Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Music

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Menuet antique

2. Pavane pour une infante defunte

3. Sonatine: Modere

4. Sonatine: Mouvement de menuet

5. Sonatine: Anime

6. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere-tres franc

7. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent

8. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere

9. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent

10. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent

See all 19 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2

1. Serenade grotesque

2. Jeux d'eau

3. Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine

4. Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet

5. Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo

6. Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn

7. Prelude

8. A la maniere de Borodine

9. A la maniere de Chabrier

10. Miroirs: Noctuelles

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Taking time off from her definitive series of J.S. Bach recordings, Angela Hewitt here brings us the complete solo piano music of Ravel. Anyone who wondered whether this seemingly dyed-in-the wool Bachian might stumble should rest assured: this is a stunning double-disc. As Hewitt makes clear in her characteristically illuminating liner notes, Stravinsky's jibe that Ravel was "only a Swiss clock-maker" was hopelessly off the mark. "One doesn't need to open one's chest to show that one has a heart," said Ravel, and in these often understated recordings, one is made to feel his point powerfully. "Scarbo" is all the more dramatic through the suppressed excitement Hewitt's playing exudes. "Ondine" and "Le Gibet" are at once immaculately controlled and intensely atmospheric. In addition to those works most frequently played, we also get rarities, like "Sérénade grotesque," written when Ravel was 18, and not published until 1975. As Hewitt points out, Ravel's favorite composer was Mozart, and she plays him with a Mozartean subtlety of nuance. --Michael Church

Tracks:

Piece en forme de Habenera
Intrada
Triptyque: I. Scherzo
Triptyque: II. Largo
Triptyque: III. Saltarelle
Sonata For Trumpet And Piano: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata For Trumpet And Piano: II. Adagio tenero
Sonata For Trumpet And Piano: III. Allegro
Eiffel Tower Polka
Legende
Rondo for Lifey
Rustiques
Sonate fur Tromete und Klavier: I. Mit Kraft
Sonate fur Tromete und Klavier: II. Massig bewegt - Lebhaft
Sonate fur Tromete und Klavier: III. Trauermusik - Sehr langsam; Ruhig bewegt - AlleMenschen mussen sterben - Sehr ruhig

Customer Reviews:

extremely overrated.......2004-08-01

For reasons that I do not understand, Wynton is considered a player of the highest caliber. While his technique would have to seem impressive to most of his fans, in comparison to players such as Phil Smith, Charlie Schleuter, Matthias Hofs, and many other top symphony players, Wynton is completely out of his league. Wynton's interpretations of some of these pieces are laughable in their complete lacking of any sense of direction. Compare his recordings of the Enesco and Hindemith with ones put out by Phil Smith and Charlie Schleuter,amd it is like listening to a student play a piece for his teacher, and then the teacher playing it the way it ought to go. The only valid reason to buy this recording is the great programming. It's just a shame that it is not another trumpet player playing the same pieces.

Some nice moments, but..........2004-06-30

Wynton's playing on this album is, unquestionably, very accomplished and there are some really shining moments -- especially in the Halsey Stevens' Sonata and the Honegger.

As a classically trained trumpet player I must disagree with the other reviewers and point out a number of weaknesses in the playing in this disc. The Poulenc and the Bernstein, the easiest pieces are also the sloppiest. Througout the entire album, save the Chorale at the end of the Hindemith, Wynton uses, in my opinion, excessive and unmusical vibrato -- I feel it especially breaks the mood of the end of the Enesco.

The playing throughout doesn't do much musically interesting and there are better recordings of all the works here. I feel the Hindemith was just rushed through, first and last movements especially. See Charlie Schlueter's "Trumpet Works" on Kleos Classics for a much more musical Hindemith and Philip Smith's self-titled album on Cala Records for better renditions of the Enesco and Tomasi.

Overall, I really liked the program choice and some of the really good moments, but I think you won't find much here that isn't done better elsewhere.

excellent twentieth century repertoire.......2001-01-09

Another recording of Wynton's in which he displays desirable command over his trumpet. Although I wouldn't consider it perfection, he is truly a master of his instrument, and attaining perfection is no mean feat. He starts off with the Ravel, Piece en forme de Habanera, which is an exquisite work, originally written for solo piano, but Mr. Marsalis captures the expression and lyricism of Ravel's composition beatifully.

