Symphonic Fantasy

1. Hearing Andersen, symphonic fantasy for orchestra, Op. 104
Composed by Ib Norholm
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Michael Schoenwandt

2. Shadow, orchestral suite, Op. 59 In the South
Composed by Ib Norholm
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Tamas Veto

3. Shadow, orchestral suite, Op. 59 The Poet and His Mouse
Composed by Ib Norholm
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Tamas Veto

4. Shadow, orchestral suite, Op. 59 Waltz of the Princess
Composed by Ib Norholm
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Tamas Veto

5. Shadow, orchestral suite, Op. 59 The Triumph of the Shadow
Composed by Ib Norholm
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Tamas Veto

6. Symphony No. 5 ("The Elements") Op. 80
Composed by Ib Norholm
Performed by Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Tamas Veto

Tracks:

Egmont Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major - Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor - Jerome Rose
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor - Jerome Rose
Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor - Jerome Rose
Symphony No. 6 In F Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7 In A Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'The Creatures Of Prometheus' Ballet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Violin Concerto In D Major - Susanne Lautenbacher
Sonata For Violin And Piano No. 5 In F Major - Aaron Rosand
Piano Trio In B Flat - Mannheimer Trio
Fse - Various Artists
Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Winds - Abbey Simon
'Chorale Fantasy' In C Minor For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra - Walter Klien
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat - Alfred Brendel
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major - Alfred Brendel
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat - Alfred Brendel
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'The Ruins Of Athens,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'Corolian,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ecossaise For Piano - Alfred Brendel
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Great for the road.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Beethoven 25 Favorites.......2006-11-21

Very good! I ordered it especially for Piano Sonata No. 8 Pathetique

25 Beethoven Favorites.......2006-11-05

Good overview of his works----an introduction into his depth as a composer

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC.......2005-11-03

[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself.......2005-05-19

This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony

Average customer rating:

An Odd Release But A Bargain Price for Excellent Performances
Great reading of these 2 works
Best or not, you'll really love this Rite of Spring
Totally convincing
The best Rite of Spring

Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony
Michael Tilson Thomas , and Seiji Ozawa
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta; Hungarian Sketches
Symphonie Fantastique
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture
Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO

ASIN: B00000I9MQ
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Petrouchka: Scene I - The Shrovetide Fair - Vivace - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Magic Trick - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Russian Dance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Scene II - Petrouchka's Cell - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Scene III - The Moor's Cell - L'istesso tempo - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of The Ballerina - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Waltz - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Scene IV - The Fair - Toward Evening - Tempo Giusto - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Wet Nurses' Dance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Peasant With Bear - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Gypsies And A Rake Vendor - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of The Coachmen - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Masqueraders - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Scuffle -Moor And Petrouchka- - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Death Of Petrouchka - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Appearance Of Petrouchka's Ghost - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Rite Of Spring: The Rite Of Spring -- Part I - The Adoration Of The Earth - Introduction - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Harbingers of Spring - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Mock Abduction - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Spring Khorovod - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Games Of The Rival Tribes - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Procession Of The Wise Elder - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Adoration Of the Earth ; Dance Of The Earth - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Part II - The Sacrifice - Introduction - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Mystic Circles Of The Young Girls - Seiji Ozawa
Glorification Of The Chosen Victim - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Summoning Of The Ancestors - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Ritual Of The Ancestors - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Sacrificial Dance - Seiji Ozawa
Fireworks: Fireworks, Op. 4 -Fantasy For Orchestra - Seiji Ozawa

Amazon.com

The Boston Symphony was at the peak of its powers when it engaged the 34-year-old Seiji Ozawa for this 1969 recording of Petrushka, in which the orchestra's then 24-year-old assistant conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas, played the extensive solo piano part. Ozawa, in those years, was capable of striking sparks with any orchestra he faced, and there is a palpable sense of excitement to the Petrushka he uncorks here. The accounts of The Rite of Spring and Fireworks, recorded in 1968 with the Chicago Symphony, are equally dynamic and colorful. BMG's long-awaited 24/96 remastering unleashes the breathtakingly open sound of the original tapes for the first time on CD, and may require a volume cut to preserve peace with the neighbors. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

An Odd Release But A Bargain Price for Excellent Performances.......2006-01-14

One wonders why this pairing of Seiji Ozawa and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Michael Tilson Thomas and the Boston Symphony Orchestra all under the spell of Stravinsky was issued. Not that the performances individually need reinforcement because they don't. Perhaps it is the long relationship between Tilson Thomas and Ozawa or their similar approaches to this repertoire that was the driver. Whatever the reason, here are recordings that are a treat.

Tilson Thomas elects the 1947 version of Petrushka and offers a clear-headed, rhythmically sound, exciting performance. The warm Boston sound is intact and enhances his overall mood of the work. Ozawa and the Chicago forces give an all stops out performance of 'Le Sacre du printemps', a performance that is about as visceral and pagan as any on record. And the bonus of the brief but effective 'Feu D'artifice' fantasy is given a robust reading.

There are many recordings of 'Le Sacre du printemps' in the recorded repertoire: obviously every conductor wants to imprint his mark on this masterpiece. The sonics are all-important when the work is recorded and in the case of this recording the sonics are excellent. But there may soon be a startling surprise for lovers of this mighty, historically important music. This week Esa-Pekka Salonen gave a resplendent, detailed, emotionally charged performance that was recorded live by DGG in the Disney Hall. And if the technicians are able to cope with the amazingly live clarity of the acoustics of this grand architectural triumph, the recording may be the gold standard immediately upon release. Salonen has previously and successfully recorded the work with the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1990. The growth in stature in the intervening years has never been more obvious that this current state of Salonen's Stravinsky. Watch for it! Grady Harp, January 06

Great reading of these 2 works.......2005-12-07

Both the Rite of Spring and Petrouska are very well rendered in this recording... Ozawa's reading is insightful and very clear... The recording quality is great... Highly recommend this recording...

Best or not, you'll really love this Rite of Spring.......2004-06-29

Being among my top favorite pieces in the 20th century (after all, this piece turned the view of classical music upside down), I have tested myself listening to various versions by different performers. As far as much as I listened, my top two will have to be Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic (the most brashing, bashin, mind-crushin'!!!) and this equally thrilling performance with Ozawa leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Officially, this is a major highlight throughout Ozawa's conducting legacy, still a very young man with seemly imperishable vigor and force very equilavent to his teacher Lenny. The Boston Symphony is an excellent orchestra to work with (the woodwinds and brass especially); otherwize the Chicago Symphony could have been the only other choice.

In my perspective, I had to admit that, just by focusing on the level of being barbaric and noxious, it slightly lacks that to Lenny, but on the other hand, it's brilliant controlled nail-biting high tempo can cover that.

Definitely worth buying!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!

Totally convincing.......2004-06-16

I have three recordings of "The Rite of Spring". I've known it in every detail since 1972 when I was 17 and I know the score inside out. This is the only performance (recorded or live) that I've ever heard that raised the hairs on the back of my neck, made me grip the seat and break out into a cold sweat, and ultimately made me understand what "The Rite" is all about. The recording does full justice to the performance. This is a "must have" for anyone who wants to understand the point of the work.

The best Rite of Spring.......2004-03-28

Ozawa's account of Stravinsky's most famous ballet is nothing short of astounding. The conductor has the Chicago Symphony playing with total attention. What is so amazing about this recording is that the orchestra is completely controlled and balanced. Although one may prefer a more spontaneous sounding Rite, one would be hard pressed to find a recording with more energy, polish, and power.

Ozawa's Petrouchka (with Michael Tilson Thomas at the piano) is equally amazing. The beauty of phrasing and emotion Ozawa instills into the players of the Boston Symphony orchestra is chilling. Indeed, when this recording was made, Ozawa had just taken the reigns or the orchestra (however, over the years, his energy and intensity has lessened) and they play for their new music director with total conviction.

Fireworks, a short symphonic sketch by the young Stravinsky, shows the influences of his teachers, especially Paul Dukas in the orchestration. Although not a seminal work, the opus 4 is delightful.

Tracks:

Overture
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
Dance Of The Flutes
Scene
Waltz
Dance of the Swans
Scene 2
Hungarian Dance
III. Scherzo
I. Adagio; Allegro Non Troppo
II. Allegro Con Grazia
III. Allegro Molto Vivace
II. Andante Cantabile
Capriccio Italien In A Major, Op. 45
Marche Slave In B Flat, Op. 31
June - Michael Ponti
II. Andantino Simplice - Felicja Blumental
Coronation March
Eugen Onegin: Waltz
Romeo & Juliet: Fantasy-Overture
Serenade For Strings: II. Waltz
Sleeping Beauty: Tempo Di Valse
String Quartet In D Major, Op. 11: Andante Cantabile
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35: III. Allegro Vivacissimo - Aaron Rosand
1812 Overture, Op. 49: Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

hmmmm.......2005-09-14

definitely not the best rendition of the popular suite.on the other hand,try finding another one.
stuff is edited,bludgeoned,rather.
tempos verge on comical.
rather disapointing,I really needed a nice version of the sugar plum faerie dance.
will probably stick to Wendy Carlos's,cheesy,runningly cheesy,blue cheese smelly,even,as it might be,still holds the original pace and campy pomp.

...not nuch of a cheese shop is it?
-it's fairly clean.
certainly not contaminated by Cleese!

Good Introduction but poor quality.......2005-09-12

This is a good introduction to Tchaikovsky for the beginner that gives a broad sampling of his work. Considering the price, it's a good value if someone is just wanting to begin exploring classical music or Tchaikovsky in particular.
However, the sound quality on this albumn is quite poor and there are much higher quality Tchaikovsky recordings available.

Tchaikovsky's Greatest Pieces of Music.......2000-09-04

Here are some of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky's greatest works. His Nutcraker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty ballets are the most famous in the repoirtaire. The Symphony No. 5 and 6 are very excellent symphonic orchestrations. However, despite all the good stuff in here from the Russian master, the performers and conductors cannot surpass the beauty and artistry that such Tchaikovsky music masters as Dorati, Markevitch and Ormandy are. So if you want quality Tchaikovsky, get those conductor renditions. However, for a Tchaikovsky beginner, these pieces will get you hooked. This is a good cd to begin with for a Tchaikovsky listener. I am a Tchaikovsky listener ever since a friend recommended his glorious works to me. I am a Mozart fan but Tchaikovsky is undoubtedly the greatest Romantic composer of all time. He combines Russian melodies (Russian dances, mazurkas, waltzes) and gives them a definite Western romantic feel. He was friends with such noted Romantic composers as Camille Saint Saens, known to create such marvelous music of the era- Carnival of the Animals (now popular through Dysney) and Danse Macabre, to name only a small portion. Tchaikovsky also adored Mozart and although he is not exactly a Classical composer, he greatly admires the beauty of Mozart's works. Three cheers for Tchaikovsky !

great music poorely performed........1999-09-18

T. is my favourite composer but the interpretation on this CD is rather like a good effort in high shool

Great!.......1999-04-18

I think that Peter Tchaikovsky is one of the greatest composers ever. His Nutcracker suite and Capriccio Italien are wonderful pieces of music, as well as the rest of his pieces! This CD is definetly worth owning if you like classical music.

Average customer rating:

Carnival of the Animals
Carnival...
This is a Carnival of Fun
Musical Playfulness at it's finest
Magnificent

Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classics for Kids

ASIN: B0000041QC
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Carnival Of The Animals: Introduction And Royal March Of The Lion
The Carnival Of The Animals: Hens And Cockerels
The Carnival Of The Animals: Wild Asses
The Carnival Of The Animals: Tortoises
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Elephant
The Carnival Of The Animals: Kangaroos
The Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
The Carnival Of The Animals: Persons With Long Ears
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Cuckoo In The Depths Of The Woods
The Carnival Of The Animals: Aviary
The Carnival Of The Animals: Pianists
The Carnival Of The Animals: Fossils
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
The Carnival Of The Animals: Finale
Phaeton, Op.39
Le Rouet d'Omphale, Op.31
Danse macabre, Op.40

Customer Reviews:

Carnival of the Animals.......2007-01-10

The music is beautiful. I used it for a music lesson for Kindergarten on how to interpret animals using music. It is also very soothing in the background for working.

Carnival..........2005-07-26

I found this disk to be "adequate." Other than The Swan, nothing really moved me. The swan rates five stars, the rest, four! You might like it more than I did...

This is a Carnival of Fun.......2005-06-29

I had been a fan of this recording when it was first released. While looking for the recording for my daughter, I fell upon this release.
Sensational! Who can't love the Romantics?

Musical Playfulness at it's finest.......2005-02-20

This CD is absolutely charming. The Carnival of the Animals is so full of different expressions- the majestic lion, the agonizingly slow tortoise, the free-flying birds, the dancing fossils, and the regal swan. Phaeton is amazing, as is le Rouet d'Omphale and the Danse Macabre. I wasn't into Saint-Saens before this CD, but now I'm hooked. For model romantic era music, buy this CD without delay :)

Magnificent.......2002-01-31

It's humourous, it's simple, it's great. Those three words best describe Carnvial of Animals. From the lovely and beautiful Aquarium and Aviary to the more serious, respectable March of the Royal Lion, this musical composistion goes everywhere and does everything in great strides. A must-have for any classical music fan

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

Average customer rating:

Great Performance
Great Analog Beethoven Cycle
An essential collection
The best value in classical music on CD at the moment...
Wonderful Performances

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore

ASIN: B00004YA0S
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II: Andante Molto Mosso
III: Allegro - In Tempo D'allegro - Tempo I
IV: Allegro
V: Allegretto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Vivace
IV: Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto
Gross Fuge

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Larghetto
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
IV: Allegro Molto
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Tempo I
III: Allegro -
IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II: Adagio
III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
II: Allegretto
III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
IV: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

I: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
II: Allegretto Scherzando
III: Tempo Di Menuetto
IV: Allegro Vivace
Overture
Overture
Overture
Overture

Tracks:

I: Allegro Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - Christa Ludwig
II: Molto Vivace - Presto - Christa Ludwig
III: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato - Christa Ludwig
IV: Presto - Recitativo - Allegro Assai - Alla Marcia - Christa Ludwig
Overture - Christa Ludwig

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Largo
III: Rondo: Allegro Scherzando
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Adagio
III: Rondo: Molto Allegro

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Largo
III: Rondo: Allegro
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

Fantasia For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra
I: Allegro
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso -
III: Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

Otto Klemperer's Beethoven is one of the towering achievements in the history of recordings. By today's standards, these performances are hopelessly old-fashioned: dark, heavy, and frequently very slow. But they are also the grandest, most unsentimental, most purposeful versions in the catalog. In addition, the relatively slow tempos (only in the fast movements--the slow ones are pretty swift) and forward wind balance permit more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with the entire piano concerto cycle thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Performance.......2007-07-07

There are many different ways to perform Beethoven and each one is valid.
If you like it fast - go to Toscanini or Norrington. If you prefer slow, powerful and majestic, this is your set. Towards the end of his distinguished career, the great Otto Klemperer set down his final views of the performance of these symphonnies. The set is a coherent whole and will give great pleasure for ever. The challenging mix of the young Barenboim and the aged Klemperer worked surprisingly well and thus the concertos may also be recommended. There are odd additional items which add to the pleasure. Finally do not forget to purchase his memorable set of 'Fidelio' to complete your traversal of a great conductor giving great performances of a composer that he loved. Finally the price is ridiculously low and provides quality and quantity at a great price. Thus you should be able to buy the opera set from the savings made!

Great Analog Beethoven Cycle.......2007-05-07

This Klemperer cycle is just one of a dozen or so GREAT analog Beethoven symphony cycles that were recorded during Analog's golden age starting about 1958. These cycles are easily a match for digital and they should still be around for another 1,000 years, if the Lord tarries. These sets include: Karajan (twice, early 60s and late 70s) Bohm, Krips, Jochum, Bruno Walter, Leinsdorf, Rene Leibowitz, Szell, Ormandy, Bernstein, Steinberg, and Solti. This morning I listened to the Klemperer recordings of Beethoven's symphonies 5, 6, & 7. Very enjoyable, I got my Beethoven RDA fix.

Of all these Analog sets, I most enjoy the Leibowitz Spring 1961 cycle with the Royal Philharmonic. I have this cycle on an audiophile early 90s European import Edition Phoenix label special pressing "on extra virgin vinyl." These are by far the best analog symphonic lps I have ever heard from a recording standpoint. BY FAR! And they will rock your house.

You can almost justify Karajan's 4 recorded Beethoven cycles and one video based upon improvements in recording technology. Thru Rhapsody, I have listened to his mid 50s cycle and the orchestra sounds great, but the recording quality is sub par compared to Analog's golden age. So the rational for 4 cycles would be, (1) recent great improvements in recording technology (early 60s), (2) it has been 15 years and he has grown as an artist (late 70s), (3) we now have digital! Let's do one of the first Beethoven digital cycles (80s).

Klemperer is a no-brainer. I do not have to think twice about plopping one of his lps onto my turntable or hitting the play button at Rhapsody. When the music starts, the listening pleasure begins. Don't miss his Bruckner symphony recordings!

An essential collection.......2007-04-25

How best to describe Otto Klemperer's perspective on Beethoven's symphonies: grand, heroic, intense, insightful, stubborn, obstinate, detailed, dramatic, monumental, granitic, deeply emotional, never sentimental. This boxed set of the complete symphonies and concerti embodies all of these elements as stands as one of the great achievements of recorded music.

These performances were recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra at its peak, in the sumptuous acoustics of Kingsway Hall in London and in fine and detailed sound, and mostly in the mid-1950's during one of the brief charmed periods of Klemperer's life. EMI's impresario Walter Legge had made him permanent conductor of the Philharmonia, and when Klemperer embarked on this project in his 70's, he was in relatively good mental and physical health (Klemperer could show symptoms of manic depression and survived many health crises - brain tumor, broken bones, paralysis - which would have stopped most people).

By this time Klemperer had slowed the tempi of the fast movements of the Beethoven symphonies (listen to his early 1950's recordings of the 5th and 6th on Vox to hear by how much). This tendency is more pronounced in these studio recordings than in the live performances which were recorded during that era. The slowness is mostly saved by Klemperer's use of "sprung" rhythms, which keep the slow tempi from feeling laggardly.

Klemperer's earliest recordings in this series - symphonies 3, 5 and 7 - predate stereo and were recorded in excellent monaural sound. He rerecorded all three of these symphonies in stereo, but those recordings were made after he burned himself by falling asleep while smoking in bed. All three performances feature slower tempi than the earlier ones (whether this was the conductor's preference or the result of physical incapacity is open to conjecture). In particular, the rerecorded 7th suffered from lax phrasing, inattentiveness and perverse tempi. That is NOT the version contained in this set: fortunately, EMI had simultaneously recorded the earlier version of the 7th in "experimental" stereo, and it is that earlier version which is released here (and in remarkably good stereo). The versions of the 3rd and 5th are the rerecorded stereo ones.

You will find no finer studio versions of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th or 8th. All are insightful, beautifully detailed and powerful. The 2nd clearly looks forward to the 3rd and not back toward Hayden, the 4th is boisterous and vital, the 6th bucolic and sumptuous (not a quality normally associated with Klemperer), the 7th gains in drama what it loses in swiftness and lightness, and in the 8th in particular we see the conductor's empathy to Beethoven's sense of humor. Klemperer had a deep affinity for the "Eroica", and the rerecorded version here, while slower than the 1955 recording, was dubbed by "High Fidelity"'s Harris Goldsmith (no Klemperer fan, he) as "the best Eroica going slow" and is a monumental masterpiece (the second movement is shattering). The 1st, while leisurely, is a lovingly crafted.

That leaves the 5th and 9th. There is no doubt in my mind that the earlier, mono 5th is superior to the remake in this set. We lose that sense of an inevitable onslaught, especially in the outer movements. And the 9th, while similar in conception to the live versions recorded around the same time (on Testament with the Philharmonia and on Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw), suffers from diffuse sound and occasional lack of focus. I emphasize that these recordings of both symphonies are still head and shoulders above most of the competition; we're talking about different levels of greatness here.

Are there superior Klemperer recordings of these symphonies? Yes; but all are live, and despite the relatively good reprocessed sound, they don't reveal the same level of detail that these studio recordings do. Klemperer was a very different conductor in front of an audience, and there is more vitality and drama in the live versions of the 3rd (Testament, with the Danish Symphony), 6th 7th and 8th (Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw) and the 9th (see above). Music&Arts' set of the complete symphonies, recorded live in Vienna in 1960, is long out of print and had cramped sound with poor detail - a supplement to this set, not a replacement.

As to the piano concerti: they are better than one might expect. Barenboim, although steeped in the Germanic performance tradition, is more naturally aligned with the Furtwangler and Edwin Fischer than with Klemperer. However, the two of them actually work together extremely well and this is a fine, insightful set.

Any complete cycle of Beethoven, symphonies or concerti, will have drawbacks. There will be unevenness in the performances, as there are here. But there are advantages to hearing one musician's perspective on the works, especially when (as here) the performer has depth of understanding, integrity of vision, and a structural understanding of the pieces.

The digital remastering is excellent and the sound barely shows its age. This may not be your only complete set of Beethoven's symphonies, but it should be one of them. And at a price this low, it's a bargain too.

The best value in classical music on CD at the moment..........2007-01-02

What is the best value in classical discs available today ? Who knows, but I defy anyone to beat the EMI compilation of Klemperer' recordings of the complete Beethoven Symphonies, Piano Concertos (with Barenboim), several overtures the Choral Fantasia etc etc. 9 discs for only $44 ( well that was the price I paid). You have got to be kidding... I only had two concerns with buying this. First on the age of the recordings, all more than 40 years old. No worry at all. This is a masterpiece of reconstruction. The sound quality indistinguishable from any modern recording. Secondly , the performances themselves. I had been warned that Klemperer notoriously chose rather slow tempi. Again I needn't have worried. I immediately went to the slow movements of the 2nd piano concerto and the fourth symphony, where many slow tempists have in the past come unstuck. The piano concerto was an absolute revelation. The combination of the youthful Barenboim and the Philharmonia's masterful playing time and gain had me on the edge of my seat. " Yes,go on, well...." Slow it may have been. Boring, never. The same applies in spades to the slow movement of the fourth. Right from the eerie opening, which is yes, very slow indeed, I knew this movement would be a revelation and I can honestly say I have never hear it better played. Follow this with a scherzo bounding in energy and thumping finale and you will never get a better performance of this, one of Beethoven's "lesser" symphonies. And I haven't even got round to the "biggies" yet! The box set looks unattractive and the portrait of Klemperer makes him appear a first class nerd. Pay absolutely no attention to this....

Wonderful Performances.......2006-04-07

I have admittedly not made it through the entire set as of yet, but feel sufficiently blown away by the First Symphony and the Eroica - particularly the second movement of the latter - to weigh in here. With respect to the tempo issue, I must - at least so far - argue in favor of Klemperer's decision to slow things down a bit. I think the effect is, as someone else has observed, a clearer and more visceral experience of Beethoven's composition. It brings out the feeling. The sound comes up a little short on the low end, but it isn't a major distraction. My only problem lies in EMI's inexplicable lack of any discussion of the performances. The notes are bland, dry descriptions of the pieces themselves, with some basic history thrown in. Given the fact that there are probably hundreds of different CDs of Beethoven's symphonies out there, all with similar explanatory notes, it is infuriating that nothing is said about these particular performances. This is in contrast with the EMI Bach set (with Yehudi Menuhin) in which there is a wonderful essay that discusses Menuhin's work in historical context.

Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics

Average customer rating:

Brings back old memories
Could be better
Surprised at how wonderful this is -- a huge hit!
Leonard Bernstein and Peter and the Wolf
Peter and the Wolf, Prokovief read by L. Bernstein

Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Children's Favorites
Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children
Classics for Kids
World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

ASIN: B0000027CN
Release Date: 1991-05-03

Tracks:

Peter and the Wolf
The Carnival Of The Animals: I - Introduction And Royal March Of The Lion
The Carnival Of The Animals: II - Hens And Cocks
The Carnival Of The Animals: III - Mules
The Carnival Of The Animals: IV - Tortoises
The Carnival Of The Animals: V - The Elephant
The Carnival Of The Animals: VI - Kangaroos
The Carnival Of The Animals: VII - Aquarium
The Carnival Of The Animals: VIII - Personages With Long Ears
The Carnival Of The Animals: IX - The Cuckoo In The Woods
The Carnival Of The Animals: X - Aviary
The Carnival Of The Animals: XI - Pianists
The Carnival Of The Animals: XII - Fossils
The Carnival Of The Animals: XIII - The Swan
The Carnival Of The Animals: XIV - Finale
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Allegro maestoso e largamente (Full Orchestra)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme B (Woodwinds)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme C (Brass)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme D (Strings)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme E (Percussion)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Theme F (Full Orchestra)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation A (Piccolo & Flutes)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation B: Lento (Oboes)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation C: Moderato (Clarinets)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation D: Allegro alla marcia (Bassoons)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation E: Brillante - alla polacca (Violins)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation F: Meno mosso (Violas)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation G (Cellos)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation H: Communinciando lento ma poco a poco accel. al Allegro (Double basses)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation I: Maestoso (Harp)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation J: L'istesso tempo (French Horns)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation K: Vivace (Trumpets)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation L: Allegro pomposo (Trombones & Tuba)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Variation M: Moderato (Percussion)
The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra (Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Purcell): Fugue: Allegro molto (Full Orchestra)

Customer Reviews:

Brings back old memories.......2007-05-13

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!! I remember listening to Peter and the Wolf as a child and loving it. Now that I have three kids of my own, I thought this would be a great purchase. My 5, 3, and 1 year olds love it. Plus if you are a parent who wants your kids to appreciate music, Peter and the Wolf (Leonard Bernstein's narration is the best), The Carnival Of The Animals, and the introduction to the orchestra will give them a goods start. For $6.97 you cannot beat the price, and it would be an affordable and memorable gift to give friends as they begin to raise their own little ones.

Could be better.......2007-03-29

I am a little dissappointed with Bernstein's narration of Peter and the Wolf. I prefer the Disney rendition with Sterling Holloway. Bernstein didn't seem to put much drama into it, he sounded distracted and it just plain fell flat. The music was fine, and he did much better with The Carnival of Animals.

Surprised at how wonderful this is -- a huge hit!.......2007-03-18

I bought this for "music appreciation" education for my 6 yr. old. I thought it would be challenging to get him, as well as my 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 yr. olds, to let me play it in the car. I also thought it would bore and/or irritate my husband -- so I was nervous a bit. Well, I was completely wrong. We all "love" it.

It is high quality and pleasant to the ears. We play it whenever we are in the car. The narratives in "Peter and the Wolf" and "Carnival of the Animals" are very engaging and hold their attention. At home, my 6 yr. old sits at the dinner table and recites the entire narrative (along with the appropriate tune representing the characters) of Peter and the Wolf -- complete with Bernstein's accent! Great memory/recitation exercise and he does it voluntarily. My two year old asks for it EVERY TIME we're in the car and many times my 1 1/2 yr. old is fussy until we turn it on, then she's as content as can be.

All the kids have picked out characters to "be" in Peter and the Wolf and have assigned them to Mom and Dad. It's a lot of fun. My 2 yr. old always calls out when the cat comes along, "That's me!!" and my 1 1/2 yr. old always says, "Correct!" just before Bernstein does. The littlest to the oldest listen intently and engage with the narrator.

The last piece is my personal favorite, as it introduces each instrument in the orchestra and how it all fits together, and the music is beautiful (the kids like the music too, but prefer "Peter..."). My 6 yr. old has learned a lot from the last piece without realizing it; when I explain instruments of music we hear elsewhere, he calmly informs me, "I know that, Mom."

This fascination with the CD has lasted a long time; we did not just start listening to it last week. I think that reflects on how enjoyable it is for the whole family. My husband has told me repeatedly how glad he is we bought this. It is also a good buy here on Amazon -- I paid several dollars more for it.

Leonard Bernstein and Peter and the Wolf.......2006-11-10

I listened to this recording as a child and now will pass it on to my child!

Peter and the Wolf, Prokovief read by L. Bernstein.......2006-02-25

Great! my granddaughter (age 3) loves it. She listens to it several times aday! We have drawn the characters on a card for her to follow the story. I will keep the Saint Saens (Carnival of the Animals) for later.

Average customer rating:

Children's Favorites a solid purchase
The perfect package
A Wonderful Introduction to the Classics

Children's Favorites

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

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Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Classics for Kids
Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children
Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics
World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

ASIN: B00004Y6T3
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Tracks:

March Of The Tin Soldiers - Leon Jessel
Variations On 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' - Walter Klien
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Reed Flutes - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Sorceror's Apprentice - Paul Dukas
Peter And The Wolf (Extract) - Brandon de Wilde
Invention No. 8 In F Major - Christiane Jaccottet
Invention No. 11 in G Minor - Christiane Jaccottet
Invention No. 13 in A Minor - Christiane Jaccottet
Prelude And Fugue No. 21 In B Flat Major (Book 1) - Christiane Jaccottet
Sonata For 2 Pianos In D Major, K. 448, 1st Mvt. - Rudolf Firkusny
III. Allegretto - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Of Strange Lands And People - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Curious Story - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Entreating Child - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Perfect Happiness - Walter Klien
Introduction And Royal March - Marylene Dosse
The Elephant - Marylene Dosse
Kangaroos - Marylene Dosse
The Aquarium - Marylene Dosse
Cuckoo In The Woods - Marylene Dosse
Birds - Marylene Dosse
Fossils - Marylene Dosse
The Swan - Marylene Dosse
Finale - Marylene Dosse

Customer Reviews:

Children's Favorites a solid purchase.......2006-03-09

This CD mostly delivered what was expected of it. The only critique I have is that some of the tempos could have been cleaner, and that it should be cross-referenced by the other composers besides J. S. Bach.

The perfect package.......2005-10-23

This is the most wonderful collection to have on 1 CD. Children from birth on up can benefit from this musical collage.
Songs from the "Nutcracker" are familiar and comfortable for many children. What child wouldn't love "March of the Tin Soldiers?"
Selections from Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" is a must in my creative movement library. Every child should be exposed to this music. Well,I believe every age should be.

A Wonderful Introduction to the Classics.......2003-03-11

With total playing time clocking in at 78:04 minutes of music, you'll be paying about 6-cents/minute, which is a better bargain than long distance phone calls, and often more rewarding!

This disc is far superior than most other "Classics for Kids"-type recordings I've sampled for a number of reasons:

1) This album was expertly engineered. The production quality on this disc is first-rate from start to finish with crisp, clear sound.

2) The pieces were expertly picked. There is wonderful sonic variety here, spanning hundreds of years of wonderful melodies. There are orchestral pieces, harpsichord pieces, solo piano, and a piano concerto, capped off with Saint-Seans whimsical Carnival of the Animals. What kid (or adult) wouldn't love that?

3) The performances are, without exeption, expert! The pieces were definately screened for quality as well as content. Many are simply a joy to behold. Walter Klein is a particular stand-out, almost giddily prancing through Schumann's pieces. Believe it or not, he sounds even more impressive when backed up by the always inspiring Minnesota Orchestra on Mozart's Piano Concerto #17.

Tracks:

Flute Concerto No. 1 In G
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A
Horn Concerto No. 4 In E-Flat
Symphony No. 31 In D: Symphony No. 31 In D - Andante
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B-Flat
Violin Concerto No. 4 In D
Wind Serenade No. 12 In C Minor - Andante: Wind Serenade No. 12 In C Minor
Concerto For Flute And Harp I - In C - Andatino
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B-Flat
Symphony No. 34 In C: Symphony No. 34 In C - Andante Di Molto
Fantasia In D Minor

Customer Reviews:

Good Music to Sleep By.......2007-06-08

Well, as far as music for meditation goes, I'm not so sure about this product for that purpose. When I meditate, I tend to need more monotonous sounds to do it by - however, this CD is GREAT for relaxation and sleeping. So I still give it 4 out of 5 stars even though I won't be using it for its stated purpose. Still well-worth the money.

Enjoyment.......2007-05-07

All the pieces are the perfect ones for the relaxation. As a collector I am impressed of the selections chosen for this album.

Best Music to Have on When You Work.......2007-01-22

When I am working and I need to block out sounds to concentrate on what I am doing, I always put on this CD. Besides the fact that it is easy to listen to, it doesn't distract me from my work, and I never get bored or tired of the music. I'm reluctant to purchase a similar album in the fear that it won't be as good as the Mozart Meditation.

Excellent for Massage!.......2006-04-06

I'm a licensed massage therapist, and I absolutely adore using this CD during my sessions! It's a great alternative to the new age-y music styles that are so pervasive in the relaxation music scene -- my clients find this CD soothing & relaxing, and not at all "weird". This music suports a "relaxed but focused" atmosphere -- it serves as excellent white noise in the lobby area, and I even use it at home as a soothing backdrop for reading/ sewing/ paperwork/ etc. Excellent arrangements & clarity -- DON'T MISS!

MOZART FOR MEDITATION.......2005-09-07

Excellent CD. Love to have it playing in the background of my daily schedule. Soothing. Gentle. Contemplative. HIghly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

A Whitman sampler of Mozart
shows some of Mozart's highlight pieces
Great Price
An excellent soundtrack and an excellent film!!
If You've Seen The Movie....

Amadeus: Original Soundtrack Recording

Manufacturer: Fantasy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Amadeus: More Music From The Original Soundtrack Of The Film Amadeus
Amadeus - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Immortal Beloved / Sir Georg Solti (film 1994)
Mozart: Requiem / McNair, Watkinson, Araiza, Lloyd; Marriner
Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces

ASIN: B000000XBT
Release Date: 1992-12-22

Tracks:

Symphony No.25 In G Minor, K.183: 1st Movemen
Stabat Mater: Quando Corpus Morietur And Amen
Bubak and Hungaricus
Serenade For Winds, K.361: 3rd Movement
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Turkish Finale
Symphony No.29 In A Major, K.201: 1st Movement: Allegro Moderato
Concerto For Two Pianos, K.365: 3rd Movement
Mass In C Minor, K.427: Kyrie
Symphonie Concertante, K.364: 1st Movement

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In E Flat Major, K.482: 3rd Movement - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Ivan Moravec
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act III: Ecco La Marcia - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act IV: Ah Tutti Contenti - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Don Giovanni: Act II: Commendatore Scene - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Felicity Lott
Requiem, K.626: Introitus (Eternal Rest Give To Them, O Lord) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Rex Tremandae Majestatis (Awe-Inspiring King) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Confutatis (When Those Cursed Enter Flames) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Lacrymosa (Mournful Day) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Piano Concerto In D Minor, K.466: 2nd Movement (Romanza) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Imogen Cooper

Customer Reviews:

A Whitman sampler of Mozart.......2007-05-02

Truth be told, classical music--like most other kinds--is best heard in the program context for which it was written. Yet any time you can get Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and Mozart in the same place at the same time, you can hardly *not* go for it.

Like the famous chocolate sampler, you get a few of each flavor but not all you want of your favorite kind.

How then to decide? Well, viewing the rollicking good movie AMADEUS tips the scales towards buying and enjoying this fabulous, if disordered, compilation of the Mozart greats that went into the making of a movie that forever dissed the composer's rep but also gained him some fans among non-classical-listening movie-goers.

For the price you also receive a superb liner booklet that locates each piece within the film's narrative and says a word or two about the music on its own merits.

A winner for Mozart lovers.

shows some of Mozart's highlight pieces.......2007-04-15

This CD to me pretty much has all of my favoirite songs that he has made, Especially the reqeium. A must listen to Cd that I think any classical music fan will enjoy, I sure did.

Great Price.......2006-03-02

Great price for the product. I am so glad I logged onto Amazon.com for things like this. It arrived faster than expected. I will definitely continue to buy more in the future.

An excellent soundtrack and an excellent film!!.......2005-05-23

Eventhough many kids in school listen to rap and all, I listen to classical. After watching Amadeus, I was moved by the pieces selected to be played in the film. I especially liked Symphony No. 29 1st Movement. Also, when Salieri is at the Archbishop of Salzburg's palace and reads Mozart's piece, Serenade for Winds, is among my favorites. In Serenade for Winds, Mozart creates a very emotional and almost night music feel to it. I was surprised that the director/conductor did not put in a few more famous pieces into the album . . . ex. Symphony No. 40, The Magic Flute, etc. This is an excellent album and anyone who wants to enjoy the genius of Mozart should purchase this. Take it from me, you will enjoy this album immesensely.

If You've Seen The Movie...........2004-06-13

Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart's nervy youthfullness went far beyond his personal life.His choice of music very much reflects
his own spirit.He chose to set to music Le Nozze Di Figaro (a
play largely blamed for starting the French Revolution) put him
somewhat at odds with Emperor Joseph.His tendency (very much in
attendance here) to compose opera's in German at a time when
Italian opera was at it's post popular also made him a bit of a musical rebel of his day.I don't listen to alot of classical music (but certainly I have favorites,notably by Eric Satie) but Mozart's many concereto's,acts of his opera's and so
on demonstrate the youthful composers gift for melody and yes,
even hints at improvisation that set 18'th century Vienna (and
later the world) on fire!And Peter Shaffer was sure to include
acts from Mozarts errie unfinished reqeuim mass towards the end
of this CD.So to fans of the movie with more then a passing interest in classical music will enjoy this!And I think Mozart's
spirit will always be alive in those who choose to challange themselfs to innovate within music and get the public's ear to
stretch!

Average customer rating:

the most sensetive music ever
Cool Camille
Astounding!!!
Great Selections, So-So Collection
Classical is the best

Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits
Debussy's Greatest Hits
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
Grieg: Greatest Hits
Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002C61
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

Samson et Dalila: Bacchanale
Carnival Of The Animals (Chamber Version): No. 13. The Swan
Carnival Of The Animals (Chamber Version): No. 14: Finale
Dance Macabre, Op.40
Suite algerienne, Op. 60: Marche militaire francaise
Introduction and Rondo capriccioso, Op.28
Samson et Dalila: 'Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix'
Concert Piece For Horn & Orchestra, Op.94
Romance, Op.37
Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: III. Presto
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op.78 'Organ': II. Allegro moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

the most sensetive music ever.......2005-10-26

This music take me away from every day troubles and brings my soul to a beutiful world of music.Saint-Saent's vision of music is different, his creations are sensitive and intence. He is agreat talent.

Cool Camille.......2003-03-06

I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique. I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it. On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars. I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works. You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this.

RIGHT AWAY!!!
-Nick

Astounding!!!.......2000-10-06

I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy. This CD is one of those. Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own. I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites.

Great Selections, So-So Collection.......2000-06-23

As all good elementary school music teachers know, Saint-Saëns could evoke emotions from a rock. I don't know if it's his masterful command (or creation) of the idioms of music, or whether it's the formal structure of his compositions, but there's never any confusion about how one feels when listening to this Apollo.

This Sony recording supposedly collects his best. It does and it doesn't. The "Danse Macabre"--a perennial Saint Saëns fave--is definitely better than any others on the market--crisper, livelier, and ... er... creepier. And the Bacchanale is also superbly done. (Don't take my word for it though--you can compare these yourself from the various samples.) But as great as these individual pieces are, Sony failed to bring to the "Swan" the rest of the zoo from "Carnivale des Animaux," and, worse, they forgot the "Aquarium," too! Plus, the "Organ Symphony" *must* be heard in its entirety to sound like the serious piece of music that it is.

I haven't found the noumenal Saint-Saëns collection yet. But this one surely isn't phenomenal.

Classical is the best.......2000-06-22

It's composition very good. Thanks Sony for this great album.

Track Listings: