Celibidache [Box Set] [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Sergiu Celibidache was one of the podium's great individualists whose idiosyncratic interpretations drive listeners either to scorn or to reverence. This compilation of broadcasts made during his Swedish years provides material for both views, though most listeners should come away awed by "Celi" at his best. The Sibelius Fifth, for example, is a great performance, incredibly intense within a spacious framework of epic grandeur. The Sibelius Second, while on a less exalted level, is painted on a similarly broad canvas with playing of remarkable concentration and power. The Hindemith, too, is outstanding, Celibidache probing depths few other conductors find in the work. His Strauss is more conventional, affectionate without eclipsing other, more volatile Straussians such as Reiner and Kempe. Since Jacqueline Du Pré's picture shares the cover with the conductor, her fans will be curious about the unlikely combination of the rhapsodic cellist and the refined, even calculating conductor. Sure enough, they tend to go their own ways in the Dvorák, leading to an often exciting, although anything but unified, performance. All in all, this set is one of the most desirable of DG's Celibidache releases. --Dan Davis

Celibidache [Box Set], Music, Jacqueline du Pré, Antonin Dvorak, Cesar Franck, Paul Hindemith, Dmitry Shostakovich, Jean Sibelius, Richard Strauss, Sergiu Celibidache, Swedish Brass Quintet, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Arve Tellefsen, 20th/21st Century Symphony, Cello Concerto, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Music, Concerto, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Symphony, Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra, Symphonic
CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symhony No. 8
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A unique Bruckner recording...to say the least.
  • being "special"
  • An X-ray of the soul
  • The best ever.
  • Compare this with Karajan's Bruckner 8th..
 CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symhony No. 8

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrucknerAll Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 4
  2. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Mass No. 3 in F minor
  3. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphony No. 1 / Ein deutsches Requiem
  4. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 / Te Deum
  5. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4

ASIN: B00000IG33
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No.8 In C Minor: Applause
  2. Symphony No.8 In C Minor: I. Allegro Moderato
  3. Symphony No.8 In C Minor: II. Scherzo. Allegro Moderato - Trio. Langsam

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No.8 In C Minor: III. Adagio. Feierlich langsam; doch nicht schleppend
  2. Symphony No.8 In C Minor: IV. Finale. Feierlich, nicht schnell
  3. Symphony No.8 In C Minor: Applause

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars A unique Bruckner recording...to say the least........2005-02-18

After hearing this recording, a good friend of mine who is a Bruckner Eighth fanatic said that he was surprised how much he liked most of it. The way he described it, "If most good Bruckner Eighths make you feel like you are on top of a mountain looking at a majestic view around you, the Celibidache makes you feel like you are floating down a river with the mountains towering above you"--a good analogy, especially for the first movement.

No matter how you feel about Celibidache, his recordings are almost always interesting--even if you find yourself gnashing your teeth by the end; and it is a tribute to his magnetism as a conductor that he manages to pull of this interpretation as effectively as he does...at least through the first three movements. If the finale of Sibelius' violin concerto has been described as a "polonaise for polar bears," then Celibidache's reading turns the finale of the Bruckner Eighth into a "march of the brontosauruses"--through the La Brea tar pits! But if you are a true Bruckner fanatic--or "Brucknerd"--I hate to tell you this, but you've got to have this. Look for it in a used CD bin.

4 out of 5 stars being "special".......2003-04-25

Just far too slow for someone who is used to "normal" recording speed. Take the Karajan/VPO - even if everybody hates Karajan (why?) this is the most tasteful recording.

5 out of 5 stars An X-ray of the soul.......2003-01-31

I have loved Bruckner's symphonies for nearly 35 years. The recordings of Walter and Furtwangler (among many others) have defined Bruckner for me. The first time I heard a recording of Celibidache conducting the coda of Symphony 4, it instantly redefined that symphony for me. A few years later when the EMI recordings were released (after his death), I thought the EMI 4th was too slow at the end. But a few additional listenings convinced me that Celibidache was enabling a deeper understanding and feeling. He miraculously is able to display every detail of the score and maintain an intense feeling at the same time. It is this experience that I refer to as an x-ray of the soul of the music. This is especially true in the EMI recording of the 8th symphony. Once again I am focusing on the coda in the 4th movement. The tempo is here is slowed to at least half normal and every strand in the complex scoring seems to be laid bare. Yet the emotion and sense of the music are more intense than any other recording that I know (I have about 25 recordings of the 8th).

5 out of 5 stars The best ever........2002-08-19

Having 31 recordings of this symphony. I have to say that this particular outing is the finest I have ever heard.

5 out of 5 stars Compare this with Karajan's Bruckner 8th.........2002-01-20

This monumental symphony became my favorite when I frist heard it live with Sawallisch conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. The first CD I bought was Karajan's version... a disappointment... where is the feeling? I mean how could such a famous conductor dare to turn this symphony into background light music? I really missed Sawallisch's dignifying concert.

Then I bought this Celibidache's version. It gave me such a deep and long lasting impression that now I can no longer appreciate other conductors' interpretations! Celibidache's music is so unique and so warm. His sound is something that I never heard before or thought was possible. It's extremely powerful. If Karajan likes to go around and around and around.. with no focus, Celibidache wastes no time by going straight into the heart of Bruckner's music, and stays there. All my personal opinions, but I trust you will find them to be true. Try it.
CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 4
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • An stunning, profound, truly spiritual 4th.
  • Can Bruckner be Zen?
  • If Bruckner could only hear this.
  • Bruckner and Celibidache 2nd to none!
  • Best modern recording of this piece
CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 4

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BrucknerAll Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symhony No. 8
  2. Bruckner: Symphonie No. 9
  3. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 / Te Deum
  4. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4
  5. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Mass No. 3 in F minor

ASIN: B00000IG30
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No. 4 In E-Flat Major, 'Romantic': I. Bewegt, nicht zu schnell
  2. Symphony No. 4 In E-Flat Major, 'Romantic': II. Andante quasi Allegretto
  3. Symphony No. 4 In E-Flat Major, 'Romantic': III. Scherzo. Bewegt - Trio. Nicht zu schnell. Keinesfalls schleppend
  4. Symphony No. 4 In E-Flat Major, 'Romantic': IV. Finale. Bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An stunning, profound, truly spiritual 4th........2007-01-24

I had heard about Celibidache's notoriety for slowing down major works so I was not too sure what to expect. I listened to his recording of the Bruckner 8 in the same series but felt it did go on too long. However I really do feel his approach works tremendously well here. He takes this most immediately appealing of Bruckner's symphonies and makes it into something very spiritual and extra special. It is ironic that a conductor who lived and conducted through the art of Zen should become a champion of a symphonist who was a devout Catholic!

Celibidache can infuriate or he can make you feel extremely exalted. he is at his best in the Bruckner symphonies 4, 6 and 9. I am not too excited by Bruckner's symphonies #5, 7 and 8 and Celibidache's interpretations have not swayed me. It can be hard to fathom his take on Bruckner after listening to other recordings with the "right tempo". But you do need to listen to this interprtation of the 4th. It is slow but never ponderous. It allows the wonders of Bruckner's writing to shine forth and for me personally,I now know that he was a much better symphonist than I had realized. Now the problem is that all other recordings seem way too fast and uninvolving.

The beautiful opening horn theme captures the imagination immediately when taken at a at a slower tempo. Although Bruckner subtitled the work "Romantic" with half-hearted descriptions for each movement, I do envision the citadel at dawn with knights leading forth etc. I am especially captivated by the return of the opening theme later in the movement but accompanied by the delicate flutes. Ah, Sheer Beauty!

He also emphasizes the Shubertian grace and quality of the wonderful second movement where the strings shine and the brass cilmaxes, although evident are not overbearing. This is the "quiet Bruckner".

The third movement is arguably Bruckner's most famous music and Celibidache's tempo is not much slower than other conductors. In fact he made me appreciate the quieter passages of the movement even more.

THE FINALE AND ITS CODA: Oh Boy! This will be hard to describe in words as I am unable to convey exactly what my feelings are when I hear this music. The last movement of the 4th symphony has often been criticised as not being of the high standard of the first three movements. It is true that it was totally revised by Bruckner yet I did feel the criticisms were justified until I heard this recording. Now I think it is probably the most brilliant of all Bruckner's last movements, even surpassing that of #5 and #8. By slowing the movement Celibidache comes closest to what Bruckner might have envisioned. It makes for a complete symphony rather than a symphony of three movements with a finale tacked on. Sure, 27 minutes of music may seem like an endurance but amazingly the slower it is, the more power and beauty shines forth. Celibidache has taken this finale which seemed to disappoint and transformed it into a deeply spiritual and ultimately exalting experience. Is it classically correct? Does it arrive at the home key by the end? Does it answer all the questions and uncertainties of the first three movements? Hell I don't know. All I can say is it moves me. Music is a very personal experience and for me, this is the most rewarding finale of all the symphonies played today.

The most notable talking point in this performance is the end of the finale and the slow tempo. I brought this cd on a road trip through the more remote parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains here in California. When it came to the coda, I stopped the car knowing I was in "Bruckner Country", that is a landscape made by God. Bruckner was an extremely religious man, devoted to God and there is nowhere more fitting and beautiful to listen to this music than being alone and surrounded by the majesty of these peaks. Celibidache slowed the music down in an extreme way and found hidden wonders like the muted horns over the two note string motif played staccato by the violins instead of the flowing manner found in nearly all other recordings I have heard. How did other conductors miss this???

The coda starts at 20:04 minutes and continues to the end. "Heavenly", "impassioned", "majestic", "soaring", "spiritual", "transcendant" are all fitting terms to describe it. I am not sure what else "Celi" did to this music but the combination of the stunning scenery and this glorious, moving coda affected me deeply. I have listened to it many times at home with my eyes closed and no outside distractions. It will always have the power to take me somewhere very spiritual and calming. This is without a doubt, some of the most serenely beautiful seven and a half minutes of music I have ever heard and will probably ever hear in my life. Faure's IN PARADISUM from his REQUIEM, Barber's ADAGIO FOR STRINGS and the finale of Mahler's SYMPHONY # 2 are others that affect me deeply also. I feel that all other recordings I own of the Bruckner 4 do not matter to me anymore which is a shame as i have some great cds of this symphony. But for me this is the only one I want to listen to. No other conductor I have listened to can match it.

1. Bewegt, nicht zu schnell 21.56
2. Andante quasi allegretto 17.35
3. Scherzo. Bewegt-Trio... 11.04
4. Finale. Bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell 27.53

4 out of 5 stars Can Bruckner be Zen?.......2006-07-09

EMI's cover photo for this Bruckner Fourth depicts a detail from a famous Zen garden in Kyoto, giving us a hint how we should approach Celibidache's Bruckner: as a meditation on the infinite. A famsouly slow condcutor who based his aproach on esoteric writings from his guru (among other things), Celi was undoubtedly spiritual in his intentions. The Amazon reviewers below are all die-hard fans, but what will new lsiteners experience?

The string tremolos and horn calls that begin the first movement may seem painfully slowed down to a crawl, but Celi's sense of pace and drama isn't slack: it's just moving to a different drummer. Compare his timings with Karajan's acclaimed Fourth from 1970, also on EMI:
Celibidache Karajan
1st mvt. 21:56 20:48
2nd mvt. 17:35 15:38
3rd mvt. 11:04 10:41
4th mvt. 27:53 23:05

In the first and third movements Celi's tempos are not outrageously slow, coming within hailing distance of Karajan's, but be repared that the feeling is completely different: Celi is building architecture in broad arches, and when the opportunity comes to inject contrast with a faster passage, he doesn't take it. He wants us to remain mesmerized, and if you are on his wavelength, you will be. Orchestral execution is committed and passionate; the radio broadcast sonics are excellent.

The only real drawback for me is that even with a fairly energetic Scherzo, there's not much variance in mood, tone, and pacing. You have to surrender to a 'spiritual' atmosphere that's unrelenting. Some days I'm not willing to do that, but when the stars are jsut right, Celibidache's Bruckner can be as inspiring as his devoted fans insist it is.

5 out of 5 stars If Bruckner could only hear this........2006-06-05

After owning a number of well known 4ths I came upon this by accident. I did not know Celibidache. I should have. For you who know Bruckner and are familiar with his works, this performance will come as a revalation. It is slow. It has a relentless driving force. It has the spirit of Bruckner that few can communicate, it has the power and inner detail that the slow tempi allow. Do not think that there is a moment of boredom, there is not. Sound is excellent. I cannot get it out of my head. Especially the driving coda of the last movement.

5 out of 5 stars Bruckner and Celibidache 2nd to none!.......2006-05-10

Celibidache was a conductor who truly loved and understood Bruckner's compositions, and this wonderful recording is a perfect example of both Celibidache and Bruckners' genius. Celibidache knows how to bring the best out of the Munich Philharmonic. You can hear the flowing counterpoint, and each section of the orchestra seems to have a marked role which is heard most clearly. The brass and string section are absolutely marvelous on this recording. I think Celibidache really knew what a Bruckner string section should sound like. Words cannot describe the 4th symphony. All I can say is grab this recording as it is a perfect illustration of the greatness of Bruckner's music and the superb ability of Celibidache.

5 out of 5 stars Best modern recording of this piece .......2006-03-11

Amazing, if you like this piece - get it!
I doubt there is a better stereo recording of this piece..

There is a Furthwangler recording of this piece which I find better, but the recording quality is of a different era.
CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Brahms rediscovered!
  • Only one to rival Kleiber
  • Eccentric, yes, but there's some special musicmaking here
  • the best brahms out there
  • A Dangerous Recording
 CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphony No. 1 / Ein deutsches Requiem
  2. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
  3. Mozart: Requiem
  4. Schumann: Piano Concerto; Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1
  5. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 4

ASIN: B00000JQI7
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Applause
  2. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppo
  3. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: II. Adagio non troppo - L'istesso tempo, ma grazioso
  4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: III. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto ma non assai - Tempo l
  5. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: IV. Allegro con spirito
  6. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Applause
  7. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op.90: I. Allegro con brio
  8. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: II. Andante

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: III. Poco Allegretto
  2. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: IV. Allegro
  3. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Applause
  4. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo
  5. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: II. Andante moderato
  6. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso - Poco meno presto - Tempo l
  7. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato - Piu Allegro
  8. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Applause

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Brahms rediscovered!.......2007-04-08

There are so many good versions of theses symphonies out there that one could wonder why try a new one? As much as I regard say Harnoncoourt or Kleiber as superb renditions of Brahms' second or fourth, they seem at times almost prosaic compared with Cellibidache own reading. The music flows, breathes with such liberty that you get the impression something has been missing in other interpertations. I was determined to buy this cd based on the two comments I read on Amazon, notbably the one written by John B. Wolff and I feel indebted to him for making me sharing this musical experience.

5 out of 5 stars Only one to rival Kleiber.......2007-01-05

2nd and 3rd are also very very good indeed but i think the highlight of this 2cds is the fourth.Wisdom in Celibidache's approach and his bands passion is equaled by only Carlos Kleiber and Vienna Philharmonic in the recording which is thought to be the definitive recording of this excellent masterpiece.So tragic,so beautiful.Worthy of money at any price.

4 out of 5 stars Eccentric, yes, but there's some special musicmaking here.......2006-07-09

The Celibidache fans have turned out in force for these live Brahms performances from Munich, but if you're not a convert, what should you expect? Many listeners, having read reviews about Celi's glacial tempos, don't sample his many posthumous recordings. That's too bad, because although the conductor had highly idiosyncratic views of performance, hugely influenced by esoteric writings from an obscure German guru, he was a real maestro.

You have to relax and surrender to the very slow tempos here. To compare this Brahms Second with Toscanini's famous mono account with the NBC Sym. on RCA:
Celibidache Toscanini
1st mvt. 17:15 14:30
2nd mvt. 13:04 8:25
3rd mvt. 6:02 5:22
4th mvt. 11:01 8:52

Except in the Scherzo, these are huge differences that change the entire complexion of the mood, pace, phrasing, melody, and balance. But just as Toscanini's fleet Brahms creates its own world, so does Celibidache's. Because it's such an extreme world, I find it hard to award stars. You just have to go there. Be assured that EMI's sonics, taken from radio broadcasts, are excellent, and that the Munich Phil, who adored their conductor, play with great passion. They aren't the Vienna Phil, but they don't need to be.

The only caveat is that Cli had a method, and therefore these eadings all tend to evoke the same feelings--he's not out to find a unique character that spearates the Second Sym. from the Fourth, for example, unlike other conductors who find the former work pastoral and the latter tragic. This is all Celibidache--a broad, deep river that carries us across a landscape of spiritual loftiness. You may, or may not, be willing to tkae the journey.

5 out of 5 stars the best brahms out there.......2002-02-02

I've listened to the other authorized celibidache edition on dg.....I've listened to bernstien's early cycles with the new york philharmonic and later versions in germany on dg..I've heard szell on sony, barenboim in chicago, harnoncourt in berlin, dorati on the mercury label..I've paid attention to solti, sawallisch and sanderling...no one comes close to understanding brahms like celibidache does on this recording except maybe his earlier 1959 version with the milan symphony orchestra...the phrasing is so smooth as if it's rhythm is all that matters in life...it's the first recording where the passages with low volume carry as much weight as the louder parts...if you're a brahms fan, this cd is a must...it's too bad brahms didn't write more symphonies, just so that celibidache could conduct them.

5 out of 5 stars A Dangerous Recording.......2000-05-15

I have listened many times to these recordings. The danger is that you may reach the decision that I am about to implement. After this, all the other recordings of these symphonies seem like cold gruel. There are no rivals to these recordings. Listen to the breathing of the orchestra; it not an orchestra as we know it; it is a chamber ensemble. Each phrase is started and ended in a manner that is so natural and so human that is gives a palpabilitiy to the emotional as well as the intellectual; it truly is music that breathes. I am 70 years old. I am so glad I lived long enough to hear this wonderful conductor and to say thanks to the family and EMI for making it possible to listen to this great man and his great music. If you like classical music then buy these symphonies. You will never be sorry. P.S. The sound is fine!
Mozart: Requiem
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • apotheosis of Mozart
  • Incredibly moving
 Mozart: Requiem
Sergiu Celibidache
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Verdi: Requiem
  2. Bach: Mass in B Minor
  3. Fauré: Requiem; Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms [Live]
  4. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4
  5. Tchaikovsky: Symphony 4

ASIN: B00068V384
Release Date: 2005-07-18

Tracks:

  1. Applause
  2. 1. Introitus: Requiem Aeternam
  3. 2. Kyrie/3. Sequenz
  4. Dies Irae
  5. Tuba Mirum
  6. Rex Tremendae Majestatis
  7. Recordare, Jesu Pie
  8. Confutatis Maledictis
  9. Lacrimosa Dies Illa/4. Offertorium
  10. Domine Jesu Christe
  11. Versus: Hostias Et Preces
  12. 5. Sanctus
  13. 6. Benedictus
  14. 7. Agnus Dei
  15. 8. Communio: Lux Aeterna-Cum Sanctis Tuis
  16. Applause

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars apotheosis of Mozart.......2005-11-21

This is one of the greatest performances of Mozart Requiem in all recording history. As usual, this is a live recording of Celibidache. As you know, Celibidache was hated the "recorded music". He believed that, the music should be performed only in a concert hall and the audience, listeners should live that for one time, when the music playing in hall! But, if that performance was not recorded, we cannot listen that marvellous ocassion, anymore!

The tempos are incredible and very slow. Especially, in the first "Requiem aeternam" section, the tempo is Zen-like, and the Münich Philharmonic and Münich Chorus performed excellent. When you listen it, believe me, you can weep... And somewhere the tension ups, like in Dies irae movement. May be the tempi are slowly (not fast, tempestous as in Harnoncourt or Marriner versions) but Celibidache's ensemble played it very furious. So you can feel, "the Day of Judgement". The soloists are amazing. They sung very impressive, especially in Recordare. And I will not say about "Lacrymosa" movement. You know already that how it is pathetic...

The performance excellent and at this price, you must have that recording.

Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Incredibly moving.......2005-10-27

The review of this live performance in 1995 expains it all:

"What fire, what enthusiasm has been kindled in two weeks of intense preparation under Celididache!....The unworldly transition into the 'Lacrimosa', the baroque joy of the 'Domine Jesu', the sweeping melodic power of the 'Quam olim Abrahae', and (in the Introitus) an opening that comes from another world, so definitive but so removed from all personal desires - what we experienced here surpassed all description. We must suppose, indeed, that we will never again hear this work in all its perfection."

Eventhough a recording can only transmit a small percentage of what actually happens in a live performance, we are fortunate that this performance reached such heights that a small percentage of still overwhelms any other record. This is Celibidache's genius at its finest and you'll be hard pressed to find a better performance of a symphonic chorus on record than this one.
CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphony No. 1 / Ein deutsches Requiem
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • furtwangler, celibidache, and...
  • Powerful. Beautiful.
  • Tempo y sensibilidad increibles...
  • the best 1st symphony by far is this one on emi...
 CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphony No. 1 / Ein deutsches Requiem

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RequiemsRequiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4
  2. Mozart: Requiem
  3. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
  4. Verdi: Requiem
  5. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6

ASIN: B00000JQI6
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

  1. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: I. Selig sind, die da Leid tragen. Ziemlich Langsam und mit Ausdruck
  2. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: II. Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras. Langsam, marschmassig
  3. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: III. Herr, lehre doch mich. Andante moderato
  4. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: IV. Wie lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen. Massig bewegt
  5. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: V. Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit. Langsam
  6. Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: VI. Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt.. Andante - Vivace - Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: VII. Selig sind die Toten. Feierlich
  2. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro
  3. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: II. Andante Sostenuto
  4. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: III. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso
  5. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: IV. Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
  6. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Applause

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars furtwangler, celibidache, and..........2007-01-29

i had been enamoured with furtwangler. i just couldn't be satisfied by other conductors after having listened to his brahms and bruckner. these composers, to me, seemed to have created entirely different universes with their symphonies (in the most literal sense!). they weren't expositions of pretty music - they were 'cathedrals of sound.' and no one except furwangler seemed to be able to project the grand aura that made these pieces so beautiful, so frightening.
and then i ran in to celibidache. my first encounter with him was his recording of the bruckner 3rd, popularly known as the wagner symphony. i was blown away by the massive sonorities celibidache conjured from the munich philharmonic orchestra. yes, the performance was very long. but celibidache certainly had a point - if he had tried to conduct in a faster tempo, then our ears would've been congested by the torrent of music.
the brahms symphony no. 1 is the only account other than furtwangler's 1951 recording that i have been completely taken aback with. what strikes me as most astonishing is the rapport between the conductor and the orchestra. every phrase, every tone is so meticulously projected that one rather imagines that celibidache is a giant with hundreds of arms, playing on his own.
the german requiem is even slower! but you cannot be disappointed. this is, after all, a requiem mass. the chorus is top-notch, too, and i found myself almost engulfed by rolling waves of music.
celibidache's bruckner might be a little taxing on the mind; his beethoven even more so. but his brahms will convince you like no other.
furtwangler, bohm, szell, bernstein, and celibidache are all dead. the age of the titans has reached an end.

5 out of 5 stars Powerful. Beautiful........2006-03-08

This recording was my first introduction to Celibidache's conducting and I must say I've been very impressed. The phrasing, dynamics, and tonal richness are superb. The tempo is decidedly slower than most performances of this requiem (hence the need for two CDs), but that can be traced to the fact that it is a live recording and Celibidache was very sensitive to the dynamics of each concert hall he was performing in. If there was more reverb in the hall, tempos were slower because each note had to be given full space to breathe... to live and develop. I really appreciate the slower tempo, though, because I've heard so many more things in Celibidache's recording than in the other 5 I own (Herreweghe [the best of the remaining five], Previn, Shaw, Gardiner, and Blomstedt). I would highly recommend this recording if you're looking for an extremely sensitive, passionate performance (and don't mind the occasional audience cough). If you want a crystal clear, measured, polished, studio recording, I would go with Herreweghe's recording.

5 out of 5 stars Tempo y sensibilidad increibles..........2004-09-08

Parece que ahora se impone recuperar una cierta vivacidad en el Requiem de Brahms, siguiendo sin duda la tendencia de los directores "historicistas", y más en concreto la estupenda versión de Gardiner.

De acuerdo, la ecuación que iguala lentitud a espiritualidad nos suena a caduca sensibilidad decimonónica, a melífuas plañideras y beatería. Pero al escuchar esta versión de Celibidache, con una duración muy superior a la del inglés, no puedo por menos que olvidarme de las normas y modas sobre tempos: la morosidad de Celi no es blanda ni cansina, sino un prodigio de intensidad y de control, una maravilla que en manos de cualquier otro de desharía como un buñuelo de viento recalentado y fofo, pero que gracias a esa firmeza e intensidad deja a la postre la sensación de máxima unidad y penetración: un autentico placer de desarrollo, que deja una huella imborrable. Corre uno el peligro de no poder tomarse en serio el resto de las versiones, que al lado de esta parecen ejercicios de escolares con prisas por acabar sus exémenes.

La orquesta y el coro suenan magníficos, bajo el portentoso control del director. Los solistas son estupendos, muy en especial el (para mí) desconocido Franz Gerihsen.

Toda esta intensidad en la duración, esa potencia no basada en la sofisticación y en una ternura razonable hacen de este "Requiem humano" una joya que le deja a uno con el ánimo en forma para todo el día...

5 out of 5 stars the best 1st symphony by far is this one on emi..........2002-02-02

I've listened to the other authorized celibidache edition on dg.....I've listened to bernstien's early cycles with the new york philharmonic and later versions in germany on dg..I've heard szell on sony, barenboim in chicago, harnoncourt in berlin, dorati on the mercury label..I've paid attention to solti, sawallisch and sanderling...no one comes close to understanding brahms like celibidache does on this recording except maybe his earlier 1959 version with the milan symphony orchestra...the phrasing is so smooth as if it's rhythm is all that matters in life...it's the first recording where the passages with low volume carry as much weight as the louder parts...if you're a brahms fan, this cd is a must..it's too bad brahms didn't write more symphonies, just so that celibidache could conduct them.
CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good recording, but the tempos are too slow
  • Two masterful movements, two eccentric ones
  • A great Beethoven Ninth
  • You haven't heard anything until you heard this one!!!
  • Uncommon
 CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4
  2. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
  3. Mozart: Requiem
  4. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphony No. 1 / Ein deutsches Requiem
  5. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

ASIN: B00000JQI5
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: Applause
  2. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
  3. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: II. Molto vivace
  4. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: III. Adagio molto e cantabile
  5. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: IV. Presto
  6. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone!' - Allegro assai (Final chorus from Schiller's 'Ode To Joy')
  7. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: Applause

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good recording, but the tempos are too slow.......2007-03-02

Oh my goodness, what is going on here?

If you've attended Juilliard, you probably know all about Sergiu Celibidache. If not, you may not be aware of this fine but eccentric conductor.

This is a live recording, from March 17, 1989. Celibidache was of the opinion that live performances had to be done at tempos that were, um, consistent with the acoustics of the music hall. When the performance is heard on a CD, he claimed it would always sound "too slow."

Celibidache did not give permission to release this music as a CD. But he died, and his widow and son decided to release some of his archived recordings, including this one.

In any case, I think the music is indeed too slow. But it is interesting, and I'm giving it four stars.

3 out of 5 stars Two masterful movements, two eccentric ones.......2006-07-09

If you are a new listener to Celibidache and have heard of his eccentrically slow tempos, two movements in this live Beethoven Ninth form Munich will confirm your worst fears. The Scherzo, which Beethoven marks Presto, is taken as a none-too-fast Andante and therefore becomes a complete distortion of the composer's intentions. The same is true for the finale, which isn't uniformly slow but has far too many stretches where Beethoven's sense of triumphant joy is lost. celi wasn't a slack conductor, and even at slow tempos he makes a cogent argument, it just happens to be very off base.

However, the first movement and Adagio. both at 18 min. are within normal tempo range (surprisingly, Solti is just as slow in the first movement and even slower in the Adagio). When the veil of Celi's too-slow tempos is removed, what we find is a real maestro, capable of drama, pacing, and tension, all hallmarks of great Beethoven conducting. I wouldn't say, however, that he is inspired in these two movements; the overal tone is traditional middle-European in the same league as Karl Bohm.

EMI's sonics are fine, but the miking of the Munich chorus is a bit murky, and Beethoven's fiendish vocal writing undoes Siegfried Jerusalem on his climactic high note.

Taken as a whole, this is certainly a worthy addition to the Celibidache legacy, but the entire performance is too idiosyncratic to make the best impression.

5 out of 5 stars A great Beethoven Ninth.......2005-07-27

Be prepaired to hear a very special Beethoven 9.Yes, slow, but this only help music breathe.Throw away preconceptions an listen with your mind open. You'll find something that is very hard to find in other places. Warmly recomended.
PS: This rendition is the only one from the ones that I have listened respectful to Beethoven's precise indication regarding tempo in Scherzo.

5 out of 5 stars You haven't heard anything until you heard this one!!!.......2005-05-27

The late Sergiu Celibidache was probably the greatest and least known conductor to the public due to his general aversion to recordings. Fortunately EMI brought out quite a number of them that attest to his greatness. This is surely one of the best.
Starting with the purely symphonic 1st movement, masterfully controlled, through the rather measured Scherzo of incredible rhytmic precision to the beatific Adagio, rarely shaped so beautifully, we arrive at the 4th movement that bursts out into a miracle.
Words fail me to describe the experience... Four top level soloists sing their heart out. Helen Donath is a heavenly soprano. Siegfried Jerusalem a strong, precise tenor in the march episode.Peter Lika, basso, one of the best ever recorded.
The Munchen Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir are both stunning, excellently balanced and very well recorded.
But full credit must go to the Conductor who creates absolute heaven, an electrically charged reading in this beautifully detailed performance of high exaltation.
Celibidache likes slower tempi, but he is a firm believer in what he is doing and the results prove him right.
Highly recommended. Go, get it while the supplies last.

5 out of 5 stars Uncommon.......2004-01-27

Once more, Celibidache makes us look at a warhorse in quite a different way. And it's a way that is very much more revelatory and inspiring. I whole-heartedly recommend this recording for the seasoned Beethoven student.
Bach: Mass in B Minor
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Bach: Mass in B Minor
    Sergiu Celibidache
    Manufacturer: Angel Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Mozart: Requiem
    2. Verdi: Requiem
    3. Fauré: Requiem; Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms [Live]
    4. Tchaikovsky: Symphony 4
    5. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

    ASIN: B00068V37U
    Release Date: 2005-07-18

    Tracks:

    1. Chorus: Kyrie Eleison
    2. Duet: Christe Eleison
    3. Chorus: Kyrie Eleison
    4. Chorus: Gloria In Excelsis
    5. Chorus: Et In Terrra Pax
    6. Aria: Laudamus Te
    7. Chorus: Gratias Agimus Tibi
    8. Duet: Domine Deus
    9. Chorus: Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
    10. Aria: Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
    11. Aria: Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
    12. Chorus: Cum Sancto Spiritu

    Tracks:

    1. Chorus: Credo In Unum Deum
    2. Chorus: Credo In Unum Deum, Patrem Omnipotentem
    3. Duet: Et In Unum Dominum
    4. Chorus: Et Incarnatus Est
    5. Chorus: Crucifixus
    6. Chorus: Et Resurrexit
    7. Aria: Et In Spiritum Sanctum
    8. Chorus: Confiteor
    9. Chorus: Et Exspecto Resurrectionem
    10. Chorus: Sanctum
    11. Chorus: Osanna In Excelsis
    12. Ara: Benedictus Qui Venit
    13. Chorus: Osanna (Da Capo)
    14. Aria: Agnus Dei
    15. Chorus: Dona Nobis Pacem
    Tchaikovsky: Symphony 4
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • The true Tchaikovsky
    		 Tchaikovsky: Symphony 4
    Celibidache , and Munchner Philharmoniker
    Manufacturer: Angel
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
    2. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
    3. Prokofiev: Symphonies 1 & 5
    4. Mozart: Requiem
    5. Verdi: Requiem

    ASIN: B00068V38Y
    Release Date: 2005-07-18

    Tracks:

    1. Applause
    2. 1. Andante Sostenuto/Moderato Con Anima/Moderato Assai, Quasi Andante/Allegro Vivo
    3. 2. Andantino In Modo Di Canzona
    4. 3. Scherzo: Pizzicato Ostinato/Allegro
    5. 4. Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
    6. Applause

    Tracks:

    1. Overture Miniature/Danses Caracteristiques
    2. 1. Marche (Tempo Di Marcia Viva)
    3. 2. Danse De La Fee-Dragee (Andante Non Troppo)
    4. 3. Danse Russe Trepak (Molto Vivace)
    5. 4. Danse Arabe (Allegretto)
    6. 5. Danse Chinoise (Allegro Moderato)
    7. 6. Danse Des Mirlitons (Moderato Assai)
    8. Valse Des Fleurs (Tempo Di Valse)
    9. Applause

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The true Tchaikovsky.......2007-05-07

    I have heard several Directors interpret Tchaikovsky's Symphony 4 and no one is as good as S. Celebidache
    I am sure that if Piotor Ilich Tchaikosky would had heard Celebidache he would had said: "That is exactly how I
    wrote it", I think the same way on Celebidache conducting the 5th and 6th Symphony.
    Celebidache, in my opinon, is the best conductor
    Overtures by Berlioz; Mendelssohn; Schubert; Smetana & Strauss
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Overtures by Berlioz; Mendelssohn; Schubert; Smetana & Strauss

      Manufacturer: Angel Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by BerliozAll Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by SmetanaAll Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by MendelssohnAll Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Romantic (c.1820-1910)Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Rossini/Verdi/Moazrt: Opera Overtures
      2. Tchaikovsky: Symphony 4
      3. Prokofiev: Symphonies 1 & 5
      4. Shostokovich: Symphonies 1 & 9
      5. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

      ASIN: B00068V3AM
      Release Date: 2005-05-24

      Tracks:

      1. Roman Carnival
      2. Applause
      3. The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave)
      4. Applause
      5. A Midsummer Night's Dream
      6. Applause
      7. Rosamunde D644
      8. Applause
      9. Vltava
      10. Applause
      11. The Bat
      12. Applause
      CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 / Te Deum
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Relatively weak Celi Bruckner
      • Disappointment in extremis
      • The best 7th by far
      • Spiritual, ethereal
      		 CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 / Te Deum

      Manufacturer: EMI Classics
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by BrucknerAll Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Te DeumTe Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 4
      2. Verdi: Requiem
      3. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Mass No. 3 in F minor
      4. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symhony No. 8
      5. CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3 & 4

      ASIN: B00000IG35
      Release Date: 2005-07-12

      Tracks:

      1. Symphony No. 7 In E Major: III. Scherzo. Sehr schnell - Trio
      2. Symphony No. 7 In E Major: IV. Finale. Bewegt, doch nicht schnell
      3. Symphony No. 7 In E Major: Applause
      4. Te Deum: Te Deum. Allegro Moderato
      5. Te Deum: Te Ergo. Moderato
      6. Te Deum: Aeterna fac. Allegro moderato. Feierlich, mit Kraft
      7. Te Deum: Salvum fac. Moderato - Allegro moderato
      8. Te Deum: In te, Domine, speravi. Mabig bewegt - Allegro moderato - alla breve

      Tracks:

      1. Symphony No. 7 In E Major: Applause
      2. Symphony No. 7 In E Major: I. Allegro Moderato
      3. Symphony No. 7 In E Major: II. Adagio. Sehr feierlich und sehr langsam

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars Relatively weak Celi Bruckner.......2007-02-22

      Unlike Celi's Bruckner 4, which is stupendous and unforgettable (perhaps the most shattering 'modern' version), the 7th fares less well, and this is a surprise and a puzzle. My suspicion is that Celi was less interested in this, the most popular, and least problematic of the Bruckner symphonies. Hence, this recording, while very interesting as a document of Celi/Munich, is probably less inspiring than his earlier DG version.

      Doubtless fascinating to any in-depth student of Celi/Bruckner, this likely will not stand at the level of his Munich 4th or 9th. That said, it is never less than worthy of a close hearing for true Brucknerians and Celibidachians.

      1 out of 5 stars Disappointment in extremis.......2005-05-27

      Having been impressed with Celibidache's Bruckner Mass No 3 and 9th Symphony with the Stuttgard Orchestra, and with my devotion to Christian monastic theology and spiritual practice, I was looking forward to a spiritual reading of the 7th symphony. Disappointment does not cover my reaction to this cruel, mindless and brutal dissection of a masterpiece. One only has to listen to the first complex section of the first movement as he deconstructs any flow from the music and reduces one's sense of unfolding, harmonious grandeur to an arrogant but clumsy surgeon suddenly, mid-operation, looking at what he has in his hands and not having a clue how it fit together. Any sense of mystical cataphatic-apophatic rhythmic dynamic complexity breaking through to the transcendent infinite unity is non-existent as this ham-fisted and graceless approach pulls apart one's experience of the sublime. One may learn about tendons by dissecting frogs, but little about its spiritual place in life, and therefore the spiritual life of the world. If one wishes for a tedious, mundane if somewhat gross dissection of beauty and grace, I suppose this is the recording to go for.

      I have thrown away very few classical recordings, and when I have a bad reaction usually think it my own fault, and try to listen again over a course of years. After years of trying with this and Menuhin's Brandenburg Concertos, I took great pleasure in smashing them to pieces with a ball-peen hammer.

      From memory I quite enjoyed the Te Deum, but detested the 7th so much it never stood a chance.

      5 out of 5 stars The best 7th by far.......2001-04-25

      I have 26 recordings of Bruckner's 7th symphony including a hard to find Furtwangler war time live radio broadcast. But none of those recordings come even close to the the EMI Celibidache recording of the work. Never have I heard an orchestra "believe" in what they were doing more than in this recording. The Munich Philharmonic play like they are being directed by a magician. Words just can not explain the wonder and amazement I allways go through when I play this very special disk. Buy it and ask yourself, how did we ever manage to live with the cardboard 1 dimentional outings of the likes of Karajan?

      5 out of 5 stars Spiritual, ethereal.......2000-09-19

      Sometimes Celi is just too excessive or eccentric in some way, but for this music he has just what is takes. This is for listeners who want a "religious" experience while listening to their Sevenths. Celi and Bruckner seem to be in psychic communication throughout this work. Or to put it another way, this isn't a concert but a communion. The delicate shadings of the strings, the hushed voicings and *gradual, gradual* diminuendoes. Textures are thick and lush (yet clear!) and tempi are just right. The third movement scherzo may be a bit slow to some, but by slowing down he gets tremendous contrapuntal detail many readings don't have. The last movement climax is thrilling...you'll want to join in the applause at the end--after you recover from the ecstacy of it all.

      Great sound too. A superb set that should be in every collection of 19th century Romantic music. Even if you've heard other recordings, you should add this one to your music shelf.

      Music Review:

      1. Cellissimo [Import]
      2. Chadwick: Symphonic Sketches; MacDowell: Suite for orchestra Op42/1-5
      3. Classic French Songs
      4. Danny Boy [Import]
      5. Der fliegende Holländer / Weikl, Studer, Domingo, Sotin, Seiffert; Sinopoli
      6. Diamond Fiddle Language [Live]
      7. Dohnányi: Serenade, Op.10/Kodály: Serenade, Op.12/Bartók: Sonata For 2 Pianos & Percussion
      8. Elliott Carter: Eight Compositions
      9. Etudes, Vol. 1 from Books II, III and IV
      10. Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartets Op. 17 - Tátrai Quartet

      Music Review

      music review

      Music Review

      The Savage Young Sonics

      Ockeghem: Motets / Missa la Basse Danse

      Joseph Haydn: Trios Nos. 38-40

      History [Box set] [Original recording remastered] [Import]

      Metal Fingers in My Body [CD-single] [Import]

      Per Ankh: House of Life

      Mas Que Nada

      No Regrets

      Room 107

      Richard Danielpour: Elegies - Sonnets to Orpheus / von Stade, Hampson, Huang

      Mix Up

      Lo Esencial Agustin Lara

      Jaula de Oro

      All the Great Love Songs

      Something Beautiful