Elgar Concertos

On this CD:

1. Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by Halle Orchestra
Conducted by Hamilton Harty

2. Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by Queen's Hall Orchestra with Albert Sammons
Conducted by Sir Henry J. Wood

3. Dream Children for small orchestra, Op. 43
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by Halle Orchestra
Conducted by Hamilton Harty

Tracks:

Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 1 - Moderato - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 2 - Adagio - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: 3 - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 1 - Allegro moderato
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 2 - Adagio
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: 3 - Rondo (Allegro)
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 1 - Allegro moderato - Kadenz - Tempo I
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 2 - Adagio no troppo
Cello Concerto in B flat major: 3 - Rondo (Allegro) - Kadenz - Tempo I

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: I. Nicht zu schnell
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: II. Langsam - Etwas lebhafter - Schneller
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaft - Kadenz - Tempo I
Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
Cello Concerto In G Minor: I. Allegro
Cello Concerto In G Minor: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto In G Minor: III. Allegro non tanto

Tracks:

Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: I. Allegro
Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppo
Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: III. Finale (Allegro moderato)
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Adagio-Moderato
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: II. Lento-Allegro molto
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio
Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com essential recording

During her far-too-brief career, cellist Jacqueline du Pré exhibited an almost oracular power of communication. Her performances bristled with the kind of brilliant electricity that could change lives and convert listeners to a lifelong love of music. Happily, it's possible to experience a sense of that power from the recordings du Pré completed before multiple sclerosis halted her career as a performer in the early 1970s. This set provides a splendid portrait--at bargain price--of du Pré's unmistakable personality: the astonishingly original yet convincing phrasing, raw energy, and ability to make her instrument sound uncannily like a human voice (du Pré was after all a favored student of Mstislav Rostropovich). Her rendition of Haydn's Concerto in C is clearly cast in a romantic--and nowadays perhaps unfashionable--mold, yet du Pré's big, bold tone carries the musical line forward with exhilarating presence. It's a demeanor that proves especially reassuring for the quirkily mercurial inventions of Boccherini. Yet du Pré most indelibly leaves her signature on the work that became her hallmark, Edward Elgar's E Minor Concerto, grafting a deeply personal level of expression onto the score's rich post-World War I melancholy. In the Schumann, du Pré makes an eloquently passionate protagonist. A similar sense of excitement is to be heard in Dvorák's Concerto--performed near the end of her career--above all in the flame of inspiration she evidently sparks from the orchestra in the serene close of its slow movement. This is a supremely rewarding collection for the beginner and aficionado alike. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Beutefully interpretted.......2007-04-04

Jacquline du Pres interprettation of some of the moast famous cello consertos is simply amasing. her music just flows with energy and abbowe all passion. she realy brings out the qaleties of the cello with intensety and softnes intertwined. music bursting with passion.

I THOUGHT I had heard these concertos,,,.......2007-04-04

UNTIL I was fortunate enough to have heard them performed by Jacqueline du Pre!!!
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! Her superb playing, along with truly masterful
interpretative skills, just "comes pouring out of the speakers!"
Also, the orchestras were obviously truly inspired by these opportunities to perform and record with one of the greatest musicians of all time.
The sound quality is excellent, as is the separation and clarity of both the soloist's and orchestral performances. The overall dynanism is also top notch - I found I had to lower the volume substantially from my normal
system loudness levels.
I've enjoyed this set so much I'll probably wind up buying everything from Amazon that EMI has produced with Jacqueline du Pre's name on it!

Excellent Selection.......2007-02-27

The choice of concertos is excellent and the artistry of Jacqueline du Pre is exceptional. The Schumann and Saint-Saens works are truly beautiful.

The album is a fitting tribute to the tragic loss of an incredible young talent.

A sassy dame.......2007-02-20

I love this CD. It came extremely fast to NZ and a bonus too as I was expecting only one cd not three!
While Dvorak is currently my favourite, other composers featured here have been growing on me.
Never been a Cello devotee in the past, but I am enjoying this new phase of my musical listening.
The late Ms du Pre plays with vigor and assertiveness, yet manages to convey those moving and sublime moments when needed.
Most enjoyable. Thanky you

Pleasure to listen.......2006-02-23

This 3 cd pack plays daylong on the player. Great music, great artist.

