Schubert: Impromptus D 899 & D 935 / Radu Lupu

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Lupu is a keyboard poet, and Schubert's lyrical gems seem as though they were written for his interpretive artistry. He sings the gorgeous melodies with limpid, beautiful tone. The intimacy Lupu achieves in the G-flat impromptu sounds almost personal, an effect heightened by the transparent engineering. There's a luminosity to Lupu's traversal of these remarkable works that's irresistible; his pianism alternates subtle lights and shades. While the playing is elegant and refined, he doesn't stint on the dramatic contrasts in the music, nor does he neglect the dark poetry that pulls it into deeper regions. There are many fine versions of these classics; Lupu's stands with the best. --Dan Davis

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante ... - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegretto - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble

Tracks:

Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Andante Grazioso: Thema/Variation 1 - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Menuetto - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Alla Turca (Allegretto) - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Adagio - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro Assai - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegro Moderato - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Andante Cantabile - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegretto - Margarete Babinsky
12 Variations K.265: Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman: Theme/Variation ... - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Larghetto - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Rondo - Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Allegro Moderato - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Adagio Cantabile - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Rondo - Presto - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Con Spirito - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio E Cantabile - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Presto - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Overture Coriolan Op.62 - Dresdner Philharmonic
Overture Leonore No.2, Op.72 - Dresdner Philharmonic

Tracks:

Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Grave - Allegro - Di Molto E ... - Istvan Szekely
Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Adagio Cantabile - Istvan Szekely
Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Rondo - Allegro - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Adagio Sostenuto - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Allegretto - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Presto Agitato - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Assai - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Andante Con Moto - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Presto - Istvan Szekely
Rondo a Capriccio Op.129: Die Wut er Den Verlorenen - Jennd

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Allegro Maestoso - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Romanze. Larghetto - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Rondo. Vivace - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Maestoso - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Larghetto - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Allegro Vivace - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Grave - Doppio Movimento [Liv - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Scherzo [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Marche Fune. Lento [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Finale. Presto [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Allegro Maestoso [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Molto Vivace [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Largo [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Presto Ma Non Tanto [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 1 in a Minor [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 2 in a Flat [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 3 in F Sharp [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch

Tracks:

Nocturne in B Major Op.9, No. 3 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Etude in G Flat Major Op.10, No. 5 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Etude in B Minor Op.25, No. 1 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor Op. 20 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Scherzo No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op. 31 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Waltz No. 1 in E Flat Major Op. 18 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 1 in G Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 2 in C Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 3 in a Flat Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 4 in B Flat Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 1 in C Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 2 in B Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 3 in D Flat Major [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 4 in C Sharp Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic

Tracks:

Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Affettuoso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Intermezzo. Andantino Grazioso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Vivace - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Introduction and Allegro Appassionato Op.92 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Concerto Allegro With Introduction Op.134 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman

Tracks:

Rustle of Spring Op.32, No.6 - Jennd
Novelette in F Major Op.21, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: E Major Op.19, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: F Sharp Minor Op.30, No.6 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: Duetto in F Major Op.38, No.6 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: G Major Op.62, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: Spring Song in a Major Op.62, No.6 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Major, Op.76, No.6 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Minor Op.76, No.7 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Major Op.118, No.2 - Jennd
Intermezzo in E Flat Minor Op.118, No.6 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Arietta Op.12, No.1 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Folkevise Op.12, No.5 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Butterfly Op.43, No.1 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: To Spring Op.43, No.6 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Notturno Op.54, No.4 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Bryllupsdag Pa Troldhaugen Op.65, No.6 - Jennd
Saisons Op.37b, No. 6 Juin Barcarolle - Jennd
Chant Sans Paroles: Souvenir de Hapsal Op.2, No.3 - Jennd
Melody in F Op.3, No.1 - Jennd
Humoresque in G Flat Major Op.101, No.7 - Jennd

Tracks:

Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Theme: Andante - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 1 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 2 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 3 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 4 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 5 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Pito - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 1 in C Major - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 2 in a Flat Major - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 6 in F Minor - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 1 in C Minor - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 3 in G Flat Major - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 4 in a Flat Major - Jennd

Tracks:

Sonata in a Major D.959: Allegro - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Andantino - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Rondo: Allegretto - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Molto Moderato - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Andante Sostenuto - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Michael Endres

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Adagio - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto E ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Non Troppo - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Appassionato - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Andante - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Giocoso - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Adagio ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Agitato ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Moderato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Deciso - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Marziale, Un ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Animato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Fantasy on Hungarian Folk-Tunes - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Polonaise Brillante (After Weber) - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Fantasy on Weber's FreischVilmos Fischer

Tracks:

Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus. Sempre Vivo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Commodo Assai E Con ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Il Vechhio Castello (The Old Castle) . ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Non Tanto, Pesamente
Pictures at an Exhibition: Tuileries. Allegretto Non Troppo, ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo. Sempre Moderato, Pesante
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Tranquillo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells. ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges. Le MarchThe Market Place) . ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombae. Sepulcrum Romanum. Largo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua. Adante ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowls' Legs - Baba-Yaga. Allegro
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate of Kiev - Allegro Alla ...
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in E Flat Major. Andante Moderato
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in B Flat Minor. Andante Non ...
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in C Sharp Minor. Andante Con ...
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 1 Intermezzo in a Minor (Allegro Non Assai)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 2 Intermezzo in a Major (Andante Teneramente)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 3 Ballad in G Minor (Allegro Energico)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 4 Intermezzo in F Minor (Andante - Allegretto
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 5 Romance in F Major (Andante - ...)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 6 Intermezzo in E Flat Minor (Andante, ...)

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Moderato - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Adagio ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Largo - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov

Tracks:

Prde Op.3, No.2 - Margarete Babinsky
Mdie Op.3, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
Polichinelle Op.3, No.4 - Margarete Babinsky
Moment Musical Op.16, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
Moment Musical Op.16, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op.42 - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Prde Op.23, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio. Andante Con Moto - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Agitato - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
American in Paris - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart

Album Description

This amazing 20-CD set truly is the ultimate piano collection! With over 20 hours of the greatest piano classics, from Mozart's priceless Piano Concertos and Sonatas to Gershwin's legendary Rhapsody in Blue, this set is a must have for everyone's collection. So sit back, relax and drift away on the beautiful melodic waves of classical piano at its very best.

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate music for every time of day and every mood.......2007-07-03

With 20 CDs in the collection, we have classical music for every mood and atime of day.

Would give 5 stars if sound quality where better.......2007-06-30

This Classical collection is one of great length and breadth ,and is well worth purchasing ,if you want an abundance of music at a low price.The sound quality is decent,however it is not great.This set will not provide you with the crisp,clear sound quality of a RCA,CBS or other well known label,so some classical aficionados may not appreciate it much.It all depends on what your looking for ,I guess.

Great collection for a great price.......2007-06-27

I did not expect much in buying this collection, but I was greatly surpeised. There were no reviews of the product at the time, and I bought the collection simply as a sampler of many great piano pieces. Most of the recordings are exquisite and of decent recording quality. This collection was well worth the price.

20 Fabulous Discs.......2007-06-08

I am surprised that this set has been out for 4 years and nobody reviewed it here yet. This is a lovely and occasionally amazing compilation. I was moved by many of the compositions. I really enhanced my classical music collection with this set. You have so many legends here to enjoy, from Bach to Brahms, Mozart to Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Gershwin, and more. If you love classical piano music and don't already have most of these works then this is a must buy for you. The price may go up, but I was fortunate to cash in on the $17.97 price. Quite a bargain for 20 fabulous discs.

Average customer rating:

Super Chamber Music
Great Schubert, but add some schmaltz please!
Brendel displaying his greatness
little music
Good. But...just good.

Schubert: The Complete Impromptus
Franz Schubert , and Alfred Brendel
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Schubert: Impromptus For Piano
Franz Schubert: Complete Trios
Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B0000041MS
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Impromptus, D.899: No. 1 In C Minor
Impromptus, D.899: No. 2 In E-Flat
Impromptus, D.899: No. 1 In G-Flat
Impromptus, D.899: No. 4 In A-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 1 In F Minor
Impromptus. D.935: No. 2 In A-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 3 In B-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 3 In B-Flat
16 German Dances, D.783: Deutsche Tanze - Danses allemandes

Tracks:

3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 1 In E-Flat Minor
3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 2 In E-Flat
3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 3 In C Major
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 1 in C - Moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No.2 In A-Flat - Andantino
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 3 - In F Minor - Allegro moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor - Moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 5 In F Minor - Allegro vivace
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 6 In A-Flat - Allegretto
12 German Dances, D. 790: Deutsche Tanze - Danses Allemandes

Customer Reviews:

Super Chamber Music.......2007-05-31

As I was listening to this while gardening, I forgot for a moment that I was listening to Schubert, and thought 'My, what good Chopin this is!'. Well, I caught myself and realized my little slip revealed the fact that even though solo piano may not have been Schubert's strongest suit, he still managed to do it as well or better than the great classic Mr. Piano Man himself. This is an excellent bargain package with two CD's for the price of one and a complete set of a major composer's genre. I'm not a student of piano style, but Alfred Brendel seems to realize these in a better than workmanlike fashion. He may not be Murray Perahia, but he's no slouch.

Great Schubert, but add some schmaltz please!.......2007-03-18

I was greatly disappointed with my reaction to these CDs. There is nothing specific that I can say against the CDs, but....I was completely and totally uninvolved. I tried multiple listening, but it did not help. I was standing outside the music, and was examining it like I would an ant under the microscope. I know it is not my reaction to Schubert's impromptus, simply because I just adored them when I heard them performed by Krystian Zimerman.
The only thing I figured out is that Mr. Brendel was just too elegant and detached here for my taste. To use a metaphor, he was as elegant as a black cocktail dress, while a dress with some frills, colors, lace, and something soft would have been more appropriate here, I felt. In my view, even some schmaltz would be welcome here.
I guess it all depends on how you would be affected by this CD, so I do encourage you to try it!

Brendel displaying his greatness.......2007-02-05

I've always heard Brendel was a great interpreter of Beethoven, but have not heard his recordings before this work of Schubert. Brendel is an amazing pianist, and Schubert an inspiring composer. Some say this work by Brendel doesn't bring out the fullness of Schubert, but if this isn't one of the best recordings of Schubert, I'll eat my hat.

little music.......2007-01-02

Franz Schubert's piano impromptus are not big music.

Not only are the pieces relatively brief, but the absence of instruments other than solo piano and the evasion of bombast by Schubert altogether make these compositions small music.

But small is beautiful.

Alfred Brendel is at his understated best in his mastery of this genre. Lovers of the keyboard already know that Brendel can flow with Beethovian grandeur together with the best of them. He approaches Schubert's Impromptus, Deutsche Tanze, and Moment Musicaux as an artist with nothing to prove. The result is a pure reading of Schubert that leaves one savoring the music rather than the performer. That's a nice result that credits rather than demeans the pianist.

The Philips Classic ('Duo') series is at its usual peak form for quality, price, and therefore value.

Good. But...just good........2005-12-21

Schubert is my favourite composer, and I regard the impromptus as one of the most aesthetically pleasing of his piano works. I personally have played the D.899 pieces, and I find them very simple to play, they are not by any means technically demanding. But to play them well is in fact extremely difficult.

Control of speed and pressure on the keys is critical in every piece, especially no.3 and no.4 in D.899.

With that said, Brendel's playing is very straightforward and textbook to the very core essentials. The playing is very clean, and his tempo is well under control. However, that's where it ends, as he doesn't bring the liveliness into these works of beauty. Schubert sounds nothing more than a . If you want the music itself without any passion, then this is the album to get. Sound quality is excellent.

The best schubert impromptus I have heard thus far is from Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu. Of the two, I prefer Murray Perahia's. His playing really defines Schubert as a composer - the emotional output is all there, in every note, every phrase. There is not a single part in any of the impromptus where it can be considered dull. Listen to his recording and you will see what I mean. Radu Lupu tends to put more emphasis on the lyrical qualities of these pieces by using strong vibrato. If you really want something out of this world, then try Mitsuko Uchida's version, which is the complete opposite of Brendel, with erratic playing (much like her own personality).

-Sail

Average customer rating:

Perahia is magical, but buy the new reissue on BMG
Dead On!
Great Schubertian Sound
Quite possibly, the definitive "Schubert Impromptus" album
Schubert's best work ?

Schubert: Impromptus For Piano

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | 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
Similar Items:

Songs Without Words
Schubert: The Complete Impromptus
Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D958, 959, 960
Chopin Etudes
Mozart: Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448; Schubert: Fantasia for Piano, 4 Hands in F Minor, D 940

ASIN: B0000025N5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Four Impromptus For Piano, D 899 (Op.90): No.1 In C Minor (Allegro molto moderato)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 899 (Op.90): No. 2 In E-Flat Major (Allegro)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 899 (Op.90): No. 3 In G-Flat Major (Andante)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 899 (Op.90): No. 4 In A-Flat Major (Allegretto)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 935 (Op.142): No. 1 In F Minor (Allegro moderato)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 935 (Op.142): No.2 In A-Flat Major (Allegretto - Trio)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 935 (Op.142): No. 3 In B-Flat Major (Thema. Andante - Var. l-V)
Four Impromptus For Piano, D 935 (Op.142): No. 4 In F Minor (Allegro scherzando)

Customer Reviews:

Perahia is magical, but buy the new reissue on BMG.......2006-07-24

It gets a bit confusing now that Sony and BMG are merged--these recordings of the eight Schubert Impromptus originaly apeared on Sony in 1990. They were greeted rapturously by critics, and one can immediately hear why. Murray Perhaia was at the absolute peak of his art, giving us a magical blend of alert rhythms, inner bitalaity, sparkling fingerwork, and an instinctive feeling for Schubert's melodies.

