The Violinist

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Among the world's outstanding violinists is Aaron Rosand, whose great art has left audiences spellbound in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world. He carries on the traditions of two distinguished schools of violin playing, having studied with Leon Sametini, a disciple of Eugene Ysaye, and Efrem Zimbalist, a student of Leopold Auer. An active performer since his recital debut at the Chicago Opera House at the age of nine, Rosand has appeared with the major American and European orchestras under such distinguished conductors as Rostropovich, Reiner, Kondrashin, Steinberg, Leinsdorf, Bernstein, Skrowaczewski, Slatkin, Maazel and Blomstedt. His many recordings, which have received critical acclaim, include the complete Beethoven, Brahms and Bach sonatas, numerous concertos, and 19th-century Romantic masterpieces. In addition to performing and recording, Mr. Rosand is currently The Dorothy Richard Starling Chair in Violin Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Tracks:

Quixote
Winter
Victory
Oceanic
Kismet
Korobushko
Alexander The Great
Duel
Bella Donna
The 1812
Dalalai
Hymn
Victory (Mike Batt Mix)

Amazon.com

Born, the debut album by four conservatory-trained young women, has little to do with classical music. It's a gimmick, fusing a string quartet of frivolous femmes, spicy girls who all want to be "Posh," with dance beats, a big production mixing their violins, viola, and cello with polished electronics. Taking themselves less than seriously--they played the James Bond theme at their Royal Albert Hall debut--pop "Victory" looks assured. This single bounces along with a dash of Rossini's Barber of Seville and a real sense of pop melodrama, in spirit little different from what guitarist John Williams did with his rather less photogenic band Sky in the late 1970s. What may surprise is that tracks such as the frenetic world-dance "Quixote" are penned by the film composer Magnus Fiennes, brother of the more famous Ralph and Joseph. "Winter" adds Jean Michel Jarre-style synth and voice-over to the ghost of Vivaldi and the infectious beat goes on, and on, and on. Sex sells, and Bond's success seems assured. This is a state-of-the-art product, but with a bonus remix of "Victory" by Mike Batt of Wombles fame, just don't expect it to be art. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

Asian edition of the classical crossover act's 2001 album includes one bonus track, 'Viva!', which is not included on the domestic version. Decca. 2001.

Album Details

Includes the bonus track 'Viva' not on the USA version.

Customer Reviews:

Bond Girls Rock!!.......2007-03-13

The Bond Girls are sensational!!! They capture the audience with their powerful songs. Most songs are in minor keys. Riveting and special, they are wonderfully blessed .

Great Bond.......2006-09-01

I'm new at enjoying instrumental music but I really like this cd. I think I will be buying more like it.

Millenium Bonds Classical and Pop/Dance.......2006-06-11

At the start of the new Millenium a group of professional musicians Classicly trained on violins, a viola, and cello, realized there was only one way to hit it big...
Violinists Haylie Ecker and Eos, violist Tania Davis, and celloist Gay-Yee Westerhoff fused their Classical background to that of Pop/Dance music. With the release of their debut album, Bond hit the Mainstream ears with a vengence all their own. Performing pieces with the basis of Classical music adding Pop/Dance beats, sounds, and feels, it was clear that old music would never be lost; it would simply be updated to present times. Everything from Classical music is here: the sounds, effects, beats, times, counterpoint, choral voices, movenment of musical lines and voices, but with the addition of Pop/Dance instrumentation. The most interesting piece off this album has to be "The 1812", which is Bond's interpretation of The 1812 Overature. This album is a work of art with a great display of how music changes over a vast period of time.

I am surprised!.......2006-04-20

I am the typical teen when it comes to music; I listen to rap, hip hop, pop, rock, and classical. but when I heard Bond's "Victory," I was hooked. As I did some research, I read that these four women played their instruments ever since they were 6! These women have been studying classical music but their music on this album begs to differ. Their beat is very jumpy and you cannot resist to tap your foot along with the music.

"Victory" is a blend of many different styles of music including pop's rythmns and beats, Spanish guitars, Latin dance, Spanish dance, etc. To top that off, "Victory" has a shot of techno in it.

Born is indeed a truly unique and fresh way for people to get introduced into classical music. Listen to the album, you'll know what I mean!

Simply Stunning!.......2005-06-02

I heard this album first, and I liked it. I'm "opening my horizons," so to speak, and this (among others) was the first albums I experienced. What a surprise!

