Hindemith: Symphony "Mathis der Maler" Symphonic Metamorphoses / Walton: Variations on a Theme by Hindemith

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Walton's Variations on a Theme of Hindemith is the symphonic masterpiece of his late years. Hindemith himself loved it. The tune is actually the entire first section of the slow movement of the German composer's Cello Concerto, one of his finest melodies. George Szell's performance is simply definitive. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say that purely in terms of the technical quality of the playing, this is one of the top ten classical recordings ever made. It's so close to perfection as to be beyond criticism, and the same holds true for the performance of the Symphonic Metamorphoses. Eugene Ormandy's warmly Romantic Mathis der Maler Symphony is also quite recommendable. At budget price, you can own a little piece of recording history. Stunning. --David Hurwitz

Hindemith: Symphony "Mathis der Maler" Symphonic Metamorphoses / Walton: Variations on a Theme by Hindemith, Music, Paul Hindemith, William Walton, Eugene Ormandy, George Szell, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Symphony, 20th/21st Century Variations, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Orchestral, Symphonic

Hindemith: Viola Concertos
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Immaculate and Soulful Performances of Hindemith by Brett Dean

perfect trauermusik

great music...great performances

Excellent recording, well worth buying!

the Hindemith Experience

Hindemith: Viola Concertos

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00003Q081
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

Kammermusic No.5, Op.36/4: Schnelle Halbe
Kammermusic No.5, Op.36/4: Langsam
Kammermusic No.5, Op.36/4: Massig Schnell
Kammermusic No.5, Op.36/4: Var Eines Militarmarsches
Konzertmusic, Op.48: Lebhaft
Konzertmusic, Op.48: Ruhig Gehend
Konzertmusic, Op.48: Lebhaft
Konzertmusic, Op.48: Leicht Bewegt
Konzertmusic, Op.48: Sehr Lebhaft
Der Schwanendreher: Zwischen Berg Und Tiefem Tal
Der Schwanendreher: Nun Laube, Lindlein Laube. Fugato. Der Gutzgauch Auf Dem Zaune Sass
Der Schwanendreher: Vars: Seid Ihr Nicht Der Schwanendreher?
Trauermusik: Langsam
Trauermusik: Ruhig Und Bewegt
Trauermusik: Lebhaft
Trauermusik: Choral: Vor Deinen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit

Customer Reviews:

Immaculate and Soulful Performances of Hindemith by Brett Dean.......2006-10-17

Brett Dean (born 1961 in Brisbane, Australia) is beginning to be a much talked about name in the music world. Long established as a fine violist (he was a violist with the Berlin Philharmonic for fifteen years) both as an ensemble member and soloist, Dean is spending more time composing these days than playing. His recent appearance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic joined the two ventures as soloist/composer with his own Viola Concerto, a work of stunning beauty that hopefully will find its way onto a CD soon.

Meanwhile this recording of music by Paul Hindemith is one of the more satisfying collections of works for any instrument but for the viola in particular. Dean is joined by the Brisbane Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Werner Andreas Albert in four of Hindemith's most beautiful compositions: 'Kammermusik No.5, for viola & orchestra', 'Konzertmusik for viola & large chamber orchestra', 'Der Schwanendreher, concerto for viola & small orchestra', and the extraordinarily moving 'Trauermusik for viola and string orchestra. Dean's liquid technique serves him well in both the treacherous passages of these works as well as the languid portions, making the viola sound more like a small cello.

For a collection of works too infrequently heard this is a recording that will please listeners whose spectrum of appreciation for many music periods is large. Brett Dean is a fine musician, in every sense of the term. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, October 06

perfect trauermusik.......2005-12-03

This was an amazing recording!!! Mr. Dean tone is flawless, and the recording of Trauermusik is incredible!!! Such rich, emotional playing! I have never heard better.

Now, to Allan whatshisface "zallan":
when you review a CD, you are supposed to comment on the record quality, and the artists playing. NOT what you think about the composer and contemporary music. If you don't like it, don't review it! People who are looking at the CD are probably looking at the CD because they LIKE the composer's music. Let the people who like it give a REAL critique! And if you think that the Op. 36 sounds like screaching, then it's time for you to have a hearing check.

great music...great performances.......2005-05-25

This is interesting, arresting, intelligent and exciting music.
It may not be to everyone's tastes, but what music is?.
In response to Mr. Allan "zallan" (who quotes Heifetz - who cares what Heifetz thinks? Sure, he was a great violinist, but so what? What did he compose? That horrible, tasteless cadenza in the Brahms Concerto recording with Reiner proves that he wasn't that great at it!) I'd like to quote Charles Ives (whom I'm sure Allan HATES):
"Stand up before this fine, strong music and use your ears like a man!"

Excellent recording, well worth buying!.......2005-05-08

I can't agre at all with the reviewer from Philadelphia who panned this recording and the music contained therein. First, unless he is a prolific and successful composer, I don't think he has any authoity to come off sounding so elitist.

I am a former violist and composer, and I can tell you it is HARD to compose a symphonic piece (as opposed, say, to the electric guitar, when all you really have to do is come up with the chords)of music. Anyone can spin off "She Loves You" or that sort of thing, but it is quite an accomplishment to write a cohesive piece of music for a classical instrument like the viola. I have played all of Hindemith's pieces with varying degrees of mediocrity, but I can tell you that it is quite beautiful to listen to when the violist gets it right (and I rarely did). My teacher at the time, Alfredo Baldassarri, brought Hindemith's music to life, and managed to play this Germanic music with an intensity and feeling that I could never have matched, and through the music of Hindemith (and Stravinsky), I fell in love with the dissonant, modern sound of the music on this CD. To hear it played cleanly and non-mechanically is wonderful, and Mr. Dean pulls it off magnificently. I don't hear one unintended string being played, not one hint of "sawing" that is so common with Hindemith's pieces (because they are, after all, somewhat abrasive to play). Mr. Dean's technique is flawless, and he doesn't allow the listener, for even a second, to put the CD on "pause" to go do something...

I liked his playing of the op.36. It is not Mozart, that is true, but nobody else was except for Mozart. Op. 36 is difficult to play, and Mr. Dean does a great job.

I am especially fond of Mr. Dean's interpretation of "Der Schwanendreher", and in particular the opening section. It is played cleanly, with feeling, and a tenderness that can only come from true understanding of the piece.

All in all, this is a superb recording, and every viola player should own it. I enthusiastically and unqualifiedly give it five stars.

the Hindemith Experience.......2000-06-18

A violist myself, I have often considered Hindemith my favorite composer for the viola. I am completely satisfied with my purchase of this cd; Dean's musicality and interpretation and Queensland Symphony's sensitivity to the unique viola timbre were an aural delight. I am always excited when modern day classical violists emerge; they rejuvenate the time-worn repertoire and lend a fresh, clear vision to the future of viola playing. This cd is a must-have for any violist (or musician for that matter) who wants a fresh, modern perspective on Hindemith.

Hindemith: Concert Music; Horn Concerto; Clarinet Concerto and others

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Hindemith Returns!

Hindemith: Concert Music; Horn Concerto; Clarinet Concerto and others

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
Hindemith: Orchestral Works
Requiem/Pavane/Requiem
Hindemith: Complete String Quartets
Kammermusik

ASIN: B000J20W5W
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Concert Music for Brass & Strings, Op. 50: I. Massig schnell, mit Kraft - Sehr breit, aber stets fliessend
Concert Music for Brass & Strings, Op. 50: II. Lebhaft - Langsam - Lebhaft
Nobilissima visione - Suite from the Dance Legend: I. Einleitung und Rondo
Nobilissima visione - Suite from the Dance Legend: II. Marsch und Pastorale
Nobilissima visione - Suite from the Dance Legend: III. Passacaglia
Symphonia serena: I. Moderately fast
Symphonia serena: II. Geschwindmarsch by Beethoven (rather fast)
Symphonia serena: III. Colloquy
Symphonia serena: IV. Finale (Gay)

