Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
2. Prelude for piano No. 2 in A minor , Op. 28/2, CT 167
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
3. Prelude for piano No. 3 in G major, Op. 28/3, CT 168
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
4. Prelude for piano No. 4 in E minor, Op. 28/4, CT 169
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
5. Prelude for piano No. 5 in D major, 28/5, CT 171
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
6. Prelude for piano No. 6 in B minor, Op. 28/6, CT 171
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
7. Prelude for piano No. 7 in A major, Op. 28/7, CT 172
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
8. Prelude for piano No. 8 in F sharp minor, Op. 28/8, CT 173
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
9. Prelude for piano No. 9 in E major, 28/9, CT 174
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
10. Prelude for piano No. 10 in C sharp minor, Op. 28/10, CT 175
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
11. Prelude for piano No. 11 in B major, Op. 28/11, CT 176
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
12. Prelude for piano No. 12 in G sharp minor, Op. 28/12, CT 177
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
13. Prelude for piano No. 13 in F sharp major, Op. 28/13, CT 178
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
14. Prelude for piano No. 14 in E flat minor, Op. 28/14, CT 179
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
15. Prelude for piano No. 15 in D flat major, Op. 28/15, CT 180
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
16. Prelude for piano No. 16 in B flat minor Op. 28/16, CT 181
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
17. Prelude for piano No. 17 in A flat major , Op. 28/17, CT 182
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
18. Prelude for piano No. 18 in F minor, Op. 28/18, CT 183
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
19. Prelude for piano No. 19 in E flat major, Op. 28/19, CT 184
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
20. Prelude for piano No. 20 in C minor, Op. 28/20, CT 185
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
21. Prelude for piano No. 21 in B flat major, Op. 28/21, CT 186
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
22. Prelude for piano No. 22 in G minor, Op. 28/22, CT 187
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
23. Prelude for piano No. 23 in F major, Op. 28/23, CT 188
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
24. Prelude for piano No. 24 in D minor, Op. 28/24, CT 189
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
25. Ballade for piano No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, CT 2 (Four Ballades)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
26. Ballade for piano No. 2 in F major, Op. 38, CT 3 (Four Ballades)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
27. Ballade for piano No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 47, CT 4 (Four Ballades)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
28. Ballade for piano No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52, CT 5 (Four Ballades)
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
with Alfred Cortot
24 Preludes,Chopin,Alfred Cortot,Enterprise,Classical,Classical Music
Average customer rating:
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Chopin: Preludes & Nocturnes
Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00001ZSX7 Release Date: 1999-10-19 |
Tracks:
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 1 In C Major Agitato)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 2 In A Minor (Lento)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 3 In G Major (Vivace)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 4 in E Minor (Largo)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 5 In D Major (Allegro molto)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 6 In B Minor (Lento assai)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 7 In A Major (Andantino)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 8 In F Sharp Minor(Molto agitato)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 9 In E Major (Largo)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor (Allegro molto)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 11 In B Major (Vivace)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 12 In G Sharp Major (Presto)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major (Lento)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor (Allegro)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major (Sostenuto)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor (Presto con fuoco)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A flat Major (Allegretto)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor (Allegro molto)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 19 In E Flat Major (Vivace)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 20 In C Minor (Largo)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 21 In B Flat Major (Cantiabile)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 22 In G Minor (Molto agitato)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 23 In F Major (Moderato)
- Preludes, Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor (Allegro appassionato)
- Cantabile In B Flat Major: Cantabile In B Flat Major (Andantino)
- Nocturne In E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 (Andante): Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2 (Andante)
- Contredanse In G Flat Major (Allegretto)
- Nocturne In C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. (Lento con gran espressione): Nocturne In C Sharp Minor (Lento congran espressione)
- Nocturne In C Minor, Op. posth. (Andante sostenuto): Nocturne In C Minor (Adante sostenuto)
Customer Reviews:
Chopin a very unique pianist.......2007-07-21
Chopin's Harmonies.......2007-07-12
Relaxation.......2007-07-12
Bravo!.......2007-01-15
Magnificent.......2006-12-05
These Chopin preludes and nocturnes, to which I listened as a young woman on Vladimir Horowitz LPs, are extremely well executed here, with the additional advantage that the CD is available at an unbelievably low cost.
If you love Chopin, specifically, or classical compositions for piano in general, I can't recommend this recording highly enough.
