Rhapsody in Blue

1. Rhapsody in Blue for piano & orchestra (orchestral version by F. Grofé)
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Gwenneth Pryor
Conducted by Richard Williams

2. Concerto in F, for piano & orchestra
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Gwenneth Pryor
Conducted by Richard Williams

3. An American in Paris, tone poem for orchestra
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Gwenneth Pryor
Conducted by Richard Williams

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue
An American in Paris

Customer Reviews:

Gershwin/Bernstein: Rhapsody In Blue and American In Paris.......2007-01-16

In my opinion you just can't go wrong with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. I have many of their recordings in addition to many recordings of other orchestras; some great, some not so much...but the New York Phil is cosistently great. This recording is a superb example of Gershwin's writing, thoughtfully reproduced by a fine orchestra. Both the brashness of the pieces and the subtleties are interpreted well by Mr. Bernstein and the orchestra. The soloists are nothing other than excellent. The brass section is easily as strong as the Chicago symphony's famous section, and the strings intonation is superb. The pathos and the humor of both pieces are readily projected by this sensitive orchestra and conductor. I couldn't recommend this recording higher!

A glorious tribute!.......2006-11-22

To play Gershwin accurately demands from the player, the absolute domain of an invisible taste, unsaid in the score. Few pianists (and Bernstein is among them) were able to convey the listener, this savoir vivre, humor, elegance, that idiomatic atmosphere that plainly justifies your effort.

To my mind, there just have been five pianists who have surmounted this peak: Oscar Levant, Jesus Maria Sanroma, Eugene List, Earl Wild and Leonard Bernstein.

So, under any pretext you should miss this invaluable musical gem.

A Truly Great Performance.......2006-08-19

I originally found this record in a used record store and purchased it for $1. This was not too long ago. After listening, i could not believe that this record only cost me $1 and that some idiot actually sold this to a used record store without listening first. I have never heard a performace of Rhapsody In Blue that is as powerful and heartfelt as this one. Bernstain melts into the piano, resulting in a performance that outshines so many Gershwin performances that exist. On the other side of the record is An American In Paris, a textbook tone poem, and i mean this as a great compliment. The images of Paris and a partially homesick/partially jubilant American strolling along exude from every note. When i found these great performances on CD, i snatched up a copy as quickly as i could. GET THIS RECORD. It is truly a Great Performance.

GLORIOUS!.......2006-07-21

This review refers to "Great Performances: Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue/An American In Paris"(CD)

Well, how can you go wrong when Leonard Bernstein, with the help of the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, conducts(and performs brilliantly on piano)these two George Gershwin greats.You just can't. Even the quality of the CD is excellent.

Rhapsody will carry you away to some other place for a while. From that very first bluesy note, Bernstein and Orchestra will have you wrapped up in all it's jazzy glory. It's music that defines the word greatness and it's THE song I would pick (if I could only pick one) that exemplifies the masterfulness of American composers.

An American In Paris is wonderful. The feeling of a tourist on the loose in Paris is expertly portrayed through this recording. The highs, the lows and all the delights. I felt a part of it all(and I'm a long way from Paris!)

Now, if you have read any of my other CD reviews, you know that right about here is where I complain ,and sometimes even take a star off of my rating, when a CD is too short(considering how easy it is to get music elsewhere these days). But I have to say, even though the total time on this CD is only about 35 minutes, what a glorious 35 minutes it is.
Rhapsody a wonderful 16:26 and American In Paris a Yummy 18:22.
It's music that never gets old. It stands the test of time, and many repeated playings.

So you may want to keep a copy of this in your car. A great way to start your day. Listen on the way to work, and you'll have that "what? me worry?" attitude. Also fabulous for destressing on the way home from a long days work.It just seems to make everything okay.

As I said the CD has a nice quality. It also has a booklet with some notes on how Gershwin came to compose these songs.

Gershwin performed by Bernstein..it was meant to be!
Enjoy it...Laurie

The Definitive Version and Good Sound Quality!.......2006-06-06

This ADD recording has surprisingly good sound quality for an older recording that hasn't been remastered. The performance by Bernstein and both the Columbia Symphonic and the NY Philharmonic on the pieces is simply breathtaking. You'd be hard pressed to find better interpretations of these Gershwin masterpieces. The only problem with this album is that it's very short and although would have been the perfect length on an lp or cassette as it was originally, it seems to be a waste of cd space here. Sony should probably remaster this and add some tracks like perhaps "Porgy and Bess" to make it a better value proposition. I hope they re-release a remastered version on mini-lp sleeve replica packaging too.

Gershwin: Piano Cto in F/Rhapsody in Blue in C (Hybr)

Average customer rating:

fun, satisfying listening
Waited 50 years for this version
Blew me away: incredible fluidity

Gershwin: Piano Cto in F/Rhapsody in Blue in C (Hybr)

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000NY164W
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

I Allegro
II Adagio
III Allegro Agitato
Rhapsody In Blue
Cuban Overture

Amazon.com

Jon Nakamatsu won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997 and has made several fine recordings since then. This all-Gershwin program is probably his finest. He plays the Piano Concerto with great rhythmic sass, the Charleston always underpinning the melodies. Rather than opt for a showy reading of this or the Rhapsody in Blue, he and conductor Jeff Tyzik emphasize the music's sultry quality; the smoke-filled nightclub is there right alongside the concert hall at all times. The clarinet solo that opens the Rhapsody is stunningly evocative. Nakamatsu and the horn player duet with a keen jazz ear, and the solo piano work is songful and elegant. If you're looking for fireworks, there are plenty in the Concerto's finale - it's a thrilling reading. The Cuban Overture, a work so familiar that it's hard to look forward to, is given a terrific reading here by Tyzik and The Rochester Philharmonic, with the Latin percussion sounding wonderfully at home with the "regular" orchestra. This is a splendid release. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

fun, satisfying listening.......2007-06-15

Jon Nakamatsu is one of the brightest rising stars in classical music. As a classical label owner, I have listened to a lot of music and this pianist is at the top. These fabulous pieces are treated with Nakamatsu's usual tenderness and lyricism that he affords his Chopin and Brahms CDs, and still leaves room for the jaunty, sassy, fun that these compositions ask for. Leave a space on your Favorites list for this one!

Waited 50 years for this version.......2007-06-01

This is a simply incredible album. It is the Rhapsody in Blue to add to your collection for both excellent sound quality & superb performance. Both soloist & orchestra are completely inspired. I've heard several competent but dutiful versions on disc, but this one soars. Heard it on HD radio & could not wait to own it.

Blew me away: incredible fluidity.......2007-05-12

I had the privilege of hearing Jon Nakamatsu perform a Beethoven Concerto recently and as a result, purchased this CD, loving Gershwin. I have several other versions of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and this interpretation is the best for me. The fluid lines of play warm my heart. The humor found in the piece comes through with playful notes making me smile. The other pieces are similarly enjoyably performed. I just went on line to purchase all the rest of his albums, I liked this one so much. I can't wait until they arrive!

Rhapsody in Blue - Ultimate Piano Collection [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Ultimate music for every time of day and every mood
Would give 5 stars if sound quality where better
Great collection for a great price
20 Fabulous Discs

Rhapsody in Blue - Ultimate Piano Collection [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00012QLSW
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante ... - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegretto - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble

Tracks:

Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Andante Grazioso: Thema/Variation 1 - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Menuetto - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Alla Turca (Allegretto) - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Adagio - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro Assai - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegro Moderato - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Andante Cantabile - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegretto - Margarete Babinsky
12 Variations K.265: Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman: Theme/Variation ... - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Larghetto - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Rondo - Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Allegro Moderato - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Adagio Cantabile - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Rondo - Presto - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Con Spirito - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio E Cantabile - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Presto - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Overture Coriolan Op.62 - Dresdner Philharmonic
Overture Leonore No.2, Op.72 - Dresdner Philharmonic

Tracks:

Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Grave - Allegro - Di Molto E ... - Istvan Szekely
Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Adagio Cantabile - Istvan Szekely
Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Rondo - Allegro - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Adagio Sostenuto - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Allegretto - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Presto Agitato - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Assai - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Andante Con Moto - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Presto - Istvan Szekely
Rondo a Capriccio Op.129: Die Wut er Den Verlorenen - Jennd

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Allegro Maestoso - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Romanze. Larghetto - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Rondo. Vivace - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Maestoso - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Larghetto - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Allegro Vivace - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Grave - Doppio Movimento [Liv - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Scherzo [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Marche Fune. Lento [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Finale. Presto [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Allegro Maestoso [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Molto Vivace [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Largo [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Presto Ma Non Tanto [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 1 in a Minor [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 2 in a Flat [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 3 in F Sharp [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch

Tracks:

Nocturne in B Major Op.9, No. 3 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Etude in G Flat Major Op.10, No. 5 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Etude in B Minor Op.25, No. 1 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor Op. 20 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Scherzo No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op. 31 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Waltz No. 1 in E Flat Major Op. 18 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 1 in G Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 2 in C Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 3 in a Flat Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 4 in B Flat Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 1 in C Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 2 in B Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 3 in D Flat Major [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 4 in C Sharp Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic

Tracks:

Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Affettuoso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Intermezzo. Andantino Grazioso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Vivace - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Introduction and Allegro Appassionato Op.92 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Concerto Allegro With Introduction Op.134 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman

Tracks:

Rustle of Spring Op.32, No.6 - Jennd
Novelette in F Major Op.21, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: E Major Op.19, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: F Sharp Minor Op.30, No.6 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: Duetto in F Major Op.38, No.6 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: G Major Op.62, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: Spring Song in a Major Op.62, No.6 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Major, Op.76, No.6 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Minor Op.76, No.7 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Major Op.118, No.2 - Jennd
Intermezzo in E Flat Minor Op.118, No.6 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Arietta Op.12, No.1 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Folkevise Op.12, No.5 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Butterfly Op.43, No.1 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: To Spring Op.43, No.6 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Notturno Op.54, No.4 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Bryllupsdag Pa Troldhaugen Op.65, No.6 - Jennd
Saisons Op.37b, No. 6 Juin Barcarolle - Jennd
Chant Sans Paroles: Souvenir de Hapsal Op.2, No.3 - Jennd
Melody in F Op.3, No.1 - Jennd
Humoresque in G Flat Major Op.101, No.7 - Jennd

Tracks:

Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Theme: Andante - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 1 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 2 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 3 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 4 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 5 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Pito - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 1 in C Major - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 2 in a Flat Major - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 6 in F Minor - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 1 in C Minor - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 3 in G Flat Major - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 4 in a Flat Major - Jennd

Tracks:

Sonata in a Major D.959: Allegro - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Andantino - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Rondo: Allegretto - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Molto Moderato - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Andante Sostenuto - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Michael Endres

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Adagio - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto E ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Non Troppo - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Appassionato - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Andante - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Giocoso - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Adagio ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Agitato ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Moderato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Deciso - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Marziale, Un ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Animato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Fantasy on Hungarian Folk-Tunes - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Polonaise Brillante (After Weber) - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Fantasy on Weber's FreischVilmos Fischer

Tracks:

Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus. Sempre Vivo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Commodo Assai E Con ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Il Vechhio Castello (The Old Castle) . ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Non Tanto, Pesamente
Pictures at an Exhibition: Tuileries. Allegretto Non Troppo, ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo. Sempre Moderato, Pesante
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Tranquillo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells. ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges. Le MarchThe Market Place) . ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombae. Sepulcrum Romanum. Largo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua. Adante ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowls' Legs - Baba-Yaga. Allegro
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate of Kiev - Allegro Alla ...
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in E Flat Major. Andante Moderato
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in B Flat Minor. Andante Non ...
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in C Sharp Minor. Andante Con ...
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 1 Intermezzo in a Minor (Allegro Non Assai)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 2 Intermezzo in a Major (Andante Teneramente)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 3 Ballad in G Minor (Allegro Energico)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 4 Intermezzo in F Minor (Andante - Allegretto
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 5 Romance in F Major (Andante - ...)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 6 Intermezzo in E Flat Minor (Andante, ...)

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Moderato - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Adagio ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Largo - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov

Tracks:

Prde Op.3, No.2 - Margarete Babinsky
Mdie Op.3, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
Polichinelle Op.3, No.4 - Margarete Babinsky
Moment Musical Op.16, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
Moment Musical Op.16, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op.42 - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Prde Op.23, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio. Andante Con Moto - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Agitato - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
American in Paris - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart

Album Description

This amazing 20-CD set truly is the ultimate piano collection! With over 20 hours of the greatest piano classics, from Mozart's priceless Piano Concertos and Sonatas to Gershwin's legendary Rhapsody in Blue, this set is a must have for everyone's collection. So sit back, relax and drift away on the beautiful melodic waves of classical piano at its very best.

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate music for every time of day and every mood.......2007-07-03

With 20 CDs in the collection, we have classical music for every mood and atime of day.

Would give 5 stars if sound quality where better.......2007-06-30

This Classical collection is one of great length and breadth ,and is well worth purchasing ,if you want an abundance of music at a low price.The sound quality is decent,however it is not great.This set will not provide you with the crisp,clear sound quality of a RCA,CBS or other well known label,so some classical aficionados may not appreciate it much.It all depends on what your looking for ,I guess.

Great collection for a great price.......2007-06-27

I did not expect much in buying this collection, but I was greatly surpeised. There were no reviews of the product at the time, and I bought the collection simply as a sampler of many great piano pieces. Most of the recordings are exquisite and of decent recording quality. This collection was well worth the price.

20 Fabulous Discs.......2007-06-08

I am surprised that this set has been out for 4 years and nobody reviewed it here yet. This is a lovely and occasionally amazing compilation. I was moved by many of the compositions. I really enhanced my classical music collection with this set. You have so many legends here to enjoy, from Bach to Brahms, Mozart to Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Gershwin, and more. If you love classical piano music and don't already have most of these works then this is a must buy for you. The price may go up, but I was fortunate to cash in on the $17.97 price. Quite a bargain for 20 fabulous discs.

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Average customer rating:

Waste of money
Great Music Compilation
If you like classical music don't buy this CD.
A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music
A great compilation

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

Manufacturer: Utv Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
25 Classical Favorites
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II

ASIN: B00004GOZA
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Adagio In G Minor
Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
Celebrated Minuet
Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
Cradle Song
'Minute' Waltz
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
Largo
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Liebestraum
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
Canon In D
Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
Turandot: Nessun dorma
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
Bolero - Conclusion
The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
William Tell Overture - Finale
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Gymnopedie No. 3
Ave Maria
Blue Danube Waltz
Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
Firebird Suite - Finale
1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Average customer rating:

25 Piano Favorites
Good for the price.....
Wonderful relaxing and soothing music
The Sound Quality Really Bugs Me
Good Disc for the Price

25 Piano Favorites

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

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Piano Favorites
The World's Favorite Piano Music
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
Symphony (25) Favorites

ASIN: B0000058I3
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Minor (Introduction)
Brahms: Rhapsody In G Minor Op. 79, No. 2
Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 15 In C (I. Allegro)
Schubert: Moment Musical No. 2
Dvorak: Humoresque No. 7
Debussy: Prelude 'La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin'
Grieg: 'Butterfly' From Lyrical Pieces
Chopin: Etude In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 12 'Revolutionary'
Scarlatti: Sonata In E
Debussy: Clair De Lune
Rubenstein: Melody In F
Rachmaninoff: Prelude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 3 No. 2
Paderewski: Menuett
Chopin: 'Military' Polonaise
Liszt: Liebestraum
Chopin: Etude In E, Op. 10 No. 3 'Tristesse'
Scriabin: Etude, Op. 8 No. 12
Beethoven: Minuet In G
Mozart: Sonata No. 11 In A 'Rondo All Turca'
Debussy: Rrie
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini (Variation No. 18)
Schumann: From Kinderszenen (1. Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen)
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor (II. Romance)
Chopin: Waltz In D-flat, Op. 64 No. 1 'Minute Waltz'
Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

25 Piano Favorites.......2007-01-09

This is my favorite classical CD since it is geared to a wide audience. Many of my friends and acquaintances enjoy it, too.

Good for the price............2005-11-30

I listen to this CD while reading or when I need inspiration to play the piano. There are many classic pieces here that will have many recognizable sections to the non classical music fans. The sound quality is not amazing but the essence and technical difficulty of these pieces can still be heard. Most of the songs are under 5 mins and there is a mix of faster and slower tempos.

This is a bargain bin CD that you usually see at Fry's Electronics. There are more detailed and comprehensive collections out there but for 5 bucks this isn't bad and you basically get what you expect. There are much better classical CD's out there of course but for a beginner compilation album, this one has a great price.

Wonderful relaxing and soothing music.......2005-09-02

This cd of piano classics has become one of my favorites. Since I am a full-time student and work out of my home the music relaxes me during times of rest.

The Sound Quality Really Bugs Me.......2004-08-26

This is a good intro CD to famous piano pieces. However, the sound quality is really *poor*. Of course, what do you expect for the price? I'm sure there are better Piano Sample CDs out there that sound much better. It's worth the extra money, trust me.

Good Disc for the Price.......2004-01-19

A good compilation of excerpts from the rich and vast piano repertoire. Sure they are merely excerpts and are meant to just introduce the piano to someone unfamiliar with the instrument or classical music, but that doesn't mean that an experienced person can't just pop it into the CD player and enjoy.

While there's no classic recordings here or big names, most of the tracks are well played and acceptable in sound quality. There are some interesting pieces here that are unfamiliar to most, such as the Dvorak Humoresque or the Paderewski Minuet, as well as classics such as the Debussy Clair de Lune or the Mozart Concerto.

Tracks:

Sweet And Lowdown
Novelette In Fourths
That Certain Feeling
So Am I
Rhapsody In Blue
Swanee
When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em...
Kickin' The Clouds Away
Idol Dreams
On My Mind The Whole Night Long
Scandal Walk
An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully American.......2007-05-14

I've had a copy of this CD for years and love it. The power and optimism of the music is really quite remarkable... regardless of who or what is actually playing here. The arrangement of Swanee is light but rich with major chord trains like you just want to go marching around the room. And American In Paris leads you on a swaying, dischordy journey the deeper you go, as the narrative begins to trade delicacy for passion. (and I love renditions where you can hear the MUSIC and the instruments don't get in the way, like four-voice midi versions of Bach which reveal the eloquence).

When I listen to this CD now, and which is most surpring to me, I hear a profound pride in America - back "before." I play it when I have people over and we put burgers on the grill. This CD is the song of sitting in my back yard with the clouds blowing by and for the moment things feel OK.

"Before" - OK, there is no old perfect Amercia; but I'm thinking of the time before we learned to distill petroleum into toxic pollution, before pride meant vanity and thuggery, before hate-filled invective became public amusement, and before presidents went to war because it was good for business.

A Gersh-winner.......2007-01-07

George Gershwin had a long association with the mechanical device known as the player piano. At the age of ten, Gershwin used a neighbor's pianola to teach himself how to play, by very slowly pumping the foot pedal that advanced the hole-punched rolls, and placing his fingers on the depressed keys. His parents were so impressed by his abilities they enrolled the boy in formal piano studies when he turned 13. Thus, an American genius was born.

The existing films of Gershwin (who died of a brain tumor at age 38 in 1937) show him to be a virtuoso at his instrument. His 1924 acoustic recording of Rhapsody In Blue (with the Paul Whiteman orchestra) is further evidence of this. But no film or recording has what is contained within the album GERSHWIN PLAYS GERSHWIN: THE PIANO ROLLS, and that is-- full fidelity range.

The CD comes in a standard jewel case packaged in a heavy paper slipcover. Biographical liner notes are included along with details on the rolls. The earliest performance in this set is from 1916, made when Gershwin was an 18-year-old song plugger. My favorites here are "Swanee," from 1920, and "An American In Paris," from 1933, which is undoubtedly one of the last significant piano rolls ever made.

Gershwin's dynamic performances are not in the least obscured by the few extra notes added to the piano rolls (such practice was standard in those days). Listening to these recordings is like sitting next to this brilliant man, observing his fingers fly over the keys as he plays some of his best work.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 60:36

Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter.......2006-05-14

Composers are not necessarily the best performers of their own work. A songwriter's songwriter like Jules Shear or Jimmy Webb comes to mind -- surely the best representations of their songs are on other artist's albums.

This album is charming in its own way -- a taste of the music and performance style of a bygone era. Someone complained that these rolls were edited. So what? I'm going to review the final product, now how it was made. Do you eat sausage? Ask not what's in it!

I like to listen to this CD in short bits -- a few songs at a time. For some reason I find it to be fatiguing if I listen for more than 20 minutes or so. I'm not absolutely sure why this is so. Possibly the meter is just a little too metronomic on many of the songs. This lends a "mechanical" quality to the performances.

Additionally, I felt that the dynamic range was restricted. The music does get louder and softer, because of the piano rolls themselves and because of the computer programming used to read the piano rolls -- the dynamics were deliberately adjusted by the record producers in some spots, if I read the liner notes correctly. And yet. And yet. Still these songs do not dynamically "breathe" fully in and out the way they ought to. I find this disappointing, but I think it has something to do with inherent limitations in piano roll recording technique. I'm guessing.

Taken for what it is, it is an interesting concept, and the sound quality is very pleasant. The performances are very good for piano rolls, but fall short of what a good interpreter could do. Take, for example, the Rhapsody in Blue from Woody Allen's Manhattan soundtrack. Listen specifically to the piano part -- the dynamics and variations in rhythm. This is not by any means the best performance of Rhapsody, but it is better than the Gershwin rolls.

Gershwin's playing overated.......2006-04-09

After I heard this cd I bought Gershwin plays Gershwin on the naxos label which arn't piano rolls. Any pianist can tell that many of these rolls are heavily edited and can't be played by a pianists with two hands. On the naxos album that has some of these same songs Gershwin's actual playing doesn't sound very good. Many of Gershwins contempories such as James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake, Luckey Roberts and even Zez Confrey were much better pianists than he was, however they didn't have his melodic gifts as a composer. I would recommend Artis Whodhouse's
transcriptions of Jelly Roll Morton's piano rolls (on the same label) instead because most of those are exactly how he played them and in my opinion Morton was a better musician in every way than Gershwin.

The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!.......2006-02-23

I got this CD as a gift. I am all for the austrogerman post- romantic music and as imagined Gershwin is not my favourite composer. I know him from his best known works such as the 'Rhapsody", the 'American' and his great songs. This CD is a treasure as mentioned from other reviewers of this site. Gershwin full of passion, his music being jazzy to the very end and that great feeling you get after a great live performance is present all over the length of this 'treasure'. No question about the presence of the music. Not to be missed

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue/Cuban Overture/Porgy and Bess Suite/An American in Paris

Average customer rating:

As good as any Rhapsody
Good intro to Gershwin - Great gift
Outstanding performance and sound engineering
The Finest Recordings of These Four Selections
Gershewin is the Master of Mixing Jazz and Big Band

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue/Cuban Overture/Porgy and Bess Suite/An American in Paris

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Levant Plays Gershwin
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Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
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Essential George Gershwin

ASIN: B000001GEK
Release Date: 1993-06-15

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue
Cuban Overture
'Porgy and Bess' Suite
An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

As good as any Rhapsody.......2006-11-11

I've also got Bernstein and Wild and this Rhapsody is as good as any of them. But the real reason to buy this recording is for the couplings--which are far better than the rest. The Cuban Overture absolutely ROCKS.

Everybody gives you "American in Paris" with the Rhapsody, but, come on, Porgy & Bess AND the Cuban Overture vs. Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite or the Piano Concerto in C? No contest!

Good intro to Gershwin - Great gift.......2006-08-05

Bought this CD for our 7-year-old daughter for her birthday. She loves it. Certainly didn't listen to it once and set it aside. She even takes it in the car.

In short, it's a nice performance of some of Gershwin's best work. Very enjoyable.

Outstanding performance and sound engineering.......2005-10-24

I am not a sound engineer but, clearly something was done outstandingly right in the production of this CD. I have listened to this CD on several different stereo systems with the same result: crystal clear sound that gives the impression that the instruments are right in front of you. I would add that I do not have an SACD version of this CD, nor an SACD player, nor a hi-end expensive stereo system. Nevertheless, the sound quality of this CD was noticeably superior to that of the recordings of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and American in Paris that I have with Bernstein and Ormandy conducting. Part of the superior sound quality of this recording is due to its being digital, whereas Bernstein and Ormandy were recorded in analog. However, I have hundreds of other CDs that were recorded digitally and comparatively few have a sound quality that is as fresh, sharp, and, simply put, as outstanding as the one on this CD.

In addition to the freshness and immediacy of the sound, the playing of both the orchestra and of Levine as the piano soloist in Rhapsody in Blue are the best that I have heard amongst my various recordings of this work. I had never heard James Levine as a pianist before, only as a conductor, and was very pleasantly surprised at the excellence of his performance. There is a real joyful dynamic energy on this CD, together with a quality that is not apparent on the other recordings I own of Rhapsody in Blue - a feeling of playfulness, and even humor. I got the distinct feeling as I listened to this CD (several times, and always with great pleasure) that the orchestra and conductor/pianist were thoroughly enjoying themselves. All of the selections on this CD radiate with outstanding musicianship coupled with tremendous energy and love of life. This is one of my desert island CDs. I give it my highest recommendation.

The Finest Recordings of These Four Selections.......2004-03-13

George Gershwin (1898-1937) first made a name for himself as the composer of one memorable popular song after another--songs that have proven remarkably durable and have entered our collective consciousness to become "great standards" by which others are judged. In 1924 he began to leap the gulf between "popular" and "serious" music, and between 1924 and his untimely death in 1937 he created a number of famous works--but although he is regarded as a genius today, it was not so at the time. For then as now, "serious" composers and critics were an insular group, and many considered his fusion of jazz, strong melodic lines, and symphonic treatments at best pretentious, at worst common.

In the wake of Gershwin's untimely death, many of his works underwent a facelift of sorts, with various composers reworking the material in an effort to give it more snob appeal: the original arrangements were touched up, retoned, and in general fiddled with--and today it is almost impossible to find a recording of a Gershwin piece recorded as originally written. But here Chicago Symphony conductor James Levine accomplishes the impossible, restoring four major Gershwin pieces to either original or near-original condition.

The great reason to purchase this CD is "Rhapsody in Blue," which will come as a revelation to listeners accustomed to hearing the piece awash in strings, for here it is returned to all the sharp edged, strident, and jazzy glory of the original 1924 Ferde Grafe arrangement for the Paul Whiteman orchestra. And it is stunning, clean, a true period jewel that is ultimately the definitive musical statement of the Deco era; hearing it performed in this stripped-down original version is akin to seeing a beautiful gemstone purged of a vulgar setting and restored to true brilliance.

Also notable are "Cuban Overture" and "Catfish Row," both of which are performed essentially as Gershwin created them. "Cuban Overture" has never been one of Gershwin's most popular concert pieces--but listening to it here one is hard pressed to know why; certainly less melodic than other Gershwin constructions for orchestra, it is nonetheless a magical thing that combines a sense of ocean and tropical flavors to tremendous effect. "Catfish Row," of course, is drawn from Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess"--but should not be confused with the various suites typically heard, for it was actually arranged by George Gershwin himself and offers a pleasing (and to my mind far superior) variation on these oft-heard themes.

Unfortunately, not all of the original arrangements survive. (Liner notes indicate that even "Cuban Overture" is slightly effected in this regard.) The arrangements for "An American in Paris" received an overhaul around 1947; the originals have been lost forever, and it is performed here very much as we are accustomed to hearing it. Still, Levine and company give it tremendous style and substance in execution, and without knowing what the original arrangements were like we would be hard pressed to fault them in the performance.

Whatever the case, when it comes to these four selections, and particularly so re the legendary "Rhapsody in Blue," this is the recording to have. Everything here is flawless--and very often unlike anything you've previously heard when approaching these works. Strongly recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Gershewin is the Master of Mixing Jazz and Big Band.......2001-12-26

Gershwin lived a short life but the pieces he made are marvelous. His fusion of jazz of big band creates a unique sound that is very pleasing. Listening to a Rhapsody in Blue, or An American in Paris always gives the feeling of a big bustling American city in its prime, full of rich color and glamour. Uneven, busy syncopated rythyms by the brass and percussion add the sense of the workaholic society of America during its time. It's the old timely sound to it all that makes Gershwin's so songs irresistable to the ear. Cuban Overture sounds equally robust and majestic, complete with native Cuban percussion, and the "Porgy and Bess" Suite, while operatic and huge in proportion, doesn't stray far from its jazz roots. The Chicago Symphony played the music with gusto and vigor, and James Levine thoughtfully interpreted each piece with the utmost care the way Gershwin had intended it. I highly recommend this piece to anyone with a fine taste in the big band, all-American sound. Of all the music I've heard, Gershwin's music sounds the most American of them all.

Average customer rating:

LEVANT AND GERSHWIN A GREAT COMBINATION
Levant Plays Gershwin
Look for the original vinyl
Old classics played by an old classic!
The most heavenly earthly music

Levant Plays Gershwin

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000026H0
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue
Second Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: I-Allegro
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: II-Andante Con Moto
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: III-Allegro Con Brio
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Prelude II: Andante Con Moto E Poco Rubato
Prelude III: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso

Customer Reviews:

LEVANT AND GERSHWIN A GREAT COMBINATION.......2007-05-13

KNOWING THAT LEVANT AND GERSHWIN WERE CLOSE FRIENDS, COMBINED WITH THE SPECIAL ARTISTRY OF LEVANT, PROVIDES MORE THAN ENOUGH REASON TO PURCHASE THIS CD. LEVANT'S INTERPRETATION OF GERSHIWIN'S MUSIC IS INDEED SPECIAL.

Levant Plays Gershwin.......2007-02-03

I have been in love with Levant's version of Rhasody In Blue for 50 years. Nobody does it better and this CD is excellent. I crank up the Bose and watch the pictures on the wall shake. Nobody does Gershwin better, not even Gershwin.

Look for the original vinyl .......2006-10-27

Columbia Masterworks engineers of the era captured Levant's faithful and arguably definitive Gershwin interpretations in a dry studio setting that enhanced the music's warmth and vitality. Unfortunately, the excessive digital reverberation added to this release compromises the dynamics and acoustic integrity of the original recordings and invariably, the music itself. I may be a lone voice in the wilderness, but I grieve for what this CD could have been.

Old classics played by an old classic!.......2006-08-07

Brings back memories from my childhood when I was a piano student studying Gershwin's serious works. Oscar Levant was Gershwin's best friend, so I figure his interpretation of Gershwin's compositions comes closer to George's own than anyone else's possibly could.

The most heavenly earthly music .......2006-05-24

Two excellent Amazon reviews , one by A. Burns, and another by Mr. Pardo tell more about this recording than I know. What I have to say is that the music of Gershwin , especially 'Rhapsody in Blue' has taken my mind and heart to a certain place that no other music does. There is a kind of inspiring sophistication, a kind of Manhattan glamour in the music which always moves this small- town soul. Levant is by all accounts one of the major interpreters of Gershwin and as Mr. Burns says by the end of the forties he was the 'representative of Gershwin on earth'.
This is the most heavenly earthly music imaginable.

Average customer rating:

FANTASTIC

Woody Allen Classics

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002923
Release Date: 1993-08-24

Amazon.com

The first classical music I remember hearing was on movie soundtracks--the animated cartoons of my childhood in which the characters would chase, trick, and bash each other to the tunes of Liszt's Hungarian rhapsodies and overtures by Rossini and Suppe. This music was used not because it was great, but because it was full of action and out of copyright--a lot cheaper (and probably better) than hiring a living composer. Woody Allen may have a nobler motivation in his decision to use classics on his soundtracks, and his selection of music, from Bach to Prokofiev, is more sophisticated. This superbly miscellaneous collection will be full of happy discoveries for many listeners. It may also help you to identify tunes that you hear in a movie and can't get out of your mind. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

FANTASTIC.......2000-02-26

ALL THE SONGS ARE GREAT ON THIS ALBUM ! WOODY HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB OF PICKING SOME OF THE BEST CLASSICAL SONGS EVER MADE !

Track Listings: