Granados: Goyescas; Falla: Pièces

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
A new release by pianist Ralph Votapek who skyrocketed to world prominence when he won the Gold Medal at the first Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1962. Since that time he has maintained a versatile and remarkable performance and recording career. Mr. Votapek has a special affinity for Spanish music. His performance of he most important piano suite in Spanish literature, Enrique Granados’ Goyescas,is especially vibrant. His full bodied sonority sings with lyric simplicity. Although the Manuel de Falla Pièces espagnoles(Four Spanish Pieces) are among his earliest compositions, they represent a clearly defined personality with a highly polished technique to match. Composed at the same time as Albéniz’s Iberia,they represent Spanish nationalism at its height.

Ralph Votapek was born in Milwaukee in 1939 and began his musical studies in Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Conservatory at the age of nine. He studied at Northwestern University with Guy Mombaerts, earning his Bachelor’s Degree, and subsequently attending both the Manhattan and the Juilliard School of Music. Although his principal teachers were Rosina Lhevinne and Robert Goldsand, he also studied with Nadia Reisenberg and Rudolf Serkin. In 1959, he won the Naumburg Award which offered him a New York debut at Town Hall.

Equally at home in Chamber music, Mr. Votapek has performed with the Juilliard, Fine Arts, New World and Chester String Quartets. The PBS television network and other educational stations draw frequently on Mr. Votapek’s video series of over forty recitals broadcast throughout the U.S.

Mr. Votapek has held the title of Artist-in-Residence at Michigan State University for over 30 years.

Tracks:

Moment Musical In E Mino Op. 12 No. 4
Prelude In G Op.32 No.5
Etude-Tableau In D Op.39 No.9
Prelude in D Flat Op.17 No.3
Prelude In E Flat Minor Op.16 No.4
Prelude In G Op.13 No.3
Etude in C Sharp Minor Op.42 No.5
La Vida Breve: First Spanish Dance - Manuel De Falla
Goyescas: Quejas O La Maya Y El Ruisenor
Danza Del Viejo Boyero
Danza De La Moza Donosa
Danza Del Gaucho Matrero
Nocturne In D Flat Op.27 No.2
Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66
Mephisto Waltz No.1

Tracks:

On Rachmaniov: Vocalise
On The Theme From Bach 'Goldberg Variations'
On Chopin: Nocturne In D Flat
On Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
Inspired By Scriabin
On Duermete Mi Nino
In The Style Of Tango
On Granados: 'Quejas O La Maya El Ruisenor'
In The Style Of Bach
On Chopin: Prelude In A
'Improvisation in Blue (Gabriela Montero)'
'Song for Natalia and Isabella (Gabriela Montero)'

Customer Reviews:

Gabriela Montero CDs.......2007-06-12

Excellent service -- speedy, just as described, well-packaged. I'd definitely buy from this seller again.

Non-professional Review.......2007-03-27

Okay, I listen almost exclusively to classical music, but I do so simply for the pleasure and nothing more. I cannot tell you about Gabriela Montero's technique, and, when she improvises, I have no ability to judge the music's intrinsic value, authenticity, or whatever. I can only tell you this: while I own many dozens of albums, running the full spectrum of the classical genre, I value none of them above Montero's Bach and Beyond and her Piano Recital. Pure listening joy!

Absolutely Magnificent!.......2007-03-09

I first saw Gabriela Montero on 60 Minutes a few months ago and was taken by her playing ability as well as her ability to improvise on the classics. Ms. Montero's fingers fly over the keyboard, playing Rachmaninoff more dramatically and key-perfect than I've heard in a long time. I decided to purchase this CD and have not been disappointed.

Improvisations Unbelievable!.......2007-01-26

Gabriela Montero is a tremendous talent, both in standard classical repertoire, and improvisation. I have know her since she was a young girl, and she was by far the best pianist around, even then. She is an undersung pianist of our age, and should rise to the top very soon!

A beautiful breath of fresh air!.......2007-01-20

What a sheer delight hearing her play. I've never heard anyone quite like her. A phenomenally gifted player, and it's a rare treat to hear someone who defies pigeonholing. I had heard her on the radio, and knew I was onto something when her improvisation on a very simple theme gave me the chills. I love both CD's in this collection.

It's interesting hearing the negative response coming from some classical musicians and fans. At times it can seem to roughly follow the stages of grief as proposed by Kubler-Ross. I'm a professional guitarist, and it's funny because it's almost identical to how guitarists react to hearing another guitarist, but with an big class-conscious overlay (all very civilized, of course). Think of the "guitarist screwing in a lightbulb" joke. To paraphrase and extrapolate on what someone might say upon hearing her improvisation:

1. Shock: Wow, he's good. Oh, and it's a woman!? And you say it's improvisation??

2. Denial: That can't possibly be improvisation. Classical musicians don't engage in that untidy process. What she's playing must be written out, and I can tell! Don't ask, I just know it.

3. Anger: This stuff is no good. Only permanent music is of value through the ages, and that's why classical music (and only the European kind) is better than any other music. Besides, I can't improvise, so I reject it - and only THOSE people engage in improvisation.

4. Depression: She can play all the classical music, and seemingly can improvise, or at least pass her stuff off as such. Not only that, she's getting attention and money, and we're not. Why is the world unfair?

5. Acceptance: (sort of) Well, I guess she's selling CD's, and is becoming successful. She is, I hate to admit it, a great player. Even if she is a faker. Of course, they're begging my Muffy to become artist-in-residence in Spoleto....

The other reviewer has a point when he says that she may be viewed as a curiosity. Because she's crossing genres, people may not know what to make of it, and this often causes reflexive hostility. As an improvisor, I would agree that it's hard to say that something is 100% improvised - players tend to have pet phrases and favorite general ideas they return to. But to me, Gabriela's playing is at the highest level of skill, beauty, and feeling, whether improvising or playing written pieces.

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording
Highly Recommended!
Amazing
A gentleman musical agreement!
Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Christopher Parkening plays Bach
Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique
In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia

ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
Estudio brillante
Etude No. 1 In E Minor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Leyenda
Romance
Rumores de la Caleta
Capricho Arabe
Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Les Barricades mysterieuses
Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
Passacaglia
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Gymnopedie No. 1
Empress Of The Pagodas
Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
Fairest Lord Jesus
Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
Simple Gifts
Hymn Of Christian Joy
Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
Cantata 156: Arioso
Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
Canon
Dolly Suite: Berceuse
La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Terezinha De Jesus
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
Evening Dance
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Canarlos
La Maja de Goya
El Noi de la Mare
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Average customer rating:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Together, first time
Masters
Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | 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

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Similar Items:

Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Baroque Guitar
Bach: Lute Suites

ASIN: B000003FDM
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
Goyescas: Intermezzo
La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
Dolly, Op. 56: Spanish Dance
Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, No. 2: Oriental

Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

Average customer rating:

The most noble voice
PURCHASE THIS JEWEL WHILE YOU CAN
luminous artistry from a genius
A special Dignity and an Unfailing Beauty of Voice.

Songs Of Spain / De Los Angeles, et al

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Azulão
The Fabulous Victoria De Los Angeles
The Maiden and the Nightingale: Songs of Spain
The Very Best of Victoria de los Angeles
On the Wings Of Song and Zarzuela Arias - Victoria de los Angeles

ASIN: B00000I4KQ
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

El rossinyol
El testament d'Amelia
Adios meu homino
Mina nay por me casare
Tengo que subir
Ahi tienes mi corazon
La vi llorando
Ya se van los pastores
Campanas de Belen
Jaeneras que yo canto
A dormir ahora mesmo
Granadinas
Hincarse de rodillas
Cancion de trilla
Parado de Valldemosa
Nik baditut
Andregaya
Din, dan, boleran
Mariam matrem
Ay, triste vida corporal!
Que es mi vida, preguntais?
Porque es, dama, tanto quereros?
No me llames segalaherba
Ay, luna que reluces
En esta larga ausencia
Molinillo que mueles amores
Confiado jilguerillo
Seguidillas religiosas
Cancion de cuna
El jilguerillo con pico de oro
El canape

Tracks:

Ah, el novio no quiere dinero
Coma la rosa en la guerta
Estavase la mora
Aquel rey de Francia
Damos gracias a ti, Dios
Sobre Baca estaba el rey
Ay que non hay!
Rosa das rosas
Maravillosos e piadosos
Tres moricas m'enamoran
Paseabase el rey moro
Dime a do tienes las mientes
Si no's huviera mirado
Dexo la venda
Puse mis amores
Aqui me declaro su pensamiento
Pues que me tienes
Gentil dama, non se gana
Mi querer tanto vos quiere
Una hija tiene el rey
Una matica de ruda
Si la noche se hace oscura
Pastorcico, non te aduermas
Ay triste que vengo
No soy you quien la descrube
Pase el agua, Julieta
Aquel caballero, madre
Duelete de mi, Senora
De Antequera salio el Moro
De los alamos vengo, madre
Enfermo estaba Antioco
Dame acogida en tu hato
Morenica, dame un beso
Senora, si te olvidare
De donde venis, amore?

Tracks:

La rosa enflorece
Ven querida
Adio, querida
Durme, durme, hermozo hijico
Paxaro d'hermosura
Avrix, mi galanica
Irme quiero, la mi madre
Ya viene el cativo
Yo m'enamori d'un aire
Una matica de ruda
Anda, jaleo
Los cuatro muleros
Las tres hojas
Los mozos de Monleon
Las morillas de Jaen
Sevillanas del siglo 18
El cafe de Chinitas
Nana de Sevilla
Los pelegrinitos
Zorongo
Romance de Don Boiso
Los reyes de la baraja
La tarara
El combat del somni: Damunt de tu, nomes les flors
A l'ombra del Lledoner: Canco de grumet
Canciones negras: Cancion de cuna para dormir a un negrito
Cuatro madrigales amatorios: De los alamos vengo, madre
Coleccion de tonadillas: Callejeo
Coleccion de tonadillas: El tra la la y el punteado
Seis canciones castellanas: No quiero tus avellanas
Seis canciones castellanas: Jota
Panxolina
Tu pupila es azul
Cantos populares espanolas: Malaguena
Cantos populares espanolas: Granadina
Cantos populares espanolas: El Vito
Cantos populares espanolas: Pano murciano
Clavelitos
Adios, Granada
Madrigal

Tracks:

Coleccion de tonadillas: Amor y odio
Coleccion de tonadillas: Callejeo
Coleccion de tonadillas: El majo discreto
Coleccion de tonadillas: El majo olvidado
Coleccion de tonadillas: El majo timido
Coleccion de tonadillas: El mirar de la maja
Coleccion de tonadillas: El tra la la y el punteado
Coleccion de tonadillas: La maja de Goya
Coleccion de tonadillas: Las currutacas modestas
Tres majas dolorosas: Oh muerte cruel!
Tres majas dolorosas: Ay majo de mi vida
Tres majas dolorosas: De aquel majo amante
Goyescas: La maja y el ruisenor (Rosario)
'La vida breve': Vivan los que rien! (Salud - Act 1)
'La vida breve': Alli esta! Riyendo! (Salud - Act 2)
'Acis y Galatea': Confiado jilguerillo
El tripili
Llorad, corazon
Iban al pinar
No lloreis, ojuelos
Mananica era
Mira que soy nina
Gracia mia
El pano moruno
Seguidilla murciana
Asturiana
Jota
Nana
Cancion
Polo
'La Tempranica': Zapateado (La tarantula e un bicho mu malo)

Customer Reviews:

The most noble voice.......2004-05-28

Victoria de los Angeles' voice not only has a silken quality and fascinating glow to it but it is one of the most regal, noble sounds you'll ever hear. She illuminated those moments of quietness, gentleness and noble, feminine pride and elegance like no other soprano before and after her. This release of her "Spanish Songs" has never been surpassed. The songs of her homeland seem to have been written for her beautiful instrument alone, she fills every piece with special beauty and charm, religious flair and beautiful, noble simplicity. Buy this recording and see why Victoria is one of the best sopranos ever having come from Spain.

PURCHASE THIS JEWEL WHILE YOU CAN.......2002-01-08

FOR A LONG TIME "SONGS OF SPAIN" HAS BEEN MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF CLASSICAL, POPULAR, SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS (CHRISTIAN AND SEPHARDIC) SPANISH SONGS. DE LOS ANGELES DEFIES A RIVAL IN THIS GENRE. DE LARROCHA, SORIANO AND ZANETTI PROVIDE UNEQUALED ACCOMPANIEMENTS. THE RECORDINGS ARE SECOND ONLY TO LIFE PERFORMANCES. I UNDERSTAND THAT EMI INTENDS TO TAKE THIS SET OUT OF PUBLICATION. PURCHASE THIS JEWEL WHILE YOU CAN! I JUST PURCHASED MY THIRD SET FROM AMAZON AND I TREASURE IT AS MUCH AS MY FIRST!

luminous artistry from a genius.......2000-12-26

the vocal artist of vocal artistsdisplays her absolutely gorgeous voice and musical understanding of spanish feeling with a warmth that is unmatched anywhere.the only thing better was to hear her in person!

A special Dignity and an Unfailing Beauty of Voice........2000-09-17

This set offers four generously-filled CDs comprising almost 140 Spanish songs from Victoria de los Angeles' repertoire. To all of them she brings a special dignity and an unfailing beauty of voice. The earliest recordings date from 1950 and the last is the items she sang at the opening of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Yes, you will find the ubiquitous "Clavelitos!" here, and a later version of "La maya el ruisenor" from "Goyescas". The enclosed booklet provides illuminating notes by Lionel Salter, who also translated many of the texts which are also included. Accompanists include Gerald Moore and Alicia de Larrocha, and Victoria de Los Angeles provides a guitar accompaniment herself in one song. The last track of all, a zapateado from a zarzuela, recorded live in New York, must almost have brought the house down.

Christopher Parkening with David Brandon ~ Virtuoso Duets

Average customer rating:

"Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two," ...
Parkening and Brandon Duo

Christopher Parkening with David Brandon ~ Virtuoso Duets

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia
In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Walton: 5 Bagatelles; Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

ASIN: B000002RQ9
Release Date: 1990-10-15

Tracks:

La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
El sombrero de tres picos: The Miller's Dance
De los alamos vengo, madre
Ciranda No.1: Terezinha de Jesus
El Paoruno
Danza de la pastora
Danza de la gitana
Song Of The Will - o' - the - wisp From El Amor brujo
Intermezzo From Goyescas
Prelude And Fugue No. 4 In E
Prelude And Fugue No. 4 in E
Hymn Of Christian Joy (Prelude In Classic Style)
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Sanctify Us By Thy Goodness
Offertorio
Canon
Four Renaissance Pieces: Le Rossignol
Four Renaissance Pieces: Drewies Accordes
Four Renaissance Pieces: Watkins Ale
Four Renaissance Pieces: La Volta
Berceuse From Dolly Suite
An Old Music Box
Evening Dance

Customer Reviews:

"Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two," ..........2005-10-24

wrote Frederic Chopin. Those who enjoy classical guitar music find special pleasure in duets. The repertoire for duets is less frequently played, yet offers more possibilities for textural and harmonic effects than solo guitar. In such capable hands as Christopher Parkening and David Brandon, few musical experiences could give greater listening pleasure.

This album is, sadly, no longer in print and thus makes it even more collectable. Please buy this CD before you loose the chance to hear some the most beautifully played classical guitar duets ever recorded.

Parkening and Brandon Duo.......2001-12-14

This duo plays very well; however, the best tracks of this CD are on the Parkening "Great Recordings" double CD. Thus buying that CD would get you the best of this CD plus a lot of other good recordings. The duo's performance of "La Vida Breve," "Intermezzo," and "Evening Dance" are my favorites (and are included on the "Great Recordings" CD).

Average customer rating:

Best-Loved Piano Classics 1

Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Fant-Impromtu in c#, Op.66
Waltz in A Flat, Op.39, No.15
Son in A, K.331: III. Alla Turca (Allegretto)
Minuet in C
Kinderszenen, Op.15 No.7: Traumerai
Un Sospiro (Concert Study)
Etude in c#, Op.10 No.4
Etude No.5 in G Flat 'Black Keys'
Humoresque, Op.101 No.7
Woodland Sketches, Op.51 No.1: To A Wild Rose
Automne, Op.35 No.2
Bagatelle No.25, G.173 'Fur Elise'
Ste Bergamasque: Clair De Lune
Children's Corner Ste: Golliwogg's Cakewalk
Prld in c#, Op.3 No.2
Melody in F, Op.3 No.1
The Maiden And The Nightingale (Goyescas)
Ritual Fire Dance (El Amor Brujo)
Tango, Op.165 No.2

Average customer rating:

Rubinstein's Love Affair with Spain
Rubinstein Topples de Larrocha
Rubinstein "Speaks" Spanish Without an Accent

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 18

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 42
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 22
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 24
Artur Rubinstein Collection, Vol 25
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 72

ASIN: B000031WBO
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Andaluza: Danza espanola No. 5 In E Minor
The Three-Cornered Hat: Miller's Dance
Cordoba, Op. 232, No. 4
Goyescas, No. 4: The Maiden And The Nightingale
Cancon i dansa No. I
Pieces espagnoles, No. 4: Andaluza
Iberia, No. I: Evocacion
Navarra (Completed By Severac)
Suite espanola, No. 3: Sevillanas
El Amor Brujo: Dance Of Terror
Cancon i dansa No. 6
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: En el Generalife
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: Danza lejana
Nights in the Gardens of Spain: En los jardines de la Sierra de Cordoba
El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance

Customer Reviews:

Rubinstein's Love Affair with Spain.......2006-09-06

Arthur Rubinstein was from the earliest days of his long fabled career a proponent of the music of Spain. Whether in that extraordinary follow-up to the protean display pieces of Liszt, Albeniz's Iberia, or the memorable lyrical passages of the ill-fated Granados, Rubinstein's way with this music stood out in that bygone era of legendary virtuosi. (Of note - Granados tragically was killed trying in vain to rescue his wife following a U-boat attack on their return to Barcelona following the succesful 1916 Met premiere of his opera Goyescas. His success was so great in America he even played at the White House for President Wilson. The CD has one selection from Goyescas, the famous "The Maiden and the Nightingale" in a wonderfully evocative performance by Rubinstein.)
At the same time as the Goyescas' Met premiere the young Artur Rubinstein was traveling across the breadth of the Iberian peninsula, giving over a hundred concerts between 1916 and 1917. Rubinstein became friends with the Albeniz family. (The composer had died in 1909.) He became a huge public favorite and was feted far and wide in Spain, including by the Spanish Royal family. Throughout his life he kept a home in Spain in that extraodinary Costa del Sol cityscape that is Marbella. Rubinstein's appreciation for Spain and Spanish music was unparalled among any other non-Spanish performers of the last century.
This selection was made according to the back cover between 1947 and 1955, but actually, as one reviewer correctly noted, the earliest recording, Navarra from Iberia, was made earlier, in June of 1941. The remainder are from 1947 or later. The performance of the delightful Spanish piano concerto, De Falla's Noches en los Jardins de Espana, captures Rubinstein at the peak of his career - his later stereo performance lacks the froth, sparkle and genuine magic given off in this version. The piano sounds wonderful and has been superbly restored in this issue. The only downside to this CD is that it represents most of the Spanish music Rubinstein recorded.
If you thought Rubinstein simply meant Chopin then this CD will certainly be a revelation. Some of the greatest Spanish piano music played by one of its greatest interpretators. Highest possible recomendation!
P.S. When a customer searches for this title why does Amazon insist on listing an old no longer available CD of this RCA CD and not this much more recent and in stock remastering? This version has a drawing of Rubinstein by Picasso.

Rubinstein Topples de Larrocha.......2001-02-10

Dear Readers, Rubinstein does not deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with de Larrocha. The fact is that he "LOVED" Spanish music and de Larrocha made her career on it. It's very beautiful what she does, but Rubinstein goes to the heart everytime. You'll get a glimpse of this if you compare the two. They are in very different zones.

Rubinstein "Speaks" Spanish Without an Accent.......2001-01-02

After Alicia De Larrocha, Arthur Rubinstein was the 20th century's greatest exponent of Spanish piano music. On his first tour of Spain, in 1915, the Polish pianist fell in love with the country--its food, wine, women, and music. The love was mutual. Spain took Rubinstein to heart and became friends with some of the composers featured on this CD. Critical reactions to Rubinstein's performances of Spanish music were ecstatic--many musicians remakring that he played Spanish music "without an accent," i.e., like a born Spaniard.

The performances on this CD were recorded from 1941-1955. Every track on this disc demonstrates what the critics in Spain were writing at the time, Rubinstein had a natural feel for this repertoire that defies born nationality. Particularly effective are the Albeniz and Falla selections.

It is a pity that Rubinstein was not persuaded to re-record all of these works in stereo (there are stereo versions of Falla's Fire Dance, Nights in the Gardens of Spain, and Albeniz' Navarra), as there are those closed-minded individuals who will refuse to buy this CD simply because the recordings featured on it are monaural. The loss is theirs.

Tracks:

Waltz No. 2, Op. 34, No. 1 In A-Flat Major
Waltz No. 7, Op. 64, No. 2 In C-Sharp Minor
Mazurka No. 23, Op. 33, No. 2 In D Major
Mazurka No. 35, Op. 63, No. 1 In B Major
Mazurka No. 39, Op. 63, No. 1 In B Major
Consolation No. 3 In D-Flat Major
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 10 In E Major
Liebestraum No. 3 In A-flat Major
Prelude, Op. 3 , No. 2 In C-Sharp Minor
Preludes, Book I: No. 10: La cathedrale engloutie
Pour le piano, No. 1: Prelude In A Minor
Le tombeau de Couperin: Forlane
Goyescas, No. 4: The Maiden And The Nightingale
El Amor Brujo: Dance Of Terror
El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance
Prole Do Bebe, Book I: No. 2: Moreninha
Prole Do Bebe, Book I: No. 6: A pobrezinha
Prole Do Bebe, Book I: No. 7: O Polichinelo

Customer Reviews:

An artist at work.......2001-09-13

When these recordings were made, hearing music coming from a rudimental display was probably considered a miracle; discs were made to amaze people, maybe to show off technical improvements, an above all to sell music: the quality of the recorded performance didn't matter too much, while the important thing was to have a Waltz by Chopin or a Prelude by Debussy on record. But Arthur Rubinstein always did concern about quality: he didn't make any mechanical piano recording, because he thought the piano sounded "like a banjo", and he accepted to get into a studio only after being sure the results were going to be worthy. While other musicians did anything to get immortalized into Concerto-for-banjo-like recordings, Ruby chose to wait until recorded music was a serious thing. Indeed, in this early selection of encores, we hear a great pianist, but an even greater artist, in whom we can easily recognise the main character of Rubinstein's beautiful autobiography.

Vintage Early Rubinstein.......2000-10-10

The recordings on this CD date from 1929-1937, and catch Rubinstein during his years as a devil-may-care virtuoso. Because of the limited playing time of 78rpm records, all of the pieces featured here are shorter works, which makes for a wonderful grab-bag of selections showcasing Rubinstein's wide pianistic culture. With two exceptions, all of the performances here show Rubinstein at his best.

One exception, Chopin's Waltz Op. 34, No. 1, suffers from some crudely banged out bass notes during the coda. Rubinstein transforms this piece from "Grande Valse Brilliante" into "Grand Valse Violente."

Of special importance here are Rubinstein's first official recordings of several pieces associated with him. Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 10 is irresistable in his hands, the friska being tossed off with flirtatious elan. (There is actually an earlier recording, from 1910, of the Rhapsody which was not included in this collection) The ever popular Consolation No. 3, on the other hand is rather strange: the left hand part suffers from some uneven fingerwork which makes the piece sound like a habanera, ruining the poetic atmosphere of the music.

Rubinstein's arrangements of Falla's Dance of Terror and Fire Dance were favorite encores which flatly contradict his criticism of Vladimir Horowitz' Carmen Variations as being in poor taste. As encores, both pianists' arrangements were marvelous pieces that brought audiences to their feet.

Concluding this volume are three selections from Villa-Lobos' Doll Suite. They are wonderful pieces of charming fluff that Rubinstein performed from time to time.

Tracks:

Espana: Rapsodie - The State Of Mexico Symphony Orchestra/Enrique Batiz
Fandango - Carlos Bonell
The Toreador's Prayer - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Carmen: The Toreadors - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Espana: Tango - Allan Schiller
Cantos De Espana: Bajo La Palmera - Pro Arte Gtr Trio
Suite Espanola: Sevilla - Alma Petchersky
Suite Espanola: Asturias - Guillermo Fierens
Goyescas: Intermezzo - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Tonadillas: The Timid Beau - Sandra Browne/Michael Isidor
Danzas Espanolas: Villanesca - Pro Arte Gtr Trio
Danzas Espanolas: Andaluza - Maria Garzon
Gran Jota - Carlos Bonell
La Vida Breve: Spanish Dance No.1 - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz
Canciones Populares Espanolas: Jota - Sandra Browne/Michael Isidor
Love The Magician: Ritual Fire Dance - Orquesta Filarmonica De La Ciudad De Mexico/Enrico Batiz

Average customer rating:

Earl Wild plays Spanish and French Gems

Manufacturer: Ivory Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000DCQP
Release Date: 1998-09-10

Tracks:

El sombrero de tres picos: Danza del molinero
Espana, Opus 165: Malaguena
Suite espanola, Opus 47: Castilla (Seguidillas)
Images, Set l: Reflects dans l'eau
Iberia, Book 2: Triana
El Amor Brujo: Danza ritual del fuego
Doce danzas espanolas, Opus 37: Andaluza
Caprice epagnole, Opus 37
Preludes, Book l: Les collines d'Anacapri
Cancion y Danza No.8
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de lune
Jeux d'eau
Images, Set ll: Poissons d'or
Goyescas: Quejas o la mafa y el ruisenor
Miroirs: Alborada del gracioso

Album Description

Earl Wild, considered by the critic Harold C. Schonberg to be the last of the grand Romantic pianists, plays fifteen of the most evocative Spanish and French tone-paintings. These musical landscapes by Falla, Albéniz, Debussy Granados, Moszkowski, Mompou and Ravel, are performed with the extraordinary finesse and sensitivity of a true Romantic Master. (ADD) Recorded 10/64, 10/65, 4/68. Mastered using 20-Bit State-of-the-Art Technology — HDCD Encoded

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