Mendelssohn: Symphonies 4 & 5

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 4 in A major ("Italian"), Op. 90
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Sir Colin Davis

2. Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor ("Reformation"), Op. 107
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Performed by Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Sir Colin Davis

Tracks:

Adagio In G Minor
Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
Celebrated Minuet
Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
Cradle Song
'Minute' Waltz
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
Largo
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Liebestraum
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
Canon In D
Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
Bolero - Conclusion
The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
William Tell Overture - Finale
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Gymnopedie No. 3
Ave Maria
Blue Danube Waltz
Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
Firebird Suite - Finale
1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Average customer rating:

Real class
Great set
MENDELSSOHN: 5 Symphonies/7 Overtures (LSO/Claudio Abbado) DG 471 467-2
Great Concept but Not So Great Execution!
More of Mendelssohn to Love

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Johannes Brahms: The Symphonies
Mahler: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00005ONMP
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Minor, Op.11
Octet In E Flat, Op.20
Overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Op.21
The Hebrides, Op.26 (Fingal's Cave)
Meeresstille Und Glkliche Fahrt, Op.27
Symphony No.2 In B Flat, Op.52 - "Hymn Of Praise"
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.56 - "Scottish"
Overture "The Fair Melusine", Op.32
"Trumpet Overture", Op.101 - Allegro Vivace
Ruy Blas, Op.95 - Overture To Victor Hugo's Play
Symphony No.4 In A, Op.90 - "Italian"
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.107 - "Reformation"
Overture For Wind Instruments, Op.24 (F Harmoniemusik)

Customer Reviews:

Real class.......2007-06-24

Abbado has created an excellent anthology of Mendelssohn's symphonic output - rich, lush and balanced. A+

Great set.......2007-05-18

By my calculations, this is the single best set of Mendelssohn symphonies out there today. Though better versions of the "Reformation," "Scottish," and "Italian" Symphonies exist in other disks, I still like the interpretations offered by Abbado and the LSO.

For the "Reformation", and "Italian" Symphonies, I'd recommend John Eliot Gardiner and the Vienna Philharmonic's DG set.

For the Scottish Symphony I'd go with Karajan's recording with the BPO (that CD also comes with the best "Hebrides Overture" recording available, and a pretty good "Italian Symphony" interpretation, too).

All of the overtures in this set are performed very well, both in technical execution and musical interpretation. The Hebrides (a work far ahead of its time), in particular, is a fine recording. So is "Overture 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'." I really have grown fond of the "Ruy Blas" overture as well.

Another reviewer complained that the interpretations in this set are "too Classical." I think they are correct in saying the set is Classically performed, but I think that works with Mendelssohn, as he was "the Romantic Mozart."

Overall this is a great set, and a good way to become familiar with the music of Felix Mendelssohn, or build your Mendelssohn library.

MENDELSSOHN: 5 Symphonies/7 Overtures (LSO/Claudio Abbado) DG 471 467-2.......2006-07-13

Unlike many all-digital compilations offered by one orchestra and conductor, this collection of Mendelssohn favorites is outstanding in performance and interpretation throughout. Maestro Abbado shows a genuine affection for the composer and his genius by the sequence of selections on each disc, and I find no weak performances anywhere in this remarkable recording.

Charlie Hastings
Falls Church, VA

Great Concept but Not So Great Execution!.......2006-06-14

First, the good: Great box design for packaging, great booklet in various languages describing the history of all the performed works, great value for money, excellent representation of the great Mendelssohn's best works.

Now, the bad: the problem with compilations like this is that the material tends to have been recorded at different times and places and frequently by different personnel on various recording equipment of varying quality. What this means is that some tracks within each disc sound much better then others and even whole discs come in varying sound qualities.

Fortunately, the best disc, disc one starts out very well with the great first symphony and ends with the composer's best Overtures and the quality of the sound recording is very good. Then we get to disc 2 and the sound quality can only be described as abysmal. The difference in the sound is like night and day when compared with the first disc. The third disc sounds much better but is still not as good as the first disc while the last disc comes somewhere in between the second and third.

There's no doubting the quality of the performances though by Claudio Abbado and the LSO and of course the choice of material but too bad about the inconsistency of the sound quality from track to track and from disc to disc.

Still, the 3 stars are for the good points listed above and for the great disc 1.

More of Mendelssohn to Love.......2005-11-08

I had heard all the music on here before interpreted by other conductors and other symphonies but Claudio Abbado proved to be the most efficient for me. Thanks to the world's leading classical music label- Deutsche Grammophone -we are able to hear a complete set of Mendelssohn's symphonies and overtures with the acclaimed London Symphony in a beautiful and surprisingly afforadable album. For music that is this good, I was surprised that it wasn't a little more expensive. But good, right ? Just more of Mendelssohn to love. On this album: his symphonies 1-5, Scherzo in G Minor from the Octet for Strings, the Overture to A Midsumer Night's Dream incidental music and Hebrides Overture. These are the most famous Mendelssohn creations. His Fourth Symphony is the "Italian" symphony, with lyrical, bouncy rhythms and classical harmony. The Midsummer Night's Dream overture encompasses romanticism at its peak, with sprightly strings representing the mischievous fairies that figure prominently in the Shakespeare comedy. The Hebrides Overture is evocative of wintery landscapes and sea breezes, a fine example of a tone poem and musical painting at its best. Its haunting melody is instantly recongizable. Abbado is clearly suited for this kind of music and it's refreshing to see him stray from the usual Italian repertoire he is most famous for. Still, inescapably, his Italian soul stands out but this gives this music more color, more volume and lyricism than what can often succumb to stale, cold English interpretations like Andre Previn's conducting. No offense to Mr. Previn, who has produced some brilliant music.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Awesome!
My favorite recording of these symphonies..
Powerful Scottish + Other Things of Merit
Good Mendelssohn and Karajan
two Scots and an Italian

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream (complete) / Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great"
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor; Bruch: Violin Concerto #1; Itzhak Perlman

ASIN: B000001GXC
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave): Overture
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 1. Andante con moto - Allegro un poco agitato
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 2. Vivace non troppo
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 3. Adagio
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor 'Scottish': 4. Allegro vivacissimo - Allegro maestoso assai
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 1. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 2. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 3. Con moto moderato
Symphony No. 4 In A Major 'Italian': 4. Saltarello. Presto

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2006-05-10

Buying this album was a pure accident, and I thank my lucky stars that I did! this recording is absolutely brilliant. I had played Mendelssohn before in Symphony, but I had never heard these particular compositions and they have made him one of my favorite composer! I love it!

My favorite recording of these symphonies.........2005-09-24

In response to the last reviewer - I would agree that the Berlin is a bit raucous at times, but, c'mon! It's Romantic music! What's wrong with some unrestrained emotion?!?
I find these performances very moving, especially the 3rd symphony (I rate it neck and neck with Maag's version with London Symphony Orchestra). I have no need to defend the music, you've all heard it (especially the Italian). This is Karajan at the height of his powers. In short, at this low price, with this much music on it and with a newly remastered and cleaner sound, it's worth the purchase.

Powerful Scottish + Other Things of Merit.......2004-08-09

BBC Radio 3 broadcasted the Scottish symphony earlier this year. At the time I was utterly unfamiliar with the work but even during that first exposure--for I was listening--I decided to update my collection as soon as possible. Which I did by buying this CD. (Later I also bought Peter Maag's interpretation of this symphony, but not because I was dissatisfied with the CD I now review. Far from it; both are excellent.)

As illustrated from the Radio 3 example above, I was immediately struck by this music. I can't say if that will also be the case with you (because the value of art is often of a personal nature), but do find an opportunity to find out for yourself. As usual, music of this caliber becomes better over time, certainly if you really focus on it (my opinion).

Considering the other reviews, I think indeed that the orchestra is massive here. Some nuance may be lost in some instances but the overall effect of "wild winds roaring down mountains" (not exactly a quote) adds to the (*my*) experience.

I do very much recommend this CD, because even if you aren't stunned by The Scottish, there's also The Hebrides (great) and The Italian symphony.

--You may also want to check out Peter Maag's Scottish (on Decca Legendary Performances).

Good Mendelssohn and Karajan.......2002-05-23

These symphonies find Karajan in a positive mood. Even thirty years later, they still sound new and give pleasure. Both works have been lucky on record, so there is little reason to recommend this CD over those by Abbado, Solti, Blomstedt, or Maag. But it is good Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic play exceptionally well - a safe buy.

two Scots and an Italian.......2002-02-17

When I first fell in love with classical music it was generally the more accessible "show pieces" like Mendelssohn's overture "The Hebrides" that stirred my soul. In fact, one of the first discs I purchased was Dutoit's recording of the incidental music from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Besides the great Scherzo and the Wedding March, the disc also features three of Mendelssohn's overtures-"The Hebrides" included. It has remained one of my favorite discs. I never thought I would a more moving version of "The Hebrides" than Dutoit's icy masterpiece.

I stand corrected. In this repackaged collection from Deutsche Grammophon's "The Originals" series, conductor Herbert von Karajan proves himself to be an adept interpreter of Mendelssohn's musical vision. Included are Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic's versions of "The Hebrides" overture and of Mendelssohn's Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4.

Karajan's and Dutoit's recordings of "The Hebrides" are really as different as apples and oranges. Dutoit (with his own forces from Montreal) makes the piece into a chilling, highflying affair. Karajan's version is warmer, a little more delicate (though it does thunder at times). I find both approaches valid and pleasing. I would not want to be without either; but if forced to choose would take Karajan's.

Karajan gives the Scottish Symphony (No.3) a somewhat psychologically dark, romantic yet precise reading. It starts prettily enough, but there are some dark shadows in Herbert's Highlands.

Karajan lacks a little of the Italiante style needed for a definitive rendition of Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony (No. 4), yet this does not stop this recording from being merely great. He does let his orchestra get carried away by the Presto of the finale (as all too many recordings do). Instead, Karajan's grasp of the work as a whole is evident throughout.

Tracks:

String Symphony No. 4: Andante
Symphony In F Major: Andante
Concerto In E Major For Trumpet, Oboe d'amore, Violin, Strings And Continuo: Affettuoso
Overture No. 5 In E Major: Andante
Violin Concerto In C Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: Larghetto
Cello Concerto In C Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: I Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: II Moderato e dolce
Symphony No. 3 In C Major: Andante
Symphony No. 94 in G Major: Menuet & Trio
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Andante con moto
Symphony No. 2 In A Major: Vivace
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major: Andante
Symphony No.1 in D Major: Andante

Amazon.com

If the people at Nimbus are smart, they'll do a whole collection of discs on this theme. The literary-musical connection is, when done tastefully, as it is here, irresistible. As the intelligent and interesting notes maintain, "London at the time of Jane Austen was one of the most exciting centers in all of Europe for music," and this was an era of great fertility of composers in general. Lucky Jane! Imagine publishing your second novel the same year that Beethoven's Seventh Symphony receives its premiere. Or offering your fourth novel to the public near the time of the first performance of Schubert's Fifth Symphony. The program highlights popular music from Austen's time by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Fasch, J.C. Bach, Boyce, Schubert and others. I find the exclusion of chamber music a little odd here, though, since chamber music was the rage among the sort of gentlemen and women of the country about whom Austen wrote so well. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

A perfect blend of music ! .......2006-11-23

I decided to try this cd based on the good reviews it got and I'm certainly glad I did ! The music is just perfect for relaxing and filling the house with all the old classical masterpieces. A good buy that that's well worth the money!

Beautiful.......2006-11-20

The more I listen to this cd, the more I love it!! It is very beautiful.

Beautiful Music.......2006-10-02

A great price for such a beautiful CD.
This CD is a must have if you love Jane Austen.
Buy this CD, you will not be disappointed!

Very Pleased!.......2005-09-28

If you like slow beautiful music, this is for you.
Austen has a great taste for harmonic melodies.
I've listen to this CD over and over again.
I still enjoy the beautiful music!

VERY VERY GOOD.......2004-03-07

If you love classical music while reading, relaxing or having a bit of tea, you won't regret getting this album. I personally love it to bits, worth every penny!

Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Nos. 1 - 6

Average customer rating:

Stellar String Symphonies
The Perfect Thing

Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Nos. 1 - 6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: String Symphonies, Vol. 3
Mendelssohn: String Symphonies Vol. 2, Nos. 7-9
Mendelssohn: Concertos for 2 Pianos
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 3

ASIN: B00000145E
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In C Major: Andante
Symphony No. 1 In C Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Major: Andante
Symphony No. 2 In D Major: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 In E Minor: Allegro di molto
Symphony No. 3 In E Minor: Andante
Symphony No. 3 In E Minor: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor: Grave-Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor: Andante
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Presto
Symphony No. 6 In E Flat Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In E Flat Major: Menuetto - Trio I - Menuetto - Trio II
Symphony No. 6 In E Flat Major: Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Stellar String Symphonies.......2007-05-25

This is the first of a three disc collection of Mendelssohn's youthful and energetic String Symphonies, and they are absolutely the top choice in not only performance and sound but also price. This is music from a charming, melodic, and lyrical young composer at his priceless best. Just listen to the way Volume 1 begins, and I challenge you to find a complete set that rivals these Naxos readings by Ward and the Northern Chamber Orchestra. I believe they truly bring out the Mozartian influence of Mendelssohn laced throughout these early works. There isn't much more to say- I give this cycle my highest recommendation. Snatch them up now while they're still in print: what a find!

The Perfect Thing.......2003-10-10

These little symphonies, composed by the barely teenaged Mendelssohn (begun at 12, done at 14!), are the perfect thing for many purposes, including homework, reading or other projects. The tunes are delightful, the playing likewise. This disc has six three movement symphonies, lasting just over an hour. All 62 minutes are delightful.

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4; Hebrides Overture

Average customer rating:

Italian with lots of spice, Scotch with too much ice
Desert-Island "Italian"
Szell's Italian is top notch.
Get it for the Szell

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4; Hebrides Overture
Felix Mendelssohn , George Szell , Sir Andrew Davis , and Cleveland Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

George Szell Plays and Conducts Mozart
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5; Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
Vienna [Hybrid SACD]
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4; Midsummer Night's Dream; Hebrides [SACD]
Mozart: Concerto Nos. 21 & 24

ASIN: B0000027AL
Release Date: 1991-08-19

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': I. Andante Con Moto - Allegretto Un Poco Agitato
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': II. Vivace Non Troppo
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': III. Adagio
Symphony No. 3 In A Minor, Op. 56 'Scottish': IV. Allegro Vivacissimo - Allegro Maestoso Assai
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': I. Allegro Vivace
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': II. Andante Con Moto
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': III. Con Moto Moderato
Symphony No. 4 In A Major . Op. 90 'Italian': IV. Saltarello - Presto
'The Hebrides' Overture ('Fingal's Cave'), Op. 26: Allegro Moderato - Animato In Tempo

Customer Reviews:

Italian with lots of spice, Scotch with too much ice.......2006-01-29

The Szell Mendelssohn is a recording I first heard in the late '60s via LP. I then bought the cassette and later the CD version. One hundred years from now, the Italian should be of legendary status. The orchestral playing is simply astonishing. I have heard it at least 100 times and still cannot believe that any orchestra could play with that kind of precision. The slow movement is a little too fast for my taste but the rest of the performance is magnificent. A must CD for any classical collection. The Hebrides is also close to perfection. Unfortunately, Sony decided to include a rather tepid performance of the Scotch symphony. It is very cold and boring. Andrew Davis and George Szell are simply not in same league and should not be on the same CD. When Sony was Columbia Masterworks, its 4 main conductors were Bruno Walter, Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy and of course Szell. Andrew Davis does not fit in with that group at all.

Desert-Island "Italian".......2004-04-13

For 30 years -- from LP to CD to SACD -- this has been my touchstone "Italian" Symphony performance. In all that time, no other performance has come even close to displacing it in my esteem. Szell and Cleveland magically capture the unique quicksilver essence of Mendelssohn's soul to produce moments (like the first-movement coda) of such transcendental perfection that I choke up every time over the sheer glory of it all. (Who says Mendelssohn is an emotional "lightweight"? Stravinsky certainly knew better!)

This symphony is one of music's few perfect pinnacles -- and this is the recording that best lets us hear why Felix's masterwork remains imperishably fresh. Buy whatever format your equipment can handle. It will delight you to the end of your days.

Szell's Italian is top notch........2001-08-15

These three works exhibit Mendelssohn's superb orchestration skill. The "Italian" by Szell is marvelous and alone justifies buying the disk. The Hebrides Overture, too, is done wonderfully and shouldn't be overlooked. The "Scottish" by Davis is very enjoyable but not in the same league. The recording quality of the Szell portions done in 1960 are very warm and vinyl-like overall. The others seem over-engineered.

Get it for the Szell.......2000-11-18

I'm in complete agreement with those below--this is the best performance of the "Italian" Symphony of Mendelssohn around. Szell's strings are not as lush as many modern recordings, but compensate brilliantly with razor-sharp articulation and a real vibrant sense of phrasing. The music positively leaps off the page where it often lies there for other conductors. The winds all play with far more character than one finds these days as well.

All in all, Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra were a truly great team which has seldom if ever been matched since. This is one of their best recordings, but don't miss their Beethoven Third and Schubert Ninth if you can find them because they also have a great sense immediacy.

Tracks:

Rondeau
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
'Water Music': Hornpipe
Suite: Gaillarde
Suite: Courante
Suite: Aria
Suite: Passepied
Trumpet Tune
Trumpet Sonata: Moderato
Trumpet Sonata: Adagio
Trumpet Sonata: Allegro
'Clarinet Concerto': Adagio
Aida: Grand March
Little Ronde
Simple Gifts
'Cantata 78': Aria Duetto
Pilgrim's Chorus
Rigaudon
Bridal Chorus
Trumpet Tune
Trumpet Voluntary
Wedding March
Canzona per sonare No. 2

Customer Reviews:

The Best Brass Wedding Album.......2003-09-03

The performances are solid & clean, and the arrangements are perfect. But the group doesn't even have a name, so the question is, where can we get the sheet music for these arrangements? They're the most useful I've heard.

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 "Italian" & 5 "Reformation"

Average customer rating:

Mendelssohn: Symphonies by Felix Mendelssohn, John Eliot Gardiner
Polished document of an inveterate musical self-critic
Mendelssohn Served with Utmost Elegance
Popular classics
Absolutely wonderful

Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 "Italian" & 5 "Reformation"

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Maurizio Pollini ~ Schubert - Wanderer-Fantasie · Schumann - Fantasie op. 17
Mendelssohn: String Quartets, Vol. 1
Schubert: Symphonies 3 & 8 / Carlos Kleiber, Wiener Philharmoniker
Schubert: Symphony No. 9; Gesang der Geister über den Wassern
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures

ASIN: B00000I93Q
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Allegro vivace
2. Andante con moto
3. Con moto moderato
4. Saltarello. Presto
1. Andante - Allegro con fuoco
2. Allegro vivace
3. Andante - attacca
4. Choral (Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott) Andante con moto - Allegro vivace - Allegro maestoso
2. Andante con moto
3. Menuetto. Con moto grazioso
4. Saltarello. Allegro di molto

Amazon.com

Mendelssohn was not like Beethoven or Verdi--his second thoughts were not always better than his first. In fact, not one of the changes he made in his 1834 revision to the Italian Symphony--recorded here for the first time, alongside the original version of 1833--strikes me as an improvement; indeed, the later effort sounds more like a first draft, thinner, more repetitive, melodically less engaging. Nonetheless, it's good to have the composer's refashioning of the score on disc, especially when it's performed as confidently as here, if only to give us a renewed appreciation of what he achieved the first time around. For the familiar version of the Italian Symphony is certainly a masterpiece. And the performance it receives here from the Vienna Philharmonic and John Eliot Gardiner is one of the best currently available: polished and energetic, with plenty of the elegance one expects in Mendelssohn, even when he's at his most animated. The account of the Reformation Symphony, recorded live, is marginally less successful as an interpretation, though the orchestra's playing leaves little to be desired. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Mendelssohn: Symphonies by Felix Mendelssohn, John Eliot Gardiner.......2007-01-12

A super recording with a dynamic conductor

Polished document of an inveterate musical self-critic.......2006-08-10

The ease and elegance of his music makes it tempting to believe that for Felix Mendelssohn, one of the great musical prodigies of history, the creative process was spontaneous and effortless. This CD of both the original and the recently unearthed revision of one of his most beloved works, the "Italian" Symphony No. 4, gives the lie to this myth. After successfully premiering the work in London in 1833, Mendelssohn, dissatisfied with the score, almost immediately began revising the last three movements--he desisted from tinkering with the first only because he was convinced a complete rewriting would be necessary, and hesitated to tackle such a Herculean task. In fact the changes in the movements that were revised are noticeable even to a listener not following a score.

It would be pleasant to report that the later revisions make a lovely work even more satisfying. In truth, they leave a mixed impression. In the 1834 version Mendelssohn retouches many details of the orchestration, giving more prominence overall to the winds. He simplifies the solemn theme of the second movement, but undercuts the apparent aim of increased austerity with the richer and more colorful scoring. The third movement receives the most extensive changes. With the arguable exception of a new and interesting transition back to the main section from the central trio, none of the alterations in the melodic line is any more beautiful than the flowing, graceful original. The central trio discards the dotted rhythms of the earlier version in favor of smooth interjections from the violins, pointing up the relationship to the main section but losing the airiness and grace that most listeners find to be one of Mendelssohn's most appealing traits. In comparison the insertion of an additional section, repeating an earlier theme, in the Presto finale seems a relatively minor alteration.

Even Fanny Hensel, Mendelssohn's sister and an accomplished composer in her own right, occasionally lamented her brother's inability to leave a good thing well enough alone. Schumann in his later years revised many of his most famous early piano works. Posterity has judged his alterations to be inferior to the freshness and fantasy of the originals. One has the feeling that the revised "Italian" Symphony may suffer the same fate.

If indeed this is the case, it won't be the fault of the performances on this disc. Only in some slightly scrappy string passages in the first movement of the "Italian" do the Vienna Philharmonic and Gardiner sound a bit ill at ease. Otherwise orchestra and conductor capture the polished grace of both versions of the Symphony to perfection, and also make a strong case for the Symphony No. 5, the "Reformation," (actually written earlier than No. 4 and similarly unpublished during the composer's lifetime) bringing out its drama and varied moods, and minimizing its tendencies toward sanctimony. This CD is an essential addition to anyone's symphonic library.

Mendelssohn Served with Utmost Elegance.......2006-04-05

John Eliot Gardiner may have been specializing in choral works with his fine forays into the Bach cantata series and his recordings of opera and oratorio, but his ability to spring to life the old standards of the repertoire was never more evident than in this fine recording of the Mendelssohn Symphonies 4 and 5. And in keeping with his academic penchant for 'true performances' he has graciously included Mendelssohn's own revisions to his symphony No. 4. It makes for an interesting survey for the aficionado and proves that composers' second thoughts are at times not as engaging as their intial spurt of inspiration!

Gardiner conducts the Salzburg Vienna Philharmoniker in what seems to be the finest recorded version of Symphony No. 4 in A major ("Italian"), Op. 90 in the catalogue. It is sprightly, full of zest and warmth, and yet always elegant. It is a masterful performance. The added revisions are likewise well performed, but serve as only interesting addenda to the wonderful reading of the original.

Gardiner's performance of the Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor ("Reformation"), Op. 107 is also a model of superior architecture. His attention to inner voices and details in orchestration never impede the overall impact of the spirit of the symphony. Both of these symphonies are given fresh light and greater dignity and it is satisfying to hear the standard repertoire works handled so expertly. Grady Harp, April 06

Popular classics.......2006-01-07

Felix Mendelssohn was a Romantic composer who embraced the ideals of classicism when that trend in the Germanic countries were falling out of favor, save a few. The two symphonies represented on this disk show both the Romantic and Classicist: Symphony No. 4 "Italian" and Symphony No. 5 "Reformation".

The famous Symphony No. 4 is inspired after a trip to Italy, and so subtitled the Italian symphony. Like in his third symphony, the Scottish, Mendelssohn stays away from any direct quotes of folk music, but uses the ideas, modes, and dance rhythms of the culture in his symphony. The sunny first movement has the famous leaping melody, which literally drips with joy. The clarinets and bassoon have a secondary melody of simplicity, but still with optimism. The development, with whimsical strings, leads to a darker march, but all gloom is pushed aside for a happy conclusion. The mood quickly changes in the second movement with unison woodwinds and strings, and a mournful bassoon/oboe duet. The unswerving walking bass throughout gives the movement perpetual motion and an almost martial quality. Some serenity shines through when the flute ensemble sings, but the gloom prevails. The third movement is more a courtly dance in the style of Mozart. Woodwinds dot the string-based movement, and besides a bassoon/horn call, gentility presides. The whirlwind fourth movement is in the form of an Italian dance known as the Saltarello. The movement is almost menacing, with constantly repeated unison notes and an uneven switch between duples and triples. Gardiner chooses forward-moving tempos throughout, but especially in the Saltarello, where the Vienna Philharmonic show their virtuosity. He gives the triplets a fleet-footed quality, whereas the duples get extra weight, adding to the menacing sound. In addition, throughout the work, great work and detail has been put into the inner parts, which now receive as much attention by the listener, as the melody. Gardiner's love of the work is evident, and his swifter approach works well, without losing musicality. Many of the movements are based in dance forms, and the Vienna Philharmonic, whose history is steeped in dance forms, makes the music sparkle, not dwelling in unneeded heaviness or stuffiness. A fresh perspective of a popular work.

Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 (chronologically his 2nd) was written for the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, hence the subtitle Reformation symphony. A bit more serious sounding than the Fourth Symphony, it opens with a grand processional, and eventually into a faster section whose theme is a perfect fifth, much like a trumpet call. The action is interrupted occasionally, by a Dresden Amen cadence, a reminder of the religious subject. The second movement is a bit more upbeat, with an almost waltz-like feel. The third movement, primarily strings, seems to be a short prelude to the final movement, especially since there is no break. The finale is heralded on flute alone on the famous chorale, Ein feste Burg (A Mighty Fortress). An ingenious natural crescendo (by adding instruments) is very effective as it dramatically builds into an emotional cadence into the final fast section. The British march section (or so it sounds) has a stately melody mingled with quotations of the chorale, and a forceful conclusion. John Eliot Gardiner is faithful to the score, relishing in Mendelssohn's own dynamic and articulation markings, and bringing out the natural melodic materials. Again, great attention to detail, capturing a totally different mood than the previous symphony, with great success.

In addition, 20+ minutes of Mendelssohn's revisions of the Italian Symphony has been restored and performed. Probably only interesting to die-hard Mendelssohn fans, a unique addition to the disk. As mentioned, a fresh look at Mendelssohn's music, bringing out detail and the composer's innate classicism, with Vienna's lightness and fruity sound. An easy choice for anyone who wants these symphonies.

Absolutely wonderful.......2005-11-28

Wonderful recordings of Mendelssohn #4 & #5.

The recording of the conventional 4 is stunning. So clear and many inner parts come out which are not normally heard. So this is now my favourite recording of this wonderfully fresh piece.

#5 is done just as nicely: fresh and clear.

Interesting to have the other version of #4 too.

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies; Overtures; Concertos

Average customer rating:

Triumphant return of Flor's Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Symphonies; Overtures; Concertos

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | 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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sibelius: The 7 Symphonies; Finlandia; Kullervo; etc.
Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc.
Vaughan Williams: The Nine Symphonies
Elgar: The 2 Symphonies; Enigma Variations; Overtures; Serenade; Violin Concerto; Cello Concerto
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1-6, 8 & 9

ASIN: B0009A1AJG
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Tracks:

Merce, Diletti Amici - O Tu, Che L'alma
Scena, Coro E Brindisi
Mamma...Quel Vino E Generoso
Lamento Di Federico
Improvviso
Come Un Bel Di Dimaggio
Oh! Fede Negar Potessi
Fontainebleau, Foresta Immense
Amor Ti Vieta
Cielo E Mar
Epilogo
Vesti La Giubba
Dio, Mi Potevi Scagliar
La Danza

Customer Reviews:

Triumphant return of Flor's Mendelssohn.......2005-06-01

At last Claus Peter Flor's Mendelssohn symphonies, overtures and piano concertos (with Edelmann) have returned. On the basis of these recordings (all previously issued) Flor, who is probably in his early 50s now, is still one of the better Mendelssohn conductors out there.

In particular, his Symphonies Nos. 2 and 5 have been hailed by critics on this side of the Atlantic for their beauty, proportion and Mendelssohnian sensibility. His other symphonies are also good and his collected overtures have been revered on both sides of the Atlantic by critics from Gramophone (which gave the overtures a rosette) to American Record Guide (which continued to promote his works even after they were out of print).

Flor's regualr partner in these performances, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, is a European band of the second rank. While not being confused with the more well-known orchestras in Vienna, Berlin or London, they perform universally well in these CDs in recordings that sound better than ever.

This is a very good collection of Mendelssohn's symphonic music and piano concertos that will rank with the best recorded boxes including Abbado and Karajn. In musical terms is far exceeds the collections led by Masur, Ashkenazy and the newer Naxos cycle of mixed quality.

Collectors that have never heard Flor conduct (or have never heard of him) can rest assured that this is a worthy alternative collection in this music. If this grouping and this price are attractive, go for it.

Music Review: