Schumann: Op. Nos. 44 & 47

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Schumann's Piano Quintet is one of the world's (and my) favorite pieces of chamber music. But the less-outgoing Piano Quartet eventually reveals its secrets, too, and it's another wonderful piece. These are fascinating performances. Menaham Pressler, on leave from the Beaux Arts Trio, blends his Old World charm with the New World energy of the Emerson Quartet. The result is a near-ideal balance of power and grace, and there is even some old-fashioned portamento (sliding between notes) to be heard in the strings. It's hard to think of anyone whose taste extends beyond the Baroque era who won't be pleased and moved by this disc. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

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:

Schumann at his finest
Great Recording Of Schumann's Piano Quintet and Quartet
Not just a great string quartet...
A wonderful disc

Schumann: Op. Nos. 44 & 47

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Antonin Dvorak: Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello, Op. 81/Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello,Op.
Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets
Schumann: Complete Piano Trios
Schubert: String Quintet in C, D. 956
Debussy, Ravel: Streichquartette

ASIN: B000001GP3
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 1. Allegro Brillante
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 2. In Modo D'una Marcia: Un Poco Largamente
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 3. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 44: 4. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 1. Sostenuto Assai - Allegro Mo Non Troppo
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 2. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 3. Andante Cantabile
Quartet For Piano, Violine, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major, Op. 47: 4. Finale: Vivace

Amazon.com

Schumann's Piano Quintet is one of the world's (and my) favorite pieces of chamber music. But the less-outgoing Piano Quartet eventually reveals its secrets, too, and it's another wonderful piece. These are fascinating performances. Menaham Pressler, on leave from the Beaux Arts Trio, blends his Old World charm with the New World energy of the Emerson Quartet. The result is a near-ideal balance of power and grace, and there is even some old-fashioned portamento (sliding between notes) to be heard in the strings. It's hard to think of anyone whose taste extends beyond the Baroque era who won't be pleased and moved by this disc. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Schumann at his finest.......2007-01-09

After hearing these pieces performed in a small concert hall in Berlin, my husband and I wanted to purchase a recording that would bring these vibrant Schumann pieces to life for us, again and again. In this high quality recording, the musicians play with a balance of technical skill with emotional sensitivity that transports the listener to another time and place where beautiful music reigns supreme.

Great Recording Of Schumann's Piano Quintet and Quartet.......2001-11-28

This is a magnificent collaboration between pianist Menachem Pressler and the Emerson String Quartet; an exceptional synthesis between his Old World graceful playing and the Emerson's New World brashness. Pressler shows his usual warm, introspective playing, which fans of the Beaux Arts Trio have come to expect. Meanwhile, the Emerson String Quartet plays with much empathy and lyricism in both scores. I doubt I have heard a better collaboration between a pianist and a string quartet; certainly there's none that's been as exquisitely recorded as this CD. Those looking for a definitive performance of these Schumann scores should look no further.

Not just a great string quartet..........2001-03-26

The Emerson Quartet have shown that they are not only a great string quartet but can combine with an equally fine musician to produce an excellent recording of the Schumann Quintet and Piano Quartet. Their tempi are brisk but well thought out and their playing combines power and intensity with a quite outstanding lyricism and sense of the melodic line, particularly in the the slow movement of the Piano Quartet. Balance is excellent and DG's sound quality is first-rate. In particular, look out for the scherzo of the Piano Quintet, absolute military precision but a sense of Romantic freedom as well, a remarkable combination. This is a far better recording than the Entremont/Berg Quartet rendition and the Piano Quartet is a more carefully crafted reading than the Ames Piano Quartet. Thoroughly recommended!

A wonderful disc.......2000-01-06

I can't compare this recording with others, but I enjoy this disc immemsely, and the pieces themselves are lovely. The quintet is not nearly as profound as Brahms' masterpiece, but is nonetheless tuneful and enduringly fresh.

Lotte Lehmann: The Complete Victor Recordings (1935-1940)

Average customer rating:

Lotte Lehmann: The Complete Victor Recordings (1935-1940)

Manufacturer: Romophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000001S3G
Release Date: 1995-11-22

Tracks:

An Chloe, K.524 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Die Verschweigung, K.518 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Die Schone Mullerin: Ungeduld, D.795, No.7 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Im Abendrot, D.799 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Die Kartenlegerin, Op.31, No.2 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Liederkreis: Waldesgoesprach, Op.39, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Der Tod Das Ist Die Kuhle Nacht, Op.96, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Therese, Op.86, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Meine Liebe Ist Grun, Op.63, No.5 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Anakreons Grab - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Do Not Chide - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
My Native Land - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Midsummer - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Fa La Nanna, Bambin - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Canto Di Primavera - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Ich Liebe Dich - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Schlafe, Mein Susses Kind - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
D'Une Prison - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Vierges D'Athens - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gretel - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Selige Nacht - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Storchenbotschaft - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Der Gartner - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Du Denkst Mit Einem Fadchen Mich Zu Fangen - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Fur Musik, Op.10, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gute Nacht, Op.5, No.7 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Lehn' Deine Wang' An Meine Wang' - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gretchen Am Spinnrade, D.118 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Schlafe, Schlafe 'Weigenlied', D.498 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Du Bist Wie Eine Blume, Op.25, No.24 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Liederkreis: Fruhlingsnacht, Op.39, No.12 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh

Tracks:

Alte Laute, Op.35, No.12 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Botschaft, Op.47, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Das Madchen Spricht, Op.107, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Mein Madel Hat Einen Rosenmund, No.25 From 49 Volkslieder - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Visions (Tonerna) - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Drink To Me Only - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gebet - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Nun Lass Uns Frieden Schliessen - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Fruhling Ubers Jahr - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Auf Ein Altes Bild - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
In Der Fruhe - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Auch Kleine Dinge - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Und Willst Du Deinen Liebsten Sterben Sehen - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Peregrina I - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Der Knabe Und Das Immlein - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Heimweh - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Er und Sie, Op.78, No.2 - Lotte Lehmann
So Wahr Die Sonne Scheinet, Op.37, No.12 - Lotte Lehmann
Unterm Fenster, Op.34, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann
Familien - Gemalde, Op.34, No.4 - Lotte Lehmann
Ich Denke Dein, Op.78, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann
Winterreise: Die Nebensonnen, D.911, No.23 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Die Post, D.911, No.13 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Der Sturmische Morgen, D.911, No.18 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Der Lindenbaum, D.911, No.5 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Der Wegweiser, D.911, No.20 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Die Krahe, D.911, No.15 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Das Wirtshaus, D.911, No.21 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Tauschung, D.911, No.19 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Mut! D.911, No.22 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: In Dorfe, D.911, No.17 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Ruckblick, D.911, No.8 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
Terrific recording
Christa in her prime
Christa Ludwig is in great shape

Christa Ludwig - Les Introuvables
Johannes Brahms , Gustav Mahler , Robert Schumann , Max Reger , Franz Schubert , Hugo Wolf , Richard Strauss , Maurice Ravel , Camille Saint-Saens , Sergey Rachmaninov , Gioachino Rossini , Richard Wagner , George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Berlin Symphony Orchestra , Otto Klemperer , Horst Stein , Karl Forster , Christa Ludwig , Gerald Moore , Geoffrey Parsons , Herbert Downes , Amaryllis Fleming , Douglas Whittaker , Alexander Pushkin , and Mathilde Wesendonk
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Christa Ludwig

ASIN: B000002S2Z
Release Date: 1992-04-14

Tracks:

Sapphische Ode, Op. 94 Nr. 4
Liebestreu, Op. 3 Nr. 1
Der Schmied, Op. 19 Nr. 4
Die Mainacht, Op. 43 Nr. 2
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): He, Zigeuner
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Hochgeturmte Rimaflut
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Wisst ihr, wann mein Kindchen
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Lieber Gott, du weisst
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Brauner Bursche
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Roslein dreie
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Kommt dir manchmal in den Sinn
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Rote Abendwolken ziehn
2 deutsche Volkslieder: Och mod'r, ich well en Ding han!
2 deutsche Volkslieder: We kumm ich dann de Pooz erenn?
Dein blaues Auge, Op. 59 Nr. 8
Von ewiger Liebe, Op. 43 Nr. 1
Das Madchen spricht, Op. 107 Nr. 3
O wusst ich doch, Op. 63 Nr. 8
Wie Melodien zieht es mir, Op. 105 Nr. 1
Madchenlied, Op. 107 Nr. 5
Vergebliches Standchen
Der Tod, das ist die kuhle Nacht, Op. 96 Nr. 1
Auf dem See, Op. 59 Nr. 2
Feldeinsamkeit, Op. 86 Nr. 2
In stiller Nacht ('Deutsche Volkslieder' Nr. 42)
Schwesterlien ('Deutsche Volkslieder', Nr. 15)
Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer, Op. 105 Nr. 2
Standchen, Op. 106 Nr. 1
Gestillte Sehnsucht, Op. 91 Nr. 2
Geistilches Wiegenlied, Op. 91 Nr. 2

Tracks:

Ich ging mit Lust durch einen grunen Wald ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Hans und Grete
Fruhlingsmoren
Wo die schonen Trompeten blasen ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Der Schildwache Nachtlied ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Um schlimme Kinder ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Ich atmet' einen linden Duft
Liebst du um Schonheit
Um Mitternacht
Das irdische Leben ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Wer hat dies Liedlein erdacht ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Lob des hohen Verstandes ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Rheinlegendchen ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Seit ich ihn gesehen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Er, der Herrlichste von allen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Ich kann's nicht fassen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Du Ring, an meinem Finger
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Helft mir, ihr Schwestern
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Susser Freund, du blickest
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: An meinem Herzen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Nun hast du mir den ersten Schmerz getan
Der Brief, Op. 76 No. 8
Waldeinsamkeit, Op. 76 No. 3

Tracks:

Die Allmacht, D. 852
Fischerweise, D. 881
An die Musik, D. 547
Der Musensohn, D. 764
Ganymed, D. 544
Auf dem Wasser zu singen, D. 774
Ave Maria, D. 839
Die Forelle, D. 550
Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118
Fruhlingsglaube, D. 686
Der Tod und das Madchen, D. 531
Lachen und Weinen, D. 777
Litanel auf das Fest 'Aller Seelen', D. 343
Erikonig, D. 328
Der Hirt auf dem Feisen, D. 965
Gesang Weylas
Auf einer Wanderung
Die Nacht, Op. 10 Nr. 3
Allerseelen, Op. 10 Nr. 8
Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 Nr. 5

Tracks:

3 Chansons madecasses: Nahandove
3 Chansons madecasses: Aoua! Aoua!
3 Chansons madecasses: Il est doux
Une flute invisible
Chanson georgienne: 'Oh! cesse de chanteer, gentille jeune fille,' Op. 4 No. 4
'Moisson de tristesse'
La regata veneziana: 3 canzonettas en dialecte ventien: Anzoleta avanti la regata
La regata veneziana: 3 canzonettas en dialecte ventien: Anzoleta co passa la regata
La regata veneziana: 3 canzonettas en dialecte ventien: Anzoleta dopo la regata
Wesendonk-Lieder: Der Engel
Wesendonk-Lieder: Stehe still!
Wesendonk-Lieder: Im Treibhaus
Wesendonk-Lieder: Schmerzen
Wesendonk-Lieder: Traume
Julius Caesar: Acte I: 'Es blaut die Nacht' (Cleopatra)
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Nr. 58 - Aria: 'Es ist volbracht!'
Tristan und Isolde: III Akt: 'Mild und leise (Isoldes Liebestod)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2003-07-20

This is a wonderful set. I would like to correct an error below. The climax in the Liebestod is a high A flat not high C. But you have to cut through the dense orchestration. That's why it's hard.

Terrific recording.......2003-07-06

I write this as s service to Christa Ludwig fans. This is a set of Lieder. Christa Ludwig is fabulous - as usual.

But if you want to hear Christa ludwig in a set of operatic recitals that will knock of your socks and blow you to bits. Look for this CD called "Celebrating Christa Ludwig". It has Christa Ludwig singing excerpts from Elektra (as Elektra!!!), Ariadne auf Maxos (as Ariadne!!), Die Frau Ohne Schatten (as the Dyer's Wife), Barber of Serville (as rosina) and the Immolation Scene of Gotterdammerung (as Brunnhilde!!!). She will blow you to bits with her unmatchable dramatic sense, vocal power and beauty of tone - the greatest Brunnhilde that never was and the greatest Elektra that never was. She did sing Ariadne once in Salzburg in 1964, and she sang the Dyer's Wife for 10 years from 1964 (Vienna State Opera) to 1974 (Salzburg Festival). Her complete Ariadne is available under Myto records.

Christa in her prime.......2001-09-19

Being an admirerer of Christa Ludwig, I went into purchasing this recording with great expectations, and it did not disappoint in any way. Ludwig is in her prime and is heard in wonderful interpretations and beautiful singing from among several composers and works. I not only enjoy listening to her personally, but am also able to put it to great use use in my Vocal Literature class here at the college in which I teach.

Christa Ludwig is in great shape.......2000-04-15

She sang all the major mezzo roles, and also some in the dramatic soprano repertory, notably Leonora in Fidelio, Lady Macbeth and the Marschallin.

Her voice is a rich, expressive mezzo capable of dramatic incisiveness and even throughout its considerable range. Her upper register in mezzo music is excintingly projected.

Although this compilation is composed of different recordings in different settings in different years, all of them show a young Ludwig when she had not yet acquired her prime and her status of, arguably, the best mezzo of the world, which would arrive in the years to come.

Ludwig, thirteen years Schwarzkopf's junior, was also a member of the legendary Ensamble of Berlin, which meant that each appearance of hers in any opera produced in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, London, Paris....by this Ensamble was backed by many hours of rehearsals with the same group of musicians. Usually this group comprised Schwarzkopf, Grümmer, Seefried, Berger, Güeden, Dermota, Tauber, and of course Furtwängler. This is how the legendary recording of COSI FAN TUTTE was made, in which she shared credits with Schwarzkopf.

Disc one is devoted to Brahms -not less than 30 Lieder are here. She doesn't sing Brahms with intimacy, rather she attacks each song with open throat. Her diction, her care for words is now proverbial. My favorite Lied in this disc is In stiller Nacht. She sets the melancholic mood of the song with her rich, vibrant contralto-like tones.

Disc two brings us Ludwig singing Mahler, Schumann and Reger. From the melodic lines of Mahler's Des Knaben Wunderhorn to the tortuous inflexions of Max Reger's two songs, she shows an extreme afinity with these composers. Schumann is taken very sensously, one can almost feel her velvety and creamy narrations of the woman-in-love of the song cycle.

Disc three is devoted to Schubert, Wolf and Strauss. Ludwig was not compelled to sing too much Wolf or Strauss (only 5 Lieder by these composers). It is her Schubert that shows her in splendid form. Auf dem Wasser zu singen is sung at such a low speed that her tone can only be described as luxurious. Erlkönig finds in her voice an ideal interpreter for the four characters of the song. In Wolf's Gesang Weylas, Gerald Moore has produced some magical arpeggios in the piano accompaniment, but of course this in only natural in him being the best accompanist ever.

Disc four is a miscellaneous melange of Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Rossini, Wagner, Händel and Bach. Ludwig never tried to sing on stage Isolde, but she recorded it; the Liebestod is taken at an exciting pace and one is only waiting for the climax to see if she can do it (the top c's). Yes, she can do it. Händel's aria from Julius Caesar is, again, sensous and exciting. Händel is another composer with whom she felt communicated. Ravel's Chansons Madécasses can only be described as magical. And of course she was outstanding in Bach oratorios, as is the case of Johannes Passion.

Wagner's Wessendonk Lieder are sung lustrously. I especially enjoyed Träume, which actually is sung, as its title suggests, dreamily.

Praised be the two accompanists for the majority of the recordings, Gerald Moore and Geoffrey Parsons. Both have gone now and the musical world seems so empty without their supreme touch. I do believe that 50% of Christa Ludwig's success as a Lieder Singer was due to them.

Tracks:

Cantata No. 82 'Ich habe genug': Aria: Ich habe genug
Cantata No. 82 'Ich habe genug': Recit: Ich Habe Genug
Cantata No. 82 'Ich habe genug': Recit: Mein Gott!
Die Zauberflote: Die Vogelfanger bin ich, Ja
Die Zauberflote: Ein Madchen oder Weibchen
Cosi fan tutte: Madchen, So Treibt Ihr's Mit Allen
Le Nozze Di Gigaro: Hai Gia Vinta La Causa?
La Traviata: Mademoiselle?
Faust: Da Ich Num Verlassen Soll
Carmen: Auf In Dem Kampf, Torero

Tracks:

Hans Heiling: An Jenum Tag
Die tote Stadt: Mein Sehnen, Mein Wahnen, Es Traumt Sich Zuruck
Martha: Wie Das Schnattert, Wie Das Plappert
Boccaccio: Florenz Hat Schone Frauen
Die Konigskinder: Verdorben! Gestorben!
Die lustige Witwe: O Vaterland-Da Geh Ich Zum Maxim
Kiss Me Kate: So In Love
My Fair Lady: On The Street Where You Live
Heimweh(Wer In Die Fremde Will Wandern): Heimweh
Der Musensohn
Der Lindenbaum
Fruhingstraum
Wanderers Nachlied
Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
Mondnacht
Ich Grolle Nicht
All Mein Gedanken, Die Ich Hab
Ich Liebe Dich
Der Kub
Adelaide

Average customer rating:

Gala Highlights 95-96

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000035ND
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls, Vol. 3: Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Sibelius

Average customer rating:

Disappointing

Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls, Vol. 3: Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Sibelius

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls, 1905-1927
Welte-Mignon Piano Rolls, Vol. 2: R. Strauss, Grieg, Chopin, Weber

ASIN: B0001Z65I0
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2004-07-20

This is the third of this series to come out and the third I have reviewed. I am fascinated by the history of piano-playing and grasp at any chance to hear pianists from an earlier era. The Welte-Mignon piano rolls are probably better at reproducing the playing of great pianists of the past than the more familiar piano rolls we associated with the Player Piano. But there are still some unresolved mechanical complexities with the system and a resulting mechanical quality to the music produced. In particular there is a subtle rhythmic instability that is probably discernible by most listeners. Having said that, there are some performances here that I am very happy to have. The pianists represented are: Artur Schnabel, Ferruccio Busoni, Josef Hofmann, Carl Schmidt, Olga Samaroff, Xaver Scharwenka, Rudolph Ganz, Yolanda Mero, Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler, Fanny Davies, W. Krowsky, and Wera Schapira. It is of note that some of these pianists lived on to record phonograph records, and where they are available (e.g. Fanny Davies in some of the 'Kinderszenen') they are preferable. Who needs Schnabel's Welte-Mignon efforts when he lived well into the electric period of recording and left a huge recorded legacy, including all the Beethoven sonatas?

American pianist Fanny Bloomfield Zeisler plays two Chopin selections-the Op. 70, No. 1 Waltz, and the B Minor Scherzo, Op. 20, No 1. The former is delightful, with an almost Viennese Schwung. But the Scherzo is a dog's breakfast; I think it is the recording process, not her playing, but one cannot be sure, of course. And in the Scherzo the piano is out of tune. Ferruccio Busoni, a real giant of the piano, is ill-served here. He made a few gramophone recordings but they, too, are not so great, although preferable to the clunky Paganini/Liszt 'La campanella' here. Josef Hofmann's 'German Waltz' by Anton Rubinstein is awkward, certainly not what we would expect from Hofmann's phonographic legacy; again, I blame the recording/reproduction process here. Davies's first six sections of 'Kinderszenen' are nicely done, I must say, but when she re-recorded them two decades later, they were much better.

All in all, I have to give this issue a thumbs down. I do understand that some of this same material is available on the Pierian label, but I've not heard those. One wonders if the reproduction of these Welte-Mignon rolls are done more expertly there.

Scott Morrison

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