Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I remember organizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "The Egyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local community orchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in the orchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both the Second and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century, but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was our loss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs, can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fine performances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivacious music at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: I Andante -- Allegro assai
Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: II Andante sostenuto quasi adagio
Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: III Allegro con fuoco
Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: I Andante sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: II Allegro Scherzando
Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: III Presto
Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: I Moderato assai - Piu mosso (Allegro maestoso)

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: III Allegro non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: I Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: II Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: I Allegro animato
Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: II Andante
Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: III Molto allegro

Amazon.com

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I remember organizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "The Egyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local community orchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in the orchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both the Second and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century, but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was our loss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs, can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fine performances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivacious music at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

five sparkling gems.......2007-02-21

Saint-Saens was the dominant French composer of the second half of the nineteenth century. And yet his works remain under-appreciated. His party piece "Carnival of the Animals" is probably his best known composition. Of his five symphonies, only the last (the "Organ" symphony, which is given the number 3) is well known, and that as a novelty crowd pleaser, rather than in recognition of the masterpiece it is. All five symphonies should be part of the standard repertoire. Of the piano concertos, the best known is the second, with the fourth somewhere behind that. But all five are glittering, assured works, full of imagination, and amongst the most thoroughly realized concertos written. They make full use of all the colours of the large romantic orchestra, and range through the pallette of emotions from exuberance to reflective sadness. This is a fine recording, the notes dropping in clear cascades of gorgeous sound. It should be part of any classical music collection.

Outstanding........2005-11-24

Having listened to other recordings, plus hearing live ones, of Concerto #2 (the most popular) for 15 years, it was nice to hear the entire pentalogy of the Saint-Saens piano concerti.
Pascal Roge may not be as big a name as Martha Argerich or
Vladimir Ashkenazy, but he certainly knows how to play the piano.
There isn't a dull moment in any of them. Roge captures all the youthful exuberance in the musically-straightforward 1st concerto. The 5th concerto (often called "The Egyptian concerto") is definitely the best of the lot. The tonal coloring is exquisite throughout, especially in the 'Nile River' 2nd movement and the boisterous finale. I could listen to it all day. The 3rd and 4th concerti are fine; these are musically less interesting than the other three. The orchestra is equally virtuosic and never oversteps its bounds, under the guidance of Dutoit. Highly recommended.

OK for the money.......2005-04-22

All in all, I think this is a fair value. Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good. I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages. What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost. I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.

I liked concerto no 1 very much - these concertos should not be ignored even if some critics do not consider Saint Saens a 'heavyweight' composer.

You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens.......2004-05-06

Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music. It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.

Not coincidentally, some of Saint-Saens' pieces that have shown staying power are at least a couple of the piano concerti, and they are impeccably presented here by Roge & Dutoit. All in all, they are pretty musical confections of a decidedly classical strain, certainly not wallowing in the late romanticism that was running rampant at the time they were composed. If you are lukewarm about Saint-Saens, this is a collection that will plead his case for you about as well as anything to be found these days. Also, it is nice and cheap --- that certainly does not detract from its desirability. Enjoy.

Trust us.......2003-03-02

Looking at the other reviews here, I can only nod in complete agreement. Saint-Saëns is an underrated composer and these 5 concertos are joyful, seductive and deserving of a lot more attention than they have received. Saint-Saëns, like Mendelssohn, had the ability to instantly inspire happiness in the listener, this listener anyhow. Yes, the 2nd and 4th occasionally do get an airing, but the "Eqyptian" (the 5th) is every bit their equal and the remaining two concertos certainly have their own merits. The five deserve a double disc outing like this.

The performances here are very, very fine indeed. I have not heard the Collard/Previn versions (which are referred to in another review), although I have several versions of the 2nd and 4th. Charles Dutoit and Pascal Roge do a wonderful job, investing these performances with the affection and conviction they deserve. True, there is more of the virtuoso than the philosopher about Roge's playing, but that is entirely appropriate to Saint-Saëns. This is feel-good music (and music-making) of the very highest callibre.

