Saint-Saëns: The 5 Piano Concertos

On this CD:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 17
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
with Philippe Entremont
Conducted by Michel Plasson

2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
with Philippe Entremont
Conducted by Michel Plasson

3. Piano Concerto No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 29
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
with Philippe Entremont
Conducted by Michel Plasson

4. Piano Concerto No. 4 in C minor, Op. 44
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
with Philippe Entremont
Conducted by Michel Plasson

5. Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Egyptian"), in F major, Op. 103
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
with Philippe Entremont
Conducted by Michel Plasson

Saint-Saëns: The 5 Piano Concertos,Camille Saint-Saens,Michel Plasson,Philippe Entremont,Sony,Classical,Classical Music,Concerto,Piano Concerto
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • five sparkling gems
  • Outstanding.
  • OK for the money
  • You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens
  • Trust us
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Dutoit, LaurenceDutoit, Laurence | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Rogi, PascalRogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos
  2. Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos
  3. Saint-Saëns: Concertos
  4. Bruch: The Complete Violin Concertos
  5. Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata

ASIN: B00000425S
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

  1. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: I Andante -- Allegro assai
  2. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: II Andante sostenuto quasi adagio
  3. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: III Allegro con fuoco
  4. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: I Andante sostenuto
  5. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: II Allegro Scherzando
  6. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: III Presto
  7. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: I Moderato assai - Piu mosso (Allegro maestoso)

Tracks:

  1. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: II Andante
  2. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: III Allegro non troppo
  3. Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: I Allegro moderato
  4. Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: II Allegro vivace
  5. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: I Allegro animato
  6. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: II Andante
  7. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: III Molto allegro

Amazon.com

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I remember organizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "The Egyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local community orchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in the orchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both the Second and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century, but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was our loss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs, can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fine performances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivacious music at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars five sparkling gems.......2007-02-21

Saint-Saens was the dominant French composer of the second half of the nineteenth century. And yet his works remain under-appreciated. His party piece "Carnival of the Animals" is probably his best known composition. Of his five symphonies, only the last (the "Organ" symphony, which is given the number 3) is well known, and that as a novelty crowd pleaser, rather than in recognition of the masterpiece it is. All five symphonies should be part of the standard repertoire. Of the piano concertos, the best known is the second, with the fourth somewhere behind that. But all five are glittering, assured works, full of imagination, and amongst the most thoroughly realized concertos written. They make full use of all the colours of the large romantic orchestra, and range through the pallette of emotions from exuberance to reflective sadness. This is a fine recording, the notes dropping in clear cascades of gorgeous sound. It should be part of any classical music collection.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding........2005-11-24

Having listened to other recordings, plus hearing live ones, of Concerto #2 (the most popular) for 15 years, it was nice to hear the entire pentalogy of the Saint-Saens piano concerti.
Pascal Roge may not be as big a name as Martha Argerich or
Vladimir Ashkenazy, but he certainly knows how to play the piano.
There isn't a dull moment in any of them. Roge captures all the youthful exuberance in the musically-straightforward 1st concerto. The 5th concerto (often called "The Egyptian concerto") is definitely the best of the lot. The tonal coloring is exquisite throughout, especially in the 'Nile River' 2nd movement and the boisterous finale. I could listen to it all day. The 3rd and 4th concerti are fine; these are musically less interesting than the other three. The orchestra is equally virtuosic and never oversteps its bounds, under the guidance of Dutoit. Highly recommended.

4 out of 5 stars OK for the money.......2005-04-22

All in all, I think this is a fair value. Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good. I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages. What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost. I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.

I liked concerto no 1 very much - these concertos should not be ignored even if some critics do not consider Saint Saens a 'heavyweight' composer.

5 out of 5 stars You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens.......2004-05-06

Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music. It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.

Not coincidentally, some of Saint-Saens' pieces that have shown staying power are at least a couple of the piano concerti, and they are impeccably presented here by Roge & Dutoit. All in all, they are pretty musical confections of a decidedly classical strain, certainly not wallowing in the late romanticism that was running rampant at the time they were composed. If you are lukewarm about Saint-Saens, this is a collection that will plead his case for you about as well as anything to be found these days. Also, it is nice and cheap --- that certainly does not detract from its desirability. Enjoy.

5 out of 5 stars Trust us.......2003-03-02

Looking at the other reviews here, I can only nod in complete agreement. Saint-Saëns is an underrated composer and these 5 concertos are joyful, seductive and deserving of a lot more attention than they have received. Saint-Saëns, like Mendelssohn, had the ability to instantly inspire happiness in the listener, this listener anyhow. Yes, the 2nd and 4th occasionally do get an airing, but the "Eqyptian" (the 5th) is every bit their equal and the remaining two concertos certainly have their own merits. The five deserve a double disc outing like this.

The performances here are very, very fine indeed. I have not heard the Collard/Previn versions (which are referred to in another review), although I have several versions of the 2nd and 4th. Charles Dutoit and Pascal Roge do a wonderful job, investing these performances with the affection and conviction they deserve. True, there is more of the virtuoso than the philosopher about Roge's playing, but that is entirely appropriate to Saint-Saëns. This is feel-good music (and music-making) of the very highest callibre.

Returning to these discs is always a pleasure for me and I hope will be for you. If you have even a passing interest in late Romantic piano concertos treat yourself to these.
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A very good collection of moving compositions.
  • Nothing but the Best
  • Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  3. Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos; Overture on Hebrew Themes
  4. Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell
  5. Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture

ASIN: B0002XV30Q
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. I. Andante - Allegro Assai
  2. II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
  3. III. Allegro Con Fucco
  4. I. Andante Sostenuto
  5. II. Allegro Scherzando
  6. III. Presto
  7. I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
  8. II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

  1. I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)
  2. II. Andante
  3. III. Allegro Non Troppo
  4. I. Allegro Animato
  5. II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo Quasi Andantino
  6. III. Molto Allegro
  7. Wedding Cake - Caprice-Valse Op.76
  8. Africa Fantaisie Op.89

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A very good collection of moving compositions........2007-05-07

We heard the Piano Concerto No. 5 in F on National Public Radio and decided that we must have this piece of music in our CD collection. We selected this CD since the two CDs allowed us to purchase all 5 of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concertos. This CD has become one of our favorites and we play it often, discovering more interest in the work of Saint-Saens with each playing.

Camille Saint-Saens' sense of drama, his lyric runs, his ability to evoke mystery, all make this listening experience highly recommended. I am fascinated by the way Saint-Saens creates rich variations of his themes as he takes us from movement to movement. Saint-Saens has the ability to develop ethereal melodies and variations on themes that are hypnotic and mystical. His piano runs are pushed for dramatic effect. The creative and amusing variations of his themes are pleasant and amusing.

This CD is highly recommended. In addition to the 5 Piano Concertos, Saint-Saens' Wedding Cake Caprice and the Africa Fantaisie are included. I found Jean-Phillippe Collard's interpretation to be masterful and rich, capturing the vast complexity and variation that Saint-Saens created in his compositions.

5 out of 5 stars Nothing but the Best.......2007-04-01

To the other reviewer, you are a fool to give these CDs anything less than 5 stars, and you should be banished to hearing Fur Elise permanently until you repent of your ways. As a classical piano composer and teacher, I am definetely spoiled with piano music, it's true. But this is a real gem, TRUE ART, where even a metronome is rendered petty and useless to this, thank you very, very, much. Saint-Saen's 5 Piano Concertos, and David Helfgott's performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto IS as good as it gets. This is art with a soul, their is no hidden agenda, no undercurrent to this music. This recording is fine, don't listen to the other reviewer. I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. Much of these 2 CDs is compltely unique in the realm of piano music. The 2nd Mov. of the 5th Concerto is unforgettable, just to name one. Go ahead and get this one, if you don't, you are sinning, right now.

3 out of 5 stars Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto.......2006-06-01

There are two albums of Saint-Saens' complete piano concerti available in the Amazon catalogue. This from EMI classics, and one from Decca. With two extra tracks thrown in (the "Wedding Cake" waltz, Opus 76, and "Africa Fantaisie," opus 89), this is the better bargain. Plus it's cheaper. I highly recommend it for these reasons, especially if your only interest is familiarization with all of Saint-Saens' five piano concertos, as was mine. Whether the Charles Dutoit performance is better, I can't say as I don't own it.

As for the performances in this disc:

My interest in Saint-Saens' piano concertos was fired up when I first heard his 2nd Piano Concerto performed by Cecile Licad. That stupendous performance (yes, I considered that adjective very carefully and find it absolutely appropriate) was also conducted by Andre Previn and accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (another Brit orchestra). That recording is also available in Amazon catalogue. Do buy it if you are a connoisseur of Saint Saens' second piano concerto. It is a definitive performance, one that am sure even Saint-Saens would approve of VERY enthusiastically. Just listen to the cadenza of the first movement in the Music Sampler and hear for yourselves.

Now back to this album. As noted earlier, it is also conducted by Andre Previn. But what a difference a pianist makes. I refer here to the performance of the second piano concerto. I skip it, actually. Having been spoiled--blissfully, ecstatically--by the Licad stunner, I cannot bear the stultifying interpretation in this one. I just listen to the other piano concertos and enjoy them. These piano concertos are excitingly atmospheric, with the composer's unmistakable mix of boister and mystery. As noted from an Amazon review of the Decca album, a recording of all of Saint Saent's five piano concerti is rare enough. So for that reason and the cheap price, this album is a good buy. I just try not wonder how other pianists, like Licad for instance, would play them. I just enjoy Saint Saent's piano music, The other performances are still very enjoyable, excluding other considerations. After I received this album from my sister as her Amazon gift, I now know that Saint Saen's piano concertos really rock!!! They are for me.

For the price and the extra tracks I'd give this album four stars. But for its dismal second piano concerto (cringe, cringe), three stars.
The Violinist
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • 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

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ASIN: B0000BWTKJ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Affettuoso
  3. III. Allegro
  4. I. Allegro
  5. II. Andante
  6. III. Allegro Assai
  7. I. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio
  9. III. Allegro Assai
  10. I. Vivace
  11. II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
  12. III. Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
  2. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  3. II. Andante Tranquillo
  4. III. Allegro Molto
  5. I. Andante
  6. I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
  7. II. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Andante
  3. III. Allegro Molto
  4. I. Andante Tranquillo
  5. II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
  6. III. Vivace

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
  2. II. Adagio Molto
  3. III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
  4. I. Allegro
  5. II. Andante Cantabile
  6. III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
  7. I. Allegro Maestoso
  8. II. Andante
  9. III. Presto

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  2. II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
  3. III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
  4. IV. Andante
  5. V. Rondo (Allegro)
  6. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  7. II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
  8. III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
  9. Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
  10. Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
  2. II. Adagio Espressivo
  3. III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
  4. I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
  5. II. Adagio Religioso
  6. III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
  7. IV. Finale (Allegro)
  8. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  9. II. Cadenza
  10. III. Adagio
  11. IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

  1. Serenade Melancolique
  2. I. Allegro Moderato
  3. II. Adagio Di Molto
  4. III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
  5. I. Praeludium (Largo)
  6. I. Allegro Cavalleresco
  7. II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
  8. II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Largo
  3. III. Allegro
  4. I. Allegro Non Molto
  5. II. Adagio
  6. III. Presto
  7. I. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio
  9. III. Allegro
  10. I. Allegro Non Molto
  11. II. Largo
  12. III. Allegro
  13. I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
  14. II. Allegro
  15. III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
  16. Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 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.
Saint Saens: The Complete 5 Piano Concertos
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Saint Saens: The Complete 5 Piano Concertos
    Saint-Saens , Tacchino , Baltimore Sym , and Froment
    Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000G9RNGE
    Release Date: 2006-04-04
    Saint-Saëns: The 5 Piano Concertos
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Only for the enthusiast
    Saint-Saëns: The 5 Piano Concertos

    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Classical Instrumental MusicClassical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B0000026YH
    Release Date: 1991-01-14

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Only for the enthusiast.......2006-02-17

    Entremont does a great job on the more popular #2 and #4. His old performance of #2 with Ormandy is even livelier, but its sound is obsolete; these newer recordings offer very good (albeit remastered analog) sound. If you will spare no expense to have the very best performances of #2 and #4, you should seriously consider this set.

