Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin/Concerto For Orchestra

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Miraculous Mandarin features what has to be the most exciting chase scene in all of music. Although describing a terrified woman pursued by a lust-crazed Chinese man, the music sounds more like a science fiction/horror extravaganza in which the heroine gets chased by a hoard of demonic alien creatures. Perhaps that's Bartók's point. Leonard Slatkin conducts this terrifying scene--and the whole score--with uninhibited ferocity. It's intensely exciting, and with a very fine Concerto for Orchestra making a generous coupling, that means two major works on one disc. A good deal for great music, but don't listen to the Mandarin in the dark! --David Hurwitz

Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin/Concerto For Orchestra, Music, Bela Bartok, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Ballet, Classical, Classical Music, Concerto, Concerto for Orchestra, Orchestral
Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; The Miraculous Mandarin [SACD]
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Magnificent Mandarin!
  • Good SACD, could have been better
  • Splendid on SACD!!
  • Where have all the channels gone?
  • Where have all the channels gone?
 Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; The Miraculous Mandarin [SACD]

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  3. Boulez Conducts Ravel [SACD]
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  5. Dvorák: The Slavonic Dances [SACD]

ASIN: B00006B1NE
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Magnificent Mandarin!.......2005-10-25

With The Miracolous Mandarin Bartók sought an approach to the symphonic genre although he did not want to recognize. Maybe because the Symphony as musical device was not precisely living its major glory. These transient times announced dark clouds in the imminent future. The nationalism fever, that fed the destiny of so many people was collapsing, acquiring now a new face and arousing the ancient and hidden social resentments specially on the East World: China and Russia.

In this sense Bartók worked out as true shaman. It does not sound exaggerate to state it. Bartok was an illustrated man and his rough dissonances are not entirely a product of his febrile imagination. He knew and felt as many others artists, something terrible was in the verge of the social environment.

Boulez 's performance revives with magnificent lucidity this ferocious sense of obscure moods and sinister horizons. His commitment level about Bartok deserves him to be named adjoined to Ferenc Fricsay, Antal Dorati, Frtz Reiner with an additional acknowledgment; those works were played three decades after the WW2. Nevertheless, Boulez, having born in 1925 was exceptional witness of the horror and the anguish of those times and with accurate expression sense knew to express it with superb eloquence.

That 's why you must acquire this set. Simply out of context. Boulez was mesmerized and that vision can be felt since the first bar. One of the most remarkable recordings of his career. It 's useless to talk the splendor of the new York Philharmonic playing these works; absolutely incandescent.

In what Concerto for Orchestra concerns, forget about it: there are majuscule versions: Reiner-Pittsburgh is to me, the most splendid and perfect achievement ever recorded; Dorati London and Fricsay Rias are just enough to fill your entire collection in this sense. Boluez does not reach the level in this score, that' s why I can not give it five stars.

Absolutely recommended.

4 out of 5 stars Good SACD, could have been better.......2005-01-29

I must admit that I really bought this for the Miraculous Mandarin which is one of my favourite pieces. The best recording of the Suite is Georg Solti's on Decca, which comes achieves the visceral quality that this music really needs. But I wanted a good recording of the complete ballet, preferably on SACD, so this recording seemed a good bet. The reviews on Amazon.com were good, and I thought Boulez would be a good interpreter of this music, so I took a chance on it.

The Miracuolous Mandarin is wonderful, visceral, hard-hitting, strident music, somewhat in the vein of the Rite of Spring. The rushing street scene at the beginning with it's scurrying violins playing augmented octaves and chattering woodwind playing tritones should sweep you up and unsettle you from the first. And the entrance of the Mandarin, blasted out on trombones and horns, again playing the tritone figure, should pin you to the settee. Late on in the piece, the entrance of the wordless choir as the Mandarin, hung by the theives from a light fitting, starts to glow, should be utterly unearthly and prickle the hairs on the back of you neck. Unfortunately, whilst this music is beautifully played here, it remains a tad too polite, and never sweeps you along as it should. Solti, perhaps because of his firey Hungarian temprement acheives the right feel, but unfortunately the Suite finishes halfway through the piece, so some of the best music is excluded.

The concerto orchestra for which most people will buy this disc is better, it is easier music after all. The same beautiful playing is evident, with Boulez's usual precision being very evident. But for this reason it is also a little too polite.

The Concerto was a quadrophonic recording originally, so this should have been made for high-res surround sound. Unfortunately, as with too many other SACD and DVD-A recordings of classical music, the suround mix is a bit shy of using the rear channels. So rather than being immersed in the music, you feel like you're listening to a stereo recording with a bit af rustling from behind your head. I'm an orchestral musician and like to feel in the middle of the mix; I wish producers were a bit more adventurous in using the surround channels. This business ofusing the rear channels for ambient effects is frustrating and ineffectual. I found myself listening to the Stereo layer through the Pro-Logic II music setting on my receiver in order to try and acheive a more "wrap-around" sound.

5 out of 5 stars Splendid on SACD!!.......2003-12-05

Don't be distracted by Mr. "Where are the Channels"...they are all there! This SACD has been very tastefully mixed for 5.1 surround. Subtle use of the rear speaks gives a sense of sitting in the concert hall with only the reverb gently splashing off the rear hall walls. How else should it sound? The orchestra would be in front, right? Nice spread of sound using center channel as well and of course, the performance is outstanding. Very jaw-dropping in terms of when this recording was made too. Hats off again to Sony!