Tracks:

Clarinet Concerto: I. Ziemlich schnell
Clarinet Concerto: II. Schnell
Clarinet Concerto: III. Ruhig
Clarinet Concerto: IV. Heiter
Horn Concerto: I. Moderately fast
Horn Concerto: II. Very fast
Horn Concerto: III. Very slow - Moderately fast - Fast - Lively - Very slow
Symphony in B Flat for Concert Band: I. Moderately fast, with vigour
Symphony in B Flat for Concert Band: II. Andantino grazioso - Fast & gay
Symphony in B Flat for Concert Band: III. Fugue, rather broad - Fast, energetic

Customer Reviews:

Hindemith Returns!.......2007-01-20

On the heels of DG's "Hindemith Conducts Hindemith" Original Masters box set (see my review), EMI has finally released all of their recordings of composer Paul Hindemith conducting his own music. The vast majority of these performances have been out of the catalog for some time, and collectors have been begging the label to reissue them (thank you!). Now that EMI has finally done so (and so cheaply!), I have finally gotten the chance to hear the Nobilissima Visione Suite, Symphonia Serena, Clarinet Concerto (with soloist Louis Cahuzac) and the Symphony for Concert Band from the composer's own baton, leading the great Philharmonia Orchestra, and to top it off, in glorious golden age stereo -- the DG set as good as it sounds is in mono. These accounts are all outstanding, and in fact are as enjoyable as the two selections that have been available on other titles for several years -- the Horn Concerto with Dennis Brain, which is usually paired with his gorgeous readings of the Strauss Concertos, has always been in print in one form or another, and the Concert Music for Brass and Strings, previously released on the most recent version of that aforementioned Brain CD in the Great Recordings of the Century series (see my review). In all, as I have stated before in other reviews, if you like this composer then the ability to hear him conduct his own music is priceless. Don't pass up the chance to hear Hindemith himself!

Hindemith: Mathis der Maler; Violin Concerto; Symphonic Metamorphosis

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The Definitive Hindemith Violin Concerto

Hindemith: Mathis der Maler; Violin Concerto; Symphonic Metamorphosis
Hindemith , Abbado , Kletzki , Oistrakh , London Symphony Orchestra , and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-7

ASIN: B000028CTW
Release Date: 2002-01-28

Tracks:

Violin Concerto--I. Massig Bewegte Halbe
Ii. Langsam
Iii. Lebhaft
Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Weber
Ii. Turandot, Scherzo- Moderato
Iii. Andantino
Iv. March
Mathis Der Maler--I. Engelkonzert
Ii. Grablegung
Iii. Versuchtung Des Heiligen Antonius

Customer Reviews:

The Definitive Hindemith Violin Concerto.......2004-04-30

Thank you Amazon for carrying such a large selection of titles from the Australian "Eloquence" series! While the majority of the performances in this mid-price import line are available stateside (but as different titles or with different packaging), many are not and needless to say I am snapping those CDs up quickly. This delightful disc presents three of Hindemith's greatest orchestral works -- the Violin Concerto, Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Weber, and the "Mathis der Maler" Symphony. First, this has to be the definitive version of the Violin Concerto! The composer himself conducts the London Symphony Orchestra on this glowing 1962 stereo account with the great David Oistrakh as soloist. I previously owned two excellent recordings of this piece (Stern/Bernstein and Fuchs/Goossens), but this performance is perfection. Toss in late 1960s accounts of "Weber" and "Mathis," by Claudio Abbado & the LSO and Paul Kletzki & the OSR respectively, and you have a classic disc that deserves to be available domestically as well. As is, it was great to get another awesome Amazon delivery from Australia with love.

32 Short Films About Glenn Gould: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1993 Film)

Average customer rating:

Cult Devotion
One of My Favorite CDs
Brilliant performances from a musical genius
The Whole Range of Gould's Talent
If you aren't amazed by these recordings, check for a pulse.

32 Short Films About Glenn Gould: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1993 Film)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Glenn Gould - On & Off the Record

ASIN: B0000027C4
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Goldgerg Variations BWV 988: Aria
Tristan Und Isolde: Prelude
Invention No. 13 in A minor, BWV 784
English suite No. 5 in E minor, BWV 810: Prelude
Sonata No 13. in E-flat Major Op. 27, No. 1: Allegro Molto
32 variations on an Original theme in C minor, WoO 80: Variations XXVI And XXVII
Sonata No 17 in D minor, Op 31, No. 2: Allegretto
The Well Tempered Clavier Book 1: Prelude No. 2 in C Minor
English suite No. 2 in A minor BWV 807: Gigue
Sonata in B Minor, Op. 5: Adagio
Sonatine for Piano in E Major, Op 67, No. 2: Andantino
English Suite No. 2 in A Major, BWV 807: Prelude
Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Variation 19
Minor from The Well Tempered Clavier, Book I: Fugue No. 14 in F-sharp
Sonata No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 83: Precipitato
2 Pieces, Op. 57: Desir
Piano Sonata No. 3: Sehr Lebhaft
Suite for Piano, Op. 25: Gigue
Six Little Pieces for Piano, Op. 19: Leicht, Zart
French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 812: Sarabande
Nine Little Preludes: Prelude in D minor, BWV 926
The Well Tempered Clavier Book I: Prelude No. 1 in C Major
The Art of the Fugue, BWV: Contrapunctus 9 1080

Customer Reviews:

Cult Devotion.......2007-02-14

The movie for which these extractions provided the soundtrack was indeed quite interesting. Sadly, it's now unavailable. Gould has achieved a cult status unlike that of any classical musician since Caruso or Paganini. Unfortunately, he devoted his considerable talents to the performance of music for which he was particularly unsuited psychologically, on an instrument equally unsuited to the music.
Thomas Bernhard, an Austrian, has written an insightful novel, titled The Loser, which probes Gould's obsessive/depressive personality. I strongly recommend it to devotees of the Gould cult.

One of My Favorite CDs.......2002-11-24

Glenn Gould artistry inspires nothing but admiration. Each piece on this cd is so entertaining and delightful! For example, Bach's Prelude English Suite for keyboard No. 5 in E minor & the Prelude and Gigue from the English Suite for keyboard No. 2 in A minor. Bach's Little prelude in D Minor tramples its identity and morphs into adolescents. The Beethoven on this cd is also remarkable and the effects he creates for some of those pieces is undeniably unique and certainly sets an interpretive standard.

And lastly, to think Gould could no longer suprise me he introduces us to some great compositions and what would become my favorite tracks on the CD: Piano Sonata in B minor, Op. 5 Adagio cantabile composed by Richard Strauss and 11. Sonatina No. 2, for piano in E major, Op. 67/2 Andantino composed by Jean Sibelius. These two recordings belong to that set of moments whose ambiance of silence and withheld passion yearns the soul.

Incredible music making.

Brilliant performances from a musical genius.......2000-08-11

This is a brilliant album! It would be nice if everything were recorded in DDD. Other than this, I cannot recommend a change that would make this CD more enjoyable than it already is. Gould is a recognized master, but seldom is an album published that provides a listener the opportunity to see the range and power of such a performer in action. If you enjoyed the movie, this CD will be a welcome addition to your collection. And even if you haven't seen the movie, you'll enjoy this musical glimpse into Gould's life.

The Whole Range of Gould's Talent.......2000-05-09

This is an outstanding soundtrack to an outstanding movie. For the listener who is new to Gould, this CD presents Gould's talents as a Bach performer, as well as his less well-known, but equally impressive talents as a performer of late 19th and 20th century music, with some stringent, thrilling Beethoven to boot. For the experienced Gould listener,it provides a chance to compare and contrast Gould's approach to various forms of music. One of the most noteworthy pieces on this CD is the interpretation of the Adagio from Richard Strauss's youthful Piano Sonata in B minor. Recorded close to the time of his death, it reveals the rare pianist who can play Romantic music with incredible clarity and emotional depth. Gould's approach to this piece is tender and wistful, distant in a way that affords it a sense of isolation and profound sadness. The reprise of Bach's music at the end of the CD is chilling and bursting with Gould's uniquely emotional approach to this music. Listening to this CD is an experience in and of itself. Don't miss out on it.

If you aren't amazed by these recordings, check for a pulse........1998-11-25

If you have studied music all your life and grown weary of the state of the performing arts and are trying to remember why you fell in love with it initially (like me) OR if you have never appreciated classical pianio music and are wondering what all the fuss is about BUY THIS RECORDING AND LISTEN TO IT! As a pianist who gave up the trade in favor of my mental health this stuff made me break out in a cold sweat. It's the real thing.

Hindemith: Mathis der maler; Nobilissima Visione; Symphonic Metamorphosis

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Old man Hindemith
Hindemith for all ages

Hindemith: Mathis der maler; Nobilissima Visione; Symphonic Metamorphosis

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B000003CVL
Release Date: 1989-11-21

Tracks:

I. Engelkonzert
II. Grablegung
III. Versuchung Des Heiligen Antonius
I. Einleitung Und Rondo
II. Marsch Und Pastorale
III. Passacaglia
Allegro
Turandot, Scherzo
Andantino
Marsch

Customer Reviews:

Old man Hindemith.......2002-03-06

Hindemith is one of the few composers who's music depends 100% on the conductor AND orchestra involved. Each different recording of 'Mathis der Maler' I have heard is startleingly different than the other, and each has its own strong and weak points.

The present recording by Yoel Levi and the Atlanta Symphony is surprisingly good. The orchetra, just starting its new tenure with Yoel Levi as mucis director, can already be heard as much improved over past recordings. The brass, most notably the French Horns and Tuba, deserve special recognition.

While the orchestra is indeed step up, the interpretation leaves something to desire. While Levi does an exceptioanlly creative and well-executed "March" and "The trial of St. Anthony", the rest seems to plod along at an almost unbearable pace. The 'Engelkonzert' is surprisingly dull, as if the Angels in question were old, withered, and perhaps too holy to be bothered to sing with joy. In this recording, Levi makes Hindemith seem to be a resigned and slow old man, rather than the person who was full of zest and vigor.

Hindemith for all ages.......2000-08-06

I am only 16 years old and I was recently involved in an honors orchestra in which we played symphonic Metamorphosis and we all loved it. The opening is the grandest with the majestic french horns and continues on with powerful strings. But not to worry here comes the mighty brass about 30 measures into it.The thing that made me love this song was the great diversity. Every section got a chance to show their stuff. From the second fast-paced movement to the third slow beautiful flowing wind solos in the third movement to the trombone fugue in the Marsch this peice is sure to thrill every fan of any orchestral instrument or group.

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

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Hindemith conducts Hindemith
Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools
Phenomenal performances
Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended
Hindemith Himself

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000U1NHE
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Customer Reviews:

Hindemith conducts Hindemith.......2006-11-10

The musician's musician, the most versatile, skilled and knowledgeable composer of the 20th Century can be heard with delight in this excellently remastered Deutsche Grammophon recording of him conducting the Berlin Phiharmonic Orchestra in definitive renditions of some of his own masterpieces. Hindemith by and large was the best interpreter of his own works. Under his direction pure, unadulterated, joyfull music-making of great vitality prevails, thoroughly unpedantic, yet devoid of vanity, pretentious display or exaggeration. The rendition of the Mathis Symphony is, of course, definitive and the nowadays most frequently perfomed Symphonic Metamorphosis is done with gusto. But we would like to call special attention to such an inexplicably neglected masterpiece as the thoroughly delightful, but substantial Symphonic Dances and the unique and profound Konzermusik for piano, brass & harp. What neo-Baroque, roaring twenties exhuberance displayed in the Concerto for Orchestra and what a gem of human insight "The Four Temperaments",
here definitively rendered! ER

Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools.......2006-08-19

Hindemith is a far too overlooked composer, and I daresay that in decades to come people will realize the greatness of his compositions, a Hindemith renaissance will take place. I for one enjoy his music greatly and this box set is a perfect introduction to his music. Contrapuntally Hindemith stands apart from most 20th composers, indeed his music speaks the 20th century idiom, however as one will recognize immediately Hindemith speaks his own language. In fact this composer is one of the most original of his time. Contrapuntally he continues and adds to the great traditions harkening back to the Renaissance. His conducting is no nonsense and gets to the heart of his music. I find this music to be riveting, exciting, intellectual and heartfelt. Hindemith has his place in Music history.

Phenomenal performances.......2006-03-07

Hindemith may not have been a Schoenberg or Stravinsky, but at his most inspired he was certainly way up there near the top of the heap, among the greatest composers of the late lamented 20th Century. What these recordings tell us, however, and to me this comes as something of a shock, is that he was also a truly great conductor. All the performances in this set are in my opinion truly extraordinary, among the very best orchestral performances I've ever heard -- of any music by any composer of any period.

Everything one would expect of a superlative performance is here, the tempi, the balances, the shadings, accents, nuance, intonation, attention to detail, attention to overall structure, sweep, authority, intensity, even expressiveness (YES, expressiveness!) and passion (yes, passion too).

To get a sense of how remarkable a conductor Hindemith is, listen carefully to the slow movement of Mathis. With tempi this slow (and this is the slowest I've heard for this piece, extremely slow), it's very difficult to maintain interest, not to mention control. However, in the hands of Hindemith and this remarkable orchestra, with whom he's obviously established an extraordinary rapport, the tempo works beautifully and the piece takes on an almost Mahlerian intensity I'd never heard before.

As if this weren't enough, the set contains one of the most remarkable pianistic performances I've ever heard, from Hindemith's composition student, Hans Otte. The "Four Temperaments" begins in typical middle period Hindemithian style, with a statement of the rather steady, bland and predictable theme, but with the entry of the piano for the first variation, all is transformed -- and suddenly we are back in the world of early Hindemith, one of the most inventive and masterful composers since Bach himself. The pianism is simply beyond belief here, just stunning in its verve, precision, virtuosity, nuance and phrasing. With the entry of the piano the piece just takes off, soars into the stratosphere, thanks to composer and pianist both. Otte was hand picked by Hindemith for this performance so possibly what we hear is at least in part due to careful coaching. But it's hard to understand how mere coaching could produce such marvels of nuance and such complete control of the instrument and total musical involvement in passage after passage. If you ever want to inspire a young performer with the possibilities of his art, you would do well to play your student this recording.

As for the more mundane details, even they are all good. The sonics are fantastic for a recording of this vintage, clear, even vibrant, with lots of body and power when called for. The orchestra itself is superb and in perfect rapport with its director. Even the piano selected for these recordings is a marvel, simply one of the finest instruments of its kind I've ever heard.

I know, it's easy to be skeptical in the face of all these superlatives, but I assure you I'm not usually this enthusiastic. These recordings truly are gems, trust me. HAH!

Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended.......2006-02-04

Hindemith jumped at the chance to record his major works with Deutsche Grammophon when it was offered in the early 1950s.

First, was his theory of conducting. He felt the conductor should, as much as possible, be "transparent" and not add anything to the music, i.e., through not gesticulating (especially wildly), etc.

Second, he had seen and heard conductors do just that to his works. And he had heard this result in what he considered overconducting.

Now, that doesn't mean that Hindemith wanted some "native" style of conducting, or even people conducting his works as sight-reading exercises. He expected a piece to be properly understood so that such overconducting was unnecessary.

The result is to be heard here. Now, by "lean and clean," we're not not talking Boulez. But, compared to his day and age, to the Furtwaenglers and others, we are talking something almost that spare.

When you hear these CDs, you'll immediately understand why Hindemith thought that other composers made his music sound too muddy.

These are mono recordings, but in studio in the early and mid 1950s with the Berlin Philharmonic, the baseline sound quality was quite good and the CDs have been well-engineered.

This is an outstanding buy of a great 20th-century composer.

Hindemith Himself.......2005-02-24

"Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" is another essential release in Universal's "Original Masters" series. This 3CD set features the composer himself conducting some of his best known works, including his two Symphonies, Symphonic Metamorphosis, Concerto for Orchestra, and Konzertmusik with Monique Haas on piano. All of the recordings hail from 1954-57 and while they are in mono, the DG sound is clear as a bell. Previously I owned a dozen or so CDs featuring various Hindemith works (performed by conductors Abbado, Bernstein, Blomstedt, Goossens, Kletzki, Kubelik, Szell, etc.), but only one with Hindemith himself conducting his own music (the Violin Concerto with David Oistrakh -- see my review). Well if you like a composer and have the ability to hear them conduct their own music, then you should do it, whatever the cost. I mean what would you give to have the opportunity to hear Beethoven or Mozart perform! Luckily in this case you don't have to fantasize, you just have to buy this affordable, budget-priced box set.

Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man; Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

One of the best ...
Sadlle those horses!

Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man; Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Tallis & Greensleeves / Barber Adagio / Pachelbel Canon / Tchaikovsky Serenade (Stereo Hybrid SACD)
Tchaikovsky: 1812; Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris [Hybrid SACD]
Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 "Organ" / Encores a la Francaise / Ormandy, Murray, Philadelphia Orchestra (Stereo Hybrid SACD)
Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0006A9GN6
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Customer Reviews:

One of the best ..........2007-05-27

A great selection of Aaron Copland composition, played by a great orchestra, excellent recording, and a solid mastering to SACD. Each instrument sounded crisp, and one of the best dynamic range recording I've heard. Even the CD version sounded great. I would highly recommend this.

Sadlle those horses!.......2007-01-09

The first CD I ever owned was this Copland compilation (at the age of 10). It has had a big impact on my musical preferences afterwards. I would recommend this to anybody that searches for an introduction to classical music.

This SACD version also contains Hindemith which, in my opinion, doesn't really fit the picture and therefore most of the time I just skip it. Hindemith is rather dark music and it breaks the romantic mood of the Fanfare.

The sound quality is good but not spectacular for a SACD. The reason is that they seem to have used the original recording (somewhere 20 years ago). I'm a bit disappointed that they didn't make a new multi channel recording (which should be very easy since there are plenty of good orchestra around the world).

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Live Recordings 1944-1953

Average customer rating:

A representative introduction to Furtwängler's art

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Live Recordings 1944-1953
Ludwig van Beethoven , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Johannes Brahms , Anton Bruckner , Richard Strauss , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Paul Hindemith , Cesar Franck , Maurice Ravel , Richard Wagner , Wilhelm Furtwangler , Berlin Philharmonic , and Vienna Philharmonic
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 2
Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 1
An Anniversary Tribute
Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO
CARL SCHURICHT Decca Recordings 1949-1956

ASIN: B00007BGXS
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Album Details

Original Masters serie.

Customer Reviews:

A representative introduction to Furtwängler's art.......2003-02-15

We are not exactly short on recordings by Wilhelm Furtwängler, and for collectors and aficionados of the great German conductor this box of 6 CDs with live recordings from 1944-1953 will undoubtedly be a severe disappointment. The only rarity is the (otherwise unnecessary) Tchaikovsky "Pathétique" from Cairo, 1951. All the rest are reissues and have been released by various labels in different couplings.

This set is therefore mainly destined for anybody wanting a well-programmed and representative introduction to the art of Furtwängler. Except for the already mentioned Tchaikovsky, the "Rapsodie espagnole" by Ravel, and the "Symphonic Metamorphosis" by Hindemith, interesting but not really indispensable, the rest of the box is required listening. There are stunningly revelatory cuts of Brahms 2nd (Vienna, 1945), Beethoven's 7th (Berlin, 1953), Schubert's 8th (Berlin, 1952), Bruckner's 8th (Vienna 1944), and a formidable disc of orchestral excerpts from Wagner's operas. On top of that the Vienna 1944 recording of Beethoven's Leonore III is a real killer. The "Haydn Variations" by Brahms, "Manfred" by Schumann, "Don Juan" by Strauss, and the "Symphony" by Franck are equally rewarding.

It goes without saying that the sound quality of these live recordings from the 1940s and 1950s is variable, although within context everything is acceptable and well remastered (There is some serious distortion though in the final movement of the Franck "Symphony").

This set comes in yet a new limited-edition historical series "Original Masters" from Deutsche Grammophon. The liner notes emphasizing the rarity of the recordings (so-called "buried musical treasures") are however to be taken with more than a grain of salt. The presentation of the CDs in paper bags with a transparent cover isn't exactly a great idea either.

Tracks:

1. Engelskonzert
2. Grablegung
3. Versuchung Des Heiligen Antonius
1. Langsam/2. Ruhig Bewegt/3. Lebhaft/4. Marsch - Geraldine Walther
1. Allegro
2. Turandot, Scherzo: Moderato
3. Lebhaft
4. Sehr Langsam

Tracks:

1. Massig Schnell, Mit Kraft - Sehr Breit, Aber Stets Fliessend
Lebhaft - Langsam - Im Ersten Zeitmass
1. 'Zwischen Berg Und Tiefem Tal' - Geraldine Walther
2. 'Nun Laube, Lindlein, Laube!' - Geraldine Walther
3. Variations: 'Seid Ihr Nicht Der Schwanendreher?' - Geraldine Walther
1. Einleitung Und Rondo
2. Marsch Und Pastorale
3. Passacaglia

Tracks:

1. Moderately Fast
2. Geschwindmarsch By Beethoven, Paraphrase
3. Colloquy
4. Finale
1. Musica Instrumentalis
2. Musica Humana
3. Musica Mundana

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-09-11

The Trio series is unquestionably, along with EMI's Gemini sets, one of the best available. This particular item is a complete set of Hindemith's orchestral works, and not only do we get full servings at over 60 minutes per CD, but you get fantastic performances as well. These Blomstedt SFSO/Leipzig Gewandhauser recordings were originally issued at full price on Decca, and when one hears them one can tell why. The orchestras sound transparent and lovely, and Blomstedt doesn't force the music, which works perfectly and is an approach strangely similar to the best interpretations of Mozart. Emotion is given its full due: I challenge you to find a single phrase here that is either too boistrous or too grim. The recording quality is amazing - so fine, in fact, that the captured sonics themselves are a significant bonus to the set. And the price! To pay, Melville wrote, is the worst affliction the two orchard thieves inflicted upon us. Luckily for you and me, the price is small - and the music is worth a hundred times the price to boot. Get it without hesitation.

Not really a review, just filling in missing information.......2004-08-01

This is a compilation of 3 discs previously released separately, all conducted by Blomstedt and highly rated by critics.

Disc 1 (with San Francisco Symphony):
Mathis der Maler symphony (tracks 1-3)
Trauermusik for viola and strings (track 4)
Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber (tracks 5-8)

Disc 2 (with San Francisco Symphony):
Konzertmusik for brass and strings (tracks 1-2)
Der Schwanendreher (viola concerto) (tracks 3-5)
Nobilissima Visione suite (tracks 6-8)

Disc 3 (with Gewandhausorchester Lepizig):
Symphonie Serena (tracks 1-4)
Symphonie "Die Harmonie der Welt" (tracks 5-7)

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Music Review

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