Average customer rating:
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Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)
Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000001VU5 Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Piano Concerto In A Major, K 488: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Flute Concerto In D Major, K 314: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Clarinet Concerto KV 622: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Serenade, K 375: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Turkish March - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Violin Concerto, K 216: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Divertimento, K 334: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Horn Concerto, K 447: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
- Cassation, K 99: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Tracks:
- Overture No. 4 In Major: Rejouissance - J.S.Bach
- Overture No. 3 In D Major: Air - J.S.Bach
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro - J.S.Bach
- Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach
- Overture No. 2 In B Minor: Menuet & Badinerie - J.S.Bach
- Prelude In C Major - J.S.Bach
- Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - J.S.Bach
- Prelude In C Minor - J.S.Bach
- Overture No. 1 In C Major: Passepied - J.S.Bach
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio - J.S.Bach
- Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter, Chorale - J.S.Bach
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: II. Allegro - J.S.Bach
- Violin Concerto In E Major: I. Adagio - J.S.Bach
- St. Matthew Passion: Finale Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder' - J.S.Bach
Tracks:
- Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Violin Romance No. 2 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- 'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Minuet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Symphony No. 8 In F Major: Allegretto scherzando - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Coriolan: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
- Egmont: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Tracks:
- Die Fledermaus: Die Fledermaus (Excerpts) - Johann Strauss
- Wine, Woman And Song - Johann Strauss
- Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauss
- The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss
- The Gypsy Baron: Introduction - Johann Strauss
- Annen Polka - Johann Strauss
- Vienna Blood - Johann Strauss
- The Gypsy Baron: Einzugsmarsch - Johann Strauss
Tracks:
- Tannhauser: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Prentices - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude Act 3 - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Aufzug der Meistersinger - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Lohengrin: Prelude - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Tristan und Isolde: Prelude And Liebestod - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
- Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tracks:
- Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo - Peter Tchaikovsky
- String Serenade: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
- Violin Concerto: Andante - Peter Tchaikovsky
- The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction - Peter Tchaikovsky
- The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action - Adagio - Peter Tchaikovsky
- The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
- Capriccio italien Op. 45 - Peter Tchaikovsky
- Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Scene No. 10 - Peter Tchaikovsky
- Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
- Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Peter Tchaikovsky
Tracks:
- The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: Spring - VIVALDI, Antonio
- Siciliano - VIVALDI, Antonio
- Concerto In D Minor:: (Allegro Assai) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
- The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Summer - VIVALDI, Antonio
- Oboe Sonata In B Flat Major, RV 34: Adagio - Allegro - Largo - Allegro - VIVALDI, Antonio
- The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: Autumn - VIVALDI, Antonio
- Oboe Concerto: Allegro non tasto - Largo - Allegro non molto - VIVALDI, Antonio
- Concerto In D Minor: (Largo e spiccato) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
- The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: Winter - VIVALDI, Antonio
Tracks:
- Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20 - Frederic Chopin_
- Three Nocturnes, Op. 9: No 3 In B Major - Frederic Chopin_
- Twelve Etudes, Op. 10: No 5 In G Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
- Twelve Etudes, Op. 25: No 10 In B Minor - Frederic Chopin_
- 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major - Frederic Chopin_
- 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
- 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrops' - Frederic Chopin_
- 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
- 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
- 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor - Frederic Chopin_
- Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31 - Frederic Chopin_
- Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18 - Frederic Chopin_
- Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Frederic Chopin_
- Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 3 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
- Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 4 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
Tracks:
- Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
- Impromptu In E Flat Major - Franz Schubert
- Standchen - Franz Schubert
- Trout Quintet: Tema con variazioni - Franz Schubert
- 'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 1 - Franz Schubert
- Moment Musical In A Flat Major - Franz Schubert
- 'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 2 - Franz Schubert
- Moment Musical No. 3 In F Minor - Franz Schubert
- 'Rosamunde': Ballet Music No.2 - Franz Schubert
- Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert
Tracks:
- Nabucco: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
- Nabucco: Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate - Verdi, Giuseppe
- Aida: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
- II Trovatore: Verdi! le fosche notturne (Gypsies' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
- II Trovatore: Or co' daddi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
- Aroldo: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
- La Traviata: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
- La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle - Verdi, Giuseppe
- La Traviata:: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Verdi, Giuseppe
- La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori - Verdi, Giuseppe
- La forza del destino: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
Customer Reviews:
masters of classical music.......2007-03-26
A good basic collection.......2006-11-10
An excellent introduction to classical music.......2006-10-18
Very Beautiful!!!!!1.......2006-10-05
Still Stuck on Beethoven.......2006-08-22
My interest started in this genre of music because I'm researching my ancestry in Prussia and this is the music of those times. Never mind my ancestors were poor peasants who probably never got the chance to hear such wonderful music... when listening to these CDs, I'm taken back in time... to a royal court in Europe... to another place in time. The music is inspiring, relaxing, invigorating.
