Romances: Music of Robert & Clara Schumann

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
This remarkable disc sets a new standard for virtuoso horn playing. William Purvis's transcriptions of Robert and Clara Schumann's works prove to be both astonishing instrumental achievements as well as musically insightful readings of these minor masterpieces. Robert Schumann's writing for the horn always sounds completely natural, from the horn calls of the "Rhenish" Symphony to the virtuosic flexibility of his "Adagio and Allegro", heard here in a superb reading. With this in mind, as well as Schumann's forward-looking view of horn technique, Purvis has fearlessly taken on the challenge of playing this repertoire with very few adjustments to the original texts. William Purvis pursues a multifaceted career both in the U.S. and abroad as French horn soloist, chamber musician, conductor and educator. A faculty member of the Juilliard School, Yale University, and SUNY Stony Brook, Purvis is much admired for his passionate advocacy of new music. In recent years he has performed premieres of concerti by Lieberson, Ligeti, and Northcott, as well as new chamber works by Ruders, Lansky, Carter, Stucky and Reynolds. Later this year his recording of Peter Lieberson's "Horn Concerto" will be released on Bridge Records. Mr. Purvis's recording of the Brahms and Ligeti "Horn Trios" can be heard on BRIDGE 9012. Mihae Lee, wife of Mr. Purvis, has appeared as soloist with Das Symphonie Berlin, the Warsaw Philharmonic, and in concert halls throughout the USA, Europe and Asia. Born in Korea, Ms. Lee made her professional debut at the age of fourteen with the Korean National Orchestra after becoming the youngest grand prizewinner at the National Competition held by the President of Korea. Ms. Lee can be heard on recordings on the Etcetera, Northeastern and BCMS labels.

Tracks:

Salut D'amour, Op.12
Songs Without Words, Op.19: Sweet Remembrance
Humoresque
Berceuse, Op.16
Flight Of The Bumble-Bee
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
The Swan
Cavatina, Op.85, No.3
The Old Folks At Home
Liebesfreud
Moto perpetuo, Op.11
Vocalise, Op.34, No.14
String Quartet Op.11, No.1: Andante cantabile
Songs My Mother Taught Me, Op.55, No.4
Guitarre, Op.45, No.2
Romance In A Major, Op.94, No.2
Nocturne In E Flat, Op.55, No.2
Zapateado, Op.23

Customer Reviews:

Selection of Songs?.......2006-07-02

Perlman is a man of extraordinary clarity and tonality also one of my favorite violinists. After I finish practicing a piece I usually find a recording to listen to different interpretations. Most of them are by Perlman and Heifetz. Unfortunately this album has some obscure songs and the songs itself do not do justice to Perlman what some other songs may have done. Still it is important to broaden the scope, so I would recommend this to all music connoisseurs :). btw i'm only 16 so...don't take this review too literal huh?

If you are a violin lover, buy it.......2003-01-19

It's beautiful. Simply put.

This is "THE" Greatest Hits alum by Perlman.......2000-12-03

Perlam is already a great player like the whole world knows. But the music selection couldn't better! I espacily like the piano accomplimant. Perlman pays the pieces with true style. The working realtionship between Perlman and the Pianist is truly incredible. Before geting any of Perlman's other greatest hits albums, get this one!

This is a relaxing, however, somewhat disjointed collection........1998-11-12

This collection of familiar tunes will provide a relaxing hour with one of the world's premier violinists. However, the combination of "The Old Folks at Home" and "Motto perpetuo" is somewhat difficult to assimilate. At any rate, Perlman is a listener's joy!

Average customer rating:

A very pleasing eclectic selection
Wide Ranging Oboe Repertoire
Lovely recital with a possible exception at the end
Oboe repertoire brilliantly played

Oboe Obsession

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Masters of the Oboe
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John Mack, Oboe

ASIN: B00004TKHF
Release Date: 2000-05-30

Tracks:

Oboe

Customer Reviews:

A very pleasing eclectic selection.......2003-01-08

CDs like this often don't quite work, because there seems to be either not enough contrast when there is some, or some of the pieces are simply not enjoyable. Luckily this CD garners no complaints to my ears, and there's a very nice variety as well, all played wonderfully by Allan Vogel.

Saint-Saens is a composer who was almost always "on", and the Oboe Sonata is no exception. Though written at the end of his life (along with the Clarinet Sonata), it could just have easily come 30 years earlier. It's a very nice late romantic piece, if not quite as tuneful as the Clarinet one.
The Poulenc sonata is a very lovely piece of French post-impressionism, akin to his choral music really. The Britten piece is typical Britten -- hovering around "modern" sound without quite going there.

The Schumann Three romances are also typical of the composer -- nice but not overly memorable. Still it's a pleasing piece. Now the W. F. Bach piece was a surprise -- the flute and oboe get equal treatment here, and as with the Schumann it's very pleasing.

The final piece is the only one that may dissuade someone from picking this CD up -- the Obsession for Oboe and Piano is quite "modern", though luckily it's still a very interesting piece. A clear show of virtuosity, it has energy and vigor, and is certainly one of the better examples of this style that I've heard.

So, I can safely recommend this. Even if you don't like Obsession, it IS at the end. This CD is a good buy for anyone who likes solo wind music, especially if you don't have a recording of the Saint-Saens.

Wide Ranging Oboe Repertoire.......2001-10-31

As others have detailed, this is vast and far ranging oboe performance from the likes of Saint-Saens, Poulenc, Schumann and Bach.

I have reviewed oboe pieces from these composers, and found Vogel's performance to be quite worthy of five stars.

However, the pieces by Britten and Shinohara are new for me and outstanding! These are flowing and satiny with a high gloss finish which is very delightful to the ears with the melodic, romantic sound that is so unique and pleasing to oboe lovers such as this reviewer. Vogel and his accompanists are to be commended for producing such a high-quality, wide ranging disc of one of the truly great soloist instruments.

Lovely recital with a possible exception at the end.......2000-06-16

Gallant little Delos has been releasing some marvelous oboe recitals with Allan Vogel, and the latest entry has not let us down at all. (DE3235) provides us with some rare items including Saint-Saens' "Sonata for Oboe and Piano, Op. 166," Poulenc's "Sonata for Oboe and Piano," Britten's "Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for Oboe Solo," Schumann's "Three Romances for Oboe and Piano," W.F. Bach's "Duet for Flute and Oboe, No. 4" [in which he is joined by Janice Tipton], and Shinohara's "Obsession for Oboe and Piano." Bryan Pezzone is at the keyboard.

Never having heard any of these before, I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed, liquid playing of the first, second, third, and fourth selections. The Britten piece took some careful listening, being of a more intellectual nature so to speak, and was even more rewarding. My tastes being what they are, I did not like the last piece very much, finding it noisy and grating; and I was glad it came at the end of the CD and could easily be avoided on future playings. Naturally many of you might find this 1961 selection the best of the lot. The liner notes are terse and helpful.

Oboe repertoire brilliantly played.......2000-06-14

The works presented on this disc constitute some of the cornerstones of oboe/piano literature. Allan Vogel's performance is very warm and insightful. His pianist, Bryan Pezzone, performs no less sensitively. The recording is also rich and warm. These works are all a delight to listen to. The Saint-Saens and Poulenc sonatas express both the charm and wit of these two great French composers. The Britten is the most important work for solo oboe. The Schumann Romances are another masterpiece for oboe and piano. A must for any oboist or music lover! The closing piece, Obsession by Japanese composer Makoto Shinohara is very powerful. A gem.

Average customer rating:

A standard for any oboe player

John Mack, Oboe

Manufacturer: Crystal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

John Mack, Oboe Mozart: Quartet, K.370/Loeffler: Deux Rhapsodies/Paladilhe: Solo De Concert/Britten: Six Metamorphoses
Orchestral Excerpts for Oboe
Oboe Obsession
The Art of the Oboe
Masters of the Oboe

ASIN: B000003J3J
Release Date: 1993-12-29

Tracks:

Three Romances, Op. 94: Nicht Schnell
Three Romances, Op. 94: Einfach, Innig
Three Romances, Op. 94: 3. Nicht Schnell
Oboe Sonata, Op. 166: Andantino
Oboe Sonata, Op. 166: Pastorale
Oboe Sonata, Op. 166: Molto Allegro
Sonata For Oboe: Munter
Sonata For Oboe: Sehr Langsam-Lebhaft-Sehr Langsam-Wieder Lebhaft
Sonata For Oboe: Elegie
Sonata For Oboe: Scherzo
Sonata For Oboe: Deploration
Capriccio
Pavane
Serenade
Romance

Customer Reviews:

A standard for any oboe player.......2001-10-14

John Mack is definitely one of the pillars of the oboe playing world. His playing and teaching alike draw much praise. This CD is no expception. During his career, Mack has put out many definitive and emulated performances, and this CD contains many of the pieces standard in the oboe repetoire. In fact, some of these pieces are rarely recorded and can only be found on this CD. The Schumann Romances are beautifully done with excellent tone and phrasing, the Saint-Saens is wonderful and Mack's interpretation has become the standard for this sonata, the Hindemith is playful and quirky, and the Poulenc is pretty and well executed(though I prefer the Leleux interpretation). The little French pieces are pretty and a nice addition, though not that exciting.

Tracks:

Lacrymae op.48
Romance
Elegy
Elegie op. 44
Romance oubliee
Adagio
Elegie op.30

Amazon.com

This elegiac music seems very well-suited to the dark sound of the viola. Kashkashian plays it simply and very expressively, without slides or sentimentality; glowing and shimmering, her tone is pure, warm, inflected. The program has great variety. Britten's mournful Lachrymae (Reflections on a Song of John Dowland) comes to an agitated climax and ends with an old chorale. Vaughan Williams's Romance is a peaceful pastoral; Carter's Elegy is somber, gentle, and hardly dissonant; Glasunov's Elegy is very romantic. Liszt's Romance is very rhetorical--half recitation, half lamentation--but ends serenely. Kodály's Adagio, solemn and inward, comes to a passionate climax; the opening returns in the highest register. Vieuxtemps's romantic virtuoso piece has musical substance as well as passion, rhetoric, a big climax, and a wild, brilliant ending. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Songs for Winter Solstice.......2005-12-21

Perhaps none of the composers of this lovely set of works for viola and piano had in mind the death theme surrounding the winter solstice, the end of the season of growing, a time for pause and even sleep to prepare for the rumblings of rebirth, but that is what comes to mind while listening to this very well chosen collection of elegies.

Violist Kim Kashkashian and pianist Robert Levin seem extensions of each other, so well melded are these performances. While most will be familiar with the gorgeous Benjamin Britten 'Lachrymae, reflections on a song of Dowland', there are enough unfamiliar works to spark even the most experienced listener. Some highlights are the Vaughn Williams 'Romance', the Adagio of Zoltan Kodaly, and the Vieuxtemps 'Elegie'. The spectrum even manages to include Elliot Carter's 'Elegy' so you can rest assured there is a wide spread of periods and oddly enough they all create a cohesive program.

Kashkashian's tone is never forced, always refined, and never pushing towards heart on the sleeve. This is a beautiful recording, especially for winter nights. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

Sensitive Playing.......2000-09-01

I was pleased to see this recording By Kim Kashkashian. The interplay between the viola and the piano is exceptional and it is clear these two performers have a fine sense of the music. The typical ECM recording excellence adds to this effect. This is twentieth century and somber music. The warmth of Kashkashian's viola makes this recording the perfect match for a fine bordeaux and a quiet evening of listening.

Ljuba Welitsch The Complete Columbia Recordings

Average customer rating:

Enigimatic Flame!
perhaps the most sensual of German lieder singers

Ljuba Welitsch The Complete Columbia Recordings

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B0000029V9
Release Date: 1997-06-03

Tracks:

Salome, Op. 54: Final Scene
Tosca - (Act I): 'Perche chiuso?...Mia gelosa'
Tosca - (Act II): 'Vissi d'arte'
Don Giovanni - (Act I): 'Don Ottavio, son morta!...Or sai, chi l'onore'
Don Giovanni - (Act II): 'Crudele! Ah no, mio ben... Non mi dir, bell'idol mio'
Die Fledermaus: 'Czardas'
Der Zigeunerbaron: 'Habet Acht' - (Gypsy Song)
Four Last Songs: 'Fruhling'
Four Last Songs: 'September'
Four Last Songs: 'Beim Schlafengehen'
Four Last Songs: 'Im Abendrot'

Tracks:

Op. 43, No. 1: 'Von ewiger Liebe'
Op 105, No. 1: 'Wie Melodien Zieht Es Mir'
Op. 84, No. 4: 'Vergebliches Standchen'
'Die Mainacht'
'Meine Liebe ist grun'
Op. 2: 'Gretchen Am Spinnrade'
Op. 43, No. 1: 'Die Junge Nonne'
Schwanengesang: 'Liebesbotschaft'
Op. 32: 'Die Forelle'
Myrthen, Op. 25, No. 1: 'Widmung'
Liederkreis, Op. 39, No. 5: 'Mondnacht'
Myrthen, Op. 25, No. 3: 'Der Nussbaum'
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 1
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 2
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 4
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 7
'Mne Grustno'
''Mel'nik'
'Gde ti, zvezdochka?'
'Hat Dich Die Liebe Beruhrt'
'Valse De Chopin'
'Dei Nacht' - Op. 10, No. 3
'Cacilie' - Op. 27, No.2
'Ich atmet' einen linden Duft'
'Blicke Mir Nicht In Die Lieder'
'Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen'
'Um Mitternacht' - (Incomplete)

Amazon.com

Ljuba Welitsch had a short career, her stardom spanning the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s. Perhaps this is because she gave so much of herself--even on records you feel she's operating on all cylinders. Her most famous role, Salome, is represented here by the closing scene with Fritz Reiner and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, recorded at the time of her triumphant New York debut. She was also a great Donna Anna, her rendition of the big arias from Don Giovanni full of fire and thrust. Tosca's "Vissi d'arte" is a passionate reading, one of the best on disc. The song disc is more variable but always interesting. A great singer, captured in her prime. -- Dan Davis

Amazon.com

Half of Bulgarian soprano Ljuba Welitsch's Columbia output stems from her salad days at the Met, when her silvery voice cut across the footlights like liquid fire. The 1950 Tosca and Don Giovanni selections, as well as her incomparable Salome Final Scene with the fiery Fritz Reiner at the helm, sound more potent than ever in these 20-bit transfers from original source material. Also memorable are two delicately scaled Joseph Marx lieder and a peerless Strauss Cacille. Sadly, the 1952-3 lieder sessions find Welitsch in dire straits: her voice has acquired a papery edge, with perceptive decline in intonation and breath control. Give Paul Ulanowsky credit, though, for admirably maneuvering through the thankless, Crisco-thick piano "deorchestrations" of Strauss' Four Last Songs. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Enigimatic Flame!.......2003-11-14

This woman moved me! I felt exitement, finality, pain, passion, victory, sensuousness, and nostalgia of a time unknown to me. The Salome aria is the most convincingly and beautifully sung I have ever heard by far. The thread of sound is never broken. The lieder selections are very lovely and interestingly personal, not at all detached or serious; a joy. Strauss' Four Last Songs done with piano are quite effective as such.

The recorded sound is very impressive; a clean, full-bodied sound. Columbia's mono recordings are absolutely superior.

This soprano seemed to have something very important to say. There is an ever present urgency in her delivery, a haste, and a desperation that clings to the heart. As she sings, she invokes compassion, mystery, fear and joy.

Please hear this woman!

perhaps the most sensual of German lieder singers.......1999-08-22

This collection of Ljuba Welitsch's singing Strauss is an great example of a singer's cultural connection to a composer giving her an almost eerily innate feeling for the music. Welitsch's voice can only be described as sexy, in a pre-war German sort of way, silvery hard and focused in tone combined with a sensuality of expression that is unique. She breathes life and fire into this music in a way that later singers -- even the great Elisabeth Schwarzkopf -- could not.

Average customer rating:

A captivating and important achievement

Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Clara Schumann: Piano Works

ASIN: B00005MAV1
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

Sonata In G Minor: Allegro
Sonata In G Minor: Adagio
Sonata In G Minor: Scherzo
Sonata In G Minor: Rondo
Romanze In B Minor
Impromptu In E Major
Romanze In A Minor
Scherzo Op. 10 In D Minor
Deuxieme Scherzo Op. 14 In C Minor
Praludium In F Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Toccatina In A Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Notturno In F Major
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Ballade In D Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Ballade In D Minor
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Mazurka In G Major
Soirees Musicales Op. 6: Polonaise In A Minor
Etude In A-Flat Major
Marsch In E-Flat Major

Tracks:

Praeludien Und Fugen Op. 16: Andante-Allegro Vivace
Praeludien Und Fugen Op. 16: Allegretto-Andante
Praeludien Und Fugen Op. 16: Andante-Andante Con Moto
Variationen Uber Ein Thema Von Robert sSchumann Op. 20
Trois Romances Op. 11: Andante
Trois Romances Op. 11: Andante Und Allegro
Trois Romances Op. 11: Moderato
Romance Variee Op. 3
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Moderato
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Moderato
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Andantino
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegretto
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Risoluto
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegro Assai
Caprices En Forme De Valse Op. 2: Allegretto
Souvenir De Vienne, Impromptu Op. 9
Valses Romantiques Op. 4

Tracks:

Variatons De Concert Sur La Cavatine Du Pirate De Bellini Op. 8
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In E-flat Major
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In C-Major
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In D Major
Quatre Polonoises Op. 1: Polonoise In C Major
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Impromptu. Le Sabbat
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Caprice A La Bolero
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Romance
Quatre Pieces Caracteristiques Op. 5: Scene Fantastique. Le Ballet Des Revenants
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Larghetto
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Un Poco Agitato
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Andante Espressivo
Quatre Pieces Fugitives Op. 15: Scherzo
Praludium Und Fuge
Drei Fugen Uber Themen Von J.S. Bach: Fuga A 4 Voci In E-flat Major
Drei Fugen Uber Themen Von J.S. Bach: Fuga A 4 Voci In E Major
Drei Fugen Uber Themen Von J.S. Bach: Fuga A 4 Voci In G Minor
Drei Romanzen Op. 21: Andante, Sehr Innig Bewegt, Tempo I
Drei Romanzen Op. 21: Allegretto (Sehr Zart Zu Spielen)
Drei Romanzen Op. 21: Agitato, Langsamer, Tempo I

Customer Reviews:

A captivating and important achievement.......2007-01-15

Robert Schumann was a central figure in the Romantic period of classical music. Fitting the period, the romantic idyll of Robert and Clara Schumann's trial-filled courtship and ultimate marriage against the wishes of Clara's father, Friedrich Wieck, has been endlessly written about.

But it is not until now that we have, for the first time, access to the complete piano compositions of Clara Schumann. I cannot imagine a more sensitive and nuanced performance of these works than that of Jozef De Beenhouwer, a Belgian pianist who has made a specialty of the music of both Robert and Clara Schumann. He received the Robert Schumann Prize from the City of Zwickau, Schumann's birthplace, and has completed an unfinished second concerto of Clara Schumann, not included in this set.

Clara Schumann was prepared by her father not only to be a virtuoso pianist. He also envisaged her as the first great female composer. He opposed her marriage to Robert in part because he reckoned that her probable role as a wife and mother - as well as Robert's ambitions as a comoposer - would bury her talent. Clara's first group of compositions were published when she was only 11 years of age. A surviving piano concerto, Op. 7, was performed to critical acclaim when Clara was 16.

Clara Schumann continued as a famous pianist and musical presence throughout her life (40 years after her husband's tragic death). However, although Robert recognized her compositional talent and encouraged her, the birth of eight children, and her role as a wife and pianist early curtailed her compositional activity (old Wieck was right in this respect). Her compositions have widely been regarded as worth little attention in comparison to those of her husband.

But this collection lets us make up our own minds about Clara's compositions. Most are from her early years, with a few from her later life. Except for her Concerto, many of the early works are in light genres, e.g. Polonaises (Op. 1), Romances, Impromptus, etc, but I found boldness, confidence, and originality in works from her earliest years. The Scherzi, Op. 10 and 14, are powerful and technically demanding. Some of the most remarkable pieces are preludes and fuges based on themes of J.S.Bach, and themes by Robert, written in the year, 1845, which gained favorable reviews for their skill and substance.

In summary, my wife and I both find this four-CD set both highly rewarding music beyond any novelty value associated the fame of the Schumann connection. In fact, I don't hesitate to make my own assessment that had Clara had the same opportunities as Robert, she may well have equalled him as a composer and fulfilled father Friedrich's dream.

Average customer rating:

The facets of the lyricism!
Divine
To be avoided
aristocratic and heartfelt schumann
aristocratic and heartfelt schumann

Schumann: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Scriabin: Complete Piano Sonatas
Liszt: Piano Works
Mozart: Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000001GFJ
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

Papillons Op. 2, Introduction. Moderato...
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 1. Lebhaft
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 2. Innig
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 3. Mit Humor (Etwas hahnbuchen)
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 4. Ungeduldig
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 5. Einfach
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 6. Sehr rasch (Sehr rasch und in sich hinein)
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 7. Nicht schnell (Mit ausserst starker Empfindung)
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 8. Frisch
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 9. Lebhaft
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 10. Balladenmassig. Sehr rasch
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 11. Einfach
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 12. Mit Humor
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 13. Wild und lustig
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 14. Zart und singen
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 15. Frisch
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 16. Mit gutem Humor
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 17. Wie aus der Ferne
Davidsbundlertanze Op. 6, (18 Charakterstucke) - 18. Nicht schnell
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 1. Preambule. Quasi maestoso - Piu moto - Animato - Vivo - Presto
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 2. Pierrot. Moderato
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 3. Arlequin. Vivo
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 4. Valso noble. Un poco maestoso
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 5. Eusebius. Adagio
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 6. Florestan. Passionato
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 7. Coquette. Vivo
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 8. Replique. L'istesso tempo - (Sphinxes)
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 9. Papillons. Prestissimo
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 10. A.S.C.H. - S.C.H.A. (Lettres dansantes). Presto
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 11. Chiarina. Passionato
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 12. Chopin. Agitato
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 13. Estrella. Con affetto
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 14. Reconnaissance. Animato
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 15. Pantalon et Colombine. Presto
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 16. Valse allemande. Molto vivace
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 17. Paganini. Intermezzo. Presto
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 18. Aveu. Passionato
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 19. Promenade. Comodo
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 20. Pause. Vivo
Carnaval Op. 9, Scenes mignonnes sur quatre notes - 21. Marche des (Davidsbundler) contre les Philistins. Non Allegro - Molto piu vivo - Animato - Vivo - Animato molto - Vivo - Piu stretto

Tracks:

Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Thema. Andante
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude I. Un poco piu vivo
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude II.
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude III. Vivace
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude IV.
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude V. Vivacissimo
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude VI. Agitato
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude VII. Allegro molto
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude VIII. Andante
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude IX. Presto possibile
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude X. Allegro
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude XI. Con espressione
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13 - Etude XII. Finale. Allegro brillante
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - 2. Kuriose Geschichte
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - 3. Hasche-Mann
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - 4. Bittendes Kind
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - 5. Gluckes genug
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - 6. Wichtige Begebenheit
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
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 1. Ausserst bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 2. Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch - Intermezzo, Sehr lebhaft - Intermezzo II. Etwas bewegter - Lngsamer (erstes Tempo)
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 3. Sehr aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 4. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 5. Sehr lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 6. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 7. Sehr rasch
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 - Fantasien - 8. Schnell und spielend

Tracks:

Fantasie C-dur, Op. 17 - 1. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen - Im Legendenton - Tempo Primo
Fantasie C-dur, Op. 17 - 2. Massig. Durchaus energisch - Etwas langsamer - Viel bewegter
Fantasie C-dur, Op. 17 - 3. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten - Etwas bewegter
Arabeske, Op. 18 - Leicht und zart - Minore I. Etwas langsamer - Minore II. Etwas langsamer - Zum Schluss (Coda). Langsamer
Humoreske, Op. 20 - Einfach - Sehr rasch und leicht - Noch rascher - Erstes Tempo - Wie im Anfang
Humoreske, Op. 20 - Hastig - Nach und nach immer lebhafter und starker - Wie vorher - Adagio
Humoreske, Op. 20 - Einfach und zart - Intermezzo - (Wie vorher -) Innig
Humoreske, Op. 20 - Sehr lebhaft - Mit einigem Pomp - Zum Beschluss - Allegro
Novelette No. 9 - aus: Bunte Blatter, Op. 99 - Lebhaft

Tracks:

Sonate Nr. 2 g-moll Op. 22 - 1. So rasch wie moglich
Sonate Nr. 2 g-moll Op. 22 - 2. Andantino. Getragen
Sonate Nr. 2 g-moll Op. 22 - 3. Scherzo. Sehr rasch und markiert - attacca:
Sonate Nr. 2 g-moll Op. 22 - 4. Rondo. Presto - Prestissimo. Quasi Cadenza
Nachtstucke, Op. 23 - 1. Mehr langsam, oft zuruckhaltend
Nachtstucke, Op. 23 - 2. Markiert und lebhaft
Nachtstucke, Op. 23 - 3. Mit grosser Lebhaftigkeit
Nachtstucke, Op. 23 - 4. Ad libitum - Einfach
Drei Romanzen, Op. 28 - 1. Sehr markiert
Drei Romanzen, Op. 28 - 2. Einfach
Drei Romanzen, Op. 28 - 3. Sehr markiert - Intermezzo I. Presto - Intermezzo II. Etwas langsamer - Wie vorherPresto - Inter
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 1. Eintritt. Nicht zu schnell
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 2. Jager auf der Lauer. Hochst lebhaft
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 3. Einsame Blumen. Einfach
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 4. Verrufene Stelle. Ziemlich langsam
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 5. Freundliche Landschaft. Schnell
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 6. Herberge. Massig
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 7. Vogel als Prophet. Langsam, sehr zart
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 8. Jagdlied. Rasch, kraftig
Waldszenen, Op. 82 - Neun Klavierstucke - 9. Abschied. Nicht zu schnell

Customer Reviews:

The facets of the lyricism!.......2006-05-30

Wilhelm Kempff made sing the piano as any other pianist ever born. But besides, his profound domain of the thematic material as well as his tune produced a Schumann so original, expressive and eloquent with sentiment but no sentimentality.

This album is a formidable and fundamental set of the most remarkable Schumann piano works. To create such atmosphere and interpretative freshness in this composer is not easy, but in Kempff hands we are talking about another dimension of pianism.

In this age, pitifully, you cannot count with many thinkers pianists; ones due the very adjusted schedule and the rest by unknown reasons seem to consider a matter of second priority to play with a determined conception. The technique seems to prevail under any other aspect. And that's not a good symptom.

That is why among other arguments you should acquire as soon as possible this extraordinary set.

Absorbing and rewarding in summon grade.

Divine.......2005-07-18

When I first read the reviews here on Amazon, I was a bit concerned about buying this set. I truely love Kempff and elegant performing style, but after having almost around 150 of his collections and cd's, I know that he can be dreadful when he is not on form. So I was worried about this set, but it was useless.

This 4-cd set contains some of the best performances that Kempff could offer considering his age. There are numerous highlights here: Papillons, Davidsbündlertänze, fantasy,..... All of them find him on top form. Although one might argue that there are studio recordings and who knows how many takes one recording must have to become perfect, but let me tell you, even in his live and extremely nerve breaking situations and venues such as the Salzburg festival, he was always on top form.

So Kempff's fan, buy this. It's worth it. In here you won't quite find the excitement that Richter put into his Schumann, but you will find the poetry, emotions and sensitivity that many others lack in their recordings.

To be avoided.......2003-11-22

Despite his reputation as one of the towering exponents of the 19th Germanic repetoire, Kempff acquits himself poorly in these recordings, made at the end of his life. Whether these weak performances are due to his advanced age or to more basic flaws in his training and capabilities is purely academic. They are among the poorest choices in the catalogue, perhaps the very worst. But please - don't take my word for it. Listen to the Etde IX in the op. 13, on disc 2. Kempff's attempt to pull this off is embarrassingly amateurish; he cannot even cover all the notes at "presto possibile", much less raise his playing to something approaching an interpretation. Elsewhere, you can expect the same. The op. 17 is played with little poetry, no finesse and palpable frustration in following Schumann's basic roadmap. You cannot run away from this mess fast enough.

aristocratic and heartfelt schumann.......2003-08-28

this compilation has the benefit of including most of schumann's important keyboard works (among excluded works are the toccata, first sonata, bunte blatter and fantasiestucke), under the hands of an extraordinary schumann interpreter.

recorded in the 1970's, when kempff was nearing 80, this is genuinely classic schumann. the virtuosic extremes of the symphonische etuden and kriesleriana are not quite fully exploited, but there is no flubbing, stumbling or cutting corners: kempff has things always under control. look to argerich, pollini or pogorelich for white hot schumann, kempff delivers him as a human being.

for the sheer poetry of schumann, kempff has never been bettered. his davidsbundlertanze, especially the last 5 movements, is without peer. the kinderszenen is delightful. the poetry of the fantasie in C is magnificent. there is a lifetime of musical experience and temperament in this playing.

aristocratic and heartfelt schumann.......2003-08-28

Tracks:

Etude, Op. 10: No. 1 In C
Etude, Op. 10: No. 2 In A Minor
Etude, Op. 10: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor
Etude, Op. 10: No. 5 In G Flat, 'Black Key'
Etude, Op. 25: No. 1 In A Flat, 'The Aeolian Harp'
Etude, Op. 25: No. 6 In G Sharp Minor
Etude, Op. 25: No. 8 In D Flat
Etude, Op. 25: No. 9 In G Flat, 'Butterfly'
Three Ecossaises, Op. 72 Nos. 3 - 5
Tarantelle In A Flat, Op. 43
Andante Spianato e Grand Polonaise Brilliante In E Flat, Op. 22
Etude, Op. 111 No. 6 In F, 'Toccata d'apres le cinquieme concerto'
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op. 22: 1st Movement - Andante sostenuto - Molto animato
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op. 22: 2nd Movement - Allegro scherzando
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op. 22: 3rd Movement - Presto
The Gypsy Baron: Schatz Waltz

Tracks:

Prelude From Partita For Violin Unaccompanied, No. 3 In E
Sonata No. 1 In C, Op. 24, 4th Movement - Presto - Perpetuum mobile
Romance In F Sharp, Op. 28 No. 2
Prelude, Op. 104a No. 3 In D
Song Without Words: Op. 19 No.1 In E, 'Sweet Rememberance'
Song Without Words: Op. 53 No. 4 In F, 'Berceuse'
Song Without Words: Op. 62 No. 6 In A, 'Spring Song'
Song Without Words: Op. 67 No. 4 In C, 'the Spinning Song'
Paganini Etude No. 5 In E, 'La Chasse'
Paganini Etude No. 3 In A Flat Minor, 'La Campanella'
Paganini Etude No. 3 In A Flat Minor, 'La Campanella'
Transcendental Etude No. 5, 'Feux Follets'
Transcendental Etude No. 11, 'Harmonies du soir'
Polonaise No.2 In E
Liebestraum No. 3 in A Flat
Caprice In Double Notes In F Sharp
Op. 3 No. 2 In C Sharp Minor: Prelude
Op. 23 No. 5 In G Minor: Prelude
Toccata

Customer Reviews:

La Darre, la magnifique.......2001-12-21

Out here in Denver we used to wonder why this great virtuosa would want to stop by our humble province and treat us to her amazing recitals and concerts. When we found out that she was quite an outdoor and mountain enthusiast, we understood. And having her old pal Golschmann as conductor of the orchestra made her a regular on our cartelloni.

After one luxuriates in these old Pathe things together, Darre comes into focus on the world stage. The Saint Saens eclipses her later one with Fourestier; here she has Paray. It's a significant difference, because with her sense of line, inner-voicings, and fanatic attention to timbral qualities and overtones, one can hear that she is the pianistic equivalent OF Paray. Here we come face-to-face with what Paris musical life was like when Darre and Paray were both in town. The results are engrossing and original without going outside the mark set by Saint Saens himself (who had been dead aorund 20 years when Pathe did this). There is a dynamism here that is unique and right, and immortal.

We also have forgotten this pianist as a supreme interpreter of Chopin who shows up here with a snazzy bravado that is akin to Novaes, but with more refinement. The carillon highs come through strongly on the old recordings, the bass drops off...but since you know it's there, your mind can fill in the aural info. Like her much later Vanguard recordings, the incredibly agile midrange voicings are front and center without punching you. These are amazing performances, characteristic, admirable.

All of her other repertoire more or less affect the listener the same way--like her counterpart Paray, Darre never, ever tries to archly make a piece more than it is, but brings out the maximum the work has to offer. And that can be considerably more than what we might divine from the program on paper.

Really, folks, there'll never be another one like Darre. There will never be an elegant, athletic, stunning lady in silk pants who walks purposefully on stage, chucks her bejeweled bolero on a stagehand, and sits down for a couple of hours of enchantment, letting us in on her magic, including us listeners as if we're in her salon where she is hostess to the composers themselves nursing their drinks.

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In E flat: Allegro maesto
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E flat: Quasi Adagio; Allgegretto vivace; Allegro animato
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E flat: Allegro marziale animato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: Adagio sostenuto assai
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: Allegro agitato assai
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: Allegro deciso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: Marziale un poco meno allegro
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: Allegro animato
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6
Valse oubliee
Schumann: Romance in F sharp
Novellette in F
Falla: The Miller's Dance
Liszt: Sonetto del Petrarco CIV
Guion: The Harmonica Player

Amazon.com

Byron Janis was a pupil of Vladimir Horowitz, and one of the most exciting pianists of his generation. Like his colleague and contemporary, Van Cliburn, he burned out after a brief but brilliant career, much of which was, fortunately, documented in a stunning series of recordings produced by Mercury Living Presence. They are some of the greatest piano discs ever made, and they are all now available on CD. Mercury was the first American label to actually record in the Soviet Union, and these performances of the Liszt piano concertos are one of the few serious rivals to Sviatoslav Richter's famous Philips versions. If you love this music, you'll want both. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Dazzling & Mature Performance!!.......2007-03-12

The dazzling 1962 Moscow Live perffromance of the two Liszt Concertos by Byron Janis, recorded at the hight of his career, is probably the most technically and artistically accomplished among all of his commercial recordings with RCA & Philips. Not a stir from the crowd, you can tell the hushed silence of awe-struck audience.

Both concertos display his maturity as an artist, super-fine tonal delicacy and titanic virtuosity coupled with depth of sound, and may well match Richter's 50 & 60s live performances.

Kondrashin and Rhozdestwensky gives equally outstanding contribution with the orchestras. The stereo sound is vividly alive and warm, with wide dynamic range. Must for anyone who seek serious pianism in highest order.

Brilliant!.......2000-12-29

Byron Janis's approach to the First and Second Concertos are excellent. His interpretation was unlike any other recording or artist I had ever heard. The third movement of the First Concerto was especially exhillarating. When I heard it, I got an adrenaline rush. His touch is amazing; he can make the instrument sing, thunder, crash, or bounce lightly. His mastery is an excellent model for any serious piano student. If you are thinking of buying this CD, I highly recommend it!

THE BEST INTERPRETATION.......1999-01-14

This piece has never had such a bold, broad, and powerful, yet amazingly sensitive performance. It overwhelmed me the first time I heard it, with it's opening chords. One feels a great amount of power and confidence(though that may not have been how Mr. Janis felt during the performance.) Soon with the sensitive scales perfected with elegance, the listners is amazed at such control of the pianist. Throughout the performance, Mr. Janis embraces the audience with magical sounds, leading us all in a whole new adventure.

Average customer rating:

It Would Be Worth Every Cent Just for the Brahms Sonatas
Essential Oistrakh
Fantastic
A wondeful collection
Oistrakh (and Richter) Triumphant!

David Oistrakh Edition

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Davd Oistrakh and Sviatoslav Richter - Live at Alice Tully Hall, New York 1970
David Oistrakh
Heifetz & Piatigorsky - Historic Performance Film Footage
Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99

ASIN: B000001HDT
Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35: 1. Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35: 2. Canzonetta. Andante
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35: 3. Finale. Allegro vivacissimo
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: 1. Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: 2. Adagio di molto
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: 3. Allegro, ma non troppo
Two Humoresques For Violin And Orchestra op. 87: No. 1 In D Minor
Two Humoresques For Violin And Orchestra op. 87: No. 2 In D Major

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: 1. Allegro non troppo
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: 2. Adagio
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: 3. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace - Poco piu presto
Violin Concerto In A Minor, Op. 53: 1. Allegro ma non troppo
Violin Concerto In A Minor, Op. 53: 2. Adagio ma non troppo
Violin Concerto In A Minor, Op. 53: 3. Finale. Allegro gioicoso, ma non troppo

Tracks:

Ciacona In G Minor
Orfeo ed Euridice: Melody
Widmung, Op. 25 No. 1
Romance In A Major Op. 94 No. 2
Hungarian Dance No. 8 in A Minor - Presto
Hungarian Dance No. 9 in E Minor - Allegro ma non troppo
Hungarian Dance No. 20 in D Minor - Allegretto - Vivace
Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor - Allegro - Vivace
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: El pano moruno
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Nana. Berceuse
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Cancion
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Polo
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Asturiana
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: Jota
Six Songs: Love Song, No. 6
Danzas espanolas op. 37: Andaluza No. 5
Suite Bergamasque: Passepied
Beau Soir
Raymonda op. 57: Entr' acte
Daisies, op. 38 No. 3
Vocalise op. 34 No. 14

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 2 op. 100: 1. Allegro amabile
Violin Sonata No. 2 op. 100: 2. Andante tranquillo - Vivace - Andante - Vivace di piu - Andante - Vivace
Violin Sonata No. 2 op. 100: Allegro grazioso (quasi Andante)
Violin Sonata No. 3 op. 108: 1. Allegro
Violin Sonata No. 3 op. 108: 2. Adagio
Violin Sonata No. 3 op. 108: 3. Un poco presto e con sentimento
Violin Sonata No. 3 op. 108: 4. Presto agitato
Violin Sonata In A Major: 1. Allegretto ben moderato
Violin Sonata In A Major: 2. Allegro
Violin Sonata In A Major: 3. Recitativo - Fantasia. Ben moderato
Violin Sonata In A Major: 4. Allegretto poco mosso

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 1 Sz. 75: 1. Allegro appassionato
Violin Sonata No. 1 Sz. 75: 2. Adagio
Violin Sonata No. 1 Sz. 75: 3. Allegro
Violin Sonata op. 134: 1. Andante
Violin Sonata op. 134: 2. Allegretto
Violin Sonata op. 134: 3. Largo

Customer Reviews:

It Would Be Worth Every Cent Just for the Brahms Sonatas.......2006-12-19

This is probably my favorite boxed set of anything, ever. Each disc has its own merits but the Brahms and Franck are passionate and sublime, the Bartok is everything you want your Bartok to be, and of course the Tchaikovsky is without comparison. Long live King David!

Essential Oistrakh.......2002-01-10

A mandatory purchase (at a bargain price!) for all violin lovers- it contains some of Oistrakh's greatest recorded performances, including mind-boggling performances of the Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Brahms and and Dvorak concerti as well as the famous sonata recordings with Richter. Please, BMG, could we have more such treasures from Melodiya's legendary vaults?

Fantastic.......2000-07-31

Perhaps the great accomplishment in playing an instrument is to play it naturally, as if it were like breathing. Few artists prove this point as well as Oistrakh, the Soviet Union's artist, a true symbol of the Russian's school of music's excellence. As some other reviewer said, this is a moment of true musical orgasm. As an aspiring violinist, hearing Oistrakh's effortless rendition of the Tchaikovsky brings one almost to tears before such greatness. Some may complain about his dated method, but I favor it above any other artist, and highly recommend his interpretation of both the Brahms and the Tchaikovsky. Considering the fact that people didn't walk out of his performance of the pieces while a bombing raid was going on (during WWII), the man's musical prowess is second to none. Of special attention is the Brahms Sonata in A Major with Richter, easily one of the purest performances of the piece.

A wondeful collection.......2000-07-01

David Oistrakh has arguably the best pure tone of all who have ever played the violin--bar none.

Oistrakh (and Richter) Triumphant!.......2000-02-07

Reviewer David Mednicoff is exactly right about this set. All the concerto performances are terrific, but the two discs of sonatas (Brahms #2 & 3; Frank; Shostakovich [the live world premiere] and Bartok) with Richter are really something else. Amazing.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Pure Narcotic [Import]

Auréole Trio Plays Nicholas Maw & Richard Rodney Bennett

Archduke Rudolph: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano; Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano

The Original Jam Sesssions 1969 [Live]

Ascension [Import]

Celtic Harp 4: O'carolan's Dream

Best of [Import]

Blood & Vomit

Boku Wa Collector [Import]

Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin

Autophysiopsychic [Import]

A Mi Manera

Corazon Corazoncito

Ebony - Woody Herman's Thundering Herd

Voelkerball: Bildband