Night in Moscow

1. Moscow Nights, Katjuscha, Dark Eyes

2. Two Guitars, Lagienta, the Little Bell

3. Kalinka, the Red Saraphan, the Moon Shines Brightly

4. Oh You Ways, Evening Dawn, Kosakian Lullaby

5. Rasposcholl the Great Don

6. Volga Boatsman, on Slippery Ice, on the Volga

7. Nightingale, It's Not the Wind That Rustles in the Leaves, the 12 Robbe

8. Stenka Rasin, the Dove, Have Pity

9. On the Neva, Corn-Flower, Oh Why So Beautiful

10. Camp Song, the Lark

Night in Moscow,Various Artists,Madacy Records,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Russia,Russian Folk

Average customer rating: LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT! Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain? At this price, how can one complain?

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booklet) The Arts: World Themes Rise to Globalism Walden and Other Writings Twentieth-Century World History ASIN: B00004YYRT Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
2. Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
3. Gloria - Oxford Camerata
4. Pavane - Red Byrd
5. Canon - Capella Istropolitana
6. Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
7. Prelude - Laurence Cummings
8. Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
9. Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
10. Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
11. Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
12. Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
13. Andante - Failoni Orchestra
14. Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
15. Adagio - Jeno Jando
16. Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
17. Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Ingrid Kertesi
2. Un Bal - Pinchas Steinberg
3. Wedding March - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Minute Waltz - Idil Biret
5. Larghetto - Alexander Rahbari
6. Ride Of The Valkyries - Uwe Mund
7. Prelude - Alexander Rahbari
8. Hungarian Dance No.3 - Budapest Symphony
9. Scene - Ondrej Lenard
10. Slavonic Dance No.1 - Balazs Szokolay
11. Nimrod - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
12. Clair De Lune - Keith Clark
13. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Prelude In C Sharp Minor - Idil Biret
15. Fountain Of The Villa Medici At Sunset - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
16. Overture - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
17. O Fortuna - Slovak Philharmonic Chorus
18. Playful Pizzicato - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
19. Violin Concerto - Adele Anthony

Amazon.com

Is it a two-CD set with a particularly thick booklet, or a 562-page book with a compilation album attached? Either way, the unpretentious text by Keith Anderson offers an introduction to the lives and works of dozens of composers, together with recommended recordings from the Naxos and Marco Polo catalogs. Anderson includes a useful 59-page glossary of musical terms and an extensive listing of classical pieces used in films. The odd thing about the 36 extracts and complete pieces on the CDs is that they do not form an A-to-Z at all. Rather, they are arranged chronologically, from 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant to the opening movement of contemporary composer Philip Glass's Violin Concerto. Between these two points is the early music of Palestrina and Byrd; the Baroque glories of Vivaldi and Bach; the 19th-century Romantic masters, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky; and such 20th-century greats as Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Opera, song, and chamber music are barely represented, but only so much can fit into 151 minutes. Essentially a deluxe sampler of the vast Naxos catalogue, the discs offer a good introduction to some of the most famous and melodic music ever composed, while the book will be very useful to newcomers to the potentially confusing world of classical music. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated bok, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Like the Naxos range of recording itself, A-Z of Classical Music is a rich source of inspiration for anyone either just embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment or for whom classical music has long been a way of life. Included within is an extensive glossary of musical terms plus a unique guide to classical music used in acclaimed films. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained in the accompanying CDs.

Customer Reviews:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!.......2003-01-19

It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a
glossary of musical terms and a unique guide to the classical music used in 360 top films.

Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?.......2002-08-30

Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price. These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better. This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics. If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics. Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?.......2001-09-30

This is pretty much a CD version of a mini-Naxos and Marco Polo catalog. All the pieces and extracts are ordered chronologically on the 2 CDs and are of very acceptable quality, but don't expect excellence in every track. Personally, I was particularly disappointed with one of my favourite Pachelbel pieces. The Naxos Canon & Gigue lacks all the emotion of my favourite versions.

Still, any possible weaker performances are of little importance after you get your hands on the fat booklet with over 500 pages. The booklet offers a short intro about the great composers, a glossary of musical terms, a list of works used in films and dozens of illustrations of several composers.

Overall, at this price, this is a must-have pack for any beginner, and might be useful for the occasion "quick check" of the work of many composers. Do not expect many detail, nor references to all the works of some composers; I often got frustrated with the lack of detail in some cases, but in general, the booklet is very effective for a quick reference.
You will need more titles that offer more complete information, and you won't truly learn to love classical music just by reading it, but it is small and compact.

It really puzzles me why Naxos did not include a full index of composers, a serious omission. To find a particular composer you will have to look for it yourself in over 500 pages. Also, the separation of the text is not so good, making the search even a bit slower. The lack of the index is truly annoying and I am sure it will be corrected in future editions.

Even with a few weaker pieces and the lack of the index, at this price, there isn't much to argue about. This is truly a bargain that you should not miss. I would also recommend the A-Z of Opera, which offers a bigger booklet with over 700 pages, focusing on opera works and mentioning several composers that are absent from the A-Z of Classical. That other booklet has a very complete index, and much clearer text layout and separation, that's the way both booklets should have been designed.

The two sets complement each other very well. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Fantastic Famous Overtures Spectacular Excellent The best Overture Album !

Famous Overtures Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | 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 Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | 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 Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | 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 Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: William Tell & Other Favorite Overtures Rossini: Overtures (14) Opera Overtures & Incidental Music Favorite Overtures Suppe: Overtures ASIN: B00002MXN4 Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Light Cavalry - Suppe
2. Ruslan and Lyudmila - Glinka
3. La Traviata - Prelude, Act I - Verdi
4. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg - Prelude, ACt I - Wagner
5. Les Francs-Juges - Berlioz
6. Le nozze di Figaro - Mozart
7. Egmont - Beethoven
8. Oberon - Weber
9. Academic Festival Overture - Brahms
10. Pique Dame - Suppe

Tracks:

1. Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna - Suppe
2. Il barbiere di Siviglia - Rossini
3. Prince Igor - Borodin
4. Carmen - Prelude, Act I - Bizet
5. Der fliegende Hollander - Wagner
6. Leonore No 3 - Beethoven
7. Hansel und Gretel - Humperdinck
8. Khovanshchina - Mussorgsky
9. Poet and Peasant - Suppe

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2006-06-30

First of all anything with Sir Solti's name on is worth purchasing. Solti has such a way with interpreting music! If you like overtures this CD is for you. It has the best overtures here in one collection. With orchestras like chicago, london, and the vienna you cannot argue with the performances. There are a few "weaker" ensembles, but when compared with the other ensembles there are few that will not sound weak. Again any work Solti has done is worth purchasing!

Famous Overtures.......2005-08-16

Did not like the way these musical pieces were "interpretted".
Did not like the tempo and in one piece one of the instruments played a portion which I would say they played a flat instead of a natural note. This is based on hearing the same pieces played by someone else, it's just my opinion.

Spectacular.......2003-09-25

Not only does it include some of the most famous overtures, but they are played in such an exciting style, full of life and passion. The Suppe overtures are superior and the Wagner overtures are wonderful as well. There is not a bad point to this recording - highly recommended!

Excellent.......2002-06-11

This is an excellent collection of overtures, especially of Von Suppe's overtures. Solti truly brings out life in these pieces.

The best Overture Album !.......2000-02-28

If you like overtures, here is the album. Never have these been performed so musically and with such excitement. The orchestras involved vary in their abilities, yet the Chicago, Vienna, and London Symphony perfom with style. Solti loves this music and it shows.

Average customer rating: Where Are You My Brothers songs of courage, loneliness, patriotism The most beautiful male voice there is

Where Are You, My Brothers? Manufacturer: Delos Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hvorostovsky, Dmitri | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Moscow Nights Kalinka: Russian Folk Songs Dmitri Hvorostovsky - Russian Songs of the War Years I Met You, My Love Dmitri Hvorostovsky - Passione di Napoli ASIN: B0000C3I8K Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Somewhere Far Away (Gde-To Daleko (Pesnya O Dalekoy Rodine))
2. Dark Is the Night (Tiomnaia Noch)
3. Unexpected Waltz (Slutchaynyy Val's)
4. Where Are You, My Brothers? (Gde Zhe Vy Teper', Druz'ya-Odnopolchane)
5. On a Nameless Hill (Na Bezymiannoy Vysote)
6. Roads (Dorogi)
7. Soldiers Are Coming (Vot Soldaty Idut)
8. Cranes (Zhuravli)
9. In the Trenches (V Zemlianke)
10. Sacred Stone (Zavetnyy Kamen)
11. Katyusha (Katyusha)
12. Cossacks in Berlin (Kazaki V Berline)
13. My Moscow (Moia Moskva)
14. Road to the Front (Dorozhka Frontovaia (Pesenka Frontovogo Shofiora))
15. Hills of Manchuria [Na Sopkakh Mandzhurii]
16. Lonely Accordion (Odinokaia Garmon)
17. Last Battle (Posledniy Boi)

Customer Reviews:

Where Are You My Brothers.......2005-08-04

Dmitri Hvorostovsky's voice is at its amazing, beautiful, passionate best. He seamlessly moves from silken pianissimo to forte, conveying all the tragedy and futility of life lost through war, the false hope and despair of soldiers who have trudged too far and seen too much death, destruction and experienced too much pain, fear and hunger.

songs of courage, loneliness, patriotism.......2004-08-02

Of my nearly 20 Dmitri Hvorostovsky albums, this one is in the Top 3, which has Dmitri singing in quite a different style than what he is most famous for, as one of the great operatic singers of our era, and this CD is far from the "opera singer does crossover CD" type of recording, which can sometimes be quite awful, but sings softly and with intense passion and sincerity, his dark honey toned baritone perfect for these melodious, gorgeous songs.
Though the focus of the songs is WWII, some were written as early as 1905 ("The Hills of Manchuria"), to the wonderful "Cranes" from 1969, and "Somewhere Far Away" was the title for a TV series ("17 Moments of Spring"), about a Russian spy in Nazi Germany, that was shown in 1973.

Some songs are more sublime than others, like "Unexpected Waltz" and "On a Nameless Hill", but there isn't a single composition that isn't filled with beauty and performed to perfection. Hvorostovsky has a voice that is a gift of God, with the technique of a master, and the soul of a true artist.
He is backed brilliantly by Constantine Orbelian and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, the folk group Style of Five, and the rousing sound of the Spiritual Revival Choir of Russia.
The booklet insert is excellent, with liner notes, bios, lyrics in English and transliterated Russian; the sound is good and total playing time is 57'28.

The most beautiful male voice there is.......2003-12-26

The sound of very beginning phrase of it's first song "Somewhere Far Away" grabbed me. This title song for TV series was sung in his natural voice rather than operatic singing. I found it absolutely beautiful. Have you ever heard Dmitri's speaking voice? Renee Fleming quoted "Dmitri has the most beautiful male voice I've ever heard". Well I must say many of us have to agree with her. This album is a good collection of war time songs that indicate harsh reality of soldier's life and emotional state. He expressed them very eloquently. Text has translations but you can feel the depth without it. These songs are melodious and tuneful, I liked his flexible singing of forte to exquisite pianissimo. This is not just sell out for Russians but to everyone. As a Japanese, we grew up in Russian folk songs were heard everywhere. It's nice he introduced us to further extension of Russian materials. Evidently his colaboration with his father and Orbelian worked well. I also appreciate the lightness of "Katyusha" is a nice bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I recomend it to everyone. I hope I get to hear these in his recital someday.

I attended his recent opera(War and Peace /Onegin) and recital in Tokyo. This was his first public performances in Tokyo, yet he was extremely popular here. He received mountain of flowers and presents, and for autograph session, nobody seemed to left the house. His high quality of vocal art, stylish and expressive singing and at most striking impact on his stage presence were overwelming. I hope he'll come back again.

Average customer rating: Magical and Majestic... A MUST HAVE!!! Buy two you might ware this CD out.

The Fantastic Leopold Stokowski: Transcriptions For Orchestra Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach - Stokowski Stokowski's Symphonic Bach, Vol. 2 Stokowski's Symphonic Bach Stokowski's Symphonic Baroque Symphonic Spectacular ASIN: B000003CZD Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

1. Toccata & Fugue In D minor
2. Menuet
3. 'Little' Fugue In G Minor
4. Adagio Sostenuto
5. Hungarian Dance No. 6
6. Clair De Lune
7. F-Dieu A Slle
8. La Cathale Engloutie
9. Prelude In C Sharp Minor
10. Night On Bald Mountain
11. The Great Gate Of Kiev

Customer Reviews:

Magical and Majestic..........2004-12-30

Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops take a break from their usual contemporary program; to perform this eclectic selection of transcriptions by the flamboyant Leopold Stokowski. The novice wouldn't have known that Stokowski got his start in 1909 with the Cincinnati Symphony. I guess they are paying homage to him with this album. Where other discs usually concentrate on just Bach or baroque items; this disc offers orchestrations from Boccherini to Rachmaninoff. The digital recording is fine and detailed complementing the instrumentation. Though purists find Stokowski's meddling offensive, his transcriptions can make classical music more approachable to new ears. Kunzel kind of gives us his version of Stokowki's greatest hits, showing serious affection for the music. You get "Toccata and Fugue"
to start it off, and a very different "Great Gate of Kiev", less congested in orchestration than the Ravel, to end it. Most of the pieces have bombastic finales, which include heavy brass and percussion and even carillons ring out. A very likable program that won't fade with repeated listening. Add a star if your not aware that Stokowki's own recordings of these pieces are still available.

A MUST HAVE!!! Buy two you might ware this CD out........1999-06-12

Arranged by the greatest, conducted by one of the greatest, and performed by the best you could not ask for anything more. These performances will inspire forever. Five stars do not do this music compilation justice!

Average customer rating: A gem from Abbado's past Abbado's early recording of Mussorgsky Mussorgsky's incredible early choral works Buy it for the original 'Night' Infinitely surperior version of "Night on Bald Mountain"

Claudio Abbado Conducts Mussorgsky Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mussorgsky: Pictures at An Exhibition Mussorgsky - Boris Godunov / Kotscherga, Ramey, Lipovsek, Larin, Leiferkus, Langridge, Abbado Mussorgsky: Kovanshchina - Abbado Balakirev: Piano Concertos No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor and No. 2 in E-Flat Major / Rimsky-Korsakov: Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor Rimsky-Korsakov: The Tsar's Bride ASIN: B000003FBY Release Date: 1992-10-05

Tracks:

1. Khovanshchina: Galitsin's Journey
2. Joshua
3. Salammbo: Chorus Of Priestesses
4. Scherzo
5. Destruction Of Sennacherib
6. Night On Bald Mountain
7. Oedipus In Athens
8. Khovanshchina: Prelude
9. Triumphal March

Customer Reviews:

A gem from Abbado's past.......2005-09-04

I think Abbado has evolved into our greatest living conductor, but it was a long road. In the beginning he sowed exceptional promise, but there were years when he turned out careful, well-balanced, uninspiring performances. This isn't one of them, unlike his tchaikovsky with the CSO. He had chemistry with the LSO, and this colleciton of "unknown" Mussorgsky is dramatic and committed from first to last.

Everyone has already pointed that out, but if you have reservations about a conductor who is sometimes demeaned as "a-bored-o" I wanted to alleviate your fears.

Abbado's early recording of Mussorgsky.......2005-08-23

The recording was made before Abbado became the ultimate interpreter of Mussorgsky, but one can see why he became so.

The analog to digital remastering is fine.

The orchestra playing is colourful.

The main reason to purchase it, though, is the repertoire:
Mussorgsky's first version of Night on the Bare Mountain, and the composer's choral works.
All are wonderfully expressed.

I see that Abbado recorded a newer cd of similar content.
Perhaps you should check it out too.

Mussorgsky's incredible early choral works.......2003-09-29

Yes, the original version of "Night on Bald Mountain" performed on this CD is much better than the Rimsky version. It's ferocious and almost terrifying at times. But it is Abbado's recordings of Mussorgsky's early choral works that make this CD such a gem. I have never been able to understand why these brilliant works have not achieved wider currency. Outside of Abbado, very few conductors have recorded these pieces (a Valeri Polyansky CD on Chandos Records has a couple of them and Abbado recorded all of them again for Deutsche Grammophon a few years ago but this CD is sadly not available in the U.S.).

If you are captivated--as I am--by the choral pieces from Boris Godunov and Khovanshchina, then you will surely enjoy Mussorgsky's early choral works. The choral pieces on this CD, though written by a young Mussorgsky, are no less inspired than those from his later operas. "Joshua" and the "Chorus of Priestesses" are from Mussorgsky's first opera Salammbo, which he left unfinished after completing only one act (Salammbo was recorded about 20 years ago in Italy for CBS Records but this recording has unfortunately never been transferred to CD). "The Destruction of Sennacherib" and "Oedipus in Athens" are independent choral pieces, both of which are quite striking and contain moments of great depth. To be sure, there is little of Mussorgsky's more 'advanced' harmony in these pieces, of the sort employed in the song-cycle Sunless, for instance. But it scarcely matters! These pieces stand on their own. The "Destruction Of Sennacherib" contains a central section that is supposed to depict the Angel of Death, which in my view is one of the most arresting and haunting passages in all of Russian--or Western--choral music.

I should also note that the Prelude and Galitsin's Journey from Khovanshchina live up to the quality of Abbado's live recording of the complete Khovanshchina on Deutsche Grammophon. (I have to agree with the other reviewer that Abbado is the greatest conductor of Mussorgsky.) I would frankly recommend all of Abbado's Mussorgsky recordings, but especially his Khovanshchina. If you don't want to get the entire opera, try the Sony CD with Abbado conducting the Berlin Philharmonic, which contains some further excerpts from Khovanshchina not included on the CD under review here. Anatoly Kotcherga's singing on Shaklovity's aria is profoundly moving.

Buy it for the original 'Night'.......2000-06-15

If you've heard Mussorgsky's 'Night on Bald Mountain' before chances are that it was the Rimsky-Korsakov version, which is much more familiar to the world (the introduction is used in countless commercials, movies, TV shows etc. and it was used in a truncated form in Disney's original Fantasia). While Rimsky's version is wonderful and I enjoy it very much, the original surpasses it in both originality and excitement. This piece was radically ahead of its time, so it's no wonder Rimsky toned it down when he re-orchestrated it and rewrote certain parts- he, like most people of the time, probably didn't understand it. Rimsky managed to retain the spookiness of the piece, but what his version lacks is the original's percussive nature and outright savagery. The conclusion of the original is much more exciting than Rimsky's 'morning breaking with church bells'- it represents the orgy of the pagan spirits and witches with much more vividness, and has more of a climax. If you have a recording of the Rimsky version I suggest this strongly, and if you have neither version I suggest it even more.

Besides 'Night' this recording features a very good selection of other Mussorgsky works (most of which are Rimsky versions, though). The 'Chorus of the People in the Temple' from 'Oedipus in Athens' is one of my favorites. Abbado, as usual, is marvelous as are the LSO and Chorus. I'd recommend this CD for the original 'Night' if nothing else.

Infinitely surperior version of "Night on Bald Mountain".......2000-05-24

A superb disc throughout, yet the original version of "Night on Bald Mountain" is what sets it apart. After listening to this rarity I was shocked at the liberties Rimsky-Korsakov took in rewriting it to the more "listener friendly" version most of us are so familiar with. They're two completely different pieces; the original sounding almost as if it could be from the 20th century, while the altered piece retaining a definite romantic sound. I would venture to say that, in its original form, it may well have been inspiration for Stravinsky's "The Rite Of Spring".

The other works are certainly worth a listening as well. Unfortunately, however, most of them are Rimsky-Korsakov versions. It would have been preferable to have all original pieces, but I'll take what I can get.

Average customer rating: Svetlanov does the best Glinka

Glinka: Symphony; Spanish Overture; Music from Prince Kholmsky Manufacturer: Moscow Studio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Glinka-Orchestral Music From the Operas Balakirev-Symphony 2 / Overture on 3 Russian Songs / In Bohemia Glazunov: The Kremlin, From the Middle Ages, etc. Glazunov: The Sea; Oriental Rhapsody; Ballade; Cortège Solonnel Glinka: Life for the Tsar ASIN: B00079W8O0 Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. Symphony On Two Russian Themes In D Minor (Incomplete)
2. Capriccio Brillante On The Aragonesa
3. Souvenirs Of A Summer Night In Madrid
4. Valse Fantaisie In B Minor
5. Overture
6. Entr'Acte To Act II
7. Entr'Acte To Act III
8. Entr'Acte To Act IV
9. Entr'Acte To Act V
10. Premiere Polka

Customer Reviews:

Svetlanov does the best Glinka.......2005-03-24

This CD is great. It has common Glinka pieces like the 2 Spanish Overtures and Valse Fantaisie, and hard to find works like his incomplete symphony, orchestral music from Prince Kholmsky and the Premier Polka.

If you have any of these pieces already, then this CD is still worth the $10 because Svetlanov does the best Glinka. These recordings will blow away your older Glinka recordings. The clarity in the Spanish Overtures brings out the timpani instruments better than any other recording that I have.

If you are a fan of Borodin's Steppes of Central Asia, then listen carefully to the Glinka Incomplete Symphony on this CD, which uses the same theme. Guess it was a old Russian theme. The final piece on the CD, the Premiere Polka, is quite jolly, but leaves you wishing for more music. Why didn't you write more music Mr. Glinka?

Average customer rating: Rachmaninov of majestic poise, technique Making sense of the second

Simon Trpceski Plays Rachmaninoff Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Simon Trpceski Plays Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, Stravinsky, Prokofiev Chopin: Sonata No. 2; 4 Scherzos Chopin: Ballades, Mazurkas, Polonaises Saint-Saëns: The Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra Rachmaninov: Moments musicaux ASIN: B0006SGEQA Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

1. Prelude Op.23 No.2 In B Flat Major
2. 'Siren' Op.21 No.5
3. Prelude Op.23 No.1 In F Sharp Minor
4. Prelude Op.23 No.10 In G Flat Major
5. Prelude Op.32 No.12 In G Sharp Minor
6. Lullaby
7. Prelude Op.32 No.2 In B Flat Minor
8. 'Margaritki' Op.38 No.3
9. The Flight Of The Bumblebee
10. Prelude Op.23 No.5 In G Minor
11. Prelude Op.23 No.4 In D Major
12. Scherzo
13. Prelude Op.3 No.2 In C Sharp Minor
14. I. Allegro Agitato
15. II. Non Allegro
16. III. Allegro Molto-Poco Meno Mosso-Presto

Amazon.com

This is only Simon Trpceski's second recording, but it sounds like the work of a far more experienced pianist. Although the opening Prelude (Op. 23, No. 2) starts things off with quite a bang, the pianist is quite up to the challenge. He then goes on to offer a very well-planned recital, alternating familiar and unfamiliar items and offering a wide variety of moods. The producer has even varied the amount of time between tracks, adding to the impression that we are listening to a real recital. Best of all, Trpceski proves to be a gifted Rachmaninov player. He offers tonal variety in his playing which is sometimes even reminiscent of Richter--the highest praise this reviewer has to offer. And in the bombastic Second Sonata, Trpceski plays with such conviction and resource that he has convinced at least one previously-skeptical listener that this piece is actually worth hearing. Even if your collection is already well supplied with Rachmaninov piano music, this disc is still worth a try. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninov of majestic poise, technique.......2005-04-07

The name Simon Trpceski, until I heard this disc, was but a name in passing this past year or so, among those of so many pianists, but no longer. This all-Rachmaninov program includes the 1931 revised edition of the Sonata No. 2, eight etudes (the famous C-Sharp Minor from the five pieces of Opus 3, five from Opus 23, two from Opus 32), and five transcriptions. Transcriptions for two of the composer's most familiar songs (Daisies or "Marguerites", 'Margaratki' if you will, and Lilacs or 'Siren'' from his Opus 38) are here and also the composer's last transcription - of a cradle song written by a young Tchaikovsky, possibly for the wife of Rimsky-Korsakov.

The first track on this disc sets things immediately ablaze with the celebrated B-Flat Major Prelude from Opus 23, as several writers have noted already. What got me were the cascades of octaves and thirds at pianissimo, seamlessly from what had preceded it and the same way with the rapid filigree that spins off from everything toward the end. Lilacs (from the composer's Opus 21 collection of twelve songs) is turned into a shimmering Debussy-esque landscape of colours and half-tones, without losing any sense of line. Ironically, Daisies, with tune similar in character to that found in Sadko, Trpceski delivers with the greater melodiousness and with also a wild flourish (marked mezzo forte) at the end - whereas Ashkenazy, to opposite ends, opts for understatement. The composer's last set of songs from which Daisies come are settings of prominent Russian Symbolist poets of the period to music.

In the two preludes that follow Siren', Trpceski engages us in controversially slow takes on each, and each featuring quite steeply terraced climaxes for both - especially on a more than usually despairing F-sharp Minor that opens Opus 23 (less defiant, as especially with the deleted Kocsis on Philips, than usual) and also for the gentle, Chopinesque G-Flat from Opus 32, the Orientalesque episode (again) toward the end of which wafts an abundance of fragrance here. I despair, however, for not being able to report that any risk-taking, such as cited above, makes for any vulgar playing in the least from this pianist.

Trpceski is equally unabashed at taking on the climax of the celebrated D Major cavatina from Opus 23, though stopping well short of making Mario Lanza out of it, by the end of page 1, as with Van Cliburn. Add on the slow-tempo list the famous G Minor, during which Trpceski makes something truly haunting and spectral for the retransition to the reprise of the A section, and emotionally firm, reticent about his way of it the entire way. Somewhat lachrymose is the opening of the B-Flat Minor Prelude (strategically followed here by 'Margaratki') but midway challenges Kocsis (again) in bringing the daemonic element in it to the forefront as well. Flight of the Bumblebee spins off very deftly as it should, yet Gramophone is not alone in having found the Mendelssohn Scherzo from MND a bit heavy-handed. The transcription of the Tchaikovsky romance is played with gentle pathos, and just as weightlessly as so much before, breaks into the beautiful filigree that Rachmaninov has composed for a coda to it. The G-sharp Minor Prelude is brilliantly, coloristically dispatched at moderate tempo and without any showiness, a la Horowitz or Cliburn.

The B-Flat Minor Sonata ends this disc in the same tonality as and much the same way as it had begun. Perish the thought that is for any lack of technique that Trpceski chooses the revised version (the more frequently played at competitions), over the original. This now could indeed be called its definitive interpretation on disc. The illusion that Trpceski builds of this music not having been truncated (or of perhaps being the original or a bowderlization instead) may seem a bit recidivist. He finds such fullness of expression, that it had to have been for the greater simplicity that Trpceski chose it - and he follows it entirely. It could perhaps serve as a referendum for those who hear a growing chill or fragmentation with late Rachmaninov a little more than perhaps did the composer himself.

The unassuming display of bravura, the cliff dropping cascades of octave and thirds for the segue into the Recapitulation, played in such a way to hear them all as the simple legato harmonic progression they are is again almost terrifying, and without grandstanding by way of jumping over to the original version of the last four measures up to the Recapit, as at least almost all the bowdlerizations on disc give you, including the newest one on DGG. Similar happens with so much of the development section of the finale, and during which Rachmaninov rewrote some accenting (from what it is in the Original Version). Trpceski's poise and tastes are at such a high level, that rest assured, he would not have missed the right accenting (and which most notably Kocsis at least almost alone entirely gets), had he picked the original, and for which Horowitz both times uses the original notation.

The slow movement is played with great tenderness, the right sense of being completely at rest, and beautiful tone, as are the Meno mosso sections of the two outer movements. A possible encore for this program could have been perhaps the G Major Prelude from Opus 32, a piece I was introduced to by the wonderful EMI recording by a young Geza Anda, playing of which Trpceski might remind a few listeners. There is nevertheless a full 69 minutes of playing time here - no reason at all for complaint. Richter or the composer may be the last word on simplicity for a few of the preludes here. This is, however, playing not to be missed.

Making sense of the second.......2005-02-15

Down through the years I've heard many recordings and performances of Rachmaninov's second piano sonata; however, due to (I'm sure) something lacking within me, I've never been able to appreciate the work. This recording with Simon Trpceski "turned the light on" for me, and for once I actually liked the work and was emotionally moved by it. His technique is astounding and , to me for the first time, it did not sound as if the pianist was pounding the piano with his fists-the work's beautiful melodies were revealed to me for the first time.
The shorter works on the recording are also played very well, but the second sonata, for me is the standout.
The sound and musical programming are also outstanding!

Average customer rating:

Red Army Chorus: The Best of the Original Ensemble Manufacturer: Analekta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Best of the Red Army Choir Alexandrovci Soviet Army Chorus & Band Echoes of a Red Empire Kalinka ASIN: B00005UCGV Release Date: 2002-04-30

Tracks:

1. Rider's March
2. Troika
3. Little Field
4. When The Soldiers Sing
5. Nightingales
6. Dark Eyes
7. Kossack's Song
8. Let's Drink!
9. Song Of The Volga Boat Men
10. Russian Song
11. Kalinka
12. Farewell Song
13. Escamillo Couplets
14. Dear Soul
15. Ukrainian Folk Song
16. Moscow Nights
17. May Nights
18. I Got Plenty Of Nothing
19. Granada
20. National Anthem Of The USSR

Average customer rating: All the best Truly essential

Essential Rachmaninov Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | 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 General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Tchaikovsky Essential Bach Essential Beethoven Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces ASIN: B00005Y2JD Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: I. Moderato - Vladimir Ashkenazy
2. Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
3. Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: III. Allegro Scherzando - Vladimir Ashkenazy
4. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Renee Fleming
5. Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.3 No.2 - Vladimir Ashknazy
6. Suite No.1 For Two Pianos, Op.5: IV Paques: Allegro Maestoso - Andre Previn
7. Symphony No.2 In E Minor, Op.27: III. Adagio - Valery Gergiev
8. Piano Concerto In No.4 in G Minor, Op.40: II. Largo - Vladimir Ashkenazy
9. Symphonic Dances, Op.45: I. Non Allegro - Concertgebouw Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43 - Zoltan Kocsis
2. Piano Concerto In No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
3. Symphony No.3 In A Minor, Op.44: II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Vivace - Concertgebouw Orchestra
4. Vespers (All-night Vigil), Op.37: Nyne Otpushchayeshi (Kievian Melody): Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart In Peace - St. Petersburg Chamber Choir
5. Prelude In G Minor, Op.23 No.5 - Rafael Orozco
6. Romance In F Minor - Julian Lloyd Webber
7. Liebesfreud - Sergei Rachmaninoff
8. Symphony No.1 In D Minor, Op.13: IV. Allegro Con Fuoco - Concertgebouw Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

All the best.......2005-01-29

This splendid collection of Rachmaninov is a must-have for fans of classical. Wonderful for quiet evenings at home, the background for romantic dinners, or just to enjoy on the drive to work. It's called "Classical Music" for a good reason.

Truly essential.......2004-02-22

You can see the track listing above, so you can decide for yourself if what you want it on it. I bought it mainly for the second piano concerto so I'll only review that part thoroughly.

I spent a while looking for a good Rachmaninov CD. My main objective was to find a nice version of Piano Concerto No. 2, and I can safely say mission accomplished.

Vladimir Ashkenazy does a good job with the solo piano and it moves at a pace to which I am accustomed. (Is it wrong to not like the composer's intentions? :) ) I actually prefer a performance with the London Philharmonic from the 70s slightly more than this, but all the recordings of that have a prominent hiss.

That brings me to the audio quality. Its Much better than most Rachmaninoff CDs I have found, as it has been digitally remastered. But I was a little dissapointed when playing it on my dad's audio-phile surround sound system. I felt like I was being fed the music in one lump instead of a weave of the different tones and timbres. But that's no reason not to buy it; it still sounds great on my stereo, my car stereo, and my computer speakers (I have good computer speakers) I may have been expecting too much from my dad's audio system.

In conclusion, this two disc set has nearly everything else you would want from Rachmaninoff. (They don't call it essential for nothing) There is no background hiss or hum, and the choice of performances is excellent.

Average customer rating:

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