Cello Sonatas 1 & 2 / Phantasiestucke

1. Sonata for cello & piano in D Minor, Op 29
Composed by Robert Fuchs
with Daniel Blumenthal , Marc Drobinsky

2. Fantasiestücke, Op 78
Composed by Robert Fuchs
with Daniel Blumenthal , Marc Drobinsky

3. Sonata for cello & piano in E flat Minor, Op 83
Composed by Robert Fuchs
with Daniel Blumenthal , Marc Drobinsky

Cello Sonatas 1 & 2 / Phantasiestucke,Fuchs,Drobinsky,Blumenthal,Marco Polo,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Classical Composers

Average customer rating: Yes, perfect Mozart-A prisoner of his own time. Good music and good value Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks FINALLY

Mozart: Piano Sonatas Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | 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 Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | 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 Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | 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 Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Violin Sonatas Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet ASIN: B00002DEH1 Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 46d: 2. Menuetto I - II
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 1. Allegro
4. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 46e: 2. Menuetto
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 1. Allegro
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 2. Andante
7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 279: 3. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 1. Allegro assai
9. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 2. Adagio
10. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 280: 3. Presto
11. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 1. Allegro
12. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 2. Andante amoroso
13. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 281: 3. Rondeau. Allegro
14. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 1. Adagio
15. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 2. Menuetto I - II
16. Piano Sonata In E Flat Major, K. 282: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 2. Andante
3. Piano Sonata In G Major, K. 283: 3. Presto
4. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 2. Rondo en Polonaise. Andante
6. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 284: 3. Andante - Thema - Variations I-XII
7. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 1. Allegro con spirito
8. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 2. Andante un poco adagio
9. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 309: 3. Rondeau. Allegretto grazioso
10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 1. Allegro con spirito
11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 2. Andante con espressione
12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 311: 3. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 1. Allegro maestoso
2. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
3. Piano Sonata In A Minor, K. 310: 3. Presto
4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 1. Allegro moderato
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 2. Andante cantabile
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 330: 3. Allegretto
7. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 1. Andante grazioso - Thema - Variations I - VI
8. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 2. Menuetto - Trio
9. Piano Sonata In A Major, K. 331: 3. Alla turca. Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 2. Adagio
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 332: 3. Allegro assai
4. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 2. Andante cantabile
6. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 333: 3. Allegretto grazioso
7. Fantasia In C Minor, K. 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Primo tempo
8. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 1. Molto allegro
9. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 2. Adagio
10. Piano Sonata In C Minor, K. 457: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 1. Allegro (K. 533)
2. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 2. Andante (K. 533)
3. Piano Sonata In F Major, K. 533: 3. Rondo. Allegretto (K. 494)
4. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 1. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 2. Andante
6. Piano Sonata In C Major, K. 545: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
7. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 1. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 2. Adagio
9. Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, K. 570: 3. Allegretto
10. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 1. Allegro
11. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 2. Adagio
12. Piano Sonata In D Major, K. 576: 3. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Yes, perfect.......2007-07-11

Fabulous music. Simple, direct, un-affected peformances that are a delight to listen-to over and over again. At times the playing is utterly sublime. These performances are technically perfect in a smooth sense - and totally absorbing.

Mozart-A prisoner of his own time........2006-09-08

If you were to clump all of the composers of the classical era together, mix them up, and listen to them willy-nilly in a blind hearing test, you'll never be able to tell the difference between them... until you hear Mozart. Mozart's era was not rich in harmony. To me, Haydn wrote the same symphony over and over. Stamitz and Gossec... love 'em, but they were also prisoners of this classical harmony. But Mozart was able to put his fingerprint on all of his music. You can pick his music out blindly with ease because it is unmistakingly Mozart. That's why we have a mostly Mozart festival and not a mostly Kraus (who?) festival.

As this cd shows, Mozart's music was sublime. But even he struggled with using this "harmony of the day". If you were to study the catalogues of Mozart's symphonies, sonatas, and chamber music, let's face it; you would hear a lot of turkies before you made it to the peacocks. We would have to wait until Chopin until the harmonies fattened up a little.

Having said that, you have to completely hail Mozart for taking what was available to him in his day and creating some of the most sublime music with it. It would be like for the next ten years all the world had available to eat was peas, and 200 years from now one man became immortal for the many interesting ways he was able to manipulate peas into a meal.

Good music and good value.......2006-08-28

Bought this for my son who is learning to play piano. Lots of good music, not too expensive.

Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks.......2005-11-11

This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly.

FINALLY.......2004-08-05

I've searched the world over for a box set of all of Mozart's piano sonatas that I liked. The first one I heard was the Glenn Gould version, which in retrospect was not so smart. I like his playing but he hums into the mic during the recording. Real smart.

Anyways, Eschenbach plays these with all the virtuosity and feeling they demand. My favorite piano sonata is Mozart's 12th and he plays it flawlessly; the only thing remotely lacking is that he doesn't quite dig in as much as Alicia de la Roccha does when she plays it on the Allegro movement, but he more than makes up for it with his playing on the Adagio movement.

If it's not your cup of tea it might be worthwhile getting the de la Roccha box set, but personally I think the Eschenbach recording is the best out of all of them.

Average customer rating: Wonderful and delightful evenings Great Music excellent compile Pleasant backdrop Musical soothing of the soul

Musical Evenings With The Captain Manufacturer: Essay ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leclair | Leclair, Jean Marie | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Locatelli, Pietro Antonio | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Trio Sonatas | Sonatas | 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 General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2 Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin Master and Commander A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian Harbors and High Seas, 3rd Edition : An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Complete Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian, Third Edition ASIN: B00000083U Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

1. Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante
2. Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Largo Andante
3. Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro
4. Sonata In G Major, Op. 5 No. 1 For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Menuetto & Trio: Vivace
5. Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Poco Adagio
6. Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Tempo di Menuetto
7. Duet For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegro (non troppo)
8. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Tuning & Gavotte
9. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Two Menuets
10. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Air
11. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Menuet With 2 Variations
12. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Impertinence
13. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Sarabande
14. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Menuet With 2 Variations
15. Eight Pieces For Violin And Cello: Air
16. Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Andante
17. Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Allegro
18. Sonata In C Minor, Op. 6 No. 5 For Violin & Basso Continuo: Aria with 3 Variations
19. Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegretto Spiritoso
20. Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Vivace
21. Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Grave
22. Sonata For Violin & Cello In D Major: Allegro Assai
23. Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante Molto Cantabile
24. Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro
25. Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Andante Pastorale
26. Sonata In D Minor For 2 Violins & Basso Continuo: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful and delightful evenings.......2007-06-27

If you are a really follower of Jack Aubrey adventures you must have the 2 Volumes. The best companion for you reading every evenings. A must have.
Enjoy it.

Great Music.......2007-04-05

I bought this as an accompaniment while I read Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series of books, and it goes very well. I've enjoyed every piece on this album, and recommend it for music lovers and readers alike.

excellent compile.......2007-01-16

It is dead-on excellent. Perfectly in tune with the entire series and spirit of Patrick's work. A simply joy to listen to time after time. You grasp the character of the age in crisply performed versions of various collection.

Pleasant backdrop .......2006-01-10

As a child growing up in the city of Salem, known for it's working class backbone, I was the only kid I knew who had been to Symphony Hall more than Fenway Park. Going in to Boston for the symphony's open practices was what I lived for. It gave me a true appreciative, although untrained ear. The one lasting lesson is that while you may not notice good classical music, EVERYONE notices bad classical music. And this is NOT bad classical.

I have been a reader of the Aubrey Maturin Novels for 8 years (only two a year for dramatic suspense) and while I am a huge fan of Patrick O'Brian's writing, I find that with the addition of the music he scored his work to, I stand in awe. The music is well grounded to the situations and feelings in the book. Either Mr. O'Brian was a very well rounded, or he did his homework.

The CD is a wonderful insight to the author, and the characters he created. Pour a glass of claret, listen to the cd, read the books...

but pay no heed to Killick's "scrape, scrape , scrape..never a song you could dance to.."

Musical soothing of the soul.......2002-06-11

I have been a fan of Baroque music since childhood (and I'm not all that old either). But I've only started reading the Patrick O'Brian books in the last few months, since it was announced that my favorite actor, Russell Crowe, was about to star as Captain Jack Aubrey in the Peter Weir movie. I am reading the books in order, and am currently on "HMS Surprise," so what else could be a more perfect accompaniment than this CD? Aubrey is such a multi-layered character, filled with imperfections and bad puns, however he has a great love for music and he plays the violin quite well. Often paired with ship's surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin on the cello, music is a great release for this sea captain, and the pieces on this CD are fine representations of what Aubrey might have played while on assignment or heard when on land. The selections by Hadyn, Locatelli, Handel, Boccherini and Leclair are pleasant, soothing compositions that are complex and varied enough that they are not redundant, and range from peaceful to nimble. While listening to the CD, I could vividly imagine Jack Aubrey below decks in his cabin and asking Maturin to strike up a tune with him. And then they begin an Andante or an Allegro, allowing Aubrey to set aside his absolutely awful puns and jokes so he can clear his mind and relax. Considering some of the battles he's involved himself in so far in the series, he definitely needs it. Reading his adventures while listening to these charming pieces will relax you as well, and definitely take your imagination to some wondrous places in an era of great change.

Average customer rating: Excellent overall Wonderful Unbelievable!

Bach: Cello Suites, Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin - Christian Tetzlaff & Ralph Kirshbaum (4 CD's) Christian Tetzlaff , Ralph Kirshbaum , and Johann Sebastian Bach Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | 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 Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Tetzlaff, Christian | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tetzlaff, Christian | ( T ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Sonatas for Piano and Violin Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Violin Romances Sibelius: The Complete Works for Violin; Christian Tetzlaff Mozart: Violin Concertos 3, 4 & 5 Bartók: Violin Sonatas ASIN: B00030FJ9Y Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. 1. Adagio - Christian Tetzlaff
2. 2. Fuga (Allegro) - Christian Tetzlaff
3. 3. Siciliana - Christian Tetzlaff
4. 4. Presto - Christian Tetzlaff
5. 1. Allemanda - Christian Tetzlaff
6. Double - Christian Tetzlaff
7. 2. Corrente - Christian Tetzlaff
8. Double (Presto) - Christian Tetzlaff
9. 3. Sarabande - Christian Tetzlaff
10. Double - Christian Tetzlaff
11. 4. Bourree - Christian Tetzlaff
12. Double - Christian Tetzlaff
13. 1. Grave - Christian Tetzlaff
14. 2. Fuga - Christian Tetzlaff
15. 3. Andante - Christian Tetzlaff
16. 4. Allegro - Christian Tetzlaff

Tracks:

1. 1. Allemanda - Christian Tetzlaff
2. 2. Corrente - Christian Tetzlaff
3. 3. Sarabanda - Christian Tetzlaff
4. 4. Giga - Christian Tetzlaff
5. 5. Ciaccona - Christian Tetzlaff
6. 1. Adagio - Christian Tetzlaff
7. 2. Fuga - Christian Tetzlaff
8. 3. Largo - Christian Tetzlaff
9. 4. Allegro Assai - Christian Tetzlaff
10. 1. Preludio - Christian Tetzlaff
11. 2. Loure - Christian Tetzlaff
12. 3. Gavotte En Rondo - Christian Tetzlaff
13. 4. Menuet 1/Menuet 2 - Christian Tetzlaff
14. 5. Bourree - Christian Tetzlaff
15. 6. Gigue - Christian Tetzlaff

Tracks:

1. 1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. 2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. 3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. 4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. 5. Menuet 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. 6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
7. 1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
8. 2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
9. 3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
10. 4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
11. 5. Bourree 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
12. 6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
13. 1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
14. 2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
15. 3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
16. 4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
17. 5. Gavotte 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
18. 6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum

Tracks:

1. 1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
2. 2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
3. 3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
4. 4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
5. 5. Menuet 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
6. 6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
7. 1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
8. 2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
9. 3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
10. 4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
11. 5. Bourree 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
12. 6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum
13. 1. Prelude - Ralph Kirshbaum
14. 2. Allemande - Ralph Kirshbaum
15. 3. Courante - Ralph Kirshbaum
16. 4. Sarabande - Ralph Kirshbaum
17. 5. Gavotte 1 & 2 - Ralph Kirshbaum
18. 6. Gigue - Ralph Kirshbaum

Customer Reviews:

Excellent overall.......2006-03-28

The two works presented in this bargain set represent Johann Sebastian Bach's greatest contribution to the solo string reportoire.

Although usually marginalized, the Cello Suites are hidden diamonds in the solo literature, requiring a depth of humanity and musicality that few performers actually achieve, so concerned as they are with simply hacking away at this seemingly simple music. Kirshbaum's reading is full of warmth and power, and his instrument (from Bach's time period) sings almost of its own accord. Tempi are just right; the sense of pacing in the G Major Prelude is magnificent, giving the piece a gently rocking feel. Kirshbaum's double stopping (as called for by many of the Allemanda movements) is impeccable and very clean; the harsh, biting sound such double-stopping requires from other performers is not present here.

The focal point of the set is, of course, Christian Tetzlaff's reading of the Six Solos. In comparison with the "big names," such as Perlman, Milstein, and Grumiaux, Tetzlaff cannot quite compete. His tempi are exceedingly swift, and he lacks much of the humanity present in Milstein and Menuhin. As a result, the quicker movements, such as the E Major Preludio and the B minor Doubles, sound less like the masterpieces they are and more like simple etudes to be sawed away on.

Tetzlaff's traversal of the Chaconne, however, is a breathless, exciting journey, and he is in top form during the massive fugues in each sonata. The recording location, while resonant, allows the violin's sound to sing without losing it in a sea of reverb. Although he suffers from tempi issues, Tetzlaff's technique is never in doubt, and he is solid and secure (perhaps even a bit too secure) during this recording.

Overall, despite issues with tempi in the Six Solos, this set is a great bargain, and hopefully Tetzlaff will decide to record these pieces again later in life.

Wonderful.......2006-01-10

I've been listening to and studying Bach's solo cello and violin works for over 30 years. Although I love this music dearly, it's rare that I'm surprized by it anymore. However, listening to Tetzlaff and Kirshbaum, I felt as if I were hearing them for the first time all over again. Both musicians are such masters of their instruments that their "technique" never intrudes on the music. These are really breathtaking performances.

Unbelievable!.......2005-10-19

Both these artists are exceptional. I have always had trouble listening to "anybody else's interpretation" of the bach cello suites, being a cellist myself. This one is truly outstanding. The excellent Bach solo violin interpretation by Christian Tetzlaff is just an added plus -- I was most impressed that my father listened through all the way and just made one or two comments about how the music was "alive". He was rapt. My father doesn't do that easily.

Average customer rating: a beautiful expression of a musical dialogue in the great Romantic fashion... Good, but not great. Beautiful, just beautiful! THIS ONE WILL GROW ON YOU When the Rich Russian Sound Meets the Soulful German....

Brahms: The Cello Sonatas Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Rostropovich, Mstislav | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rostropovich, Mstislav | ( R ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rostropovich, Master Cellist Haydn: Cello Concertos Beethoven: Complete Music for Cello & Piano Schubert, Debussy / Rostropovich, Britten Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6 ASIN: B000001G4M Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello e-moll Op. 38: 1. Allegro non troppo
2. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello e-moll Op. 38: 2. Allegretto quasi Menuetto
3. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello e-moll Op. 38: 3. Allegro
4. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 1. Allegro vivace
5. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 2. Adagio affettuoso
6. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 3. Allegro passionato
7. Sonate fur Klavier und Violoncello F-dur Op. 99: 4. Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

a beautiful expression of a musical dialogue in the great Romantic fashion..........2007-05-20

Two of classical musics most remarkable artists meet at the full blossoming of thier careers: Mstislav Rostropovich who plays out the sadness of these pieces in his natural Russian style, and Rudolf Serkin who plays flawlessly.

These sonatas for cello and piano make for a beautiful expression of a musical dialogue in the great Romantic fashion, and I am not even a very big fan of Brahms.

Good, but not great........2005-01-22

While this recording is performed well, after listening to Jacqueline Dupré's rendition of this piece it is hard to rate this performance with the full five stars. Dupré takes the music to another level with even richer tones and smoother legatos. Another difference when comparing these two recordings is the coordination between the cellist and the accompanist. Dupré played with her husband, the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim. Those two connect at a much deeper level than the pair in Rostropovich's recording, who at times are clearly not together. However, this review is by no means intended as an affront on Rostropovich's clearly masterful abilities as a cellist. It is just that in the comparison of the two recordings, I feel that Ms. Dupré's passionate and more liberal style of play better suits this particular piece.

Beautiful, just beautiful!.......2004-01-16

I have never cared much for Brahm's music. Yet, I play this cd over and over again. The music is glorious and because of this recording, I have started to sample more of his works. This is a cd truly worth owning.

THIS ONE WILL GROW ON YOU.......2003-08-15

The balance is not quite right, with the cello too prominent, but once I got used to that the performances started to take me over. Here we have two of the greatest classical interpreters of their time taking us into the special world of Brahms, and they had me thinking about the composer in a way I have not done in years. Most books and articles I have read about him have a lot to say about Beethoven, but I really doubt whether Brahms's music would have been much different if Beethoven had never lived. Both consciously and by instinct, Brahms was the guardian of the great German musical tradition embodied above all in Bach -- a tradition where pure 'absolute' music expressed itself through an intellectual apparatus of polyphonic and structural devices. Since Bach's time Haydn and Mozart had perfected for instrumental music a compositional system usually called the 'sonata' style. Beethoven had naturally picked this up, but what he forced on to it was a special dimension of highly personalised expression, and it is precisely this way of treating it that Brahms turned his back on. With him we are back, in his own deeply original way, to music using the composer to express ITself.

I seem to find that Brahms gets more instinctive understanding from performers than Beethoven does, and I believe quite simply that that is because he understands himself better than Beethoven does himself. Teetering on the verge of incoherence at times was all part of Beethoven's unique greatness, and it is not disrespectful -- quite the reverse -- to say so. I have heard far more good performances than bad ones of these two wonderful sonatas, and the special meaning these particular accounts have for me is not something that I felt at first hearing. When a pianist of very special and unusual gifts is aged 80 or so and has retained his technique and evenness of touch, when he has spent a lifetime developing an austere and uncompromising vision of the instrumental music that we normally think of as being the 'greatest', when he studies completely afresh the works he is to perform with the greatest cellist of the next generation, there is a good chance we are going to get something very special, and I do not believe I am imagining it. This is a totally unique artistic combination offering a very special -- not eccentric in any way but still very special -- insight into a composer that many of us know by heart without really getting our minds round the phenomenon he represents. This record is a milestone in my musical pilgrimage and maybe it will be in yours.

When the Rich Russian Sound Meets the Soulful German...........2001-04-11

From the very first note of the e minor sonata, one can notice how perfectly the warmth and control in Rostropovich's sound match the cogitating works of Brahms. In such maturiy and wisdom gained over many a decade, there are things to learn from this recording. The full and rich, yet sensitive tone draws the listener through every movement with assuarance and thrill, and the complete control -- especially apparent in the unhurried tempi -- of both of these maestros should be especially admired. Of course, control and maturity do not mean lack of passion and vigour by any means; the series of robust broken chords of the first movement of the E minor sonata, and the passionate third movement of the F major sonata are no less powerful than any younger perfomers' recordings, if not greater. This is a recording to be enjoyed and studied by all.

Average customer rating: really like it

Cello Adagios Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bloch | Bloch, Ernest | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boccherini | Boccherini, Luigi | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruch | Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rheinberger, Joseph | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 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 | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bassoon | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Violin Adagios Guitar Adagios Baroque Adagios Movie Adagios Romantic Adagios ASIN: B0001WU1QK Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

1. Carnival Of The Animals - Bruno Canino
2. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Lynn Harrell
3. Thais - Julian Lloyd Webber
4. Adagio - Janos Starker
5. Apres Un Reve - Bruno Canino
6. Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
7. Ave Maria - Julian Lloyd Webber
8. Adagio - Julian Lloyd Webber
9. Traumerei (Dreaming) - Bruno Canino
10. Notturno: Andante - Julian Lloyd Webber
11. Sicilienne - Bruno Canino
12. An Die Musik, D547 - Bruno Canino
13. Reverie - Julian Lloyd Webber
14. Prayer - Bruno Canino
15. Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Bruno Canino
16. Salut D'amour, Op.12 - Bruno Canino
17. Valse Sentimentale, Op.15 No.6 - Samuel Sanders
18. Kol Nidrei, Op.47 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

1. Air (Air On A G String) - Julian Lloyd Webber
2. Clair De Lune - Julian Lloyd Webber
3. Elegie, Op.24 - Jullian Lloyd Webber
4. Andante - Heinrich Schiff
5. Romance In D Minor, Op.62 - Julian Lloyd Webber
6. Beau Soir - Bruno Canino
7. Sicilienne, Op.78 - Bruno Canino
8. Panis Angelicus - Julian Lloyd Webber
9. Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 - Julian Lloyd Webber
10. Cantabile - Samuel Sanders
11. Liebesleid - Samuel Sanders
12. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Janos Starker
13. Bereuse - Julian Lloyd Webber
14. Cantilena - Julian Lloyd Webber
15. Melodie, Op.20 No.1 - Julian Lloyd Webber

Customer Reviews:

really like it.......2007-03-05

This is the first classical cd I have ever bought. The two-disc album was a great price. I really love the performance of Lynn Harrell. I like the collection of Adagios because they are perfect to fall asleep to or study to.

Average customer rating: Consistently and superbly musical Lovely Cello Sonatas with a Wonderful Surprise at the end.. Absolutely superb!!!

Beethoven: The Cello Sonatas Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty 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 Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 1; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Beethoven: Piano Trios, Vol. 2; Itzhak Perlman; Vladimir Ashkenazy; Lynn Harrell Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Bach J.S: 6 Suites for Cello Mozart: The Violin Sonatas ASIN: B00004WGEX Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: I. Adagio sostenuto-
2. Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: Allegro
3. Cello Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: II. Rondo: Allegro vivace
4. Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo-
5. Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: Allegro molto, piu tosto presto
6. Cello Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: II. Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

1. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: I. Allegro ma non tanto
2. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: II. Scherzo: Allegro molto
3. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: III. Adagio cantabile-
4. Cello Sonata No. 3 In A Major, Op. 69: Allegro vivace
5. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: I. Andante-
6. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Allegro vivace
7. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: II. Adagio-
8. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Tempo d'andante-
9. Cello Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: Allegro vivace
10. Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro con brio
11. Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: II. Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
12. Cello Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: III. Allegro - Allegro fugato
13. Horn Sonata In F Major, Op. 17: I. Allegro moderato - Barry Tuckwell
14. II. Poco adagio, quasi andante- - Barry Tuckwell
15. Rondo: Allegro moderato - Barry Tuckwell

Customer Reviews:

Consistently and superbly musical.......2004-05-17

There is little more one could ask for in these buoyant, dramatic, glowing and felicitous performances by cellist Lynn Harrell and pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy. They simply take off because of their marvelously unforced style of play, which at various moments can be commanding, poetic and even aristocratic. Both soloists also manifest an extremely satisfying instrumental tone, especially Harrell, whose cello sounds absolutely golden, and who frequently demonstrates the ability to truly sing and soar. And with Ashkenazy's wonderfully fluid approach, the two offer readings that, for me, outdo Rostropovich/Richter and Tortelier/Heidsieck, who both present fine offerings. Though Rostropovich possesses that wonderful, big sounding tone, in these sonatas he tends to pass over phrases too quickly for me. I prefer a bit of lingering here. At times, Richter also plays too fast. With regard to the Tortelier/Heidsieck duo, they tend to render marginally more extended pauses, deliberate accents and a slower, more deliberate pace. Also, while an excellent cellist, Tortelier lacks Harrell's opulent tone that I so revel in. There are so many satisfying moments in this Harrell/Ashkenazy set that it would take me longer than I would like to point them out, but listen, in particular, to the splendid opus 69 Third Sonata. Perhaps, this represents the two players at their finest in terms of both quality of expressiveness and instrumental interplay. Some real magic unfolds here. Overall, you will find it difficult to do better than these uplifting and extremely pleasurable accounts of these musical gems from Beethoven. Incidentally, the recorded sound on these discs is very fine, and exceeds that which is afforded the others in their presentations.

Lovely Cello Sonatas with a Wonderful Surprise at the end.........2004-02-19

This was the first time I met these Sonatas.
Actually, when I bought this disc, Because of the Title:
Cello Sonatas
I thought I was going to hear Sonatas for Cello Solo,
Like the Suites By Bach...
I Quickly fell in love with the Cello Sonatas, esspecially
the last three...
And what a Beautiful surprise it was to hear the Magnificent
and Charming Horn Sonata Op. 17 !
The Three Musicians Play extremly well!
esspecially Ashkenazy with his light touch
and Tuckwell with his inthusiastic (I hope I spelled it right)
Playing!

Absolutely superb!!!.......2003-12-19

A truly wonderful recording,with the right combination of technical perfection coupled with emotion. And the addition of the Opus 17 Horn sonata was a good choice. Ashkenazy and Harrell are in top form (as is Tuckwell). This collection is an absolute must.

Average customer rating: Mostly good Look at the List of Performers First this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set) Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | 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 Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | 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 Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Works (170 CD Box Set) Bach: Complete Works - 155 CD Box Set Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set) ASIN: B00062FLHE Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Average customer rating: Amazing

Brahms: Cello Sonatas Brahms , Yo-Yo Ma , and Emanuel Ax Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | 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 Similar Items: Simply Baroque Beethoven: Sonatas for Cello & Piano Nos. 1 & 2 The Dvorak Album Bach: The 6 Unaccompanied Cello Suites Vivaldi's Cello ASIN: B0001TSWLE Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

1. Allegro Non Troppo
2. Allegretto Quasi Menuetto
3. Allegro
4. Allegro Vivace
5. Adagio Affettuoso
6. Allegro Passionato
7. Allegro Molto

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2005-03-24

Some people may say Yo-Yo Ma is overrated, unprofessional, and most of his fame is due to his name. I, sadly, used to be a believer in this notion, but I realized that I was terribly wrong. Yo-Yo Ma played a concert on TV along with Itzhak Perlman, and it was one of the most professional displays of musicianship I have ever seen. Every note and every gesture seemed deeply inspired, and he seemed to have a very firm grasp on what the music was about. This CD is no exception. Every song is wonderfully performed, and the sound quality is great.

Average customer rating: The one collection I cannot imagine being without MASTERY Magisterial... mystical Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity Beethoven himself would be proud.

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas & Concertos Claudio Arrau , Janos Starker , Ludwig van Beethoven , Bernard Haitink , Eliahu Inbal , Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam , New Philharmonia Orchestra , and Henryk Szeryng Manufacturer: Philips 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 Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Arrau, Claudio | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Liszt: Piano Works Schubert: The Piano Sonatas Chopin: The Piano Works Brahms: Works for Solo Piano Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier ASIN: B00000C2F7 Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 1 Allegro
2. Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 2. Adagio
3. Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
4. Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: 4. Prestissimo
5. Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 1. Allegro vivace
6. Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 2. Largo appassionato
7. Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 3. Scherzo. Allegretto
8. Piano Sonata No. 2 In A, Op. 2 No. 2: 4. Rondo. Grazioso
9. Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
10. Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 2. Adagio molto
11. Piano Sonata No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1: 3. Finale. Prestissimo
12. Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 1. Andante
13. Piano Sonata No. 19 In G Minor, Op. 49 No. 1: 2. Rondo. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 1. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 2. Adagio
3. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
4. Piano Sonata No.3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 4. Allegro assai
5. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 1. Allegro molto e con brio
6. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 2. Largo, con gran espressione
7. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 3. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata No.4 In E Flat, Op.7: 4. Rondo. Poco allegretto e grazioso
9. 6 Piano Veriations In F On An Original Theme, Op.34

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 2. Allegretto
3. Piano Sonata No.6 In F, Op.10 No.2: 3. Presto
4. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 1. Presto
5. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 2. Largo e mesto
6. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Allegro
7. Piano Sonata No.7 In D, Op.10 No.3: 4. Rondo. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 1. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
9. Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 2. Adagio cantabile
10. Piano Sonata No.8 in C minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': 3. Rondo. Allegro
11. Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
12. Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 2. Allegretto
13. Piano Sonata No.9 In E, Op.14 No.2: 3. Rondo. Allegro comodo

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 1. Allegro
2. Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 2. Andante
3. Piano Sonata No.10 In G, Op.14 No.2: 3. Scherzo. Allegro assai
4. Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 1. Allegro con brio
5. Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
6. Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 3. Minuetto
7. Piano Sonata No.11 In B Falt, Op.22: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
8. Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 1. Andante con Variazioni
9. Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 2. Scherzo. Allegro molto
10. Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 3. Marcia Funebre sulla morte d'un Eroe
11. Piano Sonata No.12 In A Flat, Op.26: 4. Allegro
12. Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 1. Presto alla tedesca
13. Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 2. Andante
14. Piano Sonata No.25 In G, Op.79: 3. Vivace

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 1. Andante - Allegro - Tempo I
2. Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 2. Allegro molto e vivace
3. Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 3. Adagio con espressione
4. Piano Sonata No.13 In E Flat, Op.27 No.1: 4. Allegro vivace - Tempo I - Presto
5. Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 1. Adagio sostenuto
6. Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 2. Allegrettro
7. Piano Sonata No.14 In C Sharp Minor, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': 3. Presto agitato
8. Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 1. Allegro
9. Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 2. Andante
10. Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
11. Piano Sonata No.15 In D, Op.28 'Pastorale': 4. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppo
12. Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 1. In Tempo d'un Menuetto
13. Piano Sonata No. 22 In F, Op.54: 2. Allegretto

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 1. Allegro vivace
2. Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 2. Adagio grazioso
3. Piano Sonata No.16 In G, Op.31 No.1: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
4. Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 1. Largo - Allegro
5. Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 2. Adagio
6. Piano Sonata No.17 In D Minor, Op.31 No.2 'Tempest': 3. Allegretto
7. Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 1. Allegro
8. Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 2. Scherzo. Alllegretto vivace
9. Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso
10. Piano Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 4. Presto con fuoco

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 1. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Sonata No.21 In C, Op.53 'Waldstein': 2. Introduzione. Adagio molto - Rondo. Allegretto moderato - Prestissimo
3. 15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Inroduzione col Basso del Tema. Allegretto vivace
4. 15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Variazioni I-XV
5. 15 Piano Variations And Fugue In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica' Variations: Finale. Alla Fuga. Allegro con brio - Andante con moto
6. 32 Piano Variations In C Minor On An Original Theme, WoO 80
7. Rondo In G, Op.51 No.2

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 1. Allegro assai
2. Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 2. Andante con moto
3. Piano Sonata No.23 In F Minor, Op.57 'Appassionata': 3. Allegro ma non troppo
4. Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
5. Piano Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 2. Allegro vivace
6. Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 1. Das Lebewohl. Adagio - Allegro
7. Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 2. Abwesenheit. Andante espressivo
8. Piano Sonata No.26 In E Flat, Op.81a 'Les adieux': 3. Das Wiedersehn. Vivacissimamente
9. Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 1. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
10. Piano Sonata No.27 In E Minor, Op.90: 2. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen
11. Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
12. Piano Sonata No.20 In G, Op.49 No.2: 2. Tempo di Menuetto

