Franz Berwald: Sinfonie No. 4 "Naïve" / Sinfonie Singulière (No. 3) - Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra / Esa-Pekka Salonen

1. Symphony No. 4 in E flat, "Sinfonie Naïve"
Composed by Franz Berwald
Performed by Swedish Radio Orchestra Conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen

2. Symphony No. 3 in C, "Sinfonie Singulière"
Composed by Franz Berwald
Performed by Swedish Radio Orchestra Conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen

Franz Berwald: Sinfonie No. 4 "Naïve" / Sinfonie Singulière (No. 3) - Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra / Esa-Pekka Salonen,Franz Berwald,Esa-Pekka Salonen,Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra,Musica Sveciae,Classical,Classical Music

Average customer rating: Spectacular

Berwald: Symphonies and Overtures Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Berwald: The Complete String Quartets Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set) Russian Album ASIN: B0001ZXMOU Release Date: 2004-06-08

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular.......2005-11-24

Franz Berwald was one of those amazing people who crammed enough into his life for any 5 more energetic types. The man was a highly-trained and enormously gifted musician who founded an orthopedic clinic while he was pursuing his musical career in Berlin. He developed physical rehab techniques still in use today. He was a fiery advocate of progressive social causes at a time when that kind of thing was seen as treasonous by more than a few more solid citizens...and, Berwald was a monster talent as a composer.

There's nothing easy about writing genuinely original music at any time. But Berwald lived the same time as Schubert, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schumann. Yet, he managed to write completely original music.

His symphonies are miracles of originality, concision, melodic beauty, structural sophistication and sly wit. The fact that they are so neglected by conductors and orchestras is nothing short of scandalous. Berwald's work should be right up there with Schumann and Mendelssohn. At the very least. You could make a case that his symphonies, at their best, surpass Schumann for originality, and exceed Mendelssohn in their generosity of spirit.

The symphonies are not only beautifully made throughout, they're full of magical moments that you'll have to hear more than once, right on the spot. They're full of those "wait-a-second-that-was-gorgeous-I-have-to-hear-that-again" moments. Just as one example, the quiet end of the first movement of Symphony #4 is an utter stroke of genius. I probably listened to it a half-dozen times the first time I heard the piece.

This recording of Berwald's symphonies is definitive. The technical quality is ideal. Nice ambiance, but nothing is lost in the wash. All the power and delicacy of the music and the playing is preserved. Tony Faulkner engineered, and the man has never made an ordinary recording in his life. The orchestra plays with wonderful precision and panache, and Roy Goodman clearly gets this music in every detail.

In short, this is another spectacular accomplishment from Hyperion, and you should buy it right now, before it goes out of print.

Franz Berwald was among the greatest geniuses music has ever produced, and this recording proves it, beyond any shadow of a doubt. You'll love it.

Average customer rating: Surprising Enjoy other than classics

Berwald: Symphonies No. 3 ("Sinfonie singulière") & 4; Piano Concerto in D Major Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Berwald: Symphonies Nos. 1 ("Sinfonie sérieuse") & 2 ("Sinfonie capricieuse") Franz Berwald: Tone Poems Alfvén: Symphony No. 3 Alfvén: The Prodigal Son Suite/Symphony No. 2 Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto ASIN: B00000143P Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Sinfonie singuliere: Allegro fuocoso
2. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Sinfonie singuliere: Adagio - Scherzo: Allegro assai - Adagio
3. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Sinfonie singuliere: Finale: Presto
4. Piano Concerto In D Major: Allegro con brio
5. Piano Concerto In D Major: Andantino
6. Piano Concerto In D Major: Allegro molto
7. Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major: Allegro risoluto
8. Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major: Adagio
9. Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major: Scherzo: Allegro molto
10. Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major: Finale: Allegro vivace

Amazon.com

Berwald's single Piano Concerto is one of the most interesting works of its type. Having always been interested in formal experiment, the composer has the soloist play throughout, and the piece can be performed both with and without the orchestra. What makes the whole thing so interesting is that you would never at all suspect that the orchestral part is optional. It's really fun to listen to, and this excellent disc also throws in two terrific symphonies. One of them, the Symphony No. 3 Singulière, is the first great symphony by a Scandinavian composer. If you haven't made the acquaintance of this Swedish master, a contemporary of both Beethoven and Mendelssohn, here's your chance. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Surprising.......2000-10-04

This is a wonderful recording. I'm biased because I like anything Okku Kamu does, but the Helsingborg SO is up to the task, performing in tempo with a surprising amount of depth and richness to their sound. The music is good too; it sounds very Mendelssohnian in its long, lyrical veins of melody. It tends to wander a bit more than Mendelssohn does, but overall the pieces presented here share an amazing amount with Mendelssohn, Beethoven and even Mozart, and there's no reason they shouldn't be better known.

Enjoy other than classics.......1999-11-24

In a fantastic recording by Naxos, and as always at a great price, you can learn on alternative composers and further refine your scope in classical music.

The piano concerto is open and enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Franz Berwald: Symphonies Nos. 1-4 Manufacturer: Arte Nova Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Glazunov: Symphony No. 6 / The Forest ASIN: B000AMPZOY Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Con Energia
2. II. Adagio Maestoso
3. III. Stretto
4. IV. Finale: Adagio. Allegro Molto
5. I. Allegro
6. II. Andante
7. III. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Fuocoso
2. II. Adagio. Scherzo: Allegro Assai. Adagio
3. III. Final: Presto
4. I. Allegro Risoluto
5. II. Adagio
6. III. Scherzo: Allegro Molto
7. IV. Finale: Allegro Vivace

Album Description

Franz Berwald (1796-1868) and his music were largely forgotten until the late 20th century, when his works, especially his four symphonies, were revived with overwhelming success. After decades of almost total neglect, Berwald has come to be considered what one modern critic called "the most individual and significant musical personality Sweden has ever produced". Although Berwald used isolated features of Nordic folk music, he was more of a romantic nationalist and also differed clearly from his national contemporaries who deferred to Liszt and Wagner in matters of tonal idiom, form and structure. Conductor David Montgomery was the last pupil of the legendary conductor René Leibowitz. He made his debut in 1969 at the Schönberg Festival in Lyon. That same year, he began his work as Associate Conductor with the Santa Fe Opera. Numerous appearances as conductor and pianist in Europe and the United States followed. Montgomery's film debut took place at Columbia! Pictures as conductor in 1993, and behind the scenes as historical consultant for Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence.

Average customer rating: A nice recording, but not incredible

Berwald: Symphonies Nos. 1 "Sinfonie sérieuse" & 4 "Sinfonie naive" Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Symphony No. 9 / Overture in C Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra; Kossuth A Swedish Serenade Hindemith: Symphony 'Mathis der Maler'/Trauermusik/Symphonic Metamorphosis ASIN: B00000E54X Release Date: 1993-10-12

Customer Reviews:

A nice recording, but not incredible.......2003-05-16

Very nicely played by the SFS and well recorded by Decca/London, these symphonies receive a fairly lively but straightforward interpretation from Blomstedt. Not dull, but the performances never quite catch fire either.

Average customer rating: A fine recording of the Berwald symphonies Ehrling At His Best Strikingly original works by their greatest interpreter The pinnacle

Franz Berwald: The Four Symphonies & Konzertstück for Bassoon & Orchestra Manufacturer: Bis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000016O4 Release Date: 1996-12-17

Tracks:

1. Sym Serieuse, No.1 in g: I. Allegro Con Energia
2. Sym Serieuse, No.1 in g: II. Adagio Maestoso
3. Sym Serieuse, No.1 in g: III. Stretto
4. Sym Serieuse, No.1 in g: IV. Finale. Adagio-Allegro Molto
5. Konzerstuck: Allegro Non Troppo-Andante (Con Variazioni)-Tempo 1 - Christian Davidson
6. Sym Capreicieuse, No.2 in D: I. Allegro
7. Sym Capreicieuse, No.2 in D: II. Andante
8. Sym Capreicieuse, No.2 in D: III. Finale. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. Sym Singuliere, No.3 in C: I. Allegro
2. Sym Singuliere, No.3 in C: II. Adagio-Scherzo. Allegro Assai-Adagio
3. Sym Singuliere, No.3 in C: III. Finale. Presto
4. Sym, No.4 in E flat: I. Allegro Risoluto
5. Sym, No.4 in E flat: II. Adagio-Attacca
6. Sym, No.4 in E flat: III. Scherzo. Allegro Molto
7. Sym, No.4 in E flat: IV. Finale. Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

Berwald was the first great Scandinavian Romantic composer, and one of the most interesting symphonists of the first half of the 19th century. His long life made him a contemporary of composers ranging from Beethoven to Wagner, and he was a particular friend of Mendelssohn, whose music his sometimes resembles. Three of his four symphonies are masterpieces (one was orchestrated from sketches discovered after his death) that belong in the collection of anyone who enjoys the Mendelssohn/Schumann school. In some respects, Berwald is more interesting than either, combining Schumann's love of formal experimentation with Mendelssohn's orchestral brilliance. Sixten Ehrling has long been the world's finest exponent of this music, and this is his definitive recording of it. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A fine recording of the Berwald symphonies.......2006-08-23

In my opinion, this is the best (albeit not inexpensive) recording of the excellent Berwald symphonies. Sixten Ehrling may be much more than two inches short of seven feet tall, but he does a great job conducting Berwald's works. This set does omit the early symphony in A major (the entire symphony was indeed performed in the 1820s, but only a fragment survives). But it has the four symphonies from that Berwald wrote in the 1840s. If you haven't heard them, they are quite original and beautiful. I think the best is the Singuliere (#3) in C major. But the E flat major symphony (#4) is also enchanting. Berwald is the least well known of the ten great European 19th century symphonists, but if you like the others (Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz, Borodin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Schumann) you owe it to yourself to listen to these.

In addition to the symphonies, we get the Konzertstuck for bassoon and orchestra, which Berwald wrote in 1827. Christian Davidsson does a fine job on bassoon in this short but charming piece.

Ehrling At His Best.......2004-07-15

Berwald's father was a German violinist who immigrated to Sweden in the 1770's. Franz Berwald (1796-1868) was also a violinist who had a tough time gaining recognition as a composer - he spent much of his adult life earning his living in other pursuits. He owned an orthopedic institute in Berlin from about 1829 to 1841, married one of his employees and returned to Sweden, where he was passed over for the conductorship of the Royal Swedish Opera, and then spent many years managing a sawmill and glass works in the north of Sweden. He was finally appointed as professor of composition at the Stockholm Musical Academy in the last year of his life. His finest symphony - the "Singuliere" of 1845 - was never even performed until 1905.

My first encounter with Berwald's music was via Ehrling's earlier recording (1965) of the Singuliere (#3, coupled with the #4 in E flat) on a London LP. I then picked up Ehrling's disc of #1 ("Serieuse," the only one of his symphonies that the composer ever heard played) - it is now on Bluebell CD 047 and is indispensable for its couplings: the overtures Estrella de Soria (1841) and Queen of Golconda (1864), and the tone poems The Bayadere Feast (1842), Memories from the Norwegian Alps (1842), and Fairy Dance (1841). I also picked up the #2 ("Capricieuse") on an RCA Victrola LP conducted by Antal Dorati (the original full score of #2 was lost and the work was re-constructed from the composer's sketches).

This wonderful BIS set of the four symphonies completely supplants both Ehrling's earlier recordings of #1, 3 & 4 and the Dorati #2, as well as other complete sets from Jarvi, Goodman and Kamu. The sound here is superb: warm, detailed and spacious. I was initially apprehensive about the Malmo Symphony, but under Ehrling it plays like a world class ensemble (Ehrling was born in Malmo). Even the 4th's difficult last mvt. comes off brilliantly, if not quite the virtuoso affair that Markevitch's DG recording makes of it. But just as I prefer Furtwangler's Brahms to Toscanini's, I'll take Ehrling's Berwald over Markevitch's any day. In short, I feel this is THE set of Berwald's lovely symphonies. But be sure to supplement them with that Bluebell CD for Ehrling's superb renditions of the overtures and tone poems.

The Konzertstuck for Bassoon and Orchestra is a short (11 minutes) and early work (1827): it seems to me rather remniscient of Schubert and Mendelssohn and is engagingly played. There was also an earlier symphony (1821) that survives only as a fragment - it's not very distinctive (Goodman's set includes it). It seems odd that Berwald wrote his 4 major symphonies in such a short period (1842-45) and then never returned to the genre in his remaining 23 years. But then, Sibelius composed his 7th Symphony in 1924 and never wrote another before his death in 1957. And just as Sibelius was Finland's greatest composer, Berwald was Sweden's finest symphonist.

Strikingly original works by their greatest interpreter.......2003-04-17

It is simply a terrible shame that the symphonies of Berwald are not better known, for they are very much original works, in no way derivitave of the other music being composed at the time. Perhaps because Berwald spent good portions of his life in relative musical backwaters such as Stockholm. He also did not promote himself as aggressively as some of his contemporaries. As a result, his works have somewhat fallen into neglect.

If not for Sixten Ehrling, we might not know these works at all. I first heard a battered recording of the 1st Symphony performed by Ehrling about 20 years ago, and was hooked on Berwald's music. I have other Berwald recordings by Järvi in my collection, and they are very good, but I still think Ehrling offers the best interpration of all.

If you don't know Berwald's music, you need to listen to it! He is very much his own man, and his music is just delightful. You will wonder why these pieces are so seldomly performed.

The pinnacle.......2000-08-09

I absolutely agree with Mr. Hurwitz that Ehrling is way upstairs from everyone else in the house in this material. Out here in Colorado we've had Ehrling as a fixture for so long that when push came to shove a few years back, the nearly-unknown Colorado Symphony that he made into a crystalline ensemble was really sorry to see him go.

But good for Malmo, Ehrling is back home and he brings all the virtues of his art to their project here. In short, all four symphonies are given his characteristic drive, cleanly delineated sonic patterns, focus, light but clear and brilliant string tone and a solid, solid bass line that moves with equal clarity. Ehrling was never one for long movement breaks, and his headling approach in that comes across marvelously in the clear sound. Malmo could almost be considered Colorado SO's sister ensemble because of Ehrling's great podium presence.

So with the Ehrling treatment, Berwald emerges as a brilliant mind for the first time. Contributions by Bjorlin, Montgomery, Salonen and Jarvi are not to be denied, but Ehrling has just that much extra zest and intellect in him to get the best of Berwald for us.

Average customer rating:

Berwald: Symphonies and Overtures Manufacturer: Hyperion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000300O Release Date: 1996-03-11

Tracks:

1. Estrella de Soria (1841): Overture
2. Sinfonie Singuliere (Symphony No 3 In C Major, 1845): Allegro fuocoso
3. Sinfonie Singuliere (Symphony No 3 In C Major, 1845): Adagio
4. Sinfonie Singuliere (Symphony No 3 In C Major, 1845): Finale. Presto
5. The Queen Of Golconda, 1864: Overture
6. Sinfonie Capricieuse (Symphony No 2 In D Major, 1842): Allegro
7. Sinfonie Capricieuse (Symphony No 2 In D Major, 1842): Andante
8. Sinfonie Capricieuse (Symphony No 2 In D Major, 1842): Finale. Allegro assai

Tracks:

1. Symphony In A Major: Symphony In A Major (Fragment, 1820)
2. Sinfonie Serieuse (Symphony No 1 In G Minor, 1842): Allegro con energia
3. Sinfonie Serieuse (Symphony No 1 In G Minor, 1842): Adagio maestoso
4. Sinfonie Serieuse (Symphony No 1 In G Minor, 1842): Stretto
5. Sinfonie Serieuse (Symphony No 1 In G Minor, 1842): Finale. Adagio - Allegro molto
6. Symphony No 4 In E Flat Major ('Sinfonie naive', 1845): Allegro risoluto
7. Symphony No 4 In E Flat Major ('Sinfonie naive', 1845): Adagio
8. Symphony No 4 In E Flat Major ('Sinfonie naive', 1845): Scherzo. Allegro molto
9. Symphony No 4 In E Flat Major ('Sinfonie naive', 1845): Finale. Allegro vivace

Average customer rating: Taut, Well-Played Performances Terrific Symphonies

Schubert: Symphonie No. 4 "Tragische"'; Berwald Symphonien Nos. 3 "Singulière & 4 Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music ASIN: B000001H01 Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

1. Sinfonie singuliere No.3 In C Major: 1. Allegro Fuocoso
2. Sinfonie singuliere No.3 In C Major: 2. Adagio - Scherzo. Allegro assai - Adagio
3. Sinfonie singuliere No.3 In C Major: 3. Finale. Presto
4. Sinfonie No.4 In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro risoluto
5. Sinfonie No.4 In E Flat Major: 2. Adagio
6. Sinfonie No.4 In E Flat Major: 3. Scherzo. Allegro molto
7. Sinfonie No.4 In E Flat Major: 4. Finale. Allegro vivace
8. Symphonie No.4 In C Minor, 'Tragic': 1. Adagio Molto - Allegro vivace
9. Symphonie No.4 In C Minor, 'Tragic': 2. Andante
10. Symphonie No.4 In C Minor, 'Tragic': 3. Menuetto. Allegro vivace
11. Symphonie No.4 In C Minor, 'Tragic': 4. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Taut, Well-Played Performances.......2004-07-15

These are extremely taut, incisive and brilliantly played readings in clear mono sound (1955 in the Berwald and 1954 for the Schubert) that is actually an improvement over the original DG LPs. Markevitch displays a penchant for lean textures and swift tempos, and here and there I could wish for just a little more breathing room. Equally brilliant but more relaxed readings of the Berwald works can be heard from Sixten Ehrling in his set of all four symphonies on a BIS CD set, which I prefer over-all. The Schubert 4th offers few alternative choices outside of complete symphony sets. Markevitch's is executed with considerable virtuosity but, to my ears, it lacks some of the warmth found in the stereo London LP that featured Karl Munchinger and the Vienna Philharmonic (now available in a fine private CD transfer from Haydn House) and an old Kurt Redel account with the Czech Philharmonic (Supraphon) that remains in LP limbo.

Still, if your tastes are inclined toward a more chaste and propulsive view of these works, then Markevitch and the Berliners are an excellent choice. For tight, precise ensemble with a clear sense of direction, Markevitch's achievements here are truly remarkable.

Terrific Symphonies.......2000-07-28

This is a great coupling from DG originals. The Berlin Philharmonic, under the direction of Igor Markevitch, is in top form on the 3rd and 4th Symphonies by lesser known composer Franz Berwald. These are very unconventional, yet fully satisfying romantic works. Schubert's Symphony No. 4 is altogether more recognizable piece, and it is the perfect fit after the Berwald symphonies. The recordings are in mono (from 1955) but they are first rate. Finally, the CD logs in at almost 80 minutes, so you get a lot of value for your money.

Average customer rating: Solid performances of an underated composer

Berwald: 4 Symphonies; Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000JQID Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

1. Sinfonie sinfulie're: I. Allegro fuocoso
2. Sinfonie sinfulie're: II. Adagio
3. Sinfonie sinfulie're: III. Finale (Presto)
4. Sinfonie se'rieuse: I. Allegro con energia
5. Sinfonie se'rieuse: II. Allegro maestoso
6. Sinfonie se'rieuse: III. Stretto
7. Sinfonie se'rieuse: IV. Finale (Adagio-Allegro molto)
8. Elfenspiel

Tracks:

1. Estralla de Soria - Tragic Overture
2. Reminiscences from the Norwegian Mountains
3. Racing
4. Sinfonie capricieuse - I. Allegro
5. Sinfonie capricieuse - II. Andante
6. Sinfonie capricieuse - III. Finale (Allegro assai)
7. Symphony in E flat - I. Allegro risoluto
8. Symphony in E flat - II. Adagio
9. Symphony in E flat - III. Scherzo (Allegro molto)
10. Symphony in E flat - IV. Finale (Allegro vivace)

Customer Reviews:

Solid performances of an underated composer.......2000-07-06

Berwald was a complete original; you can't say that his music reminds you of any other composer:not Mozart, not Haydn, not Beethoven, nor any other classical composer. And yet his music is compelling and startlingly fresh. If you are unacquainted with him start with his masterpiece--the Sinfonie singuliere. And if his other Symphonies and orchestral works do not quite reach the exalted level of this masterwork they are nevertheless vital and extremely interesting works. Bjorlin and the Royal Philharmonic give fine performances and in this 2 CD set you get all four of his symphonies plus three other works.

Average customer rating: An unfair picture of the Great Oddball of the Century The Last of the "Great Conductors"

Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Sergiu Celibidache Carl Nielsen , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Johann Strauss II , Sergei Prokofiev , Franz Berwald , Piotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky , Hilding Rosenberg , Heinz Tiessen , Johann Strauss I , Danish National Symphony Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra , Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra , and London Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | 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 Nielsen | Nielsen, Carl | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Johann Strauss Sr. | Strauss Sr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Scandinavian Languages | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Artur Rodzinski Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Ataúlfo Argenta Great Conductors of the 20th Century: Hermann Scherchen Great Conductors of the 20th Century: George Szell Otto Klemperer ASIN: B000239ATM Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. Madkarade: Overture
2. I Allegro Fuocoso
3. II Adagio - Scherzo. Allegro Assai - Adagio
4. III Finale. Presto
5. I Allegro Vivace
6. II Andante Con Moto
7. III Con Moto Moderato
8. IV Saltarello. Presto
9. Marche
10. Danse Russe (Trepak)
11. Danse Chinoise
12. Danse Des Mirlitons

Tracks:

1. Marionetter: Overture
2. I Corspiel (Sturmische Winternacht Am Meer, Auf Der Einsamen Scholssterrasse)
3. II Ophelias Tod (Intermezzo Nach Dem 4. Akt)
4. III Totenmarsch (Schluss Des 5. Aktes)
5. I Allegro Con Brio
6. II Andante
7. III Menuetto - Trio
8. IV Allegro
9. I Allegro
10. II Larghetto
11. III Gavotta. Non Troppo Allegro
12. IV Finale. Molto Vivace
13. Die Fledermaus: Ouverture
14. Annen-Polka, Op.117
15. Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op.214
16. Radetsky-Marsch, Op.228

Customer Reviews:

An unfair picture of the Great Oddball of the Century.......2005-11-26

When I was in college in the mid-Sixties tales circulated about a mysterious great conductor who refused to make records and never traveled to the United States. In addition, it was said that Sergiu Celibidache had conducted the Berlin Phil. more htan 400 times after WW II (the Allies selected him because of his impeccable anti-Nazi past) but then disappeared overnight, never to conduct that orchestra again. As it happens, this was all true. Now that Celibidache is dead, his family has sanctioned dozens of live recordings, none from the studio, spanning his legendary career.

Alas, nothing even remotely intriguing is represented here. EMI choces, quqite unfairly, not to include any of its many Celibidache performances of Bruckner, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and other signature composers. Instead we have a batch of fair-to-middling mono recordings from the Berlin Phil. phase, all made before Karajan was appointed music director in 1954 and Celibidache stalked off in a huff, vowing never to make a commerical recording again.

The rest of this set is made up of oddments from Celibidache's sojourn among the provincial radio orchestras of Germany and Scandinavia. What we don't get is anything from his 15-year leadership of the Munich Phil, beginning in 1979 when he was already 67. By then he had developed his famous, quasi-mystical style of very, very slow tempos and breathlessly elongated phrasing.

So what's the point? I won't even bother to critique the performances here, since all are uncharacteristic. The best byy far are the four lively Johann Strauss selections at the end of CD 2, recorded in concert with the Danish Natl. Sym. Orch. in 1970. (One wonders why the compilers thought anyone would be interested in the selections from the unknown Hilding Rosenberg and Heinz Tiessen, or composers like Berwald and Nielsen, who were insignificant in this conductor's career.)

Amazon has been remiss in not lsiting the tracks, which are given by Tower Records as follows:

1. Maskarade, FS 39: Overture
Composer: Carl Nielsen (1865 - 1931)
Written: 1904-1906
Ensemble: Danish National Radio Symphony


2. Symphony no 3 in C major "Singuliere"
Composer: Franz Berwald (1796 - 1868)
Written: 1845
Ensemble: Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra


3. Symphony no 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian"
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847)
Written: 1833
Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra


4. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: no 2, March
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
Written: 1892
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra


5. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: no 4, Trepak
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
Written: 1892
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra


6. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: no 6, Chinese Dance
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
Written: 1892
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra


7. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: no 7, Dance of the Reeds
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
Written: 1892
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra


8. Marionettes: Overture
Composer: Hilding Rosenberg (1892 - 1985)
Written: 1939
Ensemble: Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

9. Hamlet Suite, Op. 30
Composer: Heinz Tiessen
Written: 1922
Ensemble: Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra


10. Symphony no 25 in G minor, K 183 (173dB)
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)
Written: 1773
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra


11. Symphony no 1 in D major, Op. 25 "Classical"
Composer: Sergei Prokofiev (1891 - 1953)
Written: 1916-1917
Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra


12. Die Fledermaus: Overture
Composer: Johann Strauss Jr. (1825 - 1899)
Written: 1874
Ensemble: Danish National Radio Symphony


13. Annen Polka, Op. 117
Composer: Johann Strauss Sr. (1804 - 1849)
Ensemble: Danish National Radio Symphony

14. Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214
Composer: Johann Strauss Jr. (1825 - 1899)
Ensemble: Danish National Radio Symphony


15. Radetzky March, Op. 228
Composer: Johann Strauss Sr. (1804 - 1849)
Ensemble: Danish National Radio Symphony

The Last of the "Great Conductors" .......2005-05-10

Those familiar with my reviews on Amazon know of my love for the "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" series. With a recent batch of six releases (Reiner, Toscanini, Furtwangler, Karajan, Kubelik and this title of Celibidache), the series now has a total of 40 volumes. And while the "Great Conductors" website claims that 60 releases will eventually be made, it is hard to imagine that this series is not concluding with these six big name conductors. What is also a shame is that while all of these releases boast "rare and previously unreleased material on CD," most of the last six sets have, inevitably I suppose because of these conductors' popularity, lots of material that has been readily available on disc for years.

Fortunately, I haven't collected Celibidache recordings as I have the other five so for once there is nothing on this title to duplicate my collection (amen!). Frankly, I have steered away from Celibidache not because I don't appreciate his art or his opinion that classical music is best heard in live settings and not via studio recordings on home stereos, but because I really don't know where to begin with the man. I am not the type of collector (nor do I ever hope to be) who has umpteen live performances of a given conductor on my shelves, and to really appreciate Celibidache, it seems that is who you would have to be. Personally, I find this quite ironic, since the conductor would most certainly frown upon the practice of listeners repeatedly analyzing past performances via recorded media, but alas what other choice is there after his passing in 1996.

I will not even begin to comment on the CD's live selections as I have no idea whether these represent the conductor's best efforts -- simply put they are enjoyable. But what I liked best of all were the selections capturing him in rare early studio performances -- 1948 accounts of Mozart's 25th Symphony, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Excerpts and Prokofiev's "Classical," and a Mendelssohn "Italian" from 1953. (It was in that same year that Celibidache made his very last studio recording -- the Brahms Violin Concerto with Ida Haendel, an amazing rendition thankfully available on CD from Testament.) I may be in the minority, but for me, these are the set's highlights. In all, the "Great Conductors of the 20th Century" has been a delightful, if not definitive series. Here's hoping that IMG/EMI do indeed stay with their original plans for 60 titles by releasing another 20 -- Bernstein, Davis, Dorati, Galliera, Haitink, Jochum, Kertesz, Kondrashin, Krips, Lehmann, Leinsdorf, Marriner, Martinon, Paray, Sargent, Sawallisch, Silvestri, Steinberg, Solti and Stock would all be deserving recipients.

Average customer rating:

Adagio 2 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berwald | Berwald, Franz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Fugues | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000014FI Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. Tpt Con in D: Adagio - Niklas Eklund
2. Adagio from Toccata, Adagio and Fugue, BWV 564 - Wolfgang Rubsam
3. Con in c, BWV 1060: Adagio - Bela Banfalvi/Emilia Csanky
4. Fl Con in G, K. 313: Adagio - Herbert Weissberg
5. Vc Con No. 2 in D: Adagio - Ludovit Kanta
6. Pno Con No.2 in d, Op.40 - Benjamin Frith
7. Str Qt in C D.956: Adagio - Ensemble Villa Musica
8. Sym No.4 in E Flat: Adagio - Helsingborg SO/Okko Kamu
9. Adagio of Spartacus and Phygia from Spartacus - St. Petersburg State SO/Andre Anichanov
10. Sym No.5: Adagietto - Polish National RSO/Antoni Wit

Track Listings:

1. From Cloister to Cluster
2. Gunter Bialas: From The Mattress Crypt
3. Hns Werner Henze: Voices
4. I Concerti "Live" di Maria Callas 2
5. Instead Of Caffeine
6. Joaquin Rodrigo: Music for Violin
7. Johann Kuhnau: Sonates Bibliques
8. Joyful Song & Gleeful Dance
9. La Dannazione Di Faust
10. La Société des Vents de Montréal

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Popular Music popular_music_58

Lord Berners: Ballet Music

Mill Valley Bunch

Genius of [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Oi! The Main Event/This Is Oi!

Micmac Dance Party, Vol. 7

New Christian: Make a Joyful Noise

Jacob Klein: Sechs Sonaten für zwei Violoncelli, Op. 2

Lounge Legends [Import]

La Moda

Live Jam [Live]

People Why We Fighting? [Import]

Make Them Like It [Import]

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)

Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child