Hindemith: Mathis der Maler

1. Mathis der Maler, symphony (from opera) Angelic Concert
Composed by Paul Hindemith
with San Jose Symphony
Conducted by George Cleve

2. Mathis der Maler, symphony (from opera) Entombment
Composed by Paul Hindemith
with San Jose Symphony
Conducted by George Cleve

3. Mathis der Maler, symphony (from opera) Temptation of St. Anthony
Composed by Paul Hindemith
with San Jose Symphony
Conducted by George Cleve

Hindemith: Mathis der Maler,Paul Hindemith,George Cleve,San Jose Symphony,Bainbridge,20th/21st Century Symphony,Classical,Symphonic

Average customer rating: The Definitive Hindemith Violin Concerto

Hindemith: Mathis der Maler; Violin Concerto; Symphonic Metamorphosis Hindemith , Abbado , Kletzki , Oistrakh , London Symphony Orchestra , and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10, Stravinsky: Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta; Hungarian Sketches Leos Janácek: Cunning Little Vixen (Suite) / Sinfonietta / Schluck & Jau / Jealousy (Original Prelude) / Kát'a Kabanová (Overture & Interludes) / Taras Bulba / Sárka (Overture) - Sir Charles Mackerras / Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Ancerl Gold Edition 32: STRAVINSKY Les Noces; Cantata, Mass Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1-7 ASIN: B000028CTW Release Date: 2002-01-28

Tracks:

1. Violin Concerto--I. Massig Bewegte Halbe
2. Ii. Langsam
3. Iii. Lebhaft
4. Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Weber
5. Ii. Turandot, Scherzo- Moderato
6. Iii. Andantino
7. Iv. March
8. Mathis Der Maler--I. Engelkonzert
9. Ii. Grablegung
10. Iii. Versuchtung Des Heiligen Antonius

Customer Reviews:

The Definitive Hindemith Violin Concerto.......2004-04-30

Thank you Amazon for carrying such a large selection of titles from the Australian "Eloquence" series! While the majority of the performances in this mid-price import line are available stateside (but as different titles or with different packaging), many are not and needless to say I am snapping those CDs up quickly. This delightful disc presents three of Hindemith's greatest orchestral works -- the Violin Concerto, Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Weber, and the "Mathis der Maler" Symphony. First, this has to be the definitive version of the Violin Concerto! The composer himself conducts the London Symphony Orchestra on this glowing 1962 stereo account with the great David Oistrakh as soloist. I previously owned two excellent recordings of this piece (Stern/Bernstein and Fuchs/Goossens), but this performance is perfection. Toss in late 1960s accounts of "Weber" and "Mathis," by Claudio Abbado & the LSO and Paul Kletzki & the OSR respectively, and you have a classic disc that deserves to be available domestically as well. As is, it was great to get another awesome Amazon delivery from Australia with love.

Average customer rating: Old man Hindemith Hindemith for all ages

Hindemith: Mathis der maler; Nobilissima Visione; Symphonic Metamorphosis Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | 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 $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Metamorphoseon Modi XII Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3, Op. 44/Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 Music of Samuel Barber Penderecki: Orchestral Works, Vol. 01 Barber: Violin Concerto; Cello Concerto; Piano Concerto ASIN: B000003CVL Release Date: 1989-11-21

Tracks:

1. I. Engelkonzert
2. II. Grablegung
3. III. Versuchung Des Heiligen Antonius
4. I. Einleitung Und Rondo
5. II. Marsch Und Pastorale
6. III. Passacaglia
7. Allegro
8. Turandot, Scherzo
9. Andantino
10. Marsch

Customer Reviews:

Old man Hindemith.......2002-03-06

Hindemith is one of the few composers who's music depends 100% on the conductor AND orchestra involved. Each different recording of 'Mathis der Maler' I have heard is startleingly different than the other, and each has its own strong and weak points.

The present recording by Yoel Levi and the Atlanta Symphony is surprisingly good. The orchetra, just starting its new tenure with Yoel Levi as mucis director, can already be heard as much improved over past recordings. The brass, most notably the French Horns and Tuba, deserve special recognition.

While the orchestra is indeed step up, the interpretation leaves something to desire. While Levi does an exceptioanlly creative and well-executed "March" and "The trial of St. Anthony", the rest seems to plod along at an almost unbearable pace. The 'Engelkonzert' is surprisingly dull, as if the Angels in question were old, withered, and perhaps too holy to be bothered to sing with joy. In this recording, Levi makes Hindemith seem to be a resigned and slow old man, rather than the person who was full of zest and vigor.

Hindemith for all ages.......2000-08-06

I am only 16 years old and I was recently involved in an honors orchestra in which we played symphonic Metamorphosis and we all loved it. The opening is the grandest with the majestic french horns and continues on with powerful strings. But not to worry here comes the mighty brass about 30 measures into it.The thing that made me love this song was the great diversity. Every section got a chance to show their stuff. From the second fast-paced movement to the third slow beautiful flowing wind solos in the third movement to the trombone fugue in the Marsch this peice is sure to thrill every fan of any orchestral instrument or group.

Average customer rating: Hindemith conducts Hindemith Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools Phenomenal performances Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended Hindemith Himself

Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith: Concert Music; Horn Concerto; Clarinet Concerto and others Hindemith: The 3 Piano Sonatas Hindemith: Complete String Quartets Hindemith: Orchestral Works Kammermusik ASIN: B0000U1NHE Release Date: 2004-02-10

Customer Reviews:

Hindemith conducts Hindemith.......2006-11-10

The musician's musician, the most versatile, skilled and knowledgeable composer of the 20th Century can be heard with delight in this excellently remastered Deutsche Grammophon recording of him conducting the Berlin Phiharmonic Orchestra in definitive renditions of some of his own masterpieces. Hindemith by and large was the best interpreter of his own works. Under his direction pure, unadulterated, joyfull music-making of great vitality prevails, thoroughly unpedantic, yet devoid of vanity, pretentious display or exaggeration. The rendition of the Mathis Symphony is, of course, definitive and the nowadays most frequently perfomed Symphonic Metamorphosis is done with gusto. But we would like to call special attention to such an inexplicably neglected masterpiece as the thoroughly delightful, but substantial Symphonic Dances and the unique and profound Konzermusik for piano, brass & harp. What neo-Baroque, roaring twenties exhuberance displayed in the Concerto for Orchestra and what a gem of human insight "The Four Temperaments",
here definitively rendered! ER

Hindemith continues the musical traditions of the Germanic schools.......2006-08-19

Hindemith is a far too overlooked composer, and I daresay that in decades to come people will realize the greatness of his compositions, a Hindemith renaissance will take place. I for one enjoy his music greatly and this box set is a perfect introduction to his music. Contrapuntally Hindemith stands apart from most 20th composers, indeed his music speaks the 20th century idiom, however as one will recognize immediately Hindemith speaks his own language. In fact this composer is one of the most original of his time. Contrapuntally he continues and adds to the great traditions harkening back to the Renaissance. His conducting is no nonsense and gets to the heart of his music. I find this music to be riveting, exciting, intellectual and heartfelt. Hindemith has his place in Music history.

Phenomenal performances.......2006-03-07

Hindemith may not have been a Schoenberg or Stravinsky, but at his most inspired he was certainly way up there near the top of the heap, among the greatest composers of the late lamented 20th Century. What these recordings tell us, however, and to me this comes as something of a shock, is that he was also a truly great conductor. All the performances in this set are in my opinion truly extraordinary, among the very best orchestral performances I've ever heard -- of any music by any composer of any period.

Everything one would expect of a superlative performance is here, the tempi, the balances, the shadings, accents, nuance, intonation, attention to detail, attention to overall structure, sweep, authority, intensity, even expressiveness (YES, expressiveness!) and passion (yes, passion too).

To get a sense of how remarkable a conductor Hindemith is, listen carefully to the slow movement of Mathis. With tempi this slow (and this is the slowest I've heard for this piece, extremely slow), it's very difficult to maintain interest, not to mention control. However, in the hands of Hindemith and this remarkable orchestra, with whom he's obviously established an extraordinary rapport, the tempo works beautifully and the piece takes on an almost Mahlerian intensity I'd never heard before.

As if this weren't enough, the set contains one of the most remarkable pianistic performances I've ever heard, from Hindemith's composition student, Hans Otte. The "Four Temperaments" begins in typical middle period Hindemithian style, with a statement of the rather steady, bland and predictable theme, but with the entry of the piano for the first variation, all is transformed -- and suddenly we are back in the world of early Hindemith, one of the most inventive and masterful composers since Bach himself. The pianism is simply beyond belief here, just stunning in its verve, precision, virtuosity, nuance and phrasing. With the entry of the piano the piece just takes off, soars into the stratosphere, thanks to composer and pianist both. Otte was hand picked by Hindemith for this performance so possibly what we hear is at least in part due to careful coaching. But it's hard to understand how mere coaching could produce such marvels of nuance and such complete control of the instrument and total musical involvement in passage after passage. If you ever want to inspire a young performer with the possibilities of his art, you would do well to play your student this recording.

As for the more mundane details, even they are all good. The sonics are fantastic for a recording of this vintage, clear, even vibrant, with lots of body and power when called for. The orchestra itself is superb and in perfect rapport with its director. Even the piano selected for these recordings is a marvel, simply one of the finest instruments of its kind I've ever heard.

I know, it's easy to be skeptical in the face of all these superlatives, but I assure you I'm not usually this enthusiastic. These recordings truly are gems, trust me. HAH!

Lean, clean and unadorned, as Hindemith intended.......2006-02-04

Hindemith jumped at the chance to record his major works with Deutsche Grammophon when it was offered in the early 1950s.

First, was his theory of conducting. He felt the conductor should, as much as possible, be "transparent" and not add anything to the music, i.e., through not gesticulating (especially wildly), etc.

Second, he had seen and heard conductors do just that to his works. And he had heard this result in what he considered overconducting.

Now, that doesn't mean that Hindemith wanted some "native" style of conducting, or even people conducting his works as sight-reading exercises. He expected a piece to be properly understood so that such overconducting was unnecessary.

The result is to be heard here. Now, by "lean and clean," we're not not talking Boulez. But, compared to his day and age, to the Furtwaenglers and others, we are talking something almost that spare.

When you hear these CDs, you'll immediately understand why Hindemith thought that other composers made his music sound too muddy.

These are mono recordings, but in studio in the early and mid 1950s with the Berlin Philharmonic, the baseline sound quality was quite good and the CDs have been well-engineered.

This is an outstanding buy of a great 20th-century composer.

Hindemith Himself.......2005-02-24

"Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" is another essential release in Universal's "Original Masters" series. This 3CD set features the composer himself conducting some of his best known works, including his two Symphonies, Symphonic Metamorphosis, Concerto for Orchestra, and Konzertmusik with Monique Haas on piano. All of the recordings hail from 1954-57 and while they are in mono, the DG sound is clear as a bell. Previously I owned a dozen or so CDs featuring various Hindemith works (performed by conductors Abbado, Bernstein, Blomstedt, Goossens, Kletzki, Kubelik, Szell, etc.), but only one with Hindemith himself conducting his own music (the Violin Concerto with David Oistrakh -- see my review). Well if you like a composer and have the ability to hear them conduct their own music, then you should do it, whatever the cost. I mean what would you give to have the opportunity to hear Beethoven or Mozart perform! Luckily in this case you don't have to fantasize, you just have to buy this affordable, budget-priced box set.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Not really a review, just filling in missing information

Hindemith: Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Kammermusik Hindemith: Concert Music; Horn Concerto; Clarinet Concerto and others Hindemith: Complete String Quartets Sibelius: The Symphonies / Blomstedt ASIN: B0000C6IW2 Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. 1. Engelskonzert
2. 2. Grablegung
3. 3. Versuchung Des Heiligen Antonius
4. 1. Langsam/2. Ruhig Bewegt/3. Lebhaft/4. Marsch - Geraldine Walther
5. 1. Allegro
6. 2. Turandot, Scherzo: Moderato
7. 3. Lebhaft
8. 4. Sehr Langsam

Tracks:

1. 1. Massig Schnell, Mit Kraft - Sehr Breit, Aber Stets Fliessend
2. Lebhaft - Langsam - Im Ersten Zeitmass
3. 1. 'Zwischen Berg Und Tiefem Tal' - Geraldine Walther
4. 2. 'Nun Laube, Lindlein, Laube!' - Geraldine Walther
5. 3. Variations: 'Seid Ihr Nicht Der Schwanendreher?' - Geraldine Walther
6. 1. Einleitung Und Rondo
7. 2. Marsch Und Pastorale
8. 3. Passacaglia

Tracks:

1. 1. Moderately Fast
2. 2. Geschwindmarsch By Beethoven, Paraphrase
3. 3. Colloquy
4. 4. Finale
5. 1. Musica Instrumentalis
6. 2. Musica Humana
7. 3. Musica Mundana

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-09-11

The Trio series is unquestionably, along with EMI's Gemini sets, one of the best available. This particular item is a complete set of Hindemith's orchestral works, and not only do we get full servings at over 60 minutes per CD, but you get fantastic performances as well. These Blomstedt SFSO/Leipzig Gewandhauser recordings were originally issued at full price on Decca, and when one hears them one can tell why. The orchestras sound transparent and lovely, and Blomstedt doesn't force the music, which works perfectly and is an approach strangely similar to the best interpretations of Mozart. Emotion is given its full due: I challenge you to find a single phrase here that is either too boistrous or too grim. The recording quality is amazing - so fine, in fact, that the captured sonics themselves are a significant bonus to the set. And the price! To pay, Melville wrote, is the worst affliction the two orchard thieves inflicted upon us. Luckily for you and me, the price is small - and the music is worth a hundred times the price to boot. Get it without hesitation.

Not really a review, just filling in missing information.......2004-08-01

This is a compilation of 3 discs previously released separately, all conducted by Blomstedt and highly rated by critics.

Disc 1 (with San Francisco Symphony):
Mathis der Maler symphony (tracks 1-3)
Trauermusik for viola and strings (track 4)
Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber (tracks 5-8)

Disc 2 (with San Francisco Symphony):
Konzertmusik for brass and strings (tracks 1-2)
Der Schwanendreher (viola concerto) (tracks 3-5)
Nobilissima Visione suite (tracks 6-8)

Disc 3 (with Gewandhausorchester Lepizig):
Symphonie Serena (tracks 1-4)
Symphonie "Die Harmonie der Welt" (tracks 5-7)

Average customer rating: Great performances of a great composer Hindemith, Hindemith, Hindemith!!!!! DIDN'T THINK THAT THEY MADE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE

Paul Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works [Box Set] Manufacturer: Cpo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (Box Set) Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 3 (Box Set) Hindemith: Complete String Quartets Milhaud: The Complete Symphonies (Box Set) Alban Berg Collection / Various (Coll) ASIN: B000001RXO Release Date: 1995-01-25

Amazon.com

Hindemith was the greatest German composer of the post-War period, and the last in that great line that began with Bach and extended through the Classical and Romantic periods. His orchestral music is varied and generally extremely approachable, and the percentage of major works is very high. Nobilissima visione, Symphonic Metamorphoses, Mathis der Maler, Symphony in E-flat, and Concert Music for Strings and Brass are all popular masterpieces, while works such as the Symphonic Dances, Symphonia Serena, and Harmony of the World Symphony deserve the same accolades. This set, excellently performed and recorded by a selection of fine Australian orchestras, really deserves the widest circulation among fans of listenable contemporary classical music. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great performances of a great composer.......2006-08-23

While Hindemith will never be known for changing the way the world hears music, he will always be recognized as composing well-crafted minor masterpieces, even if they can be a little formulaic and his sense of melody was a little warped. All six discs in this set have gems that should be heard more often in the concert halls and recorded more. In particular, the Concerto for Orchestra on Disc 6 is fantastic -- with its addictive and fun themes and transparent structure, it was the only work I listened to for about a month. Of the rarer works recorded here, his Symphony Serena on Disc 5 is a little tougher to like, but is really quite good, while his Symphony in E flat on Disc 4 is nothing short of amazing. The Philharmonic Concerto, a set of variations on a strange but catchy theme that only Hindemith could write, also really shines in this set.

Of his more well known -- if you can call any Hindemith "well known" -- works, the recordings are a mixed bag. His Concert Music for Strings and Brass on Disc 3 have a wonderful fullness in the lower brass that I haven't heard in other performances. But the Mathis der Maler Symphony and Nobilissima Visione are both so-so and a little dull. And the performance of Symphonic Metamorphosis here is just outright terrible and a big disappointment, full of mistakes and uneven tempos.

But that's ok. Because you can get good recordings of his better-known works elsewhere. But because his lesser works are presented here in such convincing performances, this set is a must buy for anyone exploring Hindemith! The other 2 box sets on CPO that round out his complete orchestral works are just as good, if not even better. All are highly recommended.

Hindemith, Hindemith, Hindemith!!!!!.......2005-05-15

Wow, this box set is phenomenal. First off, HIndemith is one of the most underappreciated and underrated composers of the 20th century. In my opinion he is definetly in the top 5 along with Stravinsky, Schoenberg, etc. This box set is simply amazing. Whether it is the sound quality, or the works themselves, they will provide you with hours and hours of great music. Although Hindemith was a 20th century composer, his works are EXTREMELY ACCESSIBLE and have a chromatic-romantic feeling to them. I am a music teacher and I have a huge classical collection and this box set is played more than most else. Also, I would recommend the other two volumes by CPO, they are just as good as this set.

DIDN'T THINK THAT THEY MADE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE.......2002-12-08

I listened upstairs in bed, on the couch watching football with the sound off, while typing my uncle William E. Crawford's WWII journals. It doesn't get any better than Paul Hindemith, whether it is band music, symphony, ragtime, or overture.
I confess I sometimes have a love-hate feeling about the role of the Jewish Diaspora musicians and composers. But they do the time to the beat and more. I always go to them for performance. They should teach other Americans to compose and perform.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under Werner Andreas Albert just goes to show the universality of good music. Notice I didn't say classical music.
This is a real buy. Das Merienleben by Christophorus-Verlag GmbhI bought up in Regina Canada in June of 1995. I don't see it listed but would recommend it for parts like the suspicions of Joseph. CPO has many German composers I don't have like Reicha. Sancta Susanna from 1998 conducted by Yam Pascal Tortelier is by Chandos ASIN:B00005Z6V. I am eagerly awaiting it from Amazon.

Average customer rating: Imperative CD in your collection! Oh yeah! please...this is hands-down the best recording... The Worst Hindemith CD one could buy! Walton/Szell earn the 5 stars by themselves

Hindemith: Symphony "Mathis der Maler" Symphonic Metamorphoses / Walton: Variations on a Theme by Hindemith Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | 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 All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Symphony No. 9 in D minor Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 "Romantic" Le Chant du Rossignol/L'Histoire du Soldat ASIN: B0000028X0 Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

1. Symphony 'Mathis del Maler': I. Engelkonzert
2. Symphony 'Mathis del Maler': II. Grablegung
3. Symphony 'Mathis del Maler': III. Versuchung des heiligen Antonius
4. Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Carl Maria von Weber: I. Allegro
5. Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Carl Maria von Weber: II. 'Turandot, Scherzo'. Moderato- Lebhaft
6. Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Carl Maria von Weber: Andantino
7. Symphonic Metamorphoses On Themes Of Carl Maria von Weber: Marsch
8. Variations On A Theme By Hindemith

Amazon.com essential recording

Walton's Variations on a Theme of Hindemith is the symphonic masterpiece of his late years. Hindemith himself loved it. The tune is actually the entire first section of the slow movement of the German composer's Cello Concerto, one of his finest melodies. George Szell's performance is simply definitive. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say that purely in terms of the technical quality of the playing, this is one of the top ten classical recordings ever made. It's so close to perfection as to be beyond criticism, and the same holds true for the performance of the Symphonic Metamorphoses. Eugene Ormandy's warmly Romantic Mathis der Maler Symphony is also quite recommendable. At budget price, you can own a little piece of recording history. Stunning. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Imperative CD in your collection!.......2005-10-01

It should be noted that George Szell is not exactly one of my devoted and favorite conductors. But I in this case, I would affirm that we are in front maybe, of his best musical achievement: these Variations on a Theme by Hindemith simply can not be played better. Not only is the majestic sound of this emblematic Orchestra but the magnificent approach and total euphoria you may perceive around all the ensemble. Szell was in a superb mood, conferring it the necessary presence, musculature and stamina to the score.

In what concerns to Ormandy 's Mathis Mahler I differ from other reviewers. The Philadelphian strings were out of this world; and constitute almost a nature 's force. The tempo is slow but effective, Ormandy gradually maintains the rhythmic pulsation preparing us through the inscrutable mystery of this emblematic score, one of the most remarkable and possibly the best entrance gate to approach Hindemith as I did. There are two interesting performances about this score that I love so much as an almost forgotten reading of Paul Kletzki with the Suise Romande and obviously the incandescent version of the own composer conducting the Berlin Philharmonic.

In the Symphonic Metamorphoses, there is just a version: Rafael Kubelik and the Chicago Symphony.

Oh yeah!.......2005-05-07

Let me get this out of the way first: the Hindemith pieces by Ormandy are just fantastic.

Now, it's wonderful when one holds an intense opinion about something obscure and then one finds out that others agree with you. This happens a lot with me nowadays with the Monteux RCA recording of Dvorak's Seventh--I've had rooms full of people just stop and join in with "Right On"s when I'd bring that one up. There are moments in that performance that are downright scary.

For decades though I've felt that Szell's recording of Walton's Hindemith Variations was the transcendental recording moment--the sort of thing that could single-handedly sell you on the whole idea of classical music. For one, it's a masterpiece that should permanently stride alongside the Brahms and Elgar variations. The ending of the piece, after all the stunning ideas and fireworks, is one of the most sublime moments in music--hands down. Forget that, it's THE most subime moment in music. For twosers, this isn't so much a musical performance as it is a love-fest. Walton passionately loves Hindemith, Szell passionately loves Walton, the orchestra passionately loves everybody. It's just incredible. Put the kids to bed and listen, they wouldn't understand.

I've tried other performances of this piece and they come nowhere close, miles off. What would be nice is to get the other side of the LP back in print: Szell's tremendous, frightening, recording of Walton's unjustifiably ignored Second Symphony.

please...this is hands-down the best recording..........2004-12-31

Don't know what the previous reviewer (rappaport) was suggesting, but this is one of the crown jewels of Szell's tenure with the Cleveland Orchestra...Yoel Levi? He shines Szell's boots. Sawallisch...? OK in some repertoire, but no George Szell. He's a lacky by comparison...This CD is one of the true bargains of the era. Buy it before it's no longer available. You'll thank us later.

The Worst Hindemith CD one could buy!.......2003-12-02

I find Hindemith's music on this CD far too rushed and played a little too fast. Not every instrument on the Symphonic Metamorphosis is heard, especially in the march and the orchestra totally rushes through the piece. If anybody wants to choose better Symphonic Metamorphosises, they should choose either the recording with Yoel Levi and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or the recording with Wolfgang Sawallisch and the Philadelphia Orchestra(I think). The pace is much more slower and better and has more dramatic effect than this recording does. The Mathis der Maler Symphony is about the same way as the Metamorphosis is: The pace is way too fast, and the music sounds more like George Gershwin or Darius Milhaud than actual Hindemith music, as is the Symphonic Metamorphosis recording. The only piece I like on this disc is the Walton Variations on a Theme by Hindemith because that's the only recording that sounds like what the actual piece should sound like. I purchased this CD only to listen to the Walton piece and this William Walton recording by George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra will tide me over until I find Yoel Levi's Hindemith recording or Wolfgang Sawallisch's recording of those Hindemith works. George Szell is usually like Yoel Levi and Wolfgang Sawallisch but not on this recording. Eugene Ormandy always ignores certain qualities Hindemith's music needs and conducts really fast for no good reason. Conductors of today, like Stuart Malina, respect both Hindemith's Mathis Der Maler Symphony and his Symphonic Metamorphosis. Eugene Ormandy and George Szell seem to not understand Hindemith's music really well and these particular pieces are not suited for either of those two conductors. Herbert Von Karajan conducts twice as fast a Symphonic Metamorphosis as George Szell's and so does his Mathis Der Maler Symphony recording. Don't buy these for Hindemith's music but buy it for the Walton piece if you really want a Hindemith CD so badly.

Walton/Szell earn the 5 stars by themselves.......2003-03-25

David Hurwitz's review of the Walton work is indeed accurate. The crystal clarity, deep intensity, and pristine balance achieved by Szell and the Cleveland players is phenomenal. The only complaint one could make about the recording is the same complaint one usually makes about Glenn Gould recordings: you can hear Szell humming/singing over the orchestra during frenetic passages. The interpretation is definitive. (Compare to the far more recent digitally-recorded Naxos version under Paul Daniel and you'll beeline back to Szell in a heartbeat.) The Hindemith offerings under Ormandy are serviceable, being the first versions of those works to which I was exposed. When they were first released on vinyl (Epic, Columbia), there were precious few options for record collectors for these Hindemith works. This is no longer the case; today, one would be better served looking to Abbado/Berlin or Bernstein/Israel, for a more compelling Mathis der Maler in particular. Blomstedt is also in the running (I caught his live performance of Hindemith's Die Harmonie der Welt symphony in Los Angeles, which was superb AND far better than his recording of that work.) Buy this CD for the Walton, though, and enjoy the Hindemith as a bonus.

Average customer rating: A great orchestra following a dull conductor No Way! Good Hindemith fare Go Hollywood...! THERE ARE BETTER HINDIMITH RECORDINGS

Hindemith ~ Mathis der Maler - Symphonie · Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber · Nobilissima visone - Suite / The Philadelphia Orchestra · Sawallisch Paul Hindemith , Wolfgang Sawallisch , and The Philadelphia Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Zoltán Kodály: Háry János Suite / Dances of Galánta & Marosszék / Children's Choruses - Iván Fischer / Budapest Festival Orchestra Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Respighi: Pini di Roma; Fontane de Roma; Feste Romane Mahler: Symphony No. 4 Shostakovich: Symphonies no 5 and 9 / Haitink ASIN: B000002RUM Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

1. Symphonic Metamorphisis Of Themes By Carl Maria von Weber: I. Allegro
2. Symphonic Metamorphisis Of Themes By Carl Maria von Weber: II. 'Turandot', Scherzo, Moderato
3. Symphonic Metamorphisis Of Themes By Carl Maria von Weber: III. Andantino
4. Symphonic Metamorphisis Of Themes By Carl Maria von Weber: IV. Marsch
5. Nobilissima Visione - Suite: I. Einleitung
6. Nobilissima Visione - Suite: Rondo: Massig schnell
7. Nobilissima Visione - Suite: II. Marsch und Pastorale: Lebhaft
8. Nobilissima Visione - Suite: III. Passacaglia: Feierlich bewegt
9. Mathis der Maler- Symphony: I. Concert Of Angels
10. Mathis der Maler- Symphony: II. Entombment
11. Mathis der Maler- Symphony: III. The Temptation Of St. Antony

Amazon.com

This disc brings together three of Hindemith's masterpieces dating from the 1930s and '40s, each presenting a unique take on the composer's mature style. The symphony Mathis der Maler, drawn from the opera of the same title, uses Lutheran chorales and Gregorian chant for its primary thematic material, while the ancient church modes also feature prominently in Hindemith's ballet about the life of St. Francis of Assisi, Nobilissima Visione. The Symphonic Metamophosis, on the other hand, turns a few tunes by Weber into a brilliant orchestral showpiece. Each of these pieces, then, demonstrates the composer's determination to write new music that remains in touch with the traditions of the past, and they find ideal interpreters in Sawallisch and the Philadelphia Orchestra--performances that combine New World brilliance and panache with Old World warmth and charm. A great recording, no doubt about it. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A great orchestra following a dull conductor.......2006-05-22

Sawallisch's reign in Philadelphia hasn't exactly been sparkling and was marred by his ill health toward the end. But EMI gave him a fair run, and this Hindemith collection filled a hole in their catalog. It's gorgeously played and recorded, which may be enough for some. The sonics are deep and vivid, a pleasure to listen to.

It's unfortunate that the good reviews here are well written and the bad ones all but illiterate, because the naysayers are right. This is glossy but dull musicmaking, and almost any alternative will be more exciting (beginning with Bernstein, Abbado, and Blomstedt). For David Hurwitz to claim that these Hindemith showpieces have found "their ideal interpreter" is scandalous.

No Way!.......2006-02-18

as much as i wanted to like this disc, this recording is a DUD!
atlanta/levi and SFS/Bloomstedt totally outclass this poor project and the sound is pitiful as well.. i'm bewildered by the positive reiews and my advice to those posters is to go educate yourselves with some other recordings of these profound works of art!!!

Good Hindemith fare.......2005-12-12

This disk features three of the most popular symphonic works by the German composer Paul Hindemith: Mathis der Maler Symphony, Nobilissima Visione Suite, and the Symphonic Metamorphoses of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber. The first on the CD is the Symphonic Metamorphoses, an orchestrated reworking of Carl Maria von Weber's piano duets. The first of four movements is a witty allegro featuring a rugged opening, leading into a calm middle with great parts for winds, including contrabassoon, and ending the movement with brilliant full orchestration. The second movement is a scherzo based on Weber's Turandot overture, a robust march theme eventually giving way to a brassy (and somewhat jazzy) fugue, which builds into a glorious ending complete with pealing chimes. The andantino movement is of a more lyrical nature, again favoring the woodwind section, with occasional orchestral burblings and climaxes taken over by the strings. The final march, famous in its own right, opens with the famous brass motive, moving into a snappy minor march, almost conjuring thoughts of Russian militaristic themes. A more optimistic brass fanfare occurs with constantly moving orchestral voices and the movement progresses between the two ideas, eventually ending with the opening motive on the positive. Carl Maria von Weber's melodies are catchy and engaging, while Hindemith's treatments are highly imaginative and interesting. A great introduction to Hindemith's music.

The Nobilissima Visione Suite is music from a ballet on the theme of Saint Francis of Assisi. The music is more in the spiritual realm and certainly more representative of Hindemith's "sound". In three movements, the suite begins with the Introduction and Rondo, a slow introduction with strings and clarinet yields to a faster rondo with flute solo. The movement is telling of Francis' first receiving his calling. The following movement, March and Pastorale, tells of St. Francis' joining the army only to find the inhumanity of it all, a reference to Hindemith's own Nazi Germany. The opening piccolo and side drum show the militaristic, but eventually leads into an angular and disturbed jig. The movement ends peacefully with strings, oboe, and flute. The third and last movement is a passacaglia (a form where a motive repeats again and again, usually in a lower voice, like a theme and variations). The melody at first does not seem a great one, but is grows on you as the movement builds. It is from the ballet's finale when St. Francis suffers from stigmata two years before his death. A solid and stalwart tribute to a man of great faith. The music of the suite is a bit more advanced and dissonant than the Symphonic Metamorphoses, still a great work.

Hindemith's great masterpiece, Mathis der Maler Symphony, is also in three movements and taken from an opera he wrote. Again, exhibiting more advanced harmonies, Hindemith shines, however, in clever and radiant melodies. The opening movement entitled Chorus of Angels opens with thick chords over a drone of sorts, but works its way into an upbeat, happy little tune used throughout the movement. Hindemith employs fugue as well as combining the old and the new, and puts his theme through the ringer; Hindemith at his most sunny. The work becomes much more serious with the second movement, The Entombment of Jesus, which sounds to me like a solemn procession. The last 12 bars or so are the most intimate, and an ending of unusual peace and calm. The final movement is the Temptations of the hermit Saint Antony, the most diverse music we have heard thus far from Hindemith. He puts the listener through the trials and ends with the famous brass chorale into a rousing finale.

The Philadelphia Orchestra under Wolfgang Sawallisch (a pre-eminent Richard Strauss interpreter) give a new take on the music, but there is no sluggish late romanticism from Sawallisch here. Not only do all the musical voices speak well here, Sawallisch gets the most from the score and his musicians; the orchestra is on all the time and gives a brusque performance. These three works are a great representative of Hindemith's popular orchestral works, and while you can find them elsewhere (Naxos, Telarc, Bernstein on DG), I have found this disk to be a fresh look at some old favorites.

Go Hollywood...!.......2005-11-19

I am missing most of the excitement here. If you think 20th century music should be dull and boring, then this is your CD. Sorry, but this is no match, for say, the latest LA Phil recording under Esa-Pekka Salonen, which just sparkles with energy and "Drang". Just naming one recent example here. Sawallisch makes me fall asleep.

A major disappointment. Go where the exitement is: Go Hollywood!

THERE ARE BETTER HINDIMITH RECORDINGS.......2005-09-12

I AGREE WITH THE BELOW PERSONS WHO SAID THAT THERE ARE BETTER RECORDINGS. FEEL IT!

Average customer rating: Surprisingly good

Hindemith: Mathis der Maler Symphony; Nobilissima Visione; Symphonic Metamorphosis Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | 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 4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Kodály: Galánta Dances; Marosszék Dances; "Peacock" Variations 20th Century Wind Quintets ASIN: B00000143X Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

1. Engelkonzert: Ruhig Bewegt - Ziemlich Lebhafte Halbe
2. Grablegung: Sehr Langsam
3. Mathis der Versuchung Des Heiligen Antonius: Sehr Langsam, Frei Im Zeitmass-Sehr Lebhaft
4. Einleitung Und Rondo
5. Marsch Und Pastorale
6. Passacaglia
7. Allegro
8. Turandot: Scherzo
9. Andantino
10. Marsch

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good.......2001-01-19

This recording was quiet a surprise, having never heard the New Zealand Symphonic Orchestra, I can only describe the interpretation of the Mathis-Symphony as excellent. Especial atention should be paid to the brass section which makes Hindemith's vigorous brass writing sound brilliantly. As a matter of fact they sometimes overshadow the rest of the orchestra, but then again that might have been the composers intention. The recordings of Nobilissima Visione and Symphonic metamorphosis also deserve no less credit. All in one, this is an excellent choice for those who want to get to know Paul Hindemith's music.

Average customer rating: Worth even scalper's prices!!!!! Only the best if you haven't heard that many . . . Essential Hindemith Best Mathis I've heard Hindemith didn't conduct Popular Hindemith showpieces in brilliant sound

Hindemith: Symphony 'Mathis der Maler'/Trauermusik/Symphonic Metamorphosis Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nielsen: Symphonies 4 & 5 Berwald: Symphonies Nos. 1 "Sinfonie sérieuse" & 4 "Sinfonie naive" Bach - Mass in B minor / Argenta, Nichols, Chance, Stafford, Milner, W. Evans, Gardiner Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Overture To Fidelio / Bernstein, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Schumann: Complete Symphonies ASIN: B0000041UH Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Sym 'Mathis Der Maler': I. Angelic Concert
2. Sym 'Mathis Der Maler': II. Entombment
3. Sym 'Mathis Der Maler': III. Temptation Of St. Anthony
4. Trauermusik: I. Langsam/II. Ruhig Bewegt/III. Lebhaft/IV. Sehr Langsam - Geraldine Walther
5. Symphonic Metamorphosis: I. Allegro
6. Symphonic Metamorphosis: II. Turandot, Scherzo: Moderato
7. Symphonic Metamorphosis: III. Andantino
8. Symphonic Metamorphosis: IV. March

Amazon.com

These 1987 realizations of the Mathis Symphony and the Symphonic Metamorphosis from Herbert Blomstedt and the San Francisco Symphony, marking their first recorded collaboration, are powerful, deeply felt, and thrilling to the ear. The Mathis is particularly striking in its evocation of mood: dramatic without being overblown. Blomstedt is notably successful with the score's difficult concluding movement--by making each of its episodes substantive, he makes the whole seem less episodic than it usually does. Both here and in the Symphonic Metamorphosis, there is beautiful wind and brass playing from the San Franciscans; they are clearly well rehearsed and exhibit a commendable responsiveness to Blomstedt's direction. The recording is of demonstration quality: impressive in its depth, sense of space, and visceral impact. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Worth even scalper's prices!!!!!.......2004-10-01

I would pay 50 dollars for this recording. I might pay more. Simply put this is the best rendition of Mathis and Symphonic Metamorphasis ever put to tape. The recording of Mathis is actually brilliant, with the brass and strings creating some of the best music ever heard on cd. I was almost in tears the first time I heard these recordings years ago. I lost my copy and have recently purchased this recording used. Again, I stress, this is the best recording of these pieces you are likely to find.
Some of the finest brass playing ever! Has an edge but never does one get a sense of the homogonized whole ever being lost... at times sounding like an organ. I would reccomend this as one of the top five recordings I have ever owned... and I own somewhere over five hundred discs. Happy hunting and good luck!

Only the best if you haven't heard that many . . ........2004-03-30

I have Blomstedt's "Mathis," and I like it. But it seems more expert and competent, and well-recorded, than it is deeply felt or insightful. Rickenbacker's recording on Virgin is still available (from Amazon and elsewhere), and while the orchestral playing is just below the highest standard, I prefer it for a more atmospheric performance with deeper moods. The best of all is Steinberg's recording on the DGG label, which was later released on a budget line, and perhaps can still be found. This is perhaps the closest I've heard to Hindemith's own 1930's recording, and despite it's 1970's vintage, features a virtuosity and tonal beauty, combined with elegance, communicativeness, and drama in a way no others really match. Jiri Belohlavek's recording on Chandos is also one I'd probably pick over Blomdstedt's, and Bernstein's and Horenstein's recrodings also deserve a favorable mention. Chandos has an excellent line of Hindemith recordings led by Tortelier. His Nobilissima Visione is more deeply felt than Blomstedt's (or any other I've heard) and beautifully recorded, as are his other Hindemith recordings on that label

Essential Hindemith.......2003-06-06

If you are going to own only one CD of Hindemith's music, I urge you to make it this one. The Mathis der Maler symphony (1934) and the Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Weber (1943) are probably Paul Hindemith's two greatest orchestral works. The music is appealing, vital, beautifully crafted, accessible, bristling with a masculine vigor, exuberance, energy. Blomstedt is arguably the foremost Hindemith conductor of our day; these performances are expert, heartfelt, and superbly realized, displaying these two works in all their considerable glory. The sound (the recordings were made in Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 1987) is representative of the splendid Decca/London engineering at its best; this is an exemplary modern digital orchestral recording: well balanced, with full frequency range, wide dynamic range, every detail of the inventive orchestration clearly registering. This CD has been warmly praised by critics, receiving strong recommendations in the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and the Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide. A standout recording by any measure.

This was the first in a series of distinguished Decca/London recordings made by Blomstedt with the San Francisco Symphony, whose music director he was from 1985 to 1995. This series included a second splendid Hindemith release. Blomstedt was music director of the great Staatskapelle Dresden from 1975 to 1985, and made a distinguished series of recordings there for Denon. He is now music director of the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, where he has made a third excellent Hindemith recording (also on Decca).

There is a viable, worthy budget-priced alternative to the Blomstedt CD on Sony Essential Classics, featuring the same two works, with the Mathis der Maler symphony performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy (recorded 1962) and the Symphonic Metamorphoses performed by the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell (recorded 1964). Both are very fine performances, and for those on a budget the disc can be confidently recommended. But the 1960's Columbia/CBS sound of these recordings, while perfectly acceptable, simply cannot compete with the demonstration-class sound of the Blomstedt recording, which is much richer, fuller, with greater clarity and delineation of detail.

Both CDs offer a filler, and both fillers are well chosen and entirely appropriate. In the case of Blomstedt, it's Hindemith's brief (8:38), touching Trauermusik for viola and orchestra, a piece he wrote on very short order (in six hours!) for the BBC after the death of King George V in 1936 (he played the viola part too). In the case of Ormandy/Szell, it's Walton's varied and colorful Variations on a Theme by Hindemith, a longer work (22:45) of Walton's later years (1963), played by the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell (1964). Both are attractive works, but the Walton is the more substantial.

Best Mathis I've heard Hindemith didn't conduct.......2003-06-03

The pacing for all these works is very good and while the speed of the Mathis der Maler seemed a bit fast to me I compared it to Hindemith's own 1933 recording and discovered it wasn't much faster even though this recording of Mathis is faster than the 1950s version of the symphony Hindemith recorded. The livelier tempi serve the music better and the engineering is pretty good. I've got a soft spot for Hindemith interpreting his own work but Blomstedt's recording here is the best version I've heard so far whether for engineering, balance of orchestral sound, pacing, and general interpretation.

Popular Hindemith showpieces in brilliant sound.......2002-06-19

This is one of the finest performances of the "Symphonic Metamorphosis" I've ever heard: beautifully paced with well-judged tempi, and outstandingly precise, warm playing from the orchestra, including sensational work from the brass. This piece can sound pompous in the wrong hands, but Blomstedt makes it vivid and fresh, and the crisp sound reproduction makes every glittering detail audible. The second movement's tangy percussion has perhaps never sounded so immediate, and the final "March" carries shockwaves in its wake.

"Mathis der Maler" is also excellent, again with outstanding playing by the orchestra. And in between, Blomstedt includes a heartfelt rendition of "Trauermusik," with glowing playing by violist Geraldine Walther, and the closing -- a Bach-based chorale -- immensely moving.

This composer seems much-maligned in recent years, but here is an outstanding example of some of his better work, performed with ear-catching vigor and intensity, and presented in utterly spectacular sound. If you're going to explore Hindemith's work, you could not ask for a better start than this recording.

Average customer rating:

Orchestral Excerpts for Trombone Manufacturer: Summit(Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sauer: Orchestral Excerpts for Trombone Vol. 2 Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet Orchestral Excerpts For Horn Orchestral Excerpts for Tuba ASIN: B0000038JF Release Date: 1994-05-31

Tracks:

1. Requiem
2. Hungarian March/Sym Fantastique
3. Con
4. Sym No.9
5. Prld Act III, Lohengrin/Ride Of The Valkyries/Tannhauser Ov
6. Bolero
7. Sym No.3
8. Sym No.3
9. Sym No.1 & 2
10. Sym No.5
11. William Tell/La Gazza Ladra
12. Sym No.3
13. Sym No.6
14. Firebird Ste/Petrouchka
15. Russian Easter/Scheherazade
16. Till Eulenspiegel/Ein Heldenleben/Sprach Zarathustra
17. Sym No.4 & 7
18. Mathis Der Maler/Symphonic Metamorphosis

Track Listings:

1. HUGO WOLF : Manuel Venegas - Orchestral Songs - 2CD
2. Ilona Tokody & Juan Pons ~ Verdi Gala
3. Improvisations for Christmas
4. Karl Muck The Electrical Wagner Recordings for Orchestra
5. King of Instruments: the Art of Gillian Weir V.5 [Import]
6. Knussen Conducts Knussen
7. Le Nozze di Figaro
8. Live Performances, 1944-1975
9. Mendelssohn: Concerto for piano & violin in Dm
10. Mengelberg Conducts Beethoven

Track Listings

track listings

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