Returning to these discs is always a pleasure for me and I hope will be for you. If you have even a passing interest in late Romantic piano concertos treat yourself to these.

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse
Average customer rating:

A very good collection of moving compositions.

Nothing but the Best

Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture

ASIN: B0002XV30Q
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

I. Andante - Allegro Assai
II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
III. Allegro Con Fucco
I. Andante Sostenuto
II. Allegro Scherzando
III. Presto
I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)
II. Andante
III. Allegro Non Troppo
I. Allegro Animato
II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo Quasi Andantino
III. Molto Allegro
Wedding Cake - Caprice-Valse Op.76
Africa Fantaisie Op.89

Customer Reviews:

A very good collection of moving compositions........2007-05-07

We heard the Piano Concerto No. 5 in F on National Public Radio and decided that we must have this piece of music in our CD collection. We selected this CD since the two CDs allowed us to purchase all 5 of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concertos. This CD has become one of our favorites and we play it often, discovering more interest in the work of Saint-Saens with each playing.

Camille Saint-Saens' sense of drama, his lyric runs, his ability to evoke mystery, all make this listening experience highly recommended. I am fascinated by the way Saint-Saens creates rich variations of his themes as he takes us from movement to movement. Saint-Saens has the ability to develop ethereal melodies and variations on themes that are hypnotic and mystical. His piano runs are pushed for dramatic effect. The creative and amusing variations of his themes are pleasant and amusing.

This CD is highly recommended. In addition to the 5 Piano Concertos, Saint-Saens' Wedding Cake Caprice and the Africa Fantaisie are included. I found Jean-Phillippe Collard's interpretation to be masterful and rich, capturing the vast complexity and variation that Saint-Saens created in his compositions.

Nothing but the Best.......2007-04-01

To the other reviewer, you are a fool to give these CDs anything less than 5 stars, and you should be banished to hearing Fur Elise permanently until you repent of your ways. As a classical piano composer and teacher, I am definetely spoiled with piano music, it's true. But this is a real gem, TRUE ART, where even a metronome is rendered petty and useless to this, thank you very, very, much. Saint-Saen's 5 Piano Concertos, and David Helfgott's performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto IS as good as it gets. This is art with a soul, their is no hidden agenda, no undercurrent to this music. This recording is fine, don't listen to the other reviewer. I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. Much of these 2 CDs is compltely unique in the realm of piano music. The 2nd Mov. of the 5th Concerto is unforgettable, just to name one. Go ahead and get this one, if you don't, you are sinning, right now.

Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto.......2006-06-01

There are two albums of Saint-Saens' complete piano concerti available in the Amazon catalogue. This from EMI classics, and one from Decca. With two extra tracks thrown in (the "Wedding Cake" waltz, Opus 76, and "Africa Fantaisie," opus 89), this is the better bargain. Plus it's cheaper. I highly recommend it for these reasons, especially if your only interest is familiarization with all of Saint-Saens' five piano concertos, as was mine. Whether the Charles Dutoit performance is better, I can't say as I don't own it.

As for the performances in this disc:

My interest in Saint-Saens' piano concertos was fired up when I first heard his 2nd Piano Concerto performed by Cecile Licad. That stupendous performance (yes, I considered that adjective very carefully and find it absolutely appropriate) was also conducted by Andre Previn and accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (another Brit orchestra). That recording is also available in Amazon catalogue. Do buy it if you are a connoisseur of Saint Saens' second piano concerto. It is a definitive performance, one that am sure even Saint-Saens would approve of VERY enthusiastically. Just listen to the cadenza of the first movement in the Music Sampler and hear for yourselves.

Now back to this album. As noted earlier, it is also conducted by Andre Previn. But what a difference a pianist makes. I refer here to the performance of the second piano concerto. I skip it, actually. Having been spoiled--blissfully, ecstatically--by the Licad stunner, I cannot bear the stultifying interpretation in this one. I just listen to the other piano concertos and enjoy them. These piano concertos are excitingly atmospheric, with the composer's unmistakable mix of boister and mystery. As noted from an Amazon review of the Decca album, a recording of all of Saint Saent's five piano concerti is rare enough. So for that reason and the cheap price, this album is a good buy. I just try not wonder how other pianists, like Licad for instance, would play them. I just enjoy Saint Saent's piano music, The other performances are still very enjoyable, excluding other considerations. After I received this album from my sister as her Amazon gift, I now know that Saint Saen's piano concertos really rock!!! They are for me.

For the price and the extra tracks I'd give this album four stars. But for its dismal second piano concerto (cringe, cringe), three stars.

Average customer rating:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations

The Violinist
Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B0000BWTKJ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Affettuoso
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Vivace
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
III. Allegro

Tracks:

Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andante Tranquillo
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante
I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
II. Allegro
II. Adagio

Tracks:

Romance No. 1 In G Major
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Larghetto
III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante Tranquillo
II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
III. Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
IV. Andante
V. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
II. Adagio Espressivo
III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
II. Adagio Religioso
III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Cadenza
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Di Molto
III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I. Praeludium (Largo)
I. Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
II. Allegro
III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Only for the enthusiast

Saint-Saëns: The 5 Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000026YH
Release Date: 1991-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Only for the enthusiast.......2006-02-17

Entremont does a great job on the more popular #2 and #4. His old performance of #2 with Ormandy is even livelier, but its sound is obsolete; these newer recordings offer very good (albeit remastered analog) sound. If you will spare no expense to have the very best performances of #2 and #4, you should seriously consider this set.

But Pascal Rogé and Charles Dutoit do a much better job of extracting the maximum musical merit from the lesser concerti--see the reviews of that set, where several reviewers actually conclude that all 5 works are equal. This applies particularly to #5: little profundity, but plenty of fun. It helps that Dutoit generally gives the orchestral parts more verve than Plasson, whose Toulouse players do create a gorgeous sound. While Rogé doesn't match Entremont's vitality in #2, it's not a bad performance. Overall, I'd put Rogé ahead of Entremont. I haven't heard the Collard set (portions I've heard on the radio sounded very good).

Average customer rating:

Haunting, Atmospheric, and Beautiful
Not your ordinary tonal bubble bath ...
The Best overall stress reducing music cd ever!
Only problem is...
Wonderful and Relaxing.

Night Tracks

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nightmoods: Twilight Hour
Morning Mood: The Soft Sounds of Grieg
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The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000000SAH
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2: Andante sostenuto 'A London Symphony'
Paulina's Theme & Paulina's Secret (Death And The Maiden)
La Traviata: Prelude To Act 1
Symphony No. 9 'New World': Largo
The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude In C - Sharp Minor
Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
Gymnopedie I
Trivium: Camerata Tallinn
The Children of Lir: 'Listen To The Cleric's Bell'
Suantrai
The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude In C Major
Romance For Violin And Orchestra: The Lark Ascending
Lyric Pieces: Arietta, Op. 12, No. 1
Suite No. 6 In D Major For Cello: Allemande
Sacred Choral Works: Concerto No. 32, Andante Moderato
String Quintet In C Major, D 956: Adagio
Sanata In C Major, K, 454: Andante
Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102: Andante
Appalachian Spring: Andante

Amazon.com

This disc must be intended for insomniacs; it has that three-in-the-morning feel. The single movements featured are for the most part well performed. And some are decidedly off the beaten track, like Wojciech Kilar's Death and the Maiden (no relation to Schubert's) from the soundtrack to the movie, Paulina's Secret. And we also get English horn player Thomas Stacy doing the solo from the slow movement of Dvorák's New World Symphony with the New York Philharmonic. Also, there is violinist Tasmin Little and the BBC Symphony in a beautiful, dewy performance of The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams. -- Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

Haunting, Atmospheric, and Beautiful.......2006-06-15

Every time I find myself awake past midnight, I listen to this CD. It does indeed have that "three-in-the-morning feel". I'm not a classical music buff but every piece on Night Tracks is well-chosen and played beautifully. No matter I stressed out I may feel, this CD never fails to relax me and fill me with peace and tranquility --- I can't recommend it highly enough. The album cover is striking and moody.

Not your ordinary tonal bubble bath ..........2005-10-01

I love this recording for its thought-provoking selections. I wouldn't suggest reading while you listen, you'll get too distracted. Maybe a long soak in the bath and a nice glass of wine. It's great for thinking things over. If I have a criticism, it's the odd themes from Dvorak, Copland, Vaughn Williams and Verdi. Playing just a taste of a theme from something doesn't satisfy. But the Bach, Kilar, Espere and the rest are wonderful.

The Best overall stress reducing music cd ever!.......2005-01-17

This is by far one of my favorite cd's to listen to at the end of a long day. Especially in the winter months curled up by a fire and a good book.

Only problem is..........2005-01-04

I always fall asleep by the third song. It is so relaxing and wonderful in assortment.

Wonderful and Relaxing........2003-01-17

Truly one of the best collections of relaxing classical music. A must have for couples when the kids are gone, or just some quiet time alone. Soothing to the mind, body and soul.

Average customer rating:

25 Classical Heartbreakers

25 Classical Heartbreakers

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007TFHCA
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Customer Reviews:

25 Classical Heartbreakers.......2006-11-29

Although these are popular and widely heard compositions (that's why I gave it 4 stars) they are very soothing when you want to mellow out. However, I can't understand why the title reads '20 Classical Heartbreakers' when there are 25 pieces.

Saint-Saens: Concertos for piano in Gm; Brahms: Intermezzo in E Op116/4

Average customer rating:

Saint-Saens: Concertos for piano in Gm; Brahms: Intermezzo in E Op116/4

Manufacturer: Russian Revelation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006B94
Release Date: 1998-04-21

Tracks:

Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Intro And Royal March Of The Lion - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Cocks And Hens - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Wild Asses - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Tortoises - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Elephant - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Kangaroos - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Aquariam - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): People With Long Ears - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Cuckoo In The Depths Of The Woods - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Avairy - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Pianists - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Fossils - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Swan - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Finale - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
Con No.2 For Pno And Orch: Andante Sosentuto - Emil Gilels
Con No.2 For Pno And Orch: Allegro Scherzando - Emil Gilels
Con No.2 For Pno And Orch: Presto - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Capriccio In d - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in a - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Capriccio in g - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in E - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in e - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in E - Emil Gilels
Fantasy, Op.116: Cappriccio in d - Emil Gilels

Average customer rating:

Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Concertos pour Piano

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002SEM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Con No.1 in D, Op. 17: I. Andante - Allegro Assai
Con No.1 in D, Op. 17: II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
Con No.1 in D, Op. 17: III. Allegro Con Fuoco
Con No.2 in g, Op.22: I. Andante Sostenuto
Con No.2 in g, Op.22: II. Allegro Scherzando
Con No.2 in g, Op.22: III. Presto
Con No.3 in E flat, Op.29: I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)

Tracks:

Con No.3 in E flat, Op.29: II. Andante
Con No.3 in E flat, Op.29: III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Con No.4 in c, Op.44: I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
Con No.4 in c, Op.44: II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro
Con No.5 in F, Op.103: I. Allegro Animato
Con No.5 in F, Op.103: II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo - Andante
Con No.5 in F, Op.103: III. Molto Allegro

Average customer rating:

Stellar
Scintillating
Stunning and amazing!
An Insult to Saint-Saens
Brilliant

Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos 1-5

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000JQXY
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 in D, Op.17: I Andante - Allegro assai
Piano Concerto No.1 in D, Op.17: II Andante sostenuto quasi adagio
Piano Concerto No.1 in D, Op.17: III Allegro con fuoco
Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: I Andante sostenuto
Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: II Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: III Presto
Piano Concerto No.4 In C Minor, Op.44: I Allegro moderato - Andante
Piano Concerto No.4 In C Minor, Op.44: II Allegro vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.3 In E Flat, Op. 29: I Moderato assai-Piu mosso (Allegro maestoso)
Piano Concerto No.3 In E Flat, Op. 29: II Andante
Piano Concerto No.3 In E Flat, Op. 29: III Allegro non troppo
Piano Concerto No.5 In F, Op.103: I Allegro animato
Piano Concerto No.5 In F, Op.103: II Andante-Allegretto tranquillo quasi andantino
Piano Concerto No.5 In F, Op.103: III Molto allegro
'Wedding Cake' - Caprice-Valse, Op. 76
'Africa' Fantaisie, Op. 89

Customer Reviews:

Stellar.......2005-02-24

I have never liked mixes with too much emphasis on the piano. While EMI's final result is far from the best recordings, it is far from atrocious, as some "ears" seem to point out in earlier reviews.

I will keep this review brief: it's more a written reaction from listening to this set straight through, five concertos in a row (and two extra pieces), nearly every time I play the discs. It is as if I must listen from the beginning to the end, like a well orchestrated, well organized, well plotted programmatic music album. And this is only, in part, due to Collard's fantastic playing -- there are two accidental "wrong-notes" in the whole set which *was* a slight disappointment, until I realized that I wanted a performance, not a digitally edited reconstruction.

The credit for this music goes to Mr. Saint-Saens! The man was extraordinary, sublime, luminous, and these pieces remind me of the painted films of Mr. Brakhage...whose pieces are shown silent usually...and I don't wonder, somehow, if there is really some connection, here...between humans who are less grounded, and more in tune with something higher...

The piano concerto is my favorite form of classical expression. I own many (not enough) concertos and while I find myself playing a little Rachmaninoff here and there, I will explore Saint-Saens' five concertos all in one sitting, nearly every time.

Bravo Collard et Previn!

Scintillating.......2004-08-17

Such scintillating music! Saint-Saëns' piano music is a worthy successor to Mendelssohn's glittering scores. In this compilation of the French composer's piano cum orchestra music, the Second Concerto is the best known work (and deservedly so!). I like the Fifth, "The Egyptian," very much as well. (Richer has a fabulous account of this "oriental" score.) The Fourth is also performed on occasion, with its catchy, headstrong last movement. It's a mystery why the Third remains unknown; it shows off the soloist in a flattering light. I would judge the First Concerto as a student effort, although a commendable one. The "Wedding Cake" and "Africa" are delicious bon-bons thrown into the mix.

Pianist Jean-Philippe Collard displays a remarkable digital facility-which is a requisite for would-be performers of Saint-Saëns's piano pieces. Collard is also a poet, shaping the musical lines elegantly and effectively. André Previn's transparent yet strong orchestral accompaniment provides a solid stratum for the soloist to float over.

Stunning and amazing!.......2004-06-26

Well, as for me it is BY FAR the best CD of concert piano music that I have! The multiplication of Collard and Saint Saens brings me back to Paris. It full with traditions and crispiness. The music is so deep, sensitive and powerful, very humane very real, as a live. If you want to REDEFINE your enjoyment from music take this CD. There're few such wonderful pieces of audible human genius exist.

An Insult to Saint-Saens.......2004-05-28

I consider myself quite an experienced listener.

The recordings found on this disc are of average performance. The lacking value is that EMI has decided to "degrade" the recording performance, and thus the high tones are cut out.

The piano sounds as if it was recording from inside a closet, while the orchestra sounds as if it was recorded farthest from the row in a stadium.

Brilliant.......2000-10-18

Saint-Saens' piano music embodies all that is good about the Romantic era: long, haunting melodic lines, innovative themes and a particular gift for making the music fit together in a quasi-Classical fashion. That said, I can't say enough good things about the playing on this CD. Collard's performance is so virtuostic and effortless that the music sounds as though it's just coming out of thin air, rather than having a human laboring over it. Match this with the awesomely powerful yet extremely skilled orchestral backing from Previn and the RPO, and you have a CD that got me into Saint-Saens even though I'd heard almost nothing by him before. This CD set will make you pay attention to it. Worth every penny.