wanting to go full speed) in the first movement- devastatingly slow IMHO. It is evident through the rest of the Kreutzer that the two performers were not on the same page and most likely didn't provide enough time to practice. Dissapointing.

WOW!.......2000-01-06

No wonder this recording has appeared on over 30 critics' top albums of 1999 lists. This live recording captures two magnificent artists at the top of their games. Perfection is for the studio -- this is gritty, great music making!

Argerich is not at her best here.......1999-12-31

As the reviewers below suggested, Argerich is not at her best here, even though Perlman is not quite bad compared to his recent live performances where he tends to be absent minded/too much easy going.

If you would like to hear Argerich at her best in these masterpieces, try the following recordings:

Gidon Kremer(vl.) and Argerich (Beethoven) on DG, James Galway(fl.) and Argerich (Franck) on RCA, Mischa Maisky (Cel.) and Argerich (Franck) on EMI.

In every recording above, she sounds much more inspired and precise.

Argerich also recorded Franck with Ricci (vl.) on a minor label, but this is not recommended as Ricci sounds too brittle and shallow.

Not as good as expected..........1999-12-23

I've always considered the Perlman-Ashkenazy "Kreutzer" the best on record. I don't really like Ashkenazy as a pianist, however, and looked forward to this release of Argerich recording the work with a decent violinist (i.e. not the thin-toned Kremer). Unfortunately Perlman's performance is not as polished as his earlier version with Ashkenazy...his chords are not as awe-inspiring and his tone is not as pure. Argerich does offer much more exciting pianism (in my opinion) than Ashkenazy though. So I'd still go for Ashkenazy-Perlman if you're finicky about perfect violin playing.

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