There is some very difficult music on this album, and Wynton makes it sound natural. The Honegger Intrada is definitely within this category. Mr. Marsalis made it sound so easy that I didn't realize the endurance it takes to play the opening lines until I looked at the music myself. Henri Tomasi is better known to trumpet players for his spectacular trumpet concerto, and he is represented in this list of works with his short and fun Tryptique. The Halsey-Stevens Sonata has become one of my favorite pieces of music with its wonderful thematic material, strong melodies and interesting rhythms. Marsalis is so good that he gets right out of the way and lets the strength of the composition shine, a task well done. Wynton displays strong performances of the Bozza and the Enesco as well, using the Bernstein and the Poulenc as short, fun pieces to provide comic relief from the heavier works found on this disc.

He ends it off with the famous Hindemith Sonata for Trumpet and Piano, a spectacular composition, which Mr. Marsalis plays with command. Wynton displays the intensity involved in this piece more than adequately. Although I somewhat disagree with some of his interpretation of the first movement, the second and third movements are wonderful. The album ends with the segment, Alle Menschen mussen sterben, or, "all men must die". An incredibly slow, incredibly difficult section to play, especially at the end of the entire piece. He pulls it off with control, not so much as even a waver in tone, and his is brilliant. Well done Mr. Marsalis! Aside from picky stylistic disagreements, an excellent collection, definitely recommended.

Great Job, Mr. Marsalis.......2000-05-30

Overall, this CD was excellent. Marsalis displays the art of contemporary music on a good note, playing such works as the Hindemith Sonata for trumpet. Also, from this cd, i learned of the Halsey Stevens Sonata for trumpet, now my favorite piece. Lastly, Wynton plays the Honneger Intrada, which had a section so fast i couldn't roll my toung and keep up...

Good CD.......1999-09-07

I like Wynton's playing on this CD. The only thing I didn't like about the CD was Pièce en forme de Habañera, where Wynton plays both trumpet parts in synchronized recording, it sounds stupid. Otherwise this is a marvelous CD.

Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

Average customer rating:

An overlooked set

Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Ravel: Music for Four Hands

ASIN: B0000VM3Y0
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
I Prelude
II Fugue
III Forlane
IV Rigaudon
V Menuet
VI Toccata
Serenade Grotesque
Jeux D'eau
I Adelaide. Modere - Tres Franc
II Assez Lent - Avec Une Expression Intense
III Modere
IV Assez Anime
V Presque Lent - Dans Un Sentiment Intime
VI Vif
VII Moins Vif
VIII Epilogue. Lent
La Valse

Tracks:

I Ondine. Lent
II Le Gibet. Tres Lent
III Scarbo. Modere
Majestueusement
Mouvement De Menuet
Allegro Giusto
Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod - Allegretto
Assez Lent Et Tres Expressif
I Noctuelles. Tres Leger
II Oiseaux Tristes. Tres Lent
III Une Barque Sur L'ocean. D'un Rythme Souple
IV Alborada Del Gracioso. Assez Vif
V La Vallee Des Cloches. Tres Lent
I Modere
II Mouvement De Menuet
III Anime

Customer Reviews:

An overlooked set.......2006-05-04

Lortie's technique is assured and (I say this as a compliment) his approach seems to take Ravel's advice to heart: it suffices to perform the music rather than [over]interpret it. Ranks up there with Simon, Thibaudet, and Casadesus among other sets. Very good recorded sound.

Average customer rating:

The sound of sprinkled diamonds
More than a 'Bach Specialist'
Riviting Ravel
Riveting Ravel

Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Music
Maurice Ravel , and Angela Hewitt
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: French Suites / Angela Hewitt
Bach: The Six Partitas / Angela Hewitt
Bach: The Toccatas
Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier (book 1)
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2

ASIN: B000063TSM
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Menuet antique
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Sonatine: Modere
Sonatine: Mouvement de menuet
Sonatine: Anime
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere-tres franc
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Moins vif
Valses nobles et sentimentales: Epilogue: Lent
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Prelude
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Fugue
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Rigaudon
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Menuet
Le Tombeau de Couperin: Toccata

Tracks:

Serenade grotesque
Jeux d'eau
Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine
Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
Prelude
A la maniere de Borodine
A la maniere de Chabrier
Miroirs: Noctuelles
Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
Miroirs: Une barque sur l'ocean
Miroirs: Alborada del gracioso
Miroirs: La vallee des cloches

Amazon.com

Taking time off from her definitive series of J.S. Bach recordings, Angela Hewitt here brings us the complete solo piano music of Ravel. Anyone who wondered whether this seemingly dyed-in-the wool Bachian might stumble should rest assured: this is a stunning double-disc. As Hewitt makes clear in her characteristically illuminating liner notes, Stravinsky's jibe that Ravel was "only a Swiss clock-maker" was hopelessly off the mark. "One doesn't need to open one's chest to show that one has a heart," said Ravel, and in these often understated recordings, one is made to feel his point powerfully. "Scarbo" is all the more dramatic through the suppressed excitement Hewitt's playing exudes. "Ondine" and "Le Gibet" are at once immaculately controlled and intensely atmospheric. In addition to those works most frequently played, we also get rarities, like "Sérénade grotesque," written when Ravel was 18, and not published until 1975. As Hewitt points out, Ravel's favorite composer was Mozart, and she plays him with a Mozartean subtlety of nuance. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

The sound of sprinkled diamonds.......2007-03-17

Perhaps a little poetic of a description, but that's my simple, non-expert opinion. I've heard various versions of Ravel's piano works over the years, but never like this: brilliant, crystalline, and crisply articulated; each turn of phrase throws light in all directions. Will lift you out of your chair. Simply dazzling.

More than a 'Bach Specialist'.......2005-05-25

Taking a break from her vast Bach cycle for Hyperion Records, Angela Hewitt puts her mind and fingers to the very different musical challanges of Maurice Ravel and the 19th-century French romantic-modern style. Well, all here is not completely divergent from Bach's music as Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin" is a "Bach or Couperin-like suite" containing a prelude, fugue, menuet and toccata - but, of course, not sounding anything like either of the Baroque masters! Regardless of the composer in question, Angela Hewitt is known for delving deep into a composer's life and music to emerge with the purest, most representative essence of each work. Accordingly, her readings in general stay true to the score and intent of the composer and are a good reference point with minimal "outside influences." Accordingly, her Ravel conceptions here are very idiomatic to the man and his era.

Having "one foot in classicism, another in Romanticm and yet another in Modernism," Ravel's music fascinates with its combination of clarity of form, evocative harmonies, gentle nuances and curiously shifting tonalities. Angela Hewitt's finesseful style is well suited to Ravel's often delicate, imagery-rich music with her lovely phrasing, feathery touch, and ability to achieve the beautiful tonal colorations so characteristic of French music of this period. As often stated about French music, "It is always meant to be beautiful," and Angela Hewitt sure can create beauty in this music. Ravel's dreamy, cascading pieces (Sonatine, Jeaux D'eau, Ondine and Miroirs) are conveyed with the lightest of texture, nuanced lyricism and feminine touch that can make Ravel sound so enchanting. Never a harsh note is heard. This pianist especially excels in drawing out the poignancy of Ravel's more introspective works like the Pavane or Menuet d'Haydn. In these, her line is heart-felt and beautiful. Yet, Hewitt can create a strong sense of drama and intrigue when needed in works like the early Serenade Grotesque or the highly intelligent Valses Nobles. Her Alborada (Miroirs) is hot and spicy - a fine tribute to Ravel's Spanish-Basque roots. Equally delectable are her crystalline chromatic textures and exacting rhythms in pieces like the Prelude, Forlane and the Chabrieresque Rigaudon of "Le Tombeau." Hewitt really brings out the best in Ravel's most curious and fascinating music.

As many know, one of Ravel's most significant and famous piano works is 'Gaspard de la nuit' which is something of a top pianist's 'right-of-passage' due to the immense virtuosity required. Probably the most riviting performance of "le Gaspard" was by Martha Argerich in a live concert (EMI). Some say you have not lived until you've heard Argerich's performance which is one of her most exciting on record. Contrastingly, Hewitt's approach the this daunting piece is one of more subtlety and precision of passage work, shunning sheer bravura. This is most notable in the last movement, Scarbo (an eerie being from the literary work who haughts at night). In this movement, Martha Argerich gives us a Scarbo that is indeed fully terrifying with her quicksilver virtuosity that haughts its victim more through sheer power (created through speed and volume). In contrast, Hewitt's Scarbo is more subtle and insideous - created from nuances of shading/tempo/dynamic. Both evoke an ominous atmosphere but in a different way. Certainly Hewitt's Scarbo is more 'tame' - but perhaps more stealthy and cunning than Argerich's overtly sinister Scarbo. Hewitt brings a real crystal-clarity to this third movement; but for some, it may lack drama and "punch" - but all do compared to Argerich's electrifying reading. But, to Hewitt's favor is the Sonatine where her delicate and ethereal playing far surpasses Argerich's hyper-paced reading which never quite finds the gentle emotional center (a common critique of Martha's readings).

This is a very fresh, inspiring set that critics have taken note. This 2001 set received very high marks from both Gramophone and Penguin who herald Hewitt as having achieved status among the great pianists recording Ravel. Pretty good for a so-called "Bach specialist." The more I listen to Angela Hewitt's talent, the more I appreciate this pianist's esprit, range of repertoire and ability to create tonal beauty in anything she sets her hands to on the piano. The sound quality is excellent (rich and full) as are the 14 pages (!) of SUPERB program notes (which include the full text of literary work, "le Gaspard de la Nuit"). These are some of the finest notes written and were immensely helpful to understand more fully this programmic piece as well as the context and history of all works. Ravel's fascinating piano music was a very pleasing revelation to me this year, and I consider this two-CD set one of the treasures in my collection - as I do pretty much all of Hewitt's ever-growing and superb-quality discography. if you like this set, you should check out Hewitt's 2006 release of Chabrier piano music which is equally fascinating.

