Kathleen Battle in Concert

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
After years of being one of the foremost singers of light lyrics, Kathleen Battle, searching for challenging new musical expression, tackles the dramatic Mozart repertory. Blessed with one of our generation's prettiest soubrette voices, Battle breezes through the technical challenges of the Countess and Constanze, but sounds like a little girl trying on Mommy's shoes. She lacks the vocal variety and depth to successfully bring these pieces to life. Her renditions of the soubrette repertory, especially "Ruhe sanft," are Mozartfully graceful. In the Magic Flute excerpts she demonstrates that merely singing Mozart's written notes is enough to bring its beauty to life; practically all necessary expression is written into the musical lines. -- Barbara Eisner Bayer

Tracks:

Symphony No.5
Pines Of Rome
Rhapsody In Blue
Piano Concerto No.2, Allegro
Carnival Of The Animals
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
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:

"Lord, How Come Me Here"
WOW!
uhm......yeah right!!
scadalise my name
Broadway takes on the spiritual ...

Spirituals in Concert

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman
The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs
Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company
So Many Stars

ASIN: B000001GDC
Release Date: 1991-03-08

Tracks:

In That Great Getting Up Morning
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass
Over My Head/ Lil' David
Oh, What A Beautiful City
Lord, How Come Me Here
I Believe I'll Go Back Home-Lordy, Won't You Help Me
Ride On, King Jesus
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot-Ride Up In The Chariot
You Can Tell The World
Scandalize My Name
Great Day
Oh, Glory
Calvary-They Crucified My Lord
Talk About A Child
Gospel Train
My God Is So High
There Is A Balm In Gilead
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand

Customer Reviews:

"Lord, How Come Me Here".......2007-06-18

I must add, to the praises above, that Kathleen Battle's "Lord, How Come Me Here" is the best "quick" explanation of the long-lasting effects of slavery that I can think of. The line, "They sold my children away," says it all.

And the VERY funny "Scandelize My Name" is also worth the price of the total album!

Alinde O'Malley

WOW!.......2007-03-22

You know, after owning both the CD and VHS of this performance, and having been coached by Sylvia Olden Lee herself, it is no wonder why spiritual mean so much to me. And these two ladies bare their souls and bring these masterpieces to life! WOW!!!

uhm......yeah right!!.......2006-06-21

Clearly you are mistaken. I don't know who that guy is-the person below recommended-but there is NO COMPARISON to JESSYE NORMAN AND KATHLEEN BATTLE!!!! Jessye Norman herself has *30* HONARY DOCTRATES from places like Harvard, Juliard, Yale, Cambridge....I mean HELLO!!!! That guy had no where near the ease, the musicality or even the breath support as these two veterans show!! It is a beautiful CD though it came out in 1991 and I HIGHLY recommend it.

scadalise my name.......2004-10-29

this isn't that good specially after hearing William Warfeild sing it. You can find him at www.wlym.com

Broadway takes on the spiritual ..........2004-01-29

... takes it on and puts it on the canvas by the end of the first round.

I'm going to be the dissenting voice here: thank goodness I signed this disk out of the public library 'cause I'm sure not going to listen to it twice.

There is nothing wrong with the performances. Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle sing beautifully, and there's no problem with the pick-up orchestra under James Levine.

The problem, and it's huge, is the conception of the show and the musical arrangements. To make the video marketable, I suppose, the producers decided that the concert had to be big: big names, big arrangements, big effects. So we have eighteen spirituals given the musical theatre treatment, with a philharmonic chorus providing chain-gang sound effects, big brass, and big percussion -- including a chinese gong. A chinese gong in a spiritual??? Spare me! Almost every track turns out sounding like either a curtain-raiser or a big, end-of-act production number with cute and predictable modulations between some of the stanzas and the sort of curly-cue orchestral ornamentation typical of Broadway shows.

Tracks:

The Fairy Queen: Come All Ye Songsters
Oedipus: Music For A While
Pausanias: Sweeter Than Roses
Joshua: O Had I Jubal's Lyre
Bei der Wiege Op. 47 No. 6
Neue Liebe Op. 19a No. 4
Schlagende Herzen Op. 29 No. 2
Ich wollt' ein Strausslein binden Op. 68 No. 2
Sausle, liebe Myrte Op. 69 No. 3
Ridente la calma K. 152 (210a)
Das Veilchen K. 476
Un moto di gioia K. 579
Mandoline Op. 58 No. 1
Les Roses d'Ispahan Op. 39 No. 4
En Priere
Notre amour Op. 23 No. 2
Honor, Honor
His Name So Sweet
Witness
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand

Amazon.com

After years of being one of the foremost singers of light lyrics, Kathleen Battle, searching for challenging new musical expression, tackles the dramatic Mozart repertory. Blessed with one of our generation's prettiest soubrette voices, Battle breezes through the technical challenges of the Countess and Constanze, but sounds like a little girl trying on Mommy's shoes. She lacks the vocal variety and depth to successfully bring these pieces to life. Her renditions of the soubrette repertory, especially "Ruhe sanft," are Mozartfully graceful. In the Magic Flute excerpts she demonstrates that merely singing Mozart's written notes is enough to bring its beauty to life; practically all necessary expression is written into the musical lines. -- Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

The Best Battle Album........2007-02-10

I have most of Kathleen Battle's albums and must say this is my favorite. Her distinctive voice is crisp and sails effortlessly through the music, James Levine on the piano is fantastic and compliments her as if the two had been made for each other, the repitoire is expertly selected, and the recording is crystal clear. This is Battle in the prime of her career -- this is one of those albums you will find yourself coming back to.

Ah, Kathleen!.......2006-03-04

I have been looking to reacquire this album for forever!! It's great, and I love Kathleen's voice here.

I have to say, though, that the Amazon.com editorial review must have been written for another album, for neither 'Ruhe Sanft' nor anything from 'Die Zauberflote' is on this disc.

=^_^=

The greatest of recital albums, part 2.......2005-09-04

It's hard to simply repeat what someone else has written, but before I noticed the review above, I was going to say that this is the greatest vocal recital I've ever heard. It's a pleausre to be the second to voice that opinion.

Why is the editorial review about Mozart? Amazon nods.

The Magnificent Kathleen Battle Has Done It Again!!.......2002-03-04

Go Kathleen! I often dream of what music will sound like behind the Pearly Gates of Heaven-my dreams are no more, I have found what I've been searching for. Just push play and then be prepared for your body and soul to leave this earth behind. Believe me new and established fans-she IS that good.

From the first to the last track "La Battle" captivates and stuns her audience into a cult-like stupor. Indulge in Purcell's "Music for a While". After listening to a 30 second clip, I knew I needed this CD. She slowly and sensually lulls you with her perfected pronunciation. Her performance is like rich imported chocolate melting in your mouth. On Mendelssohn's "Neue Liebe" "La Battle" does an about face and speeds things up a bit. This tounge-twisting, finger-snapping performance is outstanding. Only a great opera Diva can handle such difficult piece of work, but as well all know, Kathleen never disappoints!

Kathleen masters Mozart's " Ridente la calma, Das Veilchen and Un moto di gioia". She paints such wonders with her voice that Monet must be rolling around in his grave. ;)
The 4 Spiritual at the end deserves only the utmost Praise. "Honor, Honor, His Name So Sweet, and Witness and He's Got the Whole World in His Hand". Check out her fantastically flawless super-HIGH notes! These songs are reason enough to get this CD.

I will forever be a Battle fan because of this recital. Thank you for making the Opera world a better place. We LOVE you Kathleen!

The greatest of recital albums!.......2002-01-16

Kathleen Battle In Concert has been a part of my classical listening experience for many, many years, and many, many repeated playings. Every time I play it, I feel real joy at hearing Kathleen Battle in the opening bars of Purcell's "Come All Ye Songsters."

Miss Battle brings a high level of musicality, an impeccable use of phrasing and some truly beatiful high notes to a wonderful mix of lighter art/love songs, and more serious, but very joyous gospel classics, as in her rendition of "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands."

Tracks:

Overture
Music Of The Speheres-Waltz
Anna Polka
Delirium-Walzer
Pleasure-Train Polka Schnell
Pizzicato Polka
Polka Francaise
Polka Schnell
Walzer
Polka Schnell
Walzer
Radetzky March Op.228
Emperor Waltz

Neujahrskonzert In Wien (New Year's Concert)

Average customer rating:

Still A Splendid New Year's Concert Recording from the Wiener Philharmoniker and Herbert von Karajan
A great and moving valedictory
The best Strauss collection on CD
Missing Battle? :-(
Kathleen Battle's "Rite of Spring was indeed the highlight.

Neujahrskonzert In Wien (New Year's Concert)

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Herbert von Karajan - His Legacy for Home Video: The New Year's Concert 1987
Neujahrskonzert 1996
Handel: Organ Concertos Op. 4 & 7 [United Kingdom]
Dvorák: Symphonie No. 9; Smetana: Moldau

ASIN: B000001G84
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus- Overture
Sphnkle Op. 235: Music Of The Spheres Op. 235
Anna Polka op. 117
Delirium op. 212
Pleasure- Train op. 281
Pizzicato-Polka
Beloved Anna Polka op. 137
Thunder And Lightning op. 324
Voice Of Spring op. 410
Without Cares op. 271
The Blue Danube op. 314
Radetzky March op. 228

Amazon.com

For the lightness and lilt, one need look no farther than Herbert von Karajan's New Year's Day 1987 offering with the Vienna Philharmonic. Playing to the manner born, the Viennese are on their very best behavior for Karajan and summon every last nuance out of the music. Kathleen Battle sings the Voices of Spring exquisitely, and every one of the performances vibrates with life. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Still A Splendid New Year's Concert Recording from the Wiener Philharmoniker and Herbert von Karajan.......2007-04-11

In 1986 the Wiener Philharmoniker decided to invite annually a guest conductor to conduct its popular New Year's Day concerts, which still do garner interest from devout classical music fans around the globe. The first conductor so honored, Herbert von Karajan, made the concert his own memorial tribute to the Strauss family (Johann Strauss, Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss), emphasizing such popular pieces as the "Die Fledermaus" overture and "Voices of Spring" waltz, featuring an elegant solo from acclaimed American soprano Kathleen Battle. It still remains one of the finest concert recordings in the history of the Wiener Philharmoniker's annual concerts, holding its own against recent recordings featuring the likes of Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Mariss Jansons, Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta and Riccardo Muti among others. Devout fans of the Strauss family, Wiener Philharmoniker and Herbert von Karajan won't be disappointed with this memorable concert performance, which this single CD has captured almost virtually in its entirety.

A great and moving valedictory.......2007-02-16

Despite his long association with the Vienna Phil., I don't believe Karajan was invited to conduct a New Year's concert until this event in 1987. He wasn't a beloved personality, but as the DVD shows, he seemed tiny and frail that night, and he delivered the traditional New Year's greeting to the audience with obvious emotion. Death was not far from anyone's mind. For me, Karajan is the pre-eminent conductor of Johann Strauss in his generation, and all his recordings of waltzes and polkas, going back to an EMI disc made literally in the rubble of post-war Vienna, are must-listens. Here he's not as lively or alert as in the past, but the orchestra still plays beautifully and thhere's a patina of nostaliga in every bar.

Musically the high point is a ravishing Voices of Spring sung by Kathleen Battle in her most magical style. Look to other Karajan recordings for more sparkle and zest; look to this one for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The best Strauss collection on CD.......2001-06-02

If you're looking for a single CD of the Strauss family's music, look no further than this recording of the 1987 New Year's Day concert (which is also available on DVD, and is perhaps the most recommendable Karajan concert film).

Every work is marvellously conducted, played, and recorded. Highlights include the wonderful Fledermaus Overture, Spharenklange (Music of the Spheres), and Fruhlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring, with Kathleen Battle in superb voice). As for the Blue Danube, has it ever been played more magically than on this record?

The only snag is the absence of any notes in the fold out booklet.

Missing Battle? :-(.......2000-02-29

I am a big fan of Kathleen Battle and the Vienna Philharmonic. The quality of the recording was excellent as is the case for all the New Year's Day concerts. The main reason I purchased this Cd was to hear Kathleen Battle. Although she is said to perform 3 selections this is not the case. Miss Battle only is present on one selection-Voices of Spring.

Kathleen Battle's "Rite of Spring was indeed the highlight........1999-06-18

Of the entire Strauss repertoire presented, none could compare to the splendid soprano solo by Kathleen Battle on "Rite of Spring." Ms. Battle demonstrates why, despite her Met dismissal, her colloratura remains unequalled in classical music, past and present. Certainly there has never been and will never be a soprano who can match her voice control and tonal precision. Without a doubt, hers is one of the greatest soprano voices of the century.

Kathleen Battle & Jean-Pierre Rampal in Concert

Average customer rating:

Kathleen Battle: The Best Soubrette/Lyric Coloratura Soprano
Sound Quality Warning
Real listening pleasure

Kathleen Battle & Jean-Pierre Rampal in Concert
George Frideric Handel , Henry Purcell , Jean-Philippe Rameau , Camille Saint-Saëns , Albert Roussel , Fernando J. Obradors , Bohuslav Martinu , Michael Head , Sir Henry Rowley Bishop , Kathleen Battle , and Jean-Pierre Rampal
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | 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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
The Bach Album
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle in Concert

ASIN: B0000028U4
Release Date: 1993-11-02

Tracks:

Nel Dolce Dell'oblio
Sweet Bird
If Music Be The Food Of Love
There's Not A Swain
What Can We Poor Females Do?
Music For A While
Rossignols Amoureux
La Flute Invisible
Rossignol, Mon Mignon
Ciel, Aer, Et Vens
La Mi Sola, Laureola
Al Amor
Del Cabello Mas Sutil
Chiquitita La Novia
Sonata For Flute And Piano: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata For Flute And Piano: II. Adagio
Sonata For Flute And Piano: III. Allegro poco moderato
Bird-Song
Lo! Here The Gentle Lark

Amazon.com

Before Kathleen Battle became a diva of monstrous proportions, she was a musical talent of intelligence and delicacy. This recording reminds us of the charm and brilliance of her innate talent. Her light soubrette is an enchanting compliment to Rampal's magical flute, as they weave the musical fabrics of Handel, Rameau, Saint-Saens, and Bishop. A shining example of excellent musical camaraderie is given by accompanists Garrett, Newman, and Ritter. Battle's voice and temperament are a lovely fit for Purcell's docile melancholy. The listener is also granted such juicy treats as two pieces by Albert Roussel and four delectable Catalonian morsels by Fernando J. Obradors. Sheer beauty. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Kathleen Battle: The Best Soubrette/Lyric Coloratura Soprano.......2004-05-06

I got this CD as a replacement of a damaged CD of Cecilia Bartoli's latest release "The Salieri Album". Even though Cecilia Bartoli's coloratura mezzo soprano is somewhat overbearing, it can never compare, or outdo Kathleen Battle's Soprano, which is hailed as from 1985's Time magazine "The best Lyric Coloratura in the world", and it shows in this recording. Handel's Sweet Bird is an example: excellent vibrato rolling, almost bird-like, and the coloratura in that piece is magnificent. I really got it for the Spanish art songs, and her Spanish is just as good as her perfect German. But the last selection "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark", is the shining piece. The coloratura, the High notes (I think that those are High E's that she's always known for) are just up there. I wish for her to release another recital/concert CD.

Sound Quality Warning.......2000-10-26

I am a Battle fan. That being said, I think it fair to warn those listeners who are accustomed to high quality recording, that the sound on this cd is disappointing. High notes are somewhat shrill, and the overall recording sounds muffled. And for those of us who dont particularly relish live recording, the not too infrequent coughs, dings and asstd sounds from the audience are distracting.

Real listening pleasure.......2000-03-22

I do not have a large classical/opera collection. This recording is one that I have had for about four years. It remains for me an uplifting experience. Ms. Battle and Mr. Rampal are magical together. The accompanists provide support beautifully. The stars, however, are the real deal--a mix of voice and instrument that is light and transcendant. One really gets a sense of being part of the audience at Lincoln Center that day. Tremendously enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Historical Time Capsule

The Civil War
Douglas Jimerson
Manufacturer: Amerimusic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | 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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SU99
Release Date: 2000-04-18

Tracks:

Tenting on the Old Camp Ground
Wait for the Wagon
Clari: Home, Sweet Home
Oh! Susanna
The Bonnie Blue Flag
Do They Miss Me at Home?
Yellow Rose of Texas
Goober Peas
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Aura Lee
Marching Through Georgia
Just Before the Battle, Mother
That's What's the Matter
We are Coming Father Abraham
Gentle Annie
I'll be a Sergeant
Dixie
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp "The boys are coming"
For the Dear Old Flag I Die
Battle Hymn of the Republic
The Battle Cry of Freedom
America
The Bonnie Blue Flag
My Maryland
Yellow Rose of Texas
Woodman, Spare that Tree
Juanita
Green Grow the Lilacs
Lorena
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Rock'd in the Cradle of the Deep
How Firm a Foundation
Blue Bell of Scotland
Storming of Monterey
Joys that We've Tasted
Polly Hopkins and Tommy Tompkins
Drummer Boy of Shiloh
Roll, Alabama, Roll
Weeping, Sad and Lonely
Vaccant Chair
Goober Peas
All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight
Dixie
Oh! Susanna
Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground
Old Folks at Home
Camptown Races
Beautiful Dreamer
Nelly Bly
Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
Gentle Annie
Hard Times Come Again No More
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
If You've Only Got a Moustache
Old Dog Tray
The Glendy Burk
My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night
Some Folks
When This Dreadful War Is Ended
Was My Brother In The Battle?
Nothing, But a Plain Old Soldier
Battle Hymn of the Republic
America
Barbara Allen
Skip to my Lou
Kathleen Mavoureen
Adam and Eve's Wedding Song
Old Sister Phoebe
Oh! Susanna
Twenty Years Ago
The Ship on Fire
Silver Bell Waltz
Your Mission
Dixie
Go Down Moses
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Free at Last
Martha: Ach, so fromm
Die Zauberflote, K 620: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon
Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
Faust: Gloire immortelle [Soldiers' Chorus]
Hail, Columbia
We are Coming Father Abraham
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean
Taps

Customer Reviews:

Historical Time Capsule.......2000-08-12

This is the most comprehensive recording I've found of songs popular during the Civil War period. The performances are a time capsule of Civil War music.

Richard Strauss ~ New Year's Eve Concert Berlin 1992 / Argerich, Fleming, Battle, Abbado

Average customer rating:

All Star Performances
A reckless, mercurial Burleske sets the tone here
Is it bad to want this CD just for the final trio?
Argerich's Burleske
All 3 stars are for the "Rosenkavalier" trio

Richard Strauss ~ New Year's Eve Concert Berlin 1992 / Argerich, Fleming, Battle, Abbado
Richard Strauss , Claudio Abbado , Martha Argerich , Renée Fleming , Kathleen Battle , Berliner Philharmoniker , Toru Yasunaga , and Andreas Schmidt
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Von Stade, Frederica | Divas | Opera & Vocal | 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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Schumann & Martha Argerich
Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs

ASIN: B0000028MY
Release Date: 1993-05-18

Tracks:

Don Juan Op. 20
Burleske fur Klavier und Orchester d-moll
Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche Op. 28
Der Rosenkavalier: Terzett und Finale (3. AKT)

Customer Reviews:

All Star Performances.......2007-06-12

All the performances on this are excellent but, it would be worth the cost just for Argerich's Performance. People who believe amazing virtuasity died with pianists like Horowitz owe it to themselves to become more aware. Get it. I only wish they had a DVD of the performance available as it was recorded.

A reckless, mercurial Burleske sets the tone here.......2006-01-10

New Year's Day in Berlin, 1992, wasn't good for heart patients at this high-energy, sometimes nerve-wracking concert. The overall breathless tone is set from the opening ars of Don Juan, which is something of an assualt. Fortunately, the performance calms down, and although not overly fast at 16 min., it's by no means romantic or relaxed. If anything, Abbado seems a mite tense.

The centerpiece of the concert is the Burleske, an early work that is notably slapdash and disorganized, but thanks to Martha Argerich it comes off as a showpiece for a mercurial, reckless pianist, which she certainly is. Happily for this non-fan of Ms. Argerich, she is not as her most bombastic and fierce, so the work stays on a plane of good humor.

We get to relax a itttle with Till Eulenspiegel, which receives a committed reading, with delicate shading and boisterous explosions, from Abbado. The Berlin Phil. is as splendid as in Karajan's famous Strauss recordings with them, but those have beter sound. Recording live in the Philharmonie is a challenge, and the sonics here aren't first rate. There's a bit of murkiness throughout, and certain sections, notalby the horns, sound far away. These flaws may not bother other listeners. Abbado is certainly wittier than Karajan.

It would take a very precise studio recording to bring out the text in the Rosenkavalier final trio, and the engineers don't even try here. They allow the three stellar voices of Fleming, von Stade, and Battle to blend into a golden soup with the orchestra. All sing so rapturously that one can only envy the audience that got to float in vocal bliss--if only we didn't hear them for only 12 min., since at 62 min. this isn't a very generous CD. Certainly there was more music that day, no?

Is it bad to want this CD just for the final trio?.......2002-09-07

Cause thats why i bought it. And i was not dissapointed, All three women sound fantastic. I disagree with the person who said Kathy sounds out of sorts, she sings Sophies music perfectly here, and she is even MORE radiant in the final duet(which i think is even better than the trio) Flemming and Von Stade are predictably good, especially Von Stade who was hands down THE best in this role, no doubt about it. Now i wish these three had recorded the whole opera

Argerich's Burleske.......2002-05-29

I frequently come across CD recordings which I think are nice. Seldom do I sit up and reach for the remote to press the repeat button to hear a piece or movement again before running through the whole CD. Very rarely, do I do so for a piece which I don't quite fathom or like. But that was the case for Argerich's performance of Strauss' Burleske at the 1992 New Year's Eve Concert with the Berlin Phil. It's one of Stauss' early works, and though there are gems of ideas within, I am rather ambivalent about the structural coherence of the whole work. However, when I heard the Argerich recording, sit up and reach for the remote I did. More than that, I actually felt compelled to pen my reactions.

This is virtuoso playing of the highest order and the work sounded fresh and almost great ! There are the note-perfect, thundering octaves at tempi which sound like single notes and the screaming runs. And of course, we all love to hear a pianist stretch the physical limits of piano playing. But listen on and you will hear pianism which has given Argerich the cult following that she has. The ensemble playing is faultless. For her overpowering personality, the result of Argerich's absence from the solo scene over the last decade or so and focus on chamber music, 2 piano works etc shines through. Her octaves and runs are not mere mindless display of her almost inhuman technique; they are peppered with subtle accents which I did not know exist, and one feels that there is a more basic reason for what she is doing, not just showing off. In the quieter moments, we hear another aspect of Argerich's art. Listen, for example, to her rendition of the slow coda theme in D minor. She caresses the keyboard, the music sings with a warmth which makes you forget that just a few bars ago, she was taming the Steinway beast in a way which few pianists can. There are times when she takes the music to the edge, and I wondered if the train would derail. But this is the master at the keyboard, and on repeated listenings, Argerich leaves one in no doubt that she was in total control.

I searched for my other recordings of the Burleske among my collection which had gathered dust. I found Serkin and Gould. Mind you, Serkin's rendition is nothing to scoff at. The chordal work is awesome and there is that certain characteristic Serkin "animal" instinct in the playing. Gould? Well, I listen to him because, as Bernstein said, this is a thinking artiste who has something to say when he performs a work. His dance/waltz-like tempo allows him to bring out details of the piano writing which one doesn't notice even with the score staring in your face. But Gould's Burleske is full of idiosyncrasies and I couldn't help feeling that something is missing. I half suspect his unique posture at the piano, low chair etc, prevents him physically from actually portraying the piece in the way which Strauss had in mind. Bottom line: neither Serkin nor Gould offer that musical EXPERIENCE which Argerich's performance does, high voltage, molten lava, quiet warmth and all. I got my VCR of the NY Eve's Concert a few days ago. It's even more exciting to see the performance visually. I haven't digested the rest of the pieces on the CD or VCR simply because I couldn't resist reaching for the remote to repeat the Burleske. And I'm trying desperately to get the DVD. This is a performance to be kept for posterity.

All 3 stars are for the "Rosenkavalier" trio.......2002-05-29

I bought this CD because I adore Kathy Battle and Renee Fleming, and like von Stade at times, and had heard that this "Rosenkavalier" trio was a dream come true...and it is. I don't even like "Rosenkavalier" that much, but to hear these three voices blending together is pure heaven, one of the supreme listening experiences of my life. BUT - before we get there we have to schlepp through hard-driven, unfeeling performances of "Don Juan" and "Till Eulenspiegel" and a peppy performance of the absolutely dismal "Burleske" for piano & orchestra (a sheer waste of Martha Argerich's towering pianistic genius!). So your decision to purchase this CD will probably hinge on one thing: does a friend of yours already have this CD so you can tape the "Rosenkavalier"?? If not, then by all means buy it...if so, pull out the tape recorder!!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Two Timing Touch and Broken Bones [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Saint-Saëns: Sonatas for Violin and Piano

Stravinsky: Pulcinella, Four Pieces for Clarinet, etc.

Nanahally River

The Music's Got Me [CD-single] [Import]

Summer in Abaddon

Synesthesia

The Power Station (CD & DVD) [Extra tracks]

The Heartbeat of New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll

Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)

Swingings Mutual [Import]

Sentimiento de Mexico, Vol. 3

She's All I Ever Had [CD-single]

At the End of the Evening

Sevens