Now you can get these performances ar mid-price on BMG, and the CD is generously filled out (76 min.) with Schubert song transcriptions by Liszt. Those are later recordings, by hwich time Perahia had become tamer an more cautious, but they are still beautifully done.

Dead On!.......2006-01-09

I own five other versions but this recording, more than the others, posseses from first note to last a sense of rightness that overshadows the competition. Pehaps Perahia's best single recording.

Great Schubertian Sound.......2003-08-01

Perahia has a great touch, wonderful sound and exquisite phrasing. Brendel's version though not as versatile as Perahia's has an extra flavour, more mature perhaps, more 'Viennese'.

Quite possibly, the definitive "Schubert Impromptus" album.......2001-12-28

Murray Perahia is one of the most lyrical pianists of our time. In his hands, the "Schubert Impromptus" album is quite possibly the definitive interpretation of these equally lyrical piano works by Franz Schubert. His delicate playing of the shifting minor and major keys and modulations makes the listener pause to absorb every nuance and phrasing.

Listen to how he plays the middle part of the Impromptu Op. 90 No. 1 in C-minor and the more popular Impromptu Op. 90 No. 4 in A-Flat. The piano sings at his touch and how! Then there's the Impromptu in G-Flat, my personal favorite and one which I have endeavored hard to play. This is one of the highlights of the album, and Perahia's playing is fantastic. The delicate tone which he coaxes out of the piano is one of sheer beauty.

In my books, Murray Perahia is in the same class as Artur Rubinstein, the definitive interpreter of Chopin. This collection of Schubert Impromptus is a gift from Mr. Perahia to those who know how to appreciate beautiful piano music. I am proud to have this album in my collection.

Schubert's best work ?.......2001-11-14

I am going to review the music and not the performance. Unless you're Rubinstein or rachmaninov I find it pointless to criticize a pianist, particularly one as good as Murray Perahia.
I am somewhat biased because i have played these impromptus for a long time, but I've found few other pieces which combine the grace, romance, introspection and simplicity of the impromptus. Op. 90, no. 3 is my favorite. It modulates - and ondulates - from major to minor keys with beautiful bass accents expressing an overall melancholy mood that reminds me of the Andante from Mozart's Piano concerto no. 21 (also available by Perahia) and a Chopin Nocturne, though perhaps expressing more depth than the latter. Schubert unfortunately died in Beethoven's shadow though his music is no less important. Enjoy these hidden treasures of music. i also recommend Schubert's Fantasia for 2 hands (made famous ny the film Sunshine). Wunderschon!

Schubert: Impromptus D 899 & D 935 / Radu Lupu

Average customer rating:

Ultimate godly sound
Schubert Impromptus at their best
a urgent experience in Music !
Lupu is a poet in Schubert!
One of the truly great piano recordings of all time.

Schubert: Impromptus D 899 & D 935 / Radu Lupu

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Plays Schubert
Brahms: Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119
Robert Schumann: Radu Lupu - Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana/Humoreske
Grieg, Schumann: Piano Concertos / Radu Lupu, André Previn
Schubert: Impromptus For Piano

ASIN: B00000JXZ5
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

Four Impromptus, D899 - No.1 In C Minor: Allegro molto moderato
Four Impromptus, D899 - No.2 In E Flat Major: Allegro
Four Impromptus, D899 - No.3 In G Flat Major: Andante
Four Impromptus, D899 - No.4 In A Flat Major: Allegretto
Four Impromptus, D935 - No.1 In F Minor: Allegro moderato
Four Impromptus, D935 - No.2 In A Flat Major: Allegretto
Four Impromptus, D935 - No.3 In B Flat Major: Theme And Variations
Four Impromptus, D935 - No.4 In F Minor: Allegro Scherzando

Amazon.com

Lupu is a keyboard poet, and Schubert's lyrical gems seem as though they were written for his interpretive artistry. He sings the gorgeous melodies with limpid, beautiful tone. The intimacy Lupu achieves in the G-flat impromptu sounds almost personal, an effect heightened by the transparent engineering. There's a luminosity to Lupu's traversal of these remarkable works that's irresistible; his pianism alternates subtle lights and shades. While the playing is elegant and refined, he doesn't stint on the dramatic contrasts in the music, nor does he neglect the dark poetry that pulls it into deeper regions. There are many fine versions of these classics; Lupu's stands with the best. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate godly sound.......2006-06-28

No one plays the Impromptus like Lupu: his touch and tone quality, his voicing, his dynamics, his color shade, his vision of the work as a whole, he dexterity, his technique --- all perfection, absolute god-like perfection.

Schubert Impromptus at their best.......2006-04-21

For this record review, I plan to examine to a recording of the eight Schubert Impromptus, D899 and D935, performed by famed pianist Radu Lupu and recorded by Decca Records in 1982. This album has special significance to me as I have personally learnt and performed two of the tracks on the album. In my sophomore year of high school, I was studying the Schubert Impromptu in E Flat Major, a beautiful romantic piece structured in ABA format. It begins with a complex melodic run in Part A, and then changes courses completely, modulating into b minor in a stormy series of chords. Later, the piece recapitulates into the transparent and soothing melody of part A.

My piano teacher had a philosophy in music education that students should always begin learning a piece by understanding how it should be performed. Therefore, she would require me to listen to recordings of the experts: for Chopin, I listened to Rubinstein for inspiration, for Rachmaninoff, Van Cliburn; for Bach, Glenn Gould, and for Schubert, the legendary Radu Lupu.

I was immediately impressed by the quality of Radu Lupu's performance. He had taken such great care in combining his technical prowess with the emotion and subtlety required to carry a romantic piece. I appreciated (and tried hard to replicate) his nuanced use of the pedal and his careful inflection, as well his dramatic yet appropriately timed dynamic contrasts. Because I enjoyed the E Flat Major piece so much, I listened to the entire album, electing to study the a flat minor impromptu as one of my next pieces. I also particularly enjoyed the theme-and-variation Impromptu in B Flat Major and the Rondo-styled impromptu in f minor. All the pieces are performed with incredible technical felicity, yet demonstrate such passion. I quickly realized why my teacher had picked out this recording for me specifically.

The recording itself is of high quality. Clearly, care was taken in selecting a quality piano (probably a Steinway Grand) with the appropriate pure tone and resonance necessary to do justice to Schubert's romantic style. It also appears that the recording was done in a concert hall or large room with considerable reverberation effects in order to simulate a live performance. There was probably little mixing involved, as Radu Lupu was known for taking great pride in the authenticity of his recordings. I decided to experiment by listening to each speaker separately to determine whether the balance levels had been changed; I could not identify any significant difference between the sounds coming from each individual speaker. However, I must admit some bias here. Because I have a preset expectation of what the pieces are supposed to sound like, it is harder for me to determine subtle differences in the actual recording.

If you have a love for classical music from the romantic era, Schubert, or just incredible virtuosity, I highly recommend this album.

a urgent experience in Music !.......2005-09-04

in addition to what other reviewers said very well, just a remark regarding another version in comparison :
I have listened lately to the recordings of Alfred Brendel, it is so disappointing that i prefer no to play them anymore and consider Brendel as the fine Beethovenist that he can be.
A simple example is the impromptu op. 90 number 4. The sense of emergency is so incredible in the version of Lupu. It is like it was the very last time he could express himself at the piano. The vivid intensity of every tone will touch you to tears. In comparison, it is barely the same composition with Brendel. I would not say it is boring, but it is flat, it lacks inspiration. Brendel tends to executes mechanically the sheet of music.

Radu Lupu plays music in every instant. It is as simple as that.

The comparison shows an abyss between the two approaches.
Interesting though !

Lupu is a poet in Schubert!.......2005-04-12

I felt hesitant buying this recording: My standard for beauty and poetry in Schubert's piano music is the Piano Sonatas, less so the Impromptus. I read how good Radu Lupu was in Schubert but could only find his recording of the Impromptus at my local store - not the Sonatas. I also felt I had heard the Impromptus so many times that I wondered what Lupu could bring to them.

Was I wrong!

Hearing Lupu in the Schubert Impromptus is like hearing them for the first time! A revelation. Lupu is an absolute poet. His playing is so stunning that I bought his recording of the Schubert C Minor Sonata and Moments musicaux (excellent) - and want to hear his other recordings of Schubert. I also got Alfred Brendel's recording of the Schubert Impromptus, which was supposed to be very fine, for comparison (Philips Duo).

At mid price, with digital recording, this CD is a steal.

One of the truly great piano recordings of all time........2003-10-01

I have the impromptus recorded individually or in complete sets by Lupu, Schnabel, Schiff, Rubinstein, as well as others I am sure.

Tracks:

Impromptu in A Flat Major, Op.142 (D.935),No.2
Etude in E major, Op.10, No.3
Bagatelle in A minor, WoO 59 'Fur Elise': Bagatelle in A minor, WoO 59
Waltz in A flat major,Op. 39, No.15
June: Bacarolle from the Seasons,Op.37b
pring Song in A major,Op.62,No.6 From Songs Without Words: Spring Song in A major,Op.62,No.6 From Songs Without Words
Clair de lune from Suite bergamasque
Troiseme Gymnompedie
Andante in F major, WoO 57 'Adante favori': Andante in F major, WoO 57
Nocturne in E flat major, Op.9,No.2
Liebestraum No 3 in AFlat Major, Op.62 (S.541) No.3
Impromptu in G flat major,Op. 90(D.899), No.3
Romance in F Minor,Op.5
Alla turca from Piano Sonata No.11 in Major, K.331
Trerei from Kinderszenen,Op.15
Prelude no 15 in D Flat Major, Op.28 'Raindrop': Prelude no 15 in D Flat Major, Op.28
Tango in D major
Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 No.2

Customer Reviews:

The best.......2007-04-10

The CD I bought is great. The music is great. I love Fur Elise music.

Pure Piano.......2007-01-11

This is one of the clearest and most enjoyable CDs I have purchased. The music is pure and all piano, no frills. I feel like I can play, which of course I can not. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys excellent piano.

Not quite for that candle-light dinner .... .......2006-03-02

Perhaps its best to first clarify the context of this CD's title, "Romantic Piano Music." The word "Romantic" here is not about sensuous mood music to share with your significant other. Rather, it refers to the musical era labeled "Romanticism" which started around Beethoven and ended around 1900 with the development of the "modern era." It is odd that Mozart is featured here as he clearly belongs to the preceeding "classical" era (but the piece here is one of his best). So, this CD features solo piano music of that era which has musical characteristics like expressive lyricism ... passionate, personal and poetic emotional displays ... more experimenting with tonal color and harmony ... and frequent shifts of key, tempo and dynamic range (very soft to very loud). So, with especially with this last characteristic in mind, don't expect "Romantic music for a candle light dinner" here as several of the pieces go from quiet, introspective melodies to fast-paced runs or loud, dissonant chords (just hear the first bar of the last track). But, such is "romantic expression" in music. If you are just looking for some nice solo-piano dinner music, try John Field's serene Nocturnes or Chopin's uplifting Waltzes or the quiet compliation disc, "Chopin for Relaxation."

But, if your interest is to explore the great composers and piano literature of the Romantic era, this is a fine CD to do that for many reasons. One reason is the variety of styles and nationalities featured here. One other characteristic of the music of this period was the expression of pride in one's country (Nationalism movement). Nearly all of the composers whose works are featured on this disc were major influences in music history and showed varying degress of Nationism: Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms and Liszt from Germany ... Chopin from Poland ... Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov from Russian ... Debussy and Satie from France ... and Albeniz from Spain. With such an international line-up of famous composers, you will find a wide range of musical styles, flavors and expressions to discover and enjoy. Most of the selections here are among the more famous piano pieces, so it is a good place to start. And supported by capable artists, good sound quality and some decent liner notes giving the history of the music, this CD provides a compelling journey into the piano music of the mid-late 19th century ... but maybe not ideal for that romantic interlude you might have had in mind.

PS: The title song of this CD, "Fur (for) Elise," is one of Beethoven's most recognizable and simple tunes, often heard in those miniature music boxes or even cell-phone ring tones.

Classic.......2004-04-08

This is classic. I like this music, because this is piano music.
And I love piano music, because I like to play piano. Don't buy it, if you like pop music, not classic ! Buy it, if you like classic. Trust me.

Great compilation.......2002-12-09

Although you may never have heard of any of these pianists, they're all very good and solid performers. It does in no way sound like a budget disc. The programmed pieces work really well together, especially with such a (shatteringly played) finale: Rachmaninov's "Bells of Moscow" Prelude!

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Days and Evenings with Schubert and Uchida

Mitsuko Uchida Plays Schubert

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas
Mozart: The Piano Concertos
"Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111"
Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos
Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin

ASIN: B000654OUG
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-05-15

Schubert was a phenomenal composer. This set of CD's is now one of my most treasured possessions. His last sonata is almost 45 min long, an epic peice. Not for one second does Uchida's playing slow; she holds you completely engrossed in music so beautiful.

The sound quality is superb, the playing dense in personality and detail. As the previous reviewer mentioned, anyone interested in the piano, Uchida or Schubert this is a must have masterpeice.

Days and Evenings with Schubert and Uchida.......2006-01-31

Mitsuko Uchida is one of the major stars of the piano keyboard today and while her repertoire is wide, her interpretation of Franz Schubert's piano music is among the finest both on the concert stage and on recording. The two seem to be from the same soul: Uchida somehow finds the spiritual core of Schubert and traverses the hurdles of his Olympian pieces with complete ease and assurance.

This 8 CD set includes three sets of Impromptus (D899, 935, 946), Moments musicaux D780, German Dances D 820 an D790, and the Piano Sonatas numbers 4, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The placing of these works on the individual CDs creates a series of eight recitals and each disc is rich and satisfying. Playing all eight CDs in one day makes for one of the most rewarding musical experiences available.

The recorded sound is superb and Uchida is in top form for each selection. This is fine as Schubert gets and the entire set is more than well worth the relatively modest price. For lovers of the piano, of Mitsuko Uchida, and of Schubert this is zenith release. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

Average customer rating:

One of the best of the Masterworks series
Will not buy this
Worth it!
Great way to jumpstart a schubert collection
Better to Pick a Few First-rate Performances

Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJC
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

One of the best of the Masterworks series.......2007-07-06

Brilliant Classics' "Masterworks" series, if you can get them cheaply (and currently they go for about $1/CD from Amazon's France Web site), are a great way to amass a significant library of the works of several great computers. The production values and the performances themselves are uneven, and the interpretations are not always historically-informed (unlike the bulk of Brilliant's "Complete Editions" of the works of Bach and Mozart). But there are numerous gems in the rough in The Masterworks, and the economic value is unsurpassed, even if you were to throw away half of the CDs in each set.

You're unlikely to throw away much of this Schubert collection though. This seems to be the finest of the Masterworks sets, with a succession of solid, often first-rate performances of most of the major Schubert works. Here's what you get:

- The symphonies, performed by The Hanover Band in a historically-informed style. Very interesting performances perhaps marred by an odd recording balance that makes the woodwinds sound distant. Takes up four CDs
- The six Latin masses. Also the Deutsche Messe in the version with wind instruments. Five CDs in all
- Edison Denisov's completion of Schubert's unfinished dramatic work Lazarus (2 CDs, Helmuth Rilling's premier recording)
- The last four string quartets (including the Quartettsatz) with #9 thrown in. Also the octet, piano quintet ("The Trout"), string quintet and both piano trios. In short all the canonical chamber works. Performances are strong, and well recorded
- Two CDs of violin/piano duets, including Op. 137 and Op. 162
- 19 of the 21 "canonical" piano sonatas (missing #7 and #12) as well as the Moments Musicaux, Impromptus, German Dances, Wanderer Fantasy and several other piano works, 11 CDs in all. As with the chamber music, the performances and recordings are strong, often stunning
- Two CDs of piano duets, including the Divertissements and D. 617
- Song cycles: Die Schöne Müllerin, Winterreise, Schwanengesang, and four CDs of standalone songs, including such "standards" as Erlkönig and Gretchen am Spinnrade. The singers are a bit uneven here, ranging from standouts Robert Holl, Deitrich Fischer-Dieskau and John Shirley-Quirk to the somewhat shrill Arleen Augér

Missing from the collection is Rosamunde, and a number of famous songs: Die Forelle (The Trout), Death and the Maiden, Ellens Gesang III (the so-called Ave Maria, D. 839), Der Hirt auf dem Felsen and Der Wanderer. But you do have almost all the important instrumental works, and most of the vocal works generally considered to be essential, with some padding added in the form of minor works such as the parochial Deutsche Messe, the German Dances, and the modernist-informed completion of Lazarus by the 20th Century Russian composer Denisov.

As with the other Masterworks sets, there are no program notes. You'll need to do your own research. Answers.com is a good starting point for Schubert compositions. There are also no song texts or translations provided, so again you'll need to track down your own. Try "The Lied and Art Song Texts Page" for lieder lyrics and translations. Hunt down a good price on this collection, browsing one of Amazon's European sites if necessary, and treat yourself to many hours of lovely music for the cost of a modest night out.

Will not buy this.......2007-03-16

I can't see D965 or D945 on this 40 disks worth of Schubert. Bizarre! There are so many great songs missing it scares me.

Worth it!.......2006-12-19

One of the best in "The Masterpices" series. Many of the discs (the symphonies in particular) were licensed from Nimbus and other full-line labels. Not all that long ago these discs would have set you back $18 to $20 a piece. That said, I still wouldn't part with my Hyperion collection. 40 CD's at this price... you can't go wrong.

Great way to jumpstart a schubert collection.......2006-12-19

Hartmut Holl, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Stephanie Brown, and Jaime Laredo as well as the Stuttgart Bach Collegium performing Schubert are hardly "left-behind artists and ensembles" as the previous naysayer states. These are licensed from major label releases and from the original masters issued at a bargain price, especially for the number of discs you get. Sound quality ranges from good to excellent. Good for all Schubertians and anyone who wants to jumpstart a Schubert collection.

Better to Pick a Few First-rate Performances.......2006-11-14

This is a bargain in dollar/listening time ratio, but who cares? There are many second-rate performances by left-behind artists and ensembles. Obviously the economics of resurrecting disks that don't require royalties has been the driving factor of selection. (On the other hand, the complete edition boxed sets of Bach and Mozart, which you'll find if you look, are stupendous successes artistically.)

Average customer rating:

One of Uchida's best recordings
Warm and Free-Spirited Impromptus

Schubert: Impromptus

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: Piano Sonatas
Schubert: Piano Sonata D. 960/3 Klavierstücke D. 946
Schubert Piano Sonatas D845 & D575
Schubert: Piano Sonatas D.958 & D.959
Mozart: Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000041N2
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 1 In C Minor - Allegro molto moderato
4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 2 In E Flat - Allegro
4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 3 In G Flat - Andante
4 Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899: No. 4 In A Flat - Allegretto
4 Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935: No. 1 In F Minor - Allegro moderato
4 Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935: No. 2 In A Flat - Allegretto
4 Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935: No. 3 In B Flat - Theme (Andante) With Variations
4 Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935: No. 4 In F Minor - Allegro scherzando

Customer Reviews:

One of Uchida's best recordings.......2006-08-22

It would seem from the scarce response to this recording that Mitsuko Uchida isn't a favorite at Amazon. But anyone who stumbles across her 1996 reading of the eight Schubert Impromptus will certianly fall in love with these sublime works, and Uchida's playing of them is limpid and delicate. Often I find her too mannered in Schubert, whose style was above all natural, and there are moments when she adds a touch of hesitation that breaks up a phrase. But this quirk is kept to a minimum, and with such good paino sound from Philips, I'd rate this CD as one of her best.

