Legends for Orchestra

On this CD:

1. Legends (10), for orchestra (arr. from, B. 117), B. 122 (Op. 59)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Karel Sejna

2. Symphonic Variations for orchestra (on "I am a Fiddler" B. 66/3), B. 70 (Op. 78)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Karel Sejna

Tracks:

En Saga Op.9
The Swan Of Tuonela
I: Intermezo
II: Ballade
III: Alla Marcia
Finlandia Op.26
Valse Triste Op.44
Tapiola Op.112

Customer Reviews:

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?.......2005-12-14

Is this the greatest Sibelius recording ever?

It may well be.

This particular CD combines Karajan's 1976 analog recordings of four Sibelius tone poems with his 1981 digital recordings of Valse Triste and the Op 11 Karelia Suite. The analog material - Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela, En Saga and Tapiola - have always been demonstration-quality recordings. This particular CD marks the SEVENTH time I've purchased these recordings: first in their initial USA Angel LP & cassette issues, then as a British LP import, next as a German LP import, again in their initial EMI Studio CD release, once more in their second EMI CD release, and now in their almost-always-better-sounding Great Recordings of the Century series (there are exceptions to that particular rule, BTW).

Why all the copies? Simple: I was constantly seeking out a version that did full justice to the sound that one could tell was inscribed on the original tapes, and I think that finally, finally EMI have got it just about right.

First off, these recordings are very lifelike. They very much represent the Berlin Phil under Karajan that I heard in live performances at Carnegie Hall. And - except for a few intonation problems here and there that were previously buried in various degrees of sonic mush - the execution of the BPO is near immaculate (no clams in the brass!), matching American orchestras in their typical note-perfect playing.

The recorded ambience is also very easy on the ear, but - and this is a big but - the listening perspective on these recordings has now been shifted forward from second row orchestra to the conductor's podium. What I mean by that is that there is much more clarity and transparency in the orchestra than I recall from previous issues (it also helps if you listen to the CD at a slightly boosted volume level). It's a bit like the difference one gets when auditioning a recording on headphones rather than through speakers (in fact, I could swear that I can now hear Karajan - or someone - humming at certain points or urging on the orchestra).

There has also been a re-sequencing of the tracks themselves. Previous issues all opened with Karajan's massive version of Finlandia - an opening track that was sure to grab a listener by the gonads and pull him into the recording. This time around the CD opens with En Saga with Finlandia buried down the track listing. If you've never heard this disc and want to hear what it's all about, you'll play Finlandia first, trust me!

On the subject of this recording of Finlandia, it surely gains from Karajan opting for doubled winds who maintain their sound and texture over the massive strings and brass (augmented by VERY present timpani). Here, Karajan and the BPO launch what has to have set the all-time record for gravitas in Finlandia openings. This is slow, ballsy and brilliant. I can think of no greater compliment to give both Karajan and his orchestra than to say that they here play Finlandia as if it were the most important piece of music ever composed by anyone, ever.

The same "greatest piece ever" philosophy also inhabits the other works on this CD. The Swan, in particular, is hauntingly beautiful, no more so than in the huge string phrases that take over before the English horn's final, plaintive utterances. This is music making on such a high level that one might miss it for the emotional involvement of all concerned. You may find yourself - as did I - immediately replaying this track just to convince yourself that it really was that good.

Likewise, Karajan's 1981 Valse triste surpasses his previous efforts (not to mention those of most others). This is a slow but enervated version of a piece that I just never tire of hearing. However, I will say that the digital sound is slightly less fulsome than that captured on the analog tracks. The Karelia Suite is also of digital origin and reflects the same caveat, though this is picking nits - the recordings are all fabulous.

The real revelation on the disc is Tapiola. Karajan recorded it a few times, and I find this one to be his best if not THE best recording of the piece ever made. If you want to know what the term "heavy classic" means, seek no further. It was once opined that Sibelius' fame could have rested on Tapiola alone, and it may well be that Tapiola recordings may come down to this one and this one alone. It is just that impressive as a recording and as an interpretation.

Seventeen years after his death, it's becoming quite clear to me that Karajan went through something of a golden age in the 1970s. His recordings from that period - particularly his EMI recordings - showcase an orchestra and conductor at the absolute summit of their powers, fully in tune with each other and the music at hand. These Sibelius recordings rank with the very best from that period and are well deserving of the Great Recordings of the Century moniker.

I'd urge you to purchase this disc before EMI consigns this issue to deletion status.

It simply doesn't get any better.

The Movie Album Classical Pictures; John Bayless

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, sensitive playing....
John Bayless is awesome
The One CD in My Collection I Never Tire of Listening To
Gorgeous arrangements. Very dramatic and melodic.

The Movie Album Classical Pictures; John Bayless
John Bayless , Luis Enrique Bacalov , Giacomo Puccini , Michel Legrand , Joaquin Rodrigo , Nino Rota , John Williams , James Horner , Sergey Rachmaninov , and Harold Arlen
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SLY
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

Il Postino, From The Postman - Visi d'Arte, From Tosca
El Canto de Ensarria - The Summer Knows, From Summer Of '42 - Concierto de Aranjuez, 2nd Movement
A Time For Us, Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet- Adagio In G Minor
Theme From Schindler's List - Prelude In C-Sharp Minor - Hatikva (Interlude)
Somewhere Out There, From An American Tail - Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini Variations No.18
When I fall In Love, From Sleepless In Seattle - Liebestraume
Moon River, From Breakfast At Tiffany's - Piano Concerto No.2, 1st Movement
Beauty And The Beast, From Beauty And The Beast - Prayer From Hansel And Gretel
Over The Rainbow, From The Wizard Of Oz - Legends

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, sensitive playing...........2003-11-02

Ah, reader, consider this album. I have been listening to Bayless music for years, from Bach Meets the Beatles to his crazy happy birthday album in a dozen styles (Stravinsky's Rite of Birthday, a favorite), but this one has something special going on. The playing is so beautifully, and sensitively played that one is really swept away by the original movie tune, interwound with a classical piece, so seamless and amazing. One of my all-time favorite albums.

John Bayless is awesome.......2003-10-13

He's such a great talent, I was lucky enough to meet him almost 2 years ago. I got this CD autographed! :) He was such a nice person and performed so well on the stage. Buy this album, it's really awesome!

The One CD in My Collection I Never Tire of Listening To.......2001-03-24

John Bayless had a vision for this album---to combine the most beautiful classical pieces along with the most romantic and engaging movie themes of all time. The arrangements and the way in which he weaves the varous pieces together, sometimes playing both themes simultaneously, are incredible. They lift you up and carry you away. The various instrumental additions (such as the guitar in track 2, drums in track 6, strings in track 5, the sound of the wind in track 4) add just the right touch---lightly sprinkled in when needed. As a professional pianist myself, I also appreciate his considerable technique and the emotion with which he infuses his music. Anyone who likes classical music and movies should own this CD. Anyone who has friends who like classical music and movies should purchase this CD for them. They will love you for it. It is my favorite CD. I never tire of listening to it.

Gorgeous arrangements. Very dramatic and melodic........1999-11-16

Don't be scared off by the "clown-like" picture on the cover. This album, by a true piano virtuoso/arranger, blends familiar movie and light classical melodies together into unique arrangements. Every time it's been on while I have guests, someone always asks "What's that beautiful music?"

Average customer rating:

Hooray for Hollywood
Kunzel does it yet again!
Movie Music
More than Beautiful!!
This is the one you should own

Beautiful Hollywood
Erich Kunzel , and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mega Movies

ASIN: B000003D24
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Feather Theme From Forest Gump
Main Theme From A River Runs Through It
Robert and Mary From Rob Roy
'We Meet Again' From Jerry McGuire
The Ludlows From Legends Of The Fall - Paul Patterson
'You Must Love Me' From Evita
Love Theme, 'Doe Eyes' From The Bridges Of Madison Couny
Colors Of The Wind From Pocahontas
'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' From The Mission
Suite: I. 'Whale Play'/II. 'Farewell And Freedom' From Free Willy
Love Theme From Forever Young
Love Theme From Cinema Paradiso
Main Theme From Rudy
Main Theme From Chaplin
End Credits From Grumpier Old Men
'Act Of Faith' From Bugsy
Main Theme From Schindler's List - Alexander Kerr
Reunion And Finale From Gettysburg

Customer Reviews:

Hooray for Hollywood.......2007-07-22

I bought this CD to go with an Academy Awards/Hollywood Walk-of-Fame theme party at work. It was the perfect accompaniment and mood setter.

It was February and a group of us decorated the lounge with black, gold, and silver tableclothes and balloon bouquets, and scattered around clap boards and faux film strip on the tables, along with movie trivia cards and black and gold wrapped mints. I made a walk-of-fame star for every employee and taped them on the walls around the room. We also laid down a red carpet from the entrance of the room to about the center with the decorated tables flanking both sides. We sat up the snack table with a sign that said, "Studio Commissary" and went with theme snacks like "James Bonbons with Halle Berry sauce," and "The Queen's scones." Each week we took a quarter of the walk-of-fame starts and posted them on the bulletin board for the staff to write peer compliments under. At the end of the week these stars were taken down and the next set of stars was posted.

This CD really set the mood for employees as they entered the lounge for the first time on that first day after it was decorated, and during the party at the end of the month. The month ended with an Academy Award party with an Oscar going to each employee for outstanding effort in whatever category (best dressed, best supporting staff member, most animated story teller, most pleasant entercom voice, most punctual, best sense of humor, most artistic, etc.), and they were given their stars with the peer compliments attached to the back. Everyone commented on how special they felt and how neat the theme was. Good morale booster.

This CD would also be perfect for the ambiance at your own Academy Awards party at home. Print out those ballots, cast your votes, pop some popcorn and pass around the Juji fruits, and let's watch the Oscars!

Kunzel does it yet again!.......2004-11-23

Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops do a great job everytime, and this is no exception. I'm telling you, if you ever thought that purely intrumental/orchestral was unattractive, this will change your mind. Never a disappointment!

Movie Music.......2002-12-12

If you love that music from all those movies you've seen, then this is the CD you want! It is fantastic!! I want more!! I hope Erich Kunzel will come out with some music from older movies and maybe some TV programs. Listening to his music is better than watching the movie.

More than Beautiful!!.......2002-12-11

This is the absolute best CD they ever put together! And that is saying a lot as we are very picky about what music we like. This is the kind of music that makes you 'feel' deeply. It encourages you to dream big and love living! Forget the grooves, drums and bangs and listen to something incredibly beatiful! You won't be sorry for the money invested in this one bit of sanity in such a hectic world.

This is the one you should own.......2002-10-27

If you are looking for just one solid collection of memorable movie themes, this is it. Other CDs mix marches and fanfares with quieter tracks, which makes for a jarring listening experience at times. This CD, however, has a consistent feel all the way through. Melodic, calming, and, best of all, interesting. These movie tracks weren't selected simply for their sound, but also because they are GOOD. You get the best of the best: James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Randy Edelman.

Average customer rating:

breakdown by cd.
I'm not a music expert

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLJW
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

breakdown by cd........2007-01-14

CD1-7:SYMPHONIES 1-9

CD8:PIANO CONCERTO

CD9:VIOLIN CONCERTO & CELLO CONCERTO

CD10-11:REQUIEM

CD12-13:STABAT MATER

CD14:PIANO TRIOS OP.90 "DUMKY" & 21

CD15:PIANO TRIOS OP.65 & 26

CD16:PIANO QUARTETS

CD17:PIANO QUINTETS

CD18:STRING QUINTETS

CD19-20:MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

C21:SERENADE/HAUSMUSIK

CD22-31:THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS

CD32:SLAVONIC DANCES OP.46 & 72

CD33:PIANO DUET SLAVONIC DANCES

CD34:PIANO DUET LEGENDS FROM THE BOHEMIAN FOREST

CD35:PIANO WORKS

CD36-37:RUSALKA

CD38-40:SYMPHONIC POEMS

I'm not a music expert.......2005-08-25

I don't know too much about music. I own over 700 cds, but I don't play music and I don't have much experience with this music. My only point of reference was the ninth symphony, seeing as every other piece in this box set was new to me. It sounds fine, nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.

Now, here's what you'll get in this box set, seeing as Amazon does not give it a description. 40 cds! no joke, you get 40 cds in this box set. It features:
1. Complete symphonies
2. Complete symphonic poems
3. Cello concerto
4. Piano concerto
5. Violin concerto
6. Requiem
7. Stabat Mater
8. Slavonic Dances
9. Complete String quartets
10. Chamber music
11. Piano Works (solo and duet)
12. Rusalka

As far as I can tell, the only things missing are The Spectre's Bride and Jacobin. Seeing as it is 40 cds, i have not had an opportunity to listen to it, however what i have heard i have been quite satisfied with.

Sibelius: The 7 Symphonies; Finlandia; Kullervo; etc.

Average customer rating:

Must buy
Simply great Sibelius
Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis

Sibelius: The 7 Symphonies; Finlandia; Kullervo; etc.

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00011KOF4
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Must buy.......2006-05-16

Superlative seven-CDS hyper-bargain bid from BMG can't never beat that!!Over-all an allround best buy If you snooze you lose

Simply great Sibelius.......2006-05-15

At less than 20GBP, this set offers a most excellent initiation to the world of Johan Sibelius s'masterly work. A nice collection, that includes the symphonies (1--7) with important compositions such as the ever fascinating Kulervo and myriads of "TonePoems". The L.S.O play together with dedication, the sound and direction by sir Colin Davis increase the impression of greatness in the music. I was a little skeptical of the new Davis Kulervo "live", of which I prefer this one on rca, but been of course amazed by the L.S.O.Live powerful versions of symphonies 3 & 7. Otherwise, I generally love this uniformly excellent set, even more so than the earlier cycle in Boston of which I still like, above all, symphonies 5&6. Here, with this rca set, the "highlights" are to be found in symphonies 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as in a bracing and quite dramatic Kulervo. Among the poems, En Saga and Pohjola really shine along with a wonderful Suite Karelia. Of course everything is not perfection, but who will pretend to be anyway? I recommend highly this important box set, even more than the competitive 5CD Naxos however very good it is. Davis is a master Sibelian, no doubt about that. Kind regards. m.vuriling

Splendid Performances from LSO and Sir Colin Davis.......2004-12-31

This 7 CD set includes all of Sir Colin Davis' second Sibelius symphony cycle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in the 1990's, along with almost all of Sibelius' other major orchestral works, most notably his tone poems (Some of these were recorded as recently as 2000 or 2001.). These are impressive, vibrant performances replete with exquisite playing by the London Symphony Orchestra. Critics have praised Davis' first Sibelius symphony cycle with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as among the best; without question, his second symphony cycle is not only just as fine, but comes with better quality digital sound (However, with respect to sound, the best Sibelius symphony cycle that he's recorded may be the recent one with the LSO Live CD label.). I especially enjoyed the recordings of Sibelius' 2nd, 5th and 7th symphonies, and the tone poem En Saga, but all of Sibelius' works in this CD set are quite fine. Those interested in hearing music made by Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as our foremost interpreter of Sibelius, with one of the world's greatest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra, will not be disappointed with this CD set.

Average customer rating:

More Great Sibelius from GSO/Jarvi
Tons of Great Sibelius, All Very Well Done
a perfect introduction to sibelius

Sibelius: Tone Poems

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tchaikovsky: 18 Pieces
Complete Concertos / Overtures
Tchaikovsky: Complete Suites for Orchestra

ASIN: B0009W4LLI
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

I. Intermezzo. Moderato
II. Ballade. Tempo Di Menuetto-Un Poco Piu Lento
III. Alla Marcia. Moderato
Tempo Moderato - Soile Isokoski
Andante Festivo For String Orchestra
Sostenuto Assai
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I. Elegie. Andante Sostenuto
II. Musette. Allegretto
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Ballade. Allegro Molto-Vivace
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Tracks:

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Allegro-Tempo Del Commincio-Moderato Assai-Largamente-Largo
Allegro Molto Moderato
Andante Molto Sostenuto
Il Tempo Largamente
Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Moderato Assai-Allegro
Tempo Moderato E Sostenuto
Lento
Scene With Cranes Op.44 No.2
Andantino
Commodo
Lento Assai
Largamente-Allegro Moderato

Customer Reviews:

More Great Sibelius from GSO/Jarvi.......2006-06-02

I recently purchased this 3-disc set new for about 18 bucks, including shipping and handling. Each disc has over 70 mins of music. More importantly, the performances are evocative and highly emotional. The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (of Sweden, for those of you who might not know this) and Neeme Jarvi did a terrific job on the Sibelius Symphonies for the BIS label in the 80s. I have 'em all, and they are my favorite cycle.

These are more recent recordings done by Deutche Grammaphon, with somewhat different engineering, but equally satisfying sound (to me, at least). Purchasing this "Trio" was almost a no-brainer, given the price. Now that I have the set in hand (and in CD-player), I know that it was a good decision.

Whether you know nothing about Sibelius but want to hear terrific classical music-making, or you have some Sibelius and would like to hear some arguably definitive performance of the tone poems, this set is for you.

Enjoy, Adam.

Tons of Great Sibelius, All Very Well Done.......2006-05-23

I may be in a minority, but I think Sibelius is a far more successful composer of program music than of so-called absolute music. In fact, his most successful symphony, No. 2, has a definite program, and his most successful symphonic movement, the marvelous finale of Symphony No. 5, is also pictorial, supposedly inspired by a flight of geese and the bell-like music that their calls made as they passed overhead. So I believe these generously filled discs in the Trio Series present some of the best of orchestral Sibelius, including "Pohjola's Daughter," "En Saga," "The Oceanides," and "Tapiola." There are other favorites as well, of course, including "Finlandia," "Valse Triste," and "The Swan of Tuonela" (part of the spacious "Four Legends"), as well as some lesser-known (to non-Sibelians, anyway) masterworks such as "Luonnotar" and "Night Ride and Sunrise," a quirky, more interesting incarnation of the binary form that Sibelius tried out in the finale of his Third Symphony.

There's still more and more, including some music (such as "King Christian" and "The Bard") that is rarely heard but well worth hearing. In fact, if there are any clunkers here, I don't know of them. Sibelius emerges as a composer who rarely failed when inspired by literature, especially his beloved Kalevala, or the purely pictorial. Neemi Jarvi, whose baton is sometimes too fleet and whose interpretations sometimes skate along the surface of the music, is here inspired to give some of his finest interpretations (and there are many, many on CD). The Goteborg Orchestra has this music in its blood and proves the perfect medium for the dark vision of "The Four Legends," for the shimmer and sheen of "The Oceanides," or for the easy folksiness of "Karelia" and "King Christian." Fine, wide-ranging sound from DG as well. It's up-front but not oppressive, allowing woodwind and percussion detail to emerge with real clarity. Try "Night Ride and Sunrise" as an example; it's rarely sounded this alive in recording.

a perfect introduction to sibelius.......2006-02-18

this is a great set of Sibelius's work. There are some of unknown as as well known pieces. I recommend this work to introduce people to Sibelius and Sibelian's as well. neeme jarvi is a master interpreter of Sibelius work and the orchestra is brillent.

Sibelius: Lemminkainen Suite: Four Legends of the Kalevala; Tapiola

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Lemminkainen Suite: Four Legends of the Kalevala; Tapiola
Philadelphia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000PGTHRG
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

I. Lemminkainen And the Maidens Of Saari
II. The Swan Of Tuonela
III. Lemminkainen In Tuonela
IV. Lemminkainen's Return
Tapiola Op.112 - Helsinki Philarmonic Orchestra

Schumann: Papillons; Introduction & Allegro appassionato; Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat major, D. 960

Average customer rating:

Richter At His Best

Schumann: Papillons; Introduction & Allegro appassionato; Schubert: Piano Sonata in B flat major, D. 960

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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BBC Friends: Richter (Great Performers of the Twentieth Century)

ASIN: B000I2IS7C
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Tracks:

Papillons, Op. 2
Introduction And Allegro Appassionato For Piano And Orchestra, Op. 92
I Molto Moderato
II Andante Sostenuto
III Scherzo. Allegro Vivace - Trio
IV Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

Richter At His Best.......2007-01-25

These recordings come from the years 1963 - 1965 when Sviatoslav Richter, as Bryce Morrison said in Gramophone, bestrode the pianistic world like a colossus. The records on this disc support these claims. First, is Robert Schumann's Papillons that is played with great sensitivity and beautiful phrasing. Following this is another work of Schumann the Introduction and Allegro appassionato with Benjamin Britten conducting the English Chamber Orchestra. From the performance one can easily believe that conductor and soloist had a wonderful time; they have a magnificent partnership in this performance. The music of Franz Schubert was very important to Richter and he championed him in the Soviet Union. The B flat Major sonata that is recorded here was his favorite and his loving attention is evident. Here Richter stretches the first movements (clocking in at just over 25 minutes) Molto moderato about as slowly as it can be but he knew this sonata so well his performance remains graceful and beautiful. The monumental first movement is followed by an elegant and reflective Andante, a jubilant Scherzo and a dynamic finale.

The notes by Jeremy Siepmann are outstanding. This certainly is a disc that any admirer of Sviatoslav Richter will want to have.

Average customer rating:

Dennis Brain is superb
As Good As It Gets!
The Best Recording of the Best Horn Player Ever Born
Once again an unforgettable cd!
Horn's fans BUY this cd!

Brain

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4
Horn Concertos
American Horn Quartet
The London Horn Sound
Take 9

ASIN: B00004WJMI
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Customer Reviews:

Dennis Brain is superb.......2005-10-03

My mother bought this CD for me because I play the French Horn. Listening to a legendary horn player like Dennis Brain is a wonderful experience. I rate this product so highly because of the fine quality of the songs on the CD. I highly recommend this product for any brass player.

As Good As It Gets!.......2004-11-15

This album and Brain's other recordings are a must for any French Horn player. His performance on this album is stunning.

The Best Recording of the Best Horn Player Ever Born.......2003-06-08

This CD is - Thank God! - a re-release of a BBC Records Recording from 1974 Titled simply, "Dennis Brain (1921-1957)". When I was a horn student in Highschool back in the 80's, my parents brought it back for me from Europe. I have been looking for this recording on CD ever since then because I completely wore the record out. It is absolutely the best horn playing you will EVER hear. I used to play the record at least ten times a day - it inspired me to practice four hours a day and to despair that I would never play half as well as this genius. It brought tears to my eyes to hear it again and to remember what it was like to fall in love with Horn music and to spend so many happy hours rejoicing in the sound this man made with this wonderful instrument. The music is completely miraculous. What a tremendous loss he was, God rest his soul.

Once again an unforgettable cd!.......2002-02-25

As with all of Brain's performances, satisfaction is guaranteed! Not to dwell on a point brought up by the other reviewers, but the Villanelle is exceptionally spectacular. Forget the fact that he missed the high C at the end, it only spotlights the fact that this was a live performance, and unedited as such. It also shows us that we are all human, and even a missed note does not detract from the glory of his musicianship and virtuosity! This album (like others) really captures the magnificence of Brain's musiciality, from his seemingly unplayable pianissimos to his flawless and perfectly clean articulations. Nothing will help you to appreciate horn music better than this cd (and the Mozart cd) and few others will have you running to the practice room quicker. A must buy for any horn student or anyone that just appreciates horn playing at its finest.

Horn's fans BUY this cd!.......2001-09-18

I think this should be an essential recording for all the horn's players or fans.
Here we have some of the most important and beautiful chamber music for horn (Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms) and one of the most exciting solo piece for horn (Dukas's Villanelle).
The star of the cd is (of course) Dennis Brain, who in my humble opinion IS the best horn player ever.
Since the legendary recording of Mozart's concerti (that every serious horn's fan should own) you can hear how the technique and the musicianship in Dennis's playing are both wonderful.
Here we have something more to prove this (if it was necessary...)
The Villanelle is outstanding, as said. The finale is rushed so fast that is almost unbelievable. The only little complaint (?) is that if I remember, he first bars are written for "hand-horn" that means to be played without using the valves but using instead the right hand in the horn's bell to perform the notes that are otherwise not possible to obtain using the lips only.
Here it seems not to be the case, but as I said it's a very little remark.
But the piece I like the most is the Mozart's quintet, that is the most difficult and virtuoso piece for horn written by the great composer. Especially in the last movement the horn has to compete in technique and articulation with the first violin, but never forgetting the elegance and grace characteristics of Mozart's music.
The second movement is, for this point of view, exemplary; each phrase is played with extraordinary musicianship and beauty.
The Beethoven quintet is maybe better here than in the other recording with Walter Gieseking and the Philarmonia winds (another essential cd for Dennis's fans) and the Brahms's trio (a wonderful piece of music) shows as Dennis was perfectly suited even with a romantic piece like this (he was somehow "accused" to be without nerves...).
In conclusion, I think that after purchasing the Mozart's concerti, this should be your next horn's cd.

Average customer rating:

'ONE CANNOT BUT ENVY THE MAN'
Surprising work...
For all music lovers
Little Known Dvorak Played Well By Fischer and BFO
Rich emotions, perfect delivery

Dvorák: Legends
Dvorak , Bfo , and Fischer
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: Piano Quartets
Glinka: Orchestral Works
Chopin: Piano Concertos 1 & 2
Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Op. 81/ String Quartet, Op. 51
Ravel: The Piano Concertos; Valses nobles et sentimentales

ASIN: B00004YMLT
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Legends, Op. 59: No. 1 In D Minor
Legends, Op. 59: No. 2 In G Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 3 In G Minor
Legends, Op. 59: No. 4 In C Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 5 In A Flat Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 6 In C Sharp Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 7 In A Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 8 In F Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 9 In D Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 10 In B Flat Minor
Notturno In B Major, Op. 40
Miniature, Op. 75a: Cavatina
Miniature, Op. 75a: Capriccio
Miniature, Op. 75a: Romanza
Miniature, Op. 75a: Elegia
Prague Waltzes

Amazon.com

Dvorák was a master of the miniature, as this attractive disc of some of his lesser-known pieces for chamber orchestra proves. He was also adept at recycling. Asked by his publisher to come up with something to top his enormously popular Slavonic Dances, written originally as a piano duet, Dvorák produced Legends, also for two pianos. More introspective than the dances (although no one knows which legends he based them on), the 10 movements proved just as attractive and Dvorák was asked to orchestrate five of them. Instead, he orchestrated the lot for small string orchestra. Notturno, a six-minute salvage job from an abandoned string quartet, is a wonderful discovery. Miniatures, orchestrated from a four-part set for violin and piano, which were themselves fashioned out of pieces the violinist found too difficult to play, are delightful, and Prague Waltzes, written the year before Legends for a ball in Prague, are enough to get any toe tapping. Throughout, the playing of the Budapest Festival Orchestra under Ivan Fischer is spot on. --Richard Fawkes

Customer Reviews:

'ONE CANNOT BUT ENVY THE MAN'.......2007-05-29

That is Brahms talking, asking his publisher Simrock to pass on his compliments to Dvorak over the latter's `Legends' for orchestra. This is a gorgeous little disc. One item, the Notturno in which the liner-note writer hears influence from Wagner, strikes a solemn tone and takes some listening to before one can recognise the composer, but the rest of it is a box of musical chocolates. What the Legends are legends of the composer never said, but Brahms does not even seem to have bothered to enquire, so I am not asking either. They are melodious and charming orchestral miniatures lasting between two and a half minutes and five and a half minutes each. They show Dvorak at his most agreeable and his least pretentious, with the Czech elements free from self-consciousness and the orchestration as colourful as he could always make it without any of the messiness he was prone to at times.

The `Miniatures' are an inauthentic but perfectly appropriate 20th century styling for a set of four pieces that Dvorak turned out in a hurry for two violinists and a viola player who had not been able to cope with the Terzetto that he originally wrote with them in mind. He had also arranged the pieces, still in a rush, as violin/piano duos and methodical research disproves his own confused recollection that that had been their original format. The instrumental combination restricts the bass to C in the bass clef, and while I thoroughly enjoy the Terzetto played by soloists in my fine performance from the Lindsays, I think I am probably glad of several players to each of the three parts as I am offered the works here. To round matters off there are some fine hearty Prague Waltzes using a larger orchestra than in the Legends. However nothing on this disc is amazingly loud, and to get the greatest enjoyment I suggest a high volume-setting.

I'm not sure that either the performances or the recorded quality (DDD) really call for the hyperbolical superlatives lavished on them by The Penguin Guide, but both are excellent and both easily satisfy my own moderate demands. The liner note with the British edition, from Patrick Lambert, is an absolute model of its kind, and I hope it is available internationally. The information conveyed is relevant and clear and exactly what I am looking for. The signs of better times in the liner-note industry generally are getting stronger and more persistent, so here's hoping. The main thing is of course the music, and I don't think we need Brahms to tell us how enjoyable it is.

Surprising work..........2006-08-03

I bought this CD not knowing that much about Dvorak or where these pieces fit in to his overall body of work. I only knew I loved his ninth symphony since I first heard it in a college music class. I wanted to explore his music further and this CD was my first sojourn into Dvorak's music beyond the ninth. It was not a bad place to start.

Legends should be viewed as a counterpoint to Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. They were written in between the two cycles of Slavonic Dances and, while originally written for piano, Dvorak orchestrated them with a colorful, yet restrained use of the orchestra. I came to Legends before actually hearing the Slavonic Dances. Having now heard both, Legends shines more as a cycle greatly diverse and adventurous in its moods and style. While more relaxing and subdued than the Slavonic Dances, it is still equally melodic and engaging.

However, what makes this disc worthwhile is not Legends, but what else is included. Minatures (what I have since found is a slight reworking of Dvorak's Romance for Piano and Violin, hence the op. 75a), is absolutely wonderful and positively the highlight of the disc. Dvorak was a viola player and he knew how to write for strings. While relatively short (the first two movements are only around three minutes each) the work as a whole carries delightful pulsing melodies. Like Legends, it also strikes very distinctive moods, yet manages to retain an intimate and warm quality that makes for a fine listening experience.

This CD also benefits from being recently recorded in 1999. Several of Dvorak's works, while propelled by great performances, were recorded 20-30 years ago and do not benefit completely from the digital process from start to finish. This recording does and the sound is top quality as a result. Ivan Fischer also deserves mention in choosing material for this disc that shows the absolute tuneful scope of Dvorak's writing.

This album is a worthwhile step forward for anyone wanting to explore Dvorak's work further. The pieces included here might not be as recognized as the Slavonic Dances or others in the Dvorak canon, but you will find they are among his most satisfying.

For all music lovers.......2004-12-17

Fantastic record decently played. For once the reviews are correct Legends are first class lyrical,moving, pieces. All should hear this disc which is a joy from first to last. Dvorak was a great composer though no Beethoven of course. Forget his Slavonic Dances which are merely tedious after the first couple of times this stuff is much better. Try it!

Little Known Dvorak Played Well By Fischer and BFO.......2003-07-16

This is a magnificient little CD of Dvorak's lesser known small works for orchestra. Ivan Fischer leads the Budapest Festival Orchestra in amply warm, lyrical performances of these works. The highlight may be the Nocturno, but my own personal favorites are the waltzes at the end of the CD. The sound recording is absolutely first rate, rich in sonority. Fans of Dvorak and Ivan Fischer will not be disappointed in this recording, which deserves its superb accolade in the most recent edition of the Penguin Guide to Classical Music.

Rich emotions, perfect delivery.......2001-05-24

This recording reaches exceptional heights. Emotions grasp you without control and fly you over the borders of passion. Then you find yourself floating on pure music in an incomparable feeling of cleanness. This is a perfect musical match to our young and innocent but already complex selves we all used to be. A hopeful gaze on life.

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