Piano Concertos 2, 3 & 6

1. Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 26
Composed by Alexander Tcherepnin
Performed by Chetham Symphony Orchestra with Murray McLachlan
Conducted by Julian Clayton

2. Concerto for piano & orchestra/3, Op.48
Composed by Alexander Tcherepnin
Performed by Chetham Symphony Orchestra with Murray McLachlan
Conducted by Julian Clayton

3. Concerto for piano & orchestra/6, Op.99
Composed by Alexander Tcherepnin
Performed by Chetham Symphony Orchestra with Murray McLachlan
Conducted by Julian Clayton

Piano Concertos 2, 3 & 6,Tcherepnin,Mclachlan,Clayton,Chetham's So,Olympia,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music,Orchestral & Symphonic

Average customer rating: A Beautiful Wedding Wonderful! Good CD for Wedding A Day To Remember--Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day, O'Neill Brothers great choice!

A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day O'Neill Brothers Manufacturer: O'Neill Brothers ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Day to Remember vol II Classical Wedding 25 Wedding Favorites Heart Beats: Now & Forever - Timeless Wedding Songs I Will Be Here: 25 of Today's Best Wedding & Love Songs ASIN: B000066RG3 Release Date: 2002-04-25

Tracks:

1. Falling in Love - Tim and Ryan O'Neill
2. Wachet Auf - J.S. Bach
3. Air on a G String - J.S. Bach
4. Air (from Water Music) - Handel
5. Reminiscent Joy - Tim and Ryan O'Neill
6. Canon in D - Pachelbel
7. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
8. The Wedding Song (There is Love) - Stookey
9. Ave Maria - Schubert
10. I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman
11. The Gift of Love (Water is Wide melody)
12. Spring (from The Four Seasons) - Vivaldi
13. Ode to Joy - Beethoven
14. From This Moment On - Shania Twain
15. The Way You Look Tonight - Kern
16. Forever in Love - Kenny G

Album Description

After performing at more than 200 weddings, Tim and Ryan O'Neill recorded this beautiful CD of favorite wedding songs. It features a full hour of instrumental piano, string quartet, flute, and guitar music that can be played at your ceremony or reception.

It also gives suggestions for music at your wedding, including a special bridal website!
*Over 1,000 song titles listed
*Listen to samples of songs
*More ideas for each part of your ceremony, reception, and dance

Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Wedding.......2007-07-10

This CD made all the difference in our wedding celebration. The songs were simply beautiful. The CD was delivered promptly. I would definitely buy from this vendor again.

Wonderful!.......2007-03-23

This is exactly what I was looking for for my wedding day. It's a beautiful cd, absolutely perfect.

Good CD for Wedding.......2007-03-21

All great music for weddings. It really does have all the music I want to use!

A Day To Remember--Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day, O'Neill Brothers.......2007-02-07

The music was just perfect for our wedding--not too formal, not too simple.

great choice!.......2007-01-10

There are so many different songs to choose from on this cd and it's a great buy. whether you want to play it while eating dinner at the wedding, to walking down the isle, it's wonderful!!!!

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

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | 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 Similar Items: Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet Mozart:The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim Dvorák: The Symphonies Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore ASIN: B00004YA0S Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
3. III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
4. IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
5. I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
6. II: Andante Molto Mosso
7. III: Allegro - In Tempo D'allegro - Tempo I
8. IV: Allegro
9. V: Allegretto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Larghetto
3. III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
4. IV: Allegro Molto
5. I: Allegro Con Brio
6. II: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Tempo I
7. III: Allegro -
8. IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

1. I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
2. II: Adagio
3. III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
4. IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
5. I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
6. II: Allegretto
7. III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
8. IV: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
2. II: Allegretto Scherzando
3. III: Tempo Di Menuetto
4. IV: Allegro Vivace
5. Overture
6. Overture
7. Overture
8. Overture

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Largo
3. III: Rondo: Allegro Scherzando
4. I: Allegro Con Brio
5. II: Adagio
6. III: Rondo: Molto Allegro

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Con Brio
2. II: Largo
3. III: Rondo: Allegro
4. I: Allegro Moderato
5. II: Andante Con Moto
6. III: Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

1. Fantasia For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra
2. I: Allegro
3. II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso -
4. III: Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: This is the one to buy! An easy first choice The champion of Rachmaninov's music. Thoughtful but passionate interpretations Very good

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 - 4 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ashkenazy, Vladimir | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Rachmaninov: The Symphonies Rachmaninov: 24 Preludes/Piano Sonata No.2 Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff ASIN: B00000427L Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op.1: I Vivace
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op.1: II Andante
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op.1: III Allegro vivace
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18: I Moderato
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18: II Adagio sostenuto
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op.18: III Allegro scherzando

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: I Allegro ma non tanto
2. Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: II Intermezzo: Adagio
3. Piano Concerto No.3 In D Minor, Op.30: III Finale (Alla breve)
4. Piano Concerto No.4 In D Minor, Op.40: I Allegro vivace (Alla breve)
5. Piano Concerto No.4 In D Minor, Op.40: II Largo
6. Piano Concerto No.4 In D Minor, Op.40: III Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

This is the one to buy!.......2007-06-13

A number of years ago, I went to the Classical Record Store in Toronto to acquire a copy of Rachmaninov's Piano Concertos. Like many others, I'd been introduced to Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto by the movie "Shine". When I asked the resident musicologist for Rach 3, she rolled her eyes. I explained that I wasn't remotely interested in the commercial David Helfgott version. I wanted the definitive version. She smiled knowingly and took me to a shelf. This is the version she handed me. Buy it. You won't be disappointed! Ashkenazy is at the peak of his powers and Previn does a phenomenal job with the London Symphony. It doesn't get any better than this.

An easy first choice.......2006-06-12

If you are looking for a standard stereo recording of the four concertoes, you don't have to look hard to realize that this set would be a nice and easy choice. Ashkenazy's performances of the Rachmaninov concertos are poetic, full of passions and yearnings, and technically excellent. This 2CD set is sold at the price of one full-priced CD, so it should be a good bargain. If you are a newcomer to Rachmaninov, this set is highly recommended. Later on when you have become familiar with these concertos you might also want to check out the renditions by Argerich and Horowitz, both of which contain some of the most spectacular displays of keyboard fireworks. These recordings by Ashkenazy have been reissued many times and the most recent one I believe is the 2 separate disks in the Eloquence series. Sonically the Eloquence reissues were artificially reprocessed in order to create wider dynamics and better sense of immediacy. Get either this one or the other, it doesn't matter which, what matters is that every Rachmaninov lover should have these recordings as basic items in his/her collection.

The champion of Rachmaninov's music........2005-12-25

This is a very good set of Rachmaninov's piano works for a very reasonable price indeed. For those who are unfamiliar with the great russian composer's piano works, from the blazing horns, swelling piano chords and seductive strings opening the first piano concerto you feel right away you're in for a very special musical experience.

Normally, when you know and appreciate what a musician has created throughout his career, there's almost always one piece of work that stands out or that you like more than the others. When it comes to Rachmaninov's piano works, mine would certainly be the Piano Concerto no 3, one of the most beautiful piano works that were ever written, and also the Concerto no 4. There's a certain nostalgia about this latter work, like feelings about a past gone forever, and you can feel this leitmotiv during the whole concerto. Maybe the fact that Rachmaninov wrote this wonderful concerto after having moved permanently to the US and therefore feeling homesick has something to do with it.

As for Mr Ashkenazy, he simply is the best interpreter when it comes to Rachmaninov's piano works. The great Vladimir is temperate rather than romantic, cool and constantly in control: sometimes he seems pouring out rivers of emotions and passion without getting carried away though. He has the musicality and intelligence to understand exactly how these concertos work. He has phenomenal technique, original approach, and his touch is quite fiery at times, gentle and tender at others. He can be poetic and passionate when he needs to.

In Rachmaninov's piano concertos the orchestra plays a vital role, often playing the main theme melodies while the piano accompanies, which is rather unusual. In this regard, the London Symphonic Orchestra and conductor A. Prévin are one of the best. Couple this with Rachmaninov's music and Ashkenazy's interpretation, and you're in for a very special musical treat indeed.

Thoughtful but passionate interpretations.......2005-07-09

After listening to a recording of Rachmaninoff's 2nd concerto and hearing a lot about the 3rd concerto, I jumped at buying this CD because of the low cost for two CDs - I was not disappointed.

For me the highlight by far is the third piano concerto, where Ashkenazy seems to pour out passion without getting carried away. This recording I much prefer to Argerich's recording (passionate, but little restraint and thought put into that performance) and even Horowitz's (although this may be because of it's worse sound quality). The first movement is played slower than most other performances, but is filled with passion and technical mastery. I am starting to learn this concerto and know how difficult it is! I was glad to see that Ashkenazy used the longer, chordal codenza rather than the shorter one used by Horowitz and Argerich (those are the only other recordings I've heard) with I much prefer.

The first and fourth concertos are also fabulously played but for me they don't compare to the third. The second concerto, however, was a little bit of a disappointment for me (not enough for me to give the discs 4 stars, however). Because I have already learned this concerto, I'm probably quicker to find faults with Ashkenazy's playing here. If I could put my finger on what I don't like about it it would be the balance between the piano and orchestra - you can hardly hear the piano at some of the most difficult sections. Still, the orchestra sounds beautiful and so does the piano when you can hear it.

Since listening to this disc Ashkenazy has quickly become one of my favorite pianists - as has Levine as a conductor. I would heartily recommend this CD for anyone, but especially for anyone who ever aspires to play any of these pieces - all four of the are beautiful and these performances are well thought-out and powerful.

Very good.......2005-03-18

These performances are wonderful, and to those who think otherwise, I do not really know another complete set that has performances as good as this. Ashkenazy is, as usual, amazing, and this particular set of the many Ashkenazy/Previn Rachmaninov Concertos sets is often called definitive. The sound quality is pretty good. Highly recommended.
By the way, Vladimir Ashkenazy holds the position of President of the Rachmaninov Society, which makes this set a no brainer.

Average customer rating: beethoven piano concerti wished it was not a set Wonderful set! What is Ashkenazy up to? Beautiful, but not perfect

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ashkenazy, Vladimir | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ashkenazy, Vladimir | ( A ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | 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: Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Mozart: The Piano Concertos Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas Chopin: The Piano Works Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim ASIN: B0000041K9 Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Op. 15: I. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Op. 15: II. Largo
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 In C Major, Op. 15: III. Rondo: Allegro
4. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: I. Andante Con Moto, Cantabile E Compiacevole
5. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: II. Allegro
6. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: III. Andante, Cantabile E Grazioso
7. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: IV. Presto
8. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: V. Quasi Allegretto
9. Six Bagatelles, Op. 126: VI. Presto-Andante Amabile E Con Moto
10. Fur Elise

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 37: I. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 37: II. Largo
3. Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 37: III. Rondo: Allegro
4. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, Op. 58: I. Allegro moderato
5. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con moto
6. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major, Op. 58: III. Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major, Op. 73: I. Allegro
2. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major, Op. 73: II. Adagio un poco mosso
3. Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major, Op. 73: III. Rondo: Allegro
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 19: I. Allegro con brio
5. II. Adagio: 2. Adagio
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 19: III. Rondo: Molto allegro

Amazon.com

Each of these performances has its own profile. The orchestra plays incisively in the First Concerto, but Ashkenazy's plush lyricism doesn't make a good match either with the orchestra or with the music, and he makes one weird ritard in the first movement. The Second Concerto is uneventful, rather bland and pleasant. The Third Concerto seems to be the best performance of the lot, with dramatic playing by soloist and orchestra, but it's sabotaged by blurry recorded sound, the only serious problem with sound quality in the entire set. The Fourth Concerto is enlivened, at least intellectually, by Solti's approach, constantly revealing interesting unfamiliar details in the orchestral score. Ashkenazy's detachment makes this a frosty but fascinating experience. The "Emperor" is a good routine performance, nothing special. The Bagatelles aren't much of a bonus, since they're rather dully played. (Why not the "Choral" Fantasy?) There's nothing actively bad about this set, and it's reasonably priced. But Beethoven deserves better, and gets it from many performers, including the fascinating Uchida-Sanderling collaborations. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

beethoven piano concerti.......2007-05-07

the article was in good condition and i had a smooth and prompt delivary

wished it was not a set.......2006-10-27

All I can comment right now, is the performance of the Beethoven piano concerto 1 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was poor. The playing was stiff, the orchestra was below what they should be. I thought I even heard some off key notes from the band! Disappointed. Maybe I am just so used to how Martha Argerich plays it... However the rest of the discs are fantastic, what a contrast!!!!!!

Wonderful set!.......2005-05-03

Ashkenazy is more sweet in his playing than profound, Solti and the CSO are on fire, and the Decca sound is excellent! Good job!

What is Ashkenazy up to?.......2004-05-16

After purchasing Ashkenazy's complete set of the Mozart concertos, I decided to get this one of the Beethoven concertos. Although some of the reviewers had voiced complaints about this set, I felt that it couldn't be that bad. Indeed, it's not that bad, but its not that good either.

To me, it seems as if Ashkenazy has no sense of style. His approaches to these concertos are more lyrical and romantic rather than classical. Take the first, for example. Ashkenazy treats the piano line as if he were playing Chopin. Solti, on the other hand, seems to feel that louder is better. Thus we have a very bizarre dialogue between piano and orchestra in the C major concerto. The second isn't much better. Although Ashkenazy gives a much better reading, Solti again feels that the CSO must play as forcefully as possible. The concerto is rather bland in the first place and Ashkenazy's approach is nothing special. The third concerto is wonderfully played by both Ashkenazy and the CSO. Ashkenazy treatment of the piano line is more classical while Solti's boisterous approach actually works in this powerful work. However, poor recording conditions (the evident hiss in the background) ruin the largo. The G major concerto is the most interesting in the set. Solti's treatment of the orchestra accompaniment is quite inspired - this is Solti at his most tender. However, Ashkenazy's icy interpretation is detached, it seems as if he and Solti are on two entirely different pages. Although the recording is remarkable in its beauty, Ashkenazy's lack of warmth leaves a chilling cloud over the performance. The fifth is nothing special. Solti is back to being loud and Ashkenazy gives a good, routine performance.

All in all, even at a budget price, this set is not highly recommended.

Beautiful, but not perfect.......2004-02-16

This is a good set of the piano concertos. However, the main problem is in the Fifth (Emperor): the second movement is extremely slow and faltering. This is one of the most beautiful pieces ever composed and the second movement MUST be perfect, as the version of Perahia: astonishing sensible, rhythmic.

Having problems in the Fifth is almost unforgivable in a concert like this, and is the main reason to give only 3 stars instead of 5.

Average customer rating: five sparkling gems Outstanding. OK for the money You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens Trust us

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5 Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Dutoit, Laurence | ( D ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos Saint-Saëns: Concertos Bruch: The Complete Violin Concertos Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata ASIN: B00000425S Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: I Andante -- Allegro assai
2. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: II Andante sostenuto quasi adagio
3. Piano Concerto No. In D Major, Op. 17: III Allegro con fuoco
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: I Andante sostenuto
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: II Allegro Scherzando
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22: III Presto
7. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: I Moderato assai - Piu mosso (Allegro maestoso)

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: II Andante
2. Piano Concerto No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 29: III Allegro non troppo
3. Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: I Allegro moderato
4. Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: II Allegro vivace
5. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: I Allegro animato
6. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: II Andante
7. Piano Concerto No. 5 In F Major, Op. 103: III Molto allegro

Amazon.com

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I remember organizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "The Egyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local community orchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in the orchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both the Second and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century, but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was our loss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs, can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fine performances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivacious music at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

five sparkling gems.......2007-02-21

Saint-Saens was the dominant French composer of the second half of the nineteenth century. And yet his works remain under-appreciated. His party piece "Carnival of the Animals" is probably his best known composition. Of his five symphonies, only the last (the "Organ" symphony, which is given the number 3) is well known, and that as a novelty crowd pleaser, rather than in recognition of the masterpiece it is. All five symphonies should be part of the standard repertoire. Of the piano concertos, the best known is the second, with the fourth somewhere behind that. But all five are glittering, assured works, full of imagination, and amongst the most thoroughly realized concertos written. They make full use of all the colours of the large romantic orchestra, and range through the pallette of emotions from exuberance to reflective sadness. This is a fine recording, the notes dropping in clear cascades of gorgeous sound. It should be part of any classical music collection.

Outstanding........2005-11-24

Having listened to other recordings, plus hearing live ones, of Concerto #2 (the most popular) for 15 years, it was nice to hear the entire pentalogy of the Saint-Saens piano concerti.
Pascal Roge may not be as big a name as Martha Argerich or
Vladimir Ashkenazy, but he certainly knows how to play the piano.
There isn't a dull moment in any of them. Roge captures all the youthful exuberance in the musically-straightforward 1st concerto. The 5th concerto (often called "The Egyptian concerto") is definitely the best of the lot. The tonal coloring is exquisite throughout, especially in the 'Nile River' 2nd movement and the boisterous finale. I could listen to it all day. The 3rd and 4th concerti are fine; these are musically less interesting than the other three. The orchestra is equally virtuosic and never oversteps its bounds, under the guidance of Dutoit. Highly recommended.

OK for the money.......2005-04-22

All in all, I think this is a fair value. Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good. I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages. What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost. I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.

I liked concerto no 1 very much - these concertos should not be ignored even if some critics do not consider Saint Saens a 'heavyweight' composer.

You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens.......2004-05-06

Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music. It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.

Not coincidentally, some of Saint-Saens' pieces that have shown staying power are at least a couple of the piano concerti, and they are impeccably presented here by Roge & Dutoit. All in all, they are pretty musical confections of a decidedly classical strain, certainly not wallowing in the late romanticism that was running rampant at the time they were composed. If you are lukewarm about Saint-Saens, this is a collection that will plead his case for you about as well as anything to be found these days. Also, it is nice and cheap --- that certainly does not detract from its desirability. Enjoy.

Trust us.......2003-03-02

Looking at the other reviews here, I can only nod in complete agreement. Saint-Saëns is an underrated composer and these 5 concertos are joyful, seductive and deserving of a lot more attention than they have received. Saint-Saëns, like Mendelssohn, had the ability to instantly inspire happiness in the listener, this listener anyhow. Yes, the 2nd and 4th occasionally do get an airing, but the "Eqyptian" (the 5th) is every bit their equal and the remaining two concertos certainly have their own merits. The five deserve a double disc outing like this.

The performances here are very, very fine indeed. I have not heard the Collard/Previn versions (which are referred to in another review), although I have several versions of the 2nd and 4th. Charles Dutoit and Pascal Roge do a wonderful job, investing these performances with the affection and conviction they deserve. True, there is more of the virtuoso than the philosopher about Roge's playing, but that is entirely appropriate to Saint-Saëns. This is feel-good music (and music-making) of the very highest callibre.

Returning to these discs is always a pleasure for me and I hope will be for you. If you have even a passing interest in late Romantic piano concertos treat yourself to these.

Average customer rating: What Hath God Wrought? World class music I Wish Dennis Brain Had Been Born So That His Performing Powers Peaked in 1995 A Master Performs a Master Mozart: Horn Concert

Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Brain, Dennis | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Horn Concertos Brain Mozart: Violin Concertos Mozart - Clarinet Concerto & Oboe Concerto / Pay, Piguet, AAM, Hogwood Great Recordings Of The Century - Brahms: Violin Sonatas nos 1 - 3 / Perlman, Ashkenazy ASIN: B00000GCAD Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. Horn Concerto No.1 In D, K.412: Allegro
2. Horn Concerto No.1 In D, K.412: Rondo (Allegro)
3. Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat, K.417: Allegro maestoso
4. Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat, K.417: Andante
5. Horn Concerto No.2 In E Flat, K.417: Rondo
6. Horn Concerto No.3 In E Flat, K.447: Allegro
7. Horn Concerto No.3 In E Flat, K.447: Romance (Larghetto)
8. Horn Concerto No.3 In E Flat, K.447: Allegro
9. Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495: Allegro moderato
10. Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495: Romance (Andante)
11. Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495: Rondo (Allegro vivace)
12. Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Wind K.452: Largo-Allegro moderato
13. Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Wind K.452: Larghetto
14. Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Wind K.452: Rondo (Allegro)

Customer Reviews:

What Hath God Wrought?.......2007-04-02

Well ...

If you're reading this, it's likely that you have already have already heard about Dennis Brain and in particular the famous passages where his rapid playing left a generation of listeners shaking their heads in astonishment.

This is how everyone first hears of him: a sort of circus act with lots of notes but without the great tone that distinguishes really good horn playing. This first impression is strengthened by stories about the strange, narrow-bore horn he played and by the sound of occasionally clipped staccato notes and a tight low range. As someone once said, "My faults, according to this calculation, are heavy indeed!"

But in Brain's case as well as in Fitzwilliam Darcy's, closer acquaintance reverses the impression altogether.

At odds with the idea of frenetic speed, Brain produces some of the most sensitive phrase shaping you'll find in any musical recordings. His effortless mastery gives many passages a relaxed feeling that suggests he is playing them a third lower than written. His recordings of hornists' two signature pieces -- Strauss's first horn concerto and Mozart's third -- are both gentler than any other recording in the catalogue. He plays the Mozart third at a surprisingly slow tempo and turns the first page of the Strauss, which most players muscle up on, into a lullaby.

In the middle and upper ranges, Brain's tone, while unobtrusive, is so full and pure that many people say they have a tendency to block out everything else and just listen to that sound. That may not seem an asset for ensemble playing, but his accompaniment playing was wonderful and his reliability a huge asset for his colleagues. The expectation of perfection became so other-worldly that, on the inevitable day when Brain finally flubbed a passage in rehearsal, the always mischievous Sir Thomas Beecham stopped the orchestra, put his baton down, and just said, "Thank God."

Brain's trills, lip trills in particular, are uniquely clear, and at the end of the day, yes, there is that fabulously rapid articulation that leaves listeners wondering whether they were dreaming what they just heard.

This playing all emanated from a personality that was apparently of the utmost simplicity and modesty. Alan Civil had the last word on this forty years ago in his remembrance of Brain on the jacket of "The Art of Dennis Brain" album (Seraphim 60040, if you can find it). Brain's early, accidental death strikes one the same way as Beethoven's deafness does: a hint that higher forces are at play.

No, this is not a review of Brain's Mozart. It is an invitation to begin an acquaintance. Dig in!

World class music.......2007-01-10

By far the best rendition of the Mozart Horn Concertos ever produced. David Brain must be the "El Supremo" of horn playing. An added bonus on this CD is the Quintet in E flat for piano and wind and with Colin Horsley as the pianist is an added treat for New Zealanders. A "MUST HAVE" for all lovers of Mozart.

I Wish Dennis Brain Had Been Born So That His Performing Powers Peaked in 1995.......2006-05-17

I purchased The LP in 1953 and proceeded to 'wear it out.' No, I have not yet thrown it out.

However, I have had the good fortune to find myself a resident of the San Francisco Peninsula since 1970 and, in time, have had the privilege to make the acquaintance of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, who perform one of each of their annual subscription concert series locally here in Palo Alto.

In 1992 they recorded the Horn Concertos with Lowell Greer performing them on the natural (valveless) horn, the instrument which was in use at the time Mozart composed them. Given the temperamental nature of the the instrument, the recording is doubtless a composite of many 'takes.' It is also a breathtaking performance and is now my 'standard.' See:

[...]

Take a moment to listen to some of the available tracks.

Form your own opinion.

A Master Performs a Master.......2005-08-20

I'm not much of a classical music reviewer. I've been exposed to a lot of music, but I tend to stick to favorite performances, so I don't have the depth needed to really be authoritative. Except perhaps for oboe, and that's because I grew up listening to John De Lancie and Marcel Tabuteau - and once you hear really good, you know what's what. This album is a similar case. Dennis Brain wasn't a 'good' French horn player, he was probably the best that there ever was or will be.

I've heard a lot of performance horn players. All you have to do to see what I mean is to wander through this website and pick off performances of the first movement of Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat and you will discover that Brain never blurbles a note, and every attack in the Allegro Maestoso is pinpoint. He is technically and tonally perfect and couples that with a superb musical sensibility. It was one of the great musical tragedies that he died at the age of 36.

Something to keep in mind is that when Mozart wrote these works for his good friend (and cheesemonger) Joseph Leutgeb, the French horn was a very limited instrument. Many of the notes were reached by stopping the bell to some degree, which affected volume and intonation. Mozart wrote to take advantage of Leutgeb's expertise at this, and Dennis Brain chooses to maintain this effect rather than just play his modern instrument with no thought to the past.

These compositions cover a fair range of time. Number 2(K.417) is really the earliest (1783). And the incomplete No. 1 (K.412) is really the last (1791). The best though, in both my mind and Mozart's is the Quintet in E flat for piano & wind. Mozart was a master in using instrument groupings in novel and powerful fashion and this is no exception.

EMI has remastered this CD over their previous release, which enhances clarity, and makes it easier to hear Dennis Brain's considerable finesse. I own their first release and the difference in clarity makes it worth finding this edition. But even the duller production of the 1997 is enjoyable. It you want a good selection of Dennis Brain's work on one CD this is an excellent buy.

Mozart: Horn Concert.......2005-08-14

Great recordings of the century, and that is what it is.
Herbart von Karajan conducting, and Dennis Brain on horn tells it all; a wonderful rich music experience are waiting for you.
In my ears its probably one of the best recordings ever made of the horn concert. And even though its from the mid 50`s it comes in a wonderful remastered CD.
The CD comes with a very good booklet in English; telling the story behind the record.
I highly recommend this album

Average customer rating: A very good collection of moving compositions. Nothing but the Best Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5; Wedding Cake Caprice-Valse Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo capriccioso in Am; Danse macabre Op40 Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos; Overture on Hebrew Themes Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture ASIN: B0002XV30Q Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. I. Andante - Allegro Assai
2. II. Andante Sostenuto Quasi Adagio
3. III. Allegro Con Fucco
4. I. Andante Sostenuto
5. II. Allegro Scherzando
6. III. Presto
7. I. Allegro Moderato - Andante
8. II. Allegro Vivace - Andante - Allegro

Tracks:

1. I. Moderato Assai - Piu Mosso (Allegro Maestoso)
2. II. Andante
3. III. Allegro Non Troppo
4. I. Allegro Animato
5. II. Andante - Allegretto Tranquillo Quasi Andantino
6. III. Molto Allegro
7. Wedding Cake - Caprice-Valse Op.76
8. Africa Fantaisie Op.89

Customer Reviews:

A very good collection of moving compositions........2007-05-07

We heard the Piano Concerto No. 5 in F on National Public Radio and decided that we must have this piece of music in our CD collection. We selected this CD since the two CDs allowed us to purchase all 5 of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concertos. This CD has become one of our favorites and we play it often, discovering more interest in the work of Saint-Saens with each playing.

Camille Saint-Saens' sense of drama, his lyric runs, his ability to evoke mystery, all make this listening experience highly recommended. I am fascinated by the way Saint-Saens creates rich variations of his themes as he takes us from movement to movement. Saint-Saens has the ability to develop ethereal melodies and variations on themes that are hypnotic and mystical. His piano runs are pushed for dramatic effect. The creative and amusing variations of his themes are pleasant and amusing.

This CD is highly recommended. In addition to the 5 Piano Concertos, Saint-Saens' Wedding Cake Caprice and the Africa Fantaisie are included. I found Jean-Phillippe Collard's interpretation to be masterful and rich, capturing the vast complexity and variation that Saint-Saens created in his compositions.

Nothing but the Best.......2007-04-01

To the other reviewer, you are a fool to give these CDs anything less than 5 stars, and you should be banished to hearing Fur Elise permanently until you repent of your ways. As a classical piano composer and teacher, I am definetely spoiled with piano music, it's true. But this is a real gem, TRUE ART, where even a metronome is rendered petty and useless to this, thank you very, very, much. Saint-Saen's 5 Piano Concertos, and David Helfgott's performance of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto IS as good as it gets. This is art with a soul, their is no hidden agenda, no undercurrent to this music. This recording is fine, don't listen to the other reviewer. I would give it 10 stars if I had the option. Much of these 2 CDs is compltely unique in the realm of piano music. The 2nd Mov. of the 5th Concerto is unforgettable, just to name one. Go ahead and get this one, if you don't, you are sinning, right now.

Buy it for all the five concerti, just don't expect much from the second concerto.......2006-06-01

There are two albums of Saint-Saens' complete piano concerti available in the Amazon catalogue. This from EMI classics, and one from Decca. With two extra tracks thrown in (the "Wedding Cake" waltz, Opus 76, and "Africa Fantaisie," opus 89), this is the better bargain. Plus it's cheaper. I highly recommend it for these reasons, especially if your only interest is familiarization with all of Saint-Saens' five piano concertos, as was mine. Whether the Charles Dutoit performance is better, I can't say as I don't own it.

As for the performances in this disc:

My interest in Saint-Saens' piano concertos was fired up when I first heard his 2nd Piano Concerto performed by Cecile Licad. That stupendous performance (yes, I considered that adjective very carefully and find it absolutely appropriate) was also conducted by Andre Previn and accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (another Brit orchestra). That recording is also available in Amazon catalogue. Do buy it if you are a connoisseur of Saint Saens' second piano concerto. It is a definitive performance, one that am sure even Saint-Saens would approve of VERY enthusiastically. Just listen to the cadenza of the first movement in the Music Sampler and hear for yourselves.

Now back to this album. As noted earlier, it is also conducted by Andre Previn. But what a difference a pianist makes. I refer here to the performance of the second piano concerto. I skip it, actually. Having been spoiled--blissfully, ecstatically--by the Licad stunner, I cannot bear the stultifying interpretation in this one. I just listen to the other piano concertos and enjoy them. These piano concertos are excitingly atmospheric, with the composer's unmistakable mix of boister and mystery. As noted from an Amazon review of the Decca album, a recording of all of Saint Saent's five piano concerti is rare enough. So for that reason and the cheap price, this album is a good buy. I just try not wonder how other pianists, like Licad for instance, would play them. I just enjoy Saint Saent's piano music, The other performances are still very enjoyable, excluding other considerations. After I received this album from my sister as her Amazon gift, I now know that Saint Saen's piano concertos really rock!!! They are for me.

For the price and the extra tracks I'd give this album four stars. But for its dismal second piano concerto (cringe, cringe), three stars.

Average customer rating: The definitive recording my ears don't lie do they? Classic! A very special gifted pianist! Beautiful recording

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3 Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Minnesota Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23 Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/Capriccio Italien/Beethoven: Wellington's Victory Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist ASIN: B0000057LA Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Allegro ma non troppo
2. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Intermezzo: Adagio
3. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: Finale: Alla breve
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Moderato
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Adagio sostenuto
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: Allegro scherzando
7. Prelude In E-Flat Major, Op.23, No.6
8. Prelude In C-Sharp Minor, Op.3, No.2

Amazon.com essential recording

Byron Janis' celebrated recordings of these two concertos have never sounded better than in this new remastering by Mercury's Wilma Cozart Fine. Talk about recordings usually focuses on the artists and composers, and rightly so, but there are some people in the industry whose names you should know, producers and engineers whose work is as artistically excellent as the performers they record. During the late 50s and early 60s the Fines, husband and wife, created a catalog of recordings, which, when all is said and done, is probably title for title the finest in existence. There isn't a single one that isn't worth hearing, and some, like this one, belong in every collection. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The definitive recording.......2007-07-17

Although this album features two orchestras (LSO and then the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra) the early 1960s Janis-Dorati partnership produced what is arguably the best single piano & orchestra disk in the catalog and a definitive rendition of these two popular concerti.

While the pace is sometimes stately for the big rolling Rachmaninov themes, the passage work is spritely and the overall effect is one of great energy.

The particular benefit of these early 1960s recording is Wilma Cozart's Mercury Living Presence technique which used a single placement of just three microphones (unlike the modern tendency to "mike" every instrument in the orchestra and then adjust balance concerns in re-mixing). This gives the thrill of being at an actual performance (the "living presence" of the orchestra) but without the coughs and other limitations of a concert recording. Indeed, although the CD is reconstructed from original analog tapes, it's hard to imagine that any recording with the best artist in the world could improve on the sound.

In short, if my house was burning down, I'd run back in for this CD.

my ears don't lie do they?.......2006-05-29

I have no reference to compare this recording with, I only have Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto played by Richter which I like very much, but I cannot describe what's so good about it.
I don't have enough interest for piano solo or recitals to be able to tell what exactly makes a good pianist (in general and for me personal)
I'm not even sure what I like or not.

Well maybe I like uncomplicated, straightforward piano playing, with a somewhat light, clear touche the best, I'm not that fond of heavy pedal use.
(I like Kempff's Beethoven Concertos with Ferdinand Leitner very much)

But my taste and understanding for piano solo (violin solo as well) has to be developed yet.
For now I'm choosing "uncomplicated playing" as my personal preference...but with not much confidence about it.

These performances by Janis and Dorati are pretty straightforward and I'm pleased that I made a good choice out of many recordings.

Dorati's orchestral accompaniment is forceful, sometimes pretty manic, he constantly breaths in Janis' neck, which is breathtaking.
The sound of the orchestra/recording is close and direct with lots of presence what helpes to get even more involved in the performance.
The performances I heard never gave that sense of commitment in the music Dorati and Janis give.
True, the recording helps a lot and obviously the "old sonics" too...I mean the sound is absolutely fabulous, but you're aware it is an old recording and it does add that bit of authenticity to it.

In Rachmaninov's 2nd concerto I like Richter/Wislocki better, but probably only because of the 1st movement, which is slower - slower than everyone else, for me Richter/Wislocki's tempo feels more natural than Rachmaninov's own and everyone else's faster readings.
Janis/Dorati's Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra however is better than Wislocki's Warsaw Orchestra.

As you noticed I haven't mentioned Byron Janis' playing at all...that's because I simply cannot say anything relevant about it, I have to learn a lot and listen to many pianists to make a valid comment.

The performance itself, as a whole, by Janis and Dorati is excellent, no doubt about it, there must be something seriously wrong with my ears if I am wrong about this.

Classic!.......2006-02-19

Definitely a "must-have" performance in piano concerto category. One of a great recordings sonically. Mostly clean throughout the disc, I heard just a few cracking noises during high energy sections.

A very special gifted pianist!.......2005-07-06

Byron Janis was one of the most prominent American pianists of his generation, headed by William Kapell, Rosalyn Tureck, Leon Fleisher, John Browning and Lorin Hollander.He possessed tune, technique and temperament, the famous three T required to shine in this difficult activity.
Maybe the favorite repertoire did not fill the future expectations of new audiences after the sixties. The new tendencies of the Sixties shaped new searches: the Russian repertoire had been reassigned to three magnificent pianists from the USSR: Emil Gilels, Sviatoslav Richter and Vladimir Ashkenazy. The impressive number of Piano Festivals all around the world turned out the attention of new audiences, avid to meet the new talents: precisely The Busoni competition allowed to young promises as Marta Argerich to get a place, but also worked out positively for many European artists as Alfred Brendel, Walter Klien, John Lill, John Ogdon, who triumphed in Tchaikovsky Competition.
The special interest for the Russian music, decayed in that decade. Mahler, Shostakovich, Nielsen, ascended in the musical taste and the piano music of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert remained for small audiences in Europe, but not in USA . There was a huge interest for the new compositions, so Bartok, Schoenberg, Messiaen, Copland and even Brahms held the attention, but the orchestral sound prevailed over the Hall Concerts. The European invasion and the new names from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, shadowed many emerging figures.
That's why the new generation of pianists (with the exception of two true icons in the American pianism as Rosalyn Tureck and Earl Wild) as David Dubal, Gerard Robbins, Paul Jacobs, Raymond Lewenthal, Jerome Rose, Adrian Ruiz and Ursula Oppenheimer decided to play Reinecke, Copland, Busoni, Alkan and Liszt.
In other words the lack of perception of the new musical tendencies, plus the sudden decay of new directors established the difference and the artistic surviving for many gifted pianists, far beyond the personal disgrace of Fleisher.
However this recording will become a true historical reference for the future generations.

Beautiful recording.......2005-04-19

What can I say about this CD that's not already said? I totally agree with all the comments expressed here by all the reviewers.

In all my 50 years, I never knew piano music could be so rich, evocative and inspiring. This is one discovery that came so late but nevertheless so wonderfully fulfilling and satisfying in my enjoyment of music over a lifetime. I can truly say that this music has enriched my life and came at a time when life seems to be coming to a close, at least as I perceived it for myself. Imagine, such music created nearly fifty years ago still sound so fresh and beautiful that it can touch, move and inspire us even now, after all the years! I encourage music lovers everywhere, especially of classical music, to get hold of this CD and listen to it at least once in their lifetime. You may experience the same sense of joy and wonder as I have. Also, as far as possible, try to listen to it on a high-end high-fidelity audio system. This will definitely give a clearer and more detailed insight, `revelation' into the music, making it that so much more enjoyable.

If Byron Janis was a student of Vladmir Horowitz, then I must say that in this instance, the disciple has truly excelled above and beyond that of the master (as chinese sayings go). In comparison to the Horowitz/Reiner/RCA/1951 recording which some described as the definitive and ultimate interpretation of the Rachmaninoff Third, I find that the latter much less emotionally involving and satisfying. In my opinion, many things in the latter - the seemingly `missing' orchestration (overwhelmed by the forceful pianist maybe), the `plonky' and `banging' piano tone in many instances, the relatively `cold' technical rendition, poor mono recording with thin and reedy sounds overall etc - make it inferior by far. The only other worthy contender, which even comes close to this by Byron Janis, is the Martha Argerich/ Kondrasin/Bavarian RSO/Philips/1980 recording.

So don't hesitate, go get the SACD version of this CD now and enjoy....

Average customer rating: Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini 4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4 low-hanging fruit Fantastic A decent set

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Van Cliburn: My Favorite Rachmaninoff Serge Rachmaninoff: 3 Symphonies/The Rock Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff ASIN: B000004167 Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 1. Moderato
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 3. Allegro scherzando
4. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
5. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 2. Intermezzo (Adagio)
6. Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 3. Finale (Alla breve)

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 1. Vivace
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 2. Andante
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 3. Allegro vivace
4. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 1. Allegro vivace. (Alla breve)
5. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 2. Largo
6. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 3. Allegro vivace
7. Rhapsodie On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini.......2007-03-09

I am truly enjoying them. I play them almost daily.

4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4.......2007-02-21

I didn't care for the interpretation of the Third piano concerto, It was a bit rough around the edges and lacked lyricism. I bought the set because I heard the 4th on NPR and loved it.

low-hanging fruit.......2007-02-15

Sergei Rachmaninoff's music for piano and orchestra is easy to love. Its lyrical romanticism and connections with successors that lead even to jazz piano tend to be accessible to contemporary listeners. It is some of the most stirring music ever written, though it does not earn the respect of work written by canonical masters of the genre like Mozart and Beethoven.

When you pair this music with Edo de Waart's baton (now in Hong Kong), Rafael Orozco's keyboard, and the always dependable Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, you've got a situation where artistic ripe fruit is hanging low for the picking.

After you've loved this double CD recording to death, make it a project to introduce someone who needs orchestral music in her life but doesn't see it yet. Rachmaninoff might just be the doorway.

Lovely, lovely music, perhaps even for hearts worn flat by pop culture's single track.

Fantastic.......2006-11-29

As a reviewer said below (I 100% agree), technically, the pianist's technique is virtually godlike (Czifra-like technique). Maybe musically he provides a unique interperetation... but in a positive way! After listeting to about 10 versions of Rachman.concertos, I found the Orozco interpretation and understanding of the concertos to be far the superior!! Originally I had no idea about this recording and wanted to go with Kissin or Kondrashin etc. Also because the quality of this recording is not the top one (but it is not that bad - I just call it "philips sound"). To conclude, to me this is finally the kind of interpretation which makes me stand up from the chair and which makes me chill. Like Heifetz on violin. The performance has unbelievable emotional drive - Orozco is unbelievable. Kissin pales beside him, really.

A decent set.......2006-09-07

Perhaps the greatest virtue of this recording set is that it very nicely comes with the complete set of Rachmaninoff works for Piano and orchestra, but other than that, unfortunately, it counts for little else.

Technically, the playing is solid. However, the interpretation has less soul to it than I would really like in such deep music as this. Many beautiful sections of music are glossed over, such as the opening of the Fourth Concerto, the opening of the Rhapsody, and other parts.

As a complete set, this recording is at best a bargain set with bargain priced playing and sound... However, if you are looking for interpretations of the individual pieces included, each one has at least several more satisfying recordings available. Looking for a complete set is now much easier--check out Nikolai Lugansky's complete set for only about $2 more, last I checked.

Average customer rating: excellent beethoven cycle Nice Surprise!

Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ax, Emanuel | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set) Mozart: The Piano Sonatas; Fantasias & Rondos Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Concerto for violin in D Brahms: 7 Fantasies, Op. 116; 4 Piano Pieces, Op. 119; Sonata No. 2, Op. 2 ASIN: B0000CNTLV Release Date: 2003-12-09

Customer Reviews:

excellent beethoven cycle.......2005-04-16

Emanuel Ax really understands the poetic heart of this music. He highlights the dark melancholy of beethoven's music without ever becoming sacharine or sentimental. However, those looking for a barn burnig version of these concertos would do well to look elseware: Ax's performance is understated, with a focus on nuance, precision, color and dynamic shading. He never resorts to vulgar clanging in the forte passages. While not lacking in passion, his performance simly lets the music speak for itself.
One minor quible: the Choral Fantasy sounds like it was recorded in a TB ward, and the overall sound of this piece is notably inferior to the rest of the cycle. This is understandable, because the Fantasy was recorded live and at a different venue than the other recordings.
For an excellent Choral Fantasy, check out Helene Grimaud's "Credo" on DG.
Buy this set for the concertos.

Nice Surprise!.......2004-04-11

I bought this box set of Beethovens piano concertos on a whim about one month ago and what a nice surprise that turned out to be. The CD containing concertos 3 and 4 has been (by far) the most frequently played disc in our household ever since. Ax, with his sublime technique, really shines in these two and Previn is in perfect sync with him. I also have to commend the producers: The sound, balance etc. is excellent and puts a lot of more recent recordings to shame.

Track Listings:

1. Piano Music 3
2. Piano Music From Scotland
3. Piano Quartets, Opus 61 & 8
4. Piano Sonatas 3
5. Polish Violin
6. Psychodrama / Tomorrow
7. Religious Works
8. Richter 2
9. Richter 5
10. Richter 8

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Skins and Punks, Vol. 3

Very Best of Classical: Mozart

Waiting for Lit

Music: La Cancion Del Olvido, ,

Transmission Impossible [Import]

Tribute to Curtis Mayfield

Use a Napkin

The Very Best Of Symphony

Thunder Road

Triptico 1 [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Void Touching Faster Victuals [EP]

Ultra Selection [Import]

Trance Chartmix

Brahms: Symphony No.4/Tragic Overture

Hard Rain