21 Hungarian Dances

1. Hungarian Dances (21) for piano, 4 hands (or piano solo or orchestra), WoO 1
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Budapest Symphony Orchestra

21 Hungarian Dances,Brahms,Redel,Orchestre Symphonique De Budapest,Pierre Verany,Classical

Average customer rating: classic music CD Good for beginners Great mix Good for first-timer 25 Classical Favorites cd

25 Classical Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Romantic Classics 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Bach Favorites ASIN: B0000058HT Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. Eine Klein Nachtmusik: (I. Allegro)
2. Nutcracker Suite: (Russian Dance)
3. The Four Seasons, Op. 8: (Spring: I. Allegro)
4. Hungarian Dance No. 5 In G Minor
5. Symphony in D, K. 161 - 163: (III. Presto)
6. Waltz In D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1
7. Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, S. 1048: (III. Allegro)
9. Swan Lake: (Dance Of The Swans)
10. Carmen Suite No. 2: (Habanera)
11. Messiah: (Overture)
12. Wind Serenade 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
13. Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 12: (III. Allegro)
14. Water Music: (Overture)
15. Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Op. 66: (Panorama)
16. Symphony No. 26 In E-flat Major, K. 184: (III. Allegro)
17. Waltz No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
18. Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, S. 1041: (III. Allegro)
19. Water Music: (Lentement)
20. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049: (II. Andante)
21. Habanera
22. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major, K. 447: (II. Romanza)
23. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: (Variation No. 18)
24. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
25. Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

classic music CD.......2007-06-27

The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.

Good for beginners.......2007-02-15

It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

Great mix.......2007-02-14

All the best composers! Over an hour of music. A samble of the greatest pieces.

Good for first-timer.......2007-01-22

This is the first time I have ever bought a classical music CD and I was very pleased with this one. It has a good variety of selections. I would buy it again.

25 Classical Favorites cd.......2007-01-06

This CD has so many of my favorite, lively classical music -- love it!!

Average customer rating: Greatest baby gift ever Great for the whole family More Great Fun One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it! Absolute joy, and endless fun!

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies Mozart's Magnificent Voyage Mr. Bach Comes To Call World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English! ASIN: B0001I2C8O Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
2. Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
3. Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
4. Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
5. Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
6. Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
7. Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
8. A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
9. Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
10. Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
11. Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
12. Instrumental Performances:
13. Light Cavalry March, Suppe
14. La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
15. In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
16. Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
17. Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
18. Trout Quintet, Schubert
19. Humoresque #7, Dvorak
20. Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
21. Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
22. Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Average customer rating: Go elsewhere Alsop & LPO: Mellifluous Brahms is Hearty Musical Fare A Fine Leisurely Account of Brahms's 2nd Symphony.... A delightful new account Poor Brahms

Brahms: Symphony No. 2 - Hungarian Dances Brahms , Alsop , and London Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Academic Festival Overture; Tragic Overture Brahms: Symphony 3 Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture [Hybrid SACD] Kurt Weill: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Lady in the Dark - Symphonic Nocturne Double Violin Concerto ASIN: B000B6N67W Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Allegro Non Troppo
2. Adagio Non Troppo
3. Allegretto Grazioso, Quasi Andantino
4. Allegro Con Spirito
5. No.1 In G Minor
6. No.3 In F Major
7. No.10 In F Major
8. No.17 In F-Sharp Minor
9. No.18 In D Major
10. No.19 In B Minor
11. No.20 In E Minor
12. No.21 In E Minor

Amazon.com

Here, Marin Alsop follows up her successful recording of Brahms's First Symphony with an equally fine Second. The first movement has great warmth but moves ahead with conviction; the second is devoid of any unwanted density of tone; the third has real class, and the final movement is exciting, with dazzling brass. The selection of Hungarian Dances is varied and handsomely performed. At this price, this is a front-runner. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Go elsewhere.......2007-05-06

The serious, self-important facial expression of the conductor on the front of the CD jewelcase is a dead giveaway of the musical treatment you are about to experience. The Brahms 2nd Symphony shouldn't be played like the 1st or 4th. After all, it's Brahms' "pastoral" symphony. Yet Maestra Alsop attempts to turn it into some sort of "profound statement", when she should just chill and let the music play. Brahms doesn't need this sort of treatment.

The Hungarian Dances are forgettable -- go instead with Neeme Jarvi, Antal Dorati or Paul Strauss for some real kick-up-your-heels excitement.

Alsop & LPO: Mellifluous Brahms is Hearty Musical Fare.......2006-12-24

I approached this second disc in the Marin Alsop series on Naxos with some caution, given my mixed reactions to the first symphony on SACD, as well as some of the down sides of the comments the Amazon posted reviewers have made. My objections to the Alsop First Symphony involved mostly the dislocated sonics that came from using that markedly unwise venue, the Watford Colosseum. I like Alsop's approach to the composer well enough to actually wish to be able to hear it, well. Her tendencies to bring out Brahm's polyphony without unraveling the larger melodic/harmonic forward motion only makes sound and aural staging more pertinent concerns. So as a happy starting note, one can see this Second Symphony has been recorded in another, much better venue, London's Blackheath Concert Hall. Catching this break, one immediately wishes we had another go at SACD. (So I waited and waited before trying this second out. What is Naxos thinking these days? Do any of the company people actually listen to their own catalog?) On the disc filler of eight of the orchestrated version of the Hungarian Dances, we return to the Watford. Oh well, give that venue another chance I suppose, so long as it doesn't get to sabotage one's potential enjoyment of the Second Symphony.

My steadfast standard in the second has involved an old, wonderful stereo recording, led by Pierre Monteux with the Vienna Philharmonic. Some day it may get remastered again, and if Universal Classics lets Sony BMG lead the way, we might even get an SACD hybrid disc like the BMG Living Stereo series.

Other touchstones have of course included some big and some not so big players: Haitink & the Concertgebouw, Bohm with Vienna, the last Gunter Wand set with the North German Radio Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult with the LPO/LSO, Dohnanyi with Cleveland, Levine with Vienna, Mackerras in Scotland, Marek Janowski with Liverpool, and the younger Thomas Sanderling with London's Philharmonia. Old masters have lasted, like Kurt Sanderling, Bruno Walter, Otto Klemperer, George Szell.

Right from the start, Marin Alsop adopts a flowing, moving tempo, nevertheless consistent with the gemutlichkeit essence of the opening melody and orchestral texture. I find myself mystified by the reviewers that complained of her tempo being too slow to serve this music. Of course I like my Brahms slow, provided the conductor and players plan to do something with all the music going on, like the Sanderlings, say, or Pierre Monteux. So far as I can hear, her approach to the second reminds me of her way with the first. She is adept at balancing the three sides of this complex composer, the Late Romantic Brahms who is so full of deep humanistic emotion, the music scholarly Brahms who learned his polyphony from studying all the old Medieval and Baroque masters, and the futurist Brahms whom Schoenberg much admired. By the time the work ends, I realize she has finished things as well as she began them. It probably doesn't hurt that the LPO has a strong history of its own in this composer's oeuvre.

Then we jump suddenly into the Watford Colosseum which still has all the recorded sonic deficiencies I nagged about in my review of the first symphony. It is not awful sound, just terribly displaced and floating disembodied in that great space, a bit like elevator music written larger than life by some close-up magic that quickly earns my ear's worry. If you like the Hungarian Dances as background music, and you are not listening for too much in that music, you will probably sail right on through your day.

The Third Symphony is due out, soon. I hope it avoided the Watford. I hope it continues to show the gifts of conductor and band, as the first two discs have done. Will we ever get these in super audio? Naxos?

A Fine Leisurely Account of Brahms's 2nd Symphony...........2006-01-08

Marin Alsop's glowing interpretation of the Brahms 2nd Symphony has been earning accolades ever since it was issued last year. Hers is a vibrant, leisurely account that is aided immensely by the London Philharmonic's fine performance, most noteworthy for the silken smoothness of the strings and the crisp, broodiness of the horns. I am especially impressed with her riveting interpretation of the first movement, which I find a bit darker in tone than Bernard Haitink's latest interpretation with the London Symphony Orchestra. And speaking of Haitink's splendid interpretation, Alsop's fine interpretation should be ranked close to it as among the finest recent recordings of this symphony. If I have any slight misgivings, it is my perception that Naxos's sound quality isn't quite as fine as that obtained by the London Symphony Orchestra's sound engineers. But this does not at all detract from the superb quality of Alsop's interpretation or the London Philharmonic's glowing performance (I am also delighted with her interpretations of the Brahms Hungarian Dances included on this recording.). Those in search of a fine recording of the Brahms 2nd Symphony will not be disappointed.

A delightful new account.......2005-11-03

Though not a revelatory version of the 2nd, Alsop's presentation sweeps along beautifully and shimmers in all the right places. Perhaps she meanders a bit in the Adagio, but I find much to relish in Alsop's pacing and lyricism. This is a nice new version of one of my favorite (perhaps my favorite) symphonies, and I have revisited it several times. If you love Brahms, I think you will find much to enjoy in this new recording!