As I listened to them, I ended up liking all of it, though my fave track is "Kismet". Following that was "Victory". The rest of the CD sounded like something I have heard before--from other sources.

If you've ever in your life wanted to listen to classical music, I suggest that you start off with "Born" by Bond.

Average customer rating:

So I'm just learning violin...
Joshua Bell...

The Essential Joshua Bell

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Voice of the Violin
Romance of the Violin
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD]
Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy
Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces

ASIN: B000A8AXUY
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Sicilienne
II. Adagio
IV. Allegro Quasi Presto
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace
Caprice Viennois
Toy-Soldiers March
Waves At Play - Samuel Sanders
II. Andante Assai
Spanish Dance - Samuel Sanders
Nigun (Improvisation)
Zigeunerweisen, Op.20

Customer Reviews:

So I'm just learning violin..........2006-09-21

and I can not play like Joshua Bell. For this, he better consider himself damn lucky as the world could not handle two of us Joshua Bells.

This was my first exposure to this phenom. Sorry, I had never heard of him until I got my first issue of STRINGS magazine and he was on the cover. My wife liked the cover and wanted to know if I got better would I not only sound like him but would I also look like him? I guess we'll never know how that will actually turn out. Safe to say, I'll end up not looking like him as I can never be quite as good as him. Again, damn lucky for Josh as I don't think the world could handle two of us.

This disc is an absolute gem not only for the Joshua Bell and violin fan, but the arrangements and the sound quality is superb. What this disc made me realize is that there are truly only a few out there that have complete and total control of their craft. It also made me decide that I would like to perhaps pick up a few more Joshua Bell recordings. For my wife, I guess I'll just duplicate them and give the copies to her in a blank cd case. I can tell her it's me playing. That ought to heat things up!

Joshua Bell..........2005-12-05

This CD is a wonderful CD to see how Joshua Bell interprets some of the standard repertory of violinists of this century. The only thing I was dissapointed in slightly was that it included music from other CD's already produced by Bell, but otherwise, a wonderful gift for someone who has never heard Bell before.

Average customer rating:

So-So
Not Bad For a Concept Album
A New Look in Hip-Hop
Worth checking out
Most underrated album EVER

The Hip-Hop Violinist
Miri Ben-Ari
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Israel | Middle East | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Struggle from the Subway to the Charts
The Temple of Beautiful
Sahara
Pulling Strings
The Naked Truth

ASIN: B000A7Q1QK
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Intro
We Gonna Win
Jump & Spread Out
Fly Away
Hold Your Head Up High
Sunshine To The Rain
Lord Of The Strings
Outside The Box
Miss Melody
The Ninth Symphony (From The New World)
4 Flat Tires
She Was Just A Friend
I've Been Waiting On You
Star Spangled Banner
Jump & Spread Out

Customer Reviews:

So-So.......2007-01-17

It was very heavy on the hip-hop but didn't really showcase Miri's talent. It was also quite annoying to have her name announced on every track.

Not Bad For a Concept Album.......2006-06-14

This album is different and in a hip-hop world that continues to grow more monotonous that stands out as successful whether different means good or not.

But it is good. Very good. Miri Ben-Ari is an amazing violinist (The Beautiful Temple and Sahara are her two other, less revolutionary studio albums) and her staccato-filled style aligns perfectly with the snare and bass beats and rap vocals that go along with it. Her talent is evident throughout the entire LP.

Which leaves the success of this violin-rap concept album up to those singing and rhyming over the notes. For the whole, the line-up of guests hold up and help deliver a decent listen.