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 1. Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung. Allegretto, ma non troppo
2. Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 2. Lebhaft. Marschmassig. Vivace alla Marcia
3. Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 3. Langsam, und sehnsuchtsvoll. Adagio, ma non troppo, con affetto
4. Piano Sonata No.28 In A, Op.101: 4. Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr und mit Entschlossenheit. Allegro
5. Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 1. Allegro
6. Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 2 Scherzo. Assai vivace - Presto - Prestissimo - Tempo I
7. Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 3. Adagio sostenuto. Appassionato e con molto sentimento
8. Piano Sonata No.29 In B Flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 1. Vivave, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo I -2. Prestissimo
2. Piano Sonata No.30 In E, Op.109: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo
3. Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
4. Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 2. Allegro molto
5. Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 3. Adagio ma non troppo
6. Piano Sonata No.31 In A Flat, Op.110: 4. Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo
7. Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 1. Maestoso - Allegro con brio ed appassionato
8. Piano Sonata No.32 In C Minor, Op111: 2. Arietta. Adagio molto semplice e cantabile

Tracks:

1. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Tema : Vivace - Variation I. Alla marcia maestoso
2. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation II Poco allegro
3. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation III L'istesso tempo
4. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IV Un poco piu vivace
5. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation V Allegro vivace
6. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VI Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
7. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VII Un poco piu allegro
8. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation VIII Poco vivace
9. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation IX Allegro pesante e risoluto
10. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation X Presto
11. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XI Allegretto
12. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XII Un poco piu moto
13. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIII Vivace
14. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIV Grave e maestoso
15. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XV Presto scherzando
16. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVI Allegro
17. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVII
18. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XVIII Poco moderato
19. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XIX Presto
20. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XX Andante
21. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXI Allegro con brio - Meno allegro - Tempo I - Meno allegro
22. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXII Allegro molto alla 'Notte giorno faricar' di Mozart
23. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIII Allegro assai
24. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIV Fughetta. Andante
25. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXV Allegro
26. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVI
27. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVII Vivace
28. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXVIII Allegro
29. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXIX Adagio ma non troppo
30. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXX Andante sempre cantabile
31. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXI Largo, molto espressivo
32. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXII Fuga. Allegro - Poco adagio
33. 33 Piano Variations In C On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli, Op.120: Variation XXXIII Tempo di minuetto moderato

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 1. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 2. Largo
3. Piano Concerto No.1 In C, Op. 15: 3. Rondo. Allegro scherzando
4. Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 1. Allegro con brio
5. Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 2. Adagio
6. Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat, Op.19: 3. Rondo. Molto allegro

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 1. Allegro con brio
2. Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 2. Largo
3. Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37: 3. Rondo. Allegro
4. Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 1. Allegro moderato
5. Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 2. Andante con moto
6. Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 3. Rondo. Vivace

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 1. Allegro
2. Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 2. Adagio un poco mosso
3. Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 3. Rondo. Allegro
4. Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 1. Allegro
5. Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 2. Largo
6. Triple Concerto For Piano, Violin And Cello In C, Op.56: 3. Rondo alla Polacca

Amazon.com

Claudio Arrau played with seriousness of purpose that could make other pianists seem like dilettantes and with respect for the composer's score that bordered on veneration. He had nothing but scorn for pianists who played the opening of Beethoven's Opus 111 with two hands instead of one because there were fewer risks. If something was technically difficult, Arrau assumed that the composer had written it that way because the difficulties had an expressive value that it was the interpreter's duty to find.

Arrau's devotion to Beethoven is memorialized by this budget-priced, 14-CD collection of his recordings, mostly from the 1960s, of the composer's 32 sonatas, five concertos (with Bernard Haitink conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam), and most important sets of variations. His Beethoven is not always successful. His sometimes ponderous seriousness keeps early works, such as the Sonata No. 3 and the Concerto No. 2, from smiling, and his lack of spontaneity makes the whimsy in Sonata No. 26 and the "Diabelli Variations" sound labored. But in the composer's weightiest works, Arrau can produce revelations. Certainly, no one plays Sonata No. 32 better. The first movement sounds like thunder that comes ever closer and the finale's chains of trills, played with exquisite finish and expressive perfection, transport the listener to a higher realm. If Arrau could be single-minded in his devotion to the composer's score, he also believed that music could encompass everything. When Arrau was at his best--as he frequently is in this set--it does. --Stephen Wigler

Customer Reviews:

The one collection I cannot imagine being without.......2007-01-30

It would be absurd to recommend recommending one Beethoven cycle to the exclusion of all others, yet it is Arrau's cycle to which I repeatedly return, despite some flaws mentioned by other reviewers.

They are flaws which can be forgiven. Scherzi which would be brimming with mirth & vitality in the hands of others may come up short, but it is more than compensated for by the revelations to be found as Arrau explores every aspect of Beethoven at his most profound. There always seems to be something new to be discovered. Flabby? It is hard to imagine how someone could come to this conclusion.

Even the sound quality for recordings dating back into the 1960's has been remastered so as to be acceptable to all but the most spoiled of listeners, who apparently are satisfied only with the most seamless homogenized studio sound. Those who can't get past the slightly imperfect sound quality are focusing on the wrong details.

If the greatness of the performance were not enough, the price should be enough to convince any serious music lover to add these to a CD collection. One cannot overstate how rewarding this collection will be to anyone who does not yet know the artistry of Arrau.

MASTERY.......2007-01-26

One man's viewpoint: Arrau amazes me as he sets the notes down with such clean deliberation! Total command. No matter how fast Beethoven is charging along. And as Arrau gets every note, we find the real Beethoven genius shining through - after all, as raw material, this is some of the finest piano music anywhere. Of course, this playing delivers passion and heart-and-soul communication too. And a sense of commitment and strength.
I suggest this set - with about nine stars! Mastery in art. *** For a lighter, more joyful touch - and great tone - ALSO get hold of O'Conor's set of the 32. I suggest this set - with about nine stars!

Magisterial... mystical.......2006-11-03

I've been listening to Beethoven's sonatas for fifty years and have heard all of them by some, and some of them by all the available recorded performers. Overall, Claudio Arrau is my favorite interpreter of the sonatas. To me he has an inner affinity with Beethoven that is uncanny. Beethoven was a man of great character. And that greatness, detached from his person in the form of musical ideas, enters the listener through intermediaries such as Arrau. When it is done right, it works a sort of righteous therapy, and makes the listener a better person for the hearing.

Arrau describes Beethoven's greatness in his essay "Thoughts on Beethoven" in the 33 1/3 Philips LP edition. "Beethoven has always stood for the spirit of man victorious. His message of endless stuggle concluding in the victory of renewal and spiritual rebirth...his life was an existential fight for survival...In the sense that he mastered both his life and his art to reach the ultimate heights of creation and transfiguration, he will last as long as man's spirit to prevail lasts on this earth." Part of the greatness of Beethoven's character came from his ability to be intimately close and at the same time at an infinite distance above his listener. Arrau possesses this same character, and his qualities as a man and artist are why he is able to so aptly render the greatness of Beethoven.

A book titled "Conversations with Arrau" was written by Joseph Horowitz to celebrate the artists's 80th birthday in 1982. I've only read the extracts published with the Philips edition, but there is enough information to get a feel for Arrau's character. He guarded the purity of his environment. He shunned parties and avoided small talk. He never drank or smoked, never learned to drive a car, boil an egg, or even operate a phonograph. His only hobby was gardening. Horowitz describes him as the embodiment of the nineteenth-century model of the artist as solitary, suffering hero. He was small (5'6") and frail, but in 1982 at age 80 he was still playing more that 70 concerts a season.

Rather than launch a discussion of his individual works (this has been done admirably by many of the reviewers) I will remark on just a few. I never properly appreciated the Fourth and the Seventh Sonatas until I heard Arrau's reading of these works. His Fourth takes 31 minutes, 30 seconds. Annie Fischer, another great interpreter of Beethoven, plays it in 27 minutes, 30 seconds. And Ms. Fischer does not play at a hurried tempo.

Yes, Arrau plays the sonatas at a slower tempo than any other interpreter. He also achieves a mystical quality in his interpretations that is unmatched. The second movement of the Seventh comes in at 10 min, 30 seconds. It is the greatest 10 1/2 minutes of piano music ever conceived. When interpreted by Arrau it becomes a microcosm of Beethoven's life and work. The second movement of the Appassionata is a sacred hymn.

Arrau's five piano concertos are splendid. I've heard no other renditions of the concertos with slow movements that equal Arrau's. No one plays the middle movements with his expressiveness and sense of the numinous. And his rendition of the "Eroica Variations" is on a par with the top few recordings of this piece.

If you have any interest in Beethoven, at whatever level, this bargain is outstanding.

Beethoven + Arrau = Divinity.......2006-10-29

If you love Beethoven, Arrau's interpretation will certainly be a joyful addition to your classical music collection. For me, his is the definitive Beethoven.

Though some will likely disagree, I have listened to many other great pianists' recordings of Beethoven sonatas, and they are great (don't get me wrong). Yet Arrau is unique in his ability to bring to light subtleties in the melodies that no one else can, and these often turn out to be the most enlightening and resonant of passages. His Op. 111 is indeed unparalleled, and his recording of the 2nd movement is one of my favorite pieces in the world. On top of that, his rendition of the Moonlight Sonata, his Waldstein, his Concertos, every recording on this boxed set is a testament to the depth Arrau worked diligently and consciously to achieve; depth that transcends technical showmanship and for the intuitive listener can certainly elicit fleeting glimpses of divine ecstasy.

At any price, it's a steal - beauty of this magnitude is all too rare.

Beethoven himself would be proud........2006-06-19

This is a masterpiece. Don't listen to the one negative review, as this guy is tone deaf. This compilation of Beethoven's music is a treasure to behold. A bargain at twice the price, this is well worth the money. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!

Average customer rating: Jaroussky has a gifted voice a voice teacher and early music fan Jaroussky is exceptional A pleasant surprise Another Fine Countertenor Lights Up The World!

Vivaldi: Virtuoso Cantatas Philippe Jaroussky , Unspecified , Antonio Vivaldi , Ensemble Artaserse , and Claire Antonini Manufacturer: Virgin Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi Heroes Beata Vergine Vivaldi: Griselda Vivaldi: Bajazet [Includes Bonus DVD] Un Concert Pour Mazarin ASIN: B0006IQM4O Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

1. Aria: Alla Caccia Dell'alme E De' Cori
2. Recitativo: Ma Sia Crudele O Infida
3. Aria: Preso Sei Mio Cor Piagato
4. Recitativo: Qual Per Ignoto Calle
5. Aria: Quel Passagier Son Io
6. Recitativo: Deh, Piu Non Regni Nel Tuo Gentil Petto
7. Aria: Qual Dopo Lampi E Turbini
8. Piangero Sinche L'onda - Ruggiero
9. Prelude After Vivaldi (Theorbo Solo)
10. Aria: Care Selve, Amici Prati
11. Recitativo: Ben Mal'accorto E Folle All'or Io Fui
12. Aria: Placido In Letto Ombroso
13. Largo
14. Allegro
15. Largo
16. Allegro
17. Recitativo: Perfidissimo Cor! Iniquo Fato!
18. Aria: Nel Torbido Mio Petto
19. Recitativo: Cosi Dunque Tradisci Chi Contenta
20. Aria: Piu Amar Non Spero, No
21. Di Verde Ulivo - Vitellia
22. Recitativo: Pianti, Sospiri E Dimandar Mercede
23. Aria: Lusinga E Del Nocchier
24. Recitativo: O Ingannato Nocchiero
25. Aria: Cor Ingrato Dispietato

Customer Reviews:

Jaroussky has a gifted voice.......2006-06-21

In early polyphony, the contratenor was a voice part in melodic counterpoint against the tenor. It was written roughly in the same range as the tenor. In the 15th century, contratenor split into contratenor altus and contratenor bassus, which were respectively above and below the tenor. By the 16th century, however, the term became obsolete as Latin lost popularity. In Italy, the contratenor altus became simply alto; in France, haute-contre; in England, countertenor.

Countertenors remained in the niche of sacred vocal music, in part because women were banned from singing in church services. However, they were not prominently featured in the rise of opera. Handel would occasionally write a part specifically for a countertenor, but the castrati were vastly more popular. As a result, the countertenor voice was found only in cathedral choirs and the occasional early music ensemble for a few centuries.

The most visible icon of the countertenor revival was Alfred Deller, an English singer and champion of authentic early music performance. Deller initially called himself an "alto", but his collaborator Michael Tippett recommended the archaic term "countertenor" to describe his voice. In the 1950s and 60s, his group, the Deller Consort, increased audiences' awareness of (and appreciation for) renaissance and Baroque music. Benjamin Britten wrote the role of Oberon in his setting of A Midsummer Night's Dream for him. Deller was the first modern countertenor to achieve such celebrity, but he would not be the last. Russell Oberlin was Deller's American counterpart, and another early music pioneer. Oberlin's success was entirely unprecedented in a country that had seen little exposure to anything before Bach, and it paved the way for the next generation of countertenors.

Today, countertenors are much in demand in many forms of classical music. In opera, many roles originally written for castrati are now sung by countertenors, as are some trouser roles. Modern composers write countertenor parts, both in choral works and opera. Men's choral groups such as Chanticleer and the King's Singers employ them to great effect in a variety of genres, including early music, gospel, and even folk songs.
A few countertenors have a range comparable to a female soprano. They are usually called sopranists, and often sing higher castrato arias. As there are not many of them, Jaroussky is the latest countertenor and should the word "gifted" for him suits his special talent, this CD deserves a 4 star.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-20

The vocal selections on this disc include 2 arias from Vivaldi operas. However, at that time the cantatas and the operas were very closely aligned using the same instrumentation and truthfully it would be difficult to tell the difference between them had I not been previously informed. Jaroussky has excellent vocal technique;in fact in some passages he astounds the listener. His aria :Cor ingrato dispietato (from an opera) displays amazing breath control and clean clear notes. If there is something lacking it is in slow passages that demand more intensity and emotion; age and experience will certainly help!!!And his voice sounds better when the music has a high tessitura. He's a fresh new voice in the world of countertenors. My appreciation knows no bounds for the "Ensemble Artaserse";they are truly excellent and skilled on their instruments; wonderful to hear. This is really a great disc!!!!

Jaroussky is exceptional.......2005-09-07

Jaroussky's singing adds to the growing interest in Vivaldian opera. His performance of "Qual Dopo ..." is both a demonstration of the great technique and artistry of his beautiful voice. For those curious to explore his singing range, try his masterful deliverance of arias such as "Tu m'offendi",from La Verita en Cimento, and "Sol da te", from "Orlando Furioso" where he honors the composer with the nuances, adornments, and melodic draws of his voice. This CD would have showcased the cantata genre much better had the musical selection been more diverse in note and tempo. Nonetheless, Jaroussky is at his best!

A pleasant surprise.......2005-05-20

Countertenor is not this reviewer's favorite range of male singer. That's probably so because it is both unfamiliar and underperformed and, when it is sung, never comes off as quite natural to the singer himself. In many respects, it really is an outdated male vocal range that should have gone the way of castrati. Interestingly, it seems to going in just the opposite direction. At least Virgin Classics must think so because last month it released a new CD by countertenor Philippe Jaroussky singing Vivaldi Cantatas, with the Ensemble Artaserse -- and it is surprisingly good. The CD consists of a couple quite beautiful period solo ensemble selections, theorbo etc. (See cut #9 "Prelude to Vivaldi") and vocals that demonstrate the best of what a countertenor sounds like, most notably Piangero Sinche L'onda, Ruggiero. Mr. Jaroussky's voice is both agile and open and his diction is punctuated and enhanced by a smooth delivery that is passionate enough, such that each piece comes off as a personal story that truly captivates the listener. An added plus is the fact that the thematic organization of this CD is even. In other words, you won't be reaching for the "skip" button here. The quality of the recording, too, is excellent. Although many listeners prefer the live aspect of concert performances, the very thing that attracts, can also produce a hollow, almost metallic sound in a live hall. In Cantatas, you won't find any unevenness or harsh selections. You might even find that you are pleasantly surprised by how intriguing it is.

Another Fine Countertenor Lights Up The World!.......2005-04-13

This exciting recording of Vivaldi cantatas for solo voice and instrumental ensemble is one of the more compelling releases of the year to date! While the music of the glorious Venetian Antonio Vivaldi is well known, especially the standard repertoire `The Four Seasons' and the choral works and chamber works - even some operas - the cantatas are rarely performed and this CD of his best ones should change that.

Philippe Jaroussky is yet another fine countertenor who is rather recent on the scene. With the growing popularity of musicians courageous and gifted enough to become successful in the countertenor repertoire (just pause for a moment and think of the significant number a star quality countertenors on the stages today), the numerous pieces for this range of voice continue to appear. Vivaldi's cantatas are refined, beautifully embellished, demanding consummate artistry of not only the high hurdles for the voice but also for the accompanying forces. Jaroussky seems to have endless breath, singing the long extended lines with total ease. His embellishments alter with each da capo as to the period born! This is a voice a great power and warmth and one that feels married to the texts.


Providing brilliant collaboration is the Ensemble Artaserse and period instruments. The variety of color is awe-inspiring and the technique of these unique musicians is impeccable. In their solo portions they produce a richly elegant - yes, Venetian sound. And in tandem with Jaroussky the complete effect is one of single purpose, line, and harmony.

This is a new CD to treasure and the sampling is generous. For this reviewer this is a new repertoire to explore and it would be difficult to imagine forces better suited to these treasures than those on this CD. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 05

Track Listings:

1. Chamber Music / Grand Duo Concertant
2. Charles Valentin Alkan: Esquisses, Op. 63
3. Codex La Huelgas (13th-14th Century)
4. Complete Orchestral Works 16
5. Complete Orchestral Works 22
6. Complete Orchestral Works 28
7. Complete Orchestral Works 3
8. Complete Orchestral Works 7
9. Complete String Quartets 6
10. Couperin: Harpsichord Works

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

He Used to Be An Animal

Musical Favorites of All Times

Masters

Music: All Mixed Up

Million Mile Club

Motown Legends

Mezzamorphis

Offenbach - Les contes d'Hoffmann / Alagna · van Dam · Dessay · Vaduva · Jo · Dubosc · Nagano [Highlights]

Man Who Is Australia [Import]

Las 32 Mas Grandes De Oscar D'Leon

New Girl, Old Story

Not Necessarily Acoustic [Live]

Mirage Club Traxx, Vol. 4 [Import]

Brahms: Piano Pieces, Op. 76; Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Fantasies, Op. 116

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