Dvorák: Overtures

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Note the first item, an extremely obscure but characteristically attractive Dvorák overture. Even the remaining concert overtures are far less well known than they ought to be, especially if you believe that Dvorák is still a greatly underrated composer. Fortunately, Stephen Gunzenhauser (an American conductor) and the BBC's second orchestra collaborate in very effective, idiomatic performances that are very well recorded. Don't forget the wonderful Václav Talich recordings of most of this music for Supraphon, but for a modern recording this is as fine as any, regardless of price. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Air 'On the G String' - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Morning - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Canon In D - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Gymnopedie No.1 - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
II. Andante - Stephen Hough
Viens, Mallika - Mady Mesple
In Paradisum - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II. Andate - Yehudi Menuhin
The Swan - Osian Ellis
II. Lento E Largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
II. Andantino - James Galway
II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
Blow the Wind - Pie Jesu - Jocelyn Pook
Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset
Pavane Op.50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen - South German Madrigal Choir
Adagio In G Minor - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Minuet - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
Meditation - Hans Kalafusz
I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour (Barcarolle) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
II. Andante - Nigel North
II. Adagio - Jack Brymer
Intermezzo - Philharmonia Orchestra
I. Moderato - London Chamber Orchestra
O Mio Babbino Caro - Montserrat Caballe
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Sinfonia Of London
II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Nocturne - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. Adagio (Opening) - Julian Bream
Adagio For Strings Op.11a - The Philadelphia Orchestra
Entr'acte To Act III - Orchestre National De France

Amazon.com

You want relaxing classical music that'll soothe your soul but won't lull you into sleep? Here's a double CD for you. The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World ... Ever! does its best to cover both well-worn classical favorites (Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Cannon," Debussy's "Clair de Lune") and some eclectic left-field choices (an excerpt from Górecki's Symphony No. 3, Jocelyn Pook's "Blow the Wind," and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The performances of most of these excerpts are top-notch--artists include Sir Neville Marriner, James Galway, Jacqueline du Pré and the Philadelphia Orchestra--and there's enough variety here for everyone. --Edward Garabedian

Customer Reviews:

Lives Up To The Title, Fine Variety Of Genre's........2007-02-04

This CD is a great way to enjoy a large variety of Classical Composers & many of their best known pieces. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," is an all time favorite. There are vocals, Piano pieces, & some fine Violins. I found the latter the most enjoyable. Here you can find Rodrigo & Pachelbell. Samuel Barber's haunting Adagio will make your skin tingle. This may not be to everyones taste, but if you wish to relax? Give this a couple of listens.

Good for relaxing pregnant women.......2007-01-17

I stumbled onto this album whilst searching bit torrent websites for classical music. I don't normally listen to classical music but thought it might be relaxing for my pregnant wife. After hearing the quality of the performances, the arrangement, and the recording I decided to buy the album from amazon. All the songs you would expect from a "best album in the world" are there and they are not boring to listen to like a lot of other classical albums. I now play this album in the car constantly and the wife requested it be played at the hospital during the birth.

Too much opera.......2007-01-10

If it wasn't for the opera this would be a great CD.

Does what it set out to do, very well.......2006-11-15

So i'm a classical music veteran, someone who prefers to collect a complete work, rather than classical compilations. I probably would not have listened to this album at all if my dad didnt buy it for me as a gift. By now, i own the complete works that over half of the excepts on this disc come from. I am a purist if ever there was one.

That said, i totally adore this set because i have learned to take it on its own terms. These discs weren't meant for expert classical listeners, so a review from that sort of mindset is useless. This set was meant for pure, easy listening, and for a basic starters kit for classical newbies. Most of all, it was just meant to do what the title says, to relax the average human being. classical expert or not.

Yes, some of these pieces have been altered or shortened, like Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto Andantino, but they have been edited for a good enough reason: the full versions would have been too long to flow with the rest of the album. And also, the full versions contain so much development that they don't become easy listening anymore. The shortened versions work in the context of the album. Most essentially, the shortened versions on the discs still convey the main flavor the composers were going for. The melodies and themes remain unchanged.

To sum up, it is true that when i want to actually listen deeply to classical music, this album would never be a choice. I would want to hear the complete works like the composers intended. But at certain times when i simply don't mind about that stuff, when i just need to loosen up and free my mind of stress with some nice melodies, this set does the job well enough.

Last but not least: being a purist and a classical buff, i am very particular about performance quality. I was very glad to find that EMI did not get lazy about this. All the artists are world-class, and all the performances are at least exceptional. Some performances are even quite excellent, like the Clair De Lune, which is one of the best i've heard. (Credit to Dame Lympany, the pianist.)

So once again, recommended for its stated purpose, to relax. I am a purist, a classical buff, and i still enjoy this disc. That says something.

TRULY The most relaxing and beautiful music ever written........2006-11-10

This album along with Volume 2 are now the two most valued albums in my music collection. I have all of the songs contained on these two albums but they are scattered through at least a dozen different albums and several are not performed by artists such as those that recorded this album and Volume 2.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

Average customer rating:

Solid buy
Very soothing and relaxing to listen to
this will calm you down
My Fav. CD!
Excellent for Everyone!

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SBF
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Air 'on the G string' (from Ste No. 3 in D, BWV1068) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Morning (from Peer Gynt Incidental Music Op. 23) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Canon in D - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (from Cantata No. 147) - Choir Of King's College
Gymnopedie No. 1 - CBSO/Louis Fremaux
Pno Con No. 21 in C 'Elvira Madagan', K. 467: II. Andante - Stephen Hough
Viens, Mallika (from Lakme) - Mady Masple/Danielle Millet
In Paradisum (from Requiem Op. 48) - Choir Of King's College
Clair de lune (from Suite bergamasque) - Dame Moura Lympany
Vn Con in e, Op. 64: II. Andante - Yehudi Menubin
The Swan (fron The Carnival of the Animals) - Jacqueline du Pre/Osian Ellis
Sym No. 3 'Sym of Sorrowful Songs': II. Lento e largo - Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
Fl & Hpd Con in C, K. 299: II. Andantino - James Galway/Fritz Helmis
The Four Seasons (Con No. 4 in f 'Winter'): II. Largo - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod (from 'Enigma' Vars, Op. 36) - London SO/Sir Adrian Boult
Song to the Moon (from Rusalka) - Lucia Popp
Rhap on a Theme of Paganini - Var 18 - Cecile Ousset
Pavane, Op. 50 - Gareth Morris

Tracks:

Zion hort die Wachter singen (from Cantata No. 140) - Suddeutshe Madrigalchor
Adagio in g - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Minuet (from Str Qnt in E, Op. 13 No. 5) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Kbd Con No. 5 in f, BWV1056 - Andrei Gavrilov
Meditation (from Thais) - Hans Kalafusz
Pno Son No. 14 in c# 'Moonlight', Op. 27 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Belle nuit, o nuit d'amour (Barcarolle) (from Les Contes d'Hoffman) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf/Jeannine Collard/Rene Duclos Choeurs
Prayer (from Coppelia) - Orch Du Theatre Nat De L'Opr De Paris/Jean-Baptiste Mari
Cl Con in A, K. 622: II. Adagio (opening) - Jack Brymer
Intermezzo (from Cavalleria rusticana) - Philharmonia Orch/Riccardo Muti
Str Ser, Op. 22: I. Moderato - London CO/Christopher Warren-Green
O mio babbino caro (from Gianni Schicchi) - Monstserrat Caballe
Fantasia on 'Greensleeves' (from Sir John in Love) - Sinfonia of London/Sir John Barbirolli
Pno Con No. 2 in c, Op. 18: II. Adagio sostenuto (opening) - Cecile Ousset
Noct (from Str Qt No. 2 in D#) - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Concierto de Aranjuez: II. Adagio (opening) - Julian Bream
Adagio for Strs, Op. 11a - Philadelphia Orch/Eugene Ormandy
Entr'acte to Act III (from Carmen) - Orch Nat de France/Seiji Ozawa

Customer Reviews:

Solid buy.......2003-09-01

"Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory-"
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Music has a great power, and classical has to be the minds elixir. I've never met a classical album I didn't like, but this is one I would suggest to anyone. The variety and selection make it stand out among others like it. In the end, there is something left to be desired, but ...'C'est la vie'.

Very soothing and relaxing to listen to.......2003-05-26

I'm not really much of a classical music fan, more like casual. Sometimes I do need a break from listening to the loud, abrasive beats of KMFDM and VNV Nation and put in something more soothing and relaxing to chill out to. Most of the music I enjoy chilling out to is in the vein of techno and ambient fused with Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of classical and baroque music. Before I became addicted to new wave music of the '80s, I was into Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi. I rarely buyh classical cds nowadays because I am afraid that there would be more filler and less substantial songs. I bought "The Most Relaxing Classical Album..." compilation because I was familiar with at least 85% of the songs. "The Most Relaxing Classical Album..." is a gorgeous compilation filled with some of the most exquisite songs known to mankind. Songs like Elgar's "Nimrod" and Mascagni's "Intermezzo" absolutely takes my breath away and even brings a tear to my eyes every time I listen to, especially the later because I think of the movie "Steel Magnolias" and the scenes following the passing of Julia Roberts' character. A very emotional song to say the very least. The most personal favorite song on this 2 cd set that I hold very dear to my heart is Pachelbel's "Canon". That song is just one of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard, not just classical, but any song that I have heard over the years. Although I am no opera fan, I absolutely adore Delibes' "Flower Duet". I can never tire of hearing that song, no matter who sings it. It is rare to find a cd where the title fits the contents of the cd, and "The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!" is that cd. No words can describe the beauty of the music I have heard here.

this will calm you down.......2003-04-02

Hi everybody out there. Guess what. This cd is wonderful. I am a VERY discerning ear for classical music. I usually don't go for the "BEST OF" collections. But ya know what...sometimes ya just need the "overplayed" stuff to calm you down. I mean, for some of these pieces, there are better performances out there. But, that doesn't really matter when you're just wanting to relax. This is great for someone learning about classical music. It will give you a good sense of what you might like in the future. who cares if it's not the TOP performers, i am not displeased with any of the tracks. it always does the trick when i need it to. :)

My Fav. CD!.......2003-04-01

Who ever said this was an awful CD full of no big hits was not too smart. This CD is HUGE! It has only famous composers, and only the best. They are all HUGE hits! It is the best CD I have ever owned. I am a professional musician.

Excellent for Everyone!.......2002-09-05

This CD was a wonderful surprise! Unlike so many "compliation" albums, it is made up of one beautiful, quality piece of music after another, without the usual boring "fillers". My friends who are classical aficionados love it. My friends who think they "hate" classical music, love it. My children and my parents love it. Everyone who hears it playing asks, "What IS this?!It's wonderful." The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I found the choral arrangements of a couple of the pieces oddly discordant, in the beautifully relaxing flow of the pure instrumental orchestration of the rest of the album

Slavonic Dances / Overtures & Symphonic Poems

Average customer rating:

Bohemian American Variegated Sounds
Not played with total conviction
The stuff is almost 30 years old
One of Dvorakýs finest recordings
a basic recommendation and a real bargain

Slavonic Dances / Overtures & Symphonic Poems
Dvorak , Brs , and Kubelik
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000065TV2
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Customer Reviews:

Bohemian American Variegated Sounds.......2004-04-15

Marvelous three-disc set of Dvorak's patriotic, overture and symphonic poems and variations at an affordable price with satisfactory recording quality which has been freshly transferred to CD form.

His Slavonic roots seem to leap out of this music in the Slavonic Dances, which are played here with robusto and eubilence by the Kubelik led Bavarian Radio Symphony.

This pious man who said that "he studied with the birds, flowers, God and myself" exerts in this collection a humility yet assertive control of his music, showing tranquility and robust outbursts of joy. The Hussite Overture was of real interest to this reviewer as not only is it passionately played as am quite of fan of this Bavarian reformer who truly was inspirational and foundational to Luther.

Their rendition of Carnival is electrifying and warm, especially the nature theme of the clarinets.

The Wood Dove is very much a mood swinger with is funeral dirge march catapulting into a marvelous love song and sweet violin solo.

Highly enjoyable recording.

Not played with total conviction.......2004-03-29

Although Kubelik's cycle of the symphonies on DG with the Berlin Philharmonic may be the best ever recorded, this set of Dances, Overtures, and Symphonic Poems is not as grand or as well conducted. What we find here is Kubelik just conducting the pieces rather than truly interpreting them. Although he does bring out some wonderful nuances in the score, highlighting some delightful orchestral effects, the overall feeling of the overtures and the poems is less than satisfying. The playing sounds lifeless and rather dull in the overtures and poems. Take Istvan Kertez's reading of the overtures or Neeme Jarvi's recording of the Symphonic Poems - both conductors are playing with total conviction. Here, Kubelik is simply performing the works.

The dances, however, are delightfully played and recorded. Kubelik seems to be having fun while performing these lighthearted dance pieces, and his energy is evident in the recording, the quality of which is quite good. Although for the overtures I suggest Kertez with the London Symphony Orchestra and Neeme Jarvi with the Scottish National Orchestra for the symphonic poems, this is a delightful set for the dances. Recommendable.

The stuff is almost 30 years old.......2004-02-13

Great performances but the dynamic range is dull. Okay on good equipment though. As others noted, the music and the performance are great.

One of Dvorakýs finest recordings.......2003-10-07

It is well known that Kubelik's performances of Dvorak's music are among the best ever. This set of CD's is a blessing, you get the famous Slavonic Dances among with the Symphonic Poems and Overtures all togehter, and with Kubelik!!!

This version of the Slavonic Dances is wonderfull. Actually, for me the only one that equals its quality is the Antal Dorati's with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Decca, which, by the way, happens to have a better sound than Kubelik's. Regarding the Symphonic Poems and the Overtures, you just won't find a better recording than this one, not to mention the fact of having all this works together. The sound is good, and the performances are outstanding.

a basic recommendation and a real bargain.......2002-07-15

This 3CD collection should get the attention of those who like Dvorak's music because, in addition to his frequently recorded Slavonic Dances, it includes all of his concert overtures and tone poems, and also, the Symphonic Variations. These works, apart from the Carnival Overture, are not often recorded, but are nevertheless major works. Here you have this music in first class performances by one of the premiere interpreters of this music (i.e. Rafael Kubelik), in very fine sound, and offered at a superbudget price. If you want all or most of these pieces, but do not yet have them, this is really a no brainer. Get them!

Average customer rating:

The Best Of Karajan At A Cheap Price! Wow!
WONDERFUL COLLECTION.........
Enchanting!
A music lover's dream

Romantic Adagio: Karajan

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GS6
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo sinfonico
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Romeo And Juliet: Love Theme
Les Sylphides: Nocturne
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance
Vltava (The Moldau)
Scheherazade: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Coppelia: Ballad
From Holberg's Time: Sarabande
Serenade For String Orchestra: Moderato
Carmen: Entr'acte III
Tristan And Isolde: Isoldes Liebestod - Wagner

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Karajan At A Cheap Price! Wow!.......2005-08-15

Close to perfect, really, if at least one track included Beethoven's Ninth Symphony "Ode To Joy" or other Karajan-conducted slow movements from symphonies. Also if Ravel's Bolero or Debussy's La Mer were on here. This is truly an incomparable collection at the very affordable price of about 2-3 dollars. Karajan's magical interpretations of adagios are gloriously showcased. Karajan was without a doubt the greatest conductor immediately after the loss of Arturo Toscanini, who is still hailed as the number one conductor of all time. Karajan, like Toscanini, were giants of classical music, making the music such a powerful and emotional experience that it was as if they had written the pieces themselves. Karajan was so involved with the music he conducted that he was able to conduct with his eyes closed. He FELT the music and was genuinely passionate about conducting. In adagios, the more relaxed, sustained and lyrical aspects of the music is exposed as is the more graceful conducting of Karajan.

The music included here is the moving and very Italianate Intermezzo from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. Karajan really delivers here and is a fine first track to begin with. It's followed by the elegantly-executed Barcarolle, complete with nocturnal and watery modes from the Offenbach opera, The Tales of Hoffman. The Love Theme from the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Tchaikovsky is priceless music and Tchaikovsky really steps up the emotional impact of the work. More charming and genteel phrasing is used in the music for the ballet Les Sylphides, with music from Chopin arranged for orchestra and for the Romanza in Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

I have never heard the true "Moldau" by Smetana until I heard it here. Under Karajan's baton, the river comes alive and the journey is much more compelling. The theme for the Young Prince and Princess from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade" is simply gorgeous, full of romantic Russian-ism. Karajan takes us to the time of Holberg in Grieg's Holberg Suite in a fine interpretation of the Sarabande. Karajan conducting Dvorak's String Serenade in E major is noble. The final tracks are perhaps the most musically masterful, eventhough all the previous pieces were well-executed even if they are not bigger in scope. The Carmen music- Overture and Preludes are remarkable. Karajan is in fine form and the music is crisp, powerful and colorful. Karajan knew Carmen. How this proudly Austrian man knew how to bring out the magnetism of a French piece like Carmen is beyond me. He in fact conduced the best Carmen performances at the Salzburg Festival, the ones with Grace Bumbry and Jon Vickers in the late 60's.

Finally, the last piece is the Liebestod, the Finale from Wagner's great opera Tristan and Isolde. Now, if anything, get this cheap album for that !! You have not heard the Liebestod until you've heard it conducted by Karajan. In this recording, he is already a seasoned conductor with years of experience since his young conductor days in the 30's and 40's. Judging ffrom the cover in which his hair is white and his face is wrinkled I can discern this is a probably an 80's recording when he was in his old age (because Karajan began seriously recording for labels in the 80's most people assumed he was always white-haired). His interpretation of the Liebestod is powerful, and deeply spiritual, withou sounding affected or melodramatic. He is in full control of the music. He knew Wagner through the music. Isolde's final aria has been likened to an orgasm or to a spiritual transformation by music scholars. Karajan brings out every bit of this theory in his rendition. A young Karajan conducting the Liebestod is harder to find, but its probably preferable to go with this version since by this time he knew the Liebestod inside and out. It's breathtaking and climatic. It's the best piece of music ever and the best of Karajan's repertoire.

WONDERFUL COLLECTION................2002-03-13

THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR
MUSIC WRITTEN. HERBERT VON KARAJAN IS AT HIS USUAL BEST. THIS IS A GREAT CD TO READ BY OR JUST SIT AND LISTEN TOO. I HIGHLY
RECOMMEND IT...

Enchanting!.......2001-01-11

This is the rare CD that will appeal to newcomers and afficionados alike. For a lover of classical music, it is often annoying to hear parts of a composition played out of context from the main piece but this is alleviated by the choice of music on this disc. As the name itself indicates, the selected pieces are highly melodic slow movements from masters of the genre. The composers on this CD need no introduction and the selection is by and large superb, with only one jarring note. Mascagni's Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, Chopin's Nocturne from Les Sylphides, Tchaikovsky's Theme from Romeo & Juliet, Korsakov's Theme from Scheherazade, Dvorak's Moderato and of course Mozart's Romance from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik are melodies that live forever and the others are not far behind, with the possible execption of Smetana's Vltava which does not quite fit in with the overall theme of the disc. The icing on the cake of course is that the performances are by none other than the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan's baton. What more can one ask for? A perfect disc to listen to on a lazy evening or after a hard day's work. And for a newcomer to classical music, this disc is an excellent sampler that will whet the appetite for more.

A music lover's dream.......2000-04-30

The CD has all the lushness and slow tempi (adagio, of course) for which Karajan was renowned (and sometimes reviled). Every track is a gem, from the graceful ballet music of Les Sylphides to the opulent melody from Scheherazade. Particularly exquisite is the Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde. All in all, a beautiful listening experience, and highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Great compilation album

Best Classical Album of the Millennium

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002MFD1
Release Date: 1999-10-27

Tracks:

Canon In D
Four Seasons (Concerto No
Adagio In G Minor
Symphony No 6 In F Pastor
Clarinet Concerto In A K6
Cello Concerto In E Minor
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Pa
Concierto De Aranjuez (Ii
Swan Lake (Scene Act Ii N
Symphony No 9 From The Ne
Nimrod From The Enigma Va
Piano Sonata No 14 In C
Piano Concerto No 2 In C
Adagio For Strings Op 11a
Piano Concerto No 21 In C
Dance Of The Reed Flutes
Violin Concerto In E Mino
Intermezzo From Cavalleri
Gloria In Excelsis Deo Fr
Zadok The Pirest
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freud
Lacrimosa From Requiem In
Ave Maria
Miserere Mei Deus
In Paradisum From Requiem
Viens Mallika (Flower Due
Belle Nuit O Nuit D'amoru
Pavane
O Mio Babbino Caro From G
Un Bel Di Vedremo From Ma
Va Pensiero (Chorus Of He
Au Fond Du Temple Saint
Vedi Le Fosche Notturne S
Nessun Dorma From Turando
O Fortuna From Carmina Bu
Dies Irae From Messa De R
Hallelujah Chorus From Me
Sunrise From Also Sprach
Jupiter The Bringer Of Jo
Toccata In D Minor
Four Seasons Concerto No
Symphony No 40 In G Minor
Symphony No 5 In C Minor
Montagues & Capulets
Piano Concerto In A Minor
Bolero (Conclusion)
Fanfare For The Common Ma
Ride Of The Valkyries Fro
Piano Concerto No 1 In B
Brandenburg Concerto No 2
Piano Concerto No 3 En D
1812 Overture (Conclusion
Ode To Joy From Symphonyn
Carmen (Prelude To Act 1)
Piano Concerto No 5 In E
For Unto Us A Child Is Bo
Pomp & Circumstance March

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation album.......2005-03-16

The set includes 3 CDs - "Relaxing", "Vocals", and "Epic". The recordings are wonderful versions performed by excellent orchestras/singers. I listen to it on my Paradigm speakers and close my eyes and can feel encompassed by the music. The recordings do not have the flaws (hiss, pops, scratches) in the sound that many 'cheap' classical CDs have. For 3 CDs and the quality of the recordings, I found this album a good choice!

Average customer rating:

Splendid Dvorak 9th Symphony From Ashkenazy, CPO
GOING HOME SLOW

Symphony 9 / 3 Overtures
Dvorak , Ashkenazy , and Czech Philharmonic
Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000646FH
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro Molto
Largo
Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
Carnival, Op. 92
Othello, Op. 93

Customer Reviews:

Splendid Dvorak 9th Symphony From Ashkenazy, CPO.......2003-08-01

There's been a few great recordings issued of Dvorak's 9th Symphony in recent years, with highest honors going to those with Abbado and Harnoncourt conducting the Berlin Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras. Although this one pales in sound quality with these, it should be regarded as a first rate version due to the excellent collaboration between Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra still retains much of the rich, warm tone prevalent in such Eastern European orchestras as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Berlin Staatskapelle, and especially, Dresden Staatskapelle. And true to the spirit of their illustrious Czech musical forebear, the orchestra plays its hearts on its sleeve, creating one of the most haunting versions of the Largo I have yet heard. Ashkenazy does a splendid job leading the orchestra, though some, such as this reviewer, would have enjoyed a more spirited, innovative interpretation such as Harnoncourt's. The second CD contains three of Dvorak's tone poems and overtures; these are also well played by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Anyone in search of a fine recent recording of the Dvorak 9th Symphony won't be disappointed with this 2 CD set.

GOING HOME SLOW.......2002-08-28

Dvorak's New World Symphony is my all time favorite symphony. Ashkenazy gets it right by playing Going Home soft and gentle though he picks up in the Scherzo with Molto vivace. In Nature's Realm has the Czech's natural flair for the dramatic. Carnival is a joy. The CD coupling had only one left from Amazon, so get it while you can.

Customer Reviews:

Price and quality.......2007-02-05

This is indeed a fabulous set of recordings. Kuchar is underrated but continually well represented on Cd. I agree with the previous reviewer,the Janacek Philharmonic may not be Vienna,Berlin or Philadelphia but they're a lot more exciting to listen to than those more well regarded bands. Nearly everyone of these performances is first rate and they seem to have been recorded at a very high level. This sometimes makes the performances sound a bit frenetic and noisy at times(Carnival Overture especially)but for the asking price of these three disks,you'd be a fool to pay more. Pretty boys like the overrated Rattle can't hold a baton to Kuchar in this or any other repetoire. Buy it before Brillaint Classics decides to raise the price.

Lyrical, youthful and exciting........2005-06-24

I've listened to this recording so many times in the past 2 months. I learned the symphonic poems and overtures on the old 4-LP box set released in the U.S. as Legend (LGDD 101). Conducted variously by Chalabala (op. 107-110); Ancerl (op. 62, 67, 91-93); Neumann (op. 78); and Klima (op. 111) it was a place to start, but not wholly satisfying. Then came the Kubelik recordings on Deutsche Grammophon LP: I never felt that he got to the heart of Dvorak like Kertesz did. Next, for me was the Jarvi set. Better. Good clean readings. Good tempos and dynamics. I tried the Harnoncourt readings with the Concergebouw: made me think of Kubelik. Way too smooth and Brahmsian. The discs "in hand" with Theodore Kuchar and the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra are really fabulous. I get the sonic impression that this is a "young" orchestra. There is a delight and fire in their playing that is truly infectious. The "line" is fluid. They know where they're going. This is music making at its finest. Not just technique and notes but a complete concept of the entire work. Like standing at the far end of a gallery and taking in a big painting. It's about the big work, not just the details. This is available at a great price and I strongly recommend these performances. There is joy and passion in Dvorak. Kuchar and the Janacek Phil. players know this and they deliver. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Dvorak's Carnival Overture

Bernstein Favorites: Overtures

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000027CP
Release Date: 1991-05-03

Customer Reviews:

Dvorak's Carnival Overture.......2005-08-19

I've listened to a number of performances of Dvorak's Carnival Overture through the years, including the performances by George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra, Istvan Kertesz and the London Symphony, and Rafael Kubelik's version on the DGG label. However, none match the excitement that Bernstein's interpretation summons. A very robust, driving tempo is maintained through the tutti parts, resulting in a very tight and energizing performance reminiscent of some of the past Arturo Toscanini interpretations of orchestral works. Despite the age of the performance, the sound quality is quite good, although it may fall a little short if you are used to digital recordings.

Romanza: World's Most Beautiful Melodies

Average customer rating:

Romanza: World's Most Beautiful Melodies

Manufacturer: Sony Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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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

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Sentimentale

ASIN: B000002YF7
Release Date: 1995-12-01

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Romanza
Love Theme
Humoresque
Gypsy Love Waltz
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Intermezzo
Flower Song
Vocalise
Love Theme
Humming Chorus
Duet
O Mio Babbino Caro

Overtures "The President's Own" United States Marine Band

Average customer rating:

Overtures "The President's Own" United States Marine Band

Manufacturer: United States Marine Band
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000R3CLXY

Product Description

The tracks are: 1. Dvorak's "Carneval Overture", Op. 92, 2. Wagner's Overture to "The Flying Dutchman", 3. Berlioz's Overture to "Benvenito Cellini", 4. Verdi's Overture to "Il finto Stanislao", 5. Verdi's Overture to "Giovanna d'Arco", 6. Johann Strauss Jr's Overture to "The Gypsy Baron", 7. Sir Arthur Sullivan's "Overture di Ballo", 8. Lalo's Overture to "Le Roi d'Ys.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

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