    But Pascal Rogé and Charles Dutoit do a much better job of extracting the maximum musical merit from the lesser concerti--see the reviews of that set, where several reviewers actually conclude that all 5 works are equal. This applies particularly to #5: little profundity, but plenty of fun. It helps that Dutoit generally gives the orchestral parts more verve than Plasson, whose Toulouse players do create a gorgeous sound. While Rogé doesn't match Entremont's vitality in #2, it's not a bad performance. Overall, I'd put Rogé ahead of Entremont. I haven't heard the Collard set (portions I've heard on the radio sounded very good).
    Night Tracks
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Haunting, Atmospheric, and Beautiful
    • Not your ordinary tonal bubble bath ...
    • The Best overall stress reducing music cd ever!
    • Only problem is...
    • Wonderful and Relaxing.
    Night Tracks

    Manufacturer: Teldec
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Nightmoods: Twilight Hour
    2. Morning Mood: The Soft Sounds of Grieg
    3. Northern Lights: Music of Contemplation for a New Age
    4. The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

    ASIN: B000000SAH
    Release Date: 1996-10-29

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No. 2: Andante sostenuto 'A London Symphony'
    2. Paulina's Theme & Paulina's Secret (Death And The Maiden)
    3. La Traviata: Prelude To Act 1
    4. Symphony No. 9 'New World': Largo
    5. The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude In C - Sharp Minor
    6. Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
    7. Gymnopedie I
    8. Trivium: Camerata Tallinn
    9. The Children of Lir: 'Listen To The Cleric's Bell'
    10. Suantrai
    11. The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude In C Major
    12. Romance For Violin And Orchestra: The Lark Ascending
    13. Lyric Pieces: Arietta, Op. 12, No. 1
    14. Suite No. 6 In D Major For Cello: Allemande
    15. Sacred Choral Works: Concerto No. 32, Andante Moderato
    16. String Quintet In C Major, D 956: Adagio
    17. Sanata In C Major, K, 454: Andante
    18. Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102: Andante
    19. Appalachian Spring: Andante

    Amazon.com

    This disc must be intended for insomniacs; it has that three-in-the-morning feel. The single movements featured are for the most part well performed. And some are decidedly off the beaten track, like Wojciech Kilar's Death and the Maiden (no relation to Schubert's) from the soundtrack to the movie, Paulina's Secret. And we also get English horn player Thomas Stacy doing the solo from the slow movement of Dvorák's New World Symphony with the New York Philharmonic. Also, there is violinist Tasmin Little and the BBC Symphony in a beautiful, dewy performance of The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams. -- Gwendolyn Freed

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Haunting, Atmospheric, and Beautiful.......2006-06-15

    Every time I find myself awake past midnight, I listen to this CD. It does indeed have that "three-in-the-morning feel". I'm not a classical music buff but every piece on Night Tracks is well-chosen and played beautifully. No matter I stressed out I may feel, this CD never fails to relax me and fill me with peace and tranquility --- I can't recommend it highly enough. The album cover is striking and moody.

    4 out of 5 stars Not your ordinary tonal bubble bath ..........2005-10-01

    I love this recording for its thought-provoking selections. I wouldn't suggest reading while you listen, you'll get too distracted. Maybe a long soak in the bath and a nice glass of wine. It's great for thinking things over. If I have a criticism, it's the odd themes from Dvorak, Copland, Vaughn Williams and Verdi. Playing just a taste of a theme from something doesn't satisfy. But the Bach, Kilar, Espere and the rest are wonderful.

    5 out of 5 stars The Best overall stress reducing music cd ever!.......2005-01-17

    This is by far one of my favorite cd's to listen to at the end of a long day. Especially in the winter months curled up by a fire and a good book.

    5 out of 5 stars Only problem is..........2005-01-04

    I always fall asleep by the third song. It is so relaxing and wonderful in assortment.

    5 out of 5 stars Wonderful and Relaxing........2003-01-17

    Truly one of the best collections of relaxing classical music. A must have for couples when the kids are gone, or just some quiet time alone. Soothing to the mind, body and soul.
    25 Classical Heartbreakers
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • 25 Classical Heartbreakers
    25 Classical Heartbreakers

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

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    ASIN: B0007TFHCA
    Release Date: 2005-02-22

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars 25 Classical Heartbreakers.......2006-11-29

    Although these are popular and widely heard compositions (that's why I gave it 4 stars) they are very soothing when you want to mellow out. However, I can't understand why the title reads '20 Classical Heartbreakers' when there are 25 pieces.
    Saint-Saens: Concertos for piano in Gm; Brahms: Intermezzo in E Op116/4
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Saint-Saens: Concertos for piano in Gm; Brahms: Intermezzo in E Op116/4

      Manufacturer: Russian Revelation
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      FantasiesFantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      Gilels, EmilGilels, Emil | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000006B94
      Release Date: 1998-04-21

      Tracks:

      1. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Intro And Royal March Of The Lion - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      2. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Cocks And Hens - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      3. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Wild Asses - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      4. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Tortoises - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      5. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Elephant - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      6. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Kangaroos - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      7. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Aquariam - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      8. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): People With Long Ears - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      9. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Cuckoo In The Depths Of The Woods - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      10. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Avairy - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      11. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Pianists - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      12. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Fossils - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      13. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): The Swan - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      14. Carnival Of The Animals (Zoological Fant): Finale - Emil Gilels/Yakov Zak
      15. Con No.2 For Pno And Orch: Andante Sosentuto - Emil Gilels
      16. Con No.2 For Pno And Orch: Allegro Scherzando - Emil Gilels
      17. Con No.2 For Pno And Orch: Presto - Emil Gilels
      18. Fantasy, Op.116: Capriccio In d - Emil Gilels
      19. Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in a - Emil Gilels
      20. Fantasy, Op.116: Capriccio in g - Emil Gilels
      21. Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in E - Emil Gilels
      22. Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in e - Emil Gilels
      23. Fantasy, Op.116: Intermezzo in E - Emil Gilels
      24. Fantasy, Op.116: Cappriccio in d - Emil Gilels
      Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Concertos pour Piano
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Concertos pour Piano

        Manufacturer: Angel Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000002SEM
        Release Date: 1990-10-25

        Tracks:

        1. Con No.1 in D, Op. 17: I. Andante - Allegro Assai
        2. Con No.1 in D, Op. 17: II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
        3. Con No.1 in D, Op. 17: III. Allegro Con Fuoco
        4. Con No.2 in g, Op.22: I. Andante Sostenuto
        5. Con No.2 in g, Op.22: II. Allegro Scherzando
        6. Con No.2 in g, Op.22: III. Presto
        7. Con No.3 in E flat, Op.29: I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)

        Tracks:

        1. Con No.3 in E flat, Op.29: II. Andante
        2. Con No.3 in E flat, Op.29: III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
        3. Con No.4 in c, Op.44: I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
        4. Con No.4 in c, Op.44: II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro
        5. Con No.5 in F, Op.103: I. Allegro Animato
        6. Con No.5 in F, Op.103: II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo - Andante
        7. Con No.5 in F, Op.103: III. Molto Allegro
        Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos 1-5
        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
        • Stellar
        • Scintillating
        • Stunning and amazing!
        • An Insult to Saint-Saens
        • Brilliant
        Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos 1-5

        Manufacturer: EMI Classics
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00000JQXY
        Release Date: 1999-08-10

        Tracks:

        1. Piano Concerto No.1 in D, Op.17: I Andante - Allegro assai
        2. Piano Concerto No.1 in D, Op.17: II Andante sostenuto quasi adagio
        3. Piano Concerto No.1 in D, Op.17: III Allegro con fuoco
        4. Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: I Andante sostenuto
        5. Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: II Allegro scherzando
        6. Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: III Presto
        7. Piano Concerto No.4 In C Minor, Op.44: I Allegro moderato - Andante
        8. Piano Concerto No.4 In C Minor, Op.44: II Allegro vivace - Andante - Allegro

        Tracks:

        1. Piano Concerto No.3 In E Flat, Op. 29: I Moderato assai-Piu mosso (Allegro maestoso)
        2. Piano Concerto No.3 In E Flat, Op. 29: II Andante
        3. Piano Concerto No.3 In E Flat, Op. 29: III Allegro non troppo
        4. Piano Concerto No.5 In F, Op.103: I Allegro animato
        5. Piano Concerto No.5 In F, Op.103: II Andante-Allegretto tranquillo quasi andantino
        6. Piano Concerto No.5 In F, Op.103: III Molto allegro
        7. 'Wedding Cake' - Caprice-Valse, Op. 76
        8. 'Africa' Fantaisie, Op. 89

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Stellar.......2005-02-24

        I have never liked mixes with too much emphasis on the piano. While EMI's final result is far from the best recordings, it is far from atrocious, as some "ears" seem to point out in earlier reviews.

        I will keep this review brief: it's more a written reaction from listening to this set straight through, five concertos in a row (and two extra pieces), nearly every time I play the discs. It is as if I must listen from the beginning to the end, like a well orchestrated, well organized, well plotted programmatic music album. And this is only, in part, due to Collard's fantastic playing -- there are two accidental "wrong-notes" in the whole set which *was* a slight disappointment, until I realized that I wanted a performance, not a digitally edited reconstruction.

        The credit for this music goes to Mr. Saint-Saens! The man was extraordinary, sublime, luminous, and these pieces remind me of the painted films of Mr. Brakhage...whose pieces are shown silent usually...and I don't wonder, somehow, if there is really some connection, here...between humans who are less grounded, and more in tune with something higher...

        The piano concerto is my favorite form of classical expression. I own many (not enough) concertos and while I find myself playing a little Rachmaninoff here and there, I will explore Saint-Saens' five concertos all in one sitting, nearly every time.

        Bravo Collard et Previn!

        5 out of 5 stars Scintillating.......2004-08-17

        Such scintillating music! Saint-Saëns' piano music is a worthy successor to Mendelssohn's glittering scores. In this compilation of the French composer's piano cum orchestra music, the Second Concerto is the best known work (and deservedly so!). I like the Fifth, "The Egyptian," very much as well. (Richer has a fabulous account of this "oriental" score.) The Fourth is also performed on occasion, with its catchy, headstrong last movement. It's a mystery why the Third remains unknown; it shows off the soloist in a flattering light. I would judge the First Concerto as a student effort, although a commendable one. The "Wedding Cake" and "Africa" are delicious bon-bons thrown into the mix.

        Pianist Jean-Philippe Collard displays a remarkable digital facility-which is a requisite for would-be performers of Saint-Saëns's piano pieces. Collard is also a poet, shaping the musical lines elegantly and effectively. André Previn's transparent yet strong orchestral accompaniment provides a solid stratum for the soloist to float over.

        5 out of 5 stars Stunning and amazing!.......2004-06-26

        Well, as for me it is BY FAR the best CD of concert piano music that I have! The multiplication of Collard and Saint Saens brings me back to Paris. It full with traditions and crispiness. The music is so deep, sensitive and powerful, very humane very real, as a live. If you want to REDEFINE your enjoyment from music take this CD. There're few such wonderful pieces of audible human genius exist.

        1 out of 5 stars An Insult to Saint-Saens.......2004-05-28

        I consider myself quite an experienced listener.

        The recordings found on this disc are of average performance. The lacking value is that EMI has decided to "degrade" the recording performance, and thus the high tones are cut out.

        The piano sounds as if it was recording from inside a closet, while the orchestra sounds as if it was recorded farthest from the row in a stadium.

        5 out of 5 stars Brilliant.......2000-10-18

        Saint-Saens' piano music embodies all that is good about the Romantic era: long, haunting melodic lines, innovative themes and a particular gift for making the music fit together in a quasi-Classical fashion. That said, I can't say enough good things about the playing on this CD. Collard's performance is so virtuostic and effortless that the music sounds as though it's just coming out of thin air, rather than having a human laboring over it. Match this with the awesomely powerful yet extremely skilled orchestral backing from Previn and the RPO, and you have a CD that got me into Saint-Saens even though I'd heard almost nothing by him before. This CD set will make you pay attention to it. Worth every penny.

        Track Listings:

        1. Schoenberg: Pelleas & Melisande/Scriabin: Symphony No.5
        2. Sketches in Jazz
        3. Sonatas for Flute & Harpsichord 2
        4. Sonatas for Violin & Piano, Sonatensatz
        5. Strauss: Daphne
        6. Strophes of the Night & Dawn
        7. Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4, 6 & 5/Overture 1812
        8. The Age Of Purcell
        9. The Italian Voyage
        10. The Making of a Medium: Music Written for the Verdehr Trio, Vol. 3

        Track Listings

        track listings

        Track Listings

        Shadows Fade

        Schumann: Pilgrimage of the Rose

        The Best of the Sauce Boss

        Momentum Space

        Slide Away [CD-single]

        Sweet Soul Ballads [Import]

        Songs for the Inner Child

        Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade for orchestra Op35; Symphony No2

        Through The Years: A Retrospective [Box set]

        Swing Time

        Songs for the Forgotten Future Vol. 1

        The Soul Cages [Enhanced]

        She Believes (In Me) [CD-single] [Import]

        Coming Into His Presence

        The Girls of Bethlehem