Poor Brahms.......2005-10-29

Sorry. Her 1st was OK, not great. This one is even less likable. There is no tension or style. She takes it so slow it just about falls apart. This is a second to avoid. Go to
Karajan. There is a complete set for the price of one that is masterful. The older Furtwangler is also superb.

Average customer rating: A good gift for novice

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Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating: Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material! Beginner or Expert Very Informative and Enjoyable Frank's view Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra

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Tracks:

1. Overture To 'Tannhauser'
2. Domna, Pos Vos Ay Chausida
3. We Don't Merely Use Instruments, We Play On Them. And They Play On Us.
4. Hungarian Dance No.7
5. The Violin Is One Of The Most Tender And Beautiful Instruments Ever Invented.
6. Violin Concerto In D Major (Adagio)
7. But For A Long Time It Was Seen As The Instrument Of The Devil.
8. The Soldier's Tale: Triumphal March Of The Devil
9. The Manipulative Seductiveness Of The Gypsy Violin.
10. Csardas Music
11. The Violin And The Initiation Of Nature
12. The Four Seasons (Spring, Mvt 1)
13. Birds Are Again Evoked In The Second Concerto, Especially Music's Natural Favourite.
14. The Four Seasons (Summer, Mvt 1)
15. Like The Devil, The Violin Is A Master Of Disguise.
16. Old Viennese Dance No.3 'Schon Rosmarin'
17. The Menacing Sensuality Of Ravel's Tzigane: A Very Different Side Of The Violin:
18. Tzigane
19. Do We Now Have The True Measure Of This Instrument? Not Just Yet.
20. Caprice No.24
21. The Many Effects Of The String Tremolando: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 (Last Mvt)/From Joy To Fright/Quartettsatz In C Minor/The String Tremolo Practically Spells The World Agitato.
22. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No.7)
23. Prokofiev's Tremolo In Romeo And Juliet Should Not Be Heard Just Before Bedtime.
24. Romeo And Juliet: Act IV
25. Vivaldi Use It To Illustrate The Shivering Of Travellers Crossing The Ice.
26. The Four Seasons (Winter, Mvt 1)
27. The Violin Muted
28. Clair De Lune
29. The Gentleness Of Muted Strings Persists Even When A Whole Orchestra Plays.
30. Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K.467 (Slow Mvt)
31. The Pizzicato Violin
32. Pizzicato Polka
33. In Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto, The Accompaniment Is Pizzicato.
34. Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor (Slow Mvt)
35. Varieties Of Pizzicato: Colas Breugnon (The People's Feast)/Now A Drier, Leaner, Hungrier Pizzicato. There's Not A Lot Of Comfort Here./Capriol Suite (Tordion)/The Use Of Pizzicato As 'Percussion'/Romeo And Juliet (Act I)/Mahler Used Pizzicato...
36. The Planets (Mars - The Bringer Of War)
37. The Technique Of Double-Stopping Enables The Violin To Play Duets With Itself./Sonata No.3 In C Major For Unaccompanied Violin (Fugue)/Now A Later Example Of The Same Technique
38. Hungarian Dance No.4
39. Double-Stopping Is A Standard Feature Of A Lot Of Folk Music.
40. The Four Seasons (Autumn, Mvt 1)
41. Now The Same Technique, But The Sound Might Have Come From Another World.
42. Bolero
43. Double-Stopping Can Only Approximate The Sound Of A Real Violin Duet.
44. Cadenza To The Violin Concerto By Brahms
45. Now Compare That With A Real Violin Duet.
46. Forty-Four Duos (No. 1: Teasing Song)
47. Another Duo By Bartok, Demonstrating The Violin's Rich Lower Register
48. Forty-Four Duos (No.2: Maypole Dance)
49. And Now What May Be The Most Beautiful Accompanied Violin Duet In History
50. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
51. The Soul Of The Violin Is In Song; But What About This Weird Passage?
52. Violin Concerto No.1 In D Major (Mvt 2)
53. The Use Of Harmonies In The Orchestra Can Be Both Magical And Unsettling.
54. Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 1, Opening)
55. Tchaikovsky's Use Of Harmonics In The Sleeping Beauty Is Both Strange And Darling.
56. The Sleeping Beauty (Act II, No.15: Entr'Acte)
57. Ravel's Harmonics In Mother Goose Effect A Magical Transformation.
58. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
59. Stravinsky's Harmonics In The Firebird Transport Us Almost Into Another World./The Firebird (Introduction)
60. The Natural Upper Notes Of The Violins Have A Unique Emotional 'Grab'.
61. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Of The Afterworldsmen)
62. Still In Their Upper Register, The Violins Unleash The Energy Of A Young Colt.
63. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No. 4)
64. Elsewhere, Britten Uses The Same High Register To Create A Very Different Mood.
65. Four Sea Interludes (Dawn) From 'Peter Grimes'
66. To End This Outing With The Violins, A Charming Little Elfin Dance
67. Elfenreigen

Tracks:

1. Introduction To The Viola
2. Viola Concerto (Mvt 1)
3. Khatchaturian Gets A Very Different Sound From It: Fuller, Fruitier, More Exotic.
4. Gayane Suite No.1 (Armen's Solo)
5. Very Nearly The Whole Of The Violin's Upper Register Is Also Available To The Viola.
6. Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'
7. The Viola Can Bring A Special, Rich Twanginess To Pizzicato That The Violins Lack./Don Quixote/Berlioz Drew Sounds From It That Retain Their Metallic Strangeness Even Today.
8. Harold In Italy (Mvt 4)
9. The Muted Viola: Intimate, Gentle, Poignant In Dvork
10. Cypresses (No.9)
11. The Massed Violas Of The Modern Symphony Orchestra In Mahler
12. Symphony No.4 (Mvt 3)
13. The 'Period' Viola In Bach
14. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 (Last Mvt)
15. The Cello: A Voice Of Unique Nobility
16. Suite No.1 For Unaccompanied Cello (Prelude)
17. Brahms And The 'Soul' Of The Cello
18. Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat Major (Mvt 3)
19. Most Orchestral Composers Tend To Emphasize The Cello's Lower Register.
20. Cantata 'Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben', BWV 147 (Soprana Aria: Bereite Dir, Jesu)
21. In The Time Of Beethoven The Cello Remained As Fundamental As Ever.
22. Symphony No.3 'Eroica' (Finale)
23. But The Cello Is Not Condemned To Spend Its Life In The Basement.
24. Elfentanz, Op.39
25. Not Only In Recital Showpieces Like That Is The Cello Is Used In Its Highest Register.
26. The Protecting Veil (Opening)
27. A Cello With An Identity-Crisis: The Pizzicato Flamencan
28. Flamenco
29. Double-Stopping In The Lower Reaches Of The Cello's Range
30. Solo Suiet For Cello And Piano (Sardana)
31. It's In The Middle Register That The Cello Really Comes Into Its Own.
32. Oriental Dance, Op.2 No.2
33. It Was To The Cellos That Beethoven Gave Two Of His Most Famous Themes./Symphony No.5 (Mvt 2)/Still More Famous Than That Theme Is This One From The Ninth Symphony.
34. Symphony No.9 (Finale)
35. Introduction To The Double-Bass
36. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Elephant)
37. But The Double-Bass Can Be Intensely Expressive And Graceful.
38. Elegy No.1 In D Major
39. The Range Of The Double-Bass Is The Greatest Of All The String Instruments/Allegro Di Concerto, 'Alla Mendelssohn'/And It's Also Capable Of Very Considerable Virtuosity.
40. Capriccio Di Bravura
41. Double-Bass Solos In Orchestral Scores Are Rare But Often Memorable./Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 3)/In His Third Symphony Mahler Makes A Very Different Use Of The Instrument./Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1)
42. The Double-Bass Muted In Prokofiev/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Kije's Wedding)/In Another Work Prokofiev Uses The Double-Bass To Enhance The Winds./Romeo And Juliet (Act III)/And He Combines The Bass Clarinet With A Shivering Tremolo From The Double-Basses....
43. Symphony No.5 (Mvt 3)/So Much For The Strings/On Now To The Winds

Tracks:

