67-85 [Import]

Product Description
A complete greatest hits compilation from the Italian progressive rock icons, features 39 tracks including 2 bonus tracks, 'Nico, Gianni, Frank, Maurizio, L'Amico Della Porta Accanto' & 'Tritons (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction'. WEA. 2004.

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Allegro maestoso risoluto
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Romanze (Larghetto) -
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor, Op. 11: Rondo vivace
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F minor, Op. 21: Allegro vivace
Waltz In C Sharp Minor, Op. 64, No. 2
Nocturne No. 1 In B Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2
Nocturne No. 3 In B Major, Op. 9 No. 3

Tracks:

Nocturne No. 4 In F Major, Op. 15 No. 1
Nocturne No. 5 In F Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2
Nocturne No. 6 In G Minor, Op. 15 No. 3
Nocturne No. 7 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 1
Nocturne No. 8 In D Flat Major, Op. 27 No. 2
Nocturne No. 9 In B Major, Op. 32 No. 1
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat Major, Op. 32 No. 2
Nocturne No. 11 In G Minor, Op. 37 No. 1
Nocturne No. 12 In G Major, Op. 37 No. 2
Nocturne No. 13 In C Minor, Op. 48 No. 1
Nocturne No. 14 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 48 No. 2
Nocturne No. 15 In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1
Nocturne No. 16 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 No. 2
Nocturne No. 17 In B Major, Op. 62 No. 1
Nocturne No. 18 In E Major, Op. 62 No. 2
Nocturne No. 19 In E Minor, Op. 71 No. 1 (posth.)

Tracks:

Waltz In A-Flat Major, Op. 34, No. 1
Mazurka In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 6, No.1
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 6, No.2
Mazurka In E-Major, Op. 6, No.3
Mazurka In E-Flat Major, Op.6, No.4
Mazurka In B-Flat Major, Op. 7, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 7, No.2
Mazurka In F-Minor, Op. 7, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 7, No.4
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 7, No. 5
Mazurka In B-Flat Major, Op. 17, No.1
Mazurka In E-Minor, Op. 17, No. 2
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 17, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 17, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Minor, Op. 24, No. 1
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 24, No. 2
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 24, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Flat Minor, Op. 24, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 30, No. 1
Mazurka In B-Minor, Op. 30, No. 2
Mazurka In D-Flat Major, Op. 30, No. 3
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Sharp Minor, Op. 33, No. 1
Mazurka In D-Major, Op. 33, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 33, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Minor, Op. 33, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 41, No. 1
Mazurka In E-Minor, Op. 41, No. 2
Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 41, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 42, No. 4
Mazurka In G-Major, Op. 50, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 50, No. 3

Tracks:

Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 56, No. 1
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 59, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Flat Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Mazurka In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 56, No. 3
Mazurka In B-Major, Op. 63, No. 1
Mazurka In F-Minor, Op. 63, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Sharp minor, Op. 63, No. 3
Mazurka In G-Major, Op. 67, No. 1
Mazurka In G-Minor, Op. 67, No. 2
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 67, No. 3
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 67, No. 4
Mazurka In C-Major, Op. 68, No. 1
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. 68, No. 2
Mazurka In F-Major, Op. 68, No. 3
Mazurka In F-Monor, Op. 68, No. 4
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. Posth. (A son ami Emile Gaillard)
Mazurka In A-Minor, Op. posth. (Notre temps)
Scherzi In B-Minor, Op. 20
Scherzi In B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
Scherzi In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39
Scherzi In E-Major, Op. 54

Tracks:

Barcaolle In F-Sharp Major, Op. 60
Berseuse In D-Flar Major
Polonaise In C-Sharp Major, Op. 26, No. 1
Polonaise In E-Flat Major, Op. 26, No.2
Polonaise In A-Major, Op. 40, No. 1
Polonaise In C-Minor, Op. 40, No. 2
Polonaise In F-Sharp Major, Op. 44
Polonaise In A-Flat Major, Op. 53 (Heroic)
Polonaise In A-Flat Major, Op. 61 (Polonaise-Fantaisie)
Andante splanato & polonaise brillante In E-Flat Major, Op. 22

Customer Reviews:

THE GREATEST OF CHOPIN PIANISTS.......2007-03-01

These are the earlier discs of Rubinstein's Chopin, recorded by HMV in London during the 1930's. It is less complete than his later recordings for RCA - no Sonatas, no Ballades, no Etudes. The sound is naturally of its time - but in many ways more natural than the sharply-lit, slightly edgy piano sound RCA favoured in the 50's and 60's. Nevertheless, these are the Chopin performances I return to most.

Rubinstein's natural affinity with Chopin is legendary. He seemed always able to capture precisely the right degree of rubato at exactly the right moment in these pieces. And he had a unique ability in his countryman's music to balance the lyrical with the impassioned, what seems completely spontaneous with what is clearly deeply considered. The Nocturnes here are, I think, the best you'll hear anywhere on disc. In the greatest of them - the Opp.37 & 48 sets, for example - Rubinstein gets the contrast between the dreamy nocturnal outer sections with the darker, more impassioned central sections just right. These are not salon miniatures in his hands but big works, if not in length then in content. And no-one can match Rubinstein in the elusive diversity of this complete set of Mazurkas. The two Concerti both have Barbirolli as the sympathetic conductor, following Rubinstein's lead in the ebb and flow of phrases and whole sections of these gorgeous and often maligned works. Interestingly the recording of Concerto No.2 (actually the first composed) dates from before the pianist's famous withdrawal from public performance to reconstruct his technique and his approach, that of Concerto No.1 from after. Perhaps one can detect a touch more maturity and refinement in his approach to the latter, but they are both ravishing performances.

Many of the performances on these 5 discs are the greatest Chopin you're likely to hear. And the ear soon adjusts to the somewhat old-fashioned recorded piano sound. This is a highly desirable set for any lover of Chopin and/or great piano playing.

The greatest interpretation.......2007-02-17

The interpretation is stunning. Mono - but no matter for solo piano - and a wee bit hissy but still quite superb.

Not such a great album.......2007-01-12

This album was recorded from records as you can hear the scratches and skips. Don't recommend it!

Love it........2006-06-22

This is my favorite album. I think that not even Rubinstein's later recordings attain this quality of musical involvment.

There is a fair amount of background noise, but the music helps to forget it rather quickly overall.

RECORDING QUALITY IS A FACTOR.......2005-02-10

Otherwise, I would have given 5 stars. The fact that these have a hiss (and you can practically hear him close the piano on several numbers) should be mentioned. I guess we are spoiled to audio quality, but this is an expensive collection and this fact was glaringly omitted. That said, I have enjoyed the recordings, in spite of the very audible hiss.

Average customer rating:

My experience of this CD
Beautiful!
Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!
Best investment to make
A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !

Chopin: The Piano Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Liszt: Piano Works
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Works for Solo Piano
Mozart: The Piano Concertos

ASIN: B0000041KB
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

24 Preludes, Op.28: I - C Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: II - A Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: III - G Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: IV - E Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: V - D Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: VI - B Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: VII - A Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: VIII - F Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: IX - E Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: X - C Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XI - B Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XII - G Sharp Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIII - F Sharp Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIV - E Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XV - D Flat Major 'Raindrop'
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVI - B Flat Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVII - A Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XVIII - F Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XIX - E Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XX - C Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXI - B Flat Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXII - G Minor
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIII - F Major
24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIV - D Minor
Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
Prelude In A Flat Major
Impromptu In A Flat Major, Op.29
Impromptu In F Sharp Major, Op.36
Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.51
Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor, Op.66

Tracks:

Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
Ballade No.2 In F Major, Op.38
Ballade No.3 In A Flat Major, Op.47
Ballade No.4 In F Minor, Op.52
Scherzo No.1 In B Minor, Op.20
Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
Scherzo No.4 In E Minor, Op.54

Tracks:

3 Nocturnes, Op.9: I - B Flat Minor
3 Nocturnes, Op.9: II - E Flat Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.9: III - B Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: I - F Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: II - F Sharp Major
3 Nocturnes, Op.15: III - G Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.27: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.27: II - D Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.32: I - B Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.32: II - A Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.37: I - G Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.37: II - G Major

Tracks:

2 Nocturnes, Op.48: I - C Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.48: II - F Sharp Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.55: I - F Minor
2 Nocturnes, Op.55: II - E Flat Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.62: I - B Major
2 Nocturnes, Op.62: II - E Major
Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1
Nocutrne In C Sharp Minor
Nocturne In C Minor

Tracks:

12 Etudes, Op.10: I - C Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: II - A Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: III - E Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: IV - C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: V - G Flat Major 'Black Key'
12 Etudes, Op.10: VI - E Flat Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: VII - C Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: VIII - F Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: IX - F Minor
12 Etudes, Op.10: X - A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: XI - E Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.10: XII - C Minor 'Revolutionary'
12 Etudes, Op.25: I - A Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: II - F Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: III - F Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: IV - A Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: V - E Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VI - G Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VII - C Sharp Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: VIII - D Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: IX - G Flat Major
12 Etudes, Op.25: X - B Minor
12 Etudes, Op.25: XI - A Minor 'Winter Wind'
12 Etudes, Op.25: XII - C Minor

Tracks:

2 Polonaises, Op.26: I - C Sharp Minor
2 Polonaises, Op.26: II - E Flat Minor
2 Polonaises, Op.40: I - A Major
2 Polonaises, Op.40: II - C Minor
Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44
Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53
Polonaise-fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op.61

Tracks:

3 Polonaises, Op.71: I - D Minor
3 Polonaises, Op.71: II - B Flat Major
3 Polonaises, Op.71: III - F Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Minor
Polonaise In G Flat Major
Polonaise In G Minor
Polonaise In B Flat Major
Polonaise In A Flat Major
Polonaise In G Sharp Minor

Tracks:

Waltz In E Flat Major, Op.18
3 Waltzes, Op.34: I - A Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.34: II - A Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.34: III - F Major
Waltz In A Flat Major, Op.42
3 Waltzes, Op.64: I - D Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.64: II - C Sharp Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.64: III - A Flat Major
2 Waltzes, Op.69: I - A Flat Major
2 Waltzes, Op.69: II - B Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.70: I - G Flat Major
3 Waltzes, Op.70: II - F Minor
3 Waltzes, Op.70: III - D Flat Major
Waltz In E Minor (1830)
Waltz In E Major (1829)
Waltz In A Minor (?1843)
Waltz In A Flat Major (1827)
Waltz In E Flat Major ('Sostenuto', 1840)
Waltz In E Flat Major (1829 - 1830)

Tracks:

4 Mazurkas, Op.6: I - F Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: II - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: III - E Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.6: IV - E Flat Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: I - B Flat Major
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: II - A Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: III - F Minor
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: IV - A Flat Major
5 Mazurkas, Op.7: V - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: I - B Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: II - E Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: III - A Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.17: IV - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: I - G Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: II - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: III - A Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.24: IV - B Flat Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: I - C Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: II - B Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: III - D Flat Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.30: IV - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: I - G Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: II - D Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: III - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.33: IV - B Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: I - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: II - E Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: III - B Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.41: IV - A Flat Major

Tracks:

3 Mazurkas, Op.50: I - G Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.50: II - A Flat Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.50: III - C Sharp Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: I - B Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: II - C Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.56: III - C Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: I - A Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: II - A Flat Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.59: III - F Sharp Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: I - B Major
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: II - F Minor
3 Mazurkas, Op.63: III - C Sharp Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: I - G Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: II - G Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: III - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.67: IV - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: I - C Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: II - A Minor
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: III - F Major
4 Mazurkas, Op.68: IV - F Minor
Mazurka In A Minor ('a Emile Gaillard', 1840)
Mazurka In A Minor ('Notre temps', 1840)
Mazurka In B Flat Major (1826)
Mazurka In G Major (1826)
Mazurka In A Flat Major (1834)
Mazurka In C Major (1833)
Mazurka In B Flat Major (For Alexandra Wolowska, 1832)
Mazurka In D Major (1832)
Mazurka In D Major (?1820)
Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No. 4 - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: I - Grave - Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: II - Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: III - Marche funebre
Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: IV - Finale: Presto
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: I - Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: II - Scherzo: Molto vivace
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: III - Largo
Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: IV - Finale: Presto, non tanto
Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: I - Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: II - Minuetto - Trio
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: III - Larghetto
Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: IV - Finale: Presto
Variations sur un air national allemand - E Major (1826)
Rondo In C Minor, Op.1
3 Ecossaises, Op.72 No.3: I - D Major; II - G Major; III - D Flat Major
Rondo 'a la Mazur' In F Major, Op.5
Marche funebre In C Minor, Op.72 No.2
Contredanse In G Flat Major (?1827) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Rondo In C Major, Op.73 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Variations In D Major For Piano Duet (1826) - Vladimir Ashkenazy

Tracks:

Variations In A Major ('Souvenir de Paganini', 1829)
Variations brillantes In B Flat Major, Op.12
Rondo In E Flat Major, Op.16
Bolero In A Minor, Op.19
Cantabile In B Flat Major
Variation In E Major
Largo In E Flat Major
Allegro de concert In A Major, Op.46
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): I - F Minor
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): II - A Flat Major
3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): III - D Flat Major
Tarentelle In A Flat Major, Op.43
Fugue In A Minor (1841 - 42)
Albumblatt in E Major (1843)
Op.74 No.2: Wiosna - Spring
2 Bourrees (1846): I - G Minor; II - A Major
Galop Marquis
Berceuse In D Flat Major, Op.57
Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60

Customer Reviews:

My experience of this CD.......2007-04-04

My hats off to this CD collection! It was worth it!!! Chopin is a true genius for the piano, on this collection.

Beautiful!.......2006-08-18

This is a beautifully played collection of Chopin's work. It was a birthday gift,
and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite
CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.

Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!.......2006-06-10

I am not a classical music expert but I am an expert when it comes to a great product. I have listened to the works of rubenstein and Horowitz, but nothing is comparable to this great collection of polands favorite son. The nocturnes are dreamy and romantic. The other pieces though not as mesmerizing have plenty of depth and feeling. This is a collection that you will listen to over and over again. Although this music is great anytime, it's especially meaningful during a light rainfall. Go ahead and make this investment. It's only $100.00. For the next 100 days save a dollar and you will have it paid for. I promise you won't be sorry. Excellent! Excellent!

Best investment to make.......2006-05-21

In my opinion, this is the apex of classical music. You will not find a better CD for Chopin or any piano recordings. There may be plenty of comparable CDs, but nothing can claim to surpass this.

Although some pieces are not as good as those by other artists, Ashkenazy's interpretations of Chopin are the best I've ever heard. Add in his amazing technical performance and you've got some sublime music.

Listening to these pieces have immensely helped my own Chopin reportoire. I don't play to mimic Ashkenazy, but I use his insights and apply my own style over that and end up with something exponentially better than what I could produce on my own.

The price is something you have to seriously consider. A hundred bucks. Yeah, that's a lot of money, but that's 48 cents per song. And you'll listen to these songs dozens of times, at least, I guarantee. Plus it's a great deal... if you were to get all the Ashkenazy-Chopin CDs available on Amazon, overlapping pieces as little as possible, you'd pay $30 more and still not have everything.

This is an investment for life and will definitely remain one of my favorite CD sets for decades. Decades. A hundred bucks for decades of amazing music. This stuff is larger than today, larger than life.. music this good is something you can't afford to pass up because of temporary financial difficulties.

A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !.......2005-09-15

Lets imagine that Chopin himself has recorded his own compositions in a perfectly clear CD. I am sure that some classical music reviewers would say "This is not the way Chopin is meant to be played". These classical music "pundits" are very intolerant.

Interpretation and emotion feeling is also a matter of taste, so that the only one who can give a final answer is Franois (Frederic).

Ashkenazy is gifted with a phenomenal technique, a great pianist. So that this collection is for sure 5 stars. Enjoy it.

Ah, if you like to see piano technique in action, listen to Georgy Cziffra's interpretation of Etude op. 10 no. 4. (Search the album in my reviews.)

Average customer rating:

breakdown by cd.
I'm not a music expert

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

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Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
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Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
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Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJW
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

breakdown by cd........2007-01-14

CD1-7:SYMPHONIES 1-9

CD8:PIANO CONCERTO

CD9:VIOLIN CONCERTO & CELLO CONCERTO

CD10-11:REQUIEM

CD12-13:STABAT MATER

CD14:PIANO TRIOS OP.90 "DUMKY" & 21

CD15:PIANO TRIOS OP.65 & 26

CD16:PIANO QUARTETS

CD17:PIANO QUINTETS

CD18:STRING QUINTETS

CD19-20:MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

C21:SERENADE/HAUSMUSIK

CD22-31:THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS

CD32:SLAVONIC DANCES OP.46 & 72

CD33:PIANO DUET SLAVONIC DANCES

CD34:PIANO DUET LEGENDS FROM THE BOHEMIAN FOREST

CD35:PIANO WORKS

CD36-37:RUSALKA

CD38-40:SYMPHONIC POEMS

I'm not a music expert.......2005-08-25

I don't know too much about music. I own over 700 cds, but I don't play music and I don't have much experience with this music. My only point of reference was the ninth symphony, seeing as every other piece in this box set was new to me. It sounds fine, nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.

Now, here's what you'll get in this box set, seeing as Amazon does not give it a description. 40 cds! no joke, you get 40 cds in this box set. It features:
1. Complete symphonies
2. Complete symphonic poems
3. Cello concerto
4. Piano concerto
5. Violin concerto
6. Requiem
7. Stabat Mater
8. Slavonic Dances
9. Complete String quartets
10. Chamber music
11. Piano Works (solo and duet)
12. Rusalka

As far as I can tell, the only things missing are The Spectre's Bride and Jacobin. Seeing as it is 40 cds, i have not had an opportunity to listen to it, however what i have heard i have been quite satisfied with.

Bela Bartok: The 6 String Quartets - Emerson String Quartet

Average customer rating:

Compositions: Outstanding! Performance: Mixed.
Great technique but little soul
Brilliant playing, but lacking color and flavor
The Bartok Cycle at its Best
As usual, the Emerson's just don't get it

Bela Bartok: The 6 String Quartets - Emerson String Quartet
Eugene Drucker , Lawrence Dutton , David Finckel , Philip Setzer , and Emerson String Quartet
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Shostakovich: The String Quartets

ASIN: B000001G9O
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: 1. Lento - attacca
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: 2. Poco e poco accelerande all' Allegretto - Introduzione. Allegro 0 attacca
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7: 3. Allegro vivace
String Quartet No. 3: 1. Prima Parte: Moderato - attacca
String Quartet No. 3: 2. Seconda parte: Allegro - attacca: Ricapitulazione della prima parte; Moderato
String Quartet No. 3: 3. Coda: Allegro molto
String Quartet No. 5: 1. Alllegro
String Quartet No. 5: 2. Adagio molto
String Quartet No. 5: 3. Scherzo: Alla bulgarese
String Quartet No. 5: 4. Andante
String Quartet No. 5: 5. Finale: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17: 1. Moderato
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17: 2. Allegro molto capriccioso
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17: 3. Lento
String Quartet No. 4: 1. Allegro
String Quartet, No. 4: 2. Prestissimo, con sordino
String Quartet, No. 4: 3. Non troppo lento
String Quartet, No. 4: 4. Allegretto pizzicato
String Quartet, No. 4: 5. Allegro molto
STRING QUARTET NO. 6: 1. Mesto-piu mosso, pensante - Vivace
STRING QUARTET NO. 6: 2. Mesto - Marcia
STRING QUARTET NO. 6: 3. Mesto - Burletta
STRING QUARTET NO. 6: 4. Mesto

Amazon.com

The six quartets of Bartók have been well represented on record, far better than the six of Schoenberg or the fifteen of Shostakovich. The choice on Compact Disc, however, is an easy one, for the Emerson Quartet not only plays the music better than any other ensemble, but gets all six essays onto two discs. Making roses out of what must seem more like a collection of thistles to most others who attempt to play the set, the Emerson players show the kind of ensemble polish that caused one European critic to complain, "too smooth.... I like my Bartók rougher." But awkwardness and rhythmic uncertainty, which have made many a lesser group sound rough in this music, should not be confused with expressive edge, which the Emersons bring to the music in full measure. Their readings are extraordinarily revealing, high-intensity, not at all for the faint of heart. With the odd-numbered quartets on one disc and the even on the other, each CD is a "microcosmos" of the whole set. The sound quality is excellent throughout. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Compositions: Outstanding! Performance: Mixed........2007-06-05

One reviewer said that Emerson wasn't rough enough. When this was released, I believe it was the roughest interpretation I had ever heard! Over-all, these are very good performances (and 100% accurate). The weakness of these performances is the gentler sections which, though technically perfect, lack feeling and conviction. Béla Bartók: The Six String Quartets - Juilliard String Quartet does a very good job of the quiet sections, but lacks power on the aggressive parts.

My favorite recording of these pieces is Bartók: 6 String Quartets by the Hungarian String Quartet. Since I bought that I haven't listened to other recordings of this piece.

Great technique but little soul.......2007-05-12

The Emersons blow through Bartok's most difficult passages with masterly aplomb; their virtuosity is never in question, and if you were not already familiar with these works you might think these performances were definitive. Bartok, however had a mysterious and lyrical side to him, and the Emersons don't illuminate those remarkable moments in these performances. I constantly get the impression that the Emersons are determined not to let Bartok push them around. They manhandle him masterfully, throwing him to the ground and leaving him in the gutter. Bartok deserves more sympathy than that. With the Emersons it is the bravura playing that will give you goose bumps, not Bartok's dark visions.

Brilliant playing, but lacking color and flavor.......2007-01-03

I've had this album for several years and have played it often, but I have come to be less than satisfied because of the lack of tone color in these performances. Bartok was, among other things, a Hungarian nationalist composer and a colorist. For me, these performances do not reflect the full color and nationalistic flavor that other performances have shown.

The Bartok Cycle at its Best.......2006-08-17

This cycle won 2 Grammophone Awardsin 1989 for Record of the Year and Best Chamber Music Performance, and 2 Grammys in 1990 for Best Classical Recording and Best Chamber Music Performance. After listening to them it is easy to see why. Bartok's string quartets have never sounded better. The closest rivals for my ears is the Takacs performances which I also own and love.

Enough has been written regarding their technical skills. In these, as in many other of their albums, they also provide us with an insightful interpretation.

Highly recommended.

As usual, the Emerson's just don't get it.......2006-02-09

Yes, they play very well, they are always in tune, and they can play as fast as they choose - but they don't understand the music. If you want a great version of these works, take a listen to the Hungarian Quartet on DG, or the Tokyo Quartet on RCA.

Béla Bartók: The 6 String Quartets - Takács Quartet

Average customer rating:

go for Tokyo
Spectacular
Lacklustre insight ... airbrushed production.
The third way.
Finally, they get it

Béla Bartók: The 6 String Quartets - Takács Quartet
Edward Dusinberre , Andras Fejer , Karoly Schranz , Roger Tapping , and Takács Quartet
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000042GU
Release Date: 1998-01-13

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 1, op. 7 (Sz 40): I. Lento
String Quartet No. 1, op. 7 (Sz 40): II. Poco a poco accelerando all'allegretto
String Quartet No. 1, op. 7 (Sz 40): III. Introduzione Allegro - Allegro vivace
String Quartet No. 3(Sz 85): I. Prima parte: Moderato
String Quartet No. 3(Sz 85): II. Seconda Parte: Allegro
String Quartet No. 3(Sz 85): III. Ricapitulazione della prima parte: Moderato - Coda: Allegro molto
String Quartet No. 5 (Sz 85): I. Allegro
String Quartet No. 5 (Sz 85): II. Adagio molto
String Quartet No. 5 (Sz 85): III. Scherzo. Alla bulgarese -- Trio
String Quartet No. 5 (Sz 85): IV. Andante
String Quartet No. 5 (Sz 85): V. Finale: Allegro vivace -- Presto

Tracks:

String Quartet No. 2, op. 17 (Sz 67): I. Moderato
String Quartet No. 2, op. 17 (Sz 67): II. Allegro molto capriccioso
String Quartet No. 2, op. 17 (Sz 67): III. Lento
String Quartet No. 4, (Sz 91): I. Allegro
String Quartet No. 4, (Sz 91): II. Prestissimo, con sordino
String Quartet No. 4, (Sz 91): III. Non troppo lento
String Quartet No. 4, (Sz 91): IV. Allegretto pizzicato
String Quartet No. 4, (Sz 91): V. Allegro molto
String Quartet No. 6 (Sz 114): I. Mesto - Piso, pesante - Vivace
String Quartet No. 6 (Sz 114): II. Mesto - Marcia
String Quartet No. 6 (Sz 114): III. Mesto - Burletta: Moderato
IV. Mesto

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

If chamber music suggests merely sedate and timid pleasures, let the Takács Quartet guide you through the profound experience that this medium can convey--above all in the hands of a composer as rich in imagination and innovative in temperament as Béla Bartók. In some ways his cycle of string quartets traces not only his personal creative evolution but the deeply tragic zeitgeist of half a century as well. The Takács Quartet plays with an unfaltering sense for the lifeblood of this music in performances that are both gutsy and ethereal. --Thomas May

Amazon.com essential recording

Béla Bartók has emerged as one of the few modern masters who continue to be regularly performed and recorded. The six string quartets that span his career from 1908 to 1939 are generally regarded as this century's unsurpassed addition to the medium, and they provide an intimate entrée into the world of their withdrawn and enigmatic composer. With this cycle, the Takács Quartet confirms its reputation, against some very fierce competition, as possibly the most cogent, exciting exponent of this music today. They achieve an unusually successful synthesis of the quartets' polarizing components: lyrically haunting "night music," passages of grotesquely ironic humor, and, in the Sixth Quartet, an unrelentingly pervasive sense of desolation and farewell. In the process, the Takács players give visceral life to the extremities of technique Bartók's scores demand. These range from exaggerated glissandi to pizzicati made to snap violently against the fingerboard, at times producing a sound more akin to a percussion battery than a string quartet. The ensemble convincingly traverses Bartók's creative evolution, from the hothouse romanticism of the First Quartet to the Third's densely packed modernist fury and the palindrome structures of the Fourth and Fifth Quartets. Richly nuanced with local color, these accounts are among the best available on disc and will likely become standard-setters. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

go for Tokyo.......2006-08-28

Bartok is not a likely candidate for frequent recordings in the 21st century. Before it is too late you should acquire the Tokyo version on RCA (including the Janacek quartets). Besides being a bargain (2 composers for the price of 1), you get passionate playing and sound that is excellent. Do not be swayed by anyone who says Decca (inventor of the "tree" after all) knows how to record anything. It does depend on your speakers (headphones). I have owned systems on which the Tokyo String Quartet did not sound good. Well, this is about the Takacs. They are relatively bloodless (do any of you really hear passion in this recording?). There are many who would say that that's the way Bartok should sound. But the Tokyo is like Heffler and Mikrokosmos--he sounds much better than Ranki whether or not he's authentic.

Spectacular.......2006-01-31

I bought this CD in preparation for the Takacs Quartet's performance of the Bartok cycle in January of 2005. This recording is absolutely amazing, and it brings out the liveliness and the joy that the members of the Quartet take in playing this piece. Now, make sure you get the chance to see this group live; you will be amazed and astounded by their cohesiveness and energy.

Lacklustre insight ... airbrushed production. .......2005-11-01

A medium to large hall ambience smooths & smudges it all. An inappropriate production decision for these quartets.
The playing lacks the emotional concentration & forensic insight needed - they have their moments but overall it just doesn't involve you like it should. The overall effect is of an airbrushed quality - the result is lacklustre.
I grew up on the landmark 1960's Juilliard readings, so you may know where I'm coming from, and what I expect to hear. It so happens that is what works best for this music, which is why those are legendary performance recordings.
After that these fall very far short. As Sony are still not re-releasing those classics, buy the Emerson Qt. recordings instead - they are of a similar quality to - and in the spirit of - the Juilliard's reading.

The third way........2005-10-04

I've recently bought this cycle, after having or listening those by Tokyo String Quartet (DG & RCA), Hagen Quartett (DG), Alban Berg Quartett (EMI), Vegh Qt (Auvidis) and some other versions played by outstanding quartets, like the glorius Arditti Quartet's recording of the Fourth Quartet in Grammavision label.

If I'm thinking about a third way is because Takács shows a middle interpretation between the very hungarian performings of the Vegh Qt and the very "international" or "western" playing of the Tokyo Qt, ABQ or Hagen Qt versions. The Takács Quartet that play in this CD box is formed by musicians from the western tradition and hungarian born players, 50%; something you can feel in their interpretation, which is a bit more objective than Takács' first recording released by Hungaroton, with more hungarian players in the quartet, but still with the taste of the hungarian Bartók tradition, much more close to the popular and folk reminiscences of his music.

I don't hear in this performings the amazing precision of the Tokyo String Quartet in every pizzicatti, glissandi, or technical resource of the works; but, on the other hand, I can say that the musicality and folk sense of some parts it's better done in this Decca recording, which looks much more to the origin of some chords in the folk hungarian music which Bartók so deep has studied. Takács (Decca) bring a more aggressive version, something that makes very complex to have the precision of the more refine and "distant" Tokyo performings. Anyway, technically it's marvellous too, and that's the reason why I give them 4 stars... 5 stars only in heaven...

The conclusion is we are listening a very good performances of the cycle, in style and technique, one of the key works in this genre along the XXth Century; probably between the better.

Finally, they get it.......2005-08-31

Bartok has been called many things, but one thing I wish he would be called more often is a mystic of music. In my over-educated opinion, that is what he was, and that dominated him as a composer, a pianist, an ethnomusicologist and a pedagogue. The problem is that many performers come to this music very naive or, worse, dismissive of this quality of Bartok's genius, and focus too heavily on technical apsects. The result is obvious: a failure to give a proper and authentic voice to the music.

I am sympathetic to the dilemma of any performer tackling these quartets - these are very demanding on a technical level alone. But this does not mean their beauty resides purely in that facet, nor does it excuse any performer for rendering these as a technical or academic exercise. Suffice to say, some performers just don't "get it," and thus ought not attempt these works, if they are not able to met the technical challenge they present and then transcend it in spirit to articulate their fuller beauty.

As a musician who's studied Bartok academically, I am very aware on an intellectual level of how these works relate to Bartok's studies in folk music, and I can easily pick out and analyze his inversions and sequences of folk motifs that populate these works. However, all too often this is something not easily *heard* by the average listener - a tragic irony, seeing much of Bartok's work is so rooted in folk music, which is possibly the most accessible of music idioms. Sadly, this is a mystic's lot: they experience something that is univerally accessible, yet in the process of articulating that experience, those first recieving the message miss the point, get destracted by superficial details, and obscure the beauty and truth of the mystic's message for everyone else. Luckily, music can speak for itself - if the performer doesn't get in the way. So if the performer understands, either consciously or intuitively, that there is a *heart* to these works beyond what he sees written so precisely and techinically on the page (i.e. "gets it"), and strives to articulate this, then that engimatic mysicism of Bartok is unlocked and becomes readily accessible to anyone willing to peer into it.

Fortunately and thankfully, the Takacs Quartet "get it." This is very likely the finest performance of these quartets ever recorded. Without repeating too much of what other reviewers have already said, there is a very genuine spirit and superior command to the Takacs Quartet's performance that makes the very challenging and highly technical quality of these quartets transparent so to reveal, rather than obscure, Bartok's vision. They open up Bartok's quartets in a rare way that allow the listener to "live" inside them, and glaze readily upon their beauty, possibly very closely to how Bartok originally envisioned it. I listened to this recording immediately after listening the 1960's recording by the Novak Quartet, and the difference was astounding. It only vindicated my long standing opinion that Bartok was indeed a mystic of music, and that his unique and very challenging compositions offer much, much more (and for a wider audience) than one might assume from a less inspired performance.

Absolutey, unequivocally recommended.

Average customer rating:

Irresistable
true to its title
Suffers much from poor quality
The Encore is more important than you might think!
Rave Review!

Horowitz Encores

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003ER2
Release Date: 1990-02-22

Tracks:

Horowitz Variations on a theme from Carmen
Danse macabre
Sonata No.11, K.331: Rondo alla turca
Wedding march and variations: Liszt - Horowitz Wedding march and variations
Elegie Op.85 No.4: Songs without words - Elegie
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Prelude in G Minor Op.23,No.5: Prelude In G Minor
The Stars And Stripes Forever

Amazon.com

Whether you love Vladimir Horowitz or not, you had to admit that in some showpieces he is incomparable. Here are lots of them: his own Variations on a Theme from Carmen, his souped-up versions of the Danse Macabre and Rakoczy March, and Moszkowski's Sparks. Stars and Stripes Forever sounds as though the pianist had at least three hands--and good ones at that. I never cared for Horowitz's Chopin, and I'm afraid he beats the hell out of the Chopin Polonaise he plays here. But when you want to hear Horowitz the great showman, this is definitely the disc to play. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Irresistable.......2006-02-17

Vladimir Horowitz was a master programmer, for the formal recital, and for an informal recital of encores after the printed program was finished. His first encore would invariably be a restful, contemplative piece, with contrasting fireworks to follow. Not every piece on this CD, recorded from 1942-1981, was used by Horowitz for encore material, and the emphasis here is on fireworks.

The works on this CD can be divided into three categories: Horowitz's arrangements of orchestra pieces, double hyphenated elaborations by Horowitz of Liszt transcriptions, and "straight" piano music.

Horowitz's Variations on a Theme from Bizet's Carmen followed him throughout most of his career. None of Horowitz's seven recordings (including two piano roles, three studio recordings [1928 this one from 1947, and 1957], and two televised performances) are quite the same, as Horowitz was constantly revising and refining this piece.

As an expression of gratitude and pride at becoming an American citizen, Horowitz concocted an arrangement of Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever--which he premiered in 1945 at I Am An American Day in New York's Central Park. By playing the piece at a true march tempo (rather than the scherzo-like tempo used in most orchestral performances) Horowitz is able to perform nearly very detail of Sousa's orchestration--including the piccolo flourishes at the climax.

Both Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre and the Mendelsson-Liszt Wedding March are enhancements of Liszt's arrangements which would have made even that 19th Century titan gasp. Likewise Horowitz's total reworking of Liszt's Rakóczy March (which really sounds more like an arrangement of Berlioz's orchestral version), which takes demonism to new levels.

Yet there is an intimate side to Horowitz's playing which can be forgotten in the virtuosic sound & fury. The three Mendelssohn Songs Without Words are played with a lyrical simplicity. The inner voices of Schumann's Träumerai wake up and stretch while the piece dreams away. Horowitz's performance of Debussy's Serenade of the Doll makes one wish he had recorded the entire Children's Corner. He did record the complete Mozart Sonata in A, K. 331 years after the exerpt included here, and unlike the standard performance here, played the Rondo alla turca at a true march tempo.

Horowitz's performances of Moszkowski are so well known that it's difficult to think of the composer without thinking of the pianist. Yet he only recorded three pieces, all included here. Over fifty years after their issue, they remain benchmarks among piano recordings.

Not every performance on this CD shows Horowitz at his best. Chopin's A-flat Polonaise is effortlessly tossed-off, yet somehow misses the majesty Rubinstein brought to this piece. Both Mendelssohn's Scherzo a capriccio and Rachmaninoff's G minor Prelude have labored moments. Yet even off form Horowitz is better than many another pianist's best efforts.

The sound varies on this CD, and most of it is in mono. Many of these pieces had been dropped from Horowitz's repertoire by the stereo era. But as examples of masterful exploitation of the piano's resources, exciting interpretation, and brilliant--even manic--performance, this compilation transcends any sonic limitations.

true to its title.......2005-03-24

Horowitz plays these gems with the brilliance that can only come from his hands. "Technique" is the operative word here, and you can find it in abundance. Several of these pieces are Horowitz arrangements of pieces in the classical repertory (ie, Variations on a theme from Carmen, Danse Macabre, Wedding March, Racokzy March, Stars and Stripes, etc.). It is in these arrangements that Horowitz' technique flames overwhelmingly. Others are performances of pieces in their original form (Alla Turca March, Chopin Polonaise, Elegy, Midsummer Night's Dream, etc.). It is in these latter pieces that one finds light, sweet treats that tantalize our auditory "taste buds."

Dont expect anything heavy, profound, or deep-thinking. Encores were meant to be light, showy, brilliant gems of limited significance musically.

Suffers much from poor quality.......2002-09-02

Its a shame that Horowitz was in retirement through most of the "golden age" of recording in the 60's. I didn't discover 'til I had it unwrapped (and non-returnable) that most of the pieces on this disk are simply transfers from old 78's, and Horowitz's magical piano dynamics are simply gone. This one is only for the true afficianados, scholars, and historical buffs. Buy it for the historic value, but not the sound; which is terrible.

The Encore is more important than you might think!.......2002-07-09

These are famous Horowitz encores. They are not the titanic pieces he became famous or historically important for, but they are the pieces that made him popular with the public. Some are his own transcriptions, and every performance is his own.

As one reviewer below said well, the encore was a special part of the recital that had its own demands and expectations. Having attended many recitals in my life I can tell you that it is a part of the recital art form that could use some revival. It isn't enough to simply flash and toss off little musical candies. That isn't what these are.

Nor do you want to lay on something with too much weight that detracts from what you did during the main recital. However, you want to send the audience away happy, impressed, and with a sense of delight with the performer and their recital experience.

Each of these pieces accomplished those goals. And Horowitz has a lot to teach all of us.

Plus these are wonderful and spectacular performances. I am so glad to have them on disk.

Rave Review!.......2000-03-19

As a lifetime student and advanced coach of the piano I highly recommend this recording to all, who would like to here music of a bygone era. This album features encores of a pianistic style seldom heard in our day, recorded by the last of the truly great masters of the art of keyboard science. Though most are flashy in appearance (such as his 1940's recording of The Stars and Stripes Forever), some reveal an elegant simplicity (Schumann's Traumerei), and all display a technical mastery of the keyboard rarely achieved in the pianistic art. Trully all of these recordings reflect the art form of the encore, which was an intricate part of the 19th century concert stage. The Horowitz recordings contained on this CD are historic and will be a real treat for all who appreciate fine music.

Average customer rating:

The "Clinker" of the bunch

Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
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ASIN: B00062FLIS
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

The "Clinker" of the bunch.......2006-12-19

Having collected the entire "The Masterworks" series (including the Bach and Mozart Complete Works) this set is the 'clinker' of the bunch. First off... 6 CD's of Lieder 'historic' (pre-historic) recordings. No Overtures, No Orchestral Seranades, No Haydn Variations?? The performances of the Symphonies and the Concertos are shakey and not very well recorded. Brilliant Classics, who has done such a wonderful job with the Hadyn Complete Symphonies (licensed from Nimbus), the Mozart and Bach Complete sets, has stumbled a bit with this release.

Average customer rating:

Uneven quality but great value
A superb collection of Mendelssohn

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Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Average customer rating:

Definitive Scarlatti
An amazing accomplishment

Scarlatti: The Keyboard Sonatas

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Goldberg Variations/Harpsichord Works

ASIN: B0009MWAVQ
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Definitive Scarlatti.......2007-05-26

I've been a Scarlatti fan since I discovered the Ralph Kirkpatrick recordings on Columbia when I was in high school--some 40 years ago. Over the years I have played some of them on the piano and collected numerous recordings, performed on both harpsichord and piano. I first purchased Scott Ross's complete collection after sampling the 3-CD Scarlatti Anthologie and being pleased with what I heard. After listening to about a third of the 34 CDs on which the 555 sonatas are recorded I can say that Scott Ross's performances equal or exceed anything I've heard from any other performer on harpsichord. There are recordings by other performers I rate very highly--Wanda Landowska's characterful pre-WW II recordings and Andras Schiff's superb piano recordings of the sonatas come to mind--but Scott Ross has it all. Meticulous accuracy, a truly engaging sense of rhythm--so critical in bringing out the character of the sonatas, a superb sense of the Spanish idiom Scarlatti uses, elegant ornamentaion, a masterful selection of stops, and the wonderful recorded harpsichord sound all make this set a thoroughly satisfying musical experience for the Scarlatti lover. Bringing all of this quality to the formidable task of recording all of Scarlatti's 555 sonatas is a tremendous achievement and a true service to the music loving public. In addition to the pleasure of having such a treasure trove of great Scarlatti performances, the complete collection has afforded me the oppotunity to discover many elegant gems among Scarlatt's lesser known sonatas--the kind that stay in my head days after hearing them. That Ross died at the relatively early age of 38 was a real loss. If you're a Scarlatti fan, treat yourself to this complete collection. You won't be disappointed.

An amazing accomplishment.......2005-10-20

This recent re-release of Scott Ross's complete recordings of Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas is truly a great a accomplishment. The 34 CDs contain all 555 sonatas. The vast majority are played by Ross on the harpsichord, or harpsichord's I should say. Four different harpsichords were used, one Italian and three French. While various groups of Sonatas might sound a bit different it doesn't take away from the experience at all.

And what an experience it is. Ross's harpsichord playing is bright and lively when required, relaxed and subdued at other times. While it's hard to imagine that Ross was able to become intimately familiar with 555 sonatas over the year it took to record them, his performances do not show any signs of boredom. The sonatas are overall focused and well performed.

In addition to the hundreds of harpsichord sonatas, there are also recordings of Scarlatti's five sonatas with string and woodwing accompaniment as well as his three organ sonatas. All keyboard parts are played by Ross.

The packaging of this set is very compact. Each CD is in a thick paper cover, the whole of the set in a single box. There is also a 255 page booklet that contains a short description of nearly every sonata. Additionally there is an interview with Ross from 1986.

This is a wonderful set for any fan of Scarlatti and Ross. And at the price, it would even be worth it for anyone who enjoys Baroque harpsichord music but isn't familiar with Scarlatti. I highly recommend this set.

The Best Classical Album in the World... Ever!

Average customer rating:

Forget what they SAY
Most Aggravating Album in the World!
A fair introduction to Classical Music
Great for Beginners
Exellent compilation

The Best Classical Album in the World... Ever!
Stanley Myers , Antonio Vivaldi , Gregorian Chant , John Williams , Edward Elgar , Giuseppe Verdi , Giacomo Puccini , Michael Nyman , Edvard Grieg , Ludwig van Beethoven , Umberto Giordano , Riccardo Muti , Fryderyk Chopin , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Georges Bizet , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Johann Pachelbel , Antonin Dvorak , Carl Orff , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Léo Delibes , George Gershwin , Maurice Ravel , Charles Gounod , Erik Satie , Sergey Prokofiev , and Sergey Rachmaninov
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002S6K
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No.1 In E 'Spring': I. Allegro
Schindler's List: Theme
Requiem: Ingemisco
The Piano: The Heart Asks Pleasure First
Symphony No.5 In C Minor: I. Allegro con brio
The Deer Hunter: Cavatina
Puer natus est nobis
Cello Concerto In E Minor: I. Adagio
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Piano Concerto: I. Allegro molto moderato
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Carmen: Habanera
Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat: III. Rondo (Allegro vivace)
Canon In D
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
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La Traviata: Brindisi
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1In B Flat Minor: I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso (Opening)
Symphony No.3 'Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs': II. Lento e largo - Tranquillissimo
Flute and Harp Concerto In C: II. Andantino
Lakme: Flower Duet
The Four Seasons: Winter: I. Allegro non molto
Porgy And Bess: Summertime
Bolero
Ave Maria
Gymnopedie No.1
Romeo & Juliet: Montagues and Capulets
Rhapsody On A Theme OF Paganinni: Variation 18
Walking In The Air
Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: I. Allegro
NIMROD: Enigma Variations
Swan Lake: Act One: Finale
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D: Air on the G String
The Planets: Jupiter
1812 Overture

Customer Reviews:

Forget what they SAY.......2003-11-10

Many of these prior reviewers complain that the abundance of operas and vocals degrate this compilation. They don't know what they're talking about. These genres are what made Classical music popular in it's age. In that era the forum for showcasing "classical music" was operas! Hence why most of these works are lost in the shuffle. Most of us know Mozart and Beethoven's compositions by ear but there are so many other great composers that existed and these CD's will show you but a PIECE. But, fair warning, these CD's show only a small fraction of the whole movement (song). If you truly dig the genre you're in for a treat, investigate!

Most Aggravating Album in the World!.......2002-05-26

This CD is the first thing I ever returned to Amazon. It is an inferior product--selections cut off abruptly before the end, volume fades and returns in the middle of a cut...production values are pure schlock here. Maybe I should have expected as much from such a sophomoric title.

A fair introduction to Classical Music.......2001-03-03

I purchased this CD because I am new to Classical Music and thought this would be a good introduction CD. There is some wonderful music on this CD. The only problem I have with this CD is every other track is Opera of one form or another. As a new listener I found that after the Opera tracks I felt I had been yelled at and it was a distraction to the other music contained on the CD. I now know to hit the skip button on my CD player just about every other track. I only gave it 3 stars because I felt put off by the vocal tracks. I believe that when someone is new to Classical Music they do not think of Opera. If you don't mind hitting the skip button a lot or if you like Opera this CD is for you!

Great for Beginners.......2000-07-14

This is a nice recording for folks who don't know much about classical music, and would serve as a wonderful introduction. It covers centuries of great music in a very listener-friendly format. I am sure that I will use this CD in my music classroom. For a seasoned classical music lover, however, the CD proves a bit frustrating, including only segments of masterworks (not even the entire movement of the Holst). I bought the CD for a few recordings, which I truly enjoy and make the CD a worthwile purchase. But I found (and I think that most classical musicians will find) that I already had many of these works in their entirety.

Exellent compilation.......2000-04-12

This is a fine collection of classical songs for those that have little experience with classical music. Howver, I truly love it.

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