Riviting Ravel.......2003-02-27

Absolutely beautiful overall, powerful when needed, delicate when appropriate and always sensitive to what, I believe, were Ravel's intentions. But these are also fresh interpretations that I felt that I was listening to for the first time, especially the "Pavan." I have almost all of her Bach recordings and I am in the process of wearing them out! The Ravel is on that same level. Very highly recommended, even if you don't care for Ravel.

Alan Hewitt (no relation, to the best of my knowledge)

Riveting Ravel.......2002-05-29

Angela Hewitt, already known for her excellent interpretations of Bach's piano works, has turned her attentions to Ravel with equal effect. Her well-researched and accessibly-written liner notes alone are worth the price of the CD and it is clear that the research has not been just an intellectual exercise. Her playing is informed and technically splendid and the album benefits from a fine piano and good acoustics, essential elements in recording Ravel.

Tracks:

Serenade Grotesque
Menuet Antique
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Jeux D'Eau
1: Modere
2: Mouvement De Menuet
3: Anime
1: Noctuelles: Tres Leger
2: Oiseaux Tristes: Tres Lent
3: Une Barque Sur L'Ocean: D'Un Rythme Souple
4: Alborada Del Gracioso: Assez Vif
5: La Vallee Des Cloches: Tres Lent

Tracks:

1: Ondine: Lent
2: Le Gibet: Tres Lent
3: Scarbo: Modere
Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
1: Modere/Tres Franc
2: Assez Lent (Avec Une Expression Intense)
3: Modere
4: Assez Anime
5: Presque Lent (Dans Un Sentiment Intime)
6: Vif
7: Moins Vif
8: Epilogue: Lent
Prelude
Borodine: Valse/Allegro Giusto
Emmanuel Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod, Faust, Acte 3): Allegretto
1: Prelude: Vif
2: Fugue: Allegro Moderato
3: Forlane: Allegretto
4: Riguadon: Assez Vif
5: Menuet: Allegro Moderato
6: Toccata: Vif

Customer Reviews:

Great Ravel!.......2007-07-13

I think M. Collar is doing a really good job in this complete set of Ravel piano solo music (missing "La valse") The sound is very good for my taste ; clear and pearly. Very clean in the technically difficulties as well. I can feel his music very well. These are sensitive interpretations. I love them. I recommend this disc highly. Usually, I find out that pianists have too much the same sound for Debussy and Ravel. But here, we cannot mixed up! This is real Ravel sound.

look at my other Ravel reviews.......2007-07-08

to see which other pianists I prefer.
As I listen to ravel's incredible breath-taking mezmerising genius of poetic beauty and dazzling skills at composition, I understand why ravel and Debussy did not care much for the geramn romantic tradition. Ravel could not stand anything from Beethoven. In my 30 yrs, the only thing i liked by Beethoven was his 4th sym(only Walter/Columbia), but even that work has faded to a lost memory.
Its amazing how few folk know the genius of Ravel, and even less appreciate the timeless beauty of his creations.
ravel is the flowering and culmination of the romantic period , which is why i feel no desire to hear Chopin.

Average customer rating:

Maria Bayo vuelve a grabar cancion española.

Canciones españolas

Manufacturer: Valois
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00007A3IQ
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Maria Bayo vuelve a grabar cancion española........2003-09-18

Maria Bayo ya fue protagonista de un celebrado disco de cancion española en el sello CLAVES alla por 1992, y once años despues edita un nuevo acercamiento a este genero, con el que vuelve a merecer el aplauso, y que es un complemento ideal al primero.
Ahora revisa Bayo melodías españolas de Toldrá, Guridi, Montsalvage... o de influencia española (Ravel) para rematar el recital con el 'Açulao', una pieza portuguesa muy típica como bis en este tipo de recitales. Vuelvo a decir los mismos elogios que al primer cd: la voz es bellisima, plena de matices, y la forma de decir la poesía de los textos tiene un gusto incomparable... .
Malcom Martineau acompaña al piano de manera notable, lo que redondea un disco con el que Maria Bayo vuelve a cosechar un gran y merecido triunfo.
Habrá que esperar ahora al acercamiento al barroco español que Maria Bayo ya prepara, ni mas ni menos que con Rousset. Exito asegurado, seguro.

Average customer rating:

Awesome "Gaspard de la Nuit"
Low Price....Low quality
Destined to become a classic
No better deal out there
A must-have cd for piano fans

Ravel: Complete Music for Solo Piano

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

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Simon Abbey: Chopin
Abbey Simon Plays Chopin's Etudes and Waltzes (Complete)
Rachmaninoff: Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra
Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

ASIN: B000001K24
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

Le Tombeau De Couperin
A La Maniere De Borodine
Menuet Antique
A La Maniere De Chabrier
Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
Sonatine
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Jeux D'eau
Prelude
La Valse

Tracks:

Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales
Gaspard de la nuit: Ondine
Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
Miroirs: Noctuelles
Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes
Miroirs: Une barque sur L'ocean
Miroirs: Alborado del gracioso
Miroirs: Le Vallee des cloches

Customer Reviews:

Awesome "Gaspard de la Nuit".......2007-07-17

Abbey Simon's Vox recording of "Gaspard de la Nuit" has been my favorite Ravel recording for more than 35 years. Simon's playing is beautiful and profound, not only because of its technical mastery but also the depths the pianist reveals in these soundscapes. Listen closely to these pieces when all else is silent and you'll enter another world of imagination. This is not impressionism lite but an often dark evocation of mystery through the expressive power of the piano.

Low Price....Low quality.......2002-05-03

This is not the way Ravel is supposed to be played. It sounds heavy-handed, and too Romantic for my taste. The texture variances and image-making techniques are not there. Also the sound quality is poor. If you just want to know what Ravel's piano music sounds like, then buy it for reference. But if you want to experience the music, I reccomend Martha Argerich.

Destined to become a classic.......2002-01-12

I became familiar with this collection only after I had reviewed Louis Lortie's collection of Ravel's piano music. Although I gave Lortie a 5-star rating, and I believe that still holds true, I reach for Abbey Simon's collection more often. I also indicated that Lortie's recording had become my standard, and I am not sure I would continue to say that -- Simon has challenged Lortie in that position. I completely agree with the previous reviewers who note that this collection is a find at any price, and that the special characteristics of Abbey Simon's artistry finds its most perfect expression in Ravel's piano music

Abbey Simon has long been one of my favorite pianists. As some of the previous reviewers have indicated, he is a master of pianistic color, voicing and tone. His performances almost always have a unique signature that makes them distinguishable from everyone else. His piano, a Baldwin, also seems to have a unique sound -- with a big warm resonant bass and scintillating treble. The Vox analog recordings do a surprisingly good job of capturing his special tone and color. They were always among my favorite recordings even in the days of the LP.

I knew Abbey Simon's recording of Gaspard de la Nuit from about 20 years ago from a Vox LP that also included Valses Nobles et Sentimentales. Despite having heard other performances of Ondine, after listening to Simon I just had to obtain the sheet music to learn the piece myself. I think no higher compliment can be paid to a pianist than that he inspires others to approach the music. More than any other pianist, Abbey Simon has re-introduced a familiar piece to me in a way that makes me want to play it. I fully agree with another reviewer who said that his Chopin recordings are worth obtaining as well.

Abbey Simon is not as well-known as he should be. In years to come, many will look back on his recordings and wonder why he wasn't as prominent as many pianists who currently bask in the limelight. I believe these performances of Ravel, as well as many of his Chopin recordings, will be kept in the catalog for years to come and enjoy special status with listeners far into the future.

No better deal out there.......2001-11-28

More than competent playing. Two full CD's. Though the sound is a bit dry and recessed at times, Simon's tone sparkles enough and comes through when it should (Valses... Gaspard la Nuit, for example). For the price, this double CD cannot be beat. Simon's playing is even and consistent, very scholarly, almost pedantic but never boring, and a great study for those who are interested in learning about Ravel's music, much of which, referring to his symphonic work, pre-existed on the piano.

A must-have cd for piano fans.......2001-10-19

This cd presents Abbey Simon's astonishingly elegant and urbane pianism at its best. He is a perfect match for this repertoire.

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Rondo. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Larghetto
III. Menuetto-Trio I/II
IV. Allegretto Con Variazioni I-IV/Adagio-Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Minuetto In Canone-Trio In Canone Al Rovescio
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Menuetto I-Trio
III. Adagio
IV. Menuetto II-Trio
V. Finale. Allegro
I. Allegro Con Brio - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
II. Adagio - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
III. Tema. 'Pria Ch'Io L'Impegno'. Allegretto-Allegro - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
I. Andante - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
II. Menuetto - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
III. Rondeaux. Allegretto - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
I. Zart Und Mit Ausdruck
II. Lebhaft, Leicht-Coda: Nach Und Nach Ruhiger
III. Rasch Und Mit Feuer-Coda-Schneller

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Fuoco
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Rondo. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Andantino-Presto Non Assai, Ma Con Sentimento
IV. Con Moto-Un Poco Meno Mosso
I. Allegro - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
II. Adagio - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
III. Andantino Grazioso - Mieczyslaw Horszowski
IV. Allegro - Mieczyslaw Horszowski

Tracks:

I. Allegro Appassionato
II. Andante, Un Poco Adagio
III. Allegretto Grazioso
IV. Vivace
I. Allegro Amiabile
II. Allegro Appassionato
III. Andante Con Moto-Allegro
I. Allegretto - Brooks Smith
II. Allegro Animato - Brooks Smith
III. Lento - Brooks Smith
IV. Molto Allegro - Brooks Smith
I. Improvisation: Tempo Rubato-Espressivo - Brooks Smith
II. Modal Blues: Tempo Di Blues - Brooks Smith
III. In Rhythm: Moderato - Brooks Smith
I. Allegro Non Troppo - Brooks Smith
II. Larghetto - Brooks Smith
III. Allegro - Brooks Smith

Tracks:

Premiere Rhapsodie For Clarinet And Piano
I. Massig Bewegt
II. Lebhaft
III. Sehr Langsam
V. Kleines Rondo, Gemachlich
I. Sempre Piano E Molto Tranquillo
II. MM=168
III. MM=160
I. Verbunkos (Recruiting Dance). Moderato, Ben Ritmato
II. Piheno (Relaxation). Lento
III. Sebes (Fast Dance). Allegro
La Plus Que Lente
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin
Reverie
Le Petit Berger
Ecstasy
The Pied Piper
Blue Haze
Dance Of The Three Old Maids

Tracks:

I. Ouverture. Vif Et Gai
II. Divertissement. Anime
III. Jeu. Vif
IV. Introduction Et Final. Modere-Vif
I. Adagio 'Lovely On The Water - Brooks Smith
II. Andante Sostenuto 'Spurn Point' - Brooks Smith
III. Larghetto 'Van Dieman's Land' - Brooks Smith
IV. Lento 'She Borrowed Some Of Her Mother's Gold' - Brooks Smith
V. Andante Tranquillo 'The Lady And The Dragon' - Brooks Smith
VI. Allegro Vivace 'As I Walked Over London Bridge' - Brooks Smith
Siciliana And Gigue
Adagio
Allegro
Giga
Rondino Uber Ein Thema Von Beethoven
Piece En Forme De Habanera
Petite Piece
Roundelay
Berceuse
Jamaican Rumba - Brooks Smith
Caprice Viennoois Op.2
Liebesleid
Liebesfreud
Stars In My Eyes
Schon Rosmarin

Customer Reviews:

A long overdue collection by one of the English masters of the clarinet........2007-01-05

The Yorkshireman Reg Kell became famous for using vibrato in the classical world when it was unfashionable. He used it tastefully, and other artists such as Jack Brymer and Emma Johnson have continued to use it. He also had a series of tutorials with Benny Goodman (for Goodman's benefit) which led to Goodman changing his embouchure from the upper teeth on mouthpiece to the upper lip - as well as lower, -on mouthpiece, which perhaps in Goodmans's case was not a good move, as he had it right the first time!.

However these recordings originally came out a very long time ago in the early days of vinyl, and a re-issue is long overdue. Kell's excursion in to light music is interesting, though he stops well short of anything resembling jazz, although he had earlier recorded one record with Bert Ambrose's band in the 1940 which was the nearest he got, - but that is not included here. His main forte is in the works of Mozart, Weber, Beethoven and Brahms, but he also plays Bartok and Templeton. It shows what an accomplished performer he was. All were recorded after he left the UK to live and play in America.

This set shows his rightful place as a performer in the history of clarinet playing. He had raised the standard of the time, and had the benefits of improved recording techniques and length of play boudaries were removed with the LP record.

Great Collection.......2006-07-30

My only negative comment is that he rushes some of the runs; everything else is great!

Average customer rating:

Making high modernism (a little) easier
Very Enjoyable selection.
An intriguing recital, beautifully sung
Thank God for musicians who....
exotic, exquisite and excellent of course

Girl with Orange Lips
Manuel de Falla , Maurice Ravel , Igor Stravinsky , Earl Kim , Maurice Delage , Dawn Upshaw , Lynn Chang , Bruce Coppock , Nardo Poy , Fenwick Smith , Barbara Allen , Eric Bartlett , Laura Gilbert , Randall Hodgkinson , Robert Rinehart , Mitchell Weiss , Nai-Yuan Hu , and Marcia Butler
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000005J0T
Release Date: 1991-08-02

Tracks:

Psych Falla
Trois pos de Stane MallarmI. Soupir
Trois pos de Stane MallarmII. Placet futile
Trois pos de Stane MallarmIII. Surgi de la croupe et du bond
Two Poems Of Konstantin Bal'mont: I. The Flower
Two Poems Of Konstantin Bal'mont: II. The Dove
Where Grief Slumbers: Listen To It Rain
Where Grief Slumbers: From Drunken Boat
Where Grief Slumbers: It's Raining
Where Grief Slumbers: Ophelia
Where Grief Slumbers: The Farewell
Where Grief Slumbers: The Departure
Where Grief Slumbers: The Girl With Orange Lips
Three Japanese Lyrics: I. Akahito
Three Japanese Lyrics: II. Mazatsumi
Three Japanese Lyrics: III. Tsaraiuki
Quatre pos hindous: I. Madras - Une belle...
Quatre pos hindous: II. Lahore - Un Sapin isole
Quatre pos hindous: III. Br- Naissance de Bouddha
Quatre pos hindous: IV. Jeypur - Si vous pensez

Amazon.com essential recording

This was a seminal recital album: Dawn Upshaw not only came of age artistically but showed the world she wouldn't be maintaining the status quo repertoire. The program is a carefully sequenced succession of darkly mysterious exotica, including Maurice Delage's Four Hindu Poems, Stravinsky's Three Japanese Lyrics and Ravel's Three Mallarme Poems, all abstractly poetic and couching the voice in chamber ensembles with unusual instrumental combinations. What makes Upshaw so perfect for this is that her clarity of voice and purpose keep it all from becoming puzzling and obscure. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Making high modernism (a little) easier.......2006-08-24

It was brave of Dawn Upshaw, who could have made her career in charming soubrtte roles and crossover pop, to lend her public fame to a really tough colleciton of modern songs. None of this music is immediately tuneful, and some (the wroks by Kim and Delage) is tough listening by any standards. The colleciton is held together by its exotic atmosphere and the delicacy of the poetry.

I must confess that I rarely pull this CD out, but Upshaw's voice is so lovely and her singing so committed and intelligent that I have no excuses. She has made a challenging, serious, and veyr worthwhile recital.

Very Enjoyable selection........2006-05-01

'The Girl with Orange Lips' sung by Dawn Upshaw, backed with a rather eclectic colleciton of musicians, is the kind of album Ms. Upshaw should really be doing. Like 'White Moon', it is a collection of unusual songs from far corners of 20th century repitoire, rather than an essay on the more familiar material which is done so well by the heavyweights such as Renee Fleming, Anne Sophie von Otter, and Cecilia Bartolli, not to mention songs of the modern European and American stage owned, in my mind, by Ute Lemper.

Unlike another reviewer, I really prefer 'White Moon' to this album on a visceral level, although I listen to both at least once a year.

My only criticism is that as original DVD releases go, it seems a bit short, but this only reinforces the fact that I would like to hear more of Ms. Upshaw do this material in a single shot.

An intriguing recital, beautifully sung.......2005-01-19

This might be my favorite recording by Dawn Upshaw, and she's done some wonderful work. The slightly startling title is taken from Earl Kim's song cycle Where Grief Slumbers, one of the highlights of a very well-conceived program. Of Kim's gorgeous set of seven songs, the real stunner is "Ophelia," with a dramatic a capella opening that Upshaw handles immaculately, before the harp and strings enter with their mellow accompaniment.

The Ravel Mallarme songs show Upshaw in sparkling, sensuous form, and I also loved the four Delage works, perhaps because of their relative rarity. But the entire program is quite interesting, and further, most of these works have not been recorded to death -- a great compliment to Upshaw's programming instincts.

In every track, Upshaw radiates confidence and produces a beautiful range of tonal colors matching the vivid writing, and offers exceptionally clear diction (although I can't vouch for the accuracy of her French). Nonesuch provides excellent sound quality, capturing the clarity of her voice as well as the gentle, outstanding accompaniments by the well-chosen cast of instrumentalists. For those inclined toward unusual repertoire, this can't be recommended too highly.

Thank God for musicians who...........2002-08-07

Thank God for musicians who are dedicated to expanding the repertoire which we are able to hear in performance and on recordings. So many artists are afraid to venture into 20th century art song/chamber repertoire and we have in turn been left wanting.
This is simply one of the most amazing recordings I've ever heard. Dawn Upshaw's voice is clear as a bell and deep with emotion--and her technique does not waver here, it is entirely classical and fabulous. I cannot praise her choice of repertoire more--every cycle, every song is entirely unique and remarkable. Earl Kim's cycle is breathtaking.
Don't walk, run. You need this.

exotic, exquisite and excellent of course.......2000-09-20

I have all of Dawn Upshaw's discs but this is still my favorite (maybe White Moon is a close second). Upshaw brings together masterpieces of the early and late 20th century in various chamber ensembles, linked together thematically/stylistically by an international flavor. The two Stravinsky pieces (Poems of Balmont & 3 Japanese Lyrics) albeit sound like Stravinsky, retain an eastern-sounding aura to them. The same can be said of the Delage 4 poems. The true find on the disc are the Earl Kim "Where Grief Slumbers" songs. Taking his text from the symbolist poets, Rimbaud and Apollinaire, Kim fashions a suite of some of the most contrasting and emotionally powerful songs. Earl Kim's setting of 'Ophelia' is perhaps the most moving. Upshaw performs the entire 5 minute song a capella until nearly the end when the strings enter; one can almost hear her drowning.

Tracks:

Sinfonietta - Simon Rattle
El Combat Del Somni - Victoria De Los Angeles
Piano Concerto - Sviatoslav Richter
Don Giovanni - Carlo Maria Giulini
Eroica - Otto Klemperer
Gymnopedies - Aldo Ciccolini
Don Carlo - Placido Domingo
24 Caprices - Itzhak Perlman
Liederkreis Op.39 - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Cello Concerto - Sir John Barbirolli
Alborada Del Gracioso - Dinu Lipatti
'Peter Grimes' - Andre Previn
Das Lied Von Der Erde - Otto Klemperer
Violin Concerto No.1 - David Oistrakh
Boris Godunov - Boris Christoff
Piano Concerto No.22 - Annie Fischer
La Boheme - Jussi Bjorling
Symphony No.2 'Resurection' - Otto Klemperer

Tracks:

Bachianas Brasileiras - Heitor Villa-Lobos
Die Zauberflote - Herbert Von Karajan
Preludes II - Walter Gieseking
Symphonie Fantastique - Sir Thomas Beecham
Il Trovatore - Maria Callas
String Quartet - Alban Berg Quartett
Wesendonck-Lieder - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Horn Concerto No.3 - Dennis Brain
Fidelio - Otto Klemperer
Piano Concerto In G - Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Kindertotenlieder - Bruno Walter
Dialogues Des Carmelites - Pierre Dervaux
Violin Concerto - Yehudi Menuhin
Salome - Herbert Von Karajan
Tout Un Monde Lointain... - Mstislav Rostropovich
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia - Vittorio Gui
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sir John Barbirolli
Die Lustige Witwe - Nicolai Gedda
Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Wilhelm Furtwangler

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, and so cheap!.......2005-03-17

In response to the reviewer below, yes, some of the recordings do not have the best sound quality. But that's not what this is about, it's about great recordings of the century.
There are two discs, each with about 18 tracks, averaging about 4 minutes each, of excerpts and individual movements of the some of the most famous of the 150 "GROCs."

In the booklet it has a few interesting (sometimes not that interesting) facts about each of the 150 performances.

If you don't mind excerpts of pieces or isolated movements, this would be a worthwhile purchase, especially for the bizarrely reasonable price.

Not that great.......2004-11-19

If this is supposed to be an album of "the greatest" -- I wasn't too impressed. The quality didn't seem that good and the selections, well, not all that popular to my mind.

Average customer rating:

Romantic Guitar

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B000003FFZ
Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

Grand Sonata in A: Allegro risoluto
Grand Sonata in A: Romanze
Grand Sonata in A: Andantino variato
Minuetto (From Sonata in G, Op. 78, D.894)
Song Without Words, Op. 19, No. 6 'Venetian Boating Song'
Canzonetta (From String Quartet, Op. 12)
Homenaje, pour le tombeau DeBussy
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Suite espanola, Op. 47: Granada
Suite espanola, Op. 47: Leyenda
Lagrima (Prelude)
Three Mazurkas: Adelita
Three Mazurkas: Mazurka in G
Three Mazurkas

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Jazz Music jazz-music-24

1. Menuet antique
2. Pavane pour une infante defunte
3. Sonatine: Modere
4. Sonatine: Mouvement de menuet
5. Sonatine: Anime
6. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere-tres franc
7. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
8. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Modere
9. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Assez lent
10. Valses nobles et sentimentales: Presque lent

1. Serenade grotesque
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4. Gaspard de la nuit: Le Gibet
5. Gaspard de la nuit: Scarbo
6. Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn
7. Prelude
8. A la maniere de Borodine
9. A la maniere de Chabrier
10. Miroirs: Noctuelles