Piano Reflections

Amazon.com essential recording
These 1953 recordings brought Duke the pianist into clear focus, proving him to be a clever, quirky, thoughtful, and bold improviser--often simultaneously. Ellington wrote 8 of these 15 cuts specifically for this record, while offering new interpretations of classics such as "Prelude to a Kiss," "In a Sentimental Mood," and "All Too Soon" plus Billy Strayhorn's delicate "Passion Flower" and son Mercer's "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." As strong as those readings are, the highlights here are the new pieces. "Reflections in D," "Retrospection," and "Melancholia" are spooky-but-serene tone poems; "Montevideo" and "Kinda Dukish" (actually the introduction to "Rockin' in Rhythm") are jagged and urgent; and "Janet," a two-minute suite in three parts, combines both moods. The lesser-known "Dancers in Love" (from The Perfume Suite) receives a delightful treatment that shows just how much can be said with one title and two minutes. --Marc Greilsamer

Piano Reflections,Duke Ellington,Blue Note Records,Big Band,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Swing

Average customer rating: Exquisite music beautiful reflections The Best Yet another Spanish guitar music.... Simple beauty

Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar David Russell , Isaac Albeniz , Enrique Granados , Joaquin Malats , Francisco Tarrega , and Antonio Ruiz-Pipo Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar Spanish Guitar Music 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B00005V0WV Release Date: 2002-01-22

Tracks:

1. Serenata espanola (Joaquin Malats)
2. Capricho Arabe (Francisco Tarrega)
3. Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Francisco Tarrega)
4. Andaluza (Spanish Dance No. 5) (Enrique Granados)
5. Danza melancolica (Spanish Dance No. 10) (Enrique Granados)
6. La Maja de Goya (from Tonadillas al estila antiguo) (Enrique Granados)
7. Valses poeticos - Vivace, poeticos, Tempo de vals noble, Tempo de vals lento, Allegro humoristico, Allegretto, Sentimental, Vivo, Presto (Enrique Granados)
8. Sevilla (from Suite espanola, Op. 47) (Isaac Albeniz)
9. Mallorca, Op. 202 (Isaac Albeniz)
10. Asturias (from Suite espanola, Op. 47) (Isaac Albeniz)
11. Cancion y Danza No. 1 (Antonio Ruiz-Pipo)

Amazon.com

David Russell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but his family moved to Spain while he was still a young boy so he could study music in the birthplace of classical guitar. On Reflections of Spain, Russell plays the music of his childhood home with all the joy you would expect from someone revisiting a beloved place. Russell's formidable technique is powered by a keen intelligence and tempered by an emotional delivery. He plays chestnuts like Tarrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and Albeinez's "Austurias" with a fond intimacy that rescues them from cliché. Perhaps the finest moments on the CD are Russell's guitar arrangements of four of Granados's compositions. Although Granados wrote pieces like "Danza Melancolia" and "Andaluza" for piano, Russell's thoughtful versions remind us that the folk dances that inspired them were originally accompanied by the guitar. David Russell is one the finest classical guitarists to emerge in recent years, and his playing on Reflections of Spain is a near perfect wedding of technique and temperament. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite music.......2007-06-09

This is my most favorite CD. David Russell has exquisite taste and exquisite execution. He is an absolute master of the classic Spanish guitar, and he shows off this mastery in this beautiful CD. Each piece is a joy to savor. His crystalline technique makes this a superb addition to anyone's collection. You will smell the lemon blossoms in the courtyard of the Mezquita in Cordoba when you listen to this marvelous recording.

beautiful reflections.......2006-07-07

Having just returned to England after a long spell living in Spain I was searching for an evocative suite of Spanish guitar music to accompany my extensive array of photographic studies. Being familiar with the work 'Recuerdos de la Alhambra' I was immediately attracted to this compilation: 'Reflections of Spain'. The music was a revelation. David Russel made the guitar sing lyrically, recalling many bitter sweet moments of life in Iberia. The light and shade of the choices included covered such a broad scope as to fit my purpose exactly and give enjoyment better than I could have hoped for.

The Best.......2006-04-16

This is the best Spanish guitar CDs that I have found. Even with "Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces" having more tracks and two CDs, this is better material. I am not saying that "33 Guitar Masterpiece" was bad, I actually rate it second. No need to skip through "Reflections" like many other compilations of this mixed type CD. The quaility is crisp but lower overall peak (loudness) sound compared to some of my other CDs. Read reviews of other CDs of this type because there is many that have substandard recording measures. I believe this is a must for the any guitar lover!!!

Yet another Spanish guitar music...........2006-03-09

Like every one else I have probably heard all other worthy versions of most of these tunes....I happened to find out about David Russell via reading a bio of Barrios and recommended recordings....it said...Dave Russell is the man...I had not heard of him before that...I got the CD...and WOW...!!then I got interested in his music so I bought anything I could from him including the Aire latino , plays Bach and this one....this guy was born to play the classical guitar...

This is the first artist that I hear uses proper dynamics in his performance...the rest of the pack do not nearly use the guitar as a guitar they use it just another vehicle to play a composition....David's strumming...pulling pushing the music and his singing tone is above all others...not as controled as other classical players....if people played the guitar as a guitar not as a lute..or harpsicored or a piano...then this is what it should sound like...acoustic guitar's range is very limited ...but in the hands of a master...there are no limits....

Simple beauty.......2005-09-05

The combination of scottish genes and Spanish environment upbringing, and so much unseen work and talent comes out as simple beauty. The guitar is played as if effortlessly on all these wonderful famous classical guitar pieces. I happened to listen to the same pieces played live by a great guitarist in Spain this summer. Of course this CD is registered in a studio, but still the style and sounds coming from David Russell's guitar are incomparable. The CD is a beautiful gift. I tried it with different people and they all loved it and couldn't help listening to it right away. You won't wait to see David Russel on stage playing these live!

Average customer rating: Wonderful Music Ken Ballantyne Exceptional ! ! ! Wonderful!

Piano Reflections Kelly Yost Manufacturer: Channel Productions ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music | Ambient | Celtic | Environmental | General | International | Jazz | Meditation Music | Piano | World Dance Similar Items: Roses and Solitude Rosa Mystica Feather on the Breath of God Simple Abundance: Music of Comfort and Joy Simple Abundance : A Daybook of Comfort and Joy ASIN: B000006LWL Release Date: 1992-09-24

Tracks:

1. Swan
2. Trerei, Op. 15, No. 7
3. Jennifer's Song
4. Largo from Concerto in F Minor
5. Andante from Sonatina Op. 36, No 1
6. Gymnope No. 1
7. Prelude in C Major
8. Largo in E-Flat Major
9. Canon (Over a Basso Ostinato)
10. Nocturne I
11. Adagio from Sonata Op. 13 [Excerpt]
12. Impromptu, Op. 34, No. 3 [Excerpt]
13. Minuet in G
14. Of Foriegn Lands and People Op. 15, No. 1
15. Reflections in the Rain
16. Gymnope II
17. Arietta Can Variazioni [Excerpt]
18. Prelude in a Major
19. Last Spring
20. Waltz, Op. 39, No. 15
21. Reverie

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Music.......2007-07-05

I had enjoyed this album of piano music years ago on a cassette tape. I wondered where I might find a copy of the music on CD. Amazon came through with a used copy. It took a couple of weeks to get it, but I have really enjoyed having the music once again. Because it is a 22 year old CD, I had to tag it manually for album art and information, but that is to be expected. The music is great for late night relaxing and stress reduction.

Ken Ballantyne.......2006-04-24

Music preformed in a relaxing, beautiful, and heart felt manner. It is a must to have.

Exceptional ! ! !.......2003-11-21

Beautiful interpretations of classic pieces. Ms. Yost. please record more like this.

Wonderful!.......2003-07-13

I bought the cassette tape of this album when it came out. Now in 2003, I still listen to it regularly. It's simple, beautifully played music of the classics is very relaxing. If you need a tranquil moment, play this CD.

Average customer rating: Ellington is the best 1953 piano trio recordings. Great piano playing in small ensemble Masterful! ...if the world was right:

Piano Reflections Duke Ellington Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Swing Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Piano in the Foreground The Pianist The Great Summit: The Master Takes Masterpieces by Ellington Blues in Orbit ASIN: B000005HFA Release Date: 1989-09-20

Tracks:

1. Who Knows?
2. Retrospection
3. B Sharp Blues
4. Passion Flower
5. Dancers In Love
6. Reflections In D
7. Melancholia
8. Prelude To A Kiss
9. In A Sentimental Mood
10. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
11. All Too Soon
12. Janet
13. Kinda Dukish
14. Montevideo (AKA Night Time)
15. December Blue

Amazon.com essential recording

These 1953 recordings brought Duke the pianist into clear focus, proving him to be a clever, quirky, thoughtful, and bold improviser--often simultaneously. Ellington wrote 8 of these 15 cuts specifically for this record, while offering new interpretations of classics such as "Prelude to a Kiss," "In a Sentimental Mood," and "All Too Soon" plus Billy Strayhorn's delicate "Passion Flower" and son Mercer's "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." As strong as those readings are, the highlights here are the new pieces. "Reflections in D," "Retrospection," and "Melancholia" are spooky-but-serene tone poems; "Montevideo" and "Kinda Dukish" (actually the introduction to "Rockin' in Rhythm") are jagged and urgent; and "Janet," a two-minute suite in three parts, combines both moods. The lesser-known "Dancers in Love" (from The Perfume Suite) receives a delightful treatment that shows just how much can be said with one title and two minutes. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Ellington is the best.......2007-05-07

Great cd, low price, shipped quickly, what more could you ask for?

1953 piano trio recordings........2007-02-25

wonderful stuff, these piano trio recordings from 1953 show duke ellington could well have carved a place in the world of jazz for himself even without his virtuoso big band skills. his playing is bright and inventive with a touch perfectly intune with nuances to be found in a song. i love this album and highly recommend it to ellington lovers, or lovers of jazz piano trio recordings. i surely do.

Great piano playing in small ensemble.......2006-03-31

This is a great showcase of the Duke's piano virtuosity -- not to mention his beautiful compositions. Not a perfect recording, though, since there's a fair amount of high-end hiss, but still quite enjoyable. Almost as good as Money Jungle!

Masterful!.......2003-07-23

There's not much to add to what the other reviewers have said. I've owned the LP of this album since the 70s, and it's just flat-out wonderful!

Ellington is generally remembered as a genius composer and bandleader, but he was also an ace pianist. These solo and trio performances show that his unique style encompassed everything from the stride/ragtime/barrelhouse styles he heard in his youth to the sophisticated chromatic "modern" approach of the 50s. And he could be just as expressive alone on the piano as with his orchestra full of monster soloists...

Great stuff!

(Also recommended for hearing Duke as pianist: the 1961 sessions with Louis Armstrong, now available in a couple of different CD packages. Fantastic!)

...if the world was right:.......2002-03-21

- you should be able to turn on any radio station in america and have a one in twenty chance of hearing at least ONE duke ellington composed or played song...give the man two and a half minutes and you gonna get you somethin classic, believe that!!!

(why dont we have a holiday here that recognizes the achievements of our artistic legends? it would be nice hunh?)

once you learn to appreciate musical giants, such as mr. ellington, the closer you get to joinin the club they call "what-us-grown-folks-be-doin"...

...i grew up on r&b that was good for my soul and hip-hop which toyed with my intelligence...but a good jazz album is good for the spirit because it bridges both...if brother duke aint for you, then look around, there is plenty of good stuff out there...

Average customer rating: An absolute joy CD review

Debussy at Dawn Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | 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 Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Detroit Symphony Orchestra | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Rachmaninoff for a Rainy Day Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion Bach for Breakfast Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire ASIN: B0000041O4 Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

1. Suite Bergamasque: Clair de lune
2. The Sea At Dawn
3. Dances For Harp & Orchestra - Sacred Dance
4. Suite Bergamasque: Prelude
5. La Plus Que Lente
6. La fille aux cheveux de lin (The Girl With The Flaxen Hair)
7. Prelude No. 11 For Composed Arpeggios
8. Nocturnes for Orchestra - Nuages
9. Pour le piano - Sarabande
10. Images: Lent
11. Images: Souvenir de Louvre
12. Images: Images - Book 1, Reflections In The Water
13. Images: Rhapsody For Clarinet & Orchestra
14. Images: Nocturnes for Orchestra - Sirenes

Customer Reviews:

An absolute joy.......2006-01-26

So many pieces on this album are jewels. "Le fille aux cheveux de lin" and "Nocturnes for Orchestra - Sirenes" are particularly heavenly. "The Sea at Dawn" has an amazing sense of freshness and motion to it and is well placed at the beginning of the CD. A few of the songs on here make excellent background music but lack memorable themes. I wish I could wake up to this CD every morning, truly.

CD review.......2003-04-06

This is a great debussy CD. This CD is my introduction to Debussy, and now debussy is one of my favorite composers. The music in here is relaxing. The performances are excellent also. One complaint, however, is there is a repeat. There are two of the same pieces on the CD. Overall, this is a great CD.

Average customer rating:

Inspector Morse, Volume 3 (English TV Series) Manufacturer: Blue Plate Caroline ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( 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 Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | 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 Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Inspector Morse, Volume 2 (English TV Series) Inspector Morse, Volume 1 (English TV Series) The Magic of Inspector Morse The Complete Inspector Morse Sherlock Holmes TV Soundtrack ASIN: B000003RV1 Release Date: 1996-03-05

Tracks:

1. Eirl Theme
2. Oxford
3. Duet: "Bei Mannern - Welche Liebe Fuhlen" from The Magic Flute
4. Cryptic Contemplation
5. Andante From String Sextet No1 In Bb OP 18
6. Reflections
7. 'Traume' From "Wesendonk-Lieder
8. Generic Morse Music
9. Dark Suspicion
10. Adagio From Piano Concerto K488 In A
11. Apprehension - Confession - Resolution
12. Promised Land
13. "Hab'Mir's Gelobt" from "Der Rosenkavalier"
14. Painful Admissions
15. "Adieu, Notre Petite Table" from "Manon"
16. Quiet Awakening
17. Brunnhilde's Immolation from "Gotterdammerung"
18. Inspector Morse Theme

Average customer rating: Elana kats chernins ragtime and blues post modern ragtime meets palm court

Ragtime & Blue Manufacturer: Signum UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gardens of Anna Maria Luisa de Medici Ballets Russes Diamond Music ASIN: B0009A414M Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Alexander Rag
2. Green Leaf Prelude
3. Russian Rag
4. Get Well Rag
5. Blue Rose
6. Eliza's Aria
7. Backstate Rag
8. Birthday Rag
9. Brothers
10. Peggy's Minute Rag
11. Reflections
12. Cocktail Rag
13. Butterflying
14. Sunday Rag
15. Nostalgic Piece
16. Bucharian Melody
17. Revolving Doors
18. Suburban Rag
19. Sapphire Rag
20. Tranquil Interlude
21. Mute Princess
22. Slicked Back Tango
23. Removalist Rag
24. Melancholic Piece

Customer Reviews:

Elana kats chernins ragtime and blues.......2007-03-12

This album is very good its so nice and peacfull and beutifull, put it this way 'iam normally a heavy metal fan but this album is amazing' i can easily fall asleep listening to this, buy and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

post modern ragtime meets palm court.......2006-04-11

A terrific suite of small pieces suffused with melancholy underneath even the most upbeat melodies. This is a composer with whom I was unfamiliar until seeing a San Francisco Ballet piece choreographed to music from this CD. The program notes to BLUE ROSE which was a World Premiere in the 2006 season say in part:

"On the heels of his decision to create one new work for the 2006 Repertory Season, Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson launched into a second premiere for the Company, Blue Rose. After hearing composer Elena Kats-Chernin's CD Ragtime and Blue, Tomasson couldn't resist. "It's fun-it has a kind of joy to it," he says, and you don't doubt him for a minute-just talking about the music brings a smile to his face." Yu may be able to read more at the SF ballet website www.sfballet.org

Unfortunately the CD seems to be available only via a UK label but it's worth waiting for - I've had it spinning every evening in the two weeks since it arrived.

Average customer rating: Songs for Winter Solstice Sensitive Playing

Romances & Elegies for Viola & Piano Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Carter | Carter, Elliott | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Kodály, Zoltán | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vieuxtemps | Vieuxtemps, Henri | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Sonatas for Viola and Piano / Kashkashian, Levin A Portrait of the Viola Hindemith: Sonatas for viola/piano & viola alone Béla Bartók: Concerto for Viola & Orchestra / Peter Eötvös: Replica / György Kurtág: Movement for Viola & Orchestra - Kim Kashkashian Six Cello Suites performed on viola ASIN: B0000261H6 Release Date: 2000-04-18

Tracks:

1. Lacrymae op.48
2. Romance
3. Elegy
4. Elegie op. 44
5. Romance oubliee
6. Adagio
7. Elegie op.30

Amazon.com

This elegiac music seems very well-suited to the dark sound of the viola. Kashkashian plays it simply and very expressively, without slides or sentimentality; glowing and shimmering, her tone is pure, warm, inflected. The program has great variety. Britten's mournful Lachrymae (Reflections on a Song of John Dowland) comes to an agitated climax and ends with an old chorale. Vaughan Williams's Romance is a peaceful pastoral; Carter's Elegy is somber, gentle, and hardly dissonant; Glasunov's Elegy is very romantic. Liszt's Romance is very rhetorical--half recitation, half lamentation--but ends serenely. Kodály's Adagio, solemn and inward, comes to a passionate climax; the opening returns in the highest register. Vieuxtemps's romantic virtuoso piece has musical substance as well as passion, rhetoric, a big climax, and a wild, brilliant ending. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Songs for Winter Solstice.......2005-12-21

Perhaps none of the composers of this lovely set of works for viola and piano had in mind the death theme surrounding the winter solstice, the end of the season of growing, a time for pause and even sleep to prepare for the rumblings of rebirth, but that is what comes to mind while listening to this very well chosen collection of elegies.

Violist Kim Kashkashian and pianist Robert Levin seem extensions of each other, so well melded are these performances. While most will be familiar with the gorgeous Benjamin Britten 'Lachrymae, reflections on a song of Dowland', there are enough unfamiliar works to spark even the most experienced listener. Some highlights are the Vaughn Williams 'Romance', the Adagio of Zoltan Kodaly, and the Vieuxtemps 'Elegie'. The spectrum even manages to include Elliot Carter's 'Elegy' so you can rest assured there is a wide spread of periods and oddly enough they all create a cohesive program.

Kashkashian's tone is never forced, always refined, and never pushing towards heart on the sleeve. This is a beautiful recording, especially for winter nights. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

Sensitive Playing.......2000-09-01

I was pleased to see this recording By Kim Kashkashian. The interplay between the viola and the piano is exceptional and it is clear these two performers have a fine sense of the music. The typical ECM recording excellence adds to this effect. This is twentieth century and somber music. The warmth of Kashkashian's viola makes this recording the perfect match for a fine bordeaux and a quiet evening of listening.

Average customer rating: Terrific for harp and asian/water sound lovers my new Kondonassis favorite SUBMERGE YOURSELF!!! Wow! hauntingly beautiful harp music

Pictures of the Floating World Marcel Tournier , Claude Debussy , Michio Miyagi , Alphonse Hasselmans , Yolanda Kondonassis , George Rochberg , and Jacques Ibert Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ibert, Jacques | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Quietude Sky Music Debussy's Harp A New Baroque Romantic Harp ASIN: B000007OMD Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

1. Small River Flowing
2. By The Brook In The Woods
3. On The Boat
4. Ocean In Springtime
5. The Brook
6. Liquid Shadows
7. The Sunken Cathedral
8. Pictures Of The Floating World
9. Reflections In The Water

Customer Reviews:

Terrific for harp and asian/water sound lovers.......2005-08-30

This is the first harp-intensive CD I have bought, purchased after hearing selections from it on my classical music station, WGMS. Its even better than I expected. I love this CD! It is a great combination of familiar music by Debussy and other selections reminiscent of the flow and play of water, some with an wonderful asian flavor. This product would be great for soft mood music, background sound for an intimate dinner, etc. If you want or need only one harp CD, make this the one!!!

my new Kondonassis favorite.......2005-07-16

I needed a new CD player for my new relax space...Because this CD is my new "must have /required/ part of relax time".....the title "fits"...

SUBMERGE YOURSELF!!!.......2003-07-15

Tapping into the "mythological mystique" of the harp, and having "been mesmerized by water" since she "was a little girl," Yolanda Kondonassis compels our attention and praise with her atmospheric and flowing recital of "liquid thoughts," the aim of which is to musically combine and conceptualize conscious and subconscious images of brooks, rivers, oceans and imaginary universes of water. Drawing on a diverse collection of composers--- from Debussy [1862-1918] and Marcel Tournier [1879-1951] through the lesser known Michio Miyagi [1894-1956] and Alphonse Hasselmans [1845-1912] to George Rochberg [b.1918], whose own surprisingly luminous work, "Ukiyo-E," from the Japanese "Pictures of the Floating World," and, evocatively enough, the apt title of the CD is, at nearly thirteen minutes, the longest composition--- Kondonassis graces us. Her playing is subtle, caressing, fabulously impressionistic, and never less than convincing in establishing an inspired, other-worldly ambience. As well, with her own mysterious and memorable piece, "Liquid Shadows," she delves even further into moody fantasy. Due to the extraordinary ability of the harp to easily transport us to the most pleasurable of aural places, the enveloped listener is simply a captive audience, especially when the works are as remarkably meditative, reflective and soothing as they are here.

[Running time: 54:29]

Wow!.......2002-05-22

This is really a fantastically beautiful sounding CD. It is so dignified and spacey at the same time. The selections are extremely eclectic....a little Debussy...a little koto music....an orginal piece..but it all fits together and sounds very natural. If you are interested in something to listen to with the lights turned low, I don't think you can go wrong here.

hauntingly beautiful harp music.......1998-12-11

This is the most hauntingly, surreal, beautiful harp recording I have ever heard. I use it in my massage therapy practice all the time. Just perfect for relaxing to!!

Average customer rating: More than the sum of its parts deft sense of humour shines through every flickering gesture Amazing but Underperformed summa Don't overdo the math

Milton Babbitt: Philomel Manufacturer: New World Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Occasional Variations I Am Sitting in a Room Music Of Silvestre Revueltas Boulez: Pli selon Pli Stockhausen: Stimmung ASIN: B0000030IM Release Date: 1995-05-30

Tracks:

1. Philomel: Philomel For Soprano, Recorded Soprano, And Synthesized Sound
2. Philomel: Phonemena For Soprano And Piano
3. Philomel: Phonemena For Soprano And Tape
4. Philomel: Post-Paritions
5. Philomel: Reflection For Piano And Synthesized Tape

Amazon.com

Milton Babbitt is one of the first major U.S.-born academic composers, and he helped found the enormously influential Electronic Music Center of Columbia-Princeton Universities. His 1964 piece, Philomel, is a pivotal work for Babbitt--and for avant-garde New Music. It combines Bethany Beardslee's wavering, halting soprano with ample helpings of synthesized electronics. Blipping emanations dot Beardslee's vocal testament, and Babbitt explores an astonishing range of what electronics can do, either in duet with a voice or in solo contexts. Rounding out this collection are equally key pieces examining ways that piano can interact with voice and synthesized tape, as well as pieces that further push the envelope on the soprano voice. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

More than the sum of its parts.......2006-04-20

Philomel is amazing. The use of many different 20th century styles and techniques - serialism, musique concrete, electronic music, sprechgesang - is breathtaking in and of itself. However, this work is about more than Babbitt showing how much he knows and what he can do - the styles used are generated by the text, resulting in highly emotional and expressive music. Anyone who doesn't like this should just go watch "American Idol" and leave the rest of us alone.

deft sense of humour shines through every flickering gesture.......2006-01-16

Philomel is an utter delight:fear not,you can cast the maths aside when listening to Babbitt's music because it sounds so good on it's own terms.For once atonal music for the voice which doesn't sound persistently anguished!

Amazing but Underperformed.......2004-10-17

Of the numerous works and studies on this CD, "Philomel" stands out the most. Remember that this was one of the earliest symphonic works involving synthesized sound. Babbitt labored for years on a rickety punch-card era machine without preset channels or sampled sound, beginning from scratch sometime around 1960. It took that long to get the sound that he was looking for.

Regarding the other works on this CD: Sadly, even with the playability of Phon. for Soprano & Piano, Post-Partitions, and even Reflections, these are almost never selected for performance. Post-Partitions is attractive for Babbitt's use of "dyads," if we can even apply that term to music.

summa.......2001-11-22

Erwartung + Kontakte = Philomel.
Love it or leave it.
Do I need to say anything else?

Don't overdo the math.......2000-10-26

Babbitt is interested in how details relate to deeper structure. To achieve this there must be deeper structure, and in Babbitt's music there is the most impressive, Brahmsian depth of structure. Some of the ways of achieving this can be described in mathematical terms, but to make it work so beautifully is wholly a musical issue. One can describe bad music in mathematical terms to, likewise simple music. Babbitt improvises with his material until everthing sounds in a compelling way. Babbitt's music, as well as the music of Bach, Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms requires 3-d hearing. It's a bit like the computer generated images that require the proper focusing of the eye to see the 3-dimensioanl figures. When one gets Babbitt's music properly in focus, there is nothing quite so satisfying

Average customer rating:

Reflections Ann Sweeten Manufacturer: Orange Band Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Place in the Sun Sapphire Days Prism Passage Christmas Presence ASIN: B00005AWNT Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

1. Mohegan Breeze
2. Cafindow
3. Quiet Goodbyes
4. Swans on the Suquehannah
5. Ripples on the Harbor
6. Rainswept Slumber
7. Roof with a View
8. Lucaya
9. Resolution
10. Mirage
11. Reflections
12. Watercolors
13. An Early Fall

Album Description

"Exquisite piano playing...Reflections is pure poetry." -NEW AGE RETAILER

Another beautiful disc from Ann Sweeten, internationally celebrated composer/pianist and music awards nominee (NAR Lifestyle Music Awards 2004/JPF Music Awards 2004) and ASCAP Popular Awards Recipient 2002-2005.

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