Art of the Fugue Bwv 1080

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The history of Bach's Art of Fugue contains many mysteries, both because Bach died before completing its final fugue, and because the work's eventual publication was supervised (very carelessly it seems) by his sons. There is a good deal of scholarly argument concerning the music's order, its notation, and the correct instrument on which to perform it, if indeed Bach intended it to be played at all. There is a general consensus at this time that Bach did conceive the piece as practical, performable keyboard music, and among versions on the harpsichord, Davitt Moroney's has long stood as the finest. Not only is his playing absolutely superb, but he includes his own conjectural completion of that final fugue, along with a performance of the piece as Bach left it at his death. --David Hurwitz

Art of the Fugue Bwv 1080, Music, Bach, Davitt Moroney, Classical, Classical Music

Art of the Fugue - 70th Anniversary Edition
Average customer rating:

Gould's Most Errant Interpretation

THE VERY SOUL OF MUSIC

Worth getting for Contrapunctus XIV, but for full performance look elsewhere

The Best Bach Interpreter of the Century

Excellent Rendition of the Art of the Fugue

Art of the Fugue - 70th Anniversary Edition
Glenn Gould , and Bach
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Partitas 1 2 & 3 - 70th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B00006FI8C
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Customer Reviews:

Gould's Most Errant Interpretation.......2007-02-13

Mr. Khekoyan, who reviews this disk below, is quite correct that it is errant in tempi and in percussive interpretation. I'm not in agreement with him about Glenn Gould's stature as the foremost interpreter of Bach of the century. I'd suggest listening to the performance of Menno van Delft, which is included in the Bach Edition complete works produced by Brilliant Classics. There are any number of people who might nominate Gustav Leonhardt, Trevor Pinnock, or Bob van Asperen as more insightful interpreters of Bach than Glenn Gould. Don't let Gould's curious cult status mislead you; his performances are more quirky than competent.
Or, if you are attracted to the Art of Fugue rather than the Artist, you might listen to the performance of the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet, also available on CD. Though there is no historical justification for playing Bach's harpsichord music on recorders, the LSQ makes fine and insightful music on their wooden flutes, large and small. At times they sound more organistic than Mr. Gould on his modern behemoth.

THE VERY SOUL OF MUSIC.......2006-09-08

What you will find on this disc is A) contrapunctus I-IX played on two different organs in 1962; B) contrapunctus I II & IV from a1981 TV broadcast; C) contrapunctus IX XI & XIII in mono from a radio broadcast in 1967; D) the unfinished contrapunctus XIV from what may or may not be the same TV broadcast as B); and as a final filler E) a prelude and fugue on the name BACH from a studio recording in 1980. Items B)-E) are given on the piano.

Gould's organ renderings ran into critical flak at the time, and whether for that reason or because organ-playing aggravated a shoulder condition that the maestro suffered from he never completed the project. The sound of the piano is a little below standard in C), with some background hiss and a slightly emaciated tone, but even it is not really bad, B) and D) are better, and E) better still sound-wise. The sound of the organs has been criticised, but I do not criticise it and indeed it suits me very well. Nothing in the sound-quality from start to finish interferes in any way with my appreciation of Gould's wonderful, visionary and unique Bach-playing.

This disc does not offer you the complete Art of Fugue, so anyone who wants what's here is going to want it for something special in the performance. Gould is always special I guess, but not special in ways that suit everyone. My feeling is that if you are of the school that wants the Art of Fugue played `expressively' you can probably leave this offering alone. Once Gould sets a tempo he sticks to it unflinchingly without rubato, and except for some build-up in the tone as D) progresses there is a very restricted range of dynamics within each piece, although the individual pieces are strongly contrasted in respect of both volume-level and pace. Interestingly, in those numbers which he gives in two different performances, he takes a markedly different approach each time. Conrapunctus II IV and IX are very much faster in the piano version than on the organ, but contrapunctus I on the piano is taken very slowly indeed, lasting nearly twice as long as in the organ account. It is a matter of one's own concept of the work basically. For me, the Art of Fugue is the ultimate in abstract `absolute' music. It is a monument of remote sublimity like pure mathematics or like the stars in the sky, and it is just there for us to wonder at and does not reach out to us or `express' anything. The player's task is to convey its grandeur, and for me Gould does that as no other version, (on any instruments whatsoever - Bach specifies none) has ever done for me, and I feel this most acutely in his much-criticised organ renderings. The organs he uses are not giants, and there is only limited use of the pedals. He uses mainly a detached fingering, although embracing a more legato style in contrapunctus VI. However it stands to reason that the parts in long sustained notes do not admit of the detached treatment, and I love Gould's selection of strongly contrasted stops to assist clarity further. These are the means he adopts. What these means are in furtherance of is an impression of utter grandeur in the sublime march of Bach's polyphony. It is even a privilege to be shown how this grandeur can be viewed from startlingly different angles in his alternative interpretations of 4 of the fugues.

The last fugue from the Art, the unfinished contrapunctus XIV, is taken at a very slow pace and ends abruptly where the dying composer left it. In the normal way of things I detest this procedure - whatever Bach intended it wasn't that, and in a composition that is the ne plus ultra of method many competent musicians have supplied conclusions that must, in the very nature of the case, approximate to what Bach himself would have done. However this was a television performance, and I gather that the camera was made to freeze at this point with Gould's right hand poised dramatically in mid-air. Gould, who kicked Ravel's piano transcription of La Valse into touch and wrote his own, is having none of that when it comes to Bach, and under the circumstances I stifle my own normal reaction to this abrupt hiatus.

One of the most extraordinary things about Bach is how popular he manages to be for all his seeming severity. The Art of Fugue is innocent of the lyricism that was also part of Bach's infinite musical gift, it makes no compromises with us, but I would say to newcomers to the work that Gould's accounts, partial as they are, would be the best place to start to know this unique and towering masterpiece. It is not any indivisible entity in any case. Better, to start with, to hear some of it presented like this than the entire set in many another, perhaps indeed in any other, version.

Worth getting for Contrapunctus XIV, but for full performance look elsewhere.......2005-08-07

This is a partial performance on organ paired with a partial performance on piano. I didn't care too much for the organ (although Gould's very "un-organistic" articulation does work with these pieces, I miss the unique expression of his piano playing). Some of the piano recordings sound like somebody surreptitiously taped them on a concealed tape recorder.

If you want a complete Art of Fugue on piano that's as close to Gould as it gets, go with Tatiana Nikolayeva's stellar 2 CD-recording on Hyperion (CDA66631/2). I have 9 AoF performances in my collection (piano, organ, string quartet, Hermann Scherchen's orchestral arrangement), and Nikolayeva's set is my favorite by far. (It also includes the two Ricercars from The Musical Offering BWV1079 and the four Duets BWV 802-805, originally for organ.)

However, if you're as much of a Bach nut as I am, the Gould CD is worth getting just for Gould's incredible performance of Contrapunctus XIV (the final unfinished fugue).

The Best Bach Interpreter of the Century.......2003-11-29

I absolutely love all the works played by Glenn Gould. Why 3 stars then? For a long time I have loved every work that Gould brought to life and I still absolutely love them. However, "The Art of the Fugue" really made me see some of Glenn's dark side. The flaw is that his high speeds have absolutely no excuse on this marvelous piece of creation. It is true that Gould is the best pianist when it comes to playing Bach, but to understand what I mean, go and listen to Contrapunctus IV by some other performer who plays it much slower than Glenn. I personally recommend especially the trumpet version. It will blow your mind and convince you that Gould's performance of this piece was really hiding its magnificent beauty and drama. It is simply not possible to express something so breathtakingly dramatic by playing it staccato and also too fast. Have you ever seen someone who had a great loss crying by short stops and very fast? I don't suppose so. And the comparison is very fair because all the instruments, especially the piano, were created to resemble the human voice. `Art of the Fugue' is nothing like the Goldberg Variations where Gould's touch made the music beautiful, especially the first slow movement (which he actually plays very slowly and hence compensates for the staccato). It is much more dramatic and the performer's first goal must be to convey the drama to the listener.

Who am I to judge Glenn? I just have had the privilege to listen closely to titans like S. Richter, E. Gilels, A. Rubinstein, A.Schnabel, S. Rachmaninoff, V. Horowitz, and many others. Not to mention that so far I have listened to the complete works of over 40 composers. Again, Glenn Gould plays beautifully, especially Bach's faster pieces, where even Emil Gilels and Sviatoslav Richter can't do such a precise and concise interpretation. But we must remember that Glenn is a great pianist, but a pianist that can't even match with the Genius of Johann Sebastian Bach (I have heard Glenn's compositions). It is ironic that listeners give so much credit to Gould that they absolutely forget that the only reason that he is able to play such beautiful pieces is because Bach has created them in the first place! With this in mind, we still can accept new ways of interpretation of Bach, BUT NOT TO THE POINT THAT IT DECREASES THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF BACH'S COMPOSITIONS. Glenn does not do this often, but it is shocking that he chose to show his over-interpretation on a work that is considered to be the most important one in the entire classical repertoire. If Glenn was made to play these pieces by his contractors then the flaws can be partially forgiven.

It all comes down to this: this work should by no means put Gould's abilities in question, since he is indeed the best Bach interpreter of this century. However, one must not be blinded and be focused on any singular performer for the interpretation of all the pieces in the classical repertoire - Gould might outdo Horowitz in performing the `Emperor Concerto' (Beethoven) and Gilels in playing Bach's `French Suites', but when it comes to pieces like Beethoven's "The Tempest," his staccato is not in its right medium and becomes a cat's play compared to the powerful fingers of Richter.
(I have heard over one hundred pieces by Gould and could barely notice his humming. Why? Because I hum with him! So please do not complain since a real classical listener should not even notice the humming. Imagine listening to someone talking and at the same time listening to Bach. As far as I am concerned, you shouldn't even be able to notice that that person even exists)

Excellent Rendition of the Art of the Fugue.......2003-03-08

This is my first Glenn Gould CD. At first, I was surprised by his staccato organ playing, but I soon began to really enjoy the CD. Some may find Mr. Gould's humming annoying, but I found it amusing (it doesn't bother me much). I only heard the humming on the tracks with piano and found that Gould was really into Bach. I have heard Glenn Gould's playing on the radio and must say that he is truly a master of Bach's keyboard music. The sound quality is good and the jewel case is very nice. I highly recommend this item if you like Bach, Gould, or both.

Average customer rating:

Bach wouldn't like it
Excellent rendition by a group I don't usually like
beautiful
the best
Bach and Brain Science?

Bach: The Art of Fugue
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Emerson String Quartet
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008O8B3
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

Contrapunctus I
Contrapunctus II
Contrapunctus III
Contrapunctus IV
Contrapunctus V
Contrapunctus VI, A 4, In Stylo Francese
Contrapunctus VII, A 4, Per Augmentationem Et Diminutionem
Contrapunctus VIII, A 3
Contrapunctus IX, A 4, Alla Duodecima
Contrapunctus X, A 4, Alla Decima
Contrapunctus XI, A 4
Conon Per Augmentationem In Contrario Motu (14a*)
Contrapunctus XII, A 4, Rectus
Contrapunctus XII, A 4, Inversus
Canon Alla Ottava (15)
Canon Alla Decima In Contrapuncto
Canon Alla Duodecima In Contrapuncto Alla Quinta
Contrapunctus XIII, A 3, Rectus
Contrapunctus XIII, A 3, Inversus
Canon Per Augmentationem In Contrario Motu (14)
Contrapunctus XIV (18)
Chorale: 'Vor Deinen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit' BWV 668a (19)

Customer Reviews:

Bach wouldn't like it.......2007-04-14

I enjoy this CD, but it's Bach played romantically. I'm not puting it down, just making the point that it isn't played the way Baroque music should be played. But that's ok, it's still good listening and well suited to modern ears.

Excellent rendition by a group I don't usually like.......2007-02-21

This performance surprised me. I don't care much for the Emerson Ensemble, as I find that they tend to miss the point musically much of the time. Still, they hit a home run with this cycle, providing a tasteful rendition of the Art of Fugue for string quartet. The musicianship is impeccable and never ostentatious, and a big bonus is that the whole work fits on one disc. I have to admit that Emerson is growing on me-between this recording and their performance of Haydn's seven last words of Christ, they seem to have hit a new stride. Rather than constantly trying to outdo one another and drown each other out, the group works together in a way that had been foreign to them prior to this disc. Overall a great performance of the work in a string quartet format. Highly recommended.

beautiful.......2007-01-11

Bach wrote this encyclopedic anthology of fugal technique as a theoretical exercise, not a concert work; indeed, he never so much as specified the instrumentation of these compositions. But you'd never guess that on the basis of these performances by the Emerson String Quartet. They imbue the album with an unflagging emotive engagement and continually mounting intensity sufficient to make the collection work as an extended suite --- it almost seems to have a coherent, dramatic formal construction, as played here. The Emersons are able to heat things up a bit with each successive fugue (especially after they're through the first ten, which are much more similar to one another than the ones that follow them), so that The Art of the Fugue comes off as much more than just a collection of loosely related contrapuntal etudes.

Furthermore the recorded sound and playing of the Emersons are magnificent. What sumptuous tone! What extraordinary resonance! This quartet is a well-oiled machine indeed.

I play both the trumpet and the viola; but the viola came much later, and my first experience of these fugues was with the Canadian Brass' album (for which, significantly, Glenn Gould served as mentor and artistic guide). But there's simply no comparison between the two discs. The Emerson String Quartet make three times as much out of these pieces.

the best.......2006-10-21

From the opening phrase this recording by the Emerson Quartet sends shivers up your spine. I have nine different recordings of the Art of the Fugue; this is the best. Punto e basta.

Bach and Brain Science? .......2006-08-11

David Finckel (cello): " I don't know there is scientific evidence to support it, but when I listen to this music I feel my brain cells being re-aligned."

Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering

Average customer rating:

Step Into The World Of Bach
Great recordings
Magisterial and Ethereal
Because of reviews
The Crown of Western Music

Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000050GK0
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus I
Contrapunctus II
Contrapunctus III
Contrapunctus IV
Contrapunctus V
Contrapunctus VI
Contrapunctus VII
Contrapunctus VIII
Contrapunctus IX
Contrapunctus X
Contrapunctus XI
Canon alla octava
Canon alla duodecima
Canon alla decima
Canon per augmentationem in contrario moto
Contrapunctus XII (rectus)
Contrapunctus XII (inversus)
Fuga a 2 Clavicemabli (rectus)
Fuga a 2 Clavicemabli (inversus)

Tracks:

Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII (rectus)
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII (inversus)
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Fuga a 4 soggetti
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 3
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus a 2
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 violini in unisono
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per motum contrarium
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per augmentationem, contrario motu
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per tonos
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus contrario motu
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 4
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Fuga canonica
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: I - Largo
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: II - Allegro
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: III - Andante
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: IV - Allegro
Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 6

Customer Reviews:

Step Into The World Of Bach.......2007-06-09

I have nothing but good things to say about this double album. These extremely well-balanced compositions are sure to enthrall listeners with the most discerning taste. The theme here is point and counterpoint, done to perfection. These pieces are like complex equations, only done with music instead of numbers. Bach had an amazing musical mind, and this music showcases that. There is so much to the music; it is quite rich and there is so much going on here that you may not process it all the first time. If you like classical music and Bach's style, this is essential for your collection.

Great recordings.......2007-05-20

After I read Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment (P.S.), I had to have "Musical Offering" and "The Art of Fugue," and bought this version based on recommendations. The performance by an orchestra, rather than a single instrument such as a piano or harpsichord, seems to bring out the different voices. I listen to it over and over, and never tire of it.

Magisterial and Ethereal.......2006-11-28

As a college student, this 2-cd set has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and beautiful tools with which I can create an atmosphere amenable to studtying and doing homework. But it is not merely a background music; to be fully appreciated, it needs to be listened to while gently resting one's eyes (take care not to fall asleep -- a precaution against such is to have the music up rather high, although not painfully so).

I've listened to the whole set at least once a week since I've come to Stony Brook; its staying power, its ability to never seem to get trite or "used to" is so powerful that it really inspires. Only God (or the Divine Impetus, or whatever one wants to term the higher order), working through Bach, could have produced such an entrancing set of music.

Because of reviews.......2006-08-06

I bought this version because of the other reviews and I think it was a wise choice! The tempo's are perfect and the music is inspirational!

The Crown of Western Music.......2005-11-28

This recording of The Art of Fugue is my all-around favorite.

The premier piece of the set is the final (unfinished) fugue. I place this as the crown of all western music. Three parts of the fugue, out of a theorized four, were completed - but he didn't live to finish it. Some feel that he let it end there on purpose, for some reason. Just before he died, instead of finishing the final fugue, he composed a chorale. If the final fugue represents a journey into the after-life, then this chorale could be thought of as music from the other side, and as the only piece worthy of being played after the final fugue. That chorale is sometimes called "Vor Deinen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit", and is also known as "Wenn wir in Hochsten Noten Sein".

The Art of Fugue was written without scoring - no particular instruments were assigned - so one can find recordings done on the piano (Charles Rosen), harpsichord (Gustav Leonhardt - on vinyl only, I think), chamber orchestra, string orchestra, brass ensemble, organ, etc. My favorite recording of the final fugue is by Arthur Winograd (MGM) on vinyl, but that recording is very scarce.

Other decent recordings that I've heard so far on CD:
The Emerson String Quartet; Deutsche Grammophon B0000908-02 - their versions of the early fugues are quite good.
The Canadian Brass; Sony Essential Classics SBK 89731.
The Keller Quartet (ECM 1652) - some parts work well, others not as well.
Neville Marriner (Phillips 442-556-2) - a bit bland, but good.

Lukas Foss and the Sheffield Ensemble - Quite lively, but very unusual in its orchestration and in its freedom with the notes. Three or four of the pieces are as good as any version I've heard.
-------
One day, quite a while ago, I was walking through the quad of a university and heard one of the fugues being played inside a classroom. I looked in through the window and saw a room full of accordions playing it! True story!

Average customer rating:

A Must!
great music
The one you need

Best of the Canadian Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essential Canadian Brass
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ASIN: B0000026Z3
Release Date: 1989-11-20

Tracks:

Vespers Of The Blessed Virgin: Deus in adjutorium - Monteverdi
Canzon V - Canadian Brass
Canon In D - Pachelbel
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Overture - Mozart
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Non Piu Andrai - Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Mozart
Exultate Jubilate: Alleluia - Mozart
Piano sonata in A major: Rondo Alla Turca - Mozart
The Four Seasons: I - Allegro (Spring) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: II - Largo (Winter) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: III - Presto (Summer) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: IV - Allegro (Autumn) - Canadian Brass
Contrapunctus I (Andante Sostenuto) - Bach
Contrapunctus XIII (Rectus, Allegro Spiritoso) - Bach
Basin Street Blues - Canadian Brass
Chinatown, My Chinatown - Canadian Brass
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional
The Saints' Halleluja - Canadian Brass

Customer Reviews:

A Must!.......2004-12-28

This is a must have for any fan of brass instrumentals. (Especially if you are a fan of the Canadian Brass.)

great music.......2000-12-18

I just bought this cd yesterday and i love it already. as a trumpeter, i can really enjoy and appreciate the music they perform. i was quite intrigued hearing canon in D (currently playing right now on my stereo), et al.

The one you need.......2000-06-26

If you are to buy only 1 CD for Brass Enemble, Get this! It captured the BEST of the Candian Brass (one of the top brass enemble in the world). It has all the nice tunes, e.g. Four Seasons, Cannon in D, etc. Strongly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Brandon's Review
Consistent excellence
You can't go wrong with the Canadian Brass

Go For Baroque! - The Canadian Brass

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FV9
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Air Pour Les Trompettes
Trumpet Voluntary
Kanon
Fantasie In C
We Hasten With Eager Footsteps
Fantasia And Fugue In D Minor
My Heart Ever Faithful
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Fugue In G Minor ('Little')
Trumpet Voluntary
Contrapunctus
Trumpet Tune And Ayre
Galliard Battaglia
Canzon Aechiopican
Sonata In Three Movements For Trumpets
Where'er You Walk
Hallelujah, Amen
Madrigal

Customer Reviews:

Brandon's Review.......2004-02-09

I am a trumpet player who has studied under the tutalage of Bernie Nero principle trumpet of the Austin Symphony and am also a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music,therefore I feel that I am in a unique position to coment on the quality of this recording. Although the music assembled for the recording is an excellent combination of contrasting styles, the musical prhasing is not played charicteristically correct for that time period of music,and stylistically lacks cohesivness. None the less it is still a very good recording, that is why I give it a four rating.

Consistent excellence.......2002-05-20

The Canadian Brass never disappoints. There are some great arrangements of Baroque classics on this album. It may be hard to imagine an organ piece like Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor played by a brass quartet, but it actually works. Overall, this album is consistent in delivering great music.

You can't go wrong with the Canadian Brass.......1999-12-06

You really can't go wrong with any CD by the Canadian Brass; they're such an outstanding group. Because of this, it can oftentimes be difficult to choose which of their CDs to purchase. However, if you are looking for a Canadian Brass CD focused around the more classical aspect of music, "Go For Boroque!" is an excellent choice. Compared to the other CB baroque CD, I feel this one is the better. It has a lot more tracks, and the songs, in my opinion, are better. It has everything from my personal favorite, "We Hasten with Eager Footsteps," to "Trumpet Voluntary," to "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," which is more closely associated with "Phantom of the Opera." I highly recommend this recording.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

Original is the best.
Swinging Bach
I've been looking for this for a LONG time...
Vol.1 Jazz Sebastian Bach

Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

$9.99 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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Jazz Sebastian Bach, Vol. 2
The Swingle Singers - Bach Hits Back ~ A Capella Amadeus
Keyboard Classics
Anyone for Mozart, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi?
Swingle Singers

ASIN: B00004UFOL
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

The Art Of Fugue, BWV 1080: Fugue in D Minor
Schubler's Book, BWV 645: Choral No.1 'Wake, Arise, The Voices Call Us'
Orchestral Suite No.3 in D, BWV 1068: Aria
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 880: Prelude No.11 in F Major
English Suite No.2 in A Minor, BWV 807: Bourree
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 871: Fugue No.2 in C Minor
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, BWV 850: Fugue No.5 in D Major
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 878: Prelude No.9
Partita No.2 in C Minor, BWV 826: Sinfonia
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 870: Prelude No.1 in C Major
Canon
Two-Part Invention No.1 in C Major: BWV 772
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 874: Fugue No.5 in D Major

Customer Reviews:

Original is the best........2007-04-10

This is the original recording of the '60s Swingle Singers. It focuses on Bach and provides entertaining and intricate renditions of his works. I recently saw the New Swingle Singers, who were very good, but they are diverging into jazz and often sound like Manhattan Transfer. Their newer CDs all begin to sound alike. I prefer the original artistry.

Swinging Bach.......2005-12-30

When the Swingle Singers take on Bach's polyphony at full speed, it's exhilarating. Very cleanly done, very fun, and the jazz drums and bass add nicely to the sound.
Like many people, I have a soft spot for this group because my parents listened to them. (Next time your favorite retro-hipster starts in, pop this disk in, followed by a little Switched-On Bach, and let the love/hate debate begin.)
I could have done without a few of the slow Bach chestnuts featured here (maybe the "Wachet Auf" wasn't overdone in 1963), but the strong numbers, such as the mini-epic "Sinfonia", with a great soprano solo, carry the album to a higher plane. The drummer overplays in a few spots, but overall this record just plain works.
Recommended.

I've been looking for this for a LONG time..........2005-06-19

I loved listening to this with my Dad in the 60's and 70's and had always wanted a "clean" copy of my own. I have the original LP, but the pops and hisses now mar the recording and let's face it, a CD is a lot easier to listen to. This is NOT the title or album cover of the LP issued in the US, but IS the same recording as the "Bach's Greatest Hits" LP released here in 1963 (or 1964) with the white album cover and grey line drawings of Bach et al. It is just as I remebered it. What a nice memory.

Vol.1 Jazz Sebastian Bach.......2001-04-28

Dear Sirs! > I have not intention to buy the CD version of Jazz Sebastian Bach one of the highlights of the Swingle Singers. This is more testimony, but very, very rare, than professional review of one CD. But this text can be may be useful for your buyers. My English is not the best, so you fill free to rewrite this text in the way appropriate for you buyers.

Text of review

Tracks:

Rondeay From Abdealazer
Fantaisie in C Major, BWV 570
Allegro
Sicilienne
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Rigaudon From Idomenee
Contrapunctus I From The Art Of Fuge
Allegro
Fantasia in D Minor
Overture And Allegro From King Author
March From The Married Beau
Allegro
Trumpet Voluntary
The Prince Of Denmark's March
Prelude From Te Deum in D Major
Opening Movement From A Mighty Fortess Is Our God, BWV 80

Amazon.com

Take a fine organist, a crack brass ensemble, bathe in wide-ranging, vivid sound, and you've got a recipe for an exciting disc. That's what Telarc has done in this recording of a live concert by the Empire Brass Quintet in effective arrangements of Baroque favorites and rarities. It may seem odd to hear a Handel Violin Sonata or a Telemann Trio Sonata played by a brass-organ combo, but it works thanks to clever arrangements and superb playing. A highlight here is the Largo of the Handel work, where marvelous horn and trombone solos enhance its beauties. And of course, such favorites as Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary and the Prince of Denmark's March join Campra's stately Rigaudon and other stirring processional pieces. The SACD version adds another level of air and bite, but the CD layer of this hybrid disc is demonstration quality too. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's the Empire Brass!.......2004-05-14

C'mon, it's the Empire Brass! They rock! What's not to like?

Average customer rating:

It stays with them...
It all started with Beethoven
Not What I expected
Music, history, culture, & intriguing story -Amazing!
Great series, great collection

Classical Kids: Collection

Manufacturer: Children's Book Store Distribution
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000212C
Release Date: 1995-01-09

Tracks:

Orchestral Suite #3, 1/Minuet in G+/Gigue in G+ (French Suite #5) - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Chromatic Fantasy/Prelude in B - (WTC1) - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Introducing the Orchestra/Organ: Chorale Preludes, "Allein Gott" - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Brandenberg Concerto #5, MVT. 3 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Flute Sonata C+, MVT. 2/Organ; "Es Ist das Heil"/Orchestral Suite ... - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Prelude in C (WTC1)/Orchestral Suite #2, MVT. 2 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Bist du Bei Mir - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestral Suite #2, Badinerie - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestrak Suite #3, Air for the G-String - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestral Suite #3, Gigue - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"Adventure in Music" - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Goldberg Variations/Art of Fugue - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"Liebster Jesu"/Flute Sonata in C, MVT. 4 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"We Hasten, " Cantata #78 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir

Tracks:

Symphony #7, MVT. 2
Symphony #5, MVT. 1
Piano Sonata, Op 90, MVT. 2/Flute Serenade, Op 23, MVT. 3/Violin ...
Pathue Sonata, Op 13, MVT. 2/Contradanse #1 in Major
Symphony #5, MVT. 2/Piano Sonata, Op 14 #2, MVT. 2/Flute Serenade, ...
Polonaise/La Marmotte/Country Dance in a Major/Fse/Flutnuhr
Sonatina in G Major/Minuet in G Major/Violin "Spring" Sonata, MVT. 1
Moonlight Sonata, Op 27 #2, MVT. 1
Flute Serenade, MVT. 2
Symphony #6, Storm
Nel Cor Piu Variations
Piano Concerto #1, MVT. 1/Piano Concerto #5, MVT. 2
Bass Excerpts from Symphony #9/Violin"Spring Sonata"/Rage Over a ...
Symphony #9, MVT. 4
Sonata Opus 49 #2, MVT. 2
Symphony #6, Shepherd's Theme

Tracks:

Lost in the Opera House: Oh Help Me (Zu Hilfe) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Papageno and the Birds: The Best Birdcatcher (Der Vogelfer) - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Queen of the Night: You Must Free My Daughter (O Zittre Nicht) - Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Pamina Arrives, Papageno's Magic Bells: A Girlfriend (Ein Mhen) - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Castle of Sarastro: O Endless Night (O Ew'ge Nacht) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Magic Flute: O Listen (Wie Stark) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Escape: Let Us Hurry (Schnelle FWhat Tinkles So Brightly ... - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
Sarastro's Welcome: The Gods Above (O Isis) - Gordon McLeod, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Attack of the Queen: The Powers of Night (Der H Rache)/This ... - Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Pamina's Lament: Oh, My Heart Is Broken (Ach, Ich F - St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
In the Labrynth: Seekers of the Light (Der, Welcher ...) - Nils Brown, Gordon McLeod, Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
Papageno and Papagena: Ring, O Bells (Klinget Glhen) - Adriana Braun, Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Conclusion: Our Journey Is Over [Bei Mern] - St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra

Tracks:

Four Seasons, Spring, I, RV 269
Piccolo Concerto, II, RV 293
Arriving at the Pietour Seasons, Autumn, I RV 293/Guitar/Flute ...
Violin Concerto in a Minor, I, RV 356
Four Seasons, Winter, II, RV 297
Guitar Concerto, II, RV 93
Venice by Day/Guitar Concerto, III, RV 93/Four Seasons, Autumn, ...
Sonata for Two Violins, II, RV 50/"Farnace", RV 711, [Recording Premier
Violin Concerto in a Minor, II, RV 356
Venice by Night/La Notte, I, II, III, RV 439
Island of the Dead/Four Seasons, Autumn, II, RV 293
Gardellino, RV 90/Beatus Vir, RV 597/Alma del Core/Violin Sonata ...
Concert Preparations/Piccolo Concerto, I, RV 443/Guitar Concerto, III,
Conclusion/Double Orchestra Concerto, II, RV 585/Guitar Concerto, ...

Customer Reviews:

It stays with them..........2005-10-24

I enjoyed reading the reviews of parents whose kids have recently discovered "Classical Kids." I'm about to order the boxed set for my kids, ages 21, 19 and 16 because the nineteen-year-old, who has a college radio show and loves a wide variety of music, remembers this series (then only on cassette) with great affection and wants to hear them again. Those of you wondering whether it's worth it or not to try to introduce kids to classical music this way, be assured it works. We've turned one of Mr. Bach's lines into a family "saying:" "the more you study, the more you know; the more you know, the more you appreciate; the more you appreciate, the more you love." A great series!

It all started with Beethoven.......2004-02-03

Many years ago I purchased my first CD in this series, "Beethoven Lives Upstairs." My children and I were delighted with it. I then discovered that there were more and searched them all out, one by one. My children, now 11, 9 & 5, have listened to these stories as they fall asleep for years. They each have a favorite composer and have gone on to learn more about them. These stories are a great introduction to some of our greatest composers. Not to mention a good intro to history, too!

Imagine my delight that they are now in one boxed set! Now when asked, I suggest this set. What a great way to get it ALL! I truly believe that by surrounding our children with a variety of good music (including POP music) and information they will grow up with a greater appreciation for music and the arts.

Not What I expected.......2002-09-20

I love the idea, but I don't want to expose my children to the stories in these cd's. They contain children talking back to their parents, disrespectful language, sorcery, etc. If you don't like Harry Potter, you won't like these CD's.

Music, history, culture, & intriguing story -Amazing!.......2002-04-08

My 6 year old son loves music...and stories! Here is the prefect combo. Lovely music of the composer accomapnies a fictional story which weaves the composer's life, the culture of his homeland as well as history...in an intriguing and fun way! Now, my son can pick out pieces he hears on the classical radio station. He really enjoys the stories and can tell people @ carnival in Venice, Italy and tidbits @ Beetoven and the Magic Flute by Mozart! A must for any child with any of these interests! We also have enjoyed the CD's and have learned lots!
I only can wonder...what took whomever so long to broaden our horizons in such a way! BRAVO!

Great series, great collection.......2001-04-22

We've had the CDs in this boxed set for over a year now. The Classical Kids series has been wonderful. We have two boys (now 6 and 8) and this has been a great introduction to classical music. At first, the kids loved the stories which provide a sense of history and place and, ultimately, keep the kids interested in the entire CD. As they listened (time and time again), they started to pay more attention to the musical portions. Recently, we've been able to tell that they've picked up a sense of the music as we've listed to classical music on the car radio. Time and again, they perk up when listening to a piece of music and surprise us by saying "That's Beethoven". Sure enough - they've picked up something about the style of music that's characteristic of Beethoven. Sometimes it's the snippet of music from the CD and other times it's just the rhythms that are characteristic of that piece. As a family, we all recommend this.

Average customer rating:

All Hail Brass on Bach!!!!!
A very good rendition
Don't let this get away...
Already out-of-print . . .

Bach: The Art of the Fugue

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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

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

Bach: Goldberg Variations
Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering
The Art of the Fugue & A Musical Offering
Bach: The Art of Fugue
Haydn: Paris Symphonies

ASIN: B00005NWNZ
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1, Andante Sostenuto
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 3, Andante Espressivo E Dolce
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 2, Allegro Moderato E Ritmico
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 4, Allegro Moderato
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 5, Allegro Energico
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 9, Vivace
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 10, (Alla Decima), Allegro Moderato
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 6, Andante Ritmico, In Stile Francese
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 7, Larghetto Maestoso
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 8, Allegro
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 11, Allegro Moderato
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 12 (Rectus), Lento
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 12 (Inversus), Lento
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 13 (Rectus), Allegro Spiritoso
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 13 (Inversus), Allegro Spiritoso
The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 14, Maestoso (Original Unfinished Version)
Chor Prld: 'Vor Deinem Thron Tret' Ich Hiermit'

Customer Reviews:

All Hail Brass on Bach!!!!!.......2005-05-23

What I love about "The Art of Fugue" by J.S. Bach is how much it touches me. Obviously I don't mean physically because this is not supposed to evoke direct emotion or mood like Classical or Romantic pieces; it's ABSOLUTE MUSIC. Like what Bach did to all other fugues such as "Little" Fugue and the famous (Toccata and) Fugue in D minor, he truly had to put a huge effort and knowledge to make each voice work one another so it sounds so smooth and well-blended. Bach is a genius for having the relations between difference voices make so much sense, and even better is that the cantus firmus in each piece is based the one from the first piece; variations include change of rhythm, divided durations between voices (such as one voice playing half as fast as the CF and another twice as fast), and inversion. No matter how different in those tools is has become, Bach still managed to make them sound so "right". The "language" of music is what touches me and many of us so much, that he is indeed entitled to be one of the greatest composers ever.

"The Art of Fugue" is originally written for a keyboard, but there are different versions. The one I decided to own is this version, done beautifully by a brass quintet (Canadian Brass). Keyboard or strings are good, but I love this version because the gorgeous warmth and aerophonic quality (like human voice!) makes it so alive. The "grand" sound of brass suits for this "grand" (as in what I liked about as mentioned in the previous paragraph, plus all is in a melancholy but furious D minor ending in D major) set of pieces. The "language" of music itself has touched me, and the wonderful sound of the brass adds even more teardrops.

Whether you're getting a keyboard version or not, this must be bought and listened. This album really shows how powerful Bach's music can be. Unless you hate brass instruments or non-original versions, a must buy.

All Hail Brass on Bach!!!!!

A very good rendition.......2005-03-17

Although the Canadian Brass may sometimes seem like just a bunch of brass musicians joking around and not being too professional because of their "go for baroque!" and other such albums, choosing very popular, and sometimes "cliched" pieces, they are really professionals at the highest level. In my opinion, brass is a very good choice for this work, which some say to be the greatest of all "absolute music," because all of the parts in the fugues are easily distinguishable, but they still form a cohesive, weaving whole, and besides, you won't feel guilty for listening to a version for instruments other than what Bach wanted, because he never specified the instrumentation! Sound quality is very good. Highly recommended. Get a recording whenever you can, it has gone in and out of print.

Don't let this get away..........2003-02-22

Don't let this one get away. This has slipped in & out of print, & it is great to have it available again. An unusual project well worth having if you love Bach & especially if you love brass instruments. This piece by Bach is fascinating in itself, but hearing the brilliant scoring for Brass Ensemble makes it possible to hear the subtlety of the multiple parts better than say, for organ or harpsicord. Recently, the Canadian Brass also did the same magnificent job of scoring Bach's ever popular "Goldberg Variations" to similar great effect. The price of this disc, however, is a steal...

Already out-of-print . . ........2002-02-12

The Canadian Brass originally recorded Bach's 'The Art of the Fugue' in 1988. Sony released it under its 'Sony Classics' bargain line in Fall 2001. Sadly, it's already out-of-print. This disc represents sort of an exercise for showcasing all of the elements associated with Baroque music. It's an interesting work, even if it sometimes seems disjointed. Personally, I prefer a coherent work over a 'musical exercise.' Nonetheless, the piece is interesting, if only because it features all of the musical elements at Bach's disposal during the Baroque era.

If you can still find it, go ahead and buy it (especially if you can find it used). You might not listen to it every month (as you might Bach's Brandenburg Concertos or other orchestral works), but it's historic, and therefore worth a listen.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

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Kadomatsu T's Songs from L.a. [Import]

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