1. Intro
2. We Gonna Win- Styles P is alone with Ari on the first song. I've never thought much of Styles P as a rapper and still don't after this track but Miri holds her own. 8/10.
3. Jump and Spread Out- Fatman Scoop and Vicious come with a hot dancehall/reggaeton sound on this track. Miri is awesome. 7/10.
4. Fly Away- Miri's best on the album. She's accompanied by Fabolous, who drops a better-than-average verse. Kanye drops a disapointing few lines. Musiq covers the chorus. 8/10.
5. Hold Your Head Up High- Lil' Mo whines terrible lyrics over a weak beat. The violin presence is little. 4/10.
6. Sunshine to the Rain- Scarface and Anthony Hamilton (who already have worked-well together) deliver a great song. Hamliton's voice sounds smooth over Ari's music. 9/10.
7. Lord of the Strings- a short poetic song with J.Ivy reciting a poem about Ari accompanied by Ari's violin. 8/10.
8. Chillin' in the Key of E- just Ari in E. No guests. Sounds great. 9/10.
9. Miss Melody- best song on the album. Akon sings over an almost-haunting repetitive piece by Ari. The beat, produced by Akon, is a perfect simple snare n' bass. The song is about 4 minutes long and is followed by a violin solo. 10/10.
10. New World Symphony- Pharoahe Monche guests on this track. The man has got to be the most underrated rapper around. His flow on this track is ridiculous. He raps to the violin rather than to the drum beat and it works. Not to down the beat, Kanye kills it. 9/10.
11. 4 Flat Tires- Cash Money and Miri Ben-Ari. Doesn't work. But Lil' Wayne's verse is good enough reason to go and buy the whole CD. 8/10.
12. She Was Just a Friend- Anthony Hamilton and Algebra combine with well with the string-light Ari on this one. Most R&B-type song on the album. 8/10.
13. I've Been Waiting For You- John Legend has a great voice and Consequence has great rhymes (he shows-up Kanye on this LP). Good song. 8/10.
14. Star-Spangled Banner- Doug E. Fresh beatboxes over Ari's violin. Her violin is amazing. His beatboxing ruins the song. 4/10.
15. Jump and Spread (Reggaeton Remix)- same song but even more Latin. Pitbull brings a very "crunk" sound to the final track on the album. Fatman Scoop is kind of annoying. Zion and Lennox also jump on this track. 9/10.

Overall, this album is worth buying because there is not another album like it. Miri Ben-Ari deserves a hand for her violinist skills and for being courageous enough to try this concept-album. It has some weak spots but the Akon, Anthony Hamilton, Lil' Wayne, Pharoahe Monche, and friends help save the whole.

4 out of 5.

A New Look in Hip-Hop.......2006-06-03

I honestly have to say this is one of my favorite albums of 2005. The list of artists that helped put this album together shows that this girl has got game and when you hear her play you will know it as well. The best song on here is undoubtedly Sunshine to the Rain feat. Scarface and Anthony Hamilton. The way Face speaks about real deep emotions and Hamilton blazes thru the chorus with his vocals was simply amazing and very unique. Hamilton is also featured on another song titled She Was Just a Friend along with Algebra. Its just another love song, but the difference that distinguishes from others is the fact that I can listen to it, and I dont like listening to sappy love songs. Another great song on this album is Miss Melody feat. Akon. Akon speaks of his struggle listening to this performer playing his life out in this melody on the violin who is none other than Miri Ben-Ari. Put together very well, and is my second favorite on the album. There is variety on this album for everyone, and if you are looking to expand your hip-hop horizon, then I strongly recommend this album.

Worth checking out.......2006-03-04

We put too much emphasis on the new face of hip hop. Miri has been in the background of your favorite artists for years. Her new album has some duds and some good songs but it's worth it to hear something different. Sunshine to the Rain it an amazing song and everyone-- I mean everyone-- on the crew deserves credit for that. How often do we actually write that? Also... why not explore. Hip-hop/rap and rock have gotten really dull these last few years. Enter artists such as Miri who are moving forward instead of spewing out the same boring dreck. So what if she isn't the SUPERSTAR of the album? She's a freakin violinist doing hip hop.. but look behind the scenes. Undoubtedly she had the freedom to pick and chose arists, create her own riffs and time the lyrics, etc. It's a great album.

Most underrated album EVER.......2006-02-23

This is by far the most underrated/slept album ever. Most people I know didn't even know it came out. The whole album is incredibly soulful, the composition and arrangement of the songs are never mundane throughout the entire album. I mean I have so many favorite tracks on this album. In addition, the whole album is consistent, at the same time it offers variety by the different artists featured. I think the best track on this album tho, is Sunshine to the Rain, featuring Scarface. (Fly away with Fab & Kanye was crazy too)

I think some people said this song has too many features, or it derails too much from tradition, or that it's a dumbed down version of classical music. It's a break through piece of art in my opinion. Its fusing hip hop and classical music into another form of art work. If anything its should be categorized as modern classica. Sometimes it's more like she's a producer that makes amazing beats for the backbone, and then the artists completes it by putting in the soul and body. At the same time her presence is definitely know throughout as a performer, because her skills is just extraordinary. It's a shame many people have never heard this album.

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.

Antonio Vivaldi: Guitar Concertos, Los Romeros

Average customer rating:

Great, but...
LOS ROMEROS WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY FEB. 19, 2006, STATE THEATRE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
An exuberant celebration of Vivaldi
Technically very precise, didn't care for the arangement
Classical Guitar Music in its Finest Setting

Antonio Vivaldi: Guitar Concertos, Los Romeros
Celedonio Romero , Angel Romero , Celin Romero , Pepe Romero , John Sr. [violinist] Corigliano , Margaret Bella , Domenick Saltarelli , and Victor Alessandro
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Royal Family of the Spanish Guitar
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Angel Romero: Spanish Guitar Virtuoso
Songs My Father Taught Me
Vivaldi: Guitar Concertos

ASIN: B000004125
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Concerto in D, RV 93: Allegro
Concerto in D, RV 93: Largo
Concerto in D, RV 93: Allegro
Concerto In A, Rv 82: Allegro Non Molto
Concerto In A, Rv 82: Larghetto
Concerto In A, Rv 82: Allegro
Concerto In B Minor: Op. 3 No. 10, Rv 580: Allegro
Concerto In B Minor: Op. 3 No. 10, Rv 580: Largo
Concerto In B Minor: Op. 3 No. 10, Rv 580: Larghetto
Concerto In B Minor: Op. 3 No. 10, Rv 580: Allegro
Concerto In G, Rv 532: Allegro
Concerto In G, Rv 532: Andante
Concerto In G, Rv 532: Allegro
Concerto In C, Rv 425: Allegro
Concerto In C, Rv 425: Largo
Concerto In C, Rv 425: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Great, but..........2006-10-10

As always a very lively set of performaces. The only problem is that in the Concerto in C RV425 the Largo is measures 1 thur 5 then skips a whole musical idea and goes straight to measure 15... not an example for any one to follow, and if you are trying to play along for fun it throughs you the frist few times... then the Alllegro there is some shorting of it also. Fun to listen too! great to Play along with, use your ears, not always the music.

LOS ROMEROS WITH THE EDISON SYMPHONY FEB. 19, 2006, STATE THEATRE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ.......2005-11-28

THE LOS ROMEROS ARE FANTASTIC PERFORMERS AND PEOPLE. THIS RECORDING IS SUPER. YOU CAN HEAR THEM LIVE IN CONCERT WITH THE
EDISON SYMPHONY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2006, 2:00 P.M.AT THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

www.statetheatrenj.org

www.edisonsymphony.com

(...)

An exuberant celebration of Vivaldi.......2002-11-01

Los Romeros (Angel, Celedonio, Celin and Pepe) have collaborated with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra to produce a true Vivaldi sound. These are Concertos, not solo pieces. The Romeros are assisted by John Corigliano on the Violin, Dominick Saltarelli on the Viola and Margaret Bella on the Cello. The admixture is pure Vivaldi from the Allegro of the Concerto in D to the Largo of the Concerto in B minor. The guitar parts are perfect for the resultant polyphony. Transitions are smooth. The guitars are sensitive and evocative. Timing is precise - the orchestra comes in and out flawlessly. The guitar accompanents flow freely and precisely.

TURN YOUR BASS UP AND YOUR TONE DOWN to appreciate this album. Especially fascinating are the guitar duets by the Romeros in the Concerto in G. The guitar is delicate and sensitive in the Andante. The guitar leads the orchestra and not the other way around. The Concerto in C is probably most familiar to Vivaldi fans. The orchestra and Los Romeros display great dynamic range and force of rhythm. Vivaldi would have been proud to hear these results as a tribute. This is the height of virtuosity, delicacy and mastery of the guitar. Especially in combination and collaboration with a great orchestra.

Technically very precise, didn't care for the arangement.......2002-10-03

I thought every single piece was played too fast- the result was that each piece sounded rushed. I purchased the CD priamrily for Concerto in D major, but it also sounded rushed, not soothing and relaxing like other versions.

Overall, very good

Classical Guitar Music in its Finest Setting.......2000-11-26

This is truly a work of art! The first time I heard this recording I was immediately impressed. The Romeros, also known as Spain's Royal Family of Classical Guitar, are like fine diamonds set in the platinum background of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra at its best.Pepe and Angel Romero have since gone on to become independent solo artists but this recording with their brother and father is one of their best ever and should be in everyone's library.You may have noticed a similarity in the name of one of the soloists, Domenick Saltarelli, with that of mine, and indeed, I am very proud of his accomplishments and those of his fellow musicians on this recording: John Corigliano, Margaret Bella and Victor Alessandro. This is truly a gem! You will enjoy it.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol

Average customer rating:

Lax and distended -- one of Bernstein's rare duds
Cappriccio Espangol
I'm not crazy....
Absolutely horendous!
Exciting...

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Bernstein Century - Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites, Norwegian Dance, March of Dwarfs/ Sibelius: Valse Triste, Swan of Tuonela, Finlandia
Ravel: Boléro; Alborada del Gacioso; La Valse; Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Respighi: Pines Of Rome/Roman Festivals
Bizet: Carmen and L' Arlesienne Suites

ASIN: B00000FCKY
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: I. The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: II. The Kalendar Prince
Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: III. The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: IV. Festival At Baghdad. The Sea. The Shipwreck. Conclusion.
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: I. Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: II. Variazioni. Andante con moto
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: III. Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: IV. Scena e canto gitano. Allegretto
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: V. Fandango Asturiano

Customer Reviews:

Lax and distended -- one of Bernstein's rare duds.......2007-02-20

Stokowski was famous for pulling Scheherazade out of shape, so that's not a fatal flaw. But in this case Bernstein does it without joy or involvment. You'd expect him to revel in Rimsky's colors, but nothing appeals to him. There's no doubt that Columbia Records expected him to conduct absolutely everything in the standard repertoire, and Bernstein usually complied cheerfully, giving us great recordings of any pops items. But every once in a while he turned off to the music completley. The instances I have in mind are Holst's The Planets, Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra, and this bloated, humorless Scheherazade. There's no reason to dissect the crime in detail--just know to avoid this, one of Bernstein's rare duds.

Cappriccio Espangol.......2004-06-02

I'm will be a Junior in high school in the fall. I love Cappriccio Espangol.... you're thinking how does a 16 year old know this song? Well my band played it this year and it sounded pretty close to the NY Philharmonic Symphony... I'm not saying that oooo yeah best band ever, just that we did a great job. If you don't believe me I'll send you our recording my e-mail is fab4nbandos@bellsouth.net.... anywho since no one cares... This really is a great CD I assure you!

I'm not crazy...........2004-02-10

This is by far the worst recording I've ever heard of Scheherazade. It is all the conductor's fault too. There's really no one else to blame. (Although the recording could've been better- way too thin sounding.)

I heard a long time ago on the Angel label, a recording w/the Paris Opera Orchestra & Rostropovich conducting. Now THAT was a Scheherazade to remember. I swear, this recording did exist. I'm not halucinating. The Bernstein recording is wrong for all the reasons the Rostropovich is right. It's almost like Berstein purposely tries to take the majesty & magic out of this piece. His tempos seem to be at complete opposites of what they should. I mean, come on- was he trying SO HARD to be a rebel that he forgot the composer's markings?! I know no one wants to do the same old recording of the same old piece, but hey, that's no excuse to screw up everything. This recording sucks so bad, I actually threw the CD away. (Normally, to me, that's like burning a book- but I couldn't even give this CD away to some poor unwitting fool.)

Keep looking, this isn't the Scheherazade for you, unless you're on a time constraint & budget. And I don't think this review "isn't helpful" just because you may disagree or think LB is a genius. Let's face it, almost every conductor has at least (usually more) one piece that is his kryptonite. Trust me. I also was lucky enough to recently find the old Rostropovich recording & transfer it to CD through my PC. WOW! Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus & his name is Rostropovich. It was as good as I remembered. I suggest holding out for better, especially if you've never heard the majesty of this piece.

Absolutely horendous!.......2003-12-01

Bernstein is one of my favorite conductors because of his careful attention to detail--he lets nothing slip by, no detail is unimportant, as is apparent on his numerous Mahler recordings. However, everyone has their moments, and unfortunately, this is one of Bernstein's worst--however, it's even worse for the New York Philharmonic.

This is one of the worst recordings I have ever heard of this piece, and the simple reason is intonation--and it is the intonation of the woodwinds, the piccolo imparticular. This can in no way go unnoticed--string intonation problems are usually covered by the large number of string players in each section. Woodwinds are much more exposed, and the piccolo, in particular, has absolutely horrendous intonation throughout the entire piece--it is almost half a step falt the entire time! In general as well, the woodwinds are mostly out of tune, which is the first noticable thing.

This is not an argument that can swing "Well can't you even look at the interpretation and give them credit for that...." NO, i can't, because the intonation is the most noticable thing in any recording, and when it is as bad as it is in this recording, I can't help but criticize it.....trust me, and if you don't, just listen to the beginning of the 3rd movement of Cappricio Espagnol......you'll understand then.......

Exciting..........2003-05-02

This is the version of Scheherazade I grew up with, and is by far and away my favorite. I have a copy of this on LP (the vinyl version is easy to find -- Columbia Masterworks MS-6069) and now I'm tempted to grab a copy of the CD and see how the master tapes fared over the years. I've recorded my vinyl copy to CD, and I'm guessing this must have been originally mastered for vinyl. Really curious what they did to the sound quality (is it butchered?) and I think I'll buy this CD to find out! Anyway, for sheer emotion you just can't beat this -- To me, Reiner's interpretation sounds phony and contrived in comparison (although technically a more accurate performance).

Average customer rating:

the instrumentals
the instrumentals

The Instrumentals
Lorenza Ponce
Manufacturer: Melodia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mystic Fiddler
Imago
Song of Songs

ASIN: B00006IJRG
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

Vision
Can You Hear Me
Meet Me at the Wall
Beloved
Contigo
Night on Ontake Mountain
Isle of Arran
Masquerade
Give It to the Sea
Prelude No. 4
Daydream

Customer Reviews:

the instrumentals.......2003-08-27

by far the most beautiful violin music ive ever heard,Lorenza is the most sensational violinist ,with a unique style of her own,if you like violin music ,dont miss this album,it is out of this world.

the instrumentals.......2003-08-27

by far the most beautiful violin music ive ever heard,Lorenza is the most sensational violinist ,with a unique style of her own,if you like violin music ,dont miss this album,it is out of this world.

Average customer rating:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations

The Violinist
Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Bach: Orchestral Suites & Concertos
The Glory of Rostropovich: 80th Birthday Tribute
Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B0000BWTKJ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Affettuoso
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Vivace
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
III. Allegro

Tracks:

Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andante Tranquillo
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante
I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
II. Allegro
II. Adagio

Tracks:

Romance No. 1 In G Major
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Larghetto
III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante Tranquillo
II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
III. Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
IV. Andante
V. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
II. Adagio Espressivo
III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
II. Adagio Religioso
III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Cadenza
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Di Molto
III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I. Praeludium (Largo)
I. Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
II. Allegro
III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Average customer rating:

A "Regular People" Review
The best of the baroque era!
FROM BERNSTEIN'S SOUL TO OURS
passion in this Passion
A Wonderful Musical and Spiritual Experience.

Bach: St. Matthew Passion
David Lloyd , and William Wildermann
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Bach: St. John Passion
Bach: Mass in B minor / McNair, Ziegler, Simpson, Aler, Stone, Paul; Shaw
Handel: Messiah
Ives: Symphony No. 2 & Symphony No. 3/Bernstein Discusses Charles Ives
Bernstein Century - Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, etc.

ASIN: B00000I0W3
Release Date: 1999-02-16

Tracks:

The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I : No. 1 - 'Come, Ye Daughters'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 2 - 'When Jesus Had Finished' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 3 - 'O Blessed Jesu'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 4 - 'Then Assembled The Chief Priests' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 5 - 'Not Upon The Feast'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 13 - 'Now On The First Day' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 14 - 'Where Wilt Thou'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 15 - 'He Said: Go Ye Into The City' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 15 - 'Lord, Is It I?'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 16 - 'Tis I Who Should Be Sharing'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 17 - 'He Answered Them, And Said' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 18 - 'Although My Heart And Eyes O'erflow' (Accompanied Recitative: Soprano)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 19 - 'Lord, To Thee My Heart I Proffer' (Aria: Soprano)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 20 - 'And When They Had Sung' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 21 - 'Acknowledge Me, My Keeper'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 22 - 'Then Answered Peter' (Recitative: Evangelist, Peter, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 23 - 'Near Thee I Would Be Staying'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 24 - 'Then Cometh Jesus With Them' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 25 - 'O Grief, How Throbs' (Accompanied Recitative: Tenor)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 26 - 'I Would Beside My Lord Be Watching' (Aria: Tenor)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 27 - 'And He Went A Little Farther' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 28 - 'The Saviour, Low Before His Father Bending' (Accompanied Recitative: Bass)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 29 - 'Gladly Would I Be Enduring' ((Aria: Bass)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 30 - 'And He Came To His Disciples' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 31 - 'The Will Of God Be Alway Done'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 32 - 'And He Came Again' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus, Judas)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 33 - 'Behold, My Saviour Now Is Taken' (Duet: Soprano And Alto)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 34 - 'And Behold, One Of Them' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part I: No. 35 - 'O Man, Bewail Thy Grievous Sin!'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 36 - 'Ah! Now Is My Saviour Gone'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 37 - 'And They That Laid Hold On Jesus' (Recitative: Evangelist, 1st And 2nd Maids, Peter)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 46 - 'Truly, Thou Also Art One Of Them'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 46 - 'And Then Did He Begin To Curse And To Swear' (Recitative: Evangelist, Peter)

Tracks:

The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 47 - 'Have Pity, Lord, On Me'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 53 - 'Whate'er May Vex Or Grieve Thee'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 54 - 'Now At That Feast' (Recitative: Evangelist, Pilate)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 54 - 'Barabbas!'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 54 - 'Then Pilate Said To Them' (Recitative: Evangelist, Pilate)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 54 - 'Let Him Be Crucified'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 56 - 'The Governor Answered' (Recitative: Evangelist, Pilate)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 57 - 'To All Men Jesu Good Hath Done' (Accompanied Recitative: Soprano)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 58 - 'In Love My Saviour Now Is Dying' (Aria: Soprano)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 59 - 'But They Cried Out The More' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 59 - 'Let Him Be Crucified'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 59 - 'Then Released He Barabbas' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 60 - 'O Gracious God'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 62 - 'And Then Did The Soldiers Of The Governor' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 62 - 'We Hail Thee, King Of The Jews'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 62 - 'And Then They Spat On Him' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 63 - 'O Thou, With Hate Surrounded'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 64 - 'And After They Had Mocked Him' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 69 - 'Ah, Golgotha!'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 70 - 'Look Ye, Jesu Waiting Stands'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 71 - 'Now From The Sixth Hour' (Recitative: Evangelist, Jesus)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 71 - 'He Calleth For Elijah'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 71 - 'And Straightaway One Of Them Ran' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 71 - 'Wait, And See If Elijah Cometh To Save Him'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 71 - 'And Again Jesus Cried Aloud' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 71 - 'When I Too Am Departing'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 73 - 'And Then, Behold, The Veil Of The Temple' (Accompanied Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 73 - 'Truly, This Was The Son Of God'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 73 - 'At Eventide There Came A Rich Man' (Recitative: Evangelist)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 74 - 'At Evening, Hour Of Calm And Peace' (Accompanied Recitative: Bass)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 75 - 'Make Thee Clean, My Heart, From Sin' (Aria: Bass)
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 77 - 'And Now The Lord To Rest Is Laid'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Part II: No. 78 - 'In Deepest Grief, Here Sit We Weeping'
The Passion Of Our Lord According To St. Matthew, BWV 244: Leonard Bernstein Discusses The Material And Dramatic Structure Of The St. Matthew Passion

Amazon.com

For all of Leonard Bernstein's remarkably eclectic affinities, his legacy as a conductor is not often associated with Baroque music. Yet this remastered recording of Bach's St. Matthew Passion--like that of his Bach concertos with Glenn Gould and others--is a moving document of musical and emotional empathy. True, Bernstein's stylistic approach (the frequently languorous tempos, the italicized effect accorded certain significant moments in Bach's richly textured drama) and employment of large-scale choral and orchestral forces have long since fallen out of favor in the wake of the "authentic- performance" movement. And purists will certainly object to the use of English texts as well as numerous cuts from the original score (mostly in Part Two). That said, Bernstein's reading has a thrilling cogency and dramatic consistency fully abetted by the New York Philharmonic's heartfelt playing as well as by the excellently prepared chorus. Listen to the subtly varied inflections of each recurrence of the chorale "O Lamb of God Most Holy" to signal the inexorable course of the tragedy, or to the devastating impact of the sorrowful final double chorus. The vocal soloists are unfortunately uneven, ranging from David Lloyd's erratic, hooty tenor as the Evangelist to the multidimensional Jesus characterized by bass William Wildermann. The set includes a bonus track of Bernstein discussing how Bach unfolds his vividly dramatic structure in the Passion. -- Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

A "Regular People" Review.......2007-03-19

Wow, I picked this up used for six bucks and was not expecting much because I wasn't too exited about the thought of an english translation. I was blown away when I listened to this. Not only is this great emotional music (I didn't think they made baroque music like this!). But I can follow it in english and it makes it incredibly entertaining and simply beautiful. Great music AND it tells a story! Really, give this a try....and keep me updated! (also does anyone think its odd that he has a cigarette in his hand on the cover, you can tell that this was produced a while ago, today thats not politically correct!....just an observation)

The best of the baroque era!.......2005-04-19

Lutheran tradition of setting the passion narrative to music reached its peak in J. S. Bach's "Saint Matthew's Passion". It recounts biblical events and tries to apply their lessons to life. This work is the most famous of Bach's five passions and it regularly alternates between different time frames. The central narrative, taken from the Gospel of Saint Matthew 26-27, but also based on several texts written by C. F. Henrici (Picander), a librettist and close friend of the composer himself, takes place in biblical times. An evangelist narrates the story of Jesus's arrest, trial and crucifixion, with different solo singers performing the parts of Jesus, Judas, Pilates, High Priests, Disciples, roman soldiers and the crowd.

Another set of musical pieces regularly takes us out of the biblical time frame and into modern times with arias and duets. In these pieces, individuals contemplate the implications of biblical events for modern believers.

This work was meant for use as part of church services, especially Good Friday Vespers. It is sometimes compared to an opera and sometimes to a sermon. "Saint Matthew's Passion" represents the culmination of lutheran tradition of liturgical passions and it certainly demonstrates the height of Bach's compositional mastery and the profundity of his musical expression. With this massive work, Bach claimed his throne as a genius and master of polyphonic music. He optimally uses all musical means available to him at the time: widely diverse singing voices and instrumental sonorities. Generally, the chorus express the crowd's feelings, while the chorals symbolize the christian community. Every character has his/her particular musical style in the Passion. The evangelist carries the actions forward in the form of recitative secco, accompanied by continuo alone, merely recounting events. Jesus speaks to his disciples and to Pilates in a form between recitative and aria.

My personal favorite parts: "Erbarme dich, Mein Gott" (Lord, have mercy!") aria, accompanied by a somewhat wayward baroque violin, and of course, the tragic, triumphant chorus finale "Wir setzen uns mit tränen nieder" ("We sit down with tears in our eyes"), one of the most beautiful and powerful things a christian mind has ever created!

FROM BERNSTEIN'S SOUL TO OURS.......2003-04-18

I've waited 20 years to find this re-release of a 60's recording that I'd worn out 2 sets of LPs playing. In my view this is one of Bernstein's finest- every tempo, every dynamic, every nuance flows from his soul to his baton and to the orchestra, chorus, and soloists. Certainly not for the purists given the cuts and modern orchestral treatment, but for pure listening bliss this is the recording to own. His (all too) brief explanation of this work at the end exposes his emotional involvement with this masterful music and is a delightful bonus that was originally included as a 7" LP in the set. Bravo to Sony for their Bernstein re-release program!

passion in this Passion.......2002-03-24

The true test of this recording is comparing the last chorus with other versions by Klemperer, Gardiner, Ritcher, Koopman, et al. Why?
Because Bach was wrenching all the drama he could from that last
expression of the sorrow of life of Jesus. "Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder" says it all. And Bernstein's version comes in at the slowest.
Over nine minutes! Koopman at six. And the cold, heartless Gardiner
even faster. Gardiner has no concept of the meaning and glorious
passion in this music. Don't buy his Bach recordings. Listen only to
this last chorus' first phrase and how gut-wrenching it is! Bernstein
understood this great masterpiece, and his version is worth buying
just for this chorus.

A Wonderful Musical and Spiritual Experience........2001-05-09

Music is a dynamic art and must adapt in many ways with each individual performance. I really don't place much value in the effort to perform a composition only by the "original" or "period" standards. If one lays aside such bias, one may experience the muscial beauty and spiritual blessing of this performance of a sacred classic. I speak German as a second language, but thoroughly enjoyed hearing it in English. After all, one's mother tongue is always a more powerful medium. English draws us closer to the message of Christ's atoning death which Bach sought to share in this masterpiece. This recording is very passionate and moving. Kudos also to the staff at Sony who remastered the originals onto CD. I had no idea that the performance was from the early 60's until I read it. The sound quality is tops.

Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata; Dumka; Chinese Puzzle; Passacaglia on an Old English Tune

Average customer rating:

Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata; Dumka; Chinese Puzzle; Passacaglia on an Old English Tune

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

William Primrose: Viola Transcriptions
Lillian Fuchs: Complete Music for Unaccompanied Viola
Ernst: Concerto Pathétique; Concertino
Bohuslav Martinu: Rhapsody for Viola; Concerto; Concertino; Lidice [Hybrid SACD]
Bax: Viola Sonata; Legend; Trio in One Movement; Concert Piece

ASIN: B000L42JAE
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks: