Great Chora Classics

1. Matthäuspassion (St. Matthew Passion), BWV 244 O haupt Voll Blut und Wunden
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

2. Requiem for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, K. 626 Dies Irae
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conducted by Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos

3. Elias (Elijah), oratorio, Op. 70 And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth
Composed by Felix Mendelssohn
Conducted by Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos

4. L' Enfance du Christ, oratorio for soprano, 2 tenors, Baritone, 3 basses, chorus & orchetsra ("trilogie sacrée") H. 130 (Op. 25) Shepherds' Chorus
Composed by Hector Berlioz
Conducted by Andre Cluytens

5. Messe solennelle de Sainte Cécile for soloists, chorus, orchestra & organ in G major Domine Salvum
Composed by Charles Gounod
Conducted by Jean-Claude Hartemann

6. Requiem Mass, for soloists, chorus & orchestra (Manzoni Requiem) Sanctus
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini

7. Requiem, for 2 solo voices chorus, organ, & orchestra, Op. 48 Sanctus
Composed by Gabriel Faure
Conducted by David Willcocks

8. The Dream of Gerontius, for vocal soloists, chorus, & orchestra, Op. 38 Praise to the Holiest
Composed by Edward Elgar
Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

9. Mass for soloists & chorus in G minor Kyrie
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Conducted by David Willcocks

10. Gloria, for soprano, chorus & orchestra, FP 177 Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Composed by Francis Poulenc
Conducted by Georges Pretre

Great Chora Classics,Johann Sebastian Bach,Hector Berlioz,Edward Elgar,Gabriel Faure,Charles Gounod,George Frideric Handel,Felix Mendelssohn,Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,Francis Poulenc,Ralph Vaughan Williams,Giuseppe Verdi,Andre Cluytens,Carlo Maria Giulini,David Willcocks,Georges Prêtre,Jean-Claude Hartemann,Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos,Sir Charles Mackerras,Sir John Barbirolli,Wolfgang Gonnenwein,Consortium Musicum,English Chamber Orchestra,L'Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Francaise,New Philharmonia Orchestra,Paris Conservatory Orchestra,Philharmonia Orchestra of London,Classics for Pleasur,Choral,Classical,Oratorio,Passion,Requiem/Requiem Section,Romantic Mass,Sacred Music for Soloist & Chorus

Average customer rating:

Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1 Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina / Willcocks, Kings College Choir The Psalms of David - Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Sir David Willcocks, Sir Philip Ledger Abide With Me Evensong from King's College - Cleobury ASIN: B000007OTQ Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. Miserere
2. Stabat Mater
3. Spem In alium
4. Sancte Deus
5. Ave verum corpus
6. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Gloria in excelsis deo
7. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Et in terra pax
8. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Laudamus te
9. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Gratias agimus tibi
10. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Propter magnam gloriam
11. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Deus
12. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Fili unigenite
13. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
14. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Qui tollis peccata mundi
15. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Qui sedes
16. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
17. Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Cum Sancto Spiritu

Tracks:

1. This Is The Record Of John
2. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Jesu, Priceless Treasure
3. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: So There Is Now No Condemnation
4. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: In Thine Arm I Rest Me
5. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Trio: Thus Then, The Law Of The Spirit Of Life In Christ Abiding
6. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: Death, I Do Not Fear Thee
7. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: Ye Are Not Of The Flesh
8. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Hence With Earthly Treasure
9. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Trio: If Therefore Christ Abide In You
10. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Fare Thee Weel That Errest
11. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: If By His Spirit
12. Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Hence All Fears And Sadness
13. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Zadok The Priest
14. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: My Heart Is Inditing
15. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Kings' Daughters
16. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Upon They Right Hand
17. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Kings Shall Be Thy Nursing Fathers
18. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened
19. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Let Justice And Judgement
20. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Alleluia
21. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: The King Shall Rejoice
22. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Exceeding Glad Shall He Be
23. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Glory And Great Worship... Thou Hast Prevented Him
24. The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Alleluia

Average customer rating:

Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set) Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set) ASIN: B00062FLJM Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating: Massive Music

Bruckner: Masses #2 & 3, Te Deum, 5 Motets Anton Bruckner , Daniel Barenboim , Wilhelm Pitz , New Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus , English Chamber Orchestra , and John Alldis Choir Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Barenboim, Daniel | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bruckner: Die 3 Messen/Masses Nos. 1-3/Les Messes Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw Mendelssohn: Elijah Poulenc: Mass in G major; Motets ASIN: B0000CE7FN Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. I. Kyrie - John Alldis Choir
2. II.: Gloria - John Alldis Choir
3. III. Credo - John Alldis Choir
4. IV. Sanctus - John Alldis Choir
5. V. Benedictus - John Alldis Choir
6. VI. Agnus Dei - John Alldis Choir
7. Te Deum Laudamus
8. Te Ergo Quaesumus
9. Aeterna Fac Cum Sanctis Tuis
10. Salvum Fac Populum Tuum
11. In Te, Domine, Speravi

Tracks:

1. I. Kyrie
2. II. Gloria
3. III. Credo
4. IV. Sanctus
5. V. Benedictus
6. VI. Agnus Dei
7. Ave Maria - New Philharmonia Chorus
8. Christus Factus Est - New Philharmonia Chorus
9. Locus Iste - New Philharmonia Chorus
10. Os Justi - New Philharmonia Chorus
11. Virga Jesse - New Philharmonia Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Massive Music.......2004-10-26

I had Te Deum originally on audio cassette, and played it until it was worn. I am so thrilled that this beautiful and moving piece is now on CD. The quality of soloists is fabulous and the chorus is strong. The string entrance to Te Deum always gives me the chills. Absolutely a wonderful addition to anyone's choral/sacred collection!

Average customer rating: HANSEL GRETEL AND UNCLE HERBERT Great performance of a great opera. Still the recommended version. Exelent High quality and captivating characterizations

Great Recordings Of The Century - Humperdinck: Hansel Und Gretel / Karajan, Schwarzkopf, Grummer, Metternich, et al Herbert von Karajan , Loughton Girls School Chorus , Bancroft School Boys' Choir , Elisabeth Schwarzkopf , Josef Metternich , Maria von Ilosvay , Else Schurhoff , and Anny Felbermayer Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Humperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | 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 Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: R. Strauss - Ariadne auf Naxos / Schwarzkopf · Seefried · Streich · Schock · Prey · PO · Karajan Humperdinck: Hänsel & Gretel Lehár - The Merry Widow / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Steffek, Gedda, Knapp, von Matacic J. Strauss: Die Fledermaus / Schwarzkopf, Gedda, Streich, Krebs, Kunz, Christ; Karajan Richard Strauss - Capriccio / Schwarzkopf, Wächter, Gedda, Fischer-Dieskau, Hotter, Ludwig, Moffo, Philharmonia Orchestra, Sawallisch ASIN: B00000K4FQ Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Suse, Liebe Suse, Was Raschelt Im Stroh?
3. So Recht! Und Willst Du Nun Nicht Mehr Klagen
4. Bruderchen, Komm, Tanz Mit Mir
5. Holla!...Himmel!
6. Marsch! Fort In Den Wald!
7. Ral La La La...Heissa, Mutter, Ich Bin Da!
8. Ho Ho! Wer Spek-Spekta-Kelt Mir
9. Doch Halt, Wo Bleiben Die Kinder?
10. Wenn Sie Sich Verirrten Im Walde Dort
11. Eine Hex', Steinalt
12. Witch's Ride
13. Ein Mannlein Steht Im Walde
14. Mein Erbelkorbchen Ist Voll Bis Oben!
15. Gretel, Ich Weiss Den Weg Nicht Mehr!
16. Der Kleine Sandmann Bin Ich, S-t!
17. Abends, Will Ich Schlafen Gehn
18. Dream Pantomime

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Der Kleine Taumann Heiss' Ich
3. Wo Bin Ich?
4. Bleib Steh'n!
5. Wie Duftet's Von Dorten
6. Knusper, Knusper Knauschen
7. Ich Bin Rosina Leckermaul
8. Halt!...Hokuspokus
9. Nun, Gretel, Sei Vernunftig Und Nett!
10. Hurr Hopp Hopp Hopp
11. Auf! Wach Auf, Mein Jungelchen
12. Juchhei! Nun Ist Die Hexe Tot
13. Erlost, Befreit, Fur Alle Zeit!
14. Vater! Mutter!

Amazon.com

Humperdinck's supremely ingratiating opera has an astoundingly starry recorded history. Its singable, easily learned roles have become sort of a drop-in-for-divas occasion (as in the recording by Christa Ludwig and Frederica von Stade, for example), often with extremely big names singing minor roles. This pre-stereo recording starring Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Elisabeth Grümmer in the titles roles with the youngish Herbert von Karajan would seem to be a forerunner to that, though, in fact, those starry names prove to be window dressing. All the secondary roles are sung by names not familiar to us now, but give us something the starrier casts don't: thoughtful characterizations rather than somewhat-indulgent star turns. Else Schurhoff not only sings the Witch pretty much as written but without mugging--and still manages to be funny. Anny Felbermayer's Sandman is an imaginative piece of vocal characterization that suggests what such an otherworldly creature might actually sound like. Karajan and the Philharmonia Orchestra supply all the orchestral color one could hope for in a mono recording, but without turning it into a showpiece. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

HANSEL GRETEL AND UNCLE HERBERT.......2007-03-06

Can it really have been as long ago as 1953 that this famous performance was recorded? I can no longer remember how the original issue sounded, but the sound comes over very well in general on this remastered set. As often with analogue-to-digital transfers there is a slight `edge' to the effect, particularly of the voices, but that is a very minor matter when set against the flawless clarity throughout. It has been a real thrill too to be reminded of the tone of the great Philharmonia Orchestra in its heyday. The horn sound right away in the first bars is exquisite by way of getting off to a perfect start, and the engineers for their part have done a brilliant job with the echo-effects in the forest.

The only names among the singers that I have stayed familiar with down the years are those of the Hansel and Gretel themselves, Elisabeth Gruemmer and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. However the entire cast is, to my own way of thinking, something close to ideal. Shwarzkopf and Gruemmer do not attempt any childlike vocal tone, and thank goodness for that. These vocal roles are written for adult sopranos and they call for a good deal of power on occasions. It is the music itself that evokes childhood with its innocent and beautiful tunes, a number of which are songs that that would remain as songs if this opera were given as a spoken stage-play. The other singers all seem to me to understand their parts very well too. What they bring to them is what this music calls for - tact, sensitivity, beauty of tone and musicianship first last and always. Fairy tales only involve simple and schematic characterisation. The witch obviously has to sound witchy to a certain extent, and I find the effect nicely judged here and not overdone. Similarly with the jovial father after a good day's trading and a few drinks to celebrate. Perhaps Maria von Isolvay could have suggested a little more annoyance when she knocks over the milk-jug and have sounded a trifle more aghast when she becomes aware of the danger from the witch. However even if so I still prefer restraint to exaggeration. This is not grand opera, after all.

It is singularly beautiful opera. The witty and stylish, though desperately shallow, Viennese critic Hanslick quotes with rueful agreement someone's statement that Hansel and Gretel is the finest opera since Wagner. I sincerely hope that, superficial though he was, he meant German opera - Verdi's Otello was only from a few years earlier, and Falstaff must have been premiered at something like the same time as Hansel and Gretel was. Assuming this interpretation, I guess I would have to agree as well.

I like the composer's photograph, with his innocent, vulnerable features. I would have liked another, of Karajan as he was in 1953, and I'm trying to recall him as he was then with his hair brushed back from his temples as if in the slipstream of his powerboat. The years have softened a certain antipathy I used to feel towards his showman's approach, and I am coming increasingly to admire some of his earlier work. This is a reissue that I recommend cordially, but please be aware that at a budget price the full libretto is not included. However the German liner-notes on the work and the composer are translated into English, the story must be familiar to everyone and it is easy enough to follow what is happening. All these years later it is still as fresh as the strawberries that the children picked in the forest.

Great performance of a great opera........2002-02-20

Yes, a great opera. Of course, Hansel and Gretel is an easy target, with its obvious story, highly accessible lyricism, strong appeal to six-year-olds, and composer named after a pop singer. But was there ever a lovelier and more moving little song than the evening prayer? Do the familiar tunes ever sound hackneyed? Is there anyone whose heart doesn't start to crack as the two children begin bravely to fend for themselves in the dark forest?

Perhaps the reviewer who called the music mundane was the victim of mundane performances. I've heard pianists make the Appassionata and the F-minor ballade sound mundane.

Many years ago, and old lady very close to me, a lady who in the 1920s and early 1930s had sung Puccini, Verdi, and Mozart throughout Europe and North America opposite some of the greatest singers of the day, told me that she believed Hansel and Gretel to be a great opera indeed. In its own way, she maintained, it is quite profound, but we so often hear it sung without emotional commitment.

Is it subliminal fear of Hansel and Gretel that leads people to belittle and disparage it? Why does just a mention of the title sometimes evoke laughter? Is there a little nervousness in that laughter? How many of us divorced parents have figuratively abandoned our trusting children to the wilderness? How many other listeners find themselves identifying uncomfortably closely with the two waifs? I couldn't listen to this opera for eight years after my divorce. Traviata? Boheme? No problem. I could handle tragedy for Violetta or Mimi, but seeing the effect of divorce on my 10-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl made Hansel and Gretel too much to bear. And is the witch with the cannibalistic designs any worse than what's really out there, just released by some judge or parole board, awaiting the innocent?

I put the Karajan on recently-my first try in eight years-and the hair on the back of my neck unexpectedly stood up with the first few notes. This performance cast a magic spell from first note to last, and neither the 1953 sound nor the mono recording was the least distraction. The singers are fine, their voices beautiful, and the sound is actually quite passable, but the greatness of this performance derives from the players' total commitment: they sing Hansel and Gretel as if it were Tosca or Trovatore. Perhaps Karajan's direction was a factor. This performance isn't some matinee for the kiddies. It's serious, and deadly so.

One reviewer mentioned slow tempos in places. Yes, but they're right for this performance. Listen to the Eichhorn for a superbly sung, high-fidelity, spirited performance that's lots of fun. It really is wonderful. The Karajan? Beware.

Still the recommended version........2001-11-22

Lying in the EMI vaults are many tapes of superb opera recordings made in the 1950s. Herbert von Karajan, prior to his Berlin Philharmonic days, was often engaged to conduct them by the producer, Walter Legge. The recording venue was London's Kingsway Hall - blown to smithereens recently when a bomb that had lodged in the roof during a W W 2 air raid was dislodged.

Amongst these splendid productions, this 1953 recording of "Hänsel und Gretel" has inspired great affection and received many reissues. Early reviewers, writing in the "Record Guide" thought the heroes of the occasion were Elisabeth Grümmer and Herbert von Karajan. Later reviewers have praised Schwarzkopf and Grümmer for their skill at "acting with the voice". Currently this EMI set is still the recommended version of the opera listed in the "Gramophone".

If these are some of the recommendations, are there any cautions? I offer only one. Don't expect 1953 mono recording to deliver the luscious listening experience that modern technology provides.

Listening to the long orchestral introduction to Act Two, you could be excused for thinking that the score was ghost-written by Wagner. In fact the reverse is partly true. In his younger years Humperdinck became strongly influenced and actively associated with Wagner at Bayreuth. Wagner called on his young disciple to help put the finishing touches to "Parsifal".

Exelent.......2000-10-23

I highly recomend this recording. It's greatly sang, and conducted, as It couldn't be in any other way, becouse It's sang by Schwarzkopf, that has a beautiful voice, and gives you the impression that she really is a child. Von Karajan, it's a genious, and gives the orchestra a beutiful sound. If you want to buy Hansel Und Gretel, please buy this version, It's marvelouse.

High quality and captivating characterizations.......2000-02-17

While it may be cliche, the old maxim rings true here: they just don't make them like this anymore. True, this set has its drawbacks, but a performance like this makes any such quibbles easy to forget.

Firstly, mention must be made of the exceptional cast assembled here: virtually everyone is excellent. Pride of place must go to Elisabeth Grummer's excellent Hansel. While this is a part normally assumed by mezzos, Grummer's lovely soprano has enough weight in the lower range to present no problems with the low tessitura. The higher-lying passages are, predictably, no problem for her. Her voice remains radiantly beautiful throughout, and her characterization is sweetly boyish without being cloying (a trap many interpreters of these roles fall into).

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf is a singer whose recordings continue to fascinate decades after they were made. Casting her as Gretel is an unusual choice (she normally took on slightly weightier roles -- she and Grummer, in fact, sang many of the same parts) and while she has to work to sound childlike, her way with the text is unmatched by any recorded Gretel. Her minx-like teasing of Hansel or her gauzy wonder at the appearance of the gingerbread house are just two notable examples. She also sings her Act 2 opening solo with a hushed innocence: for once, Gretel actually sounds like she's singing a folk tune to herself.

The rest of the cast is quite good, if without the obvious excellence of the two leads. Else Schurhoff's Witch is fine; she really sounds like an old crone, but manages to sound frighteningly imposing when casting her spell. Maria von Ilsovay and Josef Metternich are both good, and Anny Felbermayer's soft-grained, childlike tone is right-on for her otherworldly assignments. She is marginally better as the Dew Fairy. What really sets the entire cast apart, however, is their scrupulous attention to the text and the interplay between characters. Everyone seems to be listening to each other, and that concentration and involvement really shines through.

The sound, particularly in this remastered version, is excellent: not a digital sonic spectacular, true, but you'll probably forget you're listening to a mono recording.

I'm not crazy about Herbert von Karajan's conducting in this piece. The loftier sections are really wonderful, but the lighter moments lack the propulsion and fleetness to really sweep us along (the awakening scene seemed interminable here).

For the best recording of Hansel and Gretel, I'd recommend the Kurt Eichorn recording with Helen Donath and Anna Moffo. It also contains the best Sandman, Dew Fairy, and Witch (Christa Ludwig) on records. But if you have room for another classic recording, don't pass this one up.

Average customer rating: A touch of the holy

Hallelujah: Great Choral Classics Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Kiri Te Kanawa - Songs of Inspiration / Julius Rudel, Mormon Tabernacle Choir The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics ASIN: B00000423S Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

1. Messiah: Hallejuah Chorus
2. Aver Verum Corpus, K618
3. Elijah: Thanks Be To God
4. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus
5. Coronation Anthem: Zadok The Priest
6. Psalm 150
7. Nabucoo: Va, Pensiero (Chorus of The Hebrew Slaves)
8. Christ On The Mount Of Olives: Hallelujah
9. Come, Come, Ye Saints
10. Simple Gifts
11. Deep River
12. The Battle Hymn Of The Republic

Customer Reviews:

A touch of the holy.......2001-11-25

This is a nice CD that serves as an overview of mostly baroque choral pieces by one of my favorite choirs. One of the advantages of this CD it that it allows you to compare Beethoven's "Hallelujah Chorus" with the more famous Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." I think that Beethoven's starts out better, but Handel's is, overall, far superior.

They do a remarkable job singing the Humming Chorus, an absolutely oddball piece of classical music, reminiscent of the Magic Flute's Papageno singing with the padlock on his mouth! No, there is nothing wrong with your hi-fi; the choir is just humming the music.

The choir does a magnificent job signing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which, along with Messiah's Hallelujah Chorus, is one of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's signature pieces.

They did an exceptional job of transferring the old analogue recordings to CD, so there is minimal hiss and fading.

This is great music for Sunday, or for Easter and Christmas. It is nice to have a touch of the holy in your life, if not for a day, at least for a few minutes.

Average customer rating:

Kastalsky: Liturgy of St. John of Chrysostom Manufacturer: Collins Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003VYR Release Date: 1995-05-23

Tracks:

1. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: The Great Litany
2. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: In Thy Kingdom
3. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Holy God
4. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Augmented Litany
5. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Cherubimic Hymn
6. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Litany of Supplication
7. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: The Grace of Peace
8. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: It is Meet, in Truth, to Bless Thee
9. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: Our Father
10. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: In Place of Communion
11. Easter Stikhira 'Christ has Risen'
12. Easter Stikhiras of the 16th-18th centuries: Beautiful Easter
13. Easter Stikhiras of the 16th-18th centuries: Come Let Us Worship, Your Cross
14. Easter Stikhiras of the 16th-18th centuries: Rise O Lord, Jesus has Arisen from the Tomb
15. Bless the Lord, O My Soul from the All NIght Vigil, Op.9, No.18
16. Come, Let Us Entreat Joseph from the All NIght Vigil, Op.9, No.9
17. Joyous Light, Op.9, No.21
18. Let Us, Mystically Representing the Cherubim from the Liturgy, Op.16
19. Praise Ye in the Name of the Lord in Heaven from the Liturgy, Op.16
20. From My Youth - Andrew Orekhov/The Bolshoi Theatre Children's Chor/Andrey Zaboronok
21. Stikhira to the Russian Holymen
22. The Lord, Our God (Prayer of Macarius the Great)
23. I Have Called on You, O Lord - vladimir Silayev/The Bolshoi Theatre Children's Chor/Andrey Zaboronok
24. Many Years

Average customer rating:

The Best Of Beethoven Manufacturer: Romantic Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005YB3L Release Date: 1996-02-16

Average customer rating:

The Great Composers: George Frideric Handel [DVD + 2 CDs] Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000AYELQU Release Date: 2005-09-27

Average customer rating:

Verdi: Great Opera Choruses Rizzi , and Choir Academie National St Cecile Manufacturer: Teldec/Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004VKTY Release Date: 2002-08-12

Average customer rating: excellent

The Great Organ of the Ulm Cathedral Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rheinberger, Joseph | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000009KFP Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

1. Son in a, Op.98: Fant
2. Prld Und Fuge in A, BWV 536: Prld
3. Prld Und Fuge in A, BWV 536: Fuge (Allegro)
4. Schlaf Wohl, Du Himmelsknabe Du, Op.93: Noel Alsacien
5. Grand Jeu Et Duo: Noel (Allegretto)
6. O Mensch, Bewein Dein Sunde Gross, BWV 622
7. Toccata Un Fuge in E: Toccata
8. Toccata Un Fuge in E: Fuge
9. Choralvariationen Uber 'Veni Creator Spiritus' Op.4
10. Prld Et Danse Fugee
11. Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan: Orgelchor/Dolce
12. Choraphantasie 'Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme', Op.52/2: Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen

Customer Reviews:

excellent.......2007-01-09

A good performance of some lesser known pieces as well as the obligatory Bach. An excellent recording portraying a great sounding space. I feel the selection of pieces could be a little more focused, but that is a personal preference of mine and mileage will vary.

Track Listings:

1. Hans Pfitzner: Symphonies, Op. 44 & Op. 46
2. Harpischord Music
3. Hermann Goetz: Piano Chamber Music
4. Hold: Piano Music
5. J. S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos V, ll, Vl
6. Karajan Conducts Opera
7. Korngold: Orchestral Works, Vol. 3
8. Lyell Cresswell: Orchestral Music I
9. Maurice Emmanuel: Six Sonatines
10. Modern Times-Dutch Jewish Composers

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Highway Rock Classics [Import]

Reprise [Import]

It Takes All Kinds

Golden Hits

Out of Nothing [Import]

Shakaya [Import]

Magic Mozart (Baby Genius Classical Series)

Polyphonic Book

Real Man

Nightlife: Late Night

No, You C'mon

Seek & Destroy: 16 Nu-Metal Extremes [Import]

Mishaps Happening [Import]

Puerta de Veluntad

Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit - Songs From The Motion Picture Soundtrack