Average customer rating:

Virtuosic Trumpet: Baroque And Classical Showcase
superb playing
The Best Trumpeter in the Business
Virtuosic... Incredible
A non-trumpet player's view...

Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Trumpet Concertos
Greatest Hits: Trumpet
Baroque Trumpet Concertos
Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet
Bach: Works for Trumpet

ASIN: B00002DDWM
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In E: 1. Allegro Con Spirito
Trumpet Concerto In E: 2. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In E: 3. Rondo
Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Allegro Non Troppo
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Largo
Trumpet Concerto In D: 3. Vivace
Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Allegro Non Troppo Presto
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto In D: 3. Allegro Molto
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat, Hob. VIIIe:1: 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat, Hob. VIIIe:1: 2. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat, Hob. VIIIe:1: 3. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Allegro Moderato
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In D: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Trumpet Concerto In D: 1. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In D: 2. Allegro Moderato
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: 2. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In E Flat: 3. Vivace
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In D: 1. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In D: 2. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto No. 1 In D: 3. Allegro
Trumpet Concerto No. 2 In C: 1. Adagio
Trumpet Concerto No. 2 In C: 2. Allegro Molto
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 1. Grave
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 2. Allegro
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 3. Grave
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 4. Allegro
Sonata In D For Trumpet, Two Violins And Continuo: 5. Allegro
Concerto In B Flat, Op. 7 No. 3: 1. Allegro
Concerto In B Flat, Op. 7 No. 3: 2. Adagio
Concerto In B Flat, Op. 7 No. 3: 3. Allegro
Adagio In G Minor
Trumpet Tune
Chorale Preludes: 'Erbarm Dich Mein, O Herre Gott' BWN 721
Chorale Preludes: 'Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ' BWV 639
Chorale Preludes: 'Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen' BWV 727
Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

Virtuosic Trumpet: Baroque And Classical Showcase.......2004-02-22

This album is an incredible showcase for the trumpet and the orchestra, in other words, the trumpet concerto. Hakan Hardenberger, the featured trumpet player, is highly talented and at the top of his game. Even the great jazz and classical trumpeter Winston Marsalis does'nt seem to reach the flights of fancy on the trumpet as does Hakan Hardenberger. Hardenberger masters the trumpet to perfection, capturing every nuance and every tone, from fortissimo fanfares to the softest pianissimo. On this compilation are the trumpet concerti of Baroque and Classical Era composers, among them Corelli and Albinoni and the Classical masters Franz Joseph Haydn and Leopold Mozart, Mozart's father. The sheer scale and magnetism of this music cannot be neglected. It is the greatest gathering of trumpet concerti ever made. The trumpet was perhaps the most fascinating instrument for Baroque composers. The trumpet produces grand, triumphant tones when played forte. It was an instrument that was displayed in ceremonial pomp- weddings, coronations and marches. The Baroque composers were sponsored by kings so they were expected to compose music for trumpet, which could be expressive not only as a fanfare for the king himself, but as an instrument of many dynamics. It can be played softly and slowly, which seems to create a nocturnal, reflective mood and staccato and fast-paced which made the music sound exciting and lively. In my opinion, it was the premier instrument of the Baroque Age.

The cd opens with the Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major by Johann Hummel. This colorful piece is particularily impressive as it really explores the dynamic potential for the trumpet. It's third movement, the Rondo, is very exciting music, as it is played very fast and in a bouncy, dance-like manner. The Trumpet Concerto by Stamitz, Hertel and Richter are very stylish and must have been highly admired in the Baroque Era. The Trumpet concerto in E by Franz Joseph Haydn, who influenced Mozart, is beautiful, especially in its serenade-style andante second movement. In the last cd, Leopold Mozart's trumpet concerto is featured, and it's a good work. Perhaps his son Mozart greatly admired it, though Mozart did'nt really expand on trumpet concerti himself nor really ever showcased the instrument greatly. There are trumpet arrangements for the famous Albinoni Adagio in G, which on this version, sounds chilling, dark and dramatic. The cd concludes with trumpet versions of Bach's Organ Preludes and the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria.

superb playing.......2003-10-30

Hardenberger is indeed an extraordinary. The playing is right up there with the best of them. One thing unique to hardnberger is his ability to lock in ever note of every passage reguardless of register, speed, etc. In addition he playes with great character. The only reason i give hims less than 5 stars is because his lyricism, the most important thing, is surpassed by Maurice Andre and Phil Smith without questiong. especially after seing all of them live and buying their CDs. He is definitely among the greatests ever.

The Best Trumpeter in the Business.......2003-05-25

It's a rare treat for a reviewer when he can throw caution to the winds and go out on a limb for a musician. This is such an occasion for me. Hakan Hardenberger is a phenomenon. I think he is the Babe Ruth, the Wayne Gretzky, the Michael Jordan, the Vladimir Horowitz, the Jascha Heifetz of trumpet players.

Hardenberger is a Swedish trumpeter who made his first recording (Haydn, Hummel, Hertel, and Stamitz trumpet concertos, with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Neville Marriner, on Philips) in 1986 when he was only 25 years old (in the cover photo of the original CD he looks like a boy). The first time I played this debut CD of his, my jaw dropped and I could hardly believe my ears. His playing was a revelation--absolutely stunning. I'd never heard trumpet playing to compare with it. In my opinion, with his first two CDs young Hardenberger not only moved into the top rank of trumpeters; he swept right past his competitors to the head of the class. I've compared a number of his baroque concerto performances, here and elsewhere, with those of other famous trumpeters, and he always comes out on top. I believe him to be in a league of his own. He has everything: virtuosity and technique to burn, dead-on intonation, clean trills, smooth legato, expressive shading, beauty of tone, brilliant high notes, enormous dynamic range. He is also a sound musician, with taste and a sense of style. His arsenal is complete and unassailable; there is no chink in his armor.

Everything that was on that debut CD is now in this Philips Duo set, which is a much better value, because it offers two generously filled CDs--72:55 and 78:27--for the price of one, adding most of the contents of two later Hardenberger CDs of baroque music for trumpet (the recordings here were made from 1986 through 1993). It's a good buy, and if you're going to own only one collection of baroque trumpet music, this is the one I'd recommend.

The trumpet has always been a difficult instrument to record and reproduce accurately. Here, although the consistently excellent digital recording presents Hardenberger very much front and center, it captures the timbre, "bite," and wide dynamic range of his trumpet with exemplary vividness and fidelity. On a top-quality playback system, he sounds like he's standing right between the speakers playing for you. And what playing it is! Not to be missed.

Hardenberger's second CD, of Telemann Trumpet Concertos, also accompanied by the ASMF, this time under Iona Brown, was recorded in 1987 (again on Philips). It too is marvelous, fully as impressive as his first CD, but unfortunately none of it is included in the Philips Duo reviewed here, so you have to acquire it separately. It's well worth it.

Long live the king!

Virtuosic... Incredible.......2001-08-06

You don't have to be a fan of the instrument in order to appreciate and become overwhelmed by the beauty, the splendor and acrobatics of the trumpet. In the Baroque era, it was a instrument for the royal treatment and heralded arrival of kings and war. The performances here are excellent- Hardenberger, I Musici and Neville Marriner and his orchestra deliver virtuosic renditions of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat, Hummel's, Hertel's, Molter's and Albinoni's concerti, as well as incredible arrangements of Ave Maria by Bach and Albinoni's Adagio.

A non-trumpet player's view..........2001-02-12

Although I love classical music and have done so for a long time, I must confess that I am not a trumpet player. With that said, I must say that these two CDs are wonderful. My first recording of the Hummel and the Haydn concertos was the second Marsalis/Leppard/ECO recording on Sony Classical (titled Wynton Marsalis - The London Concert). Inexperienced with trumpet recordings at the time, I really treasured the CD. After all, a big name artist known for his virtuosity was performing the technically demanding concertos. What more could you ask for? After a while, though, I began to feel that Marsalis didn't really do it for me in these works. Sure, he played with a flair (and what a flair it was), but he lacked the focused, rich tone that I've come to associate with great trumpet players (Herseth comes to mind here).

The current reviewed recording, on the other hand, is quite a piece of gem. Even though I have never heard of Hardenberger before (you trumpet players out there please excuse my ignorance), he delivers precisely what I am looking for. Hardenberger has the centered tone that most trumpeters would envy, yet he lacked none of the technical virtuosity needed for the music. His vibrato is light and very classical (as opposed to the wider jazz vibrato). On top of all that, he shows much understanding and affinity for the various works on these two CDs.

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Affettuoso
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Vivace
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
III. Allegro

Tracks:

Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andante Tranquillo
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante
I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
II. Allegro
II. Adagio

Tracks:

Romance No. 1 In G Major
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Larghetto
III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante Tranquillo
II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
III. Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
IV. Andante
V. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
II. Adagio Espressivo
III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
II. Adagio Religioso
III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Cadenza
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Di Molto
III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I. Praeludium (Largo)
I. Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
II. Allegro
III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Not all are live...
Get 3 Individual Ma CD's With the Money About To Be Spent!
Just Amazing

Great Cello Concertos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026O2
Release Date: 1989-11-20

Tracks:

Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 101: I. Allegro moderato
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 101: II. Adagio
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 101: III. Allegro
Concerto No. 1 For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 33: Allegro non troppo; Allegro con moto; Allegro non troppo
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op.129: Nicht zu schnell
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op.129: Langsam
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op.129: Sehr lebhaft

Tracks:

Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 104: I. Allegro
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppo
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 104: III. Finale: Allegro moderato
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 85: I. Adagio; Moderato
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 85: II. Lento; Allegro molto
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 85: III. Adagio
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra, Op. 85: IV. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Not all are live..........2003-12-03

Amazon puts "Live" in the title of this disc, but a closer reading of the liner notes shows that some are live and some are not.... it's confusing and I wish the record companies would clearly label whether recordings are live or not on the OUTSIDE of the disc, so you can see it BEFORE you buy it, as many collectors prefer not to purchase live recordings.

In any event, I purchased this recording without knowing it was recorded live and I haven't been disappointed. The Haydn is played with that characteristic Ma reserve, but it works quite well for the piece, being from the Classic Era and all...

Saint-Saens and Schumann are surprisingly lively, although I generally prefer Rostropovich.

Of course, no one plays the Elgar better than Du Pre, so if you're looking for that, you should get the EMI recording of Du Pre/Barenboim b/w Janet Baker's Sea Songs instead of this.

And if you're looking for the Dvorak, the 1969 recording of Rostropovich/vonKarajan/BPO on DG takes the cake EVERY time. Don't waste your time on Ma's soulless, sanitized reading of this wonderfully romantic concerto. If you're up to it and you really want to hear someone pour their heart into Dvorak, try DuPre's late-60s recording on Angel (EMI) with Barenboim and Chicago. Tasty!

Get 3 Individual Ma CD's With the Money About To Be Spent!.......2001-10-18

Nothing to be said about super star Yo-Yo, but I have to confess that as far as concertos go, Yo-Yo Ma does incredulously better in live performances, and if you turn that sentence around, you will see the gist of what I have to say.
All cellists (or any performer on any instrument really) have their more forte genres; for certain romantic concertos, such as Elgar or Schumann particulalry, I frankly don't think Yo-Yo Ma gives MILESTONE performances on this CD set. But of course, his reading of Haydn concertos is one of the most delightfully beautiful ones out there, get it by all means. Also, they were made far back when Yo-Yo Ma was but a young cellist, so that is one obvious reason why there should be better recordings around now(i.e. If you want a Dvorak Concerto by Ma, you should definitely go for the new one with Kurt Masur and New York Philharmonic).

There are numerous other recordings that truly show all admirable, enjoyable aspects of Ma playing (e.g. the exuberant and refreshing Beethoven Sonatas, a little lagged but very beautiful Brahms Sonatas,..) and this is not the best Ma CD's you can get. Money to spend on this CD set? By three other CD's by Ma, there are a LOT of cheaper and greater ones out there!

Just Amazing.......2000-08-01

Yo Yo Ma never seems to dissapoint. His tone is incredibly clear and plays with poise and confidence that every musician should emulate. Yo Yo Ma's interpretation of all the concerti are first rate and some are even better. His Haydn in D leaves me speechless and his Dvorak is one of the best ever recorded. This is one of the best cd collections on the market. You should enjoy every moment of it.

Average customer rating:

Elgar, Walton: Cello Concertos

Manufacturer: Orfeo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Aram Khatchaturian: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra/Concerto for Violin and Orchestra

ASIN: B000FUF92E
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Elgar & Dvorák: Cello Concertos; Bartók: Rhapsody No. 1

Average customer rating:

Elgar & Dvorák: Cello Concertos; Bartók: Rhapsody No. 1

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005QHUE
Release Date: 2006-05-29

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op.85: Adagio - Moderato
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op.85: Lent - Allegro Molto
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op.85: Adagio
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op.85: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op.104: Allegro
Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op.104: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op.104: Finale: Allegro Moderato
Rhapsody No.1 For Cello And Orchestra: Lassu
Rhapsody No.1 For Cello And Orchestra: Friss

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly good

Dvorák, Elgar: Cello Concertos

Manufacturer: Naxos
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Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: Cello Sonatas
J.S. Bach: Complete Cello Suites
Kodály: Music for Cello
Virtuoso Cello Encores

ASIN: B0000013SX
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: Allegro
Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: Adagio ma non troppo
Cello Concerto In B Minor, Op. 104: Finale: Allegro monderato - Andante - Allegro vivo
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Adagio - Moderato
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Lento - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Adagio
Cello Concerto In E Minor, Op. 85: Allegro, ma non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good.......2000-10-15

Every time I find a new recording of the Dvorak and Elgar concertos recorded here, I take my time to listen to them. They are, especially the Dvorak, some of the worlds hardest (and most beautiful) cello-concertos, putting great demands on their interpreters. What makes those concertos even more interesting is the fact that their difficulty makes it even more possible to make different interpretations of them and their many nuances without knowing if it's 'wrong or right' - this means that some recordings fall out at once - and since there is no 'right way' of playing them, there's no way to make a 'middle of the road' performance - either you fail or you make it good. A few has succeded in making them really good.

Ms Kliegel is one of those few who has made good recordings of these lovely pieces. At first, you might get worried about the Dvorak after hearing her first 20 bars - they're on the border to what you can tolerate in rythmical freedom - but thereafter Ms Kliegels performance is exceptional. Her intensity in the dramatic parts is second to nooone, nor is her touchingly soft melancholy in the more quite pieces - just listen to her playing of the slow part (at about 6.30) in the first movement. Her feeling for the slavic parts of the music seems genuine, sometimes you almost get at feeling of that you should dance to this music - her interpretation is charming and spontaneous, yet she never touches the border to banality.

The Elgar concerto then - is it as good as the Dvorak? - Yes, it is mostly pure pleasure. Kliegel manages to make this piece as dark, sometimes noble, yet sensual, as it is, without sounding 'Imperial' and banal. There's always a great intensity in every tone she plays. Maybe you'll find that you have to listen to her interpretation a few times before clearly understanding it, cause it is not as easily received as say, du Pré's, otherwise excellent, version. But when you listen and find that Kliegel begins a little modest, you'll be the more happy when you find out that this is only to make the contrasts of emotions even greater - listen for example to the 'ladder' at 2.40, compared to exactly the same 'ladder' at 7.45 - the whole first movement is a great, but slowly developed emotional crescendo. The two following inner movements are superbly done, breathlessly beautiful and dreamlike. The last movement is a little reserved, but that's a minor objection indeed.

Are there no weak parts then? Well, there are only two, quite small, objections, and those are concerning the conducting - it's not really in the same class as the soloplaying - and the sound balance - the cello is sometimes overpowered by the orchestra. The orchestral nuances, such as tremolos, especially in the strings, are sometimes also hard to notice.

If comparing Ms Kliegels performances to other recordings, I would say that her Dvorak definately is among the very, very best - only Rostropovitch with Karajan clearly beats her in my taste, with its over all quality and definately better conducting and nuancing in the orchestra. As I began this review with - No good interpretation of this concerto sounds like the other. As taste changes from person to person, some of you might very well find Kliegels version 'better' than Rostropovitch's. The same might be said about the Elgar - but my alternative choice there is with du Pré (Emi). I now own four versions of these concertos that I like, none sounding very much like the other. But if you're looking for one record of these lovely pieces - this is definately the best choice if looking to the price. Then there are the more expensive Schiff, Yo-yo Ma and Harrell's versions - but to start with, this is a really great choice. Naxos has made it again.

Elgar, Walton: Cello Concertos
Average customer rating:

great elgar

The Best Digital Recording Of Elgar's Cello Concerto

This is how it started

Best of the Digital Era

Elgar, Walton: Cello Concertos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Barber: Cello Concerto; Britten: Symphony for Cello & Orchestra

Shostakovich/Kabalevsky: Cello Concerto No. 1

Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Piano & Cello

Lalo, Saint-Saëns: Cello Concertos

Haydn: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B00000260Z
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Cello Concerto, Op. 85: I - Adagio; Moderato, II - Lento; Allegro molto - London SO; Previn, A.
Cello Concerto, Op. 85: III - Adagio
Cello Concerto, Op. 85: IV - Allegro
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra: I - Moderato
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra: II - Allegro Appassionato
Concerto For Cello & Orchestra: III - Lento

Amazon.com essential recording

Elgar's Cello Concerto gives most British listeners the "weepies," associated as it is with the life of the late Jacqueline Du Pré, who played it magnificently. That doesn't mean, however, that there isn't room for other interpretations, especially when they are as fine as this one. The coupling, Walton's brittle, bittersweet concerto for cello and orchestra, is both logical and nicely contrasting. Check out Ma's quicksilver fingerwork in the zippy middle movement for a truly dazzling virtuoso display. You may not forget Du Pré, but this is one of Ma's best recordings nevertheless. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

great elgar.......2005-10-09

This version of the Elgar is very well done. I really like the way Ma played this piece and the orchestra is fine. The Walton is less to my liking but certainly on a technical basis (recording quality and musicianship) I have no complaints about this version. I thought the recording quality was overall very good although on a couple of occasions I hear artifactual noises. Recommended for the Elgar.

The Best Digital Recording Of Elgar's Cello Concerto.......2001-12-19

Ma gives passionate performances of both Elgar's and Walton's cello concertos, worthy of recognition for both his brilliant technical skills as well as his lyrical playing. I believe I have heard a recent recording of these works with Julian Lloyd Webber as soloist; unfortunately, Webber's playing doesn't resound with the passion coming from Ma. I don't know whether Ma's interpretation of Elgar is better than Du Pre's, but it is still wonderful in its own right (Yet I would not go as far as one previous reviewer in recognizing Ma as our finest living cellist; that honor still belongs to Rostropovich.). Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra give warm, spirited performances of both works, showing their familiarity with these scores.

This is how it started.......2000-08-04

This Ma performance of the Elgar lets you in on what it was like before the artist started playing the work too much and subjecting it to so many maulings and stages it got sickening. Here we find him sticking fairly close to the composer, and Previn is enough of a disciplinarian that the work's structure as a whole isn't sacrificed to maudlin detail. We get a good, solid, committed, communicative performance, something Ma hasn't been giving us too much lately. If you heard that awful PBS concert of this with the Chicago and Barenboim joining Ma in all the posturing, you'll find this quite refreshing. It won't make you want to junk your supremely eloquent and heartfelt Tortelier, though. And if you're old enough to have the Anthony Pini's around, you're not tossing it either. Some things just can't be bettered.

The Walton here is very fine, wonderfully played, with color, insight, spritz and tingle. Ma gives it an appropriate, straight-ahead freshness that only adds to its stature as one of the greatest works for the instrument. I won't trade in my Piatagorsky, but I'll keep this around as a very good-sounding alternative.

Overall, this is a very worthwhile release which shows honestly why Ma gained all his celebrity.

Best of the Digital Era.......2000-04-21

After DuPre's performance of the Elgar cello concerto (EMI/Angel), this is my next favorite performance. It boasts first class digital sound, a conductor and orchestra highly experienced in this kind of repertory, and the man who is arguably the best living cellist. It is less extroverted and fierce than the DuPre, but played with a deep, soulful insight into the music; everyone involved obviously felt the deep sorrow and longing in this music when they made this recording.

Elgar / Barber / Cello Concertos / Gastinel

Average customer rating:

Elgar / Barber / Cello Concertos / Gastinel
Anne Gastinel , Justin Brown , Elgar , and Barber
Manufacturer: Valois
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Anne Gastinel Performs Cello Concertos (Box Set)
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Beethoven: Cello Sonatas 1 & 3, Variations

ASIN: B0000E64Z4
Release Date: 2004-02-17

Tracks:

Adagio-Moderato
Lento-Allegro Molto
Adagio
Allegro
Allegro Moderato
Andante Sostenuto
Molto Allegro E Appassionato

Elgar and Walton Violin Concertos - Salvatore Accardo - LSO - Hickox

Average customer rating:

Elgar and Walton Violin Concertos - Salvatore Accardo - LSO - Hickox

Manufacturer: Regis Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B0000AKMYG
Release Date: 2003-07-09

Tracks: