Philadelphia Orchestra and Leopold Stokowski [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
This four-CD set showcases the Philadelphia Orchestra with conductor Leopold Stokowski, the world-famous originator of the lush "Philadelphia Sound." The centerpiece in this collection of vintage Philadelphia/Stokowski achievements is the premiere 1932 recording of Schoenberg's epic post-Romantic cantata Gurrelieder. Dating from 1927 to 1940, the rest of the repertoire ranges from the conductor's own "symphonic synthesis" of Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov to Rimsky-Korsakov, Hindemith and such rarities as a setting of Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven by Arkadi Dubensky. The 158-page booklet features photos of Stokowski, his soloists and the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tim Page, a producer's note by Ward Marston and an essay by longtime Philadelphia Inquirer critic Daniel Webster ("Stokowski and Philadelphia: Virtuosity as Glamour").

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - (by Bach)
The Nutcracker Suite Op.71A: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
The Nutcracker Suite Op.71A: Chinese Dance
The Nutcracker Suite Op.71A: Dance Of The Reed Flutes
The Nutcracker Suite Op.71A: Arabian Dance
The Nutcracker Suite Op.71A: Russian Dance
The Nutcracker Suite Op.71A: Waltz Of The Flowers
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Rite Of Spring

Tracks:

Symphony No.6 ('Pastoral') Op.68: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No.6 ('Pastoral') Op.68: II. Andante Molto Mosso
Symphony No.6 ('Pastoral') Op.68: III. Allegro/IV. Allegro/V. Allegretto
Dance Of The Hours (From The Opera 'La Gioconda')
A Night On Bald Mountain
Ave Maria Op.52 No.6

Amazon.com essential recording

It's hard to believe now that Walt Disney's bold 1940 impressionistic experiment in wedding then-state-of-the-art animation with classical music was a rather resounding failure upon its release. The cliché proves the rule: Fantasia was decades ahead of its time (Disney even launched a "psychedelic"-themed rerelease campaign in the late '60s). It's even harder to fathom that then-Disney management spent over a million dollars in the early '80s replacing the muscular Leopold Stokowski score with a digitally recorded clone, then another undisclosed fortune to digitize Leo and put him back alongside Mickey at the conductor's podium in the '90s! This much-traveled Stokowski score will gain no points for subtlety (a symphonic Shaq attack is more like it), but it was Walt's first--and only!--choice and has never sounded better. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Mickey mouse on cover, elevator music for 70 year olds.......2007-06-04

I bought it a couple of years ago looking at the cover but was extremely disappointed when my 18-month old insisted on "Mickey" today and I chucked it into my DVD player. Our baby started crying aloud suggesting "what is this rap?" Disney folks ought to know better not try and market elevator music for 70-year olds to little toddlers regardless of how fantasia the cover looks like!

Optical soundtrack recording limitations.......2007-03-05

The soundtrack recordings for "Fantasia" were provided
to the theaters of 1940 as optical tracks on the side
of the film being shown. Such recordings cannot be
compared to the magnetic tape recordings made after WWII
(using captured or "liberated" German machines at first),
to say nothing of the current digital technology.

An analog optical soundtrack on motion picture film was
bad enough, but the film itself was nitrate, notorious
for disintegrating over a relatively short period of time,
as well as for its flammability. The prints in
circulation wore out until "the sound had gotten so bad,
theaters were refusing to book the film" according to a
Disney spokesman quoted in the New York Times of March
11, 1982.

Stokowski knew what a difference stereo recording made,
compared to mono, because almost a decade earlier, he and
the Philadelphia Orchestra participated (without the
players' knowledge) in a series of experimental high
fidelity and stereo disc recordings made by Bell
Telephone Labs. At the time, Bell Labs and Western
Electric tried to interest several manufacturers of
phonographs in the new technology, but the Great
Depression was underway, and the idea of marketing
phonographs with two stylii and two loudspeakers was
deemed unfeasible. (The Bell system had 33-1/3 rpm
discs with two parallel grooves, requiring two stylii
for playback.)

The Fantasound process, as I understand it, required a
theater to install a single loudspeaker behind the screen
and three loudspeakers along each of the two side walls,
resembling somewhat today's "surround sound." But the
idea was not to produce true stereo sound, but rather
the "ping-pong" stereo concept, with the sounds from the
loudspeakers following the cartoon characters as they
moved back and forth across the screen.

I sometimes wonder if the original recordings were made
with discs, not on soundtrack film -- in which case they
might still exist somewhere in the Disney archives. The
many thousands of original cartoon animation cels used to
create the film images were not treated as archival
material, such as the original Technicolor negatives
of "Gone With The Wind" which were stored in underground
Kansas caves, where the temperature remained steady for
decade after decade. Instead, the cels were either
destroyed or individually distributed to interested
parties. All told, it's remarkable that the film and
soundtrack have survived almost seventy years in the
shape they're in.

Stokowski was not thrilled with the end product
of "Fantasia" because, reportedly, Disney engineers
played with his recording, snipping off beats to match
the animation and enhancing crescendos. Stravinsky --
the only composer represented who was still living at
the time -- also was appalled at Stokowski's rearrangement
of his work (which Stravinsky sold to Disney for $5,000
because he needed the money at the time), to say nothing
of the dinosaurs prancing about to his ballet. The 1940
audiences were either outraged (the purists), puzzled or
bored (the general public), or snickering that Disney
had "lost it" (the film industry). But some of us loved it.

Yet "Fantasia," like "The Rite of Spring," proved far
more durable than its critics could imagine. At the
time, I was familiar with the music of Beethoven's Sixth
Symphony, Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker", Bach's "Ave Maria,"
and even Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours," but "The Rite
of Spring," and "The Sorceror's Apprentice," and "Night on
Bald Mountain" as well as Bach's "Toccata and Fugue" were
revelations for me. I didn't know then that Stokowski
tinkered with those scores, but now I have a large number
of various performances of all of them in my recording
collection. My "Fantasia" recordings were issued on LPs
in the 1970s and are treasured as historic artifacts.

In effect, that is what this two-CD album is. It's a
mistake to listen to it as performances comparable to
modern digital recordings. Enjoy them for what they are
- historical efforts to popularize classical music.

Richard Q. Hofacker, Jr., Basking Ridge, NJ

Review of soundtrack Fantasia issues.......2007-02-16

Thanks to the other reviewers for honest opinions on sound quality of this product issue. The FANTASIA soundtrack deserved better, and fortunitely, I once bought a 2-volume cassette edition of Fantasia, remastered original soundtrack edition, purchased at Tomorrowland souvenir shop at Disneyland back in 1990. Still have it, in great condition box set, and even the new boom boxes sold in todays market, feature cassette and cd play. Muchos grac!

Fantasia.......2007-01-10

I am satisfied that the CD is of the original production of Fantasia, which I feel is superior to the current DVD. I hope that a DVD version of the original version will be made available at some time. The sound quality leaves a little to be desired, however.

low-fi fantasia.......2007-01-10

I was disapointed with the low-fi recording. I realize the soundtrack is from the 1940's, but I assumed it has been re-mastered. Rather muddy sound.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Gift
jack@earthlink.com
Great Purchase
Remarkable album - poor sound quality
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff Plays Chopin
Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29)
Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist
A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works

ASIN: B000003FGS
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

Concerto No.1, Op.1: Vivace
Concerto No.1, Op.1: Andante
Concerto No.1, Op.1: Allegro vivace
Concerto No.4, Op.40: Allegro vivace
Concerto No.4, Op.40: Largo
Concerto No.4, Op.40: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Intro: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var I: (Precedente)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var II: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var III: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var IV: Piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var V: Tempo precedente
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VI: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VIII: Tempo I
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var IX: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var X: Poco marcato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XI: Moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XII: Tempo di minuetto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XIII: Allegro
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: : Var XIV: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XV: Piu vivo scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVI: Allegretto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVII: [Allegretto]
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVIII: Andante cantabile
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XIX: A tempo vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XX: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXI: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXIII: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Moderato; Allegro
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Adagio sostenuto
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Allegro scherzando
Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Allegro ma non tanto
Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Intermezzo: Adagio
Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Finale: Alla breve

Amazon.com

Unlike most composer/pianists, Rachmaninoff's instrumental prowess was fully commensurate with his creative gifts. He embraces his youthful First Concertos as if he had encountered an old lover, consumating his passion with stupefying fingerwork in the first movement cadenza. Conversely, the composer seems bored in the Third. He laconically dispatches its torrents of notes, opts for the easier ossias in difficult passages, and makes cuts in the first and third movements. And pianists like Arturo Michelangeli and Earl Wild have recorded more incisive, demonic Rach Fourths. No question about the Paganini Rhapsody and Second Concerto, where Rachmaninoff's fierce authority and luscious, molten tone permeate every bar. RCA's transfers, however, could have been better. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Gift.......2007-07-07

I consider this a true gift in this age to hear the composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff perform his own music as he intended. This CD is a marvelous opportunity for any one who is already a lover of Concertos 2 and 3, or the Variations on a Theme by Paganini. It is a simply a fine introduction to a truly great 20th Century composer.

jack@earthlink.com.......2007-06-27

This is Rachmaninov playing Rachmaninov - the master playing his own works. The audio quality is not what we might expect from modern recordings, but this is not a modern recording. If we ignore the hiss and concentrate on the artistry, we find a wonderful rendering of the Rachmaninov works. There is little opportunity these days to hear the masters play their own works, but this is an exception. Rachmaninov's piano music is extraordinary. If you enjoy classical piano music, this is a "must have".

Great Purchase.......2007-05-13

To hear such a master play his own work is priceless. I bought this for my 17 year old son who is a cellist and classical music fan. He plays it over and over. It is remastered, of course, but it is very high quality sound considering that it was not recorded on modern equipment, and does not sound crackly or difficult to listen to. If you are a fan of Rachmaninoff's work how can you resist getting this CD?

Remarkable album - poor sound quality.......2007-03-28

I agree with reviewers heaping superlatives about Rachmaninoff playing Rachmaninoff. It is truly a rare gem. However, buyers should be aware that the recording quality is marginal and tape hiss nearly unbearable. No blame here - it was probably the best technology of its day. If you are used to modern recordings of concert performances, you will need to set an equalizaton to moderate the high tape noise. A good DSP unit might be able to extricate the music from the noise. In any case, once acclimated to the sound quality, you will adore the underlying performance.

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff.......2007-02-08

These recordings were all originally issued on 78-rpm discs by RCA Victor. In all of the music, Rachmaninoff was the soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra in sessions held in the historic Academy of Music, renowned for its acoustics until remodeling in the mid-1950s reportedly changed that (as Eugene Ormandy always complained).

Rachmaninoff and Leopold Stokowski began making an acoustical version of the second piano concerto in 1924, near the end of the acoustical era. Already the Bell Laboratories and Western Electric were perfecting the electric recording process that would be adopted the following year by both Victor and Columbia. For some reason, the acoustical recording was never finished; Victor later issued it (in 1973) in their boxed sets of the complete Rachmaninoff recordings, filling out the gaps with sides from the electrical recording that Rachmaninoff and Stokowski made a few years later.

The recording of the second concerto has always had been something of an enigma because it doesn't have the best sound of that era, when Victor used a single microphone placed either in front of the orchestra or over the conductor's head. For some reason, the recording is a little muddy or distant at times; nevertheless, one can clearly hear the brilliant playing of the composer, as well as the astonishing, very capable accompaniment by the Philadelphia Orchestra. It is clearly one of the best performances of the concerto ever recorded, even if one wishes it were a bit clearer. Perhaps further advances in digital restoration will someday improve the situation. Having heard both the original 78-rpm discs and the 1973 LP version and the first of the CD versions, it is clear that the sound is somewhat disappointing, while the performance is outstanding.

In 1934, soon after the world premiere in Philadelphia, Rachmaninoff and Stokowski again joined forces to record the "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini." It's clear from the original discs and the various reissues that RCA Victor had made tremendous strides in its recording techniques. This recording has much improved sound over the second concerto. The performance is astonishing and brilliant at times; Rachmaninoff clearly displays the virtuosity that so amazed listeners who heard him in person. He was clearly much of the vein of Chopin and Liszt, whose music he often performed and recorded.

In 1939-40, when Eugene Ormandy was gradually assuming responsibility for the Philadelphia Orchestra as Stokowski cut back his involvement, Rachmaninoff recorded the first, third, and fourth piano concertos. All of these performances benefited from even greater advances in recording; the quality was generally exceptional, too. Yes, some have said that Vladimir Horowitz's 1930 recording of the third concerto was better (and was even admired by the composer), but there is still something to be said for hearing Rachmaninoff play his own music.

Rachmaninoff in the 1930s and early 1940s was often criticized for being old-fashioned, while older listeners said he was becoming too modern. With the passage of time, we can appreciate his music for its genius and beauty. In these recordings we have a clear glimpse of one of the last great Romantic composers and pianists.

Average customer rating:

BACH FREATEST HITS
Of course
Beautiful Music!

Bach: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Greatest Hits
Beethoven: Greatest Hits
Tchaikovsky: Greatest Hits
Wagner: Greatest Hits
Vivaldi Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000003F5A
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Toccata & Fugue in D Minor
Air On The G String
Sleepers, Wake
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 - Allegro
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Orchestral Suite No. 2 - Minuet & Badinerie
Sheep May Safely Graze
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 - Allegro assai
'Little' Fugue In G Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No.3 - Allegro
Chaconne

Customer Reviews:

BACH FREATEST HITS.......2005-09-08

IT IS A VERY GOOD CD TO HAVE AND MAKE PART OF THE OWN COLLECTION. i REALLY LIKED MY SHOPPING.

Of course.......2004-06-23

The classical music component of my CD collection is admittedly lacking. These beautiful renditions of music composed by one of the great geniuses of the human race go a long way toward rectifying that imbalance.

Beautiful Music!.......2000-10-26

Bach was a genius. At moments of this CD, we hear this. I would buy this CD just for "Chaconne", a 17 minute, highly emotive masterpiece which is performed here particularly well. Bach has an intimate understanding of the most profound and advanced depths of music, and it can be heard on Chaconne during its climax. Some other songs, such as "Air on a G String" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" are also quite exceptional. What makes this CD special is the performances and the sound engineering, which are sweet. Admittedly, some of the organ concertos on this CD may sound a bit banal. But you must buy this CD for "Chaconne" and "Air on a G String"! I find Bach to be incredibly inspiring.

Average customer rating:

The Best
Buy This Now!!!!

Rachmaninoff for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Debussy for Relaxation
Chopin For Relaxation
Vivaldi for Relaxation
Mozart for Relaxation
Beethoven for Relaxation

ASIN: B00005KCGZ
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

Rhap On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43: Var 18 - Dmitri Alexeev
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: III. Adagio - The Philadelphia Orch/Eugene Ormandy
Prld in G, Op.32 No.5 - Alexis Weissenberg
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Anna Moffo
Prld in F - Mikhail Kazakevich
Prld in D, Op.23 No.4 - Barry Douglas
Prld in E-flat, Op.23 No.6 - Barry Douglas
Vc Con in g, Op.19: III. Andante - Janos Starker/Shigeo Neriki
It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7 - Vladimir Spivakov/Sergei Bezrodny
Pno On No.1 in f#, Op.1: II. Andante - Byron Janis
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - Barry Douglas

Customer Reviews:

The Best.......2002-08-31

I thought this was so good, especially tracks 8 thru 11 that I bought copies for my six siblings.

Buy This Now!!!!.......2001-09-07

This is a beautiful work by the master composer Rachmaninoff. I have been a fan of his work, but when I heard this recording it nearly blew me away. Listen to Vocalise - the beauty of this track is what sold me on the rest of the album.

Rachmaninoff - Vocalise / Rachmaninoff, Moffo, Kissin, Galway, Tomita, Swenson, Asawa, Luboff Choir

Average customer rating:

The great Vocalise
Wonderful
Wonderful
A wonderful example of truly great work
Compelling to the ear!

Rachmaninoff - Vocalise / Rachmaninoff, Moffo, Kissin, Galway, Tomita, Swenson, Asawa, Luboff Choir
Sergey Rachmaninov , American Symphony Orchestra , Philadelphia Orchestra , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , National Philharmonic Orchestra , New Symphony Orchestra of London , St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra , Leopold Stokowski , Yuri Temirkanov , Charles Gerhardt , Isao Tomita , Morton Gould , Anna Moffo , Ruth Ann Swenson , Vladimir Spivakov , Brian Asawa , Evgeny Kissin , James Galway , Norman Luboff Choir , Victor Babin , Sergei Bezrodny , and Warren Jones
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rachmaninoff for Relaxation
Debussy for Relaxation
Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2/Vocalise
Songs of the World, Vols. 1 & 2

ASIN: B00004SB08
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise
Vocalise

Customer Reviews:

The great Vocalise.......2007-03-10

It's very interesting to hear this beautiful piece on many versions and combinations of instruments, so we can compare them in a very easily way by playing only one cd.

Wonderful.......2001-12-30

This is clearly one of the greatest melodies of all time, and it certainly deserves the unusual distinction of being the subject of this CD. The different interpretations are fascinating. Listen for the subtle differences in orchestration--it's like getting a master class on that topic as well as on song interpretation. The only disappointment is that Clara Rockmore's haunting Theramin version with Nadia Reisenberg at the piano is not included.

Wonderful.......2001-12-30

A wonderful example of truly great work.......2000-08-16

On this CD you can find different arrangements as well as just different performances of this truly great Rachmaninov's work. Do not be suspicious about how it is really possible to withstand something 13 times in a row! You will be surprised and glad that you have this CD! This work not just allows different interpretation - it allows different moods and emotions. One of the tracks is the actual Rachmaninov's recording - where he conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra. Brian Asawa is absolutely marvelous on the 5th track. Spivakov, who I really like, probably takes a bit too fast tempo, but intonation and phrasing are so beautiful! Playing late romantic music is sometimes very challenging in a sense, that you have to show all the emotions but at the same time you can not take it too far, especially Russian music. This CD gives the outstanding example of balanced understanding of music core. Every performance is distinct and prominent.

I can also recommend to listen to Rachmaninov own performance of his preludes - among 5 different versions I have his one is the best.

Compelling to the ear!.......2000-05-15

Rachminoff clearly shows off his ingenious talent with the piece. A piece that has overwhelmed singers and listens with such passion that can easily be expressed with no words. This recording is one of the very best and it's great to relax to as well as use for a reference when singing this elegant masterpiece.

Average customer rating:

Highlights from Carmen and much more of Bizet

Greatest Hits: Bizet

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rossini: Greatest Hits
Grieg: Greatest Hits
Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits
Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits
Debussy's Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A9G
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

Carmen: Prelude: The Toreadors. Allegro giocoso
Carmen: Prelude: Andante moderato
Carmen: Habanera (Act I)
Carmen: Seguidilla (Act I)
Carmen: Entr'acte (Act I - Act II): Les Dragons d'Alcala
Carmen: Bohemian Dance (Act II)
Carmen: Song Of The Toreador (Act II)
Carmen: Flower Song
Carmen: Entr'acte (Act II - Act III): Intermezzo
Carmen: March Of The Smugglers (Act III)
Carmen: Nocturne: Micaela's Aria (Act III)
Carmen: March Of The Toreadors & Chorus (Act IV)
Carmen: Duet & Final Chorus (Act IV) 'C'est toi? 'C'est moi' - 'Masi moi, Carmen, je t'aime encore'
The Pearl Fishers: Je crois entendre encore (I Hear As In A Dream)
The Pearl Fishers: Ouvre ton coeur (Open Your Heart)
L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Prelude
L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Minuetto
L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Adagietto
L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Carillon

Customer Reviews:

Highlights from Carmen and much more of Bizet.......2001-08-05

It is hard to believe that when Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" opened in 1875 audiences received it indifferently. Bizet was innovative in that he replaced artificial plots and acting in operas with more realistic representations of the human condition (comparable to what Gustave Flaubert did in literature with "Madame Bovary"). Bizet's masterpiece is represented by the first thirteen tracks on this album, so you might wonder why not just go pick up the entire opera and leave it at that? Because Bizet actually did go on and write some other works, the best of which are included in this collection. This CD also includes a couple of songs from "The Pearl Fishers," sung by Richard Tucker and Beverly Sills, and the "L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1. If this CD included the Farandole from "L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2," it would be prefect. But one of the impressive things about this Greatest Hits collection is that all those tracks from "Carmen" come from several different productions. So you have Bernstein, Stokowski and Ormandy conducting, and Jose Carreras, Rise Stevens and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Superb!!
A little comment !
Let's call it fifty/fifty.
Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless
Not essential for Sibelians

Sibelius: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

Zoltán Kodály: Háry János Suite / Dances of Galánta & Marosszék / Children's Choruses - Iván Fischer / Budapest Festival Orchestra

ASIN: B0000029YV
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante, ma non troppo; Allegro energico - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Andante (man non troppo lento) - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Scherzo. Allegro - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 39: Finale (Quasi una fantasia). Andante - National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Swan Of Tuonela, From Lemminkainen Suite, Op. 22, No. 3 - Michael Winfield
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro moderato - Zino Francescatti
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Adagio di molto - Zino Francescatti
Violin Concerto In D Minor, Op. 47: Allegro, ma non tanto - Zino Francescatti

Tracks:

Finlandia, Op. 26 - London Symphony Orchestra
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Allegretto - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Tempo Andante, ma rubato - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Vivacissimo - New York Philharmonic
Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 43: Finale: Allegro moderato - New York Philharmonic
Valse Triste From Kuolema, Op. 44 - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Intermezzo. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Ballade. Tempo di menuetto - Un poco piu lento - Philadelphia Orchestra
Karelia Suite, Op. 11: Alla marcia. Moderato - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Superb!!.......2005-11-04

An excellant recording of the most popular pieces by this wonderful composer. The performance of each and every piece is truly stunning and the sound quality of the recording---excellant. A very good introduction to Sibelius.

A little comment !.......2004-08-31

The Second Symphony is a real issue of that overwhelming who was Thomas Schippers . Even if i do not agree with the timings due I consider extremely contemplative , it has personality and expressiveness .
The jewel of the crown is the first symphony , one of the best in the market .
The Sibelius violin concerto remains in the top list of the ten greatets performances in any age . Warmth and poetic rendition .
Finlandia is irrelevant .
So consider this buying worthable for the expossed reasons.

Let's call it fifty/fifty........2003-06-12

Like some of the other reviewers, I am inclined also to rate this compilation mixed fare. I would consider purchase of this two cd set only if it was available at a bargain price. To begin with, I find Thomas Schippers' Sibelius Second hard to take seriously. It seems to be an exercise in theatrics more than anything else. On the other hand, Stokowski's Sibelius First is one of the best performances this work has ever been given. He demonstrates tautness and clarity and an attention to detail that is extremely satisfying. There is also boldness and adventuressness, and not least of all a very pleasing sense of atmosphere. My only disappointment comes in the second movement, where in the quieter pastoral sections I find Stokowski's pace a little too slow, though I still appreciate the attractiveness he displays. In the Sibelius Violin Concerto, Francescatti and Bernstein offer some pleasing moments, though the idiomatic and atmospheric elements are a little shortchanged. Despite this, Francescatti realizes some nicely expressive tonal shadings and accents. A different sort of performance from Heifetz and Oistrakh, but one that stands well on its own merit. Otherwise, I find Hickox's Finlandia presentation somewhat wayward. We should have been given Ormandy's solid and moving version with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, although I could have done without his views here on Valse Triste and the Karelia Suite, especially the latter, which would have benefitted from a livelier, more atmospheric approach.

Brilliant #2...The Remainder of These 2 CD's are Worthless.......2001-02-06

Sony should have re-released only the Schippers on a single CD. This is the most brilliant reading of this difficult symphony I have ever heard. As for #1...Stokowski hit his high point as a conductor with the pap from "Fantasia"...it was all downhill for him after that. The best recording of Finlandia is Sir Colin Davis/Boston Symphony. Richard Hickox is a nullity and his conducting shows that in ample display with this reading. As for Eugene Ormandy and his Karelia...Stravinsky said it best..."Ormandy is an ideal conductor of Strauss waltzes." The Violin Concerto is serviceable, but nothing special...Good playing by Francescatti, but an indifferent accompaniment by Bernstein and his charges.

Not essential for Sibelians.......2000-04-04

I have heard countless recordings of the Sibelius symphonies, so from my perspective as a listener and as a conductor, I would recommend other recordings of these works. Firstly, the tempi in the recordings of the 1st and 2nd Symphonies are generally wrong. Sibelius was one of those composers who was particular about interpretations of his music, with only a slight flexibility. What Stokowski achieves, on the other hand, is a beautiful musical and emotional thread, as he always did. He brought out interesting harmonic balances and shadings in the "Swan of Tuonela" recording that many other recordings of the work lack. The Swan is obviously music that is perfectly suited to Stokowski's typical poetic treatment and wizardry. Zino Francescatti's recording of the Violin Concerto is actually quite good. Bernstein's accompaniment is lovingly dedicated. Bernstein ignores less of Sibelius's tempi here than he usually did. Francescatti is really in top form in this recording, and even though I'm not a big fan of mid-20th century styles of violin playing, I think that Francescatti displays a great deal of integrity, coupled with an obvious Mediterranean passion. This aesthetic is not too far removed from Sibelius's intent, since the composer frequently visited Italy around the time he wrote the work (The 2nd Symphony was actually composed in Italy). However, there's much of the Northern temperament in this work as well.

The recording of the 2nd Symphony is just wrong. Thomas Schippers had little understanding of Sibelius's music, in my opinion. The tempi are mostly incorrect, and the orchestral playing here is dull.

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Moderato - Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Intermezzo: Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Finale: Alla breve

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninov you never knew.........2007-03-17

..until you hear this.

It's like the first time I heard Heifetz playing Brahms' violin concerto on the RCA recording - the flow, the speed, the unimaginable sense of freedom lacking in violinists/ pianists after the Heifetz/ Rachmaninov generation. Somehow musicians after that era began to grow "slow fingers" and shallow spirituality and it became unknown to listeners how music used to sound so free - well, they couldn't have known. We couldn't have known.

Until recordings like this came along.

So, if you're curious in even the slightest sense and think you can listen beyond the mono sound (which sounds blurred and overloaded with hisses compared to modern stereo recordings), you owe yourself a chance to discover what music making had been and gain a "new pair of ears".

It's a pity for those who can't tolerate anything other than "audiophile" sound.

Really loved them.......2005-10-25

I am really glad that I purchased both CDs (Piano Concerto No.1 & No.4 etc., Piano Concerto No.2 & No.3). I do have ones played by Rubinstein, but still, these two CDs are very special. The music is alive, and the hissing makes the music so real that sometimes I appreciate those 'noises'.

Music is different than most art forms that both composition and performance are vital to the creation of the final product. Listen to the composer himself to play the music is always a nice experience, no to speak Rachmaninov himself was a great pianist.

Perhaps I'm a heretic, but..........2005-08-14

I don't particularly like the way Rachmaninoff plays these pieces. He seems to play a little too mechanically for my tastes. It just sounds like he's simply playing the notes alot of the time. I don't think that these piano concertos should be overly-phrased and made more gushy and sentimental than they are, but there has to be something in the middle. However, some of the expressiveness may be lost by the bad recording quality.

I also disagree with the assertion that a composer is automatically the supreme interpreter of his/her own works. As a composer/performer (I realize that I'm not even on the same plane as a composer like Rachmaninoff, but I think I can draw some parallels from my own experiences), I have written works which I have performed and which have been performed by others. When having my pieces played by others, I usually just give them the music and let them play it however they want. This often leads to relevations about the music I have written. For example, a player may phrase or emphasize something completely differently than I would have, and it can be great to discover things in your own works that you never even considered possible! Additionally, I think as composers, we can sometimes view our compositions in an overly structural way (not seeing the forest for the trees sometimes). Sorry if I'm off track, but my point is that, as I said, I don't think that it is wise to automatically assume that a composer plays their own pieces better than anyone else does...

That being said, this isn't a bad recording at all. His playing is technically very good, and even if the composer isn't the supreme interpreter, it's still very interesting to hear their take on their own creations (which is almost always different than anyone elses). I agree that the cuts in the 3rd concerto are somewhat annoying, and in the first movement he opts to play the "easy" version of the cadenza (there are two versions in the music, the more difficult of which is, in my opinion, far better and more effective). I believe that in the CD booklet it said that later in life, Rachmaninoff felt that some of his writing was long-winded and as he began favoring economy, he made cuts in some of his pieces (this is perhaps an example of his overly focusing on structural aspects and not seeing the big picture - I can't imagine anyone agreeing that the revised, cut version he plays on this disc is better than the original).

Anyway, this is a worthwhile disc from both a musical and historical perspective. From a purely listening standpoint, however, I would opt for Bronfman's version of these two pieces (which also cost about 7 bucks). Of course, at this price, why not get both and decide for yourself?? Enjoy

Buy it.......2005-03-18

I will be honest, the sound quality is horrendous. However, the composer is playing his own music. It's a real bargain too. A must have for a collector.

Also buy Rachmaninov playing his concertos 1 and 4 and his Paganini rhapsody (this is also all on one CD and on NAXOS). Finally, for modern recordings, get the Ashkenazy/Previn set for all of the Piano Concertos and Leon Fleisher for the Paganini rhapsody.

The REAL Rachmaninov.......2002-08-04

Who says Rachmaninov's music is shallow and too sentimental? Blasphemy!! Maybe some over-indulgent performances by naive pianists give that impression, but on this recording, with the composer himself at the keyboard (and he was one of the greatest of all pianists) there isn't the faintest suggestion of sappyness anywhere. Sure, there's passion in his "interpretation" (if you can call it that) but he lets his passion flow through the music, not overwhelm it.

Of course, the audiophile types who love glitz and glitter won't be pleased by the prehistoric recordings, but I say, great musicianship over great technology!! Don't miss out on this just because of the sound quality. It's a five-star performance if I ever heard one.

Customer Reviews:

Ignore Mary Cambell's review........2005-09-26

It is tragic that Spanish native Mary Campbell grew up with the music of De Falla "as a background"....Pity that with a little more money she might have been able to sit far enough up in front to hear all the missing notes that this recording has apparently revealed to her at last.

She might also have guessed that Shirley Carter (or Shirley Verrett-Carter, as she was then known) was a mezzo-soprano who sang in "El Amor Brujo" under Stokowski, and was certainly NOT the pianist who performed in "Nights in the Gardens of Spain - that job was performed by Philippe Entremont.

Desite the shocking musical ignorance displayed by Ms. Campbell in her review, she got one thing right - it is a CD worth buying for some wonderful music, very well played

An Outstanding Version of the Best Works of Manuel De Falla!.......2000-11-13

11/12/2000

I was born and raised in Spain. I grew up with the wonderful music of Manuel De Falla as a background. Consequently, I have heard countless versions of the best works of Manuel De Falla. When I heard about this American version of two of the best compositions of Manuel De Falla played by the Philadelphia Orchestra and conducted by Ormandy and Stokowski I was curious. I thought that I knew every note in the score of these masterpieces, and it was my believe that it could not be much different from other versions that I had heard before. When I bought the CD and listened to it for the first time, I realised how mistaken I was. I was moved to tears. Somehow, Ormandy and Stokowski have returned back to life these wonderful masterpieces. Eugene Ormandy is superb conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra in "El Amor Brujo" (Bewitched Love), the story of a gipsy girl resorting to witchcratf as a way to forget her lover. Nevertheless, the best of the CD is the unbelivable

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In D Minor: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor: II. Adagio Molto (Sostenuto)
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor: III. Scherzo. Vivace
Symphony No. 1 In D Minor: IV. Allegro Molto
Three Places In New England: I. The 'Saint Gaudens' In Boston Common
Three Places In New England: II. Putnam's Camp, Redding, Connecticut
Three Places In New England: III. The Housatonic At Stockbridge
Robert Browning Overture

Customer Reviews:

Ives: Symphony No. 1 is unjustly underrated, and Ormandy captures it.......2006-08-02

Written at Yale for a grade, Ives: Symphony No. 1 is one of the most consistently underrated of his works. Yes, the constant key changes are a bit of a joke, but for sheer exuberance, nothing else tops it. Horatio Parker must have loved it, and it deserved an Honors, I should think.

Robert Browning is highly experimental and densely textured in the manner of Symphony No. 4, and Stokowski's recording is a sure bet for truth. Browning, the poet, was not Emerson, the mystic. Such an emotional reading cannot be affected, but there is no comparison to the thrilling dizzyness of the First Symphony's final movement.

Ormandy's Three places in New England is also a classic recording. While Ives' Unanswered Question has figured in works from the movie Dead Man to John Adams' elegiac The Transmigration of Souls, Three Places is much less well known.

It's quaint New Englandisms border on the tone poems of Vaughn-Williams (The Housatonic at Stockbridge) while remaining faithful to the bandmaster experiments of his father (Circus Band March).

If none of this makes any sense to you, then just go back to that Symphony No. 1 and its preposterous series of key changes. It always makes me laugh, is never corny and truly showcases the instruments of the modern symphony orchestra. It's not Mahler exactly but just as sublime.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Infinite Colours Infinite Patterns: The Best of Kaleidoscope [Import]

Luis Milan: El Maestro (1536) - Songs & Vihuela Solos - Catherine King / Jacob Heringman

No Regrets

Fast Emotion

Something to Fall Back On

New Millennium Party [Box set]

Oh No It's Devo/Freedom Of Choice [Import]