2 out of 5 stars Where have all the channels gone?.......2002-09-10

OK, let me make one thing clear -- if it weren't for the botched mixdown/transfer of this I would have given it 5 stars. The performance is stellar -- definitive. The problem is how the original intent of this recording became perverted.

This was released in the early 70s as a quadraphonic product, either as SQ encoded LP or discrete four channel 8 track (ok this was not the best thing for Columbia to have done, they should have used discrete reel to reel in those days)

Despite the generally atrocious sound quality of the 8 track... the spatial effect of this true surround (surrounded by the orchestra) sound comes through and literally adds a dimension most concertgoers or home listeners can't experience otherwise.

When I heard of SACD multichannel capabilities I was so in hopes that the great quad recordings of the 70s would be resurrected with the digital sound clarity of today. When I saw that this particular recording had been reissued in this format, I thought I had found the Holy Grail!

Imagine my disappointment when I put on the SACD and immediately realized that I was hearing a mostly stereo, "flat" version of what had been glorious four channel sound!! Yes, they remixed this so that it uses the middle speaker (just useless for this sort of thing, IMHO) and what little signal (could barely be heard) there was to the rear speakers was a vague attempt at supplying hall acoustics, possibly added on artificially.

Why must engineers screw with perfection?? I hate the sort of faddish approach to music reproduction that we seem to blindly follow. Automatically, they try to make this fit today's home theater market, which, if I had to guess, consists of a lot of people who do manage to hook up the middle speaker, but find running wires to the back of the room for the surround to be troublesome and so don't bother with it. What Sony should realize though, is that just about anyone with SACD is going to be more serious about their multichannel sound and will likely have good back (side) speaker placement

I so hope Sony will realize their mistake and redo this or at least make it available in the original form to those of us who want the old four channel sound reproduced!

2 out of 5 stars Where have all the channels gone?.......2002-09-10

OK, let me make one thing clear -- if it weren't for the botched mixdown/transfer of this I would have given it 5 stars. The performance is stellar -- definitive. The problem is how the original intent of this recording became perverted.

This was released in the early 70s as a quadraphonic product, either as SQ encoded LP or discrete four channel 8 track (ok this was not the best thing for Columbia to have done, they should have used discrete reel to reel in those days)

Despite the generally atrocious sound quality of the 8 track... the spatial effect of this true surround (surrounded by the orchestra) sound comes through and literally adds a dimension most concertgoers or home listeners can't experience otherwise.

When I heard of SACD multichannel capabilities I was so in hopes that the great quad recordings of the 70s would be resurrected with the digital sound clarity of today. When I saw that this particular recording had been reissued in this format, I thought I had found the Holy Grail!

Imagine my disappointment when I put on the SACD and immediately realized that I was hearing a mostly stereo, "flat" version of what had been glorious four channel sound!! Yes, they remixed this so that it uses the middle speaker (just useless for this sort of thing, IMHO) and what little signal (could barely be heard) there was to the rear speakers was a vague attempt at supplying hall acoustics, possibly added on artificially.

Why must engineers screw with perfection?? I hate the sort of faddish approach to music reproduction that we seem to blindly follow. Automatically, they try to make this fit today's home theater market, which, if I had to guess, consists of a lot of people who do manage to hook up the middle speaker, but find running wires to the back of the room for the surround to be troublesome and so don't bother with it. What Sony should realize though, is that just about anyone with SACD is going to be more serious about their multichannel sound and will likely have good back (side) speaker placement

I so hope Sony will realize their mistake and redo this or at least make it available in the original form to those of us who want the old four channel sound reproduced!
Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; The Miraculous Mandarin; Two Pictures
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Brilliant Bartok
  • It's grows on you
 Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; The Miraculous Mandarin; Two Pictures

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027XH
Release Date: 1992-11-17

Tracks:

  1. Concerto For Orchestra: I Introduzione
  2. Concerto For Orchestra: II Giuoco delle coppie
  3. Concerto For Orchestra: III Elegia
  4. IV Intermezzo interrotto
  5. Concerto For Orchestra: V Finale
  6. The Miraculous Mandarin - Suite, Op. 19
  7. Two Pictures For Orchestra, Op. 10: I In Full Flower
  8. Two Pictures For Orchestra, Op. 10: II Village Dance

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant Bartok.......2003-07-14

In the 1950s and 60s, CBS/Columbia (now Sony Classical) had the great fortune to have three of America's best orchestras and their conductors on its recording roster -- Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. Nearly a half-century later, sadly only Leonard Bernstein remains a name that even the non-classical music world knows well. But in the world of the compact disc, this is a wonderful thing, because while Leonard Bernstein analog stereo recordings sell at mid-price, classic performances by Ormandy and Szell are regulated to the budget line. Well, my friends there is justice because the vast majority of these "budget line" recordings are not only amazing, but some are still considered definitive more than 40 years later! This 1963 golden-age stereo recording of Bartok's "Concerto for Orchestra" by Ormandy and the Philadelphians is one of the best performances of the piece available, and I would rank it behind only the accounts by Reiner and Bernstein. Throw in terrific performances of "The Miraculous Mandarin" Suite (1962) and the "Two Pictures" (1963), and you've got a classic disc. Never did something of such high quality come at such a small price. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars It's grows on you.......2002-10-30

My sister got me this for Christmas after we'd been to a performance of some Bartok music. We'd loved the concert, so I was surprised initially at how little I liked this CD. However, I decided to give it a few more chances, and by the 3rd or 4th listening, I was hooked. It takes a little figuring out, since it's so different from just about anything else, but once you're used to it, it's fantastic!
Bartok Works for Orchestra - Concerto for Orchestra; Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Bartók starter
 Bartok Works for Orchestra - Concerto for Orchestra; Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001K6A
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

  1. Concerto For Orchestra: Introduction: Allegro non troppo
  2. Concerto For Orchestra: Giuoco delle Coppie: Allegretto scherzando
  3. Concerto For Orchestra: Elegia: Andante non troppo
  4. Concerto For Orchestra: Intermezzo interrotto: Allegretto
  5. Concerto For Orchestra: Finale: Presto
  6. Dance Suite: Moderato
  7. Dance Suite: Allegro molto
  8. Dance Suite: Allegro vivace
  9. Dance Suite: Molto tranquillo
  10. Dance Suite: Commodo

Tracks:

  1. Suite From 'The Miraculous Mandarin': The Robbers - B. Bartok
  2. Suite From 'The Miraculous Mandarin': The Girl - B. Bartok
  3. The Mandarin - B. Bartok
  4. Music For Strings, Percussion & Celesta: Andante tranquillo - B. Bartok
  5. Music For Strings, Percussion & Celesta: Allegro - B. Bartok
  6. Music For Strings, Percussion & Celesta: Adagio - B. Bartok
  7. Music For Strings, Percussion & Celesta: Allegro molto - B. Bartok

Tracks:

  1. Divertimento For String Orchestra: Allegro non troppo
  2. Divertimento For String Orchestra: Molto adagio
  3. Divertimento For String Orchestra: Allegro assai
  4. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: Prelude
  5. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: Dance Of The Princess In The Forest
  6. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: Dance Of The Trees
  7. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: Dance Of The Waves
  8. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: The Prince And His Wooden Doll
  9. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: Dance Of The Princess With The Wooden Doll
  10. Suite From 'The Wooden Prince', Op.13: Postlude

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Bartók starter.......2002-01-04

Although at least some of the pieces on this album have better versions available, notably the poerful interprettions of Iván Fisher, there are also far worse, and this isn't one without character. As an introduction to the work of Béla Bartók, it's a must have. The inexpensive 3-disc set is a regular shelf item at B&N. Skrowaczewski's interpretation of Concerto for Orchestra brings out its quirks much more effectively that Dorati's better-known version, and is worth hearing even if you have Fisher's more recent recording (Fisher made two). Some of the other works are reduced to suites, but these edits are common, and I believe done by Bartók himself. I can comfortably say that, unlike some inexpensive Bartók recordings, that if you don't like this album, you probably won't like the better versions that are out there, and if you do like this album, you'll continue to listen to it even if you do get some of the better ones.
Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good, but not the best methods for bass trombonists
  • Mulcahy Rocks, Reynolds is Hilarious!
  • Very Helpful
  • A perfecrt resource...almost!
 Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000038JV
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

  1. Bass Trbn: Sarabande in c - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  2. Bass Trbn: Till Eulenspeigel, Zarathustra, Ein Heldenleben - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  3. Bass Trbn: Miraculous Mandarin/Sym No.9/Vn Con - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  4. Bass Trbn: Hungarian March, Rome And Juliet - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  5. Bass Trbn: Sym No.1 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  6. Bass Trbn: Sym No.7/Sym in d - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  7. Bass Trbn: The Creation/Hary Janos - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  8. Bass Trbn: Syms No.5, 6, 7, 9 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  9. Bass Trbn: Pictures/Romeo And Juliet/Pines Of Rome/Gazza Ladra - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  10. Bass Trbn: Sym No.3 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  11. Bass Trbn: Sym No.5 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  12. Bass Trbn: Lohengrin, Ride Of Valkyries - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
  13. Bass Tpt: Intro - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  14. Bass Tpt: Das Rheingold - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  15. Bass Tpt: Die Walkure - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  16. Bass Tpt: Siegfried - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  17. Bass Tpt: Die Gotterdammerung - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  18. Tenor Tuba: Bydlo - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  19. Tenor Tuba: Sym No.7 - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  20. Tenor Tuba: Don Quixote - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  21. Tenor Tuba: Ein Heldenleben - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
  22. Tenor Tuba: The Planets - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good, but not the best methods for bass trombonists.......2007-07-05

After listening to the excerpts, I recognized Jeffrey Reynolds' perspective. He is an experienced player, but some of his advice is not as practical as it seems. For the Franck excerpt, common orchestral practice is to play the f-sharp as written: it is an applicable range study and should be kept intact. The Schumann excerpt is not played as written also, and should be taken literally in the context that it was written. Mr. Reynolds' approach to Wagner is interesting, especially to Die Walkure. It's not for everyone, but it may be beneficial to some. The Kodaly is well presented, as well as the Mahler, Berg, and Strauss excerpts. All things considered, it is a decent aide for study, but should not be seen as a "this is how it must be done" collection of excerpts.

3 out of 5 stars Mulcahy Rocks, Reynolds is Hilarious!.......2006-10-26

Okay, for anyone seriously interested in what NOT to do in an audition, make sure to listen to Reynolds on this disc. There's a reason this CD is infamous, and he's the reason. Even his advice is pretty awful. Take part of the D Major down an octave because the commitee won't notice? Hah! That kills me every time.

Mulcahy rocks on this, though. Just listen to the VAlhalla theme and tell me he's not a monster.

Then, go back and listen to Reynolds play Ein Heldenleben with 'oblique intonation' and 'questionable sound' and roll on the floor for a while.

5 out of 5 stars Very Helpful.......2006-05-27

This CD was very helpful for me, a student bass trombonist. The CD enables you to not only hear the exerpt, but also listen to what the performer says about it and how it should be played. Mr. Reynolds, as well as Mr. Mulcahy played the exerpts beautifully.

3 out of 5 stars A perfecrt resource...almost!.......2000-08-02

The Orchestra Pro series are a very useful tool to student musicians trying to get a grasp on how the major symphonic excerpts should be played. More useful, however is the spoken commentary, which resembles a one on one lesson with the performer. The bass trumpet and tenor tuba excerpts are played beautifully by Mulcahy. The bass trombone playing or Reynolds often leaves the listener wondering if he could not have done a slightly better job on some of the excerpts. All in all this CD is a great resource for those trying to get their foot in the door of the orchestral music scene.
Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin, Concerto for Orchestra
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • One of Chailly's best recordings
  • More fireworks from Chailly and the sensational RCOA
 Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin, Concerto for Orchestra
Bela Bartok , Riccardo Chailly , and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00005Q670
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

  1. Concerto for Orchestra: introduzione: Andante non troppo-Allegro vivace
  2. Concerto for Orchestra: Giuoco delle coppie: Allegretto scherzando
  3. Concerto for Orchestra: Elegia: Andante non troppo
  4. Concerto for Orchestra: Intermezzo interrotto: Allegretto
  5. Concerto for Orchestra: Finale: Pesante-Presto
  6. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: Allegro (Introduction): a bustling street
  7. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: The curtain rises...
  8. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: First decoy game
  9. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: The shabby old rake...
  10. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: Second decoy game
  11. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: the shy young man...
  12. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: Third decoy game
  13. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: Horrified, they see...
  14. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: The Mandarin enters...
  15. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: General consternation...
  16. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: At last she...
  17. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: the girl sinks...
  18. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: She flees...
  19. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: The Mandarin catches...
  20. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: The tramps leap...
  21. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: "We must kill..."
  22. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: they think...
  23. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: At last the three...
  24. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: Suddenly he draws...
  25. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: They drag the resisting...
  26. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: The lamp falls...
  27. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: At her insistence...
  28. The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19: the Mandarin's longing...

Amazon.com

Riccardo Chailly's Bartók is strikingly different. Every phrase is subjected to delicate tonal coloring, long-buried instrumental details are brought out to striking effect, and tempos are generally slower than usual. Here's a Bartók with impressionist roots, not the starker, more angular modernist we've come to know. But it's not less exciting--just listen to the wild riot of sound produced by the Concertgebouw at the opening of The Miraculous Mandarin, whose grotesqueries are only enhanced by the wide tonal palette Chailly lavishes upon it. And once you hear his way with the sliding inner string voice accompaniments of the Concerto for Orchestra's second movement, it's hard to accept the way other conductors bury them. The Concerto's opening has weight and gravity few conductors bring to it, just the kind of care the work needs to prevent it from becoming just another orchestral showpiece. The Mandarin, too, benefits from Chailly's approach. Its reputation is based on a sensationalist story line enhanced by sometimes lurid music, but most of the score is more subtle, full of delicate colorations and muted dynamics, here interpreted with poetry and feeling. Terrific sound seals a strong recommendation, especially for the jaded who think the Concerto can no longer surprise. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of Chailly's best recordings.......2007-02-25

What's so frustrating about Riccardo Chailly is that he has everything necessary for greatness except greatness itself. A master technician who is completely in tune with modernism (traits he shares with Salonen), Chailly can throw up a tapestry of details that never quite add up to a picture. But here in this excellent Bartok program he gets two scores that suit him perfeclty.

Bartok was as precise and meticulous as Chailly, and he was an anti-tomantic as well. The grotesqueries, twadriness, and lurid horrors of The Miraculous Mandarin add up to a japery against innocence and romance, stoll shocking in its brutality today. Chailly doesn't need to underline the horrors, only to play every note of the score perfectly, and so he does. The Concerto for Orchestra proceeds along similar lines: perfect execution, with vigor, of music that has every effect built in by the composer.

In the end, Chailly is playing catch-up with great Bartok performances from Bernstein, Reiner, Boulez, and Ivan Fischer, but on his own terms he's made a very fine recording, outstanding for sheer thrills of execution.

5 out of 5 stars More fireworks from Chailly and the sensational RCOA.......2002-02-16

How many recordings of the "Concerto for Orchestra" do we really need? The answer is: more like this one! This is a lustrous performance, full of excitement, but not as brutal as say, Solti's (whose Bartok recordings I greatly admire). This piece really shows off this orchestra well, coupled with Chailly's instinctively dramatic reading.

The even happier news is that the complete "Miraculous Mandarin" is equally compelling, and perhaps more valuable since it has not been recorded as frequently as the "Concerto." The caliber of the orchestral playing in this is simply astonishing. When I first listened to the disc, I must have re-played the middle section three or four times in a row - the music comes in torrents, raining down on your head. A thrilling experience.
Bartók for Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • a very welcome anthology for modest price
  • Bartok and Kodaly in hungarian style
 Bartók for Orchestra

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Grieg: Complete Music with Orchestra
  2. Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures

ASIN: B0000037B0
Release Date: 1997-10-07

Tracks:

  1. The Wooden Prince: Ste, Op.13: Vorspiel-Die Prinzessin
  2. The Wooden Prince: Ste, Op.13: Der Wald
  3. The Wooden Prince: Ste, Op.13: Arbeitslied Der Prinzen
  4. The Wooden Prince: Ste, Op.13: Der Bach
  5. The Wooden Prince: Ste, Op.13: Tanz Des Holzgeschnitzien Prinzen-Nachapiel
  6. Two Portraits, Op.5: I. One Ideal
  7. Two Portraits, Op.5: II. One Grotesque

Tracks:

  1. Music: I. Andante Tranquillo
  2. Music: II. Allegro
  3. Music: III. Adagio
  4. Music: IV. Allegro Molto
  5. Diver: I. Allegro Non Troppo
  6. Diver: II. Molto Adagio
  7. Divert: III. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

  1. Vn Con No.1 (Op. Posth.): I. Andante Sostenuto
  2. Vn Con No.1 (Op. Posth.): II. Allegro Giocoso
  3. Vn Con No.2: I. Allegro Non Troppo
  4. Vn Con No.2: II. Andante Tranquillo
  5. Vn Con No.2: III. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

  1. Romanian Folk Dances: I. The Stick Dance
  2. Romanian Folk Dances: II. Round Dance
  3. Romanian Folk Dances: III. In One Spot
  4. Romanian Folk Dances: IV. The Horn Dance
  5. Romanian Folk Dances: V. Romanian Polka
  6. Romanian Folk Dances: VI. Short And Sweet
  7. Romanian Folk Dances: VII. Short And Sweet
  8. Dance Ste: I. Moderato
  9. Dance Ste: II. Allegro Molto
  10. Dance Ste: III. Allegro Vivace
  11. Dance Ste: IV. Molto Tranquillo
  12. Dance Ste: V. Comodo
  13. Dance Ste: VI. Finale: Allegro
  14. Hungarian Pictures: I. Evening In Transylvania
  15. Hungarian Pictures: II. Bear Dance
  16. Hungarian Pictures: III. Melody
  17. Hungarian Pictures: IV. A Bit Tipsy
  18. Hungarian Pictures: V. Urog Swineherd Dance
  19. Two Pictures: I. In Full Bloom
  20. Two Pictures: II. Village Dance
  21. Romanian Dance: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

  1. Con: I. Intro: Andante Non Troppo-Allegro
  2. Con: II. Giuoco Delle Coppie: Allegretto Scherzando
  3. Con: III. Elegia: Andante, Non Troppo
  4. Con: IV. Intermezzo Interrotto: Allegretto
  5. Con: V. Finale: Pesante-Presto
  6. The Miraculous Mandarin: Ste

Tracks:

  1. Hary Janos: Ste: Prld/The Fairy/Tale Begins
  2. Hary Janos: Ste: Viennese Musical Clock
  3. Hary Janos: Ste: Song
  4. Hary Janos: Ste: Battle And Defeat Of Napoleon
  5. Hary Janos: Ste: Intermezzo
  6. Hary Janos: Ste: Entrance Of The Emperor And His Court
  7. Dances Of Galanta
  8. Vars On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock)

Amazon.com

Some people are frightened by the (mostly) 20th century Hungarian composer Béla Bartók. His colorful orchestration and by turns folksy and angular rhythms and melodies seem to be cut from very exotic cloth. But there's nothing to fear--this six-CD set presents his most popular orchestral music played with authentic flair by the Hungarian State Orchestra: the two violin concerti with the excellent soloist Gerhart Hetzel, the suite from his ballet The Wooden Prince, the Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta, the Concerto for Orchestra, and several other flavorful works. As a bonus, three pieces by his compatriot, Zoltán Kodály are included. A fine introduction to a master composer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a very welcome anthology for modest price.......2001-01-06

For many classical music lovers who are not specialists in Hungarian music - and I would count myself among them - this collection of Bartok's orchestral works along with a supplemental Kodaly disc at budget price cannot be too strongly welcomed. The Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra plays with rhythmic finesse and considerable virtuoso skill, and the direction of Adam Fischer is very fine. I will not attempt a comparison between his performances and those of Janos Ferencsik and Arpad Joo among others. The documentation is brief but well written. CD 1 has a playing time of only 39:25, but that should not seriously deter anybody. The tracking and cueing is excellent, as is the digital stereo sound. The reproduction of the painting "Preparing the meal in the wood" by A. Fenyes on the cover is very tasteful. Overall, this is a very satisfying issue.

4 out of 5 stars Bartok and Kodaly in hungarian style.......2000-06-15

This 6 cd box is a very good one if you are looking for a essential Bartok, as a gift you get Kodaly too. Bartok is a master of taking folk songs and translated them to the finest classical music. The quality of recording is very good and we can imagine that the interpretation is accurate since the players are hungarians. There is a tenderness in the orchestra under Mr. Fischer that bring us a light and elegant Bartok instead of a rough one, as we can expect from folkloric music. The Romanian Folk Dances are amazing and you can imagine people dancing in the country. But the best in this collection are the violin concertos. Since I bought this box I listen the concertos many times and it is always a pleasure for soul.
Engineer's Choice
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    		Engineer's Choice
    Bela Bartok , David Diamond , Ottorino Respighi , Falla, Manuel de , Ravel, Maurice , James DePreist , Schwarz, Gerard , Wagner, Roger , Shifrin, David , and Davidovich, Bella
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    1. Engineer's Choice II

    ASIN: B00000071F
    Release Date: 1992-05-22

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No. 10: Scherzo
    2. Gimpel The Fool: 'Jester's Song And Mazel Tov'
    3. Through The Looking Glass: Looking-Glass Insects
    4. Grand Canyon Suite: Sunset
    5. Billy The Kid: Gun Battle
    6. Symphony No.6: Movements III. And IV.
    7. Piano Concerto: Adagio
    8. Wassail Song
    9. Fleurs
    10. Menuetto
    11. Symphony No. 51: Finale (Allegro)
    12. Suite For Skip And Sadie: Good Morning
    13. Piano Trio: Tema con Variazioni
    14. Treestone: Tristopher Tristian
    15. Prelude In G Minor
    16. A Quaker Reader: Movements IV and VIII
    17. Symphony No. 6: Scherzo (Leggerissimo vivace)
    18. The Miraculous Mandarin: The Miraculous Mandarin (excerpts)
    19. Symphony No. 2: Finale (Allegro vigoroso) (Excerpt)
    20. Roman Festivals: Roman Festivals (excerpts)
    21. Nights In The Gardens Of Spain (excerpts)
    22. Daphnis And Chloe: Daphnis and Chloe (excerpt)
    Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin/Concerto For Orchestra
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Good Cd
    		 Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin/Concerto For Orchestra

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    St. Louis Symphony OrchestraSt. Louis Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000003FHK
    Release Date: 1994-06-14

    Tracks:

    1. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): Allegro - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    2. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): First Decoy Game - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    3. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): Second Decoy Game - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    4. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): Third Decoy Game - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    5. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): General Consternation-'The Tramps Make Signs From Their... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    6. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'At Last She Overcomes Her Reluctance And Begins A... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    7. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): A Tempo (Meno Mosso) - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    8. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'The Girl Sinks To Embrace Him; He Begins To Tremble In... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    9. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'The Tramps Leap Out, Seize The Mandarin And Tear Him... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    10. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'Suddenly The Mandarin's Head Appears Between The... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    11. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'Suddenly He Draws Himself Up And Leaps At The Girl... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    12. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'They Drag The Resisting Mandarin To The Centre Of The... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    13. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): 'The Body Of The Mandarin Begins To Glow With A Greenish... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    14. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19 (Sz73): The Mandarin's Longing Is Now Stilled, His Wounds Begin... - Saint Louis Sym Chor/Thomas Peck
    15. Con For Orch: Intro: Andante Non Troppo; Allegro Vivace - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    16. Con For Orch: Giuoco Delle Coppie: Allegretto Scherzando - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    17. Con For Orch: Elegia: Andante Non Troppo - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    18. Con For Orch: Intermezzo Interrotto: Allegretto - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    19. Con For Orch: Finale: Presto (Up To Bar 573) - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    20. Con For Orch: Finale: Alternative Ending - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin
    21. Con For Orch: Finale: Original Ending - Saint Louis SO/Leonard Slatkin

    Amazon.com

    The Miraculous Mandarin features what has to be the most exciting chase scene in all of music. Although describing a terrified woman pursued by a lust-crazed Chinese man, the music sounds more like a science fiction/horror extravaganza in which the heroine gets chased by a hoard of demonic alien creatures. Perhaps that's Bartók's point. Leonard Slatkin conducts this terrifying scene--and the whole score--with uninhibited ferocity. It's intensely exciting, and with a very fine Concerto for Orchestra making a generous coupling, that means two major works on one disc. A good deal for great music, but don't listen to the Mandarin in the dark! --David Hurwitz

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Good Cd.......2001-07-07

    This CD has two great pieces by Bela Bartok. The performance of The Miraculous Mandarin is exhilarating, while the Concerto is well done. Slatkin leads the St. Louis orchestra into these very dark pieces.
    Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin; Hungarian Sketches: Suite No. 1
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Bartok--Young and Old
    • Astounding performances and rich in its selections
    • Astonishing value!
    		 Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin; Hungarian Sketches: Suite No. 1

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    1. Hindemith: Orchestral Works

    ASIN: B0000042DM
    Release Date: 1997-10-14

    Tracks:

    1. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Allegro - Curtain
    2. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: First Decoy Game: Moderato
    3. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Second Decoy Game
    4. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Third Decoy Game (Sostenuto)
    5. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Maestoso
    6. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Allegro
    7. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Sempre vivo
    8. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Adagio
    9. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Agitato
    10. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Molto moderato
    11. The Miraculous Mandarin, Op.19: Piu mosso
    12. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celesta: I. Andante tranquillo
    13. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celesta: II. Allegro
    14. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celesta: III. Adagio
    15. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celesta: IV. Allegro molto
    16. Hungarian Sketches: I. An Evening In The Village: Lento Rubato
    17. Hungarian Sketches: II. Bear Dance: Allegro vivace
    18. Hungarian Sketches: III. Melody: Andante
    19. Hungarian Sketches: IV. Slightly Tipsy: Allegretto rubato
    20. Hungarian Sketches: V. Swineherd's Dance: Allegro molto

    Tracks:

    1. Rhapsody For Piano And Orchestra, Op. 1 - Bela Bartok
    2. Suite No. 1, Op. 3: I. Allegro vivace - Bela Bartok
    3. Suite No. 1, Op. 3: II. Poco adagio - Bela Bartok
    4. Suite No. 1, Op. 3: III. Presto - Bela Bartok
    5. Suite No. 1, Op. 3: IV. Moderato - Bela Bartok
    6. Suite No. 1, Op. 3: V. Molto vivace - Bela Bartok
    7. Two Pictures, Op. 10: I. In Full Flower - Bela Bartok
    8. Two Pictures, Op. 10: II. Village Dance - Bela Bartok

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Bartok--Young and Old .......2007-03-31

    This disc brilliantly contrasts the mature, maverick Bartok with the younger, more traditional (but no less inspired) composer. Surprisingly, the earlier works hold up quite well, and still bear Bartok's distinct stamp and color--which is certainly not the case for many great composers (Stravinsky's early symphony, for example). Dorati is among the greatest interpreters of Bartok's music, and his version of the Mandarin is astounding, as expected. Full of fire, atmosphere, and passages of eerie beauty. His Music for Percussion and Strings is also amazing, though I actually prefer his version on Mercury with the London SO (coupled with his rare ballet, The Wooden Prince--better sound, too). But this is a small quibble, and the performance is spirited and inspired.

    But I feel I really have to pitch the two largely unknown early works, the Rhapsody for Piano & Orch., Op.1 and the Suite No.1 for Orchestra, Op.3. The Rhapsody is a pungent, virtuostic piece, somewhat similar to Strauss' early Burleske, though with a more Hungarian lilt to it. It also complements his Violin Rhapsodies, though this piece is more squarely in the tradition of Liszt, Dohnanyi, and Kodaly. Why this is not more performed I will never know--it would be a sure crowd pleaser (particularly for those who are unfamiliar and unenthusiastic about his idiom).

    However, my favorite piece of all is the remarkably inventive Suite, which overflows with Romantic Nationalism in a vein that skirts Dvorak and the Russians, though sounds nothing at all like them. The first movement opens up with a Straussian march, heroic, even a bit pompous, though orchestrated with glitter and fireworks. The second movement is all grim, Hungarian atmosphere, and indeed, the ominous drumbeat with muffled trumpets is quoted in the Concerto for Orchestra so many years later (or so I believe, maybe he didn't mean it?). Indeed, this piece is itself a kind of Concerto for Orchestra, as the orchestra is kept very busy embellishing his folk-like melodies. A dashing scherzo follows, and then a haunting slow movement which again sounds very nationalistic, a kind of piece Bartok would never write again. Even less Bartokian is the festive finale, which sounds a lot like Smetana--though it's completely captivating in its own, derivative way. In short, the Suite is a work of genius, if a slightly immature one; but that doesn't stop me from listening to it over and over again. Sadly, I don't have a recording of his Second Orchestral Suite...is there a Dorati version floating around somewhere?

    The disc concludes with the most haunting, atmospheric, intense account of the oft-recorded Two Pictures, Op.10 I have ever heard. The sheer longing of the opening melody is almost unbearable. I also love how Dorati brings out the Debussyian sheen of the orchestra in this piece. We hear Bartok's distinct voice for the first time in the second "picture," which smacks of the sardonic humor of the Mandarin.

    A wonderful, bargain of a disc that should not be missed, no matter how many Mandarins you have in your collection.

    5 out of 5 stars Astounding performances and rich in its selections.......2006-04-17

    There is no doubt that from start to finish, on both CD's
    (there are 2) every performance is extremely strong
    and the audio is incredible.

    The weak spot, of this release, however, is the lack
    of continuity between the numbers, considering that
    some of them are very differnet from each other,
    such as from one composition to the next, there is
    a noticeable change in mood, and musical point of view,
    which distracts from the enjoyment experience.

    As such, my pick on this set is unquestionable the
    "Miraculous Mandarin" which is incredible in the skill
    shown by the musicians and by the man leading the group
    in playing and showing a cohesive musical message.

    The loudness of "Miraculous Mandarin" slams the listener
    like a hurricane that's never been felt before....which
    is an experience that most music fans will have difficulty
    achieving anywhere else.

    The other pieces, on their own, are simply perfect and
    gems that only the composer's, the genius Bela Bartok,
    could have crafted.

    5 out of 5 stars Astonishing value!.......2006-03-09

    If I wanted to represent Bartok in my classical CD collection with multiple popular works, this would be my CD of choice. A two-CD set, these well-known Bartok compositions are perfectly rendered. Add to that fact that the engineering/sound is just great and there you have it.

    I'll let you do your own researching about the composer and his respective works but I will say that there's not a bad cut on either CD of this set. There is a mixing of three different orchestras and conductors on this recording but they all mesh right in, all superb.

    What more can I say? It's an awesome set -- buy it!
    Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra, Dance Suite
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Which of Solti's Bartok collections is best?
    • Superbly idiomatic
    • CONCERTO, SYMPHONY, SUITE
    • Absolutely Spectacular!
    		 Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra, Dance Suite
    Sir Georg Solti
    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Solti, Sir GeorgSolti, Sir Georg | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ContemporaryGeneral Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000059ZIG
    Release Date: 2001-04-10

    Tracks:

    1. Concerto For Orchestra: I. Introduzione
    2. Concerto For Orchestra: II. Giuoco delle coppie
    3. Concerto For Orchestra: III. Elegia
    4. Concerto For Orchestra: IV. Intermezzo interrotto
    5. Concerto For Orchestra: V. Finale
    6. Dance Suite: I. Moderato
    7. Dance Suite: II. Allegro molto
    8. Dance Suite: III. Allegro vivace
    9. Dance Suite: IV. Molto tranquillo
    10. Dance Suite: V. Comodo
    11. Dance Suite: VI. Finale
    12. The Miraculous Mandarin - Suite, Op. 19

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Which of Solti's Bartok collections is best?.......2007-04-27

    This remastered analog collection from London features two works that Solti recorded decades later in digital sound in Chicago, the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and the Dance Suite. Both CDs contain a third work, the Music for Strings, Percussion and Celestra from Chicago and the Miraculous Mandarin Suite from London. Since these are all acclaimed recordings and Solti's Bartok was one of his strongest composers, I thought a side-by-side listen would be helpful.

    Sound: Decca set out to produce sonic spectaculars in both cases, and in both cases succeeded. The earlier analog sound from London is miked closer and is free of digital edginess. The new remastering of the Chicago recordings has successfully removed the sting form the original CD issue, and though the CSO sits farther back, the sound has great visceral impact. Let's give a slight edge to Chicago.

    Execution: You might assume, especially after reading the reviews at Amazon, that the CSO plays so spectacularly that there is no comparison with the London Sym. But Solti was both a powerhouse and a technician. I can't hear that much difference, except that the LSO's wonderful precision of attack isn't quite the super-precision of the CSO, especially in the violins. On the other hand, the LSO soloists play with more personalaity. Call it a draw.

    Interprettion: Solti's Bartok was always fast, fierce, precise, and a tad clinical. Not for him the looser phrasing and warmer tone of Ivan Fischer. Having set his interpretation in place, Solti didn't change his timing or phrasing except by indignificant degrees. These two Concertos for Orchestra have an identical approach. However, the Dance Suite form London is hair-raisingly exciting, which isn't true of the Chicago version. And the Miraculous Mandarin Suite from London is even more thrillingly brutal; Solti gives this music the shock treatment, to great effect. By comparison, his MFSP&C from chicago is decidely lackluster.

    In the end, it's the couplings that sell me on the London collection. For sheer excitment, Solti's earlier Dance Suite and Miraculous Mandarin qualify as two of his best recordings. As for the main attraction, both versions of the Concerto for Orchestra come out essentially equal.

    5 out of 5 stars Superbly idiomatic.......2007-02-19

    Many experts of Bartok's music had recorded this work, e.g. Reiner but Solti is at least their equal. One feels completely inside the music and the recording is still very good. Strongly recommended. There is no other version which I prefer to this one.

    5 out of 5 stars CONCERTO, SYMPHONY, SUITE.......2005-07-08

    Bartok had a dry and ironic sense of humour, and I suspect he was teasing us a bit when he talked about the Concerto for Orchestra as being `symphony-like' with allegedly `concertante' treatment of the instruments in the band. He could have said the same about the treatment of the instruments in the Dance Suite, and I could say much the same about the orchestration in the symphonies of, say, Prokofiev. It's not the way Sibelius for one writes for orchestra, but to me it seems just the natural outcome of the increasing virtuosity of orchestral players in the 20th century. Nor does the work seem symphonic to me in the least. Several of the movements would be of symphonic length in Sibelius if not in Shostakovich or Mahler, but the Concerto for Orchestra really seems a rather ambitious orchestral suite to me. The movements have a looser relationship among themselves than I associate with symphonies, and despite the seriousness of the tone at many points the material is not `worked' in what I would think of as a symphonic way either. If Bartok had called it a suite, I doubt that any of us would be worrying much about its classification as a symphony or as a concerto.

    Solti's account has enjoyed the status of a classic for many years now, a status I'm more than happy to endorse. The tempi are admirable, and the LSO is on its best form. The recorded quality does not have quite the vividness of some modern versions, notably that by Ivan Fischer, and I felt this particularly in the Elegy movement, but such comparisons are only between very good and even better and they would not particularly sway my own choice. In any case I still feel to this day that Solti handles one of my own favourite moments, the `raspberry' blown by the trombones (very deservedly in my opinion) at the theme from the Shostakovich 7th in the Intermezzo Interrotto, probably better than anyone else.

    This is a thoroughly recommendable version still, I'm quite convinced. If cost is a factor in anyone's decision it has that in its favour for one thing. Choice of coupling could well be important too. Solti offers the Dance Suite, 20 years earlier in date of composition than the Concerto, and it is likely to be a popular choice, especially as the level of brightness in the recording is toned up a little. Fischer has the 3 Village Scenes plus what would tip the balance for me, the early symphonic poem Kossuth. I'm not you, so I can't be more categorical. If money and time are no object I would recommend obtaining both versions. If it has to be one version and one only, either spin a coin or decide on the basis of price or coupling.

    5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Spectacular!.......2001-04-26

    Perfect, perfect, perfect. A perfect idiomatic reading from a brash and enthusiastic younger Solti. The London strings are just as scratchy as you'd want them in Concerto for Orchestra, perfectly flattened in the finale. The tempi, the balance, the color, all exactly what a long-time admirer of the music would want. Easily an equal of the Reiner or Boulez readings. Dance Suite here is a rollicking good time, sort of the Eastern European version of Rodeo. And a pretty darn good Mandarin Suite thrown in as bonus.

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    1. Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set) [Box set] [Original recording remastered]
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    3. Before My Time
    4. Cello Music of Randall Svane-Three Unaccompanied Suites & Dreams Go Wandering Still
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    6. Complete Orchestra Works 5
    7. Daniel Hope: Shostakovich Violin Sonata
    8. Debussy:Préludes
    9. Dvorak: Othello Overture / Symphony No.9
    10. Electric and Acoustic Improvisations, Vol. 1

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