Warm and Free-Spirited Impromptus.......2001-01-21

Schubert's Impromptus show free-sprited and romantic side of Schubert, and also it is free from the shadow of Beethven, by which Schubert sometimes felt pressured in his piano sonatas. Mitsuko Uchida maximizes this quality without losing spontaneity. Her tone is light and soft, yet it's got an enough weight which intelligently frames each piece. The recording sound of the piano itself is very soft to create more personal atmosphere. There are many great recordings of Schubert Impromptus by such greats as Kempff, Perahia, Brendel, Schiff, Richter etc. Uchida's Impromptu certainly joins these, but with more personal and softer touch than those guys' austere and more objective Impromptus. I strongly recommend this disc to anyone.

Average customer rating:

The Music Sparkles
A TRULY UNIQUE PIANIST

The Art of Ashkenazy

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: Favorite Piano Works
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos 2 & 3 / Ashkenazy, Kondrashin
Beethoven: Favourite Piano Sonatas / Vladimir Ashkenazy
Chopin: 4 Ballades, 4 Scherzi / Ashkenazy
Beethoven: Piano Concerto Nos.4 & 5

ASIN: B000026BV7
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 3, 1st movement (excerpt) - Rachmaninov
Paganini Variations - Variation XVIII - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Piano Concerto No. 5 - - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Tchaikivsky Piano Concerto No. 1, 2nd movement - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Piano Concerto No. 21, 2nd movement - Mozart
Piano Concerto No. 1, 2nd movement - Prokofiev
Piano Concerto No.2, 2nd movement - Chopin
Piano Concerto No.2, 1st movement, Moderato - Rachmaninov
Piano Concerto No.2, 2nd movement, Adagio sostenuto - Rachmaninov
Piano Concerto No.2, 3rd movement, Allegro scherzando - Rachmaninov

Tracks:

Grande valse brillante, op. 18 - Chopin
Prelude in D flat major, op. 28 no. 15 - Chopin
Etude in G flat major, op. 10 no. 5 - Chopin
Nocturne in E flat major, op.9 no. 2 - Chopin
Waltz in D flat major, op. 64 no.1 - Chopin
Fse - Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, op.27 no.2 - Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, op. 13 - Beethoven
Impromptu No. 3 in G flat major, D899, Andante - Schubert
Kinderszenen (Scenes from childhood), op. 15, Von fremden Lern und Menschen (Foreign lands and people) - Schumann
Trerei (Dreaming) - Schumann
Polonaise in A major, op.40 no. 1 - Chopin
ude in E major, op. 10 no. 3 - Chopin
Mazurka in D major, op. 33 no. 2 - Chopin
Waltz in C sharp minor, op. 64 no. 2 - Chopin
Fantaisie-impromptu, op. 66 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Pavane pour une infante dnte - Ravel
10 pieces from Romeo and Juliet, op. 75 - Dance of the girls with lilies - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Prelude in G minor, op. 23 no. 5 - Rachmaninov
Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3 no. 2 - Rachmaninov

Customer Reviews:

The Music Sparkles.......2006-02-24

The selections are stunningly beautiful and how fortunate we are that Ashkenazy defected to the West to develop his great artistry. The two CDs give almost 160 minutes of music that is exciting, inspiring and comforting and it is definitely a keeper.I found it by accident while reading a review of another artist, his name was mentioned as someone to check out. That is what I love about Amazon, there is so much information in the reviews and listening to the segments gives you a good idea of what to expect.

A TRULY UNIQUE PIANIST.......2000-03-18

Vladamir Ashkenazy is one of our lifetime's greatest pianists. Ever since winning the Tchaikovsky competition, his reputation as a pianist has grown stronger and more forthright. This collection takes us through various scopes of the piano repetoire. Being a classical pianist, I hold myself extremely dedicated to the faithful reproduction of piano music on to CD recordings. However, when one is listening to a recording of Ashkenazy's, the responsobility diminishes. With a name and reputation such as this man's there is no need to worry. All piano-music lovers will enjoy this fine collection. There are moments of technical finesse, bravura and showmanship. At other times there are passages of the utmost lyrical beauty. The concertos of Rachmaninov and Chopin are particularly well tackled by Ashkenazy. I have solely one minor criticism of this collection - it would have been nice to have heard some works of Liszt and Beethoven. Ashkenazy is a brilliant interpreter of Beethoven's sonatas in particular. However, with the wealth of compositions already on the CD, there is no real need for this. This CD is will offer its' listener hours upon hours of listening pleasure. All dur to two things - the composers and their music, and Ashkenazy - a truly unique pianist.

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973

Average customer rating:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD.
ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?
merely spectacular!
I have never regretted buying this...
The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
Chopin: The Piano Works
Liszt: Piano Works
Horowitz Encores
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B000002909
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Sonata In E Major, K 531 (L430): Allegro
Sonata In A Major, K322 (L483): Allegro
Sonata In G Major K455 (L209): Allegro
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': III. Rondo. Allegro
Impromptu In G-flat Major, Op. 90 (D899) No. 3: Andante
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Etude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 7: Lento
Scherzo No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20: Presto con fuoco
3 Preludes - From Book II: IV. Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses. Rapide et leger
3 Preludes - From Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
3 Preludes - From Book II: VI. General Lavine - eccentric.
Poeme In F-sharp Major, Op. 32 No. 1: Andante cantabile
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: I. Grave- Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: III. Marche funebre. Lento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: IV. Finale. Presto
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Appassionato
Arabeske In C, Op.18: Leicht und zart
Kinderszenen, Op.15 - Scenes From Childhood: 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 2. Kuriose Geschichte
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 3. Hansche-Mann
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 4. Bittendes Kind
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 5. Gluckes genug
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 6. Wichtige Begbenheit
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 7. Traumerei
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 8. Am Kamin
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 10. Fast zu ernst
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 11. Furchtenmachen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 12. Kind im Einschlummern
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 13. Der Dichter spricht
Toccata In C, Op.7: Allegro
Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 In D Minor: Lento patetico (Lassan)- Vivace (Friska)

Tracks:

Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegretto
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Vivo
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro

Tracks:

Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: I. Preludio, quasi improvvisando. Tempo moderato
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: II. Intermezzo. Adagio
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: III. Fuga. Moderamente sherzando, un poco umoristico
Fantasie In C, Op.17: I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschalflich vorzutragen
Fantasie In C, Op.17: II. Massig. Durchaus energisch
Fantasie In C, Op.17: III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
Piano Sonata No.9, Op.68 'Black Mass': Moderato quasi andante-Molto meno vivo-Allegro-Piu vivo-Allegro...
Poeme In F-Sharp Major, Op.32 No.1: Andante cantibile

Tracks:

Mazurka In C-sharp Minor, Op. 30. No. 4: Allegretto
Etude In F major, Op. 10 No. 8: Allegro
Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Serenade For The Doll. Allegro ma non troppo
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In A-Flat Major, Op. 72 No. 11: Presto e con leggierezza
Traumerei
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: I. Tema.Andante grazioso e variazioni
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: II. Menuetto - Trio
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla Turca
Polonaise-Fantaisie In A-Flat Major, Op. 61: Allegro maestoso

Tracks:

Mazurka In B minor, Op. 33 No. 4: Mesto
Nocturne In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1: Andante
Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70: Moderato - Allegro - Puissant, radieux - Allegro - Piu vivo - Presto - Moderato
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: I. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: II. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: III. Finale
Blumenstuck In D-Flat Major, Op. 19: Leise bewegt
L'ISLE JOYEUSE: Quasi una cadenza - Tempo.
Vallee d'Obermann: Lento assai - Piu lento - Un poco piu di moto ma sempre lento - Presto - Lento

Tracks:

Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Nocturne In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1: Andante
Polonaise In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44: Tempo di polacca - Doppio movimento, tempo di Mazurka - Tempo I
Sonata In E major, K 380 (L23): Andante commodo
Sonata In G major, K 55 (L335): Allegro
Arabeske In C Major, Op. 18: Leicht und zart
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico
Traumerei
Variations On A Theme From Bizet's Opera 'Carmen'

Tracks:

Sonata In E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 2: III. Rondo
Adagio sostenuto In F Major
Sonata In B-Flat Major, Op. 25 No. 3: II. Rondo
Sonata In A Major, Op. 50 No. 1: II. Adagio
Corale Prelude 'Lch ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
Sonata In F-Sharp Major, K 319 (L35): Allegro
Sonata In G Major, K 260 (L124): Allegro
Sonata In C Major, HOB. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione
Sonata In C major, Hob. XVI:48: II. Rondo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: I. Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: II. Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: III. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
II. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': I. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': II. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attacca
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': III. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': I. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': II. Andante con moto -attacca
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in G-flat major, Op. 10 No. 5: Vivace
Introduction & Rondo In E-Flat Major, Op. 16: Introduzione. Andante - Rondo. Allegro vivace
Waltz in A minor, Op. 34 No. 2: Lento
Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53: Maestoso
Mazurka in F-sharp minor, Op. 59 No. 3: Vivace
Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 50 No. 3: Moderato
Mazurka in D-flat major, Op. 30 No. 3: Allegro non troppo
Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41 No. 2: Andantino
Mazurka in D major, Op. 33 No. 2: Vivace
Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4: Presto
Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Prelidu In B Minor, Op. 28 No. 6: Lento assai

Tracks:

Posonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1: Allegro con brio
Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15: Sostenuto
Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6: Andante
Etude No. 2 in A-flat major from 'Trois Nouvelles Etudes': Allegretto
Mazurka In F Minor, Op. 7 No. 3
Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2: Tempo giusto
Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck From Sonata No. 3 In F Minor,Op. 14: Andantino
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: I. Ausserst bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: II.Sehr innig
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: III. Sehr aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: IV. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: V. Sehr lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VI. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VII. Sehr rasch
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VIII. Schnell und spielend

Tracks:

Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 4: Allegretto
Impromptu In F Minor Op. 142 (D935) No. 1: Allegro moderato
Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 142 (935) No. 2: Allegretto
Impromptu In E-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 2: Allegro
Consolation In E Major S. 172 (R.12) No. 2
Pour les arpeges composes: Dolce e lusingando
La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune: Lent
Etude In A Minor Op. 104b No. 3: Allegro vivace
Scherzo & March S. 177 (R.20)

Tracks:

Feuillet d'album In E-Flat Major Op. 45 No. 1: Andante piacevole
Etude In F-Sharp Minor Op. 8 No. 2: A capriccio, con forza
Etude In B-Flat Minor Op. 8 No. 11: Andante cantabile
Etude In D-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 10: Allegro
Etude In A-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 8: Lento (Tempo rubato)
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No 3: Prestissimo
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No. 4: Andante
Etude In C-Sharp Minor Op. 42 No. 5: Affannato
Etude Op. 65 No. 3: Molto vivace
No. 1: Allegretto
2 Poemes Op. 69: No. 2: Allegretto
Vers la flamme Op. 72: Allegro moderato
Feuillet d'album Op. 58
Fairy Tale In A Major Op. 51 No. 3
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor Op. 36: I. Allegro agitato
Sonata No. 2 In B-flat, Minor, Op. 36: II. Non allegro
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 36: III. Allegro molto
Prelude In G-Sharp Minor Op. 32 No. 12: Allegro
Moment musical In B Minor Op. 16 No. 3: Andante cantabile
Etude-Tableau In E-Flat Minor Op. 33 No. 5: Non allegro - Presto
Etude-Tableau In C Major Op. 33 No. 2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In D Major Op. 39 No. 9: Allegro moderato (Tempo di Marcia)

Amazon.com

It may surprise you to learn that, despite his untouchable reputation with the public, Vladimir Horowitz enjoyed a certain dubious reputation with the critics. For many, he was the epitome of the witless virtuoso, all technique and vulgar display, and no brains. There was some truth in this to the extent that he really could be variable on record, but by general consensus his Masterworks recordings show him at his absolute best. Aside from his famous Carnegie Hall concerts from 1965, you get stunning performances of music by Schumann, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, and above all, Scarlatti--the composer that Horowitz, more than anyone, put back on the map for pianists the world over. A great set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD........2004-05-24

I bought this set in December, and because I have so many classical CD's (more than 300), it took me 5 months to realize that the set contained TWO volume 8's and NO volume 9's. Worried that it might be too late, I e-mailed Amazon. Their first reply was that the replacement was already on its way (with return shipping paid for as well). Wow, that was a relief!

When I got the new set, I decided to study it closely and make sure that everything was good. It turns out that several of the discs (in both sets) had holes through the aluminum reflective layer -- which seemed to be because it was too thin to begin with. One disc was cracked, and another looked like the aluminum was "rotting out" on the edge. You would think that for $230, Sony Classical would put more quality into their discs. So what good is "Super Bit Mapping" and "High Definition Remastering" if the discs are so cheap that the player will misread the data? And I don't have much confidence that the discs will last many years, either.

Fortunately I got to pick the best discs from the 2 sets, so I won't need to replace this one for another. But I certainly lost respect for Sony Classical.

And kudos to you Amazon; you're really looking out for your customers!

ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?.......2002-08-25

Why would any one in the right mind plunk down [money] for 13 CDS by the same pianist? Is it so you can brag about owning 11 years' worth of the same old thing? Or did you get it as a gift designed to impress but not really to listened to? Now you could probably get [money] for it whether you used it or not. Columbia Masterworks should have brought along new and younger talent. For my bet I can't think of many American pianists who are currently recording. Do we have to recycle Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, and others over and over? This is the Twenty-first Century. We should at least be thinking of Twentieth Century piano works. I can get 10 CDs by 10 pianists currently recording if I look to Europe.

merely spectacular!.......2001-03-10

I've only had this set about a week and have already indulged three complete listenings; it's a gold mine! - the power of preaching is persuasive in the Temple of Horowitz! I'm taken aback by the unity and continuity of sonics, an excellent and remarkable display of high engineering art. Everything important is here (almost! I wish some of the Scriabin Preludes had been included). There are sketches of incomparable pianism and supreme intelligence in these discs: Liszt's 'Vallee d'Obermann', and the Consolations; Debussy's 'L'isle joyeux' - so 'russian playing french'! - Scriabin's 'Vers le flamme' and the Black Mass sonata - one simply can't climb out of the volcano, it's terrifying and beautiful! - and the Scarlatti and Chopin. Only Gilels approaches Horowitz's indigenous understanding of Chopin. In the course of thirteen discs the glory can start to crash in around you, but at the last moment of endurance along comes 'Serenade of the Doll', or one of the Consolations. The Bach-Busoni is cerebral and fine. Horowitz gets rapped for the wrong romanticism - it's the romanticism of artistic intelligence that his art claims! I love that famous C clunker at the beginning of the Bach-Busoni in the Return to Carnegie Hall recital; more than that, I appreciate how Horowitz played his public pride in it, no retouches, etc. Shrewd, and very real, I think. He was a pianist of enormous humility on the inside, so completely knowing of his gifts - one of the reason his playing was something special. He possessed the often disregarded ability to stand completely outside his playing and admire it as one might a beautiful woman, with complete humility. It affords us the privilege of reaping joy after joy of a remarkable art the likes of which will surely stand true for a long time. 200 bucks is a lot of money, I probably would have thought it too much for the convenience of a collection; I'm glad someone else didn't feel that way, and gave me the set! - now I find it curiously too clever a package to be considered merely a consolidation of recordings into a 'set' - there is something indefinably congruent about these recordings. They fit together with harmonious intent, and shine and shadow the land with a marvelous music. Highest recommendation without reservation.

I have never regretted buying this..........2000-08-22

Considering that this set is devoted to a single instrument played by one artist in a 12-year period, the depth is mind-blowing. If variety is the spice of life, than this set is a very warming set indeed.

For the most part, Horowitz communicates a deep respect for the specific style of each composer: his Scarlatti is done articulately and without any smear with the pedal. His Liszt is demonic. His Rachmaninov is dazzling, with all of the "superfluous" notes (!) and Russian virtuosity in tact. Horowitz's Schumann is sensitive, passionate and Romantic.

And then there are his interpretations of Chopin. To me, Vladimir Horowitz is one of Chopin's best ambassadors. In particular, I draw attention to the Polonaise-Fantaisie in Vol. 3 and the mazurkas and etudes of Vol. 7.

For a good summary of this collection, listen to Vol. 4, "The Legendary 1968 TV Concert." Applause is omitted between selections, and the repertoire is tailored to Horowitz's pianistic gifts.

The first disc of Vol. 3 (Including the Bach-Busoni Toccata and the Schumann Fantasy) is not top-notch piano-playing... It's a little sloppy and inaccurate. I'm sure there are other minor slips elsewhere in this collection, but here they are most obviously seen.

Regardless, this collection is a MUST for Horowitz fans. Save up your money little by little and go and buy it. It is truly the most rewarding purchase of classical music I have ever made.

The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!.......2000-04-15

If you were to take a set of piano music from only one performer to a desert island, this would be the set. Vladimir Horowitz was a pianist of incredible, almost unique, technical prowess capable of creating wonderful piano textures and tone colorings, and possessing his own dark, distinctive sound on a wonderful Steinway he had transported to each of his concerts or studio recording sessions. Of almost limitless ability, he suffered criticism from music critics because he severely limited his performing repertoire and stayed away from the concert stage for several prolonged periods because of his terrible insecurity and stagefright. He was especially criticized in his early years for bravura performances which were brilliant, but loud and not always tasteful. He was known for giving his enthralled audiences what they wanted, but it should be remembered that he championed Scarlatti and almost single-handedly brought him back into the performing world from near-oblivion, and it was Horowitz who premiered several important works by twentieth century composers such as Barber and Khatchaturian. He kept the works of the mysterious and exotic Alexander Scriabin from disappearing from piano benches in the conservatories, and he created some of the most imaginative and thrilling encore transcriptions ever heard in the concert hall. In later years, his repertoire expanded and he played some wonderful Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, much of which is featured in this set. The highlight of this disc collection from the early 60's through about 1973 is the historic return concert at Carnegie Hall in 1965. After a self-imposed exile from public performing for 12 years, he made this famous recital which is one of the most memorable in the history of recorded piano performance. Although he made several nerve-induced mistakes in the opening Bach piece, he settled down quickly and delivered a thrilling performance, highlighted, for me, at least, by the Chopin Ballade in G minor, which took away my breath and featured one of the most dazzling climaxes I have ever heard on a piano. His incredible performance possessed a youthful vitality which belied his 62 years. Throughout the other discs in this set one hears Horowitz at his best: still technically awesome yet more musically mature and capable of producing little miracles from pieces well-known, and less-known. No longer pandering to the expectations of the audience, he gave as his encore at the Carnegie Hall return concert, a precious, child-like Traumerei from Kinderszenen. The Schumann featured on these discs includes some of the most beautiful offerings available anywhere of this composer, including a wonderful Fantasy in C and perhaps the best performance ever on record of Kreisleriana. The Schubert impromptus are little miracles, and the Debussy that's thrown in makes us fantasize about the other French music he could have given us! His wonderful Chopin reminds us there are other views besides Rubinstein's to this most-important-of-all piano literature, and his Rachmaninoff is glorious. Performing into his eighties, he was a wonder of music and the 13 discs offered here give a personal record of a dazzling career from his very best years. It might be pointed out that several pieces are offered more than once in the set as they were recorded in several concerts and studio sessions and it is interesting to hear the differences in his performances. One might wish that his piano oeuvre had included more composers and a wider range of pieces, but this collection certainly highlights the work he was best known for, including as it does the various Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Schumann, Scarlatti, Scriabin, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Clementi, and Beethoven gems he was noted for throughout his long career. Anyone loving the piano, or just beautiful music must hear these discs!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Victim of Changes [Import]

Sophie Koch ~ Fauré - Mélodies de Venise Op58/1

Purcell: Chamber Music

Night and Day

Salsoul Presents: Disco Divas and Soulful Sista Flavas [Import]

Spiritual Healing

Poetes Descedent Dans La Rue [Import]

The Best of Dramarama: 18 Big Ones

Socu [Import]

Smiley Smile/Wild Honey

Stormy Weather [Import]

Pura Sangre

Nueva Vida

Russian Christmas Music, Vol. 2

Jazz Brakes, Vol. 4