Mendelssohn: Complete Piano Music

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Whether in the large-scale Op. 6 Sonata and Variations Serieuses or the gentle yet cogently proportioned Songs Without Words, the indefatigable Martin Jones plays this music with assurance, insight, and a singing tone that never cloys. Moreover, Nimbus's rock-bottom price is hard to beat for customers wishing to acquire Mendelssohn's entire solo piano output in one fell swoop. --Jed Distler

Tracks:

Three Lute Dances: Prelude: Courante
Sonata In E-Flat: Prelude: Adagio
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Prelude: Allegro
Water Music: Prelude: Suite No. 1- Air
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Te Deum: Processional: Prelude
Processional: Canon In D
Processional: Trumpet Tune
Lohengrin: Processional: 'Wedding March'
Cantata 147: Ceremony: 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring'
The Four Seasons: Ceremony: 'Spring' - Allegro
Ceremony: 'Ave Maria'
Five Mystical Songs: Ceremony: 'The Call'
Ceremony: 'Sheep May Safely Graze'
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Recessional: 'Wedding March'
Solomon: Recessional: 'Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheeba'
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: Recessional: First Movement
Organ Symphony No. 5: Recessional: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

Middle of the road wedding music.......2007-01-20

I bought this cd because I had everything in my wedding planned to the last tiny detail except the ceremony music. All the songs on the cd are nice traditional wedding songs. I did not use any of the music from the cd, but I am glad I bought it because it helped me realize that traditional wedding music was not what I wanted. All and all a nice classical music cd but not for brides who really want a personal ceremony. BTW I went with Enya and Lorena McKennitt.

just what I was looking for.......2007-01-10

We wanted traditional wedding music and found it in this CD. I'm no music expert, but the arrangements and performances seemed fine. I would definitely recommend this CD for any bride looking for a concise collection of traditional wedding pieces.

Most Chosen Selections.......2006-03-13

As a wedding officiant, my wife and I are often asked to assist the couple with other services for their ceremony, such as music. For this, we have a very large selection in our music library to choose from. We have put together a catalog of cd's that we loan out to the couple for their review, and most often, their selections come from BRIDE'S GUIDE TO WEDDING MUSIC.

If you're planning a traditional or formal wedding on a budget, this cd has it all. There are even two selections of Wagner's "Wedding March" to choose from. Only two of the selections have vocals, the rest are all extraordinary instrumental selections.

Often, even around the house or in my car, I find myself listening to this cd. The music is soothing, refreshing, uplifting and most enjoyable. I recommend this cd over all other wedding music cd's.

Another Great Reference CD.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume 2, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs; just about everything on here is standard fare for weddings. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over potential music selections with an organist, a string quartet, etc. Like my review for Volume 2, I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner. BTW: beware of reviewers who don't use their names, especially "A music fan." This is most likely the producer of the "Wedding Traditions" CD and he slanders other CDs so his will look better. You'd think that in the wedding music business people would have better ethics, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. The best advice I can give, as a classical musician myself, if to take time to listen to the sound clips, and if possible, try to find them on iTunes where they might sound higher quality. This is the only real way of knowing whether the CD is right for you.

A Nice CD.......2005-12-30

This is a very nice CD.
Our daughter used some of the songs on this CD
and some of the songs that are on the
"Classical Wedding Traditions" CD for the wedding.
She also used many of the songs on the
"New Wedding Traditions Volume I" CD
Amazon is a great place to find good wedding music

Average customer rating:

GORGEOUS!
Wonderful intro To MEHDl ...
great
The Complete Wedding Album
Almost the compete wedding album

The Complete Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000006ONZ
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Rigaudon - Empire Brass
Sinfonia - Michael Murray
Toccata - Michael Murray
Wedding March - Michael Murray
The Prince Of Denmark's March - Michael Murray
Trumpet Tune In D Major - Michael Murray
Te Deum - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Canon In D Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Yolanda Kondonassis
Prelude No. 1 In C Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Entrance Of The Queen Of Sheba - Keith Clark
Air - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Hornpipe - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Rondeau - Empire Brass
Unchained Melody - Erich Kunzel
Through The Eyes Of Love - William Tritt
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet - William Tritt
The Wedding Song (There Is Love - Danny Donnelly
Dodi Li - Shira Kammen

Tracks:

Rondeau - Michael Murray
Sheep May Safely Graze - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Michael Chertock
Clair De Lune - Michael Chertock
Adagio Sostenuto - Michael Chertock
Largo - Angel Romero
Largo - Larry Cooperman
Largo - Keith Clark
Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Adagio In G Minor For Strings - Keith Clark
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Leonard Slatkin
Adagio For Strings - Erich Kunzel
'Treulich Gefuart,' Bridal Chorus - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Wedding March - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

GORGEOUS!.......2007-06-13

I wish this CD had been around when I was planning my wedding as it would have been great for helping the bride to select music! Still, it's wonderful to listen to now.

Wonderful intro To MEHDl ..........2006-06-08

I've always enjoyed Great Wedding music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Tomaso Albinoni fan of, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I had them both in my multi-disc CD player during the wedding and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

great.......2006-02-19

Highly recommended. Even has suggestions for pre-ceremony, processional, ceremony, and recessional inside. 2 different versions of Midsummer Night's Dream march included - one with trumpet and organ and one with a full orchestra. Lots of great selections, well recorded.

The Complete Wedding Album.......2005-08-05

This album has a lot of great wedding music. It had all of the songs I was looking for. There also is great background music for the ceremony. Glad I purchased it

Almost the compete wedding album.......2004-05-07

I used this cd to help me plan which songs I wanted to use for each part of the wedding. This cd helps you suggest the placement for the prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional. The cd mainly has classical songs, but it does have a few of "today's" songs. There could have been a few more songs they could have added. But overall, its a good cd.

Average customer rating:

badly remastered
Rachmaninov is the master
A Master of Musical Love
Classic Historic Rachmaninoff.

Rachmaninov: His Complete Recordings

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000A2AD2S
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Customer Reviews:

badly remastered.......2007-06-25

"The Complete Rachmaninoff', at 2-3 times the price is a better deal. This version is re-mastered in a way that reduces surface noise, but, at the same time, removes much of the pianists' tone quality that comes through so well on the original LP release, as well as the more expensive set. Also, this album is lacking the documentation of recording dates that the LP and 'The Complete Rachmaninoff' provide. For the neophyte, the re-mastering reduces the magic of Rachmaninoff's tone. I would expect the connoisseur to be even more disappointed. There are bargains out there, but for this album, you get what you pay for.

Rachmaninov is the master.......2007-05-15

Some people like the recordings and some dont, but as a fan of Rachmaninov it would be a shame not to own these recordings. To hear a master composer from history play his own works is not that common. Just put the cd in your player put your headphones on and watch the black and white images appear in your mind as though you were at a concert in the 1930's looking on at the man sitting at the piano carefully but with feeling pounding each note into the air of time. If you don't like the scratchy recordings then obviously you are a spoiled brat who doesnt appreciate fine art.

A Master of Musical Love.......2007-01-18

There have been other brilliant composers and genius pianists as Rachmaninoff lived and afterwards. Yet, in my opinion, he is the real central figure of his days and, as far as I can feel, what there is of most modern up to now in classical music. I do not think it exaggerated to say that, after all these decades, someone is still to pick up the torch from his hands at that level of inspiration, just as he picked it up from Tchaikovsky. It is true that a few of his compositions seem quirky and cerebral: but more than a few are the masterpieces. His second Concerto is the concert of the century. And where do we find, for instance, a match for his etude tableau 39/5 in one hundred years? Or a simply revolutionary piece as his prelude 32/12 is?

One could go on with a list of marvelous compositions either created or played by him and many reviewers already pointed so much of great in his recordings. So a good thing to do here is what a previous reviewer also did: to say something special about one favorite piece of the box-set. My forerunner pointed to Rach's rendering of Haendel's "Harmonious Blacksmith" and I agree with each word he wrote about it. Now I should like to declare my amazement about his version of "Leise flehen", initially a Swansong written by Schubert and later transcribed by Liszt.

Hopefully Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and other singers will not mind my saying this, but Rachmaninoff unveils and exposes such a treasure in this song that now its original lyrics only seem to obstruct the inestimable wealth in piano notes below them at all other known recordings: the piece is infinitely more beautiful when left to the pianist alone. Rach's playing is warm and generous, just like Schubert's creative Geist, and the result is light-years ahead of the usual rough, squared, catacomb mood with which people bring the composition along with singers.

Impossible not to love, but there is more to that. After listening so many times to this piece that never ceases to stun me, I came to conclude that in fact very few people could manage to play the `leise flehen' like this, even among good pianists. As expressed here, its notes speak to their listener in such frank, open, and direct way - like a true friend making an important confession - that only a man with Rachmaninoff's `heart of gold' could manage to convey its meaning.

Ahhh, maybe we're talking about technique... To have a most noble heart, then, is THE decisive technical prerequisite for communicating these notes, otherwise they will simply not come out at all.

Notes: Here are a few opinions about the pieces mentioned above; hopefully they will be helpful for persons who don't know Rachmaninoff's works and stimulating for those who already know them. 1) As far as I am aware, besides Rachmaninoff only Valentina Lisitsa recorded the Leise flehen in a solo version. It can be found in her 2005 DVD with the Swan Songs program. 2) The etude tableaux 39/5 is not in this box set; many performers have played it, but none as Van Cliburn, who simply operates a miracle in the CD "My Favorite Rachmaninoff". His playing and the vertigo sensation it leaves behind are so powerful that I am sometimes afraid to listen to him. 3) Horowitz, the wizard, masters the prelude 32/12 in his CD "Horowitz Plays Scriabin" and in his legendary 1986 Moscow recital; the prelude is also in Rach's box-set. 4) About the second concerto, there are so many recordings, most of which I have not heard; my favorite performer is Benno Moiseiwitsch, a sublime piano poet much admired by Rachmaninoff himself. None of the recordings I've heard of the concerto, including the two available by its own composer, reach the climax of its third movement as Moiseiwitsch does in a 1944 movie called "Battle for Music". It is only a short excerpt from one of his wartime presentations with the LSO, but long enough to show how it sounds when perfectly done. The excerpt is also in the movie "The Art of Piano", in which the entire footage involving Rachmaninoff and Moiseiwitsch is simply a gem (however much historically unprecise).

Classic Historic Rachmaninoff........2006-01-14

If you're a tad bit confused between this boxed set and "The Complete Recordings" boxed set from 1992, fear not. Both this and "The Complete Recordings" are exactly the same. The only difference is in the cover art and packaging. Also, the price of this recent reissue is half as much as the original edition. If you have the original edition, there's no need to buy it again. If you don't own this already, then this present edition is the one to get mainly because of its reduced price tag.
With this out of the way, onto the music itself:
The Rachmaninoff Complete recordings collection includes everything the great Russian composer/pianist recorded between the years 1919 and 1941. Besides recording historic versions of his own classic Piano Concertos, his "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paginini" as well as conducting his own Third Symphony and Isle of the Dead, Rachmaninoff also recorded arrangements of works by such great composers ranging from Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert to most importantly, Chopin. These recordings are also included in this mammoth set alongside more obscure works by Mussorgsky, Daquin, Henselt and Dohnanyi.
The sound quality varies throughout the set ranging from highly listenable to sounding as if it were transferred by placing a microphone directly into the horn of an old grammophone. Despite the variants of sound quality, one cannot deny that this music as well as these recordings are important and historic.
The CD booklet gives a brief insight to Rachmaninoff's history as a recording artist as well as a breakdown of the tracks themselves. The only major flaw with this present edition is the fact that there are no recording dates listed anywhere in the liner notes. Considering that these are historic recordings dating from the very birth of the recording age, it would've definitely been helpful to be able to identify the year in which each work included here was recorded. Considering that I do not own the original edition of this set, there's a good chance that the first edition included the dates of the recordings. Not so here though. This is the reason why this reviewer docked this set one star.
Apart from this, this present edition or Rachmaninoff's complete recordings is a must for the die-hard Rachmaninoff fan. You get to hear the genius at work not only with his own material but with works by others as well. There are also a few note worthy collaborations such as a full disc of duets with legendary violinist Fritz Kreisler, an appearance by mezzo soprano Naddejda Plevitskaya on the arrangement of the traditional tune "Powder and Paint" and a fabulous four-hand piano rendition of Rachmaninoff's own "Italian Polka" with his daughter Natalie as second pianist (which actually sounds like a homemade wax-cylinder recording).
With this said, if you can get around guessing when these recordings were made, this is some great and historic music from one of the very best composer/musicians of our time - the one and only, the great Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Average customer rating:

Took a nap during labor
Awesome!
Induces great relaxation, pair with noise-cancelling headphones and sleep on plane.
Recommended for first rate relaxation and sleep!
Worth the listen

Brainwave Symphony

Manufacturer: Relaxation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00009L4UI
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041, Andante
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor, BWV 1043, Largo Ma Non Tanto
Sinfonia Decima A 7 For 2 Trumpets and Strings, Op. 3, Adagio, Grave, Adagio
Cello Concerto In C, Adagio
Cello Concerto In D, Op. 101, Adagio
String Symphony No. 4, Andante
Capriol Suite Pieds-En-Lair
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D, K. 218 Andante Cantabile
Concerto In F Major, F VII 2, RV. 455, Grave
Concerto In A Minor, F VII 5, RV. 461 Larghetto
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68, 'Pastoral' Szene Am Bach/Scene By The Brook, Andante Molto Mosso

Tracks:

Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets, Strings, And Continuo
Sonata In D For 2 Trumpets, Strings, And Continuo
Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 104 First Movement
Cello Concerto In C, Moderato
Oboe Concerto In B-Flat, Op. 7, No. 6 Allegros I & II
Oboe Concerto In D Major, Op. 7, No. 6 Allegros I & II
Oboe Concerto In D Major, F VII 10 RV. 453 Allegro, Largo, Allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, K. 550 Andante
Basset Clarinet Concerto In A, K. 622 Allegro

Tracks:

The Planets Suite: Venus, Bringer Of Peace
The Planets Suite, Neptune, The Mystic
Adagio For Strings
Adagio In G Minor
Symphony No. 4 In C Minor, Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B-Flat Major, Andante
Violin Concerto In E Minor, Andante
Lady Radnor's Suite, Slow Minuet
Sospiri, Op. 70
Suite For String Orchestra, Nocturne
Marche Funevre, Lento, Excerpt
Calm Sea & Prosperous Voyage Op. 27

Tracks:

Fantasia On A Theme By Tomas Tallis
Lark Ascending
Eclogue For Piano And Strings
Clair De Lune
Clarinet Concerto, Adagio
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Adagio
Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10, Chant

Album Description

BRAINWAVE SYMPHONY combines carefully selected music from the baroque, classical, romantic, impressionistic, and twentieth-century eras with breakthrough audio technology to give you the best of classical wisdom and modern science.

We all experience many states of consciousness, from ordinary waking and sleeping states to extraordinary states in which we are more at peace, particularly aware, or unusually creative. Each state has a unique pattern of brainwaves that can be mapped and measured. Brainwave Symphony uses of inaudible pulses of sound, based on these brain maps, to trigger your brain to produce the state you want to experience.

Combining this powerful new recording process with carefully selected works of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Bach, and other masters offers a beautiful and unique listening experience as well as a powerful tool for personal transformation.

Orchestrate Your State of Mind

CD1 Alpha Relax & Let Go Alert Meditation, Tranquillity, and Active Relaxation. Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Warlock, Vivaldi, Bononcini, and Beethoven

CD2 Beta Energize & Focus Heightened Focus, Enhanced Energy, and Peak Performance. Mozart, Bach, Alberti, Haydn, Albinoni, and Vivaldi

CD3 Delta Unwind & Sleep Deep Relaxation, Rejuvenation, and Restful Sleep Holst, Barber, Albinoni, Parry, Elgar, Bridge, Mendelssohn, and Chopin

CD4 Theta Meditate & Create Deep Meditation, Heightened Intuition and Enhanced Creativity.

Williams, Finzi, Debussy and Britten

All brainwave frequencies were scored by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson whose innovative work, based on over 20 years of clinical research, is used by healthcare professionals in 26 countries. Dr. Thompson is currently on the faculty of, and has research and clinical offices at, the California Institute for Human Science.

Music was selected and sequenced by Pat Moffitt Cook, M.M., Ph.Dc., AMI Fellow, a pioneer in the use of music in health care. Pat is the founder and director of the Open Ear Center for Music in Healthcare and Education, where she trains professionals, musicians, and laypeople in the use of healing music.

Customer Reviews:

Took a nap during labor.......2007-01-16

I used the first CD in this collection (Alpha) to assist me during the labor and delivery of our daughter. I put it on our ipod and listened to it over and over during the labor process. I actually managed a light nap during active labor and had very little pain throughout the process. It that doesn't tell you that it keeps you relaxed and able to meditate, I don't know whatelse might convince you. The recording is great, the music lovely, and it does what it claims to do. I highly recommend it!

Awesome!.......2006-03-17

These really work! Ever wonder why listening to classical music may make you more up-tight than relaxing you? Here's the reason...

Induces great relaxation, pair with noise-cancelling headphones and sleep on plane........2005-12-30

So far I have only really used the relaxation CD, which works amazingly well. I have been flying more red-eyes lately in part because I know I can sleep on the plane from as soon as I get on. However, I have always slept pretty well on airplanes!

I keep forgetting to try out the rest of the CD collection.

Recommended for first rate relaxation and sleep!.......2005-06-06

These cds sound like simple classical music, but they do indeed assist you to enter different states of mind. For best effect, wear stereo headphones. But even without, you will find it easier to relax, sleep and meditate. If you don't like classical, the Brainwaves Suite has a new age/environmental sound.

Worth the listen.......2004-10-17

My curiousity was well rewarded when I first listened to these four CDs. The symphonic music is seamlessly recorded, accented with tone notations that are easy on the ear and peaceful on the mind. This set is at the office, on the iPod and the home computer, and loaned to others on a regular basis. They have flavored prayer services and supported pastoral conversations. Make good presents, too. Worried about subliminal suggestion? Well, if clearer thinking and thoughtful reflection is subliminal thinking, then you will get the message each time you listen to these recordings. Other recordings by Dr. Thompson deliver just as these do.

Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Average customer rating:

Some Of Bernstein's Most Memorable Deutsche Grammophon Recordings

Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000ASAEM6
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Customer Reviews:

Some Of Bernstein's Most Memorable Deutsche Grammophon Recordings.......2007-05-21

Fans of Leonard Bernstein's conducting have much to enjoy in this fine commemorative box set which includes all of his recordings of several Schubert, Mendelssohn and Schumann orchestral works for Deutsche Grammophon in the 1980s. More importantly, this set contains some of his best recordings. Among my favorites are his Schubert symphony recordings made with the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Of these, his electrifying, swift account of the Schubert 9th Symphony remains among the finest recorded, blessed by superlative playing from the Concertgebouw Orchestra, especially its winds and strings. Bernstein doesn't seek emotional pyrotechnics from the orchestra, relying instead on swift tempi. His recordings of the Schubert 5th and 8th symphonies are also highly recommended, featuring exceptional playing from the Concertgebouw Orchestra. In stark contrast, his celebrated Schumann symphony cycle with the Wiener Philharmoniker (which has been available separately as a two CD set) is replete with emotion, and what could be charitably described as Bernstein's unique, quite mannered interpretations of these scores. Without question, this box set is yet another reason showing Bernstein's excellence as one of the great conductors of the 20th Century, and one which should be popular with his fans and others interested in his legendary career.

Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words, Complete

Average customer rating:

Beautifully played

Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words, Complete

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000000AMO
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Songs Without Words: Book I Op. 19: I. Andante con moto - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book I Op. 19: II. Andante espressivo - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book I Op. 19: III. Molto Allegro e vivace - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book I Op. 19: IV. Moderato - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book I Op. 19: V. Poco agitato - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book I Op. 19: VI. Venetianisches Gondellied. Andante sostenuto - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book II Op. 30: I. Andante espressivo - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book II Op. 30: II. Allegro di molto - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book II Op. 30: III. Adagio non troppo - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book II Op. 30: IV. Agitato e con fuoco - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book II Op. 30: V. Andante grazioso - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book II Op. 30: VI. Venetianisches Gondellied. Allegretto tranquillo - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book III Op. 38: I. Con moto (cantabile) - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book III Op. 38: II. Allegro non troppo - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book III Op. 38: III. Presto e molto vivace - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book III Op. 38: IV. Andante - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book III Op. 38: V. Agitato - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book III Op. 38: VI. Duetto. Andante con moto - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book IV Op. 53: I. Andante con moto - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book IV Op. 53: II. Allegro non troppo - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book IV Op. 53: III. Presto agitato - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book IV Op. 53: IV. Adagio - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book IV Op. 53: V. Volkslied. Allegro con fuoco - Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book IV Op. 53: VI. Molto Allegro vivace - Mendelssohn

Tracks:

Songs Without Words: Book V Op. 62: Andante espressivo - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book V Op. 62: Allegro con fuoco - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book V Op. 62: Andante maestoso - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book V Op. 62: Allegro con anima - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book V Op. 62: Andante con moto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book V Op. 62: Allegretto grazioso - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VI Op. 67: Andante - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VI Op. 67: Allegro leggiero - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VI Op. 67: Andante tranquillo - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VI Op. 67: Presto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VI Op. 67: Moderato - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VI Op. 67: Allegretto non troppo - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VII Op. 85: Andante espressivo - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VII Op. 85: Allegro agitato - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VII Op. 85: Presto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VII Op. 85: Andante sostenuto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VII Op. 85: Aleegretto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VII Op. 85: Allegretto con moto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VIII Op. 102: Anadante un poco agitato - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VIII Op. 102: Adagio - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VIII Op. 102: Presto - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VIII Op.102: Un poco agitato ma Andante - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VIII Op. 102: Allegro vivace - F. Mendelssohn
Songs Without Words: Book VIII Op. 102: Andante - F. Mendelssohn

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully played.......2003-08-03

Unlike many people who will listen to this album, I have heard Luba Edlina play in person for many years, atleast once a week, and each time I heard her play, I was in awe of what beauty and feeling she put into everything. Her performance on this album is no exception. These pieces are indeed like Songs Without Words in the fluidity, thought, emotion, and clear melodic structure of her playing. Having studied a few of the pieces under her, I can genuinely say that Luba Edlina has a love for Mendelssohn's work, as well as any other composer she and her trio (Borodin Trio) have ever recorded and released. I wish I could show all of you the emotional intensity as well as what depths of concentration she shows in her playing, and most importantly I wish I could relay to you her love of the music and her students.

Average customer rating:

Mediocre Mendelssohn, mediocre recording.
Listening to Mendelssohn's piano & cello works: priceless.

Mendelssohn: Complete Music for Cello

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66
Mendelssohn: Complete Works for Violin and Piano
Saint-Saëns: Piano Trios
Schubert, Debussy / Rostropovich, Britten
Haydn: Cello Concertos

ASIN: B00004YYQ0
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Son No.1 in B flat Op.45: Allegro Vivace
Son No.1 in B flat Op.45: Andante
Son No.1 in B flat Op.45: Allegro Assai
Vars Concertantes Op.17
Son No.2 in D Op.58: Allegro Assai Vivace
Op.17 Son No 2 in D Op.58: Allegretto Scherzando
Op.17 Son No 2 in D Op.58: Adagio
Op.17 Son No 2 in D Op.58: Molto Allegro E Vivace
Assai Tranquillo (First Recording)
Lied Ohne Worte Op.109

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre Mendelssohn, mediocre recording........2004-02-07

This is not a bad CD and so this is not a bad review. Lester and Tomes play this music very well, both produce very nice sounds from their instruments, and their musicianship is solid, if not inspiring.

It's hard to get too excited about this batch of repertoire and I can't help that the music contributes to my 3-star rating. Mendelssohn produced lovely music at a moment's notice and certainly his piano/cello works are no exception...and are themselves unexceptional. I write 'piano/cello' because the balance of the instruments is so heavily weighted towards the piano that one is tempted to refer to these pieces as works for piano with cello obliggato. Yes, I know the piano was a much lighter instrument when Mendelssohn was writing this music and the cello was brighter and less rich in sound quality. Stringed instruments these days are strung much tighter with entirely different strings, no matter that Richard Lester plays a cello built before Mendelssohn's day. Even with these considerations, Mendelssohn really should have given the cello, the lyrical, singing instrument of this combination, more to do.

Of the sonatas, the B-flat major is very standard fare and rather unimportant, but the D major is far more interesting and is, by far, the strongest piece of the set. The opening movement begins with a striding theme punctuated with piano arpeggiation and includes a beautiful development that, typically with Mendelssohn, releases its energy gradually down to a whisper in a remote key. The scherzo proper is rather light and throwaway, but the trio is Mendelssohn's warm lyricism at its finest. The slow Adagio is the most interesting formally and texturally. The piano begins with a Bach-like chorale of arpeggios with the left hand crossing the right for the theme. The cello enters in a soulful, almost confessional mood like the sinner in a conversation with the almighty. The movement ends in utter seriousness with the piano restating the cello, but softly with a bowed/pizzicato accompaniament. I have no doubt that this movement inspired Cesar Franck while composing his great "Prelude, Chorale, et Fugue". Unfortunately, Mendelssohn ends the piece with such a potboiler of a finale that the entire piece is robbed of distinction that the first three movements have earned. This isn't a case of my merely not liking the theme or the mood. The movement is simply not worthy of a great composer and was a terrible miscalculation. It's too bad that the thin cello sonata repertoire cannot include what was to be a very worthy addition without some misgivings due to this frilly, silly display.

The charming Song Without Words is a nice encore piece that reminds me of the sentimental songs of Sullivan and the Assai Tranquillo fragment is a piece I didn't know existed.

This leads to my heaviest criticism. The recording quality detracts from this CD considerably. The sound engineers and especially the musicians should have demanded far greater clarity. Mendelssohn's piano writing is perhaps a bit too facile for today's instrument and all through this CD the piano overwhelms the cello. Much of the charm of this music is lost because of this overall "wet" quality and although I have no doubt Tomes is playing every single note in the score, the listener would never know because so many are lost to reverberation and carry. Too much pedal doesn't help, either.

All in all, if you're looking for a CD of Mendelssohn's piano/cello music, this isn't bad, but you might want to hold out for something better. I remember Lynn Harrell made a very good recording of the D major sonata back in the 70s and I don't know if it has ever been released on CD. Then again, you might want to invest in something of higher quality altogether such as Beethoven, Brahms, or...even Boccherini.

Listening to Mendelssohn's piano & cello works: priceless........2001-04-20

Joao Gilberto once sang: "he who doesn't like the samba is either sick in the head or lame in the foot." Similarly, he who doesn't like Felix Mendelssohn is cold in the heart and lacking in soul. Or, perhaps, they haven't heard his music played correctly. There is some strange rumour going around - I think it was started by Wagner - that in order to play Mendelssohn's music, all you need is a light touch and rapid finger work. Susan Tomes and Richard Lester successfully prove how unjust a statement this is. The poetry of Mendelssohn's writing springs forth from their instruments with an unmatched beauty. They are well aware of Mendelssohn's precision, his deep regard for the classical masters; and his ideas are never lost to tastelss rubato or false expression. Susan Tomes always surprises me with her playing. For some reason I just never expect her to be as good as she is. A true musician and virtuoso! And, Richard Lester...well, never before have I heard such a pure, warm tone. His playing is magnificant. In the same way that Mendelssohn's compositions always seem to place a kind hand on your shoulder, Richard Lester's playing fills the spirit with happiness and calm. His interpretation of the "Lied Ohne Worte" is no interpretation at all - it was recorded straight from Mendelssohn's brain I'm sure! And, his cello is over 250 years old!

These five pieces are some of the greatest compositions in existence. I feel as though I've struck gold each time I put the C.D. in the player. But, no matter how precious that metal may be to some, it could never compare with the emotions one receives from Mendelssohn through his compositions (when played by great musicians). Who can put a price on such an experience (which, if the designers of C.D.s are correct, will last forever)?

Tracks:

Sonata In E Major, K 531 (L430): Allegro
Sonata In A Major, K322 (L483): Allegro
Sonata In G Major K455 (L209): Allegro
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': III. Rondo. Allegro
Impromptu In G-flat Major, Op. 90 (D899) No. 3: Andante
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Etude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 7: Lento
Scherzo No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20: Presto con fuoco
3 Preludes - From Book II: IV. Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses. Rapide et leger
3 Preludes - From Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
3 Preludes - From Book II: VI. General Lavine - eccentric.
Poeme In F-sharp Major, Op. 32 No. 1: Andante cantabile
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: I. Grave- Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: III. Marche funebre. Lento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: IV. Finale. Presto
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Appassionato
Arabeske In C, Op.18: Leicht und zart
Kinderszenen, Op.15 - Scenes From Childhood: 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 2. Kuriose Geschichte
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 3. Hansche-Mann
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 4. Bittendes Kind
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 5. Gluckes genug
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 6. Wichtige Begbenheit
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 7. Traumerei
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 8. Am Kamin
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 10. Fast zu ernst
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 11. Furchtenmachen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 12. Kind im Einschlummern
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 13. Der Dichter spricht
Toccata In C, Op.7: Allegro
Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 In D Minor: Lento patetico (Lassan)- Vivace (Friska)

Tracks:

Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegretto
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Vivo
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro

Tracks:

Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: I. Preludio, quasi improvvisando. Tempo moderato
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: II. Intermezzo. Adagio
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: III. Fuga. Moderamente sherzando, un poco umoristico
Fantasie In C, Op.17: I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschalflich vorzutragen
Fantasie In C, Op.17: II. Massig. Durchaus energisch
Fantasie In C, Op.17: III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
Piano Sonata No.9, Op.68 'Black Mass': Moderato quasi andante-Molto meno vivo-Allegro-Piu vivo-Allegro...
Poeme In F-Sharp Major, Op.32 No.1: Andante cantibile

Tracks:

Mazurka In C-sharp Minor, Op. 30. No. 4: Allegretto
Etude In F major, Op. 10 No. 8: Allegro
Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Serenade For The Doll. Allegro ma non troppo
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In A-Flat Major, Op. 72 No. 11: Presto e con leggierezza
Traumerei
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: I. Tema.Andante grazioso e variazioni
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: II. Menuetto - Trio
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla Turca
Polonaise-Fantaisie In A-Flat Major, Op. 61: Allegro maestoso

Tracks:

Mazurka In B minor, Op. 33 No. 4: Mesto
Nocturne In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1: Andante
Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70: Moderato - Allegro - Puissant, radieux - Allegro - Piu vivo - Presto - Moderato
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: I. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: II. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: III. Finale
Blumenstuck In D-Flat Major, Op. 19: Leise bewegt
L'ISLE JOYEUSE: Quasi una cadenza - Tempo.
Vallee d'Obermann: Lento assai - Piu lento - Un poco piu di moto ma sempre lento - Presto - Lento

Tracks:

Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Nocturne In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1: Andante
Polonaise In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44: Tempo di polacca - Doppio movimento, tempo di Mazurka - Tempo I
Sonata In E major, K 380 (L23): Andante commodo
Sonata In G major, K 55 (L335): Allegro
Arabeske In C Major, Op. 18: Leicht und zart
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico
Traumerei
Variations On A Theme From Bizet's Opera 'Carmen'

Tracks:

Sonata In E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 2: III. Rondo
Adagio sostenuto In F Major
Sonata In B-Flat Major, Op. 25 No. 3: II. Rondo
Sonata In A Major, Op. 50 No. 1: II. Adagio
Corale Prelude 'Lch ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
Sonata In F-Sharp Major, K 319 (L35): Allegro
Sonata In G Major, K 260 (L124): Allegro
Sonata In C Major, HOB. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione
Sonata In C major, Hob. XVI:48: II. Rondo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: I. Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: II. Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: III. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
II. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': I. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': II. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attacca
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': III. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': I. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': II. Andante con moto -attacca
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in G-flat major, Op. 10 No. 5: Vivace
Introduction & Rondo In E-Flat Major, Op. 16: Introduzione. Andante - Rondo. Allegro vivace
Waltz in A minor, Op. 34 No. 2: Lento
Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53: Maestoso
Mazurka in F-sharp minor, Op. 59 No. 3: Vivace
Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 50 No. 3: Moderato
Mazurka in D-flat major, Op. 30 No. 3: Allegro non troppo
Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41 No. 2: Andantino
Mazurka in D major, Op. 33 No. 2: Vivace
Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4: Presto
Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Prelidu In B Minor, Op. 28 No. 6: Lento assai

Tracks:

Posonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1: Allegro con brio
Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15: Sostenuto
Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6: Andante
Etude No. 2 in A-flat major from 'Trois Nouvelles Etudes': Allegretto
Mazurka In F Minor, Op. 7 No. 3
Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2: Tempo giusto
Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck From Sonata No. 3 In F Minor,Op. 14: Andantino
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: I. Ausserst bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: II.Sehr innig
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: III. Sehr aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: IV. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: V. Sehr lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VI. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VII. Sehr rasch
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VIII. Schnell und spielend

Tracks:

Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 4: Allegretto
Impromptu In F Minor Op. 142 (D935) No. 1: Allegro moderato
Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 142 (935) No. 2: Allegretto
Impromptu In E-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 2: Allegro
Consolation In E Major S. 172 (R.12) No. 2
Pour les arpeges composes: Dolce e lusingando
La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune: Lent
Etude In A Minor Op. 104b No. 3: Allegro vivace
Scherzo & March S. 177 (R.20)

Tracks:

Feuillet d'album In E-Flat Major Op. 45 No. 1: Andante piacevole
Etude In F-Sharp Minor Op. 8 No. 2: A capriccio, con forza
Etude In B-Flat Minor Op. 8 No. 11: Andante cantabile
Etude In D-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 10: Allegro
Etude In A-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 8: Lento (Tempo rubato)
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No 3: Prestissimo
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No. 4: Andante
Etude In C-Sharp Minor Op. 42 No. 5: Affannato
Etude Op. 65 No. 3: Molto vivace
No. 1: Allegretto
2 Poemes Op. 69: No. 2: Allegretto
Vers la flamme Op. 72: Allegro moderato
Feuillet d'album Op. 58
Fairy Tale In A Major Op. 51 No. 3
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor Op. 36: I. Allegro agitato
Sonata No. 2 In B-flat, Minor, Op. 36: II. Non allegro
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 36: III. Allegro molto
Prelude In G-Sharp Minor Op. 32 No. 12: Allegro
Moment musical In B Minor Op. 16 No. 3: Andante cantabile
Etude-Tableau In E-Flat Minor Op. 33 No. 5: Non allegro - Presto
Etude-Tableau In C Major Op. 33 No. 2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In D Major Op. 39 No. 9: Allegro moderato (Tempo di Marcia)

Amazon.com

It may surprise you to learn that, despite his untouchable reputation with the public, Vladimir Horowitz enjoyed a certain dubious reputation with the critics. For many, he was the epitome of the witless virtuoso, all technique and vulgar display, and no brains. There was some truth in this to the extent that he really could be variable on record, but by general consensus his Masterworks recordings show him at his absolute best. Aside from his famous Carnegie Hall concerts from 1965, you get stunning performances of music by Schumann, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, and above all, Scarlatti--the composer that Horowitz, more than anyone, put back on the map for pianists the world over. A great set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD........2004-05-24

I bought this set in December, and because I have so many classical CD's (more than 300), it took me 5 months to realize that the set contained TWO volume 8's and NO volume 9's. Worried that it might be too late, I e-mailed Amazon. Their first reply was that the replacement was already on its way (with return shipping paid for as well). Wow, that was a relief!

When I got the new set, I decided to study it closely and make sure that everything was good. It turns out that several of the discs (in both sets) had holes through the aluminum reflective layer -- which seemed to be because it was too thin to begin with. One disc was cracked, and another looked like the aluminum was "rotting out" on the edge. You would think that for $230, Sony Classical would put more quality into their discs. So what good is "Super Bit Mapping" and "High Definition Remastering" if the discs are so cheap that the player will misread the data? And I don't have much confidence that the discs will last many years, either.

Fortunately I got to pick the best discs from the 2 sets, so I won't need to replace this one for another. But I certainly lost respect for Sony Classical.

And kudos to you Amazon; you're really looking out for your customers!

ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?.......2002-08-25

Why would any one in the right mind plunk down [money] for 13 CDS by the same pianist? Is it so you can brag about owning 11 years' worth of the same old thing? Or did you get it as a gift designed to impress but not really to listened to? Now you could probably get [money] for it whether you used it or not. Columbia Masterworks should have brought along new and younger talent. For my bet I can't think of many American pianists who are currently recording. Do we have to recycle Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, and others over and over? This is the Twenty-first Century. We should at least be thinking of Twentieth Century piano works. I can get 10 CDs by 10 pianists currently recording if I look to Europe.

merely spectacular!.......2001-03-10

I've only had this set about a week and have already indulged three complete listenings; it's a gold mine! - the power of preaching is persuasive in the Temple of Horowitz! I'm taken aback by the unity and continuity of sonics, an excellent and remarkable display of high engineering art. Everything important is here (almost! I wish some of the Scriabin Preludes had been included). There are sketches of incomparable pianism and supreme intelligence in these discs: Liszt's 'Vallee d'Obermann', and the Consolations; Debussy's 'L'isle joyeux' - so 'russian playing french'! - Scriabin's 'Vers le flamme' and the Black Mass sonata - one simply can't climb out of the volcano, it's terrifying and beautiful! - and the Scarlatti and Chopin. Only Gilels approaches Horowitz's indigenous understanding of Chopin. In the course of thirteen discs the glory can start to crash in around you, but at the last moment of endurance along comes 'Serenade of the Doll', or one of the Consolations. The Bach-Busoni is cerebral and fine. Horowitz gets rapped for the wrong romanticism - it's the romanticism of artistic intelligence that his art claims! I love that famous C clunker at the beginning of the Bach-Busoni in the Return to Carnegie Hall recital; more than that, I appreciate how Horowitz played his public pride in it, no retouches, etc. Shrewd, and very real, I think. He was a pianist of enormous humility on the inside, so completely knowing of his gifts - one of the reason his playing was something special. He possessed the often disregarded ability to stand completely outside his playing and admire it as one might a beautiful woman, with complete humility. It affords us the privilege of reaping joy after joy of a remarkable art the likes of which will surely stand true for a long time. 200 bucks is a lot of money, I probably would have thought it too much for the convenience of a collection; I'm glad someone else didn't feel that way, and gave me the set! - now I find it curiously too clever a package to be considered merely a consolidation of recordings into a 'set' - there is something indefinably congruent about these recordings. They fit together with harmonious intent, and shine and shadow the land with a marvelous music. Highest recommendation without reservation.

I have never regretted buying this..........2000-08-22

Considering that this set is devoted to a single instrument played by one artist in a 12-year period, the depth is mind-blowing. If variety is the spice of life, than this set is a very warming set indeed.

For the most part, Horowitz communicates a deep respect for the specific style of each composer: his Scarlatti is