1. The Antiquity And Magic Of The Flute
2. Prelude A L'Apres-Midi D'Un Faune
3. The Versatility And Agility Of The Flute
4. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor (Badinerie)
5. The Flute In Fifteenth-Century Spain
6. Sa'Dawi
7. Other Flutes: The Bass And Alto
8. Chamber Music No.II
9. The Piccolo - Aptly Named
10. La Naissance D'Osiris (Mvt 6)
11. From A Piccolo Of The Eighteenth Century To One Of Its Descendants In The Twentieth
12. Suite No.1 For Small Orchestra (Valse)
13. A Variety Of Techniques
14. Chamber Music No.II
15. Flutter-Tonguing. But Tchaikovsky Got There Eighty Years Before.
16. The Nutcracker (Act II, No.2: Scene)
17. From The Transverse To The Vertical: The Baroque Recorder
18. Recorded Suite In A Minor (Menuet II)
19. An Unfamiliar, Early Vision Of The Instrument
20. Naelden, Naelden
21. The Bachian Oboe
22. Cantata 'Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott', BWV 80 (No.7: Duetto)
23. Introduction To The Cor Anglais Or 'English Born'
24. Symphony No.9 'From The New World' (Mvt 2)
25. The Loneliness Of The Cor Anglais
26. The Swan Of Tuonela
27. The Cor Anglais Joins The French Horn In Haydn.
28. Symphony No.22 'The Philosopher' (Opening)
29. Introduction To The Oboe D'Amore, Beloved Of Bach - But Also Of Ravel
30. Bolero
31. The Clarinet Family: Boxing The Compass, From The Depths Of The Bass Clarinet.../The Egyptian (Violence)/...To The Raucous And Squealy.../Taras Bulba (The Death Of Ostap)/...To The Shrill And Complaining...
32. Petrushka (No.8: Peasant With Bear)/...To The High Sprits Of A Playful Puppy./Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)/And To The Downright Jazzy/Romeo And Juliet (Act II)
33. As The High Clarinets Tend To Be Loud, So The Bass Tends To Be Soft:
34. Gayane Suite No. 1 (Mvt 5)
35. The Bass Clarinet Is Used By Most Composers Mainly As A Colouring Agent.../Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/...But It Does Occasionally Get A Whole Tune To Itself./Iberia (Almeria).
36. The Range Of The Normal Clarinet Parts Goes Quite High...
37. The Snow Maiden (Scene 5: Melodrama)
38. ...And Quite Low.
39. Peter And The Wolf (The Cat)
40. The Clarinet As Concerto Soloist
41. Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
42. But That's Not The Instrument Mozart Wrote It For; This Is:
43. Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
44. Introduction To The Saxophone
45. Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 4)
46. The Soprano Saxophone Has Quite A Different Feel To It.
47. L'Arlesienne Suite No.1 (Minuet)
48. The Little Sopranino Sax Goes Even Higher.
49. Bolero
50. The Most Famous Use Of The Saxophone Is In An Orchestration By Ravel.
51. Pictures At An Exhibition (The Old Castle)
52. The Saxophone Can Be Quite Contagiously Good-Humoured.
53. Sax-O-Phun
54. The Puffa-Puffa Image Of The Bassoon
55. Peter And The Wolf (Grandfather)
56. The Bachian Bassoon, In Accompanimental Mode
57. Cantata 'Weichet Nur, Betrubte Schatten' ('Wedding Cantata'), BWV 202 (Aria No.1)
58. Bizet Leaves The Puffa-Puffa Image Out, Allowing The Bassoon To Sing./Carmen Suite No.1 (Les Dragons D'Alcala)
59. And Ravel, Also In Spanish Mode, Does Likewise.
60. Bolero
61. The Bassoon As A Voice Of High Seriousness, Indeed Desolate Loneliness
62. Symphony No.3 (Opening)
63. The Eerie Bassoon In Its Highest Register
64. The Rite Of Spring (Opening)
65. Stravinsky Now Draws On Its Lowest Register, Lonely And Melancholy.
66. The Firebird Suite (1919, Berceuse)
67. The Bassoon As Concerto Soloist, Avoiding All Exaggeration
68. Bassoon Concerto In G Minor (Finale)
69. The Deep-Voiced Contra-Bassoon, As A Fairy-Tale Beast
70. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
71. The French Horn Under Its Woodwind Hat
72. Wind Quintet, Op.43 (Last Mvt)
73. Now A More Prominent Role, In A Woodwind Quintet From An Earlier Era
74. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Mvt 2)
75. The Horn In Harmonious Blend With Strings In Another Quintet
76. Horn Quintet, K.407 (Finale)

Tracks:

1. The Trumpet As Virtuoso Soloist
2. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Last Mvt)
3. The Special Brillance Of Paired Trumpets
4. Concerto In C For Two Trumpets, RV537 (Mvt 1)
5. The Ceremonial Trumpet
6. Fanfare For The Common Man
7. Trumpets And Drums - An Incomparable Alliance
8. Messiah (The Trumpet Shall Sound)
9. The Versatility Of The Trumpet, From The Most Public To The Most Lonely
10. Piano Concerto In F (Slow Mvt)
11. The Trumpet As The Voice Of The City/An American In Paris/The Trumpet As Recruitment Officer/The Soldier's Tale (The March)/The Trumpet As Swaggerer
12. Carmen Suite No.2 (Habanera)
13. The Trumpet As The Voice Of Strength And Courage
14. Carmet Suite No.2 (Toreador's Song)
15. The Trumpet Muted/Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Opening)/The Trumpet As The Voice Of Weariness
16. Billy The Kid
17. The Trumpet As Character Actor
18. Pictures At An Exhibition (No.6)
19. The Trumpet As The Voice Of God
20. Mass In B Minor ('Et Exspecto')
21. The Birth Of The Trombone
22. Aenmerckt Nu Hier
23. The Birth Of The Brass As A Family
24. Canzon 12 In Double Echo
25. The Trombone In The Eighteenth Century
26. Trombone Concerto In B Flat Major (Finale)
27. The Tone Of The Tenor Trombone/Romance For Trombone And Organ/The Memorable Voice Of The Bass Trombone/Requiem (Mvt 2)/But The Bass Trombone Is More Than An Instrumental Bullfrog.
28. Hosannah
29. The Trombones Become Part Of The Orchestra.
30. Symphony No.5 (Finale)
31. The Wagnerian Trombone:/Overture To 'Tannhauser'
32. The Trombone As Caricaturist
33. Pulcinella (No.19: Vivo)
34. The Trombone As Raspberry/Concerto For Orchestra (Intermezzo)
35. The Horn And The Hunt
36. Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495 (Finale)
37. The Challenging Horn Of The Baroque
38. Abaris Ou Les Boreades (Menuet)
39. The Scarcity Of First-Rate Players In Handel's Time
40. Walter Music (Minuet 1)
41. The Horn As Magician/The Firebird Suite (1919, Finale)
42. Horns And The Sound Of Nobility
43. Overture To 'Tannhauser' (Opening)
44. The Special Sound Of The Horn In Its Higher Register
45. Mass In B Minor ('Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus')
46. The Trumpet-Like Sound Of Massed Horns
47. Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1, Opening)
48. The Tuba - Unfairly Maligned?
49. Symphony No.6 (Mvt 3)
50. The Tuba Perfectly Cast By Ravel
51. Pictures At An Exhibition (Bydlo)

Tracks:

1. Introduction. And We Begin With A Bang.
2. Fanfare For The Common Man/The Bass Drum On The Battlefields/Wellington's Victory, Op.91 (Opening)
3. At The Opposite Extreme Is The Triangle.
4. Piano Concerto No.1 In E Flat (Scherzo)
5. Categories Of Percussion: Tuned And Untuned. The Side Drum
6. Overture To 'La Gazza Ladra' - The Thieving Magpie (Opening)
7. The Side Drum In An Effective But Unexpected Role/Clarinet Concerto (Mvt 1)
8. The Tambourine. One Of The Oldest Instruments In The World
9. Den Hoboecken Dans
10. Even Older Is The Originally Oriental Gong.
11. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
12. No Single Instrument Can Match The Gong In Evoking The Breaking Of Waves./Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'/But Gongs Don't Have To Be Struck To Be Effective.
13. Gymnopedie No.2
14. The Cymbals Are Generally Discovered Early In Life./The Sanguine Fan/And They Do More Than Clash Together Loudly. They Can Be Clashed Together Softly./Studio Example: But They Needn't Be Clashed Together At All/Studio Example: They Can Be Lightly...
15. Other Untuned Percussion Instruments Include The Whip.: Piano Concerto In G Major (Opening)/And Here Are No Fewer Than Twenty, Cracked By Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Act I, Scene 5)
16. More Versatile Than The Whip Are The Wood Blocks.../Studio Example/...Which Crop Up All Over The Place In Twentieth-Century American Music.
17. Rodeo (Hoe-Down)
18. Related To The Wood Blocks, By Sound, Are The Castanets./Jota Aragonesa/But The Castanets Were Also Used By Monteverdi Back In The Seventeenth Century.
19. Scherzi Musicali (Damigella Tutta Belle)
20. A Still Earlier Example From Fifteenth-Century Spain
21. Yo M'Enamori D'Un Aire
22. The Birth Of The Bongo
23. Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story'
24. From The Streets Of New York To The Blacksmith's Shop/Il Trovatore ('Anvil Chorus')
25. Desert-Island Decibels: Grand Canyon Suite (On The Trail)/Arcana
26. From One Vegetable To Another: The Humble Squash, Or Marrow/Huapango
27. Onwards To The Tuned Percussion. First, The Timpani
28. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Introduction)
29. But The Drum Roll Can Be More Effectively Frightening Than The Big Bang.: Symphony No.2 'Resurrection' (Mvt 3)
30. Not One Drum Roll, But Many/Grand Canyon Suite (Sunrise)/Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)
31. Taking Advantage Of Tunability
32. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Mvt 2)
33. The Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Takes A Downward Turn./Carmen Suite (Changing Of The Guard)/Tuned, Yes; But For The Truly Melodic We Must Look Elsewhere.
34. Introducing The Glockenspiel/Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
35. Saint-Saens And The Xylophone
36. The Carnival Of The Animals (Fossils)
37. Ravel And The Xylophone
38. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
39. Introducing The Marimba/Carmen Suite (First Intermezzo)
40. Introducing The Vibraphone
41. The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Narange Dolce)
42. The Vibraphone Goes Russian.../Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)/...And Is Joined By The Marimba./Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
43. Introducing The Hungarian Cimbalom
44. Folk Dances
45. The Cimbalom And The Symphony Orchestra
46. Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 3)
47. Introducing The Tubular Bells
48. Hary Janos Suite (Viennese Musical Clock)
49. A More 'Up-Front' Approach From Rodion Shchedrin
50. Carmen Suite (Introduction)
51. But The Bells Can Also Make The Sinister Even More Sinister./Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
52. Introducing The Celeste
53. The Nutcracker (Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy)
54. Magic, In The Use Of Collective Percussion
55. Miroirs (La Vallee Des Cloches)
56. Plucked Instruments: The 'Undercover Percussion'/Carmen Suite (Scene)
57. A Prime Case In Point Is The Harp, Irresistible To The Romantics./The Nutcracker (Act II, No.1: Scene)/The Non-Solo Harp As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Hungarian Rhapsody No.1
58. The Traditionally Subservient Role Of The Harpsichord In The Baroque Orchestra
59. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Slow Mvt)
60. The Piano: King Of The Tuned Percussion/Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Mvt 3)/And A Quarter Of A Century After That:
61. Petrushka (Russian Dance)
62. The Anti-Romantic Piano As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra
63. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Last Mvt)

Tracks:

1. Keyboard Instruments In The Orchestra - The Most Powerful Of Them All:
2. Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Finale)
3. But Things In Handel's Day Were Very Different.
4. Organ Concerto In B Flat, Op.4 No.3 (Last Mvt)
5. The Organ Is Difficult To Classify.
6. An Unexpected, Organ-related Guest
7. Concerto Pour Zampogna (Last Mvt)
8. Peasant-Fancying... And A Touch Of The Roaming Cowboy
9. Les Miserables (Drink With Me)
10. Outside Artefacts And The Power Of Association
11. Mahler's Sleighbells
12. Symphony No.4 (Opening)
13. A Roll-Call Of Some Unusual Guests/The Typewriter/Parade
14. Chains, And More/Integrales/An American In Paris/Sandpaper Ballet
15. Purpose-Built Oddities: Wind Machines/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Opening)
16. Don Quixote (Variation VIII)
17. National Calling Cards: The Guitar For Spain/Concierto De Aranjuez (Finale)
18. And The Guitar's Poor American Relative, The Banjo/Washington Breakdown
19. And Poorer Still, The Mouth Organ/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Packing Up)
20. The Balalaika For Russia/Romeo And Juliet (Act II: No.14)
21. The Maracas For Mexico/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (El Desayuno)
22. The Bongos And Congas And A Whole Wealth Of Other Drums For Africa And Central America/Studio Example
23. The Sitar Of India/Evening Raga: Bhapoli
24. The Accordion For France (Especially Paris)/Paris Canaille
25. The Zither For Vienna/The Third Man (Theme)
26. The Cimbalom For Hungary/Folk Dances
27. The Guitar As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Rondena
28. There Are Whole Orchestras Of Balalaikas./Sveit Mesiats
29. The Effect Of The Wordless Human Voice, Used Purely As An Instrument/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
30. Nocturnes
31. Instruments And the Imitation Of Nature. The Clarinet As Cuckoo
32. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Cuckoo)
33. The Flute As An All-purpose Aviary
34. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aviary)
35. The Oboe As Duck
36. Peter And The Wolf (The Duck)
37. The Recording Of Reality. Does It Work As Well?
38. The Pines Of Rome (The Pines Of The Janiculum)
39. The Recording Of Reality Electronically Reborn In New Guises
40. Cantus Articus - Concerto For Birds And Orchesra (Mvt 2)
41. Beethoven Turns Avian: Cuckoo, Nightingale, And Quail
42. Symphony No.6 'Pastoral' (Andante Molto Mosso)
43. Some Improbable Casting: The Violin As Braying Donkey
44. The Carnival Of The Animals (Persons With Long Ears)
45. A Truly Orchestral Hee-haw To Be Reckoned With
46. Overture To 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
47. A Thunderstorm In A Million
48. Symphony No.6 'Pastoral (Allegro-Allegretto)
49. the Instrumental Depiction Of A Silent World
50. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aquarium)
51. Saint-Saens' Menagerie Takes A Curtain Call.
52. The Carnival Of The Animals (Finale)

Tracks:

1. The Grouping Of Instrumental Families. An Additive Approach. First, Two Violins
2. Forty-Four Duos (No.4)
3. A Great Contrast, Of Both Pitch And Character: Violin And Viola
4. Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat Major, K.424 (Finale, Vars 1 & 2)/Studio Example
5. Arrival Of The Standard String Trio: Violin, Viola, And Cello
6. String Trio In B Flat (Menuetto)
7. The String Quartet: Two Violins, Viola, And Cello
8. String Quartet In F, Op.18 No.1 (Mvt 3)
9. The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Viola
10. String Quartet No.5 In D, K.593 (Adagio)
11. The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Cello
12. String Quintet In C (Mvt 3)
13. The String Sextet: Two Violins, Two Violas, And Two Cellos
14. String Sextet In B Flat (Mvt 2)
15. The String Octet: The Standard String Quaret Times Two
16. Octet In E Flat, Op.20 (Mvt 1)
17. Double The String Octet: A Fully Fledged String Orchestra
18. String Symphony No.2 (Finale)
19. The Massed Strings Of A Symphony Orchestra
20. Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis
21. Contrasts Of Pitch And Instrumental 'Colour' In The Woodwind Section
22. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Theme)
23. In The First Variation It's The Horn That Gets The Lion's Share.
24. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 1
25. In Variation Two The Torch Is Handed To The Bassoon.
26. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 2
27. In Variation Three The Oboe Leads.
28. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 3
29. Variation Four: Conversation Before Returning To A Solo-dominated Texture
30. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 4
31. And Variation Five is Dominated By The Clarinet.
32. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 5
33. The Next To Be Featured Is The Virtuoso Flute.
34. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 6
35. Individual Farewells And A Closing Chorus
36. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 7
37. A Mixed Group: Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, String Quartet, And Double-Bass
38. Octet In F (Mvt 3)
39. The Early Classical Symphony Orchestra Of Haydn And Mozart
40. Symphony No.29 In A, K.201 (Finale)
41. Strings, Wind, But No Brass. What Haydn And Mozart Never Knew
42. Canzon 28
43. Beethoven's Fifth: Two Horns, Two Trumpets, And Three Trombones Join The Team.
44. Symphony No.5 (Finale)
45. From Beethoven To The Massive Orchestras Of Berlioz, Wagner, And Mahler
46. Beethoven Changed The Face Of The Symphony And The Orchestra Forever
47. Symphoy No.6 'Tragic' (Mvt 1)
48. The Cult Of Orchestral Elephantiasis Reaches Its Peak.
49. Symphony No.1 'Gothic' (VI: Te Ergo Quaesumus)
50. When Large Doesn't Necessarily Mean Loud: Debussy
51. Images (Gigues)
52. A Crisis Of Confidence; The Orchestra's Survival Hangs In The Balance, But It Still Develops. The Ondes Martenot:
53. Turangalila Symphony (Chant D'amour 1)
54. The Advent Of The 'Early Music' Movement Brings A New Vitality And Freshness.
55. Balle De Xerxes (Gavotte En Rondeau)
56. Computer And Synthesiser: Friends Or Foes?
57. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
58. A Speculative Look Ahead/Mass In B Minor ('Dona Nobis Pacem')

Customer Reviews:

Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material!.......2007-04-04

This set lends itself to greatly enhancing one's knowledge of the orchestra, instruments in it, and their usage. I am a huge music buff, and I still picked up a great deal I previously did not know. I highly recommend this for all who wish to understand the origin of music, as well as the processes that are employed to create music!

Beginner or Expert.......2007-03-12

This CD is excellent for the beginner or expert! To be able to haear the instrumets separately and then together really provides a good education. and/or refresher. The book thaty comes with the CD is alomost worth the price by itself!

Very Informative and Enjoyable.......2006-11-20

Whether you're a music novice or pro, "The instruments of the Orchestra" is a very worthwhile purchase. The 7 CDs, with a total of 8 hours, are expertly narrated by Jeremy Siepmann. He's a great speaker, very much like the late Leonard Bernstein was. Mr. Siepmann takes you on an unforgetable musical journey covering the origins and use of the various orchestral instruments throughout musical history. The balance between his narration and a wealth of musical examples, which range from snippets to entire movements, is superb. The comprehensive enclosed booklet is excellent and faithfully follows the 7 CDs in content. Even with my 40+ years of music training I still learned new things from this wonderful collection. Considering the excellence of the content, and a cost that translates to about $5 per disc, this collection is a great value. Grab it, you won't regret that you did. Five solid stars!

Frank's view.......2006-08-19

This boxed set of CD's with booklet achieved all I had hoped that it would. There are good samples of individual instruments and well done commentary on each. The only drawback was that some of the samples were too brief and could have been longer, hoiwever I guess this fits in with time constraints of the medium. It has given me a lot of clues as to future purchases of CD's for listening to individual instruments. Altogeth a satisfactory purchase and a welcome addition to my collection.

Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra.......2003-11-08

I've listened to classical music for years and am interested in composition. I bought this CD set to learn how an orchestra and its instruments work. I thought the CDs would be a nice but boring lecture. They aren't! Not only are they FUN but they are informative as well. I learned a huge amount from each CD and couldn't wait to listen to the next one.

The narrator and writer is a great speaker and holds your attention well. He is definitely knowledgeable. He provides musical examples for each point he makes, so you get to "hear" what he just talked about. I'd say the CDs are about 65% music and 35% narration. You'll learn about the range of instruments, some history, different ways to play them, how they sound, and how they are used in the orchestra. This CD set was a great learning experience and is sold at such a low price!

I recommend this CD for those who want to learn about classical music and those who know about it but are interested in learning more about the inner workings of an orchestra. You'll learn much useful information. For instance, the Rite of Spring (with that eerie start) is written for bassoon! I never knew a bassoon could sound like that but now I do.

The one complaint I have is the last CD. This deals with the orchestra. I wanted more of a tour of how the orchestra has been used through history up to the present. Instead, it was a tour of how different groups of instruments sound. I thought it could have been better. The other 6 CDs are excellent.

Average customer rating: A joyful celebration of Brahms Somewhat middling Hungarian Dances for Orchestra One of the best recordings of the Hungarian Dances I've heard Likely The Best Stereo Set Of The Hungarian Dances

Brahms: Hungarian Dances Nos. 1-21 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dvorak: Slavonic Dances Csardas Hungarian Gypsy Music Liszt: 10 Hungarian Rhapsodies Music from Hungary Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy ASIN: B0000013KA Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

1. Hungarian Dances: No. 1 (Orch. Brahms)
2. Hungarian Dances: No. 2 (Orch. Hallen)
3. Hungarian Dances: No. 3 (Orch. Brahms)
4. Hungarian Dances: No. 4 (Orch. Juon)
5. Hungarian Dances: No. 5 (Orch. Schmeling)
6. Hungarian Dances: No. 6 (Orch. Schmeling)
7. Hungarian Dances: No. 7 (Orch. Schmeling)
8. Hungarian Dances: No. 8 (Orch. Gal)
9. Hungarian Dances: No. 9 (Orch. Gal)
10. Hungarian Dances: No. 10 (Orch. Brahms)
11. Hungarian Dances: No. 11 (Orch. Parlow)
12. Hungarian Dances: No. 12 (Orch. Dvorak)
13. Hungarian Dances: No. 13 (Orch. Dvorak)
14. Hungarian Dances: No. 14 (Orch. Dvorak)
15. Hungarian Dances: No. 15 (Orch. Dvorak)
16. Hungarian Dances: No. 16 (Orch. Dvorak)
17. Hungarian Dances: No. 17 (Orch. Dvorak)
18. Hungarian Dances: No. 18 (Orch. Dvorak)
19. Hungarian Dances: No. 19 (Orch. Dvorak)
20. Hungarian Dances: No. 20 (Orch. Dvorak)
21. Hungarian Dances: No. 21 (Orch. Dvorak)

Customer Reviews:

A joyful celebration of Brahms.......2007-05-31

This disc is a true joy- snatch it up while you can, especially at Naxos prices. It is by far one of the best (if not the best) cycles of Brahms' fully orchestrated Hungarian Dances out there, period. The Budapest Symphony Orchestra under Bogar turn in positively joyful readings full of the special bohemian orchestral sound found so rarely in any orchestra outside the region: a tiny bit ever so pleasingly off kilter with excitement. Naxos' sound, while I do not believe the best they've ever presented, is still consistently full and balanced and good enough to warrant no complaints from me. This disc is a keeper, for sure.

Somewhat middling.......2007-03-06

I feel as if I'm in the minority here when I say that this recording is a little bland.

While the price is a definite bonus (and you won't feel too bad in losing $7 for the CD if it turns that you don't like it), the recordings just don't do it for me even though I can tell that Bogar and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra play with gusto and the sonics are quite good and balanced.

When I first listened to this CD, I was feeling as if I were listening to a non-descript Western European or North American orchestra playing the dances a little more quickly than usual. Nothing more, nothing less.

My overall favourite recording of these dances is the one issued in 1985 by Hungaroton involving Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. (N.B. This recording by Hungaroton is different from the one made by the same performers for Phillips in 1999. To my surprise, the older recording from Hungaroton sounds better than the newer one by Phillips. Who would have thought that 14 years would make a difference?)

The recording for Phillips (now issued by Eloquence) of the Hungarian Dances with Kurt Masur and the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester is surprisingly good and it's my favourite recording of the dances by a non-Hungarian orchestra.

Hungarian Dances for Orchestra.......2006-12-19

Brahms wrote a great amount of music, including the Hungarian Dances, for piano four-hands. This music was composed for amateur music-lovers to play at home, and it included many reductions of Brahms's orchestral and chamber works as well as original compositions. In its original format, the Hungarian Dances became extremely popular and contributed more than any other work to Brahms's financial success during his lifetime. The music was quickly transposed for other instruments, including violin and piano by Brahms's friend Joachim, and orchestra, by a variety of hands. For those interested, the original four-hand piano version of the Hungarian Dances is available on Naxos in a recording by Kohn and Mathies in volume 2 of an extensive series of Brahms's four-hand piano music. The piano-violin arrangement of the dances is available in a Naxos recording by Bisengaliev and Lenehan. But the subject of this review is the orchestral version.

For modern listeners, the orchestral version of the Hungarian Dances is the most familiar, and this 1988 recording by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra conducted by Istvan Bogar is a classic. This is a relatively early Naxos release which deserves the many accolades it has received. It continues to attract many fine reviewers on this site. The playing is lively and spirited, joyous and melancholy in turn. It captures the gypsy spirit of the Hungarian Dances. For those listeners who need to be convinced that classical music can be lively and fun, this CD is an ideal place to start.

As a young man, Brahms toured briefly with a Hungarian violinist named Remenyi who gave Brahms a lifelong passion for Hungarian and gypsy music. This passion comes through in Brahms's longer and more somber works as well as in these dances. The earlier sets of these dances are based upon authentic Hungarian themes. In the latter dances, Brahms wrote the themes himself, in Hungarian style. The orchestrations were done by Brahms himself, by his friend Dvorak, and by a number of other composers. These are short delighful works, which will make your blood flow and your feet dance. They also are filled with tinges of melancholy and sadness. My own favorite of these works is No. 16, with its slow, melancholy opening and lively conclusion. Every listener will develop his or her own favorites from this set.

This CD of Brahms's Hungarian Dances is an excellent way to get to know a popular and enchanting style of classical music.

Robin Friedman

One of the best recordings of the Hungarian Dances I've heard.......2005-10-13

Istvan Bogar may not be a household name to Classical music lovers in the US, but he leads spirited, dashing accounts of Brahms "Hungarian Dances" with a Budapest orchestra which plays very well for him. Tempos are often on the fast side, but always under control, and never breathless. The woodwinds play especially well in their solo licks, and there's always a certain joie de vivre (Joy of living) to these recordings.

The recorded sound is very clear and balanced, in line with Naxos' best recordings offered to the public.

This disc is a bargain: I heartily recommend it.

Likely The Best Stereo Set Of The Hungarian Dances.......2005-06-01

SHORT REVIEW: This 1988 recording of all 21 Hungarian Dances by Brahms is probably the best integral set available. Istvan Bogar leads a Hungarian ensemble (the Budapest Symphony) in playing that is idiomatic, if a little short on real zest or imagination. Although this Naxos CD has a rather stingy timing of just 49 minutes, the performances are well-recorded and constitute an easy choice for any Brahmsian who wants a complete set of these marvels in their orchestral versions.

LONGER REVIEW: Brahms wrote his 21 Hungarian Dances originally for piano four-hands, and he later orchestrated only #1, #3 and #10. #2 here is in a version by a Swedish conductor named Hallen, #4 is in an arrangement by composer Paul Juon, #5-7 are as transcribed by Schmeling, #8-9 were arranged by Gal, the bandmaster Parlow did #11-16, and Dvorak orchestrated #17-21. In general, the first 10 dances have the most Hungarian flavor and are the most frequently performed.

Having just listened through integral sets by Abbado (DG), Dorati (Mercury), Fischer (Philips) and this one by Bogar, I wonder if performing these lovely works with real zest and imagination has become a lost art. I am keeping this Bogar and eliminating the Abbado (too straight, and DG's sound is harsh), the Dorati (near equal to Bogar, but I prefer the sound of the latter's Hungarian ensemble), and the Fischer (kitschy and too clever by half, and rather listless to boot). To damn with faint praise, I feel that Bogar's set is the LEAST dull of this bunch.

Alternatives? Most of the great ones will require some searching, but the rewards are certainly worth it. Of course, there are the original piano 4-hand accounts, the best to my mind being all 21 by Tal/Groethuysen (Sony) and, for #11-21, the Katchen/Marty (Decca). Brahms's good friend Joseph Joachim arranged them for violin and piano, and there are superlative recordings of individual dances by Eugene Ysaye (Sony - extraordinary playing!), Bronislaw Huberman (Biddulph - even more extraordinary!), Albert Spalding (on a Remington LP that fetches about $100 in the collector's market!), David Oistrakh (Melodiya), Joseph Szigeti (Andante), and Tossy Spivakovsky (Pearl). All of these are played with a zeal and conviction only barely hinted at by Bogar and his ensemble.

There are some wonderful orchestral versions among historic CDs. Furtwangler did #1, 3, & 10 with the Vienna Phil. (EMI), Clemens Kraus recorded #1 & 3 with the London Symphony (Arlecchino), and Constantin Silvestri's virtuosic accounts of #5 & 6 are in a 10-CD set (Disky). But my favorites of all are those recorded in the 1950's by Gyorgy Lehel and the Hungarian Radio Symphony. Lehel's accounts of #1-8 and #10 are played with real abandon and a great sense of fun. These were on a Parliament LP that deserves to be reincarnated on a Supraphon CD.

Finally, if you want to REALLY hear the true Hungarian roots that inspired Brahms, try to find a copy of Arlecchino CD 109. That contains a SUPERB account of Bartok's "Bluebeard" (see my review) and, as a bonus, there are some thrilling Hungarian folk tunes played by the Toki Horvat Hungarian Putzsta Band. The latter performs a czardas used in one of Brahms's Hungarian Dances. This ensemble, led by the very gypsy-style violinist Toki Horvat, also has a cimbalon and what sounds like a tarogato (midway between a clarinet and a soprano sax). Everybody plays with a virtuosity that is simply staggering.

To have all 21 of these delightful dances with Bogar on an inexpensive Naxos CD definitely fills a niche. But if you want to hear how uninhibitedly this music CAN be played, consider finding some of the individual alternatives cited above.

Jeff Lipscomb

Average customer rating: I disagree with the consensus here Don't hesitate to get this set Superb interpretations by Katchen A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful Radiant and inspired recordings

Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Liszt: Piano Works Chopin: The Piano Works Works for Solo Piano Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 ASIN: B0000042GM Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

1. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 1 - Heft 1
2. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 2 - Heft 2
3. Variations And Fugue On A Theme By G.F. Handel, Op.24: B Flat Major
4. 4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
5. 4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
6. 4 Ballades, Op.10: Intermezzo. Allegro
7. 4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante con moto

Tracks:

1. Works For Solo Piano: Ziemlich langsam
2. Works For Solo Piano: Poco larghetto
3. Works For Solo Piano: Allegro
4. Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 1 - 8
5. Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 9 - 16
6. Works For Solo Piano: Scherzo es-moll

Tracks:

1. Works For Piano Solo: Allegro
2. Works For Piano Solo: Andante
3. Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro molto e con fuoco
4. Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro con fuoco
5. Works For Piano Solo: Allegro non troppo ma energico
6. Works For Piano Solo: Andante con espressione
7. Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro
8. Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Introduzione (sostenuto) - Allegro non troppo e rubato
9. Works For Piano Solo: Agitato
10. Works For Piano Solo: Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro

Tracks:

1. Works For Piano Solo: Allegro maestoso
2. Works For Piano Solo: Andante espressivo - Andante molto
3. Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro energico
4. Works For Piano Solo: Intermezzo. Andante molto
5. Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato
6. Works For Piano Solo: Presto energico
7. Works For Piano Solo: Andante
8. Works For Piano Solo: Allegro passionato
9. Works For Piano Solo: Adagio
10. Works For Piano Solo: Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento
11. Works For Piano Solo: Andante teneramente
12. Works For Piano Solo: Allegro agitato

Tracks:

1. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op.76 - I Capriccio in F sharp minor
2. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - II Capriccio in B minor
3. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - III Intermezzo in A flat major
4. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - IV Intermezzo in B flat major
5. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - V Capriccio in C sharp minor
6. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VI Intermezzo in A major
7. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VII Intermezzo in A minor
8. Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VIII Capriccio in C major
9. Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - I Intermezzo in A minor
10. Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - II Intermezzo in A major
11. Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - III Ballade in G minor
12. Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - IV Intermezzo in F minor
13. Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - V Romanze in F major
14. Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - VI Intermezzo in E flat minor
15. Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - I Intermezzo in B minorn B
16. Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - II Intermezzo in E minor
17. Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - III Intermezzo in C major
18. Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - IV Rhapsody in E flat major

Tracks:

1. Works For Solo Piano: Andante moderato
2. Works For Solo Piano: Andante non troppo e con molto espressione
3. Works For Solo Piano: Andante con moto
4. Works For Solo Piano: g-moll
5. Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
6. Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
7. Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
8. Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
9. Works For Solo Piano: Des-dur
10. Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
11. Works For Solo Piano: a-moll
12. Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
13. Works For Solo Piano: E-dur
14. Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
15. Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
16. Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
17. Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
18. Works For Solo Piano: B-dur
19. Works For Solo Piano: f-moll
20. Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
21. Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
22. Works For Solo Piano: h-moll
23. Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
24. Works For Solo Piano: e-moll

Customer Reviews:

I disagree with the consensus here.......2007-07-11

I was disappointed by this set and would not recommend it. It's great that all of Brahms' piano works are included here and the boxed set includes some difficult to find works (like those Op. 21 variation sets) as well as the better known and wonderful later piano pieces and the Op. 39 Waltzes.

The problem is that Katchen's performances are flawed and often unpleasant. The worst problem is that he bangs the keys a lot. Fortissimo passages are ideally not supposed to be noisy; they are intended to be loud and forceful without being unpleasant. It's a key distinction that Katchen fails to realize. I also think that Katchen's technique is a bit patchy. He blurs the passagework and there is a lack of both accuracy and delicacy in the fast passages. To take an example, the Op. 76 set is marred by both of these problems: a lack of accuracy and a tendency to bang on the keyboard. I also found many of the passages that didn't suffer from these problems to be interpretationally uninteresting (the slow parts of the Paganini Variations, Bk II are undistinguished, to take an example). Big thumbs down.

I did some direct comparison of sets to the Katchen performances and in every case Katchen was far inferior.

Take the Op. 39 Waltzes: Leon Fleisher's old recording is wonderful and much more sensitive and interesting than Katchen.

I also listened to Radu Lupu's recording of the Opp. 117-119 pieces (THAT is a wonderful recording - if you are looking for a superb recording of Brahms piano music, get that one and save yourself the aggravation of the Katchen set) and it's simply no contest.

I also sampled the terrific Op. 79 Rhapsodies and the Paganini Variations as played by a favorite pianist of mine, the lesser-known French pianist Nicholas Angelich, and Katchen's sloppy and undirected interpretations pales before the versions by a "non-superstar" pianist.

So while I admit I haven't listened to every portion of the Katchen set, I found every reason to avoid it when compared to some alternatives available.

Don't hesitate to get this set.......2007-07-04

It's a good thing I waited to write this until I'd heard these CDs a few times. I would have been guilty of understatement. Katchen's work grows on me in much the same way Brahms' music itself does. It is rich in nuance and insight, and never fails to please.

I'll confess, I bought this set to fill the gaps in my piecemeal collection. What a delightful surprise to find my "stopgap" set more than holds its own against recordings by the likes of Richter, Rubinstein and Gilels. To help the reader overcome any reluctance I offer a few comments on the few "downsides" mentioned by others:

Yes, Katchen does play fast, but not always, and certainly not out of inability to hold the listener's attention through more artful means. Katchen's track times are often slower than Rubinstein's or even Gilels'; but where the spirit moves him, he can go like a rocket. He's generally fastest in the earlier works, where a case can be made for playing them with youthful ardor; Katchen does this to a T. This applies to the first 2 sonatas, the Paganini variations (why would anything associated with Paganini lack splash and dazzle?) and to a much lesser extent, parts of the Handel variations. The main thing is, it works. The very few places where I felt Katchen was rushing the music are heavily outnumbered by places where the added energy seems to "fit" like a glove.

Yes, in an exhaustive set you inevitably endure the "bottom of the barrel." I'm surprised how little of this 6-CD set strikes me as anything less than indispensible. Every track is worth hearing. Katchen has been surpassed here and there, but he doesn't put in a bad performance in the whole batch.

Yes, the recordings are more than 40 years old. They will not satisfy the most jaded audiophile (there's not quite the "presence" of a good recording today). But they are amazingly clean and lifelike for their age (even the 3 tracks that are mono). They sound noticeably better than the popular Rubinstein recordings of equal vintage. At first I thought I heard a touch of bass-heaviness, but now I just think Katchen gives us a strong, clear bass line. Once again, it works. The sound is simply not a problem for a normal listener.

Finally, there's the small stuff. Getting the CDs out of their tight-fitting sleeves without putting your fingerprints on the playing surface is well-nigh impossible, unless you give in and apply a letter opener to solve the problem once and for all. Is that any reason not to get this much wonderful music at such a low price? London has even revived the old practice of offering different program notes in different languages, so that multilingual readers can benefit from more than one set of comments. All around it's a winner!

Superb interpretations by Katchen.......2006-11-16

Katchen's performace throughout this collection are excellent.Brahms integrates many of Schumann's,Bach's and Beethovens compositional ideas into his own works.He is a master of the appoggiatura(suspension of the dominant chord).And the ghosts of Bach,Schumann,and Beethoven appear at intervals throughout this collection of his piano works.The VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME is an ethereal experience,and the Op.09 VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY SCHUMANN, composed after his death,Brahms's pathos,especialy in the slower variations, make you aware of his sadness of Schumann passing, as there is vivid sense of despair and remorse you can hear throughout.It is well documented the profound influence Shumann had on Brahms's compositional process.OP.76 is a passionate performance by Katchen.You also have short piano works culminated in Op116,Op 117,Op.118,which includes the great masterpiece in Ebminor,and Op.119.The Pagganini Variations,Variations on a theme by Haydn,the Ballads Op. 10.And both volumes of the HUNGARIAN DANCES,the 2 Rhapsody's,and VARATIONS ON A THEME BY HANDEL.It quite remarkable that such music could be created by such a young man in the astonishing Sonatas,OP.1,OP.2,and OP.5.The slow movements in all three sonates are very inspiring,and heart fealt.It makes you glad to be alive in order to hear such remarkable music.A well balanced performance throughout.If your a Brahms lover,this is a must for your collection.Enjoy

A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful.......2005-02-03

To be honest, I can't really figure out how much I like Katchen's performance. It's hard to gauge because Brahms's piano music is inherently exceptional played by just about any performer.

I feel that the ballades, op. 10 are played way too fast (although I'm not exactly sure how close Katchen is to Brahms's tempi indications). I've heard them by several other performers and, being a Gould fan, would have to say that his slower interpretation really captures how beautiful the pieces are more than anyone else. I also enjoy Kempff's performances of many later works. Katchen really seems so rushed for some reason. To me, that really takes attention away from the fine details, which I think are so essential to Brahms's piano music. He's not quite delicate enough with some of the pieces.

This faster speed is only very slight for the rest of the set, but pretty consistently. I think he does a better job with more intense pieces like many of his larger-scale variations and the sonatas. Those I would give 5 stars, but only 4 stars for the op. 116-119, for they're a little too fast.

My only other qualm is the arrangement of the set. It would be nice to have all the sonatas together on a disc, 116-119 on a disc, etc., going along with the whole chronological thing..

However, all these things are personal preference. I would definitely recommend this set. It's made up about 1/2 of my music listening for the past couple months. It's not expensive at all for what you're getting, and if you get just one Brahms piano cd, you're going to want to get more, so you should just get it over with and have this whole set, it's fabulous music. Just keep in mind that this is not the only interpretation that should be considered.

Radiant and inspired recordings.......2004-09-19

If there is a more effervescent , idiomatic , innovative and resplendently performance of the Handel Variations , I have not heard it . Katchen emphasizes with colossal scrupulosity the wide doe and the diversity spectre of the orchestral instruments . You must marvel at the technical equipment of Katchen playing .
The other outstanding version of these Variations is of Michael Ponti (live preformance)
gifted with a major emphasis in the striking and color tone ; but the point to remark is that in both performings the approach is similar ; every one of the Variations must be played as a microcosmos in itself ; with nuance , grace , majesty, powerful imagination, sense of the span and above al ; savoir vivre . If you intend to play with authoritative precision without Mediterranean dewy and radiant mood ; you are destined to fail with these Variations and becoming unbearable for the audience and the listener . Lamentably , there are many of them in the actual market but I think you can guess them .
The two Rhapsodies are performed with the highest commitment . Melodic flight and arresting lyricism .
The Sonatas are superbly performed . The Sonata No. 3 may find serious matchers with Clifford Curzon and Paul Badura Skoda .
The intermezzos are depicted with the adequate illuminating . These intimate pages must be played with the perfect balance of light and shadows ; think in Chopin Nocturnes for instance . Only Glenn Gould gets close to him in the Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 2 .
The Ballades may be the weakest works of this fundamental set . Benedetti Michelangeli and Emil Gilels recorded brilliant and eloquent versions.
Finally The Paganini Variations find in Benedetti Michelangeli a serious and unbeatable adversary .
To be honest , this set is widely recommendable for you , to know the whole and intimate world of Johannes Brahms , the beloved son of Hamburg.
Katchen also recorded a powerful Islamey and an unforgettable Rachmaninoff No. 2 .

Average customer rating: Mill. Classical review classical music for the unitiated Some little gems there that I had forgotten! A very helpful collection Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set] Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
2. Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
3. Violin Concerto In E First Movement
4. Prelude In C minor
5. Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
6. Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
7. Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
8. Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
9. Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
10. Easter Oratorio - Overture
11. Minuet In D minor
12. Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
13. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
14. Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
15. Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
16. Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
17. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
18. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
19. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
20. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
21. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
22. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
23. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
24. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
25. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
26. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
27. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
28. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
29. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
30. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
31. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
32. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
33. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
34. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
35. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
36. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
37. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
38. Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
39. Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
40. Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
41. Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
42. Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
43. Water Music - Air
44. Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
45. Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
46. Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
47. The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
48. Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
49. Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
50. Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
51. Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
52. Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
53. Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
54. Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
55. Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
56. Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
57. Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
58. Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
59. String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
60. Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
61. Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
62. Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
63. String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
64. Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
65. Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
66. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
67. Piano Concerto in A - second movement
68. Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
69. Serenade - Minuet
70. Violin Concerto - first movement
71. Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
72. Clarinet Concerto - second movement
73. Turkish March
74. Divertimento - Minuet
75. Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
76. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
77. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
78. Overture
79. O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
80. Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
81. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
82. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
83. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
84. Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
85. Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
86. German Dance No. 1 In C
87. Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
88. Heidenroslein
89. Ave Maria
90. Der Lindenbaum
91. Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
92. Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
93. Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
94. German Dance No. 2 In G
95. Piano Sonata In B-Flat
96. Nachtgesang Im Walde
97. Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
98. German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
99. Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
100. Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
101. Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
102. Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
103. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
104. Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
105. Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
106. Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
107. Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
108. Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
109. Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
110. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
111. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
112. Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
113. Violin Concerto - second movement
114. The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
115. Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
116. Swan Lake - Waltz
117. Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
118. The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
119. Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
120. Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
121. Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
122. Hungarian Dance No.5
123. Lullaby
124. Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
125. Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
126. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
127. Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
128. Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
129. String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
130. Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
131. Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
132. Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
133. German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
134. Die Fledermaus - Overture
135. Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
136. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
137. Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
138. AnnenPolka, Op. 117
139. Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
140. Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
141. Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
142. On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
143. Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
144. Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
145. Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
146. Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
147. The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
148. The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
149. Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
150. Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
151. Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
152. Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
153. Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
154. Don Juan, Op. 20
155. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
156. Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
157. Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
158. Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
159. Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
160. Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
161. Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
162. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
163. Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
164. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
165. Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
166. Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
167. Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
168. Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
169. Angelus
170. Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
171. Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
172. Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
173. Les Préludes
174. Boléro
175. Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
176. Rhapsodie Espagnole
177. Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
178. Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
179. Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
180. La Valse
181. Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
182. Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
183. Humoresque, Op. 101
184. Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
185. Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
186. Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
187. Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
188. Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
189. Carneval Overture, Op. 92
190. Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
191. Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
192. Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
193. Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
194. Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
195. String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
196. Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
197. Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
198. Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
199. Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
200. String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
201. Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
202. Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
203. Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
204. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
205. Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
206. Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
207. Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
208. Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
209. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
210. Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
211. The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
212. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
213. Nordic Melody Op. 63
214. Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
215. Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
216. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
217. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
218. Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
219. Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
220. Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
221. Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
222. Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
223. Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
224. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
225. Frühlingsgruss
226. Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
227. Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
228. Manfred Overture, Op. 115
229. Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
230. Die Rose stand im Tau
231. Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
232. Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
233. Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
234. Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating: great series

The Story Of Brahms Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Story of Tchaikovsky Story Of Chopin In Words And Music The Story Of Handel The Story of Beethoven The Story of Bach ASIN: B000001KDB Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro con brio
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat Major, Op. 83: Allegro appassionato
3. Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 83: Rondo
4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Adagio non troppo
5. Serenade, Op. 106: No. 1
6. Violin Concerto in D Major. Op. 77: Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
7. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro con spirito
8. Capriccio in B Minor, Op. 76: No. 2
9. Hungarian Dance No. 6 in D-flat Major
10. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Andante sostenuto
11. Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: Maestoso
12. Lullaby, Op. 49: No. 4
13. Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G Minor
14. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35: Book II
15. Rinaldo, Op. 50
16. Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 39: No. 15
17. Love Song Waltzes, Op. 52: No. 1
18. Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F-sharp Major
19. Variations on a Theme by Haydn: Op. 56a
20. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Excerpts
21. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro non troppo
22. Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: Op. 77
23. Academic Festival Overture: Op. 80
24. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major: Allegro non troppo
25. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro
26. Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op. 115: Allegro
27. Tragic Overture: Op. 81
28. Academic Festival Overture: Op. 80
29. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 1 in G Minor
30. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 2 in F Major
31. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 10 in E Major
32. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 5 in F-sharp Major
33. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 6 in D-flat Major
34. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 7 in A Major
35. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 17 in F-sharp Minor
36. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 19 in B Minor
37. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 21 in E Minor

Customer Reviews:

great series.......2007-01-10

This CD along with the others in the series is very good. So far we have collected about ten different ones. They are thorough and interesting. I homeschool and it has been a great additon to our teaching materials and tools. The narrarated history format interspersed with the composer's music is key to keeping the interest of the children. A must-have for introducing classical music with historical background to your kids and at a great price on Amazon!

Average customer rating: LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT! Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain? At this price, how can one complain?

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booklet) The Arts: World Themes Rise to Globalism Walden and Other Writings (Modern Library Classics) Twentieth-Century World History ASIN: B00004YYRT Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. De Profundis - Nova Schola Gregoriana
2. Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix - Oxford Camerata
3. Gloria - Oxford Camerata
4. Pavane - Red Byrd
5. Canon - Capella Istropolitana
6. Vivace - Grave - Capella Istropolitana
7. Prelude - Laurence Cummings
8. Allegro - Takako Nishizaki
9. Adagio - Miroslav Kejmar
10. Air On The G String - Capella Istropolitana
11. Hallelujah Chorus - Scholars Baroque Ensemble
12. Menuetto: Allegretto - Capella Istropolitana
13. Andante - Failoni Orchestra
14. Allegro - Capella Istropolitana
15. Adagio - Jeno Jando
16. Andante - Ernst Ottensamer
17. Quis Est Homo - Hungarian State Opera Chorus

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Ingrid Kertesi
2. Un Bal - Pinchas Steinberg
3. Wedding March - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Minute Waltz - Idil Biret
5. Larghetto - Alexander Rahbari
6. Ride Of The Valkyries - Uwe Mund
7. Prelude - Alexander Rahbari
8. Hungarian Dance No.3 - Budapest Symphony
9. Scene - Ondrej Lenard
10. Slavonic Dance No.1 - Balazs Szokolay
11. Nimrod - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
12. Clair De Lune - Keith Clark
13. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) - Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Prelude In C Sharp Minor - Idil Biret
15. Fountain Of The Villa Medici At Sunset - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
16. Overture - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
17. O Fortuna - Slovak Philharmonic Chorus
18. Playful Pizzicato - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
19. Violin Concerto - Adele Anthony

Amazon.com

Is it a two-CD set with a particularly thick booklet, or a 562-page book with a compilation album attached? Either way, the unpretentious text by Keith Anderson offers an introduction to the lives and works of dozens of composers, together with recommended recordings from the Naxos and Marco Polo catalogs. Anderson includes a useful 59-page glossary of musical terms and an extensive listing of classical pieces used in films. The odd thing about the 36 extracts and complete pieces on the CDs is that they do not form an A-to-Z at all. Rather, they are arranged chronologically, from 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant to the opening movement of contemporary composer Philip Glass's Violin Concerto. Between these two points is the early music of Palestrina and Byrd; the Baroque glories of Vivaldi and Bach; the 19th-century Romantic masters, from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky; and such 20th-century greats as Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Opera, song, and chamber music are barely represented, but only so much can fit into 151 minutes. Essentially a deluxe sampler of the vast Naxos catalogue, the discs offer a good introduction to some of the most famous and melodic music ever composed, while the book will be very useful to newcomers to the potentially confusing world of classical music. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 562-page, illustrated bok, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters. Like the Naxos range of recording itself, A-Z of Classical Music is a rich source of inspiration for anyone either just embarking on a lifetime of musical enjoyment or for whom classical music has long been a way of life. Included within is an extensive glossary of musical terms plus a unique guide to classical music used in acclaimed films. Two-and-a-half hours of the finest music from across the centuries are contained in the accompanying CDs.

Customer Reviews:

LETTER PERFECT CLASS(ICAL) ACT!.......2003-01-19

It's only natural we sometimes hit the high seas....make that Cs. This is one box set about which we sing praises. This set features more than two hours of the finest music from across the centuries by such composers as Schubert, Chopin, Mozart, Handel, Stravinsky and Glass. The set also comes with a 562-page illustrated book, detailing the lives of hundreds of composers, a
glossary of musical terms and a unique guide to the classical music used in 360 top films.

Great Tracks -- Great Value -- Great Book, Who Can Complain?.......2002-08-30

Naxos is a fabulous label -- you will not get samples of the best classical music through the ages at no better price. These tracks are as good as any of the over-priced major orchestras and in some cases better. This is a great starter set for a beginner or anyone who just wants to "taste" the classics. If you prefer Opera I would suggest the A to Z of Opera -- most of the tracks on A to Z Classical are orchestral. I was so impressed with this collection that I purchased the Discover the Classics Vol's 1-3 which will give you a more detailed look at the great classics. Take a look at the Naxos web site at NAXOSUSA.COM -- what you will see will blow your mind -- there are literally thousands of pieces that you could listen too!

At this price, how can one complain?.......2001-09-30

This is pretty much a CD version of a mini-Naxos and Marco Polo catalog. All the pieces and extracts are ordered chronologically on the 2 CDs and are of very acceptable quality, but don't expect excellence in every track. Personally, I was particularly disappointed with one of my favourite Pachelbel pieces. The Naxos Canon & Gigue lacks all the emotion of my favourite versions.

Still, any possible weaker performances are of little importance after you get your hands on the fat booklet with over 500 pages. The booklet offers a short intro about the great composers, a glossary of musical terms, a list of works used in films and dozens of illustrations of several composers.

Overall, at this price, this is a must-have pack for any beginner, and might be useful for the occasion "quick check" of the work of many composers. Do not expect many detail, nor references to all the works of some composers; I often got frustrated with the lack of detail in some cases, but in general, the booklet is very effective for a quick reference.
You will need more titles that offer more complete information, and you won't truly learn to love classical music just by reading it, but it is small and compact.

It really puzzles me why Naxos did not include a full index of composers, a serious omission. To find a particular composer you will have to look for it yourself in over 500 pages. Also, the separation of the text is not so good, making the search even a bit slower. The lack of the index is truly annoying and I am sure it will be corrected in future editions.

Even with a few weaker pieces and the lack of the index, at this price, there isn't much to argue about. This is truly a bargain that you should not miss. I would also recommend the A-Z of Opera, which offers a bigger booklet with over 700 pages, focusing on opera works and mentioning several composers that are absent from the A-Z of Classical. That other booklet has a very complete index, and much clearer text layout and separation, that's the way both booklets should have been designed.

The two sets complement each other very well. Highly recommended.

Track Listings:

1. 6 Trumpets Concertos
2. A Triumphal Display of French Organ Music / De Zeeuw
3. Bass Duos From the French Rococo
4. Bruckner: 10 Sacred Choruses; Werner: Hommage a Bruckner
5. Carl Nielsen: Symphony No.3
6. Carl Nielsen: Violin Works
7. Cello Works / Guitar Works
8. Clavierubung Dritter Teil
9. Comala
10. Complete Cello & Piano Works

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

39 Golden Greats [Import]

Elgar Organ Music (Donald Hunt)

Christian's Christmas Blues

What You Dealin' With

Gritare

Collection [Import]

Come to the Fountain

Comparative Anatomy of Angels

Deep Thoughts from a Shallow Mind

Canciones Mexicanas en la Voz Inolvidables de Lucha Reyes

Cover Magazine

Encouraging Words [Import]

Deep Space: Fantasies [Import]

Healing Music for Reiki, Vol. 3

Jazz Hits Volume 1