Richter 5

1. Piano Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958
Composed by Franz Schubert
with Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

2. Piano Sonata No. 21 in B flat major, D. 960
Composed by Franz Schubert
with Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter

Richter 5,Schubert,Richter,Olympia,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Classical Artists

Average customer rating: Our favorite CD for all occasions Bach and Roll! My daughter loves this CD Soothing Classical, Jazz and Opera Bach all in one

Bach for Babies Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | 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 Similar Items: Beethoven for Babies Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies - Playtime to Sleepytime The Mozart Effect: Music For Babies: Nighty Night Build Your Baby's Brain ASIN: B00000IIYV Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

1. Partita No. 1 in B-Flat: Praeludium
2. Partita No. 1 in B-Flat: Menuets I & II
3. English Suite No. 3 In G Minor: Gavotte I - Gavotte II Ou La Musette
4. French Suite No. 6 In E: Allemande
5. Suite No. 3 In D For Cello: Bourree I & II
6. Suite No. 6 For Cello: Gavottes I-II
7. Prelude In D Minor
8. Orchestral Suite No. 2 In B Minor For Flutes And Strings: Badinerie
9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: Allegro
10. Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude No. 3
11. Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Fugue No. 3
12. (Prelude No. 2 from Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I): Be-Bop Bach
13. (Fugue No. 2 From Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I): Dixie Bach
14. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G: Allegro
15. Suite No. 4 For Cello: Bourree
16. Partita No. 1 in B-Flat: Giga
17. 'Little' Fugue In G Minor
18. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Presto
19. Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 1 In C
20. Concerto In D Minor For Oboe And Strings: Sicliano
21. Suite In E-Flat For Flute And Harp: Gavotte en rondeau
22. Sonata In E-Flat For Flute And Harp: Sicliano
23. Minuet In D Minor
24. Bist Du Bei Mir (When Thou Art Near)

Amazon.com

Programmed similarly to the Beethoven for Babies collection, this set of Bach compositions runs the emotional gamut, from the gently eye opening to the jumpy arm raising, collecting each set of pieces under a thematic header. The first several selections ("Waking Up") feature solo piano works that come directly from Bach's more pedagogic works, compositions intended for students to use as exercises to loosen their touch. Played superbly by pianist Sviatoslav Richter, as well as the Romero brothers (Pepe and Celedonio) on warm guitar, these compositions urge the ear to open. And then you come the pieces gathered under the "Playtime" heading: jazz pianist John Lewis picks up a couple pieces, as do the folks in Canadian Brass. Then the mood shift heads back to the sleepyhead state with "Winding Down" and "And So to Bed," each of which slows the tempo and quiets the passion to a doze. This is a fine set of Bach works. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Our favorite CD for all occasions.......2005-05-15

This is absolutely my favorite CD that we bought for our baby! We've bought quite a few classical-music-for-baby compilations, and this is far and away the best. The music is fun, flirty, stimulating, sweet, and beautifully performed. It's not syrupy, dumbed-down, or played on electronic instruments like some of those other compilations. We listen to it all the time. I now buy this as a baby shower gift for everyone I know!

Bach and Roll!.......2004-04-26

You can't beat Bach. If classical music is the thing you want for your baby, get this CD. If you are single and have no kids, but classical music is your thing, get this CD. This is fantastic reading music, study music (regardless of what you're studying), and just plain relaxing music. I also highly recommend the CD, BUILD YOUR BABY'S BRAIN 1.

My daughter loves this CD.......2003-02-24

She's one-year-old now, and she's been listening to this CD since she was 1 month old. Recommend it for those new parents that can't come up with any other way to lay their little ones to sleep.

Soothing.......2002-07-29

Very soothing. Calms my baby everytime I play it! And yes, they actually do listen to music and enjoy it! I recommend this as an essential item for any new baby!

Classical, Jazz and Opera Bach all in one.......2001-05-30

This is a versatile collection in terms of composition, performance and layout. Comparing to most of CD with classical selections for baby, this edition is more nutritious and rich on musical experience. Genre wise, the piano solo, concerti, chamber and opera are all included. Performance wise, it is absolute a feast -- Sir Neville Marrier conducting Academy of St. Martin-in-the fields, Jazz Pianist John Lewis delivering the charming and uplifting variation, and Kiri Te Kanawa's heavenly creamy voice. The combination of these musicians and recordings is a decision with great artistic sensibility. The layout is perfectly arranged -- from the waking up, playtime and to the bed. This is not just another CD juggles some pieces together from a brandy composer. For a more serious editing of baby music, this shall be something as a guideline.

Average customer rating: The definitive "Pictures at an Exhibition" terrible coughs. The Most Memorialand Quoted Piano Recital from the 1950's The best interpretation of "Pictures at an Exhibition" I have heard Great but the worst recording i hear

The Sofia Recital 1958 Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | 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 | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Richter, Sviatoslav | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Richter, Sviatoslav | ( R ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier Schumann: Piano Concerto / Sviatoslav Richter BBC Friends: Richter (Great Performers of the Twentieth Century) Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata Brahms: Concerto No.2/Beethoven: Sonata No.23 ASIN: B0000523QI Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
2. Pictures At An Exhibition: I Gnomus
3. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
4. Pictures At An Exhibition: II II vecchio castello - Promenade
5. Pictures At An Exhibition: III Tuileries
6. Pictures At An Exhibition: IV Bydlo
7. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
8. Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet des poussins dans leurs coques
9. Pictures At An Exhibition: VI Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuyle
10. Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
11. Pictures At An Exhibition: VII Limoges: le marche'
12. Pictures At An Exhibition: VIII Catacombae: Sepulchrum romanum - Cum mortius in lingua mortua
13. Pictures At An Exhibition: La Cabe sur des pattes de poule
14. Pictures At An Exhibition: La Grande Porte de Kiev
15. Moment Musical in C Major, D780 no.1
16. Impromptu In E Flat Major, D899 No,2
17. Impromptu in A Flat Major
18. Etude In E Major, Op.10 no.3
19. Valse oubliee No.1 In F Sharp Major
20. Valse oubliee No.2 In A Flat Major
21. Etude d'execution transcendante No.5
22. Etude d'execution transcendante No.11
23. Prelude In G Sharp Minor, op.32 no.13

Customer Reviews:

The definitive "Pictures at an Exhibition".......2007-04-30

Not much more I can add to this. If you have any interest in the original piano version of "Pictures" at all then this is the one to get. Try Muti's for an excellent version of the piece as orchestrated by Ravel(Along with a great "Rite of Spring"; dirt cheap too)- Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibiton; Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring.

Nobody else understands "Pictures" as well as Richter and in his hands time melts and you are taken on a journey you will not soon forget. Richter pushes and pulls this piece wherever he wants and we the listeners are happy to follow him where he chooses to take us.

The piano sound is quite good for its time. Fairly full and with a good dynamic range. Unfortunately the audience seems to have a case of infectious coughing. Similar to the live Wartime recordings of Furtwangler in that respect. You get used to it though, and either way it doesn't matter in the hands of a performance of this stature.

There's a reason that you can still buy this nearly 50(?!) years after it was recorded. Not only are people still talking about this recital, but we are still waiting for a recording to match it in modern sound without audience interruptions. I suspect we may have to wait a long, long time.

terrible coughs........2006-11-16

there are two recordings that would've perhaps been much more appreciated had there not been several people who coughed their way through the entire concert. the furtwangler 1942 recording of Beethoven's sixth symphony and this one.
jesus. i'm not one to complain about coughing, but we have issues here. was it communism?? really, were russians this worse off???????

things set aside, the performance itself.. is magical.

i can't add much more to previous reviewers except this: expect one of the worst recordings from the 1950's... if you brainwash yourself into believing this is one of those naxos or pearl remastered 1920s recordings, you'll find yourself much more pleased.

The Most Memorialand Quoted Piano Recital from the 1950's .......2005-12-15

Svaitoslav Richter is the quintiessential pianist of the 20th century. This epic live recording of the Mussorsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" stands as the supreme recording of the piano version ever recorded. Although some will argue that Horowitz recorded of his this piece with is its numerous interpretative changes is also notable but is mearly a flashey more superficial rendition than Richter's. Richter here captures this pieces mistical and heavenly appeal so perfectly it seems its nuances are forever engrained in your mind. The Promenade is so stately and energetically expressed it seemingly gives us permission to enter a heavenly 30 minute musical forum. The variation number 5, 8, 10 and the next to last are my favorites. Being a pianist (and I use that term loosely) this recording has taught me so much with regards to vivid imagery. For example the next to last variation leaves me with the impression that it is someone taking the road to heaven and finally arrives at its gates. Then is looking at the Gates of Heaven as they Open. A grand moment in any life. Richters imagery is so perfectly unbalanced that he leaves us on edge to anticipate each colorful moment. This is truely my favorite recording in classical piano because it is so awe inspiring.

The best interpretation of "Pictures at an Exhibition" I have heard.......2005-11-17

Wow.

If the vivid imagery Richter creates in this live performance isn't enough to bring tears to your eyes, the technical prowess will certainly send you searching for the "repeat" button on your cd player.

Richter, as always, delivers an emotional and monumental performance.

Great but the worst recording i hear.......2005-10-01

fisrt of all excuse me for my bad englih, i m french ;o)
A concert recording can't be perfect, this is the worst i hear. All the people are ill and the record man was probably far as 50m of the piano behind a door.
So, Why three stars ?
because i love this music and nobody play it as Richter this day.
Great music, Great moment...

Average customer rating: A classic Tchaikovsky Second Concerto, plus astonishing Richter

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos 1, 2 & 3 - Prokofiev: Piano Concerto 5 - Bartok: Piano Concerto 2 - Emil Gilels, Sviatoslav Richter, Lorin Maazel Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | 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 Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sviatoslav Richter Plays Chopin, Debussy, Beethoven BBC Friends: Richter (Great Performers of the Twentieth Century) Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli plays Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, etc. (Box) [Germany] Brahms: Concerto No.2/Beethoven: Sonata No.23 The Sofia Recital 1958 ASIN: B000EMSIBM Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Allegro Con Spirito - New Philharmonia Orchestra
2. II. Andantino Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo I - New Philharmonia Orchestra
3. III. Allegro Con Fuoco - New Philharmonia Orchestra
4. I. Allegro Brillante - New Philharmonia Orchestra
5. II. Andante Non Troppo - New Philharmonia Orchestra
6. III. Allegro Con Fuoco - New Philharmonia Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Brillante - New Philharmonia Orchestra
2. I. Allegro Con Brio - London Symphony Orchestra
3. II. Moderato Ben Accentuato - London Symphony Orchestra
4. III. Toccata (Allegro Con Fuoco) - London Symphony Orchestra
5. IV. Larghetto - London Symphony Orchestra
6. V. Vivo - London Symphony Orchestra
7. I. Allegro - Sviatoslav Richter
8. II. Adagio - Sviatoslav Richter
9. III. Allegro Molto - Sviatoslav Richter

Customer Reviews:

A classic Tchaikovsky Second Concerto, plus astonishing Richter.......2006-06-08

The reissue gods are smiling. This bargain Gemini two-fer contains four superlative concerto recordings--the Tchaikovsky Second and Third with Gilels, the Prokofiev Fifth and Bartok Second with Richter. The conductor throughout is Lorin Maazel, definitely on best behavior, and the orchestras vary between the LSO (Prokofiev), New Philharmonia (Tchaikovsky), and the Orchestre de Paris (Bartok). EMI's early Seventies analog sound is bright and forward. The perspective on the piano is natural with Gilels, but as usual, Richter asked to be miked more up close.

Gilels had already made a magisterial Tchaikovsky First with Reiner in 1955 (RCA) when he first stormed West out of Russia, and he would go on to make one just as great in 1980 with Mehta (Sony). This version from 1973 is let down by Maazel's less-than-committed acompaniment, which moves too glibly and quick in the first movement especially. But the Second and Third Concertos are another story. Gilels makes the best case ever for the former work, despite the usual cuts. Maazel livens up, giving us springy rhythms and elegance, while Gilels is polished marble and power. I will be satisfied to own this one version for life, I'm sure.

On CD 2, Richter returns to one of his favorites, the Prokofiev Fifth concdrto, which he had already recorded in 1959 to universal acclaim--this was his time to roar out of Russia and astonish the West. This remake offers somewhat different tempos but the same astonishing solo work. For me, the main distinction is Maazel's razor-sharp, brilliant conducting and the virtuoso playing of the London Sym., wwhich far surpasses the earlier reading on DG. The same holds true for the Bartok Second, where Richter takes a fiendishly difficult, percussive piano part and makes it speak and sing as never before. Pollini is equally riveting in this work but not nearly as approachable. Officially, Richter never recorded the two most popular concertos from these composers, the Prokofiev and Bartok Third. That's a shame, but these great recordings, along with Gilels's' contribution, make this an unmissable bargain.

Average customer rating: Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 / Sviatoslav Richter Concerto Not Quite Perfect Prokofiev and Richter's pianistic magic Definitive Eighth

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 / Sviatoslav Richter Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Richter, Sviatoslav | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Richter, Sviatoslav | ( R ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Schumann: Piano Concerto / Sviatoslav Richter The Sofia Recital 1958 Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos / Richter Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Webern, etc / Maurizio Pollini Brahms: Concerto No.2/Beethoven: Sonata No.23 ASIN: B000001GXD Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

1. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 5 In G Major: 1. Allegro con brio
2. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 5 In G Major: 2. Moderato ben accentuato
3. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 5 In G Major: 3. Toccata - Allegro con fuoco (piu presto che la prima volta)
4. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 5 In G Major: 4. Larghetto
5. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 5 In G Major: 5. Vivo
6. Sonata For Piano No. 8 In B Flat Major: 1. Andante dolce - Allegro moderato - Andante
7. Sonata For Piano No. 8 In B Flat Major: 2. Andante songando
8. Sonata For Piano No. 8 In B Flat Major: 3. Vivace - Allegro ben marcato - Andantino - Vivace
9. Visions fugitives op.22: No. 3, No. 6, No. 9

Amazon.com essential recording

Sviatoslov Richter was a friend of the composer, and he played all of this music in Prokofiev's presence. His performances have since acquired almost cult status among pianists--a reputation they richly deserve. The Fifth Piano Concerto is a pithy, technically difficult work in five short movements, which Richter plays as though he had composed them himself. The Eighth Sonata, by contrast, was composed during the Second World War, and the contrast between simple lyricism and horrifying violence leaves no doubt whatsoever as to what the composer was attempting to describe. These mid-price reissues sound better than ever, and artistically speaking, they are priceless. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 / Sviatoslav Richter.......2006-08-31

excellent recording. prompt service frm amazon

Concerto Not Quite Perfect.......2006-03-11

Don't get me wrong these performances, esp. the ones forom the keyboard have all of the energy, stength and heart that you would expect from Richter. I can not find one fault with his playing here. It is the recording itself that I have an issue with. The recording balance in the concerto is way off. The piano is always (incorrectly) projected as being louder than the orchestra. If you've ever been to a paiano concerto concert, you know that this is simply not true. Therefore, I give it 4 stars.

Prokofiev and Richter's pianistic magic.......2002-11-23

Prokofiev considered his 5th Piano Concerto to be unjustly neglected at the expense of his ever-popular 3rd. On the evidence of this September 1958 recording, he was right! Richter and the Warsaw National Philharmonic are flawless and sparkling with the spirit of Prokofiev, a light, urbane wit seldom heard since Mozart. The 8th Sonata is another spirit entirely, perhaps Prokofiev's most profound and complex work. There are gentle passages following turbulence and darkness that are of the utmost beauty, and Richter's playing is a marvel.

Other than his 2nd Symphony, Prokofiev's modernist impulse is clearest in his works for piano. The 7th and 8th Sonatas especially are masterworks of the early 20th century, and Richter's is THE 8th!

Definitive Eighth.......1999-12-25

I usually have in mind a list of the ten greatest piano recordings of all time. Luckily, having no particular label affiliation, I am compelled to make my choices solely by personal preference, Millenial Collections notwithstanding. The Fifth Concerto is rarely if ever, played. Richter's version is superb. But the Eighth Sonata receives the most excruciatingly beautiful performance. The lyricism, drama, colour are all qualities in this performance that have remained with me for decades. An essential recording for anyone who loves the piano.

Average customer rating: Beethoven would have smiled The Definitive Performances of Beethoven's Cello-Piano Wonderful Richter + Rostropovich = Perfection Gramophone Classical 100

Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brahms: The Cello Sonatas Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Bach: The 6 Cello Suites Schubert, Debussy / Rostropovich, Britten Brahms: Sonatas for Cello and Piano ASIN: B0000041A9 Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 1 In F, Op. 5 No. 1, For Piano And Cello: I. Adagio Sostenuto - Allegro
2. Sonata No. 1 In F, Op. 5 No. 1, For Piano And Cello: II. Rondo. Allegro Vivace
3. Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2, For Piano And Cello: I. Adagio Sostenuto
4. Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2, For Piano And Cello: II. Rondo. Allegro
5. Sonata No. 3 In A, Op. 69, For Piano And Cello: I. Allegro ma non tanto
6. Sonata No. 3 In A, Op. 69, For Piano And Cello: II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
7. Sonata No. 3 In A, Op. 69, For Piano And Cello: III. Adagio cantabile - Allegro vivace

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 4 In C, Op. 102 No. 1, For Piano And Cello: I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
2. Sonata No. 4 In C, Op. 102 No. 1, For Piano And Cello: II. Adagio - Tempo D'Andante - Allegro Vivace
3. Sonata No. 5 In D, Op. 102 No. 2, For Piano And Cello: I. Allegro Con Brio
4. Sonata No. 5 In D, Op. 102 No. 2, For Piano And Cello: II. Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'Affetto
5. Sonata No. 5 In D, Op. 102 No. 2, For Piano And Cello: III. Allegro - Allegro Fugato
6. 12 Variations On Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen
7. 7 Variations On Bei Mannern, Welche Liebe Fuhlen
8. 12 Variations On See The Conquering Hero Comes

Amazon.com

Beethoven was the first great composer of cello sonatas, and he remained really the only one until Brahms wrote two at the end of the last century, and then in our own time Martinu wrote three. Aside from a few individual works by other composers (Grieg, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich, Barber, and Britten), that about sums up the entire repertoire for this particular combination. It's a difficult medium, because the low notes of the cello tend to get covered by the bass of the piano, and balance between the two instruments is always precarious. Of course, when you have artists of the caliber of Rostropovich and Richter, there's nothing to worry about. This classic set has been the reference edition since the day it was issued, and it's now available at a budget price. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven would have smiled.......2007-02-09

Rostroprovich and Richter are poster children for the merits of recording the lesser-known works of past masters. It is astonishing to believe that the Beethoven of, say, Symphonies, 3, 7, and 9 also sat himself down to compose small music like these pieces for two amiable but sometimes socially incompatible instruments.

That he did so is testimony to the range of his genius, a profound gift that we are prone to appreciate only for its depth.

The phrasing and coordination that the two R's bring to this ensemble makes the two instruments play almost as one.

Beethoven would have sat back in his chair, closed his eyes, and allowed himself the hint of an avuncular smile as though to say 'Now *this* is what I had in mind ... !'

The Definitive Performances of Beethoven's Cello-Piano .......2005-10-10

I've enjoyed this recording for years. In the Sonatas, Rostropovich's cello is strong and the difficulty of having the cello and the piano together is remedied wholly by Richter's capable, modulated keyboarding. I especially love the second movement (Rondo) of Sonata No. 2 in G minor. (I suspect that the recording engineers also played their part.) The Sonatas sound as though they were recorded in a large, empty hall. Perfect.

Yet nothing can be taken from Gendron's cello performances in the Variations. Amazing depths in Variations on "Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen"! (He's also performed quite a bit of Bach out there.) Jean Francaix is the pianist in these performances and I especially enjoyed his parts in 12 Variations on "Ein Madchen oder Weibchen" based on Mozart. The Variations have more of a "chamber" feel as recorded.

In short, turn off all distractions, grab your favorite soothing beverage, lower the lights, and let this recording ease what ails you.

Wonderful.......2005-03-24

Beethoven, Rostropovich, and Richter. It is simply amazing how they managed to get Rostropovich and Richter, two GIANTS of the cello and piano worlds, to play some of the greatest music together. And this set of cello and piano music is complete! What more could you ask for? Sure, the sound isn't perfect, but it's barely noticeable, and you get used to it.

Richter + Rostropovich = Perfection.......2004-07-06

Simply put: The best set of Beethoven's Violoncello Sonatas you'll be able to find. Period.

Gramophone Classical 100.......2004-01-05

This should have entered into Gramophone Classical 100. What were the reviewers doing? Sleeping?

Average customer rating: Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing. Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so. ONE OF MY FAVOURITES Fans will be delighted!

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company John Dowland , Manuel de Falla , Charles Gounod , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Enrique Granados , Fini Henriques , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquim Antonio Barroso Neto , Franz Xaver Richter , Anonymous , William Levi Dawson , Robert MacGimsey , Kathleen Battle , and Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | 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 | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | 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 Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Angels' Glory Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson So Many Stars The Best of Kathleen Battle Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart ASIN: B000002RNM Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
2. Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
3. Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
4. Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
5. Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
6. Ave Maria
7. Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
8. Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
9. Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
10. Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
11. Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
12. Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
13. Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
14. Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
15. Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
16. Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
17. Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
18. Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
19. Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
20. Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating: Bob in Santa Monica

Dvorák: Piano Quintets, Opp. 5 & 81 Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | 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 | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sviatoslav Richter Archives, Vol. 12 Rachmaninov: Sonata No. 2; Préludes; Études Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence Richter the Master, Vol. 3: Scriabin, Prokofiev, Shostakovich Schumann, Brahms: Piano Quintets ASIN: B000E8N7QC Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
2. II: Andante Sostenuto
3. III: Finale: Allegro Con Brio
4. I: Allegro, Ma Non Tanto
5. II: Dumka: Andante Con Moto
6. III: Scherzo: Furiant - Molto Vivace
7. IV: Finale: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Bob in Santa Monica.......2007-07-23

This is supposedly a classic performance. I recommend, however, that you avoid it. First of all, it is a live performance, which is not indicated in the Amazon listing, and which is in very small print on the back of the CD. Although the audience is mostly well behaved, the sound editor could easily have removed the usual coughing between movements, and the mood-jarring applause at the ends. Minus one star here. Second, the performances suffer (in my opinion) from frequent aggressive, driven tempos which suck the beauty out of the music. While the effect is virtuosic and the contrasts can be dramatic, the performers seem more interested in making a statement than in making beautiful music. Minus a second star. A disappointment, overall.

Average customer rating: A ***MUST HAVE*** ALBUM for lovers of CHORAL & SACRED MUSIC! One of the best CDs of my several hundred CDs collection

Ave Maria Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pergolesi | Pergolesi, Gio Battista | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stradella | Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: The Ave Maria Album Ave Maria Kiri Te Kanawa - Ave Maria Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ The Ultimate Sacred Christmas Album ~ Ave Maria ASIN: B000001G5C Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: Et incarnatus est
3. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Shepherds' Music
4. Stabat Mater: Sancta mater istud agas
5. Ave Maria
6. Satbat mater Op. 58: Virgo virginum praeclara
7. Magnificat, BWV 243: Magnificat
8. Magnificat, BWV 243: Et exsultavit apiritus meus
9. Ruf zur Maria
10. Ave Maria
11. Ave Maria
12. Christmas Cantata: Sinfonia
13. Exsultate, Jubilate K. 165 (158a): Tu virginum corona - Alleluja

Customer Reviews:

A ***MUST HAVE*** ALBUM for lovers of CHORAL & SACRED MUSIC!.......2002-04-12

If you have a any appreciation at all for the human voice raised in song, you will absolutely LOVE this album!! I have had this album on cassette since 1990, but until three weeks ago, I'd never listened to the entire cassette. I had only listened to the first song on side A because I was that was the version of "Ave Maria" I was familiar with. THIS
ALBUM is the best compilation of choral music ever!!! It's not just different versions of "Ave Maria"; it is a compilation of songs whose theme is Maria. I particularly like the Giovanni Battista Pergolesi duet, "Stabat mater: Sancta mater istud agas". You would have to be DEAD not to fall madly, deeply and completely in love with this song. All the songs on this album are GEMS!!! I highly recommend this album. I'm buying the CD version myself, as I have been playing my cassette to death. Buy the CD already!!!!

One of the best CDs of my several hundred CDs collection.......1999-10-28

Unusually successful collection! Must have!

Average customer rating:

Tune your Brain with Bach: Heal Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | 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 Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Studer, Cheryl | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Tune Your Brain with Mozart Tune Your Brain with Mozart: Relax Tune Your Brain for Stress Relief Tune Your Brain with Mozart: Energize Tune Your Brain-Music to Manage Your Mind, Body and Mood ASIN: B00000IX6X Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 In B-flat Major BMV 1051: Adagio ma non tanto
2. Ave Maria
3. Goldberg Variations BWV 968: Aria
4. Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Continuo In A Minor BWV 1044: Adagio, ma non tanto, e doice
5. 'Wie sich ein Vater erbarmet' - 'Gott minn dich ferner unser an': Motet 'Signet dem Herrn ein neues Lied' BWV 225
6. Sinfonia In G Major: Christmas Oratorio
7. 'Zion hort die Wachter singen' - 'Wachet auf rugt uns die Stimme'
8. Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings and Continuo: Adagio
9. The 2nd Notebook For Anna Magdalena Bach: Aria 'Bist du dei mir' BWV 508
10. Concerto For 2 Violin StringsAnd Continuo In D Minor BMV 1043: Largo ma non tanto
11. Concerto fFor Flute and Strings In G Minor: Largo
12. Suite for Solo Cello No. 6 In D major BWV 1012: Sarabande
13. Orchestral Suite No.3 In D Major BWV 1068: Air
14. Herz und Mund und Tat und Leban - Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Average customer rating: Old Friends, Rejuvenated Music for a Winter's Day THE BEST OF BACH + THE BEST OF KARL RICHTER

Bach: Organ Works Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Canzones | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Passacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Richter, Karl | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: J.S. Bach: 6 Brandenburgische Konzerte [Australia] Bach: Cantatas Volumes 1-5 (75 Cantatas for Sundays and Feast Days of the Church Year) Bach: Toccata & Fugue Toccata and Fugue: Bach Organ Music J.S. Bach: Mass in B minor ASIN: B0006ZFQMQ Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

1. Toccata
2. Fuge
3. I. Vivace
4. II. Largo
5. III. Allegro
6. Praludium
7. Fuge
8. Praludium
9. Fuge
10. Fantasie
11. Fuge
12. Praludium
13. Fuge
14. Praludium
15. Fuge

Tracks:

1. I. Allegro Moderato)
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Largo
6. III. Allegro
7. Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme BWV 645
8. Kommst Du Nun, Jesus, Vom Himmel Herunter BWV 650
9. Schmucke Dich, O Liebe Seele BWV 654
10. Praludium
11. Fuge
12. Praludium
13. Fuge
14. Canzona In D Minor, BWV 588

Tracks:

1. Toccata
2. Fuga
3. Choralpartita 'O Gott, Du Frommer Gott' BWV 767
4. Toccata
5. Fuga
6. Choralpartita 'Sei Gegrusset, Jesu Gutig' BWV 768
7. Passacaglia
8. Thema Fugatum

Customer Reviews:

Old Friends, Rejuvenated.......2007-04-02

I have known these recordings since they were first issued on LP in the 1960's, and I am more than delighted that they have been reissued on CDs with even cleaner and fuller sonics. I agree wholeheartedly with the other reviews that have thus far appeared here on Amazon and can add only one or two additional comments:

Karl Richter's Bach performances, although they represented a departure from the over-romanticized treatments of Baroque music that had prevailed up to his time, were not the kind of trailblazing return-to-authenticity projects of Trevor Pinnock, Christopher Hogwood, and others, whose early-music-performance practices continue to be the standard today. Thus, in the matter of tempos, Richter may sound a little slow to some modern ears; however, he generally goes at a faster clip than his contemporary, E. Power Biggs, and his predecessor Albert Schweitzer, but not as fast as Anthony Newman and others who have followed in more recent years. His tempos and style are perfect for my taste, however: almost sassy compared with Biggs, yet much more tasteful than Fox (not that I am immune to enjoying the latter's excesses), and less frenetic than Newman.

The recording quality is excellent and works in concert with some nicely pungent reeds in the organ to produce results of sparkling clarity.

As a side note, I found it interesting that two of the three CDs contain over 81 minutes of music; I had thought 80 was the absolute limit (other than for MP3 discs).

Music for a Winter's Day.......2007-02-27

Between 1964 and 1980 Karl Richter (1926 --1981) made extensive recordings of Bach's organ music. These recordings have recently been reissued by Deutsche Grammophon in a 3-CD set as part of its "Legendary Recordings" series. This set is a joy for those who love the organ. It includes four hours of Bach's greatest music for the instrument, beautifully played. It was the ideal companion for me during this past snow and icebound weekend in Washington D.C.

Richter, of course, was best-known as a conductor of early music, but this set also shows him as a master of the organ. He made most of these recordings between 1964 and 1969 performing on a modern organ at the Jaegersborg Church near Copenhagen. The final three works in the collection date from 1978 and were recorded on a historic Silbermann organ at the Freiburg Cathedral. This instrument has a warmer sound than the modern instrument at Jaegersborg Church.

This set captures Bach's organ music in all its variety, including its icy grandeur and its moments of meditative reflection. Bach's organ music is learned, inspiring, and emotional. Written for church performances, it reaches towards the transcendent, regardless of the listener's creed. The set includes a cross-section of the major works and styles in Bach's output for the instrument. For most listeners, some selections will be familiar while, for all but those listeners with broad familiarity with Bach's organ works, some will be new.

The set opens with an arresting performance of the familiar Toccata and Fugue in d-minor, BWV 565 which some scholars do not attribute to Bach. The other work in this collection with widespread recognition, is the Schubler chorale arrangement of "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme," which Ricther takes in a meditative, slow tempo. Richter also performs several additional preludes including: "Kommst du nun, Jesus, von Himmel herunter", BWV 650 and a later prelude from a set of 18, "Schmucke dich, o liebe Seele", BWV 654, which also receives a deeply introspective interpretation. Of the final works Richter recorded, two are late chorales, "O Gott, dur frommer Gott", BWV 767 and "Sei gregusset, Jesu guting", BWV 768.

The flowing c minor Passacaglia and Fugue, BWV 582 was one of the highlights of this CD. This is passionate, lyrical and seeking music with an opening movement written in the same style as Pachbel's familiar Canon. The large-scaled Toccata and Fugue in F major, BWV receives a compelling performance, as does the G minor Fantasie and Fugue, BWV 552. Other two-movement works include the prelude and Fugues in D major, BWV 532, a-minor, BWV 543, E flat major, BWV 552, e minor, BWV 548 and B minor, BWV 544.

In addition to these grand works, the set also includes three of Bach's trio sonatas for organ, BWV 525, 526, and 529. These works are each in three movements with fast outer movements surrounding a reflective slow movement. These works tend to be less austure than Bach's other compositions for the organ and suggest, in places, the galant, graceful style of musical composition that would soon replace Bach's baroque.

Richter plays this music with discipline and romantic feeling. He makes full and effective use of the tonal qualities of his instruments, and his playing is beautifully recorded. The liner notes, unfortunately, are sparse and not particularly informative. I am grateful for a winter weekend which left me housebound to draw inspiration from this glorious music. Lovers of Bach's organ music will want to return many times to Richter's performances.

Robin Friedman

THE BEST OF BACH + THE BEST OF KARL RICHTER.......2005-08-15

Here we have the best organ works of J S BACH played by the well
known director KARL RICHTER.
He includes one Prelude and FUgue on each key form the original
ones written for organ.So we can say we have here a Well Tempered
Organ by JS BACH.
I recommed it to all that want to listen the best of his organ
works without having to buy a complete set.As I said there are
Preludes and Fugues in all keys from c to b,Trio Sonatas,Choral
Preludes from Orgelbuechlein,Schuebler and the Leipzig 18 sets,
Choral Variations or Partitas and free pieces like the Canzona.
The negative here is the booklet for different reasons:
Mistakes on the organ building dates.
No list of stops (ALL the original LPs included the list of stops
on the back cover).
The order of tracks in the cd is a complete non sense:instead of
following the order of the originals LPs,or the order of the
original taping during several years (the LPs were not recorded
at the same time)the tracks come with an unexplained order,they
not even watch for a combination:like including something between
the trio sonatas,they put one after the other.
The booklet indicates at the end pictures of the artist by Werner
Neumeister,and there are no pictures at all in the booklet.
It does not have any notes on the compositions included.
Now we know that the DGG company has made other CDs with Richter
including very complete booklets like that Passions,etc that have
70 or 80 pages,why then come with a set of cd with such a booklet
Karl Richter made several trips from his Munich area to Denmark
for these recordings trying to give a unified sample of J S Bach
organ works.Just think that there are plenty of other organs in
Germany to play and record,but he made as I said several trips to
Copenhagen area to record these masterpieces of the organ.
My favorite one is the Prelude and Fugue in e minor called the
Wedge.The reason is the constant changing colors in the prelude
and the virtuosity of the fuge,with its own colors making this
piece a unique color masterpiece.Here Richter goes over all using
a small instrument.All interested in the list of stops, can visit
the organ builder website:Marcussen and look for the Jaegesborg
organ, and will understand the reason why Karl Richter traveled
overseas for several years, to sample the best organ works JSBach
ever composed for the organ.
I strongly recommed these CDs as the BEST OF BACH BY KARL RICHTER
hugo_1950@yahoo.com

Track Listings:

1. Richter 8
2. Robert Baska: Chamber Works for Solo Winds
3. Schubert/Brahms: Lieder
4. Schubert: Winterreise, Original 1827 Version
5. Sigfrid Karg-Elert: Orgelwerke, Vol. 1
6. Sigfrid Karg-Elert: Orgelwerke, Vol. 3
7. Sigfrid Karg-Elert: Orgelwerke, Vol. 4
8. Stevenson: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2
9. Sviatoslav Richter, Vol. 1
10. Symphony 3 Opus 271

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Sweets

Bach: 6 Partitas, BWV 825-830

Back to the Country

Music: Sings Tony Hatch

American Woman

Automato: First Album [Import]

Back to the Beat

Bach: Clavier Übung, Book 3

Anne Murray/Glen Campbell

30 Grandes Exitos

Alas Alack [Explicit Lyrics]

Alien Relations [Import]

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