I have yet to listen to all the CD's in the set. I'm stuck on Beethoven! Wasn't he AWESOME!?!
I think this set is a wonderful introduction to classical music!!!!!
Average customer rating:
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The Glenn Gould Edition - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Glenn Gould Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000028NI Release Date: 1994-01-11 |
Tracks:
- Prelude And Fugue No. 1 In C Major, BWV 846: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 1 In C Major, BWV 846: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 847: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 847: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In C-Sharp Major, BWV 848: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In C-Sharp Major, BWV 848: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 5 In D Major, BWV 850: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 5 In D Major, BWV 850: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 6 In D Minor, BWV 851: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 6 In D Minor, BWV 851: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 7 In E-Flat Major, BWV 852: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 7 In E-Flat Major, BWV 852: Fuga
- Prelude In E-Flat Minor And Fugue In D-Sharp Minor No. 8, BWV 853: Praeludium
- Prelude In E-Flat Minor And Fugue In D-Sharp Minor No. 8, BWV 853: Fuga
- Prelude Fugue No. 9 In E Major, BWV 854: Praeludium
- Prelude Fugue No. 9 In E Major, BWV 854: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 10 In E Minor, BWV 855: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 10 In E Minor, BWV 855: Fuga Fugue No. 10 In E Minor, BWV 855
- Prelude And Fugue No. 11 In F Major, BWV 856: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 11 In F Major, BWV 856: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 12 In F Minor, BWV 857: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 12 In F Minor, BWV 857: Fuga
Tracks:
- Prelude And Fugue No.13 In F-Sharp Major, BWV 858: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.13 In F-Sharp Major, BWV 858: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.14 In F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.14 In F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.15 In G Major, BWV 860: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.15 In G Major, BWV 860: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.16 In G Minor, BWV 861: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.16 In G Minor, BWV 861: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.17 In A-Flat Major, BWV 862: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.17 In A-Flat Major, BWV 862: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.18 In G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.18 In G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.19 In A Major, BWV 864: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.19 In A Major, BWV 864: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.20 In A Minor, BWV 865: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.20 In A Minor, BWV 865: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.21 In B-Flat Major, BWV 866: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.21 In B-Flat Major, BWV 866: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 867: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 867: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.23 In B Major, BWV 868: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.23 In B Major, BWV 868: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No.24 In B Minor, BWV 869: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.24 In B Minor, BWV 869: Fuga
Amazon.com essential recording
It's rather amazing today, when recordings of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier practically fall of the shelves, to recall just how unusual it was back in the 1960s for a pianist to undertake to record this amazing work. It's probably fair to say that until Glenn Gould got his fingers around it, Bach's music was used for teaching purposes more than anything else. What Gould proves in this essential set is that Bach is decidedly not just a threat to hold over the head of budding pianists but a joy to listen to. One of Gould's very greatest recordings. --David HurwitzCustomer Reviews:
Best CD I Own........2007-07-13
Your Inner Voice is Calling.......2007-03-01
Whether it is a Brahms Intermezzo, a work by Scriabin or these creations, there is no one who can bring out that inner melody with such clarity and perfection. It's almost as if his fingers operated totally independent of each other in a way we have yet to discover. At times, he manages to find inner voices that cannot be seen even when looking at the music. Then there is his technique of focusing a work - from the entire piece to a movement to a section, phrase, chord and finally a single note. You know that every single note sounds as it does for a reason known only to Gould. As usual, I have trouble choosing a "favorite" although I admit that I prefer the minor over major because of their alleged "richness".
Questions of authenticity or "how they were meant to be heard" are irrelevant. Chopin wrote for a small pianoforte, not the Grand we hear today. Who wants a tiny "original" chorus of Handel's Messiah or Julius Reubke's Organ Sonata heard on a pre-French Romantic organ? By all means, this is a recording for the ages - buy and enjoy.
Fascinating.......2007-02-13
Gould's unique sound.......2006-06-02
Carefully listening one can also detect the splice between takes in the a minor fugue in Gould's Book I, and other splices in II. Other controversial things await the listener in this immortal record.
Listen to a more conventional recording first........2006-02-16
Glenn Gould's interpretation of The WTC is a manifesto of his musical opinions, saturated with absolute confidence. Gould sees Bach as a sibling to be rivaled and conveys his ideas, from the sentimental to the vulgar to the insane, with perfect clarity.
Average customer rating:
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The Glenn Gould Edition - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Glenn Gould Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000028NJ Release Date: 1994-01-11 |
Tracks:
- Prelude And Fugue No.1 In C Major, BWV 870: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No.1 In C Major, BWV 870: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 871: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 871: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In C-Sharp Major, BWV 872: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In C-Sharp Major, BWV 872: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor, BWV 873: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor, BWV 873: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 5 In D Major, BWV 874: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 5 In D Major, BWV 874: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 6 In D Minor, BWV 875: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 6 In D Minor, BWV 875: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 7 In E-Flat Major, BWV 876: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 7 In E-Flat Major, BWV 876: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 8 In D-Sharp Minor, BWV 877: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 8 In D-Sharp Minor, BWV 877: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 9 In E Major, BWV 878: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 9 In E Major, BWV 878: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 10 In E Minor, BWV 879: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 10 In E Minor, BWV 879: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 11 In F Major, BWV 880: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 11 In F Major, BWV 880: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 12 In F Minor, BWV 881: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 12 In F Minor, BWV 881: Fuga
Tracks:
- Prelude And Fugue No. 13 In F-Sharp Major, BWV 882: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 13 In F-Sharp Major, BWV 882: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 14 In F-Sharp Minor, BWV 883: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 14 In F-Sharp Minor, BWV 883: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 15 In G Major, BWV 884: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 15 In G Major, BWV 884: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 16 In G Minor, BWV 885: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 16 In G Minor, BWV 885: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 17 In A-Flat Major, BWV 886: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 17 In A-Flat Major, BWV 886: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 18 In G-Sharp Minor, BWV 887: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 18 In G-Sharp Minor, BWV 887: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 19 In A Major, BWV 888: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 19 In A Major, BWV 888: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 20 In A Minor, BWV 889: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 20 In A Minor, BWV 889: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 21 In B-Flat Major, BWV 890: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 21 In B-Flat Major, BWV 890: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 891: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 22 In B-Flat Minor, BWV 891: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 23 In B Major, BWV 892: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 23 In B Major, BWV 892: Fuga
- Prelude And Fugue No. 24 In B Minor, BWV 893: Praeludium
- Prelude And Fugue No. 24 In B Minor, BWV 893: Fuga
Amazon.com
Glenn Gould's Bach is by now so ingrained in the 20th-century musical consciousness that it's almost hard to remember just how unusual his devotion to this composer was back in the 1950s and '60s when he first started making records. That his Bach recordings are still the standard by which all others are measured is a tribute to his self-awareness as an artist. If you are looking for the essential Glenn Gould playing Bach, then the three sets you really ought to have are his Goldberg Variations (either version), plus the two books of The Well-Tempered Clavier. Gould was simply incomparable in the contrapuntal intricacies of Bach's fugal writing, and in The Well-Tempered Clavier he has 48 opportunities to strut his stuff. He makes a show of every one. --David HurwitzCustomer Reviews:
Recommended.......2004-08-24
Gould brings the voices out.......2003-05-12
I feel that Bach's early music had a more effortless and sometimes wistful or inspired quality than his later works. However, his later works seem much deeper in thought and character and emotion and skill than the earlier ones. I would have to say that if forced to choose I take the later works (Amazing Mass in B minor, Art of Fugue) including the later set of Preludes and Fugues performed here by a Bach master. I would never force myself to make that choice, however. Pick this one up and hear the voices sing (including Gould's, ouch!).
My Favorite WTC.......2003-03-25
The Well Tempered Clavier (WTC) consists of two books, both of which are comprised of a prelude and fugue written in each of the major and minor keys of western music. Because there are twelve major keys, and twelve related minor keys, each book of the WTC is comprised of 24 prelude and fugues. One enjoyable aspect of the WTC for the new listener is that, because all of the major and minor keys are presented in a systematic way, one is able to discern what is most appealing to the listener's unique sensibilities. Perhaps you will find that you prefer major to minor, or vice versa. Perhaps you will find a handful of key signatures that you think are preferable, and that can be the foundation for further exploration into other pieces of music written in the same key.
I own a number of recordings of J.S. Bach's WTC. I happen to like book II better than book I, and this rendition is undoubtedly my favorite of them all. Gould's sense of rhythm is impeccable, and it is that aspect that makes this recording so stunning. The pulse is extraordinary, the ornamentation is played with extreme verve, and Gould's technical abilities and musicianship are more than adequate to keep strict time throughout. I also really appreciate the fact that Gould keeps his foot off the pedal, unlike Richter, or Fischer, or any number of the other standard recordings. A powerful and distinct rhythmic momentum should be felt throughout these works. It is also essential to maintain the clarity of each voice, and the pedal, or reverberation in general, can obscure both rhythm and clarity in the context of polyphonic music. Gould is able to bring distinctness to each voice in a way that is entirely unique.
With that said, Gould does have some singular ideas about tempo. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. For an incredible example of when it works, listen to to his remarkable rendering of the prelude and the fugue in C#-Major. Both, but particularly the fugue, are taken at extremely slow tempos. The result is extraordinary. This is hands down my favorite recording of Bach's WTC. In my opinion, no other recording compares to this one.
Superlative Gould, but bad Bach........2003-03-07
Please consider the version by Andras Schiff..........2002-08-05
I bought both WTC Book 1 and 2 by Glenn Gould recently but was extremely disappointed. I like the music very much but I hate the way he played this beautiful piece. It is annoying and frustrating to hear the mumbling throughout his playing! Guess what I did after listening to all the 4 discs? I went to buy WTC Book 1 again by Andras Schiff (London Decca) and immediately I realize the differences - Schiffýs version is definitely the version that I will strongly recommend. Just few words to describe ý Clarity, Pleasant, and Excellent Recording!!! I have no hesitation to buy the Book 2 (by Andras Schiff too).
Rating for Glenn Gouldýs version? I am only willing to give 1 star (both Book 1 and 2). Donýt buy this 2 records unless you like his ýuniqueý style of playingý
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Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]
Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00012QLTQ Release Date: 2003-12-09 |
Album Description
Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.Customer Reviews:
A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12
Average customer rating:
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Chopin: The Piano Works
Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000041KB Release Date: 1997-06-24 |
Tracks:
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: I - C Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: II - A Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: III - G Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: IV - E Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: V - D Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: VI - B Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: VII - A Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: VIII - F Sharp Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: IX - E Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: X - C Sharp Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XI - B Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XII - G Sharp Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIII - F Sharp Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIV - E Flat Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XV - D Flat Major 'Raindrop'
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVI - B Flat Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVII - A Flat Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XVIII - F Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XIX - E Flat Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XX - C Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXI - B Flat Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXII - G Minor
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIII - F Major
- 24 Preludes, Op.28: XXIV - D Minor
- Prelude In C Sharp Minor, Op.45
- Prelude In A Flat Major
- Impromptu In A Flat Major, Op.29
- Impromptu In F Sharp Major, Op.36
- Impromptu In G Flat Major, Op.51
- Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor, Op.66
Tracks:
- Ballade No.1 In G Minor, Op.23
- Ballade No.2 In F Major, Op.38
- Ballade No.3 In A Flat Major, Op.47
- Ballade No.4 In F Minor, Op.52
- Scherzo No.1 In B Minor, Op.20
- Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
- Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
- Scherzo No.4 In E Minor, Op.54
Tracks:
- 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: I - B Flat Minor
- 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: II - E Flat Major
- 3 Nocturnes, Op.9: III - B Major
- 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: I - F Major
- 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: II - F Sharp Major
- 3 Nocturnes, Op.15: III - G Minor
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.27: I - C Sharp Minor
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.27: II - D Flat Major
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.32: I - B Major
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.32: II - A Flat Major
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.37: I - G Minor
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.37: II - G Major
Tracks:
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.48: I - C Minor
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.48: II - F Sharp Minor
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.55: I - F Minor
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.55: II - E Flat Major
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.62: I - B Major
- 2 Nocturnes, Op.62: II - E Major
- Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 No.1
- Nocutrne In C Sharp Minor
- Nocturne In C Minor
Tracks:
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: I - C Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: II - A Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: III - E Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: IV - C Sharp Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: V - G Flat Major 'Black Key'
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: VI - E Flat Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: VII - C Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: VIII - F Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: IX - F Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: X - A Flat Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: XI - E Flat Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.10: XII - C Minor 'Revolutionary'
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: I - A Flat Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: II - F Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: III - F Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: IV - A Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: V - E Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: VI - G Sharp Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: VII - C Sharp Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: VIII - D Flat Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: IX - G Flat Major
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: X - B Minor
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: XI - A Minor 'Winter Wind'
- 12 Etudes, Op.25: XII - C Minor
Tracks:
- 2 Polonaises, Op.26: I - C Sharp Minor
- 2 Polonaises, Op.26: II - E Flat Minor
- 2 Polonaises, Op.40: I - A Major
- 2 Polonaises, Op.40: II - C Minor
- Polonaise In F Sharp Minor, Op.44
- Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53
- Polonaise-fantaisie In A Flat Major, Op.61
Tracks:
- 3 Polonaises, Op.71: I - D Minor
- 3 Polonaises, Op.71: II - B Flat Major
- 3 Polonaises, Op.71: III - F Minor
- Polonaise In B Flat Minor
- Polonaise In G Flat Major
- Polonaise In G Minor
- Polonaise In B Flat Major
- Polonaise In A Flat Major
- Polonaise In G Sharp Minor
Tracks:
- Waltz In E Flat Major, Op.18
- 3 Waltzes, Op.34: I - A Flat Major
- 3 Waltzes, Op.34: II - A Minor
- 3 Waltzes, Op.34: III - F Major
- Waltz In A Flat Major, Op.42
- 3 Waltzes, Op.64: I - D Flat Major
- 3 Waltzes, Op.64: II - C Sharp Minor
- 3 Waltzes, Op.64: III - A Flat Major
- 2 Waltzes, Op.69: I - A Flat Major
- 2 Waltzes, Op.69: II - B Minor
- 3 Waltzes, Op.70: I - G Flat Major
- 3 Waltzes, Op.70: II - F Minor
- 3 Waltzes, Op.70: III - D Flat Major
- Waltz In E Minor (1830)
- Waltz In E Major (1829)
- Waltz In A Minor (?1843)
- Waltz In A Flat Major (1827)
- Waltz In E Flat Major ('Sostenuto', 1840)
- Waltz In E Flat Major (1829 - 1830)
Tracks:
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: I - F Sharp Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: II - C Sharp Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: III - E Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.6: IV - E Flat Minor
- 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: I - B Flat Major
- 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: II - A Minor
- 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: III - F Minor
- 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: IV - A Flat Major
- 5 Mazurkas, Op.7: V - C Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: I - B Flat Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: II - E Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: III - A Flat Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.17: IV - A Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: I - G Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: II - C Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: III - A Flat Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.24: IV - B Flat Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: I - C Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: II - B Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: III - D Flat Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.30: IV - C Sharp Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: I - G Sharp Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: II - D Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: III - C Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.33: IV - B Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: I - C Sharp Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: II - E Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: III - B Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.41: IV - A Flat Major
Tracks:
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: I - G Major
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: II - A Flat Major
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.50: III - C Sharp Minor
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: I - B Major
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: II - C Major
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.56: III - C Minor
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: I - A Minor
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: II - A Flat Major
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.59: III - F Sharp Minor
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: I - B Major
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: II - F Minor
- 3 Mazurkas, Op.63: III - C Sharp Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: I - G Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: II - G Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: III - C Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.67: IV - A Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: I - C Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: II - A Minor
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: III - F Major
- 4 Mazurkas, Op.68: IV - F Minor
- Mazurka In A Minor ('a Emile Gaillard', 1840)
- Mazurka In A Minor ('Notre temps', 1840)
- Mazurka In B Flat Major (1826)
- Mazurka In G Major (1826)
- Mazurka In A Flat Major (1834)
- Mazurka In C Major (1833)
- Mazurka In B Flat Major (For Alexandra Wolowska, 1832)
- Mazurka In D Major (1832)
- Mazurka In D Major (?1820)
- Mazurka In F Minor, Op.68 No. 4 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Tracks:
- Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: I - Grave - Doppio movimento
- Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: II - Scherzo
- Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: III - Marche funebre
- Piano Sonata No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.35: IV - Finale: Presto
- Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: I - Allegro maestoso
- Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: II - Scherzo: Molto vivace
- Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: III - Largo
- Piano Sonata No.3 In B Minor, Op.58: IV - Finale: Presto, non tanto
- Fantaisie In F Minor, Op. 49
Tracks:
- Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: I - Allegro maestoso
- Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: II - Minuetto - Trio
- Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: III - Larghetto
- Piano Sonata No.1 In C Minor, Op.4: IV - Finale: Presto
- Variations sur un air national allemand - E Major (1826)
- Rondo In C Minor, Op.1
- 3 Ecossaises, Op.72 No.3: I - D Major; II - G Major; III - D Flat Major
- Rondo 'a la Mazur' In F Major, Op.5
- Marche funebre In C Minor, Op.72 No.2
- Contredanse In G Flat Major (?1827) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
- Rondo In C Major, Op.73 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
- Variations In D Major For Piano Duet (1826) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Tracks:
- Variations In A Major ('Souvenir de Paganini', 1829)
- Variations brillantes In B Flat Major, Op.12
- Rondo In E Flat Major, Op.16
- Bolero In A Minor, Op.19
- Cantabile In B Flat Major
- Variation In E Major
- Largo In E Flat Major
- Allegro de concert In A Major, Op.46
- 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): I - F Minor
- 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): II - A Flat Major
- 3 Nouvelles Etudes (1837): III - D Flat Major
- Tarentelle In A Flat Major, Op.43
- Fugue In A Minor (1841 - 42)
- Albumblatt in E Major (1843)
- Op.74 No.2: Wiosna - Spring
- 2 Bourrees (1846): I - G Minor; II - A Major
- Galop Marquis
- Berceuse In D Flat Major, Op.57
- Barcarolle In F Sharp Major, Op.60
Customer Reviews:
My experience of this CD.......2007-04-04
Beautiful!.......2006-08-18
and I listen to bits of it every day. I have yet to find a favorite
CD, as each is so lovely. It is well worth the price.
Well worth the money. Wonderful! Wonderful!.......2006-06-10
Best investment to make.......2006-05-21
Although some pieces are not as good as those by other artists, Ashkenazy's interpretations of Chopin are the best I've ever heard. Add in his amazing technical performance and you've got some sublime music.
Listening to these pieces have immensely helped my own Chopin reportoire. I don't play to mimic Ashkenazy, but I use his insights and apply my own style over that and end up with something exponentially better than what I could produce on my own.
The price is something you have to seriously consider. A hundred bucks. Yeah, that's a lot of money, but that's 48 cents per song. And you'll listen to these songs dozens of times, at least, I guarantee. Plus it's a great deal... if you were to get all the Ashkenazy-Chopin CDs available on Amazon, overlapping pieces as little as possible, you'd pay $30 more and still not have everything.
This is an investment for life and will definitely remain one of my favorite CD sets for decades. Decades. A hundred bucks for decades of amazing music. This stuff is larger than today, larger than life.. music this good is something you can't afford to pass up because of temporary financial difficulties.
A great pianist interpreting the most inspired composer ever !.......2005-09-15
Interpretation and emotion feeling is also a matter of taste, so that the only one who can give a final answer is Franois (Frederic).
Ashkenazy is gifted with a phenomenal technique, a great pianist. So that this collection is for sure 5 stars. Enjoy it.
Ah, if you like to see piano technique in action, listen to Georgy Cziffra's interpretation of Etude op. 10 no. 4. (Search the album in my reviews.)
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Shostakovich: 24 Preludes & Fugues op. 87 / Jarrett
Keith Jarrett Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000006MTX Release Date: 2000-01-25 |
Tracks:
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 1 In C Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 2 In A Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 3 In G Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 4 In E Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 5 In D Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 6 In B Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 7 In A Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 8 In F Sharp Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 9 In E Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 11 In B Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No. 12 In G Sharp Minor
Tracks:
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.13 In F Sharp Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.14 In E Flat Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.15 In D Flat Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.16 In B Flat Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.17 In A Flat Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.18 In F Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.19 In E Flat Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.20 In C Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.21 In B Flat Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.22 In G Minor
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.23 In F Major
- Preludes And Fugues Op. 87: Prelude And Fugue No.24 In D Minor
Customer Reviews:
It doesn't get any better than this........2006-07-14
IMPROVISED CLASSICAL MUSIC.......2005-06-12
We are lucky to have someone like Keith Jarrett alive in our own time. Since he is capable of actually improvising profound music, he seems to bring a liveness and spontenaity to this Shostakovich masterpiece. The first recording I ever heard was by Ashkenazy and even then I felt that something was missing. Then I heard the Jarrett version and it came to life! I'm sure any criticism by classical purists is just jealousy...this is perhaps like hearing a great musician/composer, such as Liszt, playing Chopin...or perhaps like Chopin playing Bach!
There are so many college trained "button-pusher" pianists around today that it is refreshing to hear the emotional vividness and luminous technique displayed by Jarrett in this recording. I assumed that these pieces would be dark and posess and dated, pre WORLD WAR II quality, but like the Bach pieces that inspired them, they convey all sorts of emotions that are beautifully realized by Keith Jarrett.
He makes the other versions seem like journeyman efforts that were played by pianists who had to seek out a teacher to told them "How" they should be performed.
A great combination..........2005-05-16
- Shostokovich Preludes and Fugues
- Keith Jarrett
Jarrett's peculiar bright aspect works exceptionally well with the more lyrical, optimistic pieces, (most of them, I think). For pieces having that Shostakovich life-is-out-of-kilter feel the color contrast is striking, but it's odd and unsettling in the bottomless-despair ones (few are in this category). I think Shostakovich would be pleasantly surprised by the way these sound. On the other hand, Jarrett does miss some of the curled-up dimensions in these multidimesional gems. An interesting, refreshing, virtuoso reading, but by no means definitive as some corners are left undusted. Too much reverb in the recording space for my taste.
My pick from Jarrett/Ashkenazy/Nikolayeva.......2005-01-16
far and away the best, and don't give me no lip!.......2004-11-25
As I have had access to a public radio station music library, I decided to spend a weekend comparing and contrasting the different recording of this Opus 87, with score in-hand, by Jarrett, Nikolayevna, and Ashkenazy. I rate Jarrett first, second place going to Nikolayevna, and Ashkenazy bringing up a rather indifferent rear.
Jarrett's interpretation seems to be most often panned on grounds that he "doesn't understand the music", which is sheer hogwash. Add this to the fact that most critics fail to state what are the prerequisites for understanding this music, and I suggest it's a lot more than understanding Shostakovich's "pain"; a rather over-romantic view of a composer who could and did write extremely emotional music, but also music with humor and grace. There's a lot more to Shostakovich than just "pain". Jarrett has obviously studied the pieces well, and plays each prelude and fugue with flawless technique and even daring interpretation that is notably original, the most obvious case being the C-major fugue being taken at what sounds like a *very* slow pace. But having access to the score, he's taking it at the specified tempo: 92-to-the-quarter, interpreting the "alla breve" by playing very legato. So why do the other recordings have it so fast?
Jarrett's A-major fugue shines like the sun; his A flat-major fugue becomes a giddy, but slyly understated dance. (I should add here that in the A-flat prelude Ashkenazy makes a rather shocking note discrepancy in the main theme that either passed a producer's ear or was mis-read in the printed edition.) The more somber pieces are played with respect and deep concentration.
Add to this ECM's top-shelf engineering that provides a realistic, deep piano sound, and you've got a five-star set in your hands.
The pieces were written for Nikolayevna, but her autumn-years recording seems a bit one-dimensional to my ears at times, and the dynamics are a bit narrow as well, although she obviously has played these pieces for a very long time and seems to have absorbed them to the point where her interpretations seem more introverted, if that is your taste. The piano sound is broad, though it has a bit more hammer sound than Jarrett's.
For Ashkenazy, I have nothing exceptional to report. The Decca sound is dry, his rubato doesn't work for me and almost sounds as if he is unsure of himself in places, and overall it doesn't seem to add any air of authority or authenticity. Add to this Decca's assertion that since Askenazy is Russian, his recording is the final word on it, which is pretty trite.
Jarrett gives a modern, up-to-date performance that I think will stand the test of time, while the Askenazy will ultimately be re-packaged as a budget set.
Go with Jarrett; the man who dares to play classical music that is absolute, stripped bare of tuxedo snobbery. He gives his all for this one, and it shows.
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Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD |