Franz Ferdinand

Amazon.com
Franz Ferdinand is an unrelentingly smart, fluffy, and fun debut. This Scottish four-piece plays vaguely angular, guitar-heavy post-pop that makes you want to dance around the room while playing air guitar. It's the ideal hipster guilty-pleasure music. This is what the Rapture and Interpol would sound like if they wrote songs half as good as those they rip off, or the Strokes if their parents had sent them to art school instead of the fashion academy. Every song on here is so blatantly derivative it sounds almost original, like a Blur without the gloomy hangover. It's too early yet to tell if this is just a band for the moment or one for the ages--but who really cares with pop music, anyway? Songs like "Darts of Pleasure," "Come on Home," "Take Me Out," and "Cheating on You" are so good they will surely appeal even to those without slanty, messy haircuts. --Mike McGonigal

Franz Ferdinand,Franz Ferdinand,Sony,Indie Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Scotland

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Franz Ferdinand

Average customer rating: How can you go wrong with Mozart?...Buy this and find out. 25 Mozart Favorites Wonderful collection and price! Nice Mozart selection - Nice price Mozart Listener

25 Mozart Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Salzburg Chamber Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Requiems | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058HV Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
2. Symphony No. 29 In A, K. 201: ll. Andante
3. Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K. 183: l. Allegro con brio
4. Piano Concerto No. 9 In E Flat, K. 271: ll. Andantino
5. Piano Concerto No. 17 In G, K. 453: l. Allegro
6. 'The Magic Flute': Overture
7. Symphony No. 40 in G minor: l. Molto Allegro
8. Symphony No. 38 In D, K. 504 'Prague': lll. Finale: Presto
9. Serenade In B-Flat For 13 Winds, K. 361/370A 'Gran Partita': lll. Andante
10. Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622: l. Allegro
11. Flute Concerto No. 2 In D, K. 314: ll. Andante ma non troppo
12. Clarinet Quintet In A, K. 581: ll. Larghetto
13. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: ll. Adagio
14. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: l. Allegro maestoso
15. Piano Concerto No. 23 In A, K. 488: ll. Adagio
16. Symphony No. 39 in E-flat, K. 543: lV. Finale: Allegro
17. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat, K. 447: lll. Allegro
18. Piano Concerto No. 21 In C, K. 467: ll. Andante
19. Sinfonia Concertante For Violin And Viola In E-Flat, K. 364: l. Allegro maestoso
20. String Quartet No. 17 In B-Flat, K. 458 'The Hunt': l. Allegro vivace assai
21. Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218: ll. Andante cantabile
22. Violin Concerto No. 5 In A, K. 219: ll. Adagio
23. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: lV. Presto
24. Requiem, K. 626: Confutatis Maledictis
25. Exsultate Jubilate: Alleluia

Amazon.com

This is an astonishing collection of works - or parts of works - by Mozart that covers almost every aspect of his creative output: symphonic, religious music, concerti (for piano, horn, violin, clarinet, flute), chamber music, serenades (for strings; winds), a couple of opera overtures and more. Those who know and love Mozart's music will not need this, but it's a great introduction, a great overview. The selections are well-chosen and interestingly organized, with familiar pieces splrinkled among some not-so well known. A good primer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

How can you go wrong with Mozart?...Buy this and find out........2007-05-13

I was extraordinarely ignorant when I purchased this recording. I thought,"WOW!! Look at all the music you get in this CD set. The price cannot be beat!" When I received the CD, I discovered that you don't really get any music at all. This is a great sample CD, and should be bought by a person brand new to classical music. However, if you have any experience with classical music, you will want to pass on this CD.

Each of the pieces are hacked apart to the point of it being comical. It's interesting to listen to the greatest music in the world, only to have the development cut. All of a sudden I was thrust into a new key, I thought my ears were going crazy. Perhaps an effort by a decent high school orchestra, but this music is not up to snuff with any other recording.

Do yourself a favor and go out and purchase real recordings of Mozart, and not watered down stereotypes.

25 Mozart Favorites.......2007-05-12

Very pleased with product, delivery, cost and service. Will use this vendor again.

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Nice Mozart selection - Nice price.......2006-09-24

Nice selection of Mozart work that give us inner peace...

Mozart Listener.......2006-08-31

This is a good CD if you like Mozart's music. It is not the best CD I ever purchased. It is nice to listen to it in the morning before I go to work. And I sometimes listen to it in the evening before I go to bed. It is relaxing and soothing. I am not a music major or therapist. This is the best review I can write. Mary Agnes Cross

Average customer rating: One of the decade's most overhyped albums. (3.5) A modern classic Fun Stuff Certainly More Fun than the Archduke Ever Was Best pop-rock album of recent years

Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: You Could Have It So Much Better Hot Fuss Good News For People Who Love Bad News Is This It Get Behind Me Satan ASIN: B0001ZMWQO Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

1. jacqueline
2. tell her tonight
3. take me out
4. matinee
5. auf acshe
6. cheating on you
7. this fire
8. darts of pleasure
9. michael
10. come on home
11. 40 ft

Amazon.com

Franz Ferdinand is an unrelentingly smart, fluffy, and fun debut. This Scottish four-piece plays vaguely angular, guitar-heavy post-pop that makes you want to dance around the room while playing air guitar. It's the ideal hipster guilty-pleasure music. This is what the Rapture and Interpol would sound like if they wrote songs half as good as those they rip off, or the Strokes if their parents had sent them to art school instead of the fashion academy. Every song on here is so blatantly derivative it sounds almost original, like a Blur without the gloomy hangover. It's too early yet to tell if this is just a band for the moment or one for the ages--but who really cares with pop music, anyway? Songs like "Darts of Pleasure," "Come on Home," "Take Me Out," and "Cheating on You" are so good they will surely appeal even to those without slanty, messy haircuts. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

One of the decade's most overhyped albums. (3.5).......2007-07-18

Okay, so in spite the title, the record isn't really bad. However, in spite the glowing reviews of praise, it isn't anything extraordinary or even ground-breaking for that matter. There are too many bands to name of the past 25+ years who played "post-punk" that played in a similar vein to this group. Yet for some reason people go ga-ga on this. I suppose it's another case of the guys being British, and critics just love those kinds of bands. The comparisons to the Strokes made a lot of sense when it was out, as they merely worked better for the release time than actually had a whole lot of verve going on.

There is a certain style to the tracks, I have to admit. It's fairly catchy and not that hard to get into. I particularly am a fan of the lead single "Take Me Out," with its minute-long intro having a classic melody and then it goes into its dance-rock mode for the rest of the song. While I'm kind of glad the hi-hat has been brought back into music during the type of "in" indie music of the past few years, I've heard other bands pull this off in a much more interesting manner. The tracks are fine enough, but can also be a bit redundant and can get old after awhile. There are other moments that I like and it's entertaining so I guess it can work for you. And some of those moments include things like the opening chords of "40" and the record was nicely enough produced.

I suppose it will work for you but while entertaining, it's not that special at all. It seems that in its context people don't even remember the record quite as well as when it was first released.

A modern classic.......2007-06-27

This album won numerous album of the year awards from music magazines and deserved the praise. Franz Ferdinand is an incredibly fun band to listen to and you won't regret picking this album up.

Fun Stuff.......2007-03-19

After hearing take me out over and over again i figured this band wrote one decent song that was going to be hyped until they faded. I imagined people would buy their album based on that song and be thouroughly dissapointed with the rest of the material. Well one of my friends bought it, what fool i thought, after listening through the album while playing ping-pong i realized i was. . .WRONG! THIS ALBUM IS SICK. Fun single note guitar riffs that instantly hook and move you, fun upbeat drums keep it moving as well, creative and clear basslines, and of course some occasional whacked out lyrics. While take me out is a great song there are even better ones. And Michael is a great song to sing along to, especially in your car at a red light-with the windows down.

Certainly More Fun than the Archduke Ever Was .......2007-02-27

Endlessly peppy, FF is a fine listen when spirits are low. But they are as fluffy as Stellastarr* and after the 39 short minutes of the CD, I felt like I'd had enough aural cotton candy for awhile. They play great pop, they sing well, the hooks are irresistible if repetitive and best of all they clearly have a good time without a smidgen of angst drama. Next question -- can they keep that touching lack of self-aggrandizing while toughening their sound and moving beyond gleeful borrowing to some originality. We'll see. For now, keepers include The Dark of the Matinee, Darts of Pleasure, and Michael.

Best pop-rock album of recent years.......2007-02-15

This is a really great CD, it has that raw energy that rockers had back in 1970s and that is long gone from the rock-n-roll establishment. This days you either find energy or decent melody, but almost never these two come together. Franz Ferdinand is making a point of giving each song a "hook" as they call it, a tune that sticks in your head and makes you want to dance or jump or simply listen to it again.
Having said that I was quite disappointed with their second CD which I think does not compare to this one. I hope they will keep writing and singing and performing for years to come. I am certainly looking forward to hearing more of them.

Average customer rating: Not quite as good as their first virtuous among us, walk among us..... So much better! So much better Extraordinary

You Could Have It So Much Better Franz Ferdinand Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Franz Ferdinand First Impressions of Earth Get Behind Me Satan Extraordinary Machine Broken Boy Soldiers ASIN: B000B0WODA Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. The Fallen
2. Do You Want To
3. This Boy
4. Walk Away
5. Evil And A Heathen
6. You're The Reason I'm Leaving
7. Eleanor Put Your Boots On
8. Well That Was Easy
9. What You Meant
10. I'm Your Villian
11. You Could Have It So Much Better
12. Fade Together
13. Outsiders

Amazon.com

After more than a year spent on the road behind their breakthrough self-titled debut--just how many times can Alex Kapranos sing "Take Me Out" without getting his skinny tie into a knot, anyway?--you might expect the members of Franz Ferdinand to feel a little frayed around the edges. But if You Could Have It So Much Better was supposed to be a bloated sophomore album focusing on bad airline meals and cold hotel swimming pools, somebody forgot to tell the Mercury Music Prize winning Scottish quartet. Instead, the Franzies return with a disc packed with thrilling punk-pop treatises like the single "Do You Want To," political rabble-rousers such as opener "The Fallen," and lovely psychedelic ballads that explore the common ground between the Beatles and Bowie, like "Eleanor Put You Boots On" (about Eleanor Freidberger of the Fiery Furnaces, no less). It's a stunning, confident piece of work that suggests the band is merely getting started. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

Not quite as good as their first.......2007-06-27

Franz Ferdinand went downhill a bit with their sophomore album, but "Outsiders" is one of the best songs they've ever released so this album is still worthy of purchase.

virtuous among us, walk among us............2006-09-23

I have to admit, I REALLY like this album. I don't own the first album yet, but I can't imagine how it can be much better than this. It took me three tries to get fully embroiled in this album. Once that happened I have been playing it non-stop. There is definitely a punk base to all their songs, but there's something about the pace of their music (ever changing, pulsatile and jagged, then smooth...) that keeps you imbalanced yet wanting more. I can't wait to try the first album.

So much better!.......2006-08-05

Although I'll admit I like the eponymous album a little better, I find this album a breath of fresh air to my somewhat-jaded soul. I've seen FF on SNL and Austin City Limits; the lyrics blend very well with the music, and there's enough of the unexpected to keep me entertained. I look forward to hearing a lot more from these guys!

So much better.......2006-07-16

This album is amazing. The first 7 tracks are all good, and then there is a mix amongst the last half. To think of the career of Franz Ferdinand reminds me now of the path the Cure took with Boys Don't Cry. There is a great amount of structure to each song, and nothing beats the 3-4 hits such as This Boy and Walk Away.

Extraordinary.......2006-06-08

An extraordinary second album, it's even better than the homonymous.
Songs filled of intelligent lyrics about a group of people living in an industrial and decadent city. The stories are from Glasgow but, like all local stories, the identification is global.

Average customer rating: Fantastic Debut Heard it on madden-now enfatuated It's A Love-It Or Don't-Get-It Album. I Have The Bliss Of Understanding The Love-It Side Some very good new-wave influenced alternative pop-rock AMAZING album

Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: You Could Have It So Much Better You Could Have It So Much Better Hot Fuss Hot Fuss Employment ASIN: B0006B29WA Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

1. Jacqueline
2. Tell Her Tonight
3. Take Me Out
4. The Dark Of The Matinie
5. Auf Achse
6. Cheating On You
7. This Fire
8. Darts Of Pleasure
9. Michael
10. Come On Home
11. 40'

Tracks:

1. This Fffire Rich Costey Re-record
2. Van Tango
3. Shopping For Blood
4. All For You, Sophia
5. Words So Leisured

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Debut.......2006-03-11

Franz Ferdinand's music is incredibly powerful and unique. There's just something about it that makes you want to just stand up and dance. This "Special Edition" of the bands self-titled debut comes with a bonus disc containing five tracks that were left off of the original pressing. The five tracks are "This Fffire", which is a remix of the single found on the original album. Next up is the funky b-side "Van Tango" which, as the title suggests, is a great song to dance to. Track three on the second disc is another b-side which was left off of the album, "Shopping For Blood". This a great song, with a great beat, and great lyrics. Next up is yet another b-side, "All For You, Sophia". The final track found on this bonus disc is an alternate take of the single "Darts Of Pleasure" retitled from the song lyric "Words So Leisured". I personally find this second disc to be a waste, considering the fact that these tracks could just be part of one CD.
The Original Album: From the minute you hear the opening guitar strum of "Jacqueline" you know that you will be in for a treat. Suddenly, out of the acoustic guitar melodies of the intro, the bass kicks, then so does heavily distorted guitar. Magnificently composed. Track number two, "Tell Her Tonight" is a highly infectious, funky track with a great guitar riff. The Singles: The very first single we heard from Franz was the smash hit "Take Me Out". No wonder this song became a hit! From it's opening lyric "So if you're lonely. . ." you are hook. Right before the chorus begins, the instrumentation breaks down to a crawl, and then the fun begins. "The Dark Of The Matineè" was released as a single as well. Probably the most controversial single released from this album has to be "Michael". The song seemed to be a homosexual, erotic theme for the gay community, and law officials were certain to point that out. In all reality, the song was written about one of the bands friends who got drunk at a bar and began hitting on a man. "Darts Of Pleasure" comes next. "This Fire" was the very last single to be released from the album, and proved to be a hit.
This is a great album and I highly recommend that you try it out.

Heard it on madden-now enfatuated.......2006-02-06

This was a great album i like every song on this cd, i have not bought their sophmore cd hopefully a slump is not in the future.

It's A Love-It Or Don't-Get-It Album. I Have The Bliss Of Understanding The Love-It Side.......2006-01-06

There is not a single song that can be described as bad on this album. Sure, the background singing in TELL HER TONIGHT is terrible, but besides that, what is there to complain about? I've noticed from the reviews that a lot of people love this album or just don't get it. Luckily I am one of the love-it people, and maybe you are too if you give the album a chance.

JACQUELINE--This song starts out slow and soft and you're not sure if you care to listen to the rest of the song. But 40 seconds into the song, it picks up and turns itself into an awesome rock song with some serious guitar playing and drumming. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

TELL HER TONIGHT--While this song is the worst song on the original album, it still maintains not being bad nevertheless. The "home demo" on the album DARTS OF PLEASURE, however, is so bad that it's hilarious. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy

TAKE ME OUT--This was the song that Franz Ferdinand performed on one of the worst episodes of Saturday Night Live that I've ever seen that got me into the band's music. The awesome lead guitar and great tune are perfection. A must to hear. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

THE DARK OF THE MATINEE--The best song on the album. It even outdoes TAKE ME OUT. The lyrics are a bit soft, but the chorus is awesome and so is the music. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

AUF ACHSE--This is the softest song on the album, and it still is good nevertheless. The singing, piano, and bass all add up to make a good song. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

CHEATING ON YOU--This fast paced song is probably better than TELL HER TONIGHT, but nothing else on the album. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

THIS FIRE--A very good song. Very fast paced, though not nearly as much as CHEATING ON YOU. The drums go very good with the guitar rythem. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, and Paul Thompson.

DARTS OF PLEASURE--This song is also very good, but not quite as much as THIS FIRE. It transits well between the soft rock and the hard rock. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Paul Thomson.

MICHAEL--This song was based on an experience of a friend of the band's. It has good rock, especially the lead guitar playing. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

COME ON HOME--A relatively good song, though the chorus isn't that great. It's no match for TAKE ME OUT or THE DARK OF THE MATINEE, but it's still a good song. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy

40'--I was first introduced to this song from the trailer of IN GOOD COMPANY, and recognized it immediately when I heard it. It's a pretty good song, featuring the soon-to-become- frequent la-la-la-la-la-las. (They are featured frequently in the next Franz Ferdinand album, YOU COULD HAVE IT SO MUCH BETTER). Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy.

THIS FFFIRE--I really don't see much of a difference between this song and THIS FIRE. The assemblance of the lyrics is a bit different, but otherwise it almost sounds exactly the same. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy and Paul Thomson.

VAN TANGO--The only Franz Ferdinand song so far to not be sung by Alex Kapranos. And it's a bit evident why. Nick McCarthy's voice isn't bad for singing, but he sings the song with a high pitch and lazy sound. He works better for backup, though it is always interesting to hear a song not sung by the lead singer. Featuring vocals by Nick McCarthy, Alex Kapranos, and Paul Thompson.

SHOPPING FOR BLOOD--Okay, probably the worst song on the album. I haven't listened to it much, but I don't like it from what I've heard. Alex Kapranos's voice just wasn't meant to sing so low and rough. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos, Paul Thompson, and Nick McCarthy.

ALL FOR YOU, SOPHIA--This song is rather repeatative, but it is appreciative after the last song. The chorus really goes deep into being repeatative, with the same four words being being repeated over and over and over again. Featuring vocals by Nick McCarthy and Alex Kapranos

WORDS SO LEISURED--This song takes some of the words from DARTS OF PLEASURE, and puts them to a slow, soothing melody. However, I think they overdid the soothingness and slowness. It's just not enough of a song now. Featuring vocals by Alex Kapranos.

Some very good new-wave influenced alternative pop-rock.......2006-01-04

Franz Ferdinand is another entry into today's trendy "new-wave-influenced-alternative-pop-rock". Their first self-titled album is full of fun and catchy songs, but they aren't interesting or thought-provoking enough to truly make it a classic and an essential own (the album doesn't seem to have much soul to it). I can't put my finger on it but there's also something about the songs that make it kind of cheesy (they don't sound..."serious", and this hurts the rating). A lot of the songs are memorable lyrically simply because they're simple and catchy (it's easy to sing along) - they're definitely not deep, though. The musicianship is occasionally interesting but in a generic kind of way. All things aside, however, there is a high probability that you'll like this album, so for that reason alone I'd recommend buying it. The bonus tracks help, but not by much. Not an essential album but worth getting if you have the extra cash. Recommended.

Highlights include:
the whole album!

AMAZING album.......2005-11-16

Without a doubt, this is the single best album of 2004. And NOT because of their 2 hits- "Take Me Out" and "This Fire."

The album is great because it's almost a re-invention of indie rock. Franz has such a unique indie sound that one can't help but be drawn in. After "Take Me Out" hit such high heights, I decided to check the album out... and to my initial surprise, I was absolutely blown away. I dare a true rock fan to listen to the album and find even ONE bad song.

Franz is also an interesting band because of their lyrics- one song can have entirely one dimensional (and rather repetitive) lyrics, while the next song will have true meaning. If you want songs with great lyrics definitely check out "The Dark of the Matinee" (my personal favorite song on the album) and "Come On Home." Those songs have some true feeling.

The rhythms of EVERY song are just great. They really make you want to move and (for me) they just make you so happy. It really is a cheer-you-up kind of album.

While I am certainly not trying to present Franz as some kind of earth-shattering new sound/band/movement- I AM saying this is just a great listen. Their unique sound has given me new hope in indie rock (along with a great band named Kasabian- check them out, too) and I can tell they have some staying power (check out Franz's new album- You Could Have It So Much Better- it's also great, even though it sounds similar to this one).
So, if you've only heard their singles and hits, check out the whole album- it'll be a pleasant surprise. I know it was for me.

Average customer rating: Great Teaching Tool Donna Diana William Tell & Other Favorite Overtures Blockbuster demo disk! Fantastic!

William Tell & Other Favorite Overtures Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Famous Overtures 25 Thunderous Classics Rossini: Overtures (14) Orchestral Spectaculars Symphonic Spectacular ASIN: B000003CTP Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Light Cavalry
2. Daniel-Francois Auber
3. Zampa
4. Poet And Peasant
5. Donna Diana
6. Orpheus In The Underworld
7. William Tell

Customer Reviews:

Great Teaching Tool.......2007-05-29

The pieces on this disc represent some of the more intersting and dynamc overtures, very suitable for music appreciation classes to point out use of classics and neo-classical music in contemporary culture

Donna Diana.......2005-07-28

This CD has a nice mix of the familiar and unfamiliar --- but all are upbeat and fun to listen to. Well worth the price.

William Tell & Other Favorite Overtures.......2002-09-10

Suppe's Light Calvary and Poet and Peasant Overtures were absolutely grand, as were Daniel-Francois Auber's Fra Diavolo, Herold's Zampa, Reznicek's Donna Diana, Offenbachs Orpheus in the Underworld, and the magnificent William Tell Overture by Rossini. One word of caution: this CD will really test your stereo, the bass actually thunders, and will blow your socks off. Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Orchestra did a fine job, I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves the thunderous music of an orchestra, you cannot go wrong buying this CD, I love it on the car stereo and at home.

Blockbuster demo disk!.......2000-09-22

The Telarc label does it again. This is the perfect disk for showing off your sound system. Great recordings and great selection of overtures. I've been listening to this CD for about 15 years now and the Orpheus in the Underworld track still sends chills up my spine.

Fantastic!.......2000-05-26

Couldn't ask for anything more from a CD full of famous overtures. Kunzel and co. rock my world yet again.

Average customer rating: genial A Great Value!! A Unique Concept Examination by a German enthusiast

Marches Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Frederick the Great | Frederick the Great | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Johann Strauss Sr. | Strauss Sr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: German Military Marches Gott, Kaiser, Vaterland: Military and Patriotic Music of Imperial Germany in Archival Recordings, 1903-1915 Landser Marches Marches-1/British More German Military Marches and Polkas, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000001GLC Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

1. Hoeh-und Deutschmeister-Marsch
2. Vindobona Marsch
3. Hohenfreidberger Marsch
4. Erzherzog-Albrecht-Marsch
5. Tiroler Holzhacker-Baub'n
6. Preussens Gloria
7. Cogurber Marsch

Tracks:

1. Karntner Liedermarsch
2. Die Bosniaken kommen
3. Fridericus Rex - Grenadiermarsch
4. Alte Kameraden
5. Der Zigeunerbaron: Einzugsmarsch
6. Nibelungen Marsch
7. Radetzky March
8. Wellington's Victory, Op. 91
9. March for Winds in D major WoO 24
10. March with Trio in C major WoO 20
11. March Slave, op.31
12. March egyptienne, op.335
13. March perse op.289
14. Napoleon March, op.156

Customer Reviews:

genial.......2004-12-10

Este CD doble es una maravilla, la famosisima Berliner Philahrmoniker que en este caso se reduce a algo asi como seccion de vientos de la berliner philharmoniker nos deleita con un conjunto increible de marchas de todos los tipos y para todos los gustos, solo se unen en la genial interpretacion.
La orquesta se reune en forma completa para entregarnos excepcionales versiones de la Marcha Eslava de Tchaikovsky y la Marcha de la Victoria de Wellington de Beethoven que incluye grabacion de artilleria (increible y fantastica).
La marcha Radetzki es genial, asi como alguna pequeñeses de Beethoven, marchas compuestas por emperadores y otros extraños compositores que hacen de este CD un deleite para los amantes de estas sincopadas obras musicales. Disfruten un CD genial.

A Great Value!!.......2003-11-22

Here is a collection of mostly German march music that is well worth the price! The performances are crisp and clean. One selection I was very surprised to find in this collection is the "Nibelungen Marsch" by Gottfried Sonntag. As the title implies,this march is based on Wagnerian themes. While this march was written decades before Hitler came to power in 1933, it became closely associated with the Nazi Party and it was always played in the Kongresshalle during the massing of the banners at the Nuremburg Rallies. As a result, the "Nibelungen Marsch" was banned from any sort of live or recorded performance after 1945 by the Allies. It must be remembered that this is NOT a Nazi march. It was, like many other marches, adapted by the Nazis for their own purposes. I'm glad to see that it is played here as the fine piece of classical music that it is. Again, this collection of marches is among the best and shouldn't be passed by!

A Unique Concept.......2002-09-30

Rather than an album of marches by a band or orchestra, this is a compilation, recorded between the late '60's and early '80's, of popular marches by the wind players of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and classical marches by the full orchestra, brilliantly performed under the baton of maestro Herbert von Karajan (two numbers conducted by Hans Priem-Bergrath).
A comparison may be made with another album, "Prussia's Glory", by two British military bands, since the two have about a half dozen marches in common. The playing on this CD seems to me to be a bit lighter and more melodic, in other words, a little less "military", which makes sense, given the nature of the two groups. Which is "better", on the other hand, depends on the listener (I slightly prefer this group). And this disc wins on sheer quantity, being two CD's for the price of one, and does have more variety - classical pieces and a few non-German marches, but the other has much more complete liner notes, with information on each composer and selection. Of course, if you really like one, perhaps you would also want the other.
It would have been helpful if English translations were provided for each piece - most are in German, with the last several in French, to understand the meaning of each title, such as "Old Comrades" in addition to "Alte Kameraden", or "The Glory of Prussia" added to "Preussens Gloria".
A highly recommended collection of German and Eastern European marches, masterfully performed.

Examination by a German enthusiast.......2000-08-28

This is purely the best March tape I have ever bought. Not only does it offer 38 songs which is at least 18 more than most good CDs, it has extremely high quality sound recording and listing of the songs. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who likes Marches and more so to any fellow German!

Average customer rating: Excellent collection One CD too many. Decent value, though Where else can you get Caruso and Pavorotti on the same CD?

The Greatest Tenors of the Century Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leoncavallo | Leoncavallo, Ruggiero | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Meyerbeer | Meyerbeer, Giacomo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta ASIN: B00000HY3T Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. L'Africaine: O paradiso!
2. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Morgenlich leuchtend
3. Madama Butterfly: Madchen, in deinen Augen liegt ein Zauber
4. Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti la giubba
5. Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
6. Les Contes d'Hoffman: Il etait une fois a la cour d'Eisenach
7. Tosca: Recondita armonia
8. Der fliegende Hollander: Mein Herz voll Treue bis zum Sterben
9. Rigoletto: Ella mi fu rapita... Parmi veder le lagrime
10. Die Zauberflote: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon
11. La Gioconda: Cielo e mar
12. Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail: Wenn der Freude Tranen flessen
13. Don Giovanni: Dalla sua pace
14. Die Walkure: Ein Schwert verhiess mir der Vater

Tracks:

1. L'elisir d'amore: Una furtiva lagrima
2. Aida: Se quel guerrier io fossi! ... Celeste Aida
3. Il barbiere di Siviglia: Ecco ridente in cielo
4. Die lustige Witwe: O Vaterland ... Da geh' ich ins Maxim
5. Paloma querida
6. West Side Story: Maria
7. Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
8. Lohengrin: In fernem Land, unnahbar euren Schritten
9. Yevgeni Onegin: Nu, shto zhe? ... Kuda, kuda, kuda, vy udalilis
10. La forza del destino: La vita e inferno... O tu, che in seno
11. La Boheme: Che gelida manina
12. Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
13. La Traviata: Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti

Customer Reviews:

Excellent collection.......2003-02-15

This is an excellent collection of great tenors past to present.
While some are still missing (Jussi Bjorling, for instance), it provides a spectacular array of singers from Caruso (earliest) to Alagna (latest). The arias are selected to showcase each tenor's strength: Ernst Haefliger sings "Dalla sua Page" and Jose Carreras sings "Maria", Carlo Bergonzi -- "Parmi veder le lagrime." There's much to enjoy here, and DG's presentation is, as always, superb.

One CD too many. Decent value, though.......1999-12-20

This collection is worth buying for CD 1 alone (and for the low price, of course). Peter Anders was new to me but is marvellous in the Prize Song from Meistersinger. Amazon has got it all wrong on track 6, which features none other than the incomparable Alfredo Kraus singing the Kleinzach aria from Hoffman like few other tenors - at the age of 67 (!). You won't believe what you hear.

The rest of the first CD is equally good stuff, mixing all kinds of tenor voices from the lightest (Schreier, Wunderlich) to the heaviest (Corelli, Del Monaco, Vickers).

CD 2, however, is a sad story. "The 3 tenors" get two tracks each to deliver their usual bland performances, and the rest of the tracks are mostly rather odd choices, even when sung by otherwise fine tenors like Kollo and Araiza. Perhaps Jerry Hadley does the finest performance in "Che gelida manina". I don't care much for Alagna or Schicoff.

Regarding the selection, perhaps the record should be called "Some Tenors of the Century". If DG had given "the 3" one track each and left out Luigi Alva and Araiza, we could have had Melchior, Björling, Gigli and Gedda, to name but a few.

Anyway, there you have it: put CD 1 into your player, press "REPEAT" and just leave it there.

Where else can you get Caruso and Pavorotti on the same CD?.......1999-09-24

I didn't buy this online, but needless to say it is one of the best Tenor CD's I own. I am still in the process of trying to locate a recording of "M'appari tutt' amor" by von Flotow from the Opera Martha. If anyone knows where I could get this, that would be great! This is a great buy for two CD's.

Average customer rating: Five stars for five winning performances. Great Performances Indeed!

Favorite Overtures Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Thomas | Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Thomas, Ambroise | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris Mozart: Concerto Nos. 21 & 24 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 Famous Overtures ASIN: B0000025ME Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Zampa Overture
2. Mignon Overture
3. Raymond Overture
4. Poet And Peasant Overture
5. William Tell Overture

Customer Reviews:

Five stars for five winning performances........2003-09-19

I owned the LP of this back in the early 1960s (the cover showed a bright red apple with a target painted on it) and played these pieces over and over. The music is wonderful, the performances among Bernstein's best, and the sonics spectacular. I wish I still had my vinyl copy, however, because I would love to compare it to this CD-for sonics, I suspect the LP would win.

Not that the CD is bad, but Columbia LPs in those days were produced with a very recognizable equalization that is not apparent here. And as I remember, there was somewhat more detail on the LP, especially in the strings and in the many bells that decorate these quickly recognizable, entertaining pieces. (Each of the five compositions held a firm place as background music for Warner Brothers cartoons.)

However, the CD is entirely listenable (and certainly contains no pops or scratches). I will be interested to hear the SACD version if Columbia ever produces one. From what I have heard, Columbia's few SACD reissues sound more like the LPs. In any case, the product labeling is poor. The front cover says, "Digitally mastered analog recording," while the back cover informs us that the disc is AAD. (The disc itself says AAD, but it wouldn't be the first mislabeled CD.) No date of production whatsoever appears, though we learn that the cover was designed in 1981. (Give me the apple with the target on it.) The interesting liner notes are what appeared on the back of the LP, no more, no less.

It's not an expensive disc, and some of the pieces, oddly, are not easy to find. Get it!

Great Performances Indeed!.......2001-08-04

This disc which is aptly named "Favorite Overtures" captures Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic at the peak of their creative powers during the 1960's. Each of the five overtures are gems, but of particular delight are the Mignon and Raymond Overtures by Ambroise Thomas. The Raymond Overture with it's galloping opening motive is a hidden treasure which has not been recorded very often. Thankfully, Bernstein gives us a rendition of Raymond that could only be described as definitive. The other overtures on this disc are Zampa, Poet and Peasant, and William Tell. Not only are they expertly played, but their sound is in the demonstration class which is amazing considering that they were made nearly forty years ago. The fact that this disc has remained in circulation for so long speaks for itself. My highest recommendation.

Average customer rating:

Haydn, Hummel, David, Wgenseil: Concertos for Trumpet & Trombone Manufacturer: Arte Nova Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hummel | Hummel, Johann Nepomuk | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagenseil | Wagenseil, Georg | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trombone | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music 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: Hummel: Missa Solemnis in C Major / Te Deum Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Beethoven: Missa Solemnis Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies ASIN: B0007X9TSE Release Date: 2005-04-12

Album Description

"ALERT AND INVIGORATING PERFORMANCES OF TWO OLD FRIENDS: The subtle inflections Jeffrey Segal brings to the trumpet's only genuine Classical concertos, the Haydn and Hummel, is just what the catalogue needs. His musical line is seamlessly stylish, velvety in its natural lyricism and boasting an attack as clean as a whistle.

Both works are blessed with gorgeous orchestration although its essence is habitually under-explored in most recordings. But not with David Zinman and his characterful Zurich players who relish the dialogues between wind and trumpet in the Hummel and an unforced transparency of strings in the Haydn, as well as delighting in lively and unpredictable articulation. It really is a testament to how a vigorous imagination can still render old warhorses afresh. Brass specialists will also enjoy the original E major key of the Hummel (unrecognised in the documentation) which makes sense of the irradiating textures...Bertoncello's legato playing is truly melting and the buoyant Allegro lifts the spirits." -GRAMOPHONE (March 2005)

Australian-born Jeffrey Segal was performing professionally as a trumpeter by age 17. A student of the legendary Edward Tarr, he became solo trumpeter with the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra in 1991. He became principal trumpet of the Tonhalle Orchestra, Zürich, in 1996.

Also from Australia, Michael Bertoncello took up the trombone at age 13, after studying the euphonium for six years! Bertoncello soloed with all the Australian orchestras, then the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the Tonhalle Orchestra, Zürich, where he was named principal trombonist in 2001.

Ever since 1999, when the Tonhalle Orchestra was awarded the German Record Critics' Award for its seminal recording of all Beethoven's symphonies, the oldest symphony orchestra in Switzerland has been the focus of international interest. David Zinman has been Chief Conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of the Netherlands, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and now the Tonhalle Orchestra, Zürich.

Average customer rating: Liszt - Devil and Angel Mellifluent

Liszt: Piano Music Vol. 10 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Elegies | Requiems, Elegies & Tombeau | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Liszt: Sonata in B minor; Deux Légendes; Gretchen Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 4 Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies, Vol.13 Liszt: Sacred Music Transcriptions Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 3 ASIN: B0000060CG Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

1. Scherzo Und Marsch, S177/R20: Scherzo
2. Scherzo Und Marsch, S177/R20: Marsch
3. Liebestraume: 3 Notturnos, S541/R211: Notturno No.1 in A flat: Hohe Liebe (Andantino...
4. Liebestraume: 3 Notturnos, S541/R211: Notturno No.2 in E flat (2nd Version): Seliger Tod...
5. Liebestraume: 3 Notturnos, S541/R211: Notturno No.3 in A flat: O Lieb, So Lang Du Lieben...
6. Berceuse (2nd Version), S174B/R57B
7. Albumblatt No.1 in E, S.164, No.1/R64, No.1
8. Elegie Sur Des Motifs Du Prince Louis Fedinand De Prusse, S168/R75
9. Romance, S169/R66A
10. Feuilles D'Album in A flat, S165/R62
11. Berceuse (1st Version), S174A/R57A

Customer Reviews:

Liszt - Devil and Angel.......2006-07-01

Prepare yourself for some superior music in Volume 10 of Naxos' Complete Piano Music of Liszt. The great Lisztian Jeno Jando has given some amazing performances of Liszt's most excellent musical jewels. The CD includes Liszt's most romantic and love-inspired pieces that I might call this CD "Liebestraume" by itself. But before we hear lovers long for each other and lost love that pains the soul, we first get to hear a satanic piece contemporary to the Sonata in B minor: 'Scherzo and March.' Not an outstanding title, but the music certainly is.

The 'Scherzo' is a fast-paced and energetic encore piece. According to the booklet included with the CD, "The Scherzo, marked 'Allegro vivace spiritoso' is a musical vision of darkness. It is forceful, wonderfully harmonized and abounding in sharp dissonances conjuring up nightmarish images." Indeed it is a devilish work of tremendous force. The subsequent 'March' is a catchy one that works its way back to the original theme. The booklet says further that, "The March, marked 'Allegro moderato marziale' which folows has been compared to a battle of good versus evil. Although one clearly hears the frenzied activities of the Witches' Sabbath, good eventually seems to prevail in this tempestuous piece." I'll just be perfectly blunt about the Scherzo and March: it's damn good!

The devil creeps away to leave us with a series of Liszt's most beautiful melodies on romance and love. Jeno Jando performs all three Liebestraumes with sensitivity and passion that makes his interpretation better than most others I've heard. The famous Liebestraume No. 3 is excellent as always. Surprisingly, the two versions of the Berceuse turn out to be wonderful compositions. Before this CD, I wasn't familiar with the work and on a first hearing I was taken away with its grace and meticulous nuances that portray love and intimacy. Obviously it is inspired by Chopin's own superlative composition of the same title; Liszt's is almost as good.

Following this, the 'Elegie sur des motifs du Prince Louis Ferdinand de Prusse' is a full-blooded song of love. It's a little melancholic, a little romantic, and somehow stays on the line between the two; it's a great piece which deserves more attention. However, the most unexpectedly appealing piece on the CD goes to the short 'Romance.' What a monumental piece of passion and Romanticism; it laments and wails an agonizing image of the pains of love.

Bottom line: Do not pass this low budget CD up. It's one of the better CD's of the Naxos label and contains some extraordinary music of demons and witches, lovers and roses, and all by an incredible Liszt-interpreter, Jeno Jando.

Mellifluent.......2000-06-21

Jeno Jando will be an master in the near future. His fast extending repertoire and steadily high standard of records prove that. This disk contains many rare but sweet pieces as well as some of Liszt's most famous work(Lieberstraeume no.3, for example). Jando treats these pieces with a natural singing pace, just as these songs should be. He hides the hard skill under the mellifluent music. We will not recognize those dazzling skills as others do, but a clear performance. Also, unlike many pianists often plays Liszt in an over-sentimental mood, Jando on the other hand gives us a decent image. Recommended.

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