Pianist [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Roman Polanski's telling of famed Polish composer-pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman's survival in the Nazi-controlled Warsaw ghetto can't help but be infused with the director's deepest passions: he himself escaped the Kraków ghetto as a boy of 7. The musician's status as a musical hero to the oppressed Polish Jews of World War II was surpassed only by that of Chopin, the composer who was at the core of Szpilman's repertoire. Thus this score revolves tightly around Chopin's music, with modern Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak paying passionate homage to both his musical and national forebears, the haunting strains of the Nocturne in C-sharp Minor setting the film's historical and dramatic tone. The underscore of previous Polanski collaborator Wojciech Kilar (The Ninth Gate, Death and the Maiden) is represented here by the soulful "Moving to the Ghetto," a cue that helps anchor the soundtrack's troubling time and place with understated grace. The collection concludes with a rare, remastered performance of Chopin's Mazurka Op. 17, No.4 by Szpilman himself, recorded in Warsaw in 1948. --Jerry McCulley

The Pianist, Music, Janusz Olejniczak, Frederic Chopin, Ballade for Keyboard, Classical, Classical Soundtrack/Score, Concerto, Film, Film Music, Keyboard, Mazurka for Keyboard, Nocturne for Keyboard, Original Score, Piano Concerto, Prelude for Keyboard, Soundtrack, Soundtracks & Film Scores, Waltz for Keyboard

The Pianist: Music from the Motion Picture
Average customer rating:

Marvellous!

Absolutely beautiful

one word beautiful

Felt the movie,now feel the music that truly inspires..

A Too-Easily Dismissed Artist

The Pianist: Music from the Motion Picture
Janusz Olejniczak , and Frederic Chopin
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman

The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man's Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945

The Pianist

Shine: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Schindler's List: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B00007E8SQ
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Nocturne in C-Sharp minor (1830)
Nocturne in E minor, Op. 72, No. 1
Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48, No. 1
Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38
Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
Waltz No. 3 in A minor, Op. 34, No. 2
Prilude in E minor, Op. 28, No. 4
Grande Polonaise for Piano and Orchestra (preceded by an Andante Spianato), Op. 22
Andante spianato in G Major
Grande Polonaise in E-flat Major
Moving to the Ghetto Oct. 31, 1940
Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17, No. 4

Amazon.com

Roman Polanski's telling of famed Polish composer-pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman's survival in the Nazi-controlled Warsaw ghetto can't help but be infused with the director's deepest passions: he himself escaped the Kraków ghetto as a boy of 7. The musician's status as a musical hero to the oppressed Polish Jews of World War II was surpassed only by that of Chopin, the composer who was at the core of Szpilman's repertoire. Thus this score revolves tightly around Chopin's music, with modern Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak paying passionate homage to both his musical and national forebears, the haunting strains of the Nocturne in C-sharp Minor setting the film's historical and dramatic tone. The underscore of previous Polanski collaborator Wojciech Kilar (The Ninth Gate, Death and the Maiden) is represented here by the soulful "Moving to the Ghetto," a cue that helps anchor the soundtrack's troubling time and place with understated grace. The collection concludes with a rare, remastered performance of Chopin's Mazurka Op. 17, No.4 by Szpilman himself, recorded in Warsaw in 1948. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2006-02-11

While being very familiar with the Holocaust and F. Chopin's work, I have to admit I had no idea who Wladyslaw Szpilman was. After watching Polanski's masterpiece of a movie, I'm glad that I got to know the life of a man who went through hell and managed to survive thanks to the courage and strength given to him by Chopin's music that he constantly played in his head under surreal circumstances.

"The Pianist" music soundtrack is a wonderful collection of Chopin's piano works. Of course a few masterpieces of the polish great composer have been left out, but I think that's more than understable. After all, Polanski needed certain pieces that connected best with some of the images and scenes of his movie. And in the end we all agree that he certainly pulled it off.

Before watching the movie, I didn't know who Janusz Olejniczak was either. Now I do. His Chopin is really marvellous, especially the "Nocturne in C-sharp Minor", "La grande Polonaise brillante" and "Nocturne in E Minor Op. 72 No 1". Getting to know Olejniczak's Chopin is yet another reason to be thankful to Polanski.

Absolutely beautiful.......2006-01-30

While not versed in the finer aspects of classical music or their composers as other reviewers on this page are, I like to think of myself as someone who appreciates classical music and the Pianist soundtrack is classical music at its best.

Being half-Polish, I heard of Frederic Chopin through the years but was never told of him or his beautiful - if somewhat sad - music (I learned much about Beethoven, my favorite composer, though). I was cheated but feel that I have caught up for lost time with this soundtrack.

My favorite track is "Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1." It's four and a half minutes of pure bliss. Kudos to Janusz Olejniczak for playing beyond beautiful piano (he's not a concert pianist for no reason, eh?).

The Pianist is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The movie was powerful (unlike *other* directors who made Holocaust films, Roman actually lived through that black period in human history, making it a cut above the rest), the book was moving and the soundtrack is great relaxation.

one word beautiful.......2005-11-08

Excellent and very beautiful. The Grand Polonaise in E flat major fantastic.

Felt the movie,now feel the music that truly inspires.........2005-05-29

The Pianist is a great and "fantaztisch" movie itself! Note the great actors Adrien Brody and Thomas Kretschmann. Now, how would the movie be without the music itself that inspired and still inspiring thousands of people who listened to it.

All the piano works are classical and have a story of it's own.
From the Nocturnes; sad, moving and played on the first part of the movie (yes, the intro) and when the jews are fighting and facing their nightmares.
To Ballade 1 & 2, which was played by Spilzman (adrien brody) in that movie when he met up with the german officer Hosenfeld (thomas kretschmann)..

Just by listening to the soundtrack you could already see and feel the whole movie. Especially the Nocturnes... very touching.. recommending this album to those who fell in love to the piano works in the movie like i was, just by listening it for the first time! :)

A Too-Easily Dismissed Artist.......2005-05-09

A previous reviewer considerately corrected others who are perhaps not as well versed as he is about classical music. That reviewer also quite cavalierly dismissed the playing of Janusz Olejniczak, chiefly it appears because this is a movie soundtrack.
A number of eminent pianists - Rubinstein, Bolet, Moravec, Ax, among many others - have recorded movie soundtracks. And, like them, Olejniczak has recorded a great deal more. For instance, his albums for the Opus 111 label, which also recorded Sokolov, should be sampled by all lovers of Chopin, if only because Olejniczak can be heard playing on one record an Erard piano from Chopin's time, and on another an even more remarkable Pleyel. It's fascinating to find the Erard really does have what Chopin called a "ready-made" tone; the Pleyel by comparison is a revelation.
But then so it the playing of Olejniczak. He was not discovered by Roman Polanski. Olejniczak was a prize-winner of the Warsaw Chopin competition at the age of 18. He is greatly respected in his native Poland and in Japan, which both know something about great Chopin playing.
Olejniczak is a forceful artist who nevertheless never pounds; one frequently is put in mind of how Chopin envied the powerful way Liszt played his etudes. Olejniczak's Polish "accent" is, of course, entirely appropriate for Chopin, as is his wonderful voicing of chords and sure but free rhythm. Olejniczak plays with a full-throated lyricism -- it is the Bellini of "Norma" rather than "Sonnambula" -- but the pianist can also be touchingly tender. Above all he is dramatic in the fullest sense, vividly characterizing each piece. It's easy to see why Polanski and other film directors have been drawn to him. Chopin clearly is Olejniczak's life blood.
That previous reviewer may sincerely prefer such very different musicians, one to the other, as Rachmaninoff, Rubinstein, Cortot and Argerich, but I hope no one will hold it against Olejniczak (who, by the way, I don't know personally -- no special pleading here!) simply because he is not as widely known as some other pianists. He is a genuine find, and Polanski should be thanked for sharing a superb talent with a wider public.

Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist

Average customer rating:

Buy it ! (for the concerto)
The majesty of Horowitz
Exultant pianism; Faustian inspiration!
It's Horowitz. It's the best.
Absolutely sick!

Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Horowitz Plays Scriabin

ASIN: B000003ER1
Release Date: 1989-08-10

Tracks:

Sonata No. 2, Op. 36 In B Flat Minor: Allegro agitato
Sonata No. 2, Op. 36 In B Flat Minor: Non allegro; lento
Sonata No. 2, Op. 36 In B Flat Minor: L'istesso tempo; Allegro molto
Moment musicale, Op. 16, No. 2 In E Flat Minor
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 5 In G
Polka V.R.
Concerto No. 3, Op.30 In D Minor: Allegro ma non tanto
Concerto No. 3, Op.30 In D Minor: Intermezzo: Adagio
Concerto No. 3, Op.30 In D Minor: Finale: Alla breve

Amazon.com

Yes, Virginia, Rach 3 existed before David Helfgott and Shine. Vladimir Horowitz made a recording in 1951 that continues to be the delight and despair of every pianist, notwithstanding standard cuts and minor, nerve-induced inaccuracies. The 1980 Second Sonata is looser but no less intense than Horowitz's storied 1968 CBS version, while the short pieces ooze with sex: even the Polka! --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Buy it ! (for the concerto).......2006-02-01

The performance that Horowitz gives us in this '50s recording of the Rach 3 is a testament to outstanding human artistic endeavor. As Rachmaninoff said, "...he (Horowitz) swallowed it whole." Along with his pianistic pyrotechnics, Horowitz demonstrates wonderful architectural overview, inevitability, and stylistic authenticity. Truly, a recording of this concerto sui generis that should be in the libraries of all who love the piano!
The other pieces on this CD, recorded for RCA ca. the late '70s,
have an unpleasant piano sound. Franz Mohr, piano tuner for
Horowitz/Steinway during this period, discusses this issue in his
book, "My Life with the Great Pianists." Superb recordings of
these pieces are available: Piano Sonata No. 2, recording
Horowitz made for Columbia Records in the late '60s; Prelude in
G, Op. 32, Horowitz in Moscow, 1986; and Moment Musical in E flat
minor and Polka de V. R., Sergei Rachmaninoff, Great Pianists of
the 20th Century, Philips/Polygram (compiled in 1998).

The majesty of Horowitz.......2006-01-15

Musicians are reluctant to give rankings. We want to separate the classical music world from the hyped world of MTV top tens and USnews school rankings. Since this is the case why are so many pianists assert and reiterate the glory of Horowitz among 20th century pianists. After all if we are going to deviate from our tendency not to rank we should at least substantiate why Horowitz is so special.
If one dwells on it for a second the physical act of playing the piano boils down to brain finger coordination. The brain sends a message to the finger what to do next - where to move, how soft to touch the key, etc. It is extremely hard to reach a very high level of coordination. For example, if someone had 100 percent brain hand coordination in basketball they would never miss a shot.
Horowitz brain-finger coordination is just phenomenal (there are many examples of this and a classic one in my opinion is his playing of Etincelles). Imagine telling a pianist to play a 20 minute piece ONLY in pianissimo but still continaing crescendos and decrescendos within the pianissimo. For 99.9 percent of pianists, and even the great ones, this would be impossible. At some stage during this hypothetical piece they will accidentally stray into mezzo forte (or some other level). TO BE ABLE to play with such softness for a prolonged period of time is unbelievably hard because you need complete control of the fingerwork.

Critics often miss the mark when talking about Horowitz. They look at isolated concerts or recordings during his very long career that are flawed ( and admittedly Horowitz did have ups and downs). The crux of the pianist's talent lies in what he could do at the piano when he reaches the summit of his ability. If one looks at Horowitz' output within a larger context things look different.

Let me conclude with comments of the famous pianist, William Kappell:
"I'm so weak from tears and shouting, that I can hardly write.... I just heard Horowitz here in Pasadena, playing the 3rd Concerto of Rachmaninoff. The man is such a genius of the piano that it seems inhuman to play like that.... He is not a pianist, he is a magician."
Eloquent and Succinct.

Exultant pianism; Faustian inspiration!.......2005-10-22

The monumental Sonata No. 2 is possibly the most complete work of this genre emerged from Russia until this date. It possesses that effluvium and nostalgic gaze,contemplative lyricism and arresting expression that invades the listener from the first bars. Involved in the classical Romantic heritage, with a strong Lisztian influence and the majestic and elusive introspection so typical of Robert Schumann.

The celebrated Non allegro: Lento expresses this sad melodic flight where the meditation and farewell sense seems to shake hands. What it seduces me from this version is its maidenly approach; Horowitz understands the core of the work as anyone else, given this similar condition of exiled Soviet citizen and explores with acuteness and refined eloquence the inner folds, those enigmatic pianissimos and sudden outbursts of fevered poetry make of this performance the most genuine and best achieved versions that I have ever listened never before.

The Third Piano Concerto despite the fact is not my first choice is incandescent and superbly phrased. In addition we have Reiner making a sharp collaboration and showing the Russian mood underlined beneath the score. Horowitz unexplainable does not play the Diabolic Cadenza and that 's probably one the disillusioned aspects that I dislike; this Cadenza is a true firewall that stigmatizes and accents still more the febrile passion and enraptured flame of this monumental score.

In this sense no other pianist in the history has been able to reach the level of the unsurpassed, resplendent and delirious performance that William Kapell did it in 1952 in a live Concert pitifully non available in CD, due it was a live register, that I could get it thanks to a friend of mine who got a copy in Washington of a hard fan of William in 1988. Since I listened this version, became automatically in the parameter per excellence at the moment to compare some other recording.

It's Horowitz. It's the best........2005-08-25

The CD starts with the Sonata Number 2, which Rachmaninoff composed, then shortened in his later years. Horowitz came to Rachmaninoff saying that he had cut too much. Rachmaninoff agreed and had Horowitz himself add back in what he thought was appropriate. Rachmaninoff approved the changes and that became the official version. Horowitz apparently made a few more changes since the composer's death which he feels Rachmaninoff would have approved. This is the final version that appears in this recording.

There are then a few smaller but still delightful pieces. One of the Musical Moments that Rachmaninoff was apparently particularly proud of. It is done in the Horowitz style, but the piece is dissonant and swirling, even for Rachmaninoff, creating a nice contrast. It's delightful to hear Horowitz's interpretation with his melodic and bell-like tone.

The prelude is peaceful and more complementary (rather than contrasting) to Horowitz's style. Melodic, relaxed, and dreamy.

The Polka is actually based on something Rachmaninoff's father used to play. A folk melody arranged in the virtuoso Rachmaninoff style. Fascinating.

Finally we come to the Third Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto. The Rach 3 as it is known. Respected and feared by pianists the world over. It won Olga Kern the International Cliburn Competition. There are apparently a few mistakes in the piece due to nerves, but I can only hear two spots where they MIGHT be. Horowitz's interpretation emphasizes speed and lightness rather than size and weight (which Ashkenazy tends to emphasize). Horowitz plays the "light and quicksilver" cadenza rather than the heavier chordal one which is more "typical" of Rachmaninoff. I would like to hear Horowitz play the other cadenza, as well. Sometimes when Ashkenazy or other pianists play this piece, you can hear when they are no longer considering interpretation or artistry. They are merely trying to survive the piece intact. Horowitz never struggles with the piece, even though it is the hardest in the repertoire, he is always thinking, feeling, and interpreting the piece. I'm often gasping for breath, but Horowitz is always effortlessly skimming along. A marvelous playing of my favorite Rachmaninoff and my favorite piece. This is marvelous, but it is fascinating to hear other interpretations of this piece. For a more purposeful (but equally speedy) interpretation, I recommend Byron Janis. For a more ponderous weighty interpretation, I recommend Ashkenazy. Olga Kern also does well playing this piece in the Cliburn DVD. It's amazing to see it played.

Absolutely sick!.......2005-08-24

The single greatest recording by the greatest classical pianist of the modern era.

Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman

Average customer rating:

A wonderful encore to the movie soundtrack!
The Pianist Original Recordings
Impressive CD by the Pianist
The original recordings by THE PIANIST W. Szpilman

Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman
Wladyslaw Szpilman
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Pianist: Music from the Motion Picture
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Original Recordings
The Pianist
Schindler's List: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B00007KFRG
Release Date: 2002-12-17

Tracks:

Frederik Chopin (1810-1849): Nocturne, No.20 Op.Posthumous in C sharp minor Recorded 1980
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)Year Composed: 1916, Daisies Op. 38 Nr.3 Recorded 1954
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943), Prelude in G-sharp minor op. 32, Recorded 1954
Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Fantasie C-dur op 17 (Sonata for Beethoven) Part 3 (slowly plangent) Recorded 1960
Wladyslaw Szpilman Concertino for Piano and Orchestra (1940) Recorded 1969
Claude Debussy (1888-1905) The Girl with the Flaxen Hair Recorded 1948
Claude Debussy (1888-1905) Images No 3 - Reflections in the Water Recorded 1948
Isaac Albiniz, (1860-1909) Cordoba (Cantos de Espaqa No.4, Op. 232) Recorded 1948
Alfred Gruenfeld, (1852-1924) Paraphrase on theme from Johann Strauss (1825 - 1899) Die Fledermaus Recorded 1948
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 - Arr. Busoni (1866 - 1924) Recorded 1972
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) Arr. Rachmaninow (1873-1943) Liebesleid Recorded 1948
Frederik Chopin (1810-1849) Mazurka in A-Flat op. 17 nr. 3 Recorded 1980
Frederik Chopin (1810-1849): Nocturne, No 20 op. Posthumous in C sharp minor Recorded 1948

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful encore to the movie soundtrack!.......2003-07-20

After I listened to the CD 'Music from the motion picture The Pianist', which had one piece played by Wladyslaw Szpilman, it was only natural to want to hear more recordings of this great musician and person. This CD has 13 music pieces by Szpilman, and they are wonderful. The movie used mainly Chopin's music, but Szpilman's repertoire- which he preserved through mental piano practice during the war- is quite varied. The CD has him playing Rachmaninov, Schumann, Debussy, Albeniz, Gruenfeld, J.S.Bach, Kreisler, and of course Chopin (Nocturne in C sharp minor appears twice- recorded in 1980 and 1948 respectively).

The highlight of the CD is Szpilman's own composition- Concertino for Piano and Orchestra which he mentions in his book, and which he wrote in 1940- just when the difficult times began.

Szpilman's piano style is different from that of Janusz Olejniczac, whose performances are on the other CD. They both are wonderful in their own way, but it was exciting for me to listen to the real life Pianist. I will look for more works by Wladyslaw Szpilman, including his songs.

The Pianist Original Recordings.......2003-03-26

THe Pianist won 3 Oscars on Sunday
This classical recording inspired Roman Polanski to direct this great movie about a pianist, Szpilman who survived the war.
Everyone should have this cd in their collection.

Impressive CD by the Pianist.......2003-01-06

Could not wait to get my hands on this one. Sorry, but did have to buy it elsewhere. Could not wait. After seing the movie I wanted to know more about this man and what he played. It includes his version of Chopin's Nocturne as performed on the end credits. Great !
Only sorry that I did not get such a good deal as from Amazon. This is a keeper !

The original recordings by THE PIANIST W. Szpilman.......2003-01-06

I saw Polanski's "THE PIANIST" last weekend and was very impressed and wanted to learn more about the real hero of the movie. I searched online for his recordings. After two days I received two CD's from Amazon.com related to Wladyslaw Szpilman: One with his beautiful songs by Wendy Lands and another one with his Original recordings. He plays wonderful Chopin ( i.e. the Nocturne from the final scene of the movie ), Rachmaninoff, Bach and his own music - Concertino for Piano and Orchestra composed in the Warsaw Ghetto in a time of deepest repressions by the Germans. He was a great pianist but I was surprised how optimistic is his music and indeed how American it is. After I learned his story through the movie, now I also got in touch with this man personally, trough his artistry. Great feeling!!

Average customer rating:

wonderful
TIMELESS IS... WELL, TIMELESS!
He's Done It Again!
Soundscapes
A Timeless Classic!!

Timeless

Manufacturer: Equity Digital
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Simply Satie
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Album Description

"Amazing", "Exquisite", "Gorgeous", and "Very Highly Recommended" are some of the words used by New Age diva Kathy Parsons in her review of Michael Dulin's piano and keyboard CD, "Timeless", on the Equity Digital label. Following two previous chart-topping solo releases of original tunes, with "Timeless" pianist/composer Dulin turns his attention to reinventing the classics - 11 of your favorite classic melodies, to be exact, transformed by Dulin into what will surely become your favorite "New Age" classics. This CD is vintage Dulin, with lots of original touches, and that polished and sensual sound that has made his music so popular. "Timeless" is a must-have for fans of New Age, Contemporary Instrumental, OR classical music.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful.......2007-06-09

This is an amazing compilation of music. Clare de Lune is one of my all-time favorite pieces but this whole CD is amazing.

TIMELESS IS... WELL, TIMELESS!.......2007-02-16

WOW, THIS BEAUTIFUL MUSIC CD IS WONDERFUL, I HAD A BETTER TIME LISTENING TO IT THAN WATCHING BROTHER THEODORE'S LIVE SHOW AT THE 13TH STREET THEATER IN NEW YORK CITY'S GREENWICH VILLAGE. GREAT CD, PERFECT TO MAKE LOVE BY...WITH THE LIGHTS DOWN LOW & A BOTTLE OF MOET WHITE STAR CHAMPAGNE.

He's Done It Again!.......2007-01-10

WOW! I first heard Michael Dulin on the internet and became a fan. His arrangements are so fresh and transcending. I feel like I'm listening to his soul journeying through each piece. Thank you, Michael, for allowing me to journey with you.

Soundscapes.......2005-09-20

I first heard this cut on Soundscapes on my Direct TV. I looked it up and Amazon had it! I have played it for dinner parties, cigar smoking, fine wine drinkin and am just plain happy I was spontaneous to use some of my credits to treat my life to some wonderful music.

A Timeless Classic!!.......2004-11-11

Michael Dulin brings New Age genre to its Classical roots with his 2004 release, "Timeless". Dulin provides us with a wonderful selection of tracks written by some of the greatest composers of all time. Listeners not familiar with the Classical geniuses of the 18th and 19th Century will be surprised with some of the compositions that we hear everyday in use with TV commercials and movies. Composers such as Debussy (Clair de Lune), Beethoven (The Emperor's Adagio), Bach (Prelude) and many others. My personal favorite is Simply Satie by French composer Erik Satie. (I've always wondered who composed this music because I heard the group, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Saxophonist Gato Barbieri perform this same melody on their albums.) Once again, as he did with previous CD reviewed by us, Dulin showcases his great talents as an arranger and pianist. His strong aesthetic attention to detail in the production is a testament to this outstanding recording. I recommend this CD to anyone who would like to rediscover the Classics.

Average customer rating:

Duke's keyboard mastery
Outstanding piano playing by the Master.Indispensable!!!
classic piano from the duke

The Pianist
Duke Ellington
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

Duke's keyboard mastery.......2005-11-11

Most people, if they can conjure up an image of Duke Ellington at all, probably think of him first as a band leader; second, as a composer, and finally, as a pianist. Some self-proclaimed hipper cats might switch first and second around, but everyone puts pianist last. There is probably nothing incorrect about that (Ellington actually played his orchestra more than the piano), but that doesn't mean his piano playing was inferior.

This album helps prove that. Ellington is in a trio setting throughout, and one is struck by his simplicity in approach to the keyboard. Quite a few of the tunes here are blues, and Duke can play the blues as sparingly as Basie did. SLOW BLUES and SAM WOODYARD'S BLUES are cases in point - simple, single-line performances on the most basic of blues themes. We also have some examples of Dukes compositional skills: DON JUAN and TAP DANCER'S BLUES are both snappy compositions, and bassist John Lamb has a nice solo on the latter. Two takes of THE SHEPHERD are given, with the longer second take the better of the two (Duke has a nice coda where he repeats the theme). This CD offers a seldom revealed (at least on records) side of Ellington's artistry - and it's a good one.

Outstanding piano playing by the Master.Indispensable!!!.......2003-07-20

Duke Ellington's musical career lasted about for fifty five years,and this man, who was the greatest composer and band leader of all times,and also one of the most amazing and adventurous piano players of jazz,recorded only a few albums in solo or trio setting.
This one,recorded in NYC,1966,and Las Vegas,1970,is as important as "piano reflections" or "piano in the foreground".The first seven tunes will give you the pleasure to listen to Duke with John Lamb on bass,and one of the Masters of drums,Sam Woodyard; on the last three selections,Paul Kondziela plays bass,and Rufus Jones is on drums.
And of course,the masterpieces figure in the first seven tracks.The very classical-oriented "looking glass" is a real marvel;"Don Juan" or "slow blues" are great tunes ,too;but the treasure here is the very bluesy,yet gospel-tinted by its title,"the shepherd" (aka "the shepherd who watches over the night flock",a part of Duke's first Sacred Concert). You'll find here the spirit of some tunes included in Duke's famous "Money jungle" album.Sam's incredible support on brushes is the perfect answer to Duke's phrases.And here is the essence of blues,something that Duke could play maybe better than anyone.
Here are the lyrics Duke wrote to describe the blues,and they may be the best ones ever written:
"The blues ain't nothing but a cold grey day,
"and all night long it stays that way;
"the blues is a one-way ticket from your love to nowhere,
"the blues ain't nothing but a black crepe veil ready to wear".

Nothing has to be added to these words.This amazing,very necessary to every piano lover, this immense album is a marvel in Duke's discography.You'll discover here a man,in his early seventies,playing piano in the most modern way.Duke's playing will never seem old or dated;he often could have been named a free jazz musician,from the earliest years ("Creole love call","East StLouis toodle-oo","Saturday night function","black and tan fantasy") until the last ones ("La plus belle africaine","the old circus train turns around blues"...).Duke is the greatest genius of the 20th century's music.So,don't miss this rare opportunity to listen to him as a pianist,and not as a band leader.

classic piano from the duke.......2000-11-23

with all of his recognition as a bandleader, composer, etc., we sometimes forget just how fine a pianist duke ellington was. fortunately, there are many of his small group sessions and trio dates in print. this one comes from a later period, the tracks recorded in 1966 and 1970, and first released in 1974. the swing is there, drenched in the blues. mr. ellington sets a tone and mood like an after midnight moment on 52nd street. even as an elder statesman, mr. ellington could swing. particular highlights here are the two takes of "the shepherd", "sam woodyard's blues", and "duck amok." note that there are two trios featured here (tracks 1-6 and 7-10 are the division), but the focus is on mr. ellington's piano. the only reason for docking a star at all is that the set is not as innovative as some of mr. ellington's other trio work (e.g. the stellar "money jungle" set on blue note), but this is a superb album. enjoy...

Richard Carpenter: Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor

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Richard, please give us more of this music!!
Richard's Symphony
Richard Without Karen is Empty
Contemporary arrangements
Wish there was more "Time"

Richard Carpenter: Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor
Richard Carpenter
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Carpenters Perform Carpenter
Yesterday Once More: Memories of the Carpenters and Their Music
As Time Goes By
Carpenters
Karen Carpenter

ASIN: B000002GO5
Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

Prelude
Yesterday Once More
Medley
I Need To Be In Love
Sandy
Time
For All We Know
One Love
Bless The Beasts And Children
Flat Baroque
All Those Years Ago
Top Of The Wold
We've Only Just Begun
Karen's Theme

Customer Reviews:

Richard, please give us more of this music!!.......2007-01-01

I have always been a Carpenter fan. For Christmas, I received this CD. I was so overwhelmed with emotion when I listened to it!!! I am not a musician, just an ordinary person who loves good music, and good music it is!!!! The prelude gave me goosebumps. His talent is magnificent, and I am hopeful that he will produce another cd with other "Carpenter" hits. I will always miss Karen and her pure voice, but Richard clearly stands on his own with this cd. I can honestly say that there have been few musical compilations that have affected me as much as this one has! If you want to listen to quality music, with alot of emotion, and passion, then this cd is for you, and me.

Richard's Symphony.......2006-08-04

When this album was completed almost ten years ago Richard sat for some interviews discussing this album and he stated that he always wanted to do an instumental album of the hits in the vein of Burt Bacharach. This cd fulfilled that dream and although it is a tad indulgent it's not that bad. Sure, it's soft and almost classical in it's approach but what is expected from a guy who's a self-admitted background singer? Richard included the title track "Time" with it's original arrangement on this album because it's an instrumental featuring his multi-tracked backing vocal and included a sample of Karen on backing vocals for the instrumental version of "Sandy" which creeped me out a bit. "Flat Baroque" and "Karen's Theme" are instrumentals revisited and given new arrangements, "Karen's Theme" is completed for this project, it was the title track for "The Karen Carpenter Story" telebio.

Richard is an arranger's arranger. His most recent work was to arrange and conduct strings for a track on faux-lesbian duo T.A.T.U.'s latest album and the song is their next single, "Gomenasai" is the song title and the album is "Dangerous And Moving." Richard is still with A&M and is working on a new album to be released in 2007. It's a holiday album and he states that he'll be releasing a solo album every ten years wether it's needed or not. For those of us who hold out any hope of unreleased material to surface, it's not going to happen. Richard said that outtakes are outtakes for a reason, Karen would have been unhappy if more material was released from her solo album and he regrets releasing "As Time Goes By" because some of the material just wasn't "strong enough." The Carpenters as we know them, are finished.

Richard Without Karen is Empty.......2005-07-22

There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter is an exceptionally talented pianist, composer, and performer; however, without the pure vocals of sister Karen Carpenter, this collection of instrumental Carpenter songs falls flat. It's like having ice tea without the sugar, or Coca-Cola without the fizz - you know something vital is missing. In this case what is missing is Karen's exceptional voice. As a fan of the Carpenters for over 30 years, I of course knew all the songs on this collection, and they are excellent melodies, but I kept expecting to hear Karen's voice break in, the voice that makes these songs complete.

I love the Carpenters, but without Karen's vocals, this collection reminds me of "elevator music".

Die hard Carpenter fans will want this album to compete their collection, but if you are new to Carpenter music, I'd suggest you buy one of their greatest hits collections instead.

Jim Konedog Koenig

Contemporary arrangements.......2004-06-15

Well, at least these arrangements are by the original artist. However, the original was always great. Why try to improve on them. There are no vocals on these pieces which adds a great dimension to them.

Richard Carpenter is a very talented pianists, composer and arranger. I believe this CD is worth buying, especially by teh biggest Carpenters fans.

Wish there was more "Time".......2003-11-19

I have been a fan for many many years and always look forward to any new music from the Carpenters (solo or group) and long over due writing a review. Although excited when this CD came out because it was something new from at least RC, I'm still looking for someone to re-issue Richard's 1st LP on CD, "TIME" from the 80's (along with maybe some additional tracks from that recording session that didn't make the original LP). If that LP had been promoted properly back in its day, maybe we would not be waiting so many years in between for new music from this talented musician. I hope someone sees this and gives someone the hint to release it and also get him back to recording some new music. Real fans would be glad for the old release and also a new one! :)

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Beautiful Beethoven Masterpieces

Beethoven # 1

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas , vol. 2
Schubert: Les dernières sonates (The Last Sonatas), D 959 & 960
Liszt: Sonata in B minor
Paul Lewis, Piano
Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000A5B25W
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace
II. Adagio Grazio
III. Rondo Allegretto
I. Largo. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegretto
I. Allegro
II. Scherzo. Allegretto Vivace
III. Menuetto. Moderato E Grazioso
IV. Presto Con Fuoco

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Beethoven Masterpieces.......2006-08-15

Beethoven's three Op.31 piano sonatas are among my favorites of all his 32. They have everything--high drama (No.2, the "Tempest"), lyricism , and humor (Nos. 1 and 3). Lewis gives very persuasive performances of all three sonatas. I would describe his approach as generally lyrical, with beautiful flowing lines and a wonderful touch, almost Kempff like. Aided by one of the best piano recordings I have ever heard, this is a beautiful recital. I am looking forward to other volumes of Lewis cycle.

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Daring and emotionally moving improvisations.
Intellectual Jazz

Dreamtales
Claudia Villela , and Kenny Werner
Manufacturer: Adventure Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Inverse Universe
Toots Thielemans & Kenny Werner
Lawn Chair Society
The Brasil Project

ASIN: B0002VEWO2
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

Dream Tales
Through the Gates
Room 13
Deep Sea Angel Blues
Cappuccino
Tom's Waters
All One
The Girl From Ponta Negra

Customer Reviews:

Daring and emotionally moving improvisations........2005-01-24

How brave & rare for two musicians to enter into a recording studio with no music! Imagine the trust they needed to have in themselves and one another. This CD is 100% improv, yet it works exceedingly well as it captures spontaneous moments & sparks between the musicians.
Claudia Villela goes deep into her Brazilian roots to sing out with a great deal of feeling. It's particulary moving to hear words in a foreign language, yet still feel the emotion through melodies, rhythms and interactions. The listener at times cannot recognize whether utterings are foreign words or spontaneous outpourings. Liner notes are translated into English for those who desire a full read.
Kenny Werner duets with her singing on a Steinway Grand Piano. This veteran pianist takes time to compliment and nudge her into exciting improv, while not demanding that he take center stage. The balance is genuine.
Recording quality is excellent. Tunes are not over-miked or overproduced. Sonics are clear, and 3D staging placement of singer & pianist make this a quality audiophile recording.
Highlights linclude "Dream Tales" which meanders for over 12 minutes, and "Deep Sea Angel Blues". While some listeners may prefer more variety in rhythm and tone, I find it to be fantastic.
I believe Dreamtales is a breakthrough for a singer who deserves far more recognition that she has garnered. I urge you to purchase. listen to, and share this CD.

This is

Intellectual Jazz.......2004-11-18

Sparse vocals and piano mix the talents of jazz avant-garde players Claudia Villela and Kenny Warner in DREAMTALES, a piece which will please fans of modern jazz in general.
If it's intellectual jazz vocals you seek, with sparse but precise presentation, choose DREAMTALES: no rhythm, no harmony, no melody - just bright vocal adventures into the madness and captivating world of modern jazz.

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Revelatory.
A primary source for interpreting Debussy

Claude Debussy: The Composer as Pianist

Manufacturer: Pierian
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Maurice Ravel: The Composer as Pianist and Conductor
Bartók Plays Bartók
Alexander Scriabin: The Composer as Pianist
The Composer as Pianist
Prokofiev Plays Prokofiev

ASIN: B00005IC03
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Customer Reviews:

Revelatory........2004-01-27

Debussy lived into the age of recording, but the primary documents of his playing are his Welte-Mignon piano rolls. The Welte-Mignon contraption was a mechanical "player" which you set before a regular piano. It differed from the familiar player piano in that it could reproduce not only dynamics but touch and pedal technique. Mahler also recorded some of his pieces in this way. The problem with these things is their extreme fussiness. There's a problem with getting them to play at the intended speeds. You don't know, for example, how fast or slow Debussy intended, say, "La cathedrale engloutie" simply by looking at the roll. Also, apparently Welte-Mignon players were fitted to the individual piano. However, Pierian has used the talents of an engineer, Kenneth Caswell, who has devoted decades to the innards of the player, and the results have won the imprimatur of Harold Schoenberg himself, formerly a severe critic of modern Welte-Mignon reproduction. That's good enough for me.

All that said, I consider this one of the ten most important releases in the history of recording, even though I don't know what the other nine would be. Debussy is one of the master composers of keyboard music, along with Scarlatti, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, Bartok, Ravel, and Prokofiev. So the recording is the equivalent of having Bach play the Goldbergs for you. Does Debussy differ from benchmark performances, like Gieseking? Not to take anything away from Gieseking, but, yes, he does. I can describe it as an extreme inwardness, as if the composer were communing with himself. The fingerwork isn't as sure as some, but the outstanding feature of the playing is its outstanding singing or, considering the composer's subtle temperament, humming. I can't imagine anybody interested in Debussy's piano music passing up this CD.

We also get Debussy's acoustic recordings as Mary Garden's accompanist in the Ariettes oubliees and in an extract from Pelleas. These to me have more problems than the rolls, mainly because the sound is so crude, but I make that judgment precisely because I have the rolls. Without Caswell's dedication, I'd have been extremely grateful for the acoustic recordings.

A primary source for interpreting Debussy.......2002-07-02

This is an album of Debussy's piano works played by Debussy himself. Most of the pieces are from rolls recorded by Debussy and played on Ken Caswell's beautifully and carefully restored Welte reproducing piano. There are also four acoustic recordings of Debussy vocal works, with Debussy playing piano.

The Welte reproducing piano records and plays back many aspects of piano playing (dynamics and touch) at remarkably high fidelity for the time. Thus these piano rolls are primary documents showing how Debussy intended his works to be played. While these recordings to not have the fidelity of modern acoustic recordings, it is possible to detect pedaling, tempo and dynamics. This recording has been the basis of scholarly research, such as the essay by Cecilia Denoyer in the book "Debussy in Performance", edited by James Briscoe.

The acoustic recordings of the vocal works are of much lower fidelity, but do give a sense of Debussy's feel of the piano.

If you are studying Debussy's piano works and want to know how to interpret his notation, this album is for you. If you just want to listen to Debussy's piano works, a modern recording may be more musically pleasing, but you may still enjoy hearing the pieces as they were played by the master himself.

Great Romantic Piano Favorites (Reader's Digest Music)

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Great Romantic Piano Favorites (Reader's Digest Music)

Manufacturer: Reader's Digest Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000FC8Q6I

Product Description

4 CD set from Reader's Digest Music featuring 75 songs from such master pianists as Henry Mancini, Roger Williams, Floyd Cramer, Ronnie Aldrich, and many more!

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