Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Rostropovich's authority in Shostakovich's music dates back to his Soviet days and his friendship with the composer. So it comes as no surprise that this, his third recording of the Fifth Symphony, may also be his best, blessed with a fully matured interpretation, the excitement of a live concert, and a first-class orchestra. There's a grimness of approach that registers with the low, rumbling notes of the opening movement and doesn't stop until the final hammer blows of a decidedly ironic finale are sounded. There's a Mahlerian spaciousness in a long first movement packed with incident, along with a relentlessness shared with the sardonic last movement. While a bit more uncouth wildness wouldn't be out of place in the bitterly sarcastic Allegretto, Rostropovich's slower-than-usual tempo does allow for more careful delineation of detail. The brooding Largo is powerful, and the last movement makes a tremendous impact. The LSO is outstanding, with well-turned solos and the terrific brass section making hay with its opportunities in the outer movements. --Dan Davis

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.47: I. Moderato
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.47: II. Allegretto
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.47: III. Largo
Symphony No. 5 In D MInor, Op.47: IV. Allegro non troppo
Symphony No.9 In E-Flat Major, Op.70: Allegro
Symphony No.9 In E-Flat Major, Op.70: Moderato
Symphony No.9 In E-Flat Major, Op.70: Presto
Symphony No.9 In E-Flat Major, Op.70: Largo
Symphony No.9 In E-Flat Major, Op.70: Allegretto - Allegro

Amazon.com

Gorgeously recorded so that all of Shostakovich's eerieness of texture (and harps) can be heard, Haitink's performance of the Fifth symphony is pretty wonderful. The bare landscape of the first movement, with its lonely oboe solos, leads into the very Mahlerian, faux-fun second movement with creepy ease. The Largo is introverted but poignant, with handsome, sustained pianissimo playing, and the finale has great energy, but not quite enough of the grotesque--it's a bit too well-groomed. The Ninth, on the other hand, is ideal, with a finale to rollick over, and a refusal to turn the sometimes sappy second movement into empty emotion. It's one of those moments when Haitink's coolness pays off. A good buy. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

One of my favourite symphonies.......2007-01-24

I'm not going to debate who's interpretation of Shostakovich's symphonies is best as some reviewers have. I'll simply say this: the fifth symphony is among my favourite of all symphonies by anyone. I highly reccomend it, whether it is this recording or another one. However, without going into issues of interpretation, I will say that the recording quality on this CD is very good.

Five stars for a sparkling, vivacious Ninth, but set a snooze alarm for the Fifth.......2006-07-20

Here we have one triumphant Shostakovich performance and one nearly inexcusable one. The praise that Haitink's Shostakovich Fifth has garnered here is inexplicable--this is a plodding reading that barely gets on its legs for the entire first movement. Don't the reviewers below detect the total absence of rhythmic vitality and pace? I guess not. Oh well, one person's nobility is another's long nap.

The Scherzo clumps along well enough, but without bite or satire. The centerpiece of Haitink's interpertation is a hushed, singing slow movement expressed with great refinement, if a bit blandly. The finale, needless to say, is among the slowest, but there's so much impact in the brass playing that excitement is generated without undue speed. It will appeal to the tortoise-wins-the-race crowd. The Concertgebouw plays beautifully throughout, and is strikingly captured by Decca's engineers.

Fortunately, the skies brighten with Haitink's Shostakovich Ninth from the London Phil., his second orchestra. It's so good-humored and light on its feet that you are constantly smiling. Tempos are fast, the mood sprightly--Haitink was wise, I thin, not to take the more serious approach adopted by Bernstein and Gergiev. Good as the sonics are for the Fifth, these are of demonstration quality, with loads of inner detail and perfect clarity. The orchestra seems to relish every bar. They should send condolence notes to their counterparts in Amsterdam.

How odd of Decca to pair the very worst of Haitink's cycle with the very best.

A Soviet Artist's Response to Just Criticism?!.......2006-02-25

The Symphony No. 5 is one of Shostakovich's greatest masterpieces, which can hardly be ascertained from its origins as a piece to satisfy the Soviet state's artistically stifling demands in music (for example, all other aspects of music had to be subordinate to melody). The previous year Shostakovich was savagely attacked in the Pravda for his opera `Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District', primarily because Stalin was shocked by its graphic sex and violence, and the fifth symphony was Shostakovich's reaction to this scathing criticism. (He was undoubtedly aware that the article extended further than trying to damage his confidence, if he didn't produce music along the lines of the states prerequisites he would be imprisoned or killed.)

It received the expected reaction: Rostropovich claimed that the ovation lasted for an hour. Whatever optimism and buoyancy the Soviet authorities may have seen in it; to me it seems more like a comic satire. The opening of the quasi-triumphant finale seems like a bitter, lacerating march fit to represent snide ridicule at its own hollow pomposity. This soon gives way to angry explosions in the brass which speak more of fury and violence than joyous optimism. Shostakovich himself said, `There is a feeling of rejoicing, but it is one of forced rejoicing. It is as if someone is hitting you over the head with an iron bar telling you "Your business is rejoicing" over and over again. Eventually, you walk away muttering "My business is rejoicing".'

The first movement is sombre and claustrophobic with its incessantly repeated, probing string melodies which for me speak of desolation and broken, empty landscapes, dead trees etc. etc. ... There are searching, melancholy oboe solos, warm horn chords, urgent string crescendos, pizzicato strings, pseudo-miliatary trumpet and snare drum jollity, and massive anger expressed through explosive brass. But it is also undoubtedly beautifully melodic, as is the entire symphony, and the symphony features enough material in major keys to bespeak at least forced hopefullness.

The second movement is brisk, occasionally pungently Russian, and bursting with Shostakovich's `forced' joy: an effect which is achieved through near superimposition of the melancholy and the mirthful; the minor and the major etc. The third movement can be summarised as one of subdued melancholy.

Haitink's performance is excellent, crystal clear, never over dramatic, and expressing the music with perfect musicianship and feeling. In comparison with this performance Bernstein's is demure, seeming like a piece designed more at ostentatious display than power and dignity. All I can say is buy this disk!!! You won't regret it.

Superb interpretation and ultra superb recording.......2006-01-09

I wish that Haitink made more amazing recordings like this one of the 5th and 9th symphonies by Shostakovich. He is usually thought of as being in the top rank of conductors, but by hearing this disc, you might think that he's just about the best. Maybe the amazing sound quality kind of makes him look good, but not really, this is just a greatly played superb interpretation. The Concertgebouw (which by the way is my favorite Orchestra at the present time) are on their toes throughout this version of the 5th. They are just truly amazing here, just as they are on most occasions. Did you know that this recording won the Gramaphone top prize for it's sound engineering? That was no surprise to me! Haitink alternated between the Concertgebouw and London Philharmonic for this symphony cycle, and of course the Londoners are in really fine form also, but still not the equal (in my opinion) of this fine dutch orchestra. I've never been quite so impressed with a classical cd's sound quality, except for a few cds of the conductors Christopher Hogwood and Trevor Pinnock. I haven't heard more than 8 or 9 different versions of the 5th, but this and Semyon Bychkov's version with the BPO in 1986 are my favorites at the present time. I think the Bychkov version has almost as good sound quality, and it's severely underrated, because I've never heard the Penguin Guide or any other classical magazine rate it, which is quite crazy, because it's a bold blistering performance that does deserve very high praise. This is also one of the best 9th's out there, but that is a symphony that I have not listened to very much to this point in my life, though I plan to listen to it more very soon. Haitink pretty much can't do wrong when he's conducting Bruckner or Shostakovich, but it you haven't listened to his Bruckner or Shostakovich, do yourself a favor and buy some, because he's definitely one of the top interpreters there are. If nothing else buy this for the demonstration sound quality, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with this incredible disc. ENJOY!!!

Incredible!!!.......2004-09-16

Few superlatives can match the incredible performances which Haitink achieves in Number 5...this has long been one of my favorite recordings for various reasons. Simply put the winds and brass and strings are all on the same waveleagnth...there is not a single phrase in this performance that isn't perfect. On top of this are the incredible heights of the DECCA recording which matches perfectly the great scores.

As to Nine I also love Bernstein in NY...here it also well recorded too. The London Phil plays brilliantly here as well!!

Average customer rating:

One of my all time favorite recordings!
One of Rostropovich's Best Recordings
But at what sound!
Powerful
a gorgeous, powerful performance

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5

Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006OR0EO
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Amazon.com

Rostropovich's authority in Shostakovich's music dates back to his Soviet days and his friendship with the composer. So it comes as no surprise that this, his third recording of the Fifth Symphony, may also be his best, blessed with a fully matured interpretation, the excitement of a live concert, and a first-class orchestra. There's a grimness of approach that registers with the low, rumbling notes of the opening movement and doesn't stop until the final hammer blows of a decidedly ironic finale are sounded. There's a Mahlerian spaciousness in a long first movement packed with incident, along with a relentlessness shared with the sardonic last movement. While a bit more uncouth wildness wouldn't be out of place in the bitterly sarcastic Allegretto, Rostropovich's slower-than-usual tempo does allow for more careful delineation of detail. The brooding Largo is powerful, and the last movement makes a tremendous impact. The LSO is outstanding, with well-turned solos and the terrific brass section making hay with its opportunities in the outer movements. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

One of my all time favorite recordings!.......2006-11-12

This recording impeccably expresses all of effects and affects in this work: joy, wit, fear, sadness, sarchasm, and bitter irony. Many other interpretations seem to treet this piece more as a collection of melodies, but this interpretation expresses the sinister sneering of the lower octaves of the piano in the first movement, and the epic rises and falls between trebble and bass, the infectuous fun of the second movement's dancing up and down the octaves, the brooding of the third movement, the signaling of the fanfare of the typical Beethovenian finale, the changing of tone as this falls to the sneering of the bass, and the sarchasm of the timpani in the final cadential notes of the piece, ending the piece on more of an uneasy question mark than on the forced exclamation point heard in other interpretations.
The tempo is very natural; it never feels rushed, and yet the music keeps flowing steadilly. I have 4 complete recordings of this work: this one conducted by Rostropovich, the one from the Kondrashin set, the one from the Barshai set, and the one by Bernstein that seems to get the best reviews. I am also an audiophile and have a decent system, decent enough to be dissapointed int the recording quality of many of my classical recordings - in particular, many digital recordings tend to sound irritatingly dry and glassy. This recording is among the absolute best I have in terms of sound quality; sound quality really doesn't get much better than this, it's lucious. Unless there is something faily specific you're looking for in a recording of this work, you will not be dissapointed.

One of Rostropovich's Best Recordings.......2006-05-01

Acclaimed cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich leads the London Symphony Orchestra in a vibrant performance that should be regarded as distinguished for the conductor's emphasis of the score's rich architecture, via somewhat slower tempi than similar recordings I have heard from the likes of Leonard Bernstein and Bernard Haitink. Still, Rostropovich manages to capture the spacious, almost Mahlerian, quality of the symphony's first movement. The symphony's second movement sounds like some crazy dance mixed with drunken waltz and march rhythms, with less than a brisk Allegretto tempo than I have heard elsewhere, but under Rostropovich's superb conducting, it still sounds quite credible. For me, the most viscerally moving movement is the symphony's third movement, a Largo which is emphasized via Rostropovich's slow tempi, accentuating the score's pathos and despair. The symphony's fourth movement is a dazzling rush of sound, with an ending that sounds most reminiscent of the final notes of Berg's Three Pieces for Orchestra. Composed in 1937, Shostakovich's 5th Symphony was his understated tribute to fellow Soviet citizens ensnared by the deadly bureaucracy of Stalin's dictatorship. Needless to say, Rostropovich has led the London Symphony Orchestra in a quite moving, dramatic performance of this symphony that has been recorded well by the LSO Live sound engineers. Indeed, without question, this splendid performance is Rostropovich's dignified musical tribute to his late friend and mentor, Dmitri Shostakovich.

But at what sound!.......2006-03-05

No qualms on the performance. My deep reservations pertain these awful LSO live recordings; horribly dry this time, no bloom, no perspective, everything flat. Kills the performance. Shostakovich symphonies need much better, and at any price.

Powerful.......2005-08-09

I heard it live in London with same conductor. Unforgettable. A fine recording.

a gorgeous, powerful performance.......2005-05-30

This is the third recording Mstislav Rostropovich has made of Shostakovich's 5th Symphony, and of the three it is the most beautiful. The LSO's musicians are superb, and Rostropovich, who knew Shostakovich and knows what the symphony is about, leads them in one of the best performances available. Why then only 4 stars? The problem is, Rostropovich is competing against himself. His first recording with his National Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C. in 1983 is the most powerful performance of the many I have heard. It is not beautiful, but given the nature and subject of the work, beautiful is not the most important attribute -- what it has is relentless momentum and streamlined power. It is the most complete realization of Rostropovich's vision of the 5th. Unfortunately that DG disc is out of print.

Of the currently available recordings, this one, live in July 2004, takes its place as one of the finest, along with Mravinsky, Haitink and Gergiev (see my reviews). If you have not heard the 5th, or if you are collecting superior versions, do not hesitate! So far, Rostropovich and the LSO have brought forth great Shostakovich in the LSO Live series -- their 11th Symphony is one of the finest ever (see my review). In July we have their latest, the 8th Symphony, to look forward to!

See my SHOSTAKOVICH: A LISTENER'S GUIDE for more on the great Dmitri Shostakovich.

Average customer rating:

Good in quality, typically unusual Bernstein style.
Concerning tempos
an incorrect interpretation
New York saves Bernstein
A moment in history, but not as riveting as before

Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 9

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Amazon.com essential recording

Leonard Bernstein's performances of Shostakovich were almost as highly regarded as his Mahler. This performance of the Fifth Symphony was the highlight of his celebrated tour of the Soviet Union with the New York Philharmonic in 1959. The composer himself attended the performances and approved of Bernstein's interpretation, which is the exact opposite of the traditional Russian one. Rather than take the finale ponderously, Bernstein flies through the music at a frantic pace, carrying it forward with irresistible momentum. The Ninth Symphony is the composer's lightest and most carefree. Bernstein walks the fine line between humor and seriousness with acrobatic skill. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Good in quality, typically unusual Bernstein style........2006-11-12

Shostakovich's music (especially the symhonies) is filled with wit and sarchasm, but this recording does not express these aspects. It takes just about all of the music at the kind of brisk pace more appropriate for period performances of pieces like Beethoven's earlier symphonies. One of the things strongly emphasized in this piece is the competition between the lower and higher pitches, and the dynamics of this performance are relatively flat and don't emphasize this. Also, I MUCH prefer the more modern ironic interpretation of the finale, wich is featured in Rostrapovich's recording, among others. Here, Bernstein seems to raise the tempo MUCH faster in the finale in order to force it to be a triumph that it simply is not. I highly recommend Rostropovich's recent recording of this work with the LSO.

Concerning tempos.......2006-04-18

Regarding tempos: yes, this Bernstein recording is famous for being rather quick. Though these ARE the tempos Shostakovitch has down in the score. Most people now take it much slower, and that way is considered 'correct.' FWIW.

an incorrect interpretation.......2006-01-19

The Shostakovich 5th is interpreted incorrectly. The tempos are always way too fast. Bernstein perhaps should have done more research before he conducted this Shostakovich. The ending is misleading. Because of the fast tempo, there lacks sorrow and pain. Buy the Rostropovich recording instead.

New York saves Bernstein .......2006-01-15

I am not here to dispute the great talent of the all-American musical hero Leonard Bernstein. A man far above the rest as far as skill and attention to detail is concerned but as for this recording there are many dissapointing aspects of the interpretation. The Ninth is done quite well. Although it does feel slightly bland and downright boring at times, I attribute this to my own personal preference. The orchestra performs superbly and Bernstein is in his element amongst this famed group of musicians. All in all, this is a solid recording of the Ninth.
It is the Fifth that completely turned me off to this recording. The interpretation was completely headstrong (a Bernstein-ian trait that is very well done in some works but goes way overboard in this Symphony) and at times careless. The tempos that Bernstein employs are much too fast and tend to waver slightly. For instance, the second movt. of the Fifth is a driving introduction introduced by low strings. At the outset, it is much too fast. As the theme is introduced a little later on, the speed is such that the orchestra cannot execute the passages cleanly and this creates a jumble of muddy orchestral sound not up to N.Y. Phil. standards. At the end of this passage, just before the entrance of the horns, there is an anticlimatic fall in the sound. As the bones and tuba have the descending line there is almost a decresendo in the sound rather than a building. This makes the entrance for horns sound quite out of place and overblown. The other movts. tend to fare slightly better, all except the last. While I do like the driving, intimidating tempo of the opening very much, there isn't much else musically that is appealing. The orchestra continues to play beautifully under the somewhat healed interpretation that Bernstein has gained since previous movts. But just when the music becomes its most enthralling, it seems that Lenny gets bored. The final chords of dissonance (the ones thought to represent the screams of Stalin's victims underneath a false hope and happiness) are bowled over. There is no feeling or passion invoked, just the notes on the page. Over all, I was quite dissapointed in the interpretation. The playing was good, if not up to the standards that are the Phil. For me, the orchestra was what shined in this recording, not Bernstein.
I'm not knocking Lenny. I have many amazing recordings of his other works that are beautiful and full of soul and passion. This one lacks in that respect. If you are looking for a wonderful interpretation of the Fifth, pick up LSO's live recording with Rostropovich. Amazing and right on the money, in my opinion.

A moment in history, but not as riveting as before.......2005-11-12

From the mid-Fifties to the mid-Sixties Leonard Bernstein had a complete grip on any "young people"--he didn't call us kids--who wanted to fall in love with classical music. It's hard to turn your back on the influence that shaped your taste, and this Shostakovich 5th was for an entire geneeration the very first time they had heard the work, or any Shostakovich symphony.

The detractors here are right in some respects. The sound, though detailed, is thin and noticeably shrill in the upper strings at forte or louder (they should have heard it before Sony's remastering). There is no muddiness in the bass, however. Bernstein doesn't see this as a savagely ironic or menacing work. But he still conceives a full specturm of emotions: The first movement is lyrical and reflective before the sudden intrusion of a powerful but not threatening march. The Scherzo is paced at medium speed and crisply played but again without satire or menace--LB was almost always positive in this phase of his career, the "Joy of Music" phase.

The Largo is tender, almost dreamy, taken broadly but without a hint of inward grief or respite from the preceding eruptions as some conductors play it. The finale, the touchstone of this performance, is exuberantly fast and triumphant. It comes off as a fitting conclusion--the only possible conclusion--to Bernstein's whole approach. He had no intention of using the Shostakovich 5th as a jab against the Soviet regime, and there's a good chance that the composer didn't, either. This was the work, after all, that he presented to regain favor with Stalin and his apparatchiks.

I must admit that I've gorwn to admire more intensely expressed performances that cover the political ground with a range of bitter, sorrowing, and satiric emotions. Bernstein's vision seems more limited, the piece less significant in his hands. But this was a moment that I can't quite shake.

Average customer rating:

It was faulty on the last title to be played The Carnival of Venice
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Customer Reviews:

It was faulty on the last title to be played The Carnival of Venice.......2007-06-01

I returned this to New Castle. Box 15550. I have heard nothing. The date of the return was 15/05/07 from my Throop postoffice in Dorset. I sent it recorded delivery. Over to you. There was nothing on the return screen to explain the fault. ie faulty track. So after many attempts to get intouch I sent it to the address on the paper inside the parcel. Please help.
I am a Grandmother so I am over 13 ???

Awesome Collection!.......2006-07-04

As a young boy I would play my trumpet from my father's old Arban's method book. My private trumpet teacher (Mr. Bonfield) would love to play duets with me from the Merchant of Venice. One day I heard Wynoton Marsailas play a a flawless rendition of The Merchant of Venice on my local clasical radio station. It was flawless and brought back many fond memories of studiying the trumpet as a youngster with my beloved teacher. This collection contains that rendition and a wide selecton of clasical trumpet pieces. You may not recognize every song, but you will enjoy the high quality of the music and artists on this CD. Anyone looking for an introduction to quality, classical, trumpet music should buy this CD. The price also makes this an affordable must for any true trumpet fan.

A Wonderful Collection.......2004-01-26

This is a splendid anthology of music. Traditional Baroque and orchestral pieces up front, and a few surprises nearer the end. A splendid work. The price makes it a steal. Add it to your cart. You will not be sorry. There is technical excellence - peace in some of the songs and real energy in others.

Wonderful edition to your trumpet collection........2003-10-21

Trumpet fans should all own this album, that is if they don't already own all of the pieces on here on separate recordings (it would take a while to obtain them all). This recording features a bunch of great classical trumpeters and innovators such as Armando Ghitalla, Phil Smith, Wynton Marsalis, Mark Gould, H.L. Clarke, Ron Romm, Charles Schleuter, William Vacchiano, and more. Great performances of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2", the Haydn and Hummel Concertos, Wynton's excellent performance of J.B. Arban's "The Carnival Of Venice", the New England Brass Ensemble performing "Trumpet Voluntary", a very good job done by a Baroque Orchestra of the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets, "The Three Aces" played by H.L. Clarke, and Leroy Anderson's classic "A Bugler's Holiday".

Overall this is a great listen to some of the best trumpet players of all-time in this idiom. All of the pieces are impeccably played by some of the best. I didn't discover this tape in my collection until recently, and boy I'm glad I did.

Quite the CD.......2001-04-17

If I were you, I would buy this CD. It is a diverse collection of amazing performances of quintessential pieces - an important addition to any classical music fan's collection. Heck, even if you're not big on classical music (or trumpet music or brass music or music at all) you should purchase this compact disc.

Tracks:

Symphony No.5
Pines Of Rome
Rhapsody In Blue
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Carnival Of The Animals
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Pomp And Circumstance Marches
Firebird Suite-1919 Version

Amazon.com

Without the gorgeous visuals, the soundtrack to Fantasia/2000 is nothing more than a collection of some of classical music's greatest moments. But what moments they are! Conductor James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra provide new (though hardly groundbreaking) arrangements for these classical music warhorses. Piano virtuoso Yefim Bronfman joins in to record the Allegro section of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 (if you like this track, check out Bronfman playing the entire piece on his 1999 disc with the Los Angeles Philharmonic), and soprano Kathleen Battle lends a high note to the climax of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance. We also get the classic Sorcerer's Apprentice from the original (and now out-of-print) Fantasia soundtrack. Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra, the Paul Dukas composition still steals the show. The original movie may have been a flop, but with any luck Fantasia/2000 will turn some young minds on to classical music, especially with such inspired choices as Respighi's Pines of Rome. Like what you hear? Remember, these are just excerpts and you really owe it to yourself to hear the works in their entirety--slow movements and all. That said, whether you're a Disney fan, an IMAX aficionado, or just a classical-lover-to-be, you can't go wrong with this disc. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids with Autism!.......2007-04-10

As a parent of profoundly autistic twin boys, this CD is so calming and I never tire of listening to it in the car. This CD on their Walkman helps get them through loud basketball games or sensory overload events at school. They LOVE "Rhapsody in Blue!"

Fantasia 2000.......2006-12-30

I have most of these pieces on other CD's, and I mostly got this one for 'Rhapsody in Blue'. If you don't own 'Firebird' and don't feel like owning the entire thing, then get this--it's got the highlights. Overall the selection is varied. You have probably forgotten that 'Pomp and Circumstance' is a real piece, and not just a graduation death march--this CD will remind you, with its very wise summary of the very extensive five marches by Elgar. This is certainly a lot more interesting than most classical highlights CD's.

Great pieces of classical music!.......2005-11-16

This is a really lovely collection of exhilarating and intriguing music pieces. Fantasia helped spawn my interest in classical music. The animation is beautiful in the movie but it's the music which makes it happen.

Fantastic! .......2005-07-18

My favorite piece of music ever is "Rhapsody in Blue" and I've managed to collect quite a few versions of it over the years. This is the absolute best recording of "Rhapsody in Blue" I have ever heard! I'm listening to it on a constant loop tonight. The entire record is great as is the other soundtrack from "Fantasia." The movie is a wonderful way to get kids exposed to classical music without them even realizing it! Worked on me when I was a kid. Once again, the Mouse works his magic!

One song along would make this worth buying.......2004-11-21

In my opinion, this CD is worth it just for "Rhapsody in Blue," but there are seven other great tracks, as well. Music like this spans generations; it's essentially timeless in its beauty and ability to put a smile on your face. Great stuff. Yes, there may only be eight tracks on this disc, but four of them are nine minutes or longer, so you're not being cheated out of anything. I'm not a steadfast Disney fan, but they really know how to pick classical music for their masterpiece.

Average customer rating:

A Vengerov Sampler: Life is just a box of chocolates....
Over hyped former prodigy
vengerov is the best
virtuoso vs. choice of music ?
Definitely a Five-Star Violinist

Maxim Vengerov - The Road I Travel
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Franz Waxman , Johannes Brahms , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Felix Mendelssohn , Ludwig van Beethoven , Jules Massenet , Dmitry Shostakovich , Israel Philharmonic Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra , London Symphony Orchestra , Zubin Mehta , Mstislav Rostropovich , Kurt Masur , Claudio Abbado , Itamar Golan , Maxim Vengerov , and Aleksandr Markovich
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vengerov
Vengerov and Virtuosi
Virtuoso Vengerov
Brahms: Violin Concerto; Sonata No. 3
Bruch/Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos

ASIN: B000000S9Z
Release Date: 1997-04-01

Tracks:

Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42: Melodie No. 3
Carmen Fantasie
Violin Sonata No.2 In A Major, Op. 100: Andante tranquillo - Vivace
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35: Canzonetta: Andante
Violin Sonata In B Flat Major: Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Op. 64: Allegro molto appassionato
Violin Sonata No. 5 In F Major 'Spring' Op. 24: Rondo. Allegro ma non troppa
Meditation from Thais
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor, Op. 77: Burlesque -Allegro con brio

Customer Reviews:

A Vengerov Sampler: Life is just a box of chocolates...........2005-08-16

For some reason I have always been averse to recordings of single movements from other disparate recordings which usually makes the spotlighted artist seem a bit crass and commercial. But amazingly enough this THE ROAD I TRAVEL featuring Maxim Vengerov is anything but that! Perhaps it is just that this young violinist weaves such a spell that little tidbits from here and there seem justifiable: then perhaps it is just a forgiving ear that can jump around his 'Road' and share the good memories.

The selections vary from concerto movements from Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky to movements from sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms to oddities like the Franz Waxman 'Carmen Fantasia'. Different conductors and orchestras and pianists partner each excerpt. But it just comes together. This is a fine recording for friends who don't understand the fanaticism of Vengerov's following. It makes a fine calling card for the virtuoso! Grady Harp, August 05

Over hyped former prodigy.......2005-02-10

Maxim is a over hyped former child prodigy. Among his generation, Gil Shaham, Joshua Bell, Kyoko Takezawa, Chee Yun, Christian Tetzlaff's intonation and music are more pleasing to my ears. Why I cannot find Kyoko and Chee Yun's records.

vengerov is the best.......2004-09-02

Wow... I've been a huge fan of Vengerov's for about 6 years now, but he continues to surprise me. When I first heard him play, I thought he was the best romanticist I had ever heard, but he probably wouldn't be good at much else. Then I heard him play unaccompanied Bach on a period instrument, and it was pristine. I had never heard him play any classical music, but thought that there was NO WAY someone could be a master of all three broad musical styles, but once again Vengerov surpasses my EXTREMELY lofty expectations and proves that he is a master of the classical style as well. These recordings of Mozart's sonatas are among the best i've ever heard, in every way. His technical proficiency is beyond reproach, and his style is flawless from beginning to end. This CD makes me want to dust off all of my Mozart sonatas and start playing them again!! I purchased this disc for the sole purpose of hearing Vengerov play Mozart, and I'm thrilled that I did so. This is another new Vengerov purchase that is easily one of my favorite CDs in my collection. I'm beginning to think that he can do no wrong!

virtuoso vs. choice of music ?.......2004-02-12

While the violinist was excellent I thought his choice of music was not. I only recognized two or three of the selections that were offered on this CD. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed that he had not chosen more recognizable selections. Since I purchased this CD because of the "Meditation"piece from "Thais" I suppose I got what I wanted but, nevertheless I am still disappointed in the CD as a whole. I suppose it is alright for someone with more esthetic tastes than mine. As for Vengerov "B R A V O"!!!

Definitely a Five-Star Violinist.......2003-05-30

And this CD is one of his best. Be sure the bass on your system is turned up and get ready to spend one of the most enjoyable hours of your life.

Average customer rating:

Great Classic Themes
Simply Wonderful!
Simply Wonderful!
Halloween!!!!!!

Most Frightening Music in the Universe

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Percussion | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | 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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classics from the Crypt
Very Scary Music: Classic Horror Themes
Fright Night: Music that Goes Bump in the Night
More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B0002W4V0G
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Hermann - Suite From "Psycho": I. Prelude / II. The City / III. The Swamp / IV. The Murder / V. The Cellar / VI. Discovery
Wagner - Flying Dutchman Overture
Mussorgsky - Pictures At An Exhibition: Gnomus / Catacombs / Babi-Yar's Hut On Chicken's Legs
Berlioz - Symphony Fantastique: IV. March To The Scaffold / V. Dream Of The Witches Sabbath
Stravinsky - Firebird, IV. Infernal Dance Of The King Kashchei
Shostakovich - Cemetary (from The film "Five Days And Five Nights")
Holst - The Planets, Mars Bringer Of War

Tracks:

Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathrusta: I. Sehr Breit (Theme From 2001: A Space Odyssey) / IX. The Song Of The Night Wanderer
Mussorgsky - Night on Bald Mountain
Prokofiev - Romeo & Juliet, The Montagues and the Capulets
Xenakis - The Pleiades, First Movement
Vivaldi - Four Seasons, Summer, III, Presto, Tempo Impetuoso D'Estate
Bernstein - The Grifters
Stravinsky - The Rite Of Spring: III. Mock Abduction / XIII. Sacrificial Dance
Shostakovich - Symphony No 5, IV. Allegro Non Troppo
Dukas - The Sorcerer's Apprentice (From Fantasia)
Bernstein - Ghostbusters

Customer Reviews:

Great Classic Themes.......2006-09-11

This is an awesome collection of unsettling melodies from the masters, not just some horror movie themes (though it does have some Psyco). You will end up playing a round of "Where have I heard that score before?" because these melodies are very iconic.
The only complaint is that the track listing is somewhat occult. One has to use amazon.com's track listings and fill in the numbers.
Still, this is a great buy!!

Simply Wonderful!.......2006-05-18

I would like to begin my review of this wonderful CD by stating that I am not a "kid." (unless you consider a 14-year-old to still be a child) I am, however, too lazy too start a new Amazon.com account before typing about this great CD.

Now then... In my eyes, this CD recieved 5 stars because of (what else!) the music. The quality of the music to be more specific. The sound of it was great and the selection of the pieces was pure genius. My personal favorite would have to be a three-way tie between Bach's Toccata and Fugue, Dukas' Sorceror's Apprentice, and Stravinsky's The Right of Spring.

I will leave you tonight with one final thought... Is it just me, or are most of the pieces from "Fantasia"? At least 7 (!) of the pieces are from that age-old classic. I think it's funny that they are on a collection such as "The Most Frightening Music in the Universe". And could the cover art be any worse?!

All in all it is a great CD to add to any collection. (and cheap!) Thanks!

-Smith

Simply Wonderful!.......2006-05-18

Halloween!!!!!!.......2006-04-02

This Is Great i love Classical and halloween is my favorite holiday its great!! great collection

Average customer rating:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:
Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player
Most Excellent
Awesome!
Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise...

Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet

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

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Philip Smith, Prinicpal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic
David Hickman, Trumpet
Sergei Nakariakov - No Limit
Orchestral Excerpts For Horn
Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos

ASIN: B0000038JG
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Trumpet concerto: Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - Trumpet Concerto
Petrouchka
Pictures at an Exhibition
Leonore Nos. 3&2
Ein Heldenleben
Symphony No.5
Scheherazade
Don Juan
Fetes
Piano Concerto In G
Piano Cto. No. 1
Pines Of Rome
Concerto For Orchestra
Carmen Prelude
Firebird Suite
Parsifal Prelude
La Mer
Symphony No. 2
Symphony No. 3 (Post Horn)
Capriccio Espagnol
American In Paris
Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:.......2003-05-08

I carry this recording around with me in my case, and listen to it before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, etc. It's simply how the excerpts (along with trumpet playing in general) should sound. Smith's virtuostic playing, coupled with his vast orchestral experience, really teach the parts. All trumpet players, top to bottom, have something to learn from this CD--and while the entire work (with orchestra) and part should be studied (Smith actually recommends this), it is still very useful to hear one of the finest players on earth performing just the trumpet part.

Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player.......2001-05-24

If any principal orchestral trumpet player has succeeded Adolph Herseth as the "state of the art," the probable consensus among his peers would be Philip Smith of the New York Philharmonic. His virtually flawless technique, gourgeous sound, rarified musicianship and exceptional leadership make him virtually unique in his field, and his more than 20 years with the Philharmonic (plus his early years with the Chicago Symphony) have firmly established him as one of the greats in the history of orchestral brass performance.

Measured simply as a documentation of his skills, this recording would be an extraordinary document - the playing throughout is stupendous. But this is much more than that; Mr. Smith proves to be as articulate (mild "New Yoahk" accent and all) as he is talented, and his performance suggestions are truly helpful, even for those of us without his superhuman abilities. The recorded sound is superb, and overall this is a joy to listen to at every level. I recommend it without reservation for any trumpet player aspiring to a higher level of musicianship and performance - and if you play it at full volume shortly after your warmup, your neighbors will be very impressed.

Most Excellent.......1999-12-13

As a trumpet player, I must say that Phil Smith's comments during each track are immensely beneficial. His thoughts have produced profound understanding in my trumpet playing, and despite the fact that this CD is intended as a grouping of Phil Smith's insights into common Orchestral Excerpts and his following demonstration, I have countless times listened out of pure enjoyment than to gain expert insight. His tone is the most beautiful I have ever heard, and it shows on this CD. I recommend this particularly for any aspiring trumpet student.

Awesome!.......1999-10-25

The previous reviewer of this CD missed the point of the CD. Lets say your working on the Carmern Prelude or Stravinsky Pétrouchka you buy this CD, and learn how Philip Smith (one of the greatest symphonic trumpet players in the world) would interpret and play it. Thats why its entitled Orchestra Trumpet Excerpts.

Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise..........1999-05-31

This CD would be excellent for aspiring orchestral trumpeters and soloists; although Philip Smith conveys his expertise exceptionally well, this short snips of music on this CD are no substitute for the actual full-orchestra recordings.

Classical Music Start-Up Kit, Vol. 2: 1825-1945

Average customer rating:

Classical Music Start-Up Kit, Vol. 2: 1825-1945

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | 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
Similar Items:

Classical Music Start-Up Kit, Vol. 1 (1500-1825)
Prehistoric Art (Art in History)
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Ancient Egyptian Art (Hodge, Susie, Art in History.)
The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 6: The Cello

ASIN: B00005YCX6
Release Date: 1996-01-04

Tracks:

Scherzo - Jeno Jando
Waltz In C# Minor - Peter Nagy
Song Without Words, Op.102, No.5 - Peter Nagy
'The Fountains Of The Villa D'Este' - Jeno Jando
Scherzo - Jeno Jando
'March To The Scaffold' - Pinchas Steinberg
Finale - Adrian Leaper
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (Excerpt) - Adrian Leaper
The Moldau (exc) - Slovak PO/Barry Wordsworth
Final Movement Of Symphony No.9 'From The New World' - Stephen Gunzenhauser
'Bydlo' - Jeno Jando
'Flight Of The Bumblebee' - Balazs Szokolay
'Polovtsian Dances' - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Finale - Adrian Leaper
Finale - Takako Nishizaki
'Liebestod' - Johannes Wildner
Finale - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Intro To Also Sprach Zarathustra - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Uranus, The Magician - Adrian Leaper
'Jeux De Vagues' - Alexander Rahbari
'Sunrise' - Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Chorus
Adoration Of The Earth (Finale) - Alexander Rahbari
March From Love For Three Oranges Suite, Op.33: March - Andrew Mogrelia
Scherzo - Alexander Rahbari
Finale - Alexander Rahbari

The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)

Average customer rating:

A MUST BUY!!!
Great music, Excellent Value!
This truly is essential!

The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)
Henry Purcell , Charles Villiers Stanford , Sheppard, John , Haydn, Joseph , Satie, Erik , Schumann, Robert , and Shostakovich, Dmitri
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2
Glass Harmonica
Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66
Essential Purcell

ASIN: B000002ZDX
Release Date: 1995-02-13

Tracks:

Concerto For Two Trumpets, 1687: Allegro
Abdelazer: Rondeau
Who Can From Joy Refrain?: A Prince Of Glorious Race
The Morning: The Glitt'ring Sun
The Ephesian Matron, Or The Widow's Tears: Vaudeville
Magnificat In G
Libera Nos
Cantigas de amigo: My Love's Coming Home
My Lady, You Do Great Wrong
Locus iste
Symphony No 14 In A: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No 94 In G (The 'Surprise' Symphony): Finale
Gymnopedie No. 1: Gymnopedie No. 1 (Orchestrated By Debussy)
Liederkreis op. 39: Waldesgesprach
Album Leaf In Waltz Form
Prelude And Fugue In A, Op. 87, No. 7
Phil The Fluter's Ball
Piano Concerto In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30: Allegro
O salutaris hostia
Da quel sembiante, D. 688, No. 3
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 5, No. 5: Vivace
Clarinet Quartet No 1 In E Flat, Op. 2: Rondo
String Sextet In A, Op. 48: Furiant
Sherzo In A minor, Op. 81, No. 2
Come You, Mary, Op. 21, No. 2
Chorale Prelude 'Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g' mein'
Deus in adiutorium
Sortie In E Flat

Customer Reviews:

A MUST BUY!!!.......2001-03-03

If I had to choose one CD to spend a month locked in isolation with, this would be the one. Its varied but it flows well together. It's restive and soothing. The quality is beyond excellent!!! At the price, anyone is a fool not to own it, and give it lavishly as gifts. Its gorgeous, lush and fabulous! Everyone that hears it in our home, falls in love with it!

Great music, Excellent Value!.......2000-07-26

Rarely can one buy so much good music for so little. This compilation features almost 80 minutes of high quality music.

This truly is essential!.......1999-10-23

What a brilliant idea from one of our leading record companies! On this disc, they have assembled a programme of highlights from their vast collection of choral, vocal, orchestral, and solo instrumental music that is very satisfying. As with most CDs of this sort, it is a case of some tracks not appealing as much as others- I for instance am a lover of choral music so the gorgeous renditions of Stanford's "Magnificat" by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir or John Sheppard's divine motet "Libera Nos" by the Sixteen are obvious preferences of mine. However, whether you seek dyed-in-the-wool orchestral classics as Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony, less familiar works performed by period artists (such as "'E irei Madr'a Vigo" by ancient Spanish composer Martin Codax), or snippets of breathtaking instrumental solos (such as the rousing performance of Lefebure-Wely's "Sortie in E flat" which is sadly only an excerpt), this disc is bound to have something on it for you. And all of it is finely recorded.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

They Love Those Who Make the Music

Joan Sutherland--Mad Scenes

Melodias Para Bebes 2 [Import]

Dusty Smiles & Heart Break Cures [Import]

Italo House 12" Mixes [Import]

Music for the Mind: Restful Sleep

La La La Love Song [CD-single] [Import]

Rap Music rap_music_32

Into the Light [Import]

Just One Night [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Obliques Before Pale Skin

Lost in Qawwali, Vol. 2

Mississippi Burning, Pt. 2 [Explicit Lyrics]

The Great Escape (Score)

Out of the Gate