Les Beatitudes

1. Les béatitudes, oratorio for soloists, chorus & orchestra, M. 53
Composed by Cesar Franck
Performed by Stuttgart SWR Radio-Symphony Orchestra with Gilles Cachemaille , John Cheek , Ingeborg Danz , Reinhard Hagen , Cornelia Kallisch , Keith Lewis , Diana Montague
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

Les Beatitudes,Franck,Montague,Kallisch,Danz,Rilling,Hanssler Classics,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical

Average customer rating: Beautiful A tremendous recording

Franck: Les Béatitudes Manufacturer: Gala ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Franck, Cesar | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Franck: Redemption; Nocturne; Le Chasseur Maudit; Psyche; Les Eolides [Australia] Franck: Symphonic Variations; Les Djinns; Piano Concerto No. 2 Zemlinsky: Complete choral works and orchestral songs Franck: Quintet in Fm; Chausson: String quartet in Cm Mendelssohn: Elijah ASIN: B000006O2B Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. Les Beatitudes: Prologue
2. Les Beatitudes: First Beatitude: Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit, For Theirs Is The Kingdom Of Heaven
3. Les Beatitudes: Second Beatitude: Blessed Are The Meek, For They Shal Inherit The Earth
4. Les Beatitudes: Third Beatitude: Blessed Are They That Mourn, For They Shall Be Comforted
5. Les Beatitudes: Fourth Beatitde: Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger And Thirst After Righteouness, For They Shall Be Filled
6. Les Beatitudes: Fifth Beatitude: Blessed Are The Merciful, They Shall Obtain Mercy

Tracks:

1. Les Beatitudes: Sixth Beatitude: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart, For They Shall See God
2. Les Beatitudes: Seventh Beatitidue: Blessed Are the Peacemakers, For They Shall Be Called The Children Of God
3. Les Beatitudes: Eighth Beatitude: Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted For Righteousness' Sake, For Theirs Is The Kingdom Of Heaven.
4. Five Poems For Female Voice: The Angel
5. Five Poems For Female Voice: Be Still!
6. Five Poems For Female Voice: In The Hothouse
7. Five Poems For Female Voice: Torment
8. Five Poems For Female Voice: Dreams

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-11-20

I bought the recording after reading the review below. If anything he's understated his case for the piece and for this sensational recording of it. Everywhere else I'd looked I'd encountered ho hum appraisals of the work, yet historically it seems to have been well-regarded. I was confused by that but this one commentary put me over the edge.

Simply, this is a beautiful piece of music. Over-analyzing it, criticizing it because of alleged subtle flaws, damning with faint praise (the usual is that the long work has "many fine moments") just doesn't make sense. A good to great performance of this sells itself quite well without the millennial cynicism and insensitivity (not meaning callous but simply lacking in sensitivity). Judging from the listings and the many "no longer available"s I fear this heartfelt and spiritual work will disappear from sight sometime soon, probably for a long time. If intrigued, grab this one; the value is incredible. I loved the piece so much I also picked up the Jordan on WEA--not as spectacular an interpretation, and not as amazing soloists, but the finer engineering brings out a lot of the sensual beauty of the piece. I'm happy with both and will part with neither.

A tremendous recording.......2004-10-22

I am astonished to be the first listener to comment on this set.
Perhaps others were left speechless, in awe of Franck's score of sweeping majesty,
Kubelik's glorious realization, and flawless performances throughout. Superb sonics
Are a bonus in addition to the bonus tracks of Wagner Wesendonck Lieder sung by
Jessye Norman, conducted by Pierre Boulez. A must-have at any price.

Average customer rating: Reasonable value Beautiful, peaceful, and holy!

Chants de la Liturgie Slavonne Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | 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 Similar Items: Russian Divine Liturgy Russian Chant for Vespers Russia's Beautiful Religious Songs Russian Medieval Chant Orthodox Chants from Russia ASIN: B00004TVH2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Heirmi Of The Canon
2. Les Beatitudes. Vo Tsartvii Tvoiem ('Dans Ton Royaume')
3. Grand Prokeimenon. Da Ispravitsa Molitva ('Que Ma Priere Monte')
4. Notre Pere. Ottche Nach
5. Tropaire De Saint Jean Chrysostome. Oust Tvoikh Iakoje Svietlost Ognia Vozsiiachi Blagodat
6. Hymne Acathiste. Vzbrannoi Voievodie? ('Au Chef Victorieux De Nos Armees')
7. Kontakion Du Grand Canon. Douche Moia, Douche Moia! ('Mon Ame, Mon Ame!')
8. Stichere Du Vendredi Saint. Slava Ottsou... Tiebie Odieouchtchagosta Svietom Iako Rizoiou ('Gloire Au Pere... Toi Qui T'Habilles De Lumiere Comme D'Un Vetement')
9. Grande Entree Du Samedi Saint. Da Molchit Vsiakaia Plot Tchelovietcha ('Que Toute Chair Mortelle Se Taise')

Customer Reviews:

Reasonable value.......2005-06-18

If you have enjoyed recordings of plain chant (Gregorian chant) then you may want to explore the traditions of the Russian orthodox church. This CD is good value for money. The recordings date from 1965 but sound much more recent than that on this excellent transfer. Keep in mind that Naxos also have a couple of excellent recordings of Russian Orthodox music too with a choir that is much more focused than this one.

However if you really want to hear someone that has incredible impact I would suggest almost anything by Anatoli Grindenko and the Russian Patriachate Choir. Paul Hillier, arguably the most important choir director in the world today, listed their Liturgy of St John Chrsotostom in his 10 desert island CDs for Goldberg magazine and says he buys everything they record. The sound quality of the Opus 111 recordings is often spectacular and audiophile grade.

Beautiful, peaceful, and holy!.......2003-06-19

This CD truly surprised me....not knowing what to expect from the Slavonic Liturgy, and a big fan of sacred chant, I found myself deeply and profoundly moved! Chants of the Slavonic Liturgy contain some of the most beautiful and serene religious chant I have ever heard!!! I highly recommend this cd without any doubt or reservation!

Average customer rating:

Franck: Les Béatitudes Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00008UANE Release Date: 2003-04-01

Average customer rating: Very Beautiful Wonderful intimacy of devotion

Liszt: Sacred Choral Music Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000014AI Release Date: 1997-08-05

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria, S.20 - 1
2. The Beatitudes, S.25
3. Our Father, S.41 - 1
4. Via Crucis, S.53: Andante maestoso
5. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 1: Jesus Is Condemned To Death
6. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 2: Jesus Takes Up His Cross
7. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 3: Jesus Falls For The First Time
8. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 4: Jesus Greets His Holy Mother
9. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 5: Simon Of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry The Cross
10. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 6: Saint Veronica
11. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 7: Jesus Falls For The Second Time
12. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 8: The Women Of Jerusalem
13. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 9: Jesus Falls For The Third Time
14. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 10: Jesus Is Stripped Of His Clothes
15. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 11: Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross
16. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 12: Jesus Dies On The Cross
17. Station 13: Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross
18. Via Crucis, S.53: Station 14: Jesus Is Laid In The Grave
19. Our Father, S.29

Customer Reviews:

Very Beautiful.......2007-03-17

I recieved a recording of Liszt's choral works for Christmas, and was so impressed with it that I decided to buy this one as well.
The Choir of Radio Svizzera has interpreted these tracks so beautifully-I was especially moved by the last track.

Liszt wrote three versions of the 'Via Crucis':

1. Choral
2. For mixed choir, four soloists and organ
3. With piano accompniament in the place of the organ.

The second version is very beautiful and the solo parts of the organ are grandiose, but if you feel in the mood for something lighter-buy this version.
If there is anything to complain about in this CD, it is the pianist. Diego Fasolis' performance is a bit unbalanced while Thomas Trotter in the second version is much more sturdy and moving. And why did the conductor omit the organ part in the third and final tracks? I'm sure that's not what Liszt intended.
Yet the choir is outstanding-so go ahead and buy it anyway. It's worth the price!

One more note:

Keep your eyes out for the recording of the Corydon Singers performing Liszt's Missa Choralis and Via Crucis. Together, these CD's would make an excellent purchase.

Wonderful intimacy of devotion.......2006-03-03

This piano accompaniment version of the Via Crucis is remarkable in that it shows how the intimacy of the piano makes for a nice contrast with the bombast of the organ. This is especially apparent in the solos. The writing for piano is amazingly light and sparse, yet effective. The Via Crucis is only now being recognized as the masterwork it always was (it was refused publication in Liszt's lifetime).

Average customer rating: A CANTICLE FOR OUR TIME

Les Beatitudes Rilling , and Helmuth Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0009IORDO Release Date: 2004-08-01

Customer Reviews:

A CANTICLE FOR OUR TIME.......2005-12-27

The history of oratorio after Handel was not a distinguished one. There was Haydn's great Creation, there was Schubert's unfinished but fascinating and forward-looking Lazarus, and then it all descended into a wretched piety-mongering, so much so that Elgar hesitated to use the title of oratorio for his own masterpieces. Franck's fine Les Beatitudes shines through the encircling gloom like a lighthouse-beam in fog, it seems to me. It looks forward in many ways to Elgar, but it owes nothing that I can discern to Handel or to Bach, being as Catholic in its inspiration as their work was Protestant. The influence of Faust on the text is glaringly obvious, but the influence of Berlioz on the music strikes me as being next to none. The poem is by a certain Mme Colomb. It is naïve, devout and fervent, but its diction is never ridiculous, as Newman's all too often is in The Dream of Gerontius, and even strictly as music Les Beatitudes is probably a better piece of work even than any of Elgar's similar creations. The anonymous liner-note writer calls it Franck's masterpiece, and I'm starting to think that he or she may be right.

I have to say that the production of the box-set could have done with a bit more trouble being taken over it. For one thing, the text is given in French only with no differentiation in the typeface between the actual poetry and the accompanying indications, although it is fairly simple French and a few minor misprints should not confuse anyone. Lack of care and revision is evident here and there too - in the second beatitude there is a soprano solo that needs mentioning, the fourth beatitude takes a full two minutes longer than stated, the eighth beatitude takes nearly twice as long as they are owning up to, and the total playing time of each disc does not add up or anywhere near it. Nevertheless the short liner-note seems to me basically sound and just in what it says, and it would have been good to be told who wrote it, just as it would have been interesting to know which of the singers is performing at certain points.

When it comes to what really matters, namely the performance itself and the quality of the sound, I can be much more positive. The balance of the solo voices is quite realistic, much as it would be in a concert performance and not highlighted artificially. Some of the soloists' names are familiar to me, others not, but they all seem to me to acquit themselves well. These are not `star' solo parts as in, say, the Verdi Requiem, and the approach taken is thoughtful, sensitive and proportionate, just as the recording balance is. Franck's orchestration is heard at its best in this work, with no suggestion of the organ in its sound, it comes across beautifully right at the start and it stays beautiful right to the end. The choral writing probably shows some influence of Wagner's and that is not a good thing, but it develops some variety as the work progresses, even if I felt a twinge of longing, in the course of the fifth beatitude, for the way a similar opposition of the forces of good and evil was Handeled by that master in his Samson. Above all I ended with a powerful feeling that this is a work that some current factions within the Christian communion could well take to heart. Mme Colomb's simple-minded denunciation of materialism may lack sophistication, but the message of the eight beatitudes, whatever the original authorship of the `sermon' in St Matthew's gospel, is not one that should give much comfort to nationalism, bigotry, self-righteousness and wilful ignorance, and even Mme Colomb can do better than that. For a work that doesn't seem to receive a great many performances, Franck's Beatitudes is surprisingly well represented by recordings, although these in their turn have not been given much in the way of reviews least of all comparative reviews. I can't offer comparative comment either, but rather than wait for that I would say that anyone wishing to take on board, for the first time or not the first, an ancient and powerful message set to deeply felt and deeply expressive music could do much worse than to acquire this set.

Average customer rating: Stupendous!

Franck: Les Béatitudes Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003JT0 Release Date: 1995-11-01

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. First Beatitude
3. Second Beatitude
4. Third Beatitude
5. Fourth Beatitude

Tracks:

1. Fifth Beatitude
2. Sixth Beatitude
3. Seventh Beatitude
4. Eighth Beatitude

Customer Reviews:

Stupendous!.......2005-02-18

This is a live recording from Stuttgart 1990. It is a solid gold performance in excellent digital sound.

This Masterpiece should be known by every serious lover of Choral music. It will raise you to the heights!

I'd like to mention that this has been re-released on Hanssler Classics with a different cover and full libretto/translation etc., as well it has also been re-released on Brilliant Classics for just over 10 bucks but with only a French text given, no English translation. Great if you understand French though!

It's a tough toss up, the Hanssler or the Brilliant. So it's up to you what you want to sacrifice...the libretto or your pocket!

Average customer rating:

Les Beatitudes Manufacturer: A. Charlin ProductGroup: Classical Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000M35E9C

Product Description

CD1)~~1. Prologue~~2. Bienheureux les pauvres d'esprit parceque le royaume des cieux est a eux!~~3. Bienheureux ceux qui sont doux parcequ'ils possederont la terre!~~4. Bienheureux ceux qui pleurent parcequ'ils seront consoles~~5. Bienheureux ceux qui ont faim et soif de la justice parcequ'ils seront consoles~~6. Heureux les misericordieux, parcequ'ils obtiendront eux-memes la misericorde~~~~CD2)~~7. Bienheureux ceux qui ont le coeur pur, car ils verront Dieu~~8. Bienheureux ceux qui souffrent persecution pour la justice, parceque le royaume des cieux est a eux.

Average customer rating:

Franck: Les Béatitudes Manufacturer: Brilliant ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00007B9P8

Average customer rating:

Franck: Les Beatitudes Cesar Franck , Armin Jordan , and Louise Lebrun Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000009HVS Release Date: 1991-08-02

Average customer rating:

Franck:Les Beatitudes Jordan , and New Phil Manufacturer: Bmg Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00000E6Z9 Release Date: 1989-02-23

Track Listings:

1. Lidholm: Kontakion; Kuss: Lyric Poem
2. Liszt: Dante Symphony/Brahms: Tragic Overture
3. Liszt: The Power Of Music
4. Longwood Sketches - Organ Music of Firmin Swinnen
5. Mafalda Favero Arias and Duets 1928-1946
6. Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, "Resurrection"
7. Maria Nemeth Sings Arias
8. Messa Per Rossini
9. MICHAEL HAYDN - Symphonies - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
10. Missa Solemnis Op 123 in D Major

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