Complete Orchestral Works 3

1. Berglieder (Mountain Songs), waltz for orchestra, Op. 18 (RV 18)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

2. Jux-Polka (Practical Joke Polka), for orchestra, Op. 17 (RV 17)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

3. Wiener Punsch-Lieder (Vienna Punch Songs), waltz for orchestra, Op. 131 (RV 131)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

4. Dämonen, quadrille for orchestra, Op. 19 (RV 19)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

5. Freuden-Gruß-Polka, for orchestra, Op. 127 (RV 127)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

6. Liebes-Lieder (Love Songs), waltz for orchestra, Op. 114 (RV 114)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

7. Vergnügungszug (Excursion Train), polka schnell for orchestra, Op. 281 (RV 281)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

8. Satanella-Quadrille, for orchestra, Op. 123 (RV 123)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

9. Die Österreicher (The Austrians), waltz for orchestra, Op. 22 (RV 22)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

10. Aesculap-Polka, for orchestra, Op. 130 (RV 130)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

11. Lind-Gesänge (Jenny Lind's Songs), waltz for orchestra, Op. 21 (RV 21)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

12. Amazonen-Polka, for orchestra, Op. 9 (RV 9)
Composed by Johann II Strauss
Performed by CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Alfred Walter

Complete Orchestral Works 3,Strauss,Walter,Cssr Po,Marco Polo,Classical,Classical Composers

Average customer rating: Microcosmos Great value with a few flaws eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much Best classical value out there 5 Stars for the music and performance

Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Elegies | Requiems, Elegies & Tombeau | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | 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 | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Bartok: The Piano Concertos Béla Bartók: The 6 String Quartets - Takács Quartet Complete Piano Works of Scriabin Bartok: Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto, 6 Duo for 2 Violins, Violin Rhapsodies; Yehudi Menuhin Brahms: Works for Solo Piano ASIN: B00008X5AY Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

Sàndor, still active at 90 as this reissue appears, was a student of Bartók and a preferred interpreter of his music. Since this set appeared on nine LPs in the early 1960s, it has been the standard for Bartók's piano music; in this fine-sounding reissue, it still is. Sàndor can hit hard enough for such virtuoso pieces as the Piano Sonata and "Out of Doors," but he also retains the romantic element heard in the composer's own playing which tempers the harsher qualities of the music. While this collection isn't quite as complete as advertised (some early, insignificant piano music by Bartók is omitted), it includes all of Bartók's significant piano music, including such relatively obscure gems as the Bagatelles, eight Improvisations, and many delectable folk arrangements which will appeal even to listeners who think Bartók is too challenging for them. Vox's recorded sound, superbly remastered, resists obsolescence as effectively as Sàndor's performances. Even with the inclusion of the early books of "Mikrokosmos," which will appeal mostly to piano students, this set is worth several times the asking price. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Microcosmos.......2007-03-08

Sándor was a champion not only of Bartók's music but also of Bartók's style of playing. He often complained that people were too quick to see Bartók as ultra-modern, and to fail to appreciate the rich seam of lyricism that also runs through his music.

The piano music is dominated by short pieces, many of them written for piano students, notably the collections "Microcosmos" and "For Children". These, together with suites of folk dance arrangements, make up the bulk of the solo piano output.

Sandór plays these short, and often simple pieces, with neither too much nor too little art. As a gifted teacher, he knew unerringly how much music each of these small vessels held. The result is beguiling - but be warned: no-one can listen to the 153 short pieces of Microcosmos end-to-end. This is an anthology to be dipped into, not swallowed whole.

The remastering is pretty successful (fortunately - some of Vox's CD reissues are plagued by severe deterioration of the original tapes). And it's for half nothing-what's not to like?

Great value with a few flaws.......2006-07-28

I am not a Bartok expert by any scale, but I do like the way these pieces, without exception, are played. There are, however, a couple of other problems.

As mentioned by an earlier reviewer, very few of the works are split into tracks - Mikrokosmos is divided into 7 for each of its six volumes, and to accomodate for a full CD. In these seven tracks there are 121 songs. I would have much preferred if the songs had been split into tracks. Almost the entire CD set is this way - Fifteen Hungarian Songs is one track, Fourteen Bagatelles, etc. It is very annoying when one wants to hear a particular song in those tracks and not the others.

Another detriment to the collection is the recording quality. It is decent most of the time, but in loud sections the piano buzzes. One might be able to ignore it, but I think that it detracts from the passion of the forte quite a bit.

Overall, for $18 it is pretty decent, but if you are like me and like to keep your music library neatly organized (and aren't extremely cheap), I would not recommend this set.

eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much.......2006-07-25

I like the fact that Bartok is into the folk tradition and all, but he just tends to forget the fact that melody has to be SOMEWHERE in the music. I'm all for creative expression when you're sitting alone at the piano, but abstract music should be reserved for performance art. I like playing some of your stuff Bela, but I just don't want to listen to you.

Best classical value out there.......2005-10-05

To put this set in perspective, for months I would go to my local Tower Records fishing for worthwhile classical CDs at least once a week. One of the discs that sat in the bins the longest was a single CD of Bartok piano music, played by Zoltan Kocsis. It was Volume 7 of a complete series. This CD listed for $17.99, and as long as I went to that Tower Records, it did not budge an inch, nor was its price amended.

Now, Kocsis is one of the greatest pianists alive, and if anyone is worthy of commanding a premium, it is him. And to be fair, that CD is going to be re-released on October 11 as part of a Collector's Edition - eight CDs, $63.97 MSRP. But it's already going up against this little gem, which contains five CDs with all of the truly great solo-piano works by an internationally recognized Bartok specialist for $21 - not much more than the cost of one CD from the other set. This kind of value is not to be taken lightly.

I came to this set with my impression of Sandor informed by his complete Prokofiev - ultra-hard, sometimes rhythmically slack, always melodically lacking in some way or another. But he held a very special feeling for Bartok, and saved his best playing for the great Hungarian. In passages like the first of the Three Csik Dances, the opening of the Improvisations Op. 20, or in the Ten Easy Pieces, there is a simplicity, charm and wistful homesickness that is quite touching. In pieces like the Out of Doors suite, the Sonata, or the Burlesques, there is a vicious, impulsive energy, a wicked sense of humor and an overabundance of overtones. It is never mindless, inappropriate or even overly harsh - it's just very, very loud.

In this set I like best the endless landscape of the Sonatina, the unusual colors and fragrances in the Etudes, the brilliantly conceived Bear Dance (the last of the Ten Easy Pieces), and the multifaceted, complex, gorgeous Improvisations. Any fan of Bartok should hear these.

5 Stars for the music and performance.......2005-04-04

This is a fantastic deal, but the problem with this Collection stems from the fact that the pieces are often not separated by tracks. This is especially annoying for the Children's Pieces and Mikrokosmos. There are so many pieces, one wears out the fast forward button and still may miss the particular piece one is looking for. The booklet is fairly insightful, and the performer is widely hailed as the supreme interpreter of Bartok's piano music. So aside from this slightly annoying at times and ridiculously annoying at other times flaw, this is one of the best deals in Classical music. Don't hesitate. Add it to the cart.

Average customer rating: I am in a Box with Berlioz Box Sets A superb set, well worth the price! all the overtures *NOT* A wonderful collection of Berlioz

Berlioz: Complete Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Allen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra Strauss: Orchestral Works Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies Grieg: Complete Music with Orchestra Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works ASIN: B0000041MZ Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 1. Rries, Passions (Largo - Allegro agitato ed appassinonato assai)
2. Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 2. Un bal (Valse: Allegro non troppo)
3. Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 3. Sc aux champs (Adagio)
4. Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 4. Marche au supplice (Allegretto non troppo)
5. Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 5. Songe d'une nuit du Sabbat (Larghetto - Allegro- Ronde du Sabbat: Poco menu mosso)
6. Tristia, Op 18 (excerpts): 3. Marche fune pour la derni sc d'Hamlet (Allegretto moderato)
7. La Damnation De Faust, Op. 24 (excerpts): Menuet des follets
8. La Damnation De Faust, Op. 24 (excerpts): Marche hongroise

Tracks:

1. Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 1. Le peur (Goethe, Duboys)
2. Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 2. Choeur d'ombres (Berlioz)
3. Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 3. Chanson de brigands (Berlioz)
4. Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 4. Chant de bonheur (Berlioz)
5. Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 5. La harpe ienne - Souvenirs
6. Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 6. Fantasie sur la Temp de Shakespeare (Berlioz)
7. Grande Symphonie fune et triomphale, Op. 15: 1. Marche fune (Moderato un poco lento)
8. Grande Symphonie fune et triomphale, Op. 15: 2. Oraison fune (Adagio non tanto - Andantino un poco lento e sostenuto)
9. Grande Symphonie fune et triomphale, Op. 15: 3. Apothe (Allegro non troppo e pomposo)

Tracks:

1. Harold en Italie, Op.16: 1a. Harold aux montagnes (Adagio)
2. Harold en Italie, Op.16: 1b. Harold aux montagnes (Allegro)
3. Harold en Italie, Op.16: 2. Marche des prins (Allegretto)
4. Harold en Italie, Op.16: 3. Snade (Allegro assai - Allegretto)
5. Harold en Italie, Op.16: 4. Orgie de brigands (Allegro frenetico - Adagio - Allegro, Tempo I)
6. Les Troyens arthage: Prelude From: Les Troyens arthage: Part II, Act III
7. Les Troyens (Act IV): No. 29: Chasse royale et orage - Pantomime
8. Les Troyens (Act IV): No. 32: Marche pour l'entrde la reine; No. 33: Ballets
9. Les Troyens (Act IV): -A: Pas des Alm
10. Les Troyens (Act IV): -B: Danse des esclaves
11. Les Troyens (Act IV): - C: Pas d'esclaves nubiennes
12. Rrie et Caprice, Op.8

Tracks:

1. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Introduction
2. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Prologue: 'D'anciennes haines endormies'
3. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Strophe 1: 'Premiers transports que nul n' oublie'
4. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Strophe 2: 'Heureux enfants aux coers de flamme'
5. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Rtatif et Scherzetto: 'Bientot de Romeo' - 'Mab! la messagere' - Bientot la mort est souveraine'
6. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part II, Romseul - Tristesse - Concert eet bal
7. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part II, Grande f chez les Capulets
8. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part III, 'Ohe! Capulets! Bonsoir, bonsoir!'
9. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part III, Sc d'amour

Tracks:

1. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Scherzo: La reine Mab ou la fdes songes
2. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Convoi fune de Juliette: 'Jetez des fleurs pour la vierge expiree!'
3. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Romau tombeau des Capulets
4. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Finale. Choeurs et Rtatif du P Laurence: 'Quo! Romeo de retour!'
5. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Finale. Air du P Laurence: 'Pauvres enfants que je pleure' - 'Mais notre sang rougit leur glaive'
6. Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Finale. Serment de rnciliation: 'Jurez donc'

Tracks:

1. Beatrice et Benedict
2. Benvenuto Cellini
3. Overtures: Le roi Lear, Op. 4
4. Les Francs - juges, Op. 3
5. Waverley, Op. 1
6. Le corsaire, Op. 21
7. Carnaval romain, Op. 9

Amazon.com

Berlioz was the first Romantic master of the orchestra. His music hasn't been surpassed in terms of sheer brilliance and accuracy of effect. This set includes all of the overtures, the Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, the Royal Hunt and Storm from Les Troyens, orchestral music from The Damnation of Faust and Romeo and Juliet, and the completely insane Grande Symphonie funebre et triumphale. Davis achieved his reputation as a conductor as a Berlioz specialist, and he proves an expert advocate on behalf of this stimulating, bizarre, and totally original genius. The recording quality, so critical in such colorful music, is also very good. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

I am in a Box with Berlioz Box Sets.......2004-02-22

First I ordered Hector Berlioz Complete Orchestral Works (Box Set) in a 6-CD set by Sir Colin Davis because orchestral is what I like best. That was in 2002. Now I have ordered The Berlioz Edition (Box Set)in a 24-CD Box Set by Sir Colin Davis because I like what I have heard of Berlioz by Davis. I will put this up for sale, and if it doesn't go I will consider putting The Berlioz Edition up for sale after I have heard it. As I said I am in a Box with Berlioz Box Sets and can't afford both.

A superb set, well worth the price!.......2002-08-16

For those of us who grew up in the 1950s and '60s, the music of Berlioz means Munch and Toscanini: Munch for his incendiary performances of "Symphonie Fantastique," "Romeo et Juliette," "Damnation of Faust," the Requiem and the overtures (among others), Toscanini primarily for his gorgeous reading of "Harold in Italy" but also for his versions of the Roman Carnival Overture and (for those who could find it) the "Romeo" with Gladys Swarthout. These readings had one thing going for them, which was a rhythmic impetus that made even the slow movements exciting. Unfortunately, for those of us who read scores, when we checked these versions against the music we found that Toscanini and Munch had fiddled a bit with tempi and bowing accents in an attempt to make the music more exciting. Is this so bad? Not necessarily, because these conductors had this music in their blood, they were presenting Berlioz as they had processed him over a lifetime of love, and so their fast tempi had little in common with the rattly, jangly readings often turned out by John Eliot Gardiner.

Sir Colin Davis was, and of this reading remains, the greatest Berlioz interpreter of the stereo/digital era. This is no mean feat when one realizes that he now has several competitors in the field, among them James Levine and Charles Dutoit, but in my view only the wonderful John Nelson (whose recordings of the Te Deum and "Nuits d'Ete" with Susan Graham are so wonderful) really comes close. And what makes Davis so great is that, like those legendary conductors of old, he really gets under the skin of Berlioz and makes him exciting while maintaining score tempi. Listen, for instance, to his "Symphonie Fantastique," still the benchmark modern recording after nearly 30 years. Davis also excels in his readings of the Overtures, music from "Les Troyens," and the Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale which grabs the listener and pulls him/her into its vortex of sound.

In the other two symphonies, "Harold in Italy" and "Romeo et Juliette," I sense a lapse of sorts: the slow music is conducted not necessarily too slowly, but with a certain Romantic mushiness bordering on easy listening. This, for me, robs the "Romeo alone" and "Scene d'amour" of its passion, though of course it is wonderful to hear the score in modern stereo instead of Munch's cramped mono, and for me Toscanini's second movement of "Harold," with its peculiar yet engaging walking gait, shall never be surpassed--and, unlike Munch, Toscanini somewhat transcended his mono sound because of the wonderful clarity and transparency of his orchestra. Nevertheless, if I were forced to I would live with this Davis set over my Munch and Toscanini recordings because of their overall warmth and excellent sound.

Other highlights include excerpts from "Lelio" sung superbly by pre-leukemia Jose Carreras (listen to him ascend fearlessly to those high notes--he hasn't done that in nearly a quarter-century!), dramatically astute singing by Patricia Kerns and John Shirley-Quirk in "Romeo," and marvelous interpretations of the Overtures (oh, and you can forget "Rob Roy"...Berlioz decided after one performance that he would never publish it or even bother revising it, hence it is not here). I do question the omission of the Requiem and Te Deum (after all, they ARE "orchestral works"), but with so many riches at such a low price, who cares? Liner notes are sparse, and this is a slimline box which means paper sleeves and no jewel boxes, but so what? For this much Berlioz, so beautifully sung and conducted, the composer himself would gladly have plunked down ...

all the overtures *NOT*.......2001-05-04

This isn't a "complete" recording of Berlioz' orchestral music - what about the 'Rob Roy' overture? Granted it recycles some of Harold in Italy, but still...

A wonderful collection of Berlioz.......2000-08-15

This incredible six CD set features all of Hector Berlioz's purely orchestral music conducted by the great Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as one of the greatest living Berlioz interpreters. In addition to favorites such as Symphonie fantastique, Harold en Italie and Romeo et Juliette, the set also includes the lesser known Lelio and several other works. The works were recorded between 1965 and 1980, and the sound is wonderful and rich. His interpretations are also lively and full of energy, especially in the overtures.

The Romeo et Juliette included in this set is my favorite of all the recordings of it that I've heard, although I haven't yet heard Sir Colin's more recent recording with the Vienna Philharmonic. The recording of Lelio is also well done. Jose Carreras and Thomas Allen are the featured singers in Lelio's song movements, and the fantasy on Shakespeare's Tempest at the end of the work is fascinating indeed. If you've only heard Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and want to hear more of his works, or are looking for a nice collection of classic Berlioz recordings, then take a good look at this set.

Average customer rating: Russian Nights Renaissance Man Critically acclaimed - and a favorite of mine, too A Fine Set, But Not as Fine as It Might Be An Outstanding Set

Saint-Saëns: The Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hough, Stephen | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | 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 Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hough, Stephen | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Symphonies Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos / Paganini Rhapsody Rubinstein: Piano Concerto No. 4; Scharwenka: Piano Concerto No. 1 Mendelssohn: Piano Concerti Nos. 1 & 2; Capriccio Brillant; Rondo Brillant Scharwenka: Piano Concerto No. 4 in F minor; Sauer: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor ASIN: B00005NUPA Release Date: 2001-10-09

Amazon.com

Pianist Stephen Hough is a certified genius, recipient of a 2001 MacArthur Foundation "genius grant." Although he apparently received the award for his explorations of uncommon piano repertoire, he also deserved it for the quality of his piano tone, which is extremely beautiful, as conveyed here by Hyperion's lush recording of the Saint-Saens piano concertos. Unlike most previous volumes of Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto series, this one includes some familiar works, especially the Second Piano Concerto. If you listen to that first, you'll realize just how good Hough's performances are throughout this set, since he matches any of the great pianists who have recorded the work. Notice the way he zips through the incredibly fast finale without the slightest hint of effort or rush. Although the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Concertos are the only ones still heard in our concert halls, all these pieces have their attractions--especially the delightful waltz "Wedding Cake," which would make a great concert encore. Sakari Oramo, the new music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, provides alert accompaniment, rich in detail, and the orchestra plays beautifully. This isn't an inexpensive set, but quality like this is cheap at any price. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Russian Nights.......2007-05-08

Great music! And it came with a freebie trial CD of some other Classical CDs- like getting a free CD.

Renaissance Man.......2006-04-05

Saint-Saens was a Renaissance man: botany, astronomy, archeology, mathematics, natural history, and philosophy were subjects he participated in throughout his life. He wrote articles, read papers at scientific societies, contributed notes to learned journals on the eclipse of the sun, and published a volume of poetry. Saint-Saens was also a musical child prodigy; began piano lessons at age 2 ½, at 3 wrote his first composition, and memorized a recital of Mozart and Beethoven concertos, as well as music by Handel, Hummel, and Bach. This CD of piano/orchestral works is a showcase of Saint-Saens' brilliant musical mind, one which was considered old-fashioned by modern composers of the time, and fused Classicism and Romanticism together, a style today's society is happy to have, since Saint-Saens could have easily been successful in another career.

The four character pieces for piano and orchestra are all rather interesting. Wedding Cake (6')is a waltz-caprice for piano and strings alone; a dainty showpiece in a whimsical setting, sparring gentility vs. extroverted. The Allegro Appassionato (5') is also a showpiece with lightning-quick orchestral and piano work, with a lush, contrasted middle. Rhapsodie d'Auvergne (8') uses a folk-based melody Saint-Saens heard a French washer-woman singing. Fresh, captivating melody and orchestration, the music is emotionally moving, along with come snappier folk-like ideas in contrast. The last, Africa (9'), is taken from Saint-Saens' many travels abroad: Algeria, Canary Islands, Africa, Russia, South America, USA, Scandinavia, and Indonesia; Saint-Saens in fact studied the folk music of North Africa. The work, Africa, is a sort of fantasy on many tunes from North Africa, another neat orchestral/piano showpiece.

The five piano concertos show a growth in composition from Saint-Saens over a period of time. The first (26')is inspired by the Fontainebleau forest; there is fresh vitality, youthful optimism, as well as occasional Spanish harmonic inflections, a trend Saint-Saens will continue more in his lifetime. The second concerto (21'), with its gruff, minor opening, is a Romantic counterpart to his first; long sweeping lines, a fanciful scherzo, and dramatic sweep throughout show a maturing Saint-Saens. Concerto No. 3 (25')shows Saint-Saens' penchant for melody; while the opening is a bit wandering and ponderous, there is a catchy, heroic theme; an emotional second mvt., and an infectious finale theme, a heavy barcarolle/dance type feel, for an emotional and fun concerto. The fourth concerto (24'), only in two movements, begins with a sneaky theme in a sort of theme and variation form, along with a chorale reminiscent of his "Organ" Symphony, but ending with a lively scherzo, a simple melody, and a dashing finale, showing simplicity and classicism in his mature style. The last concerto (27'), often called "Egyptian", is unabashedly Romantic, including some bold and striking Spanish rhythms, some unusual modes and syncopations, some orientalism (weird voicings and multi-cultural devices that are unusually forward-looking for Saint-Saens), and an optimistic finale. The evolution of time shows Saint-Saens embracing the past, with a special hold on Romanticism, but surprises me with no lack of inventiveness in later life, not to mention a never-quelling mind for tunefulness, evident in all of these works.

These are very good performances by Stephen Hough on piano and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Sakari Oramo. The orchestra is rich and full, all voices speak clearly and play with lightness, humor, and grandeur when asked for; all in all a terrific ensemble presentation. The pianist is remarkably at home; nothing is heavy (which is rarely called for in Saint-Saens), bringing out the classicism in his music. Instead, texture and color are Saint-Saens' best Romantic attributes, and Hough brings those out, not to mention extremely clean playing. The piano is miked close, and the sound is forward and "dry", but Hough backs off when his role requires it, and the piano and orchestra work remarkably well together, playing off one another at times. The Hyperion sound is excellent and makes the disk a success, a resonant atmosphere and crisp playing are captured on this disk well. The CD's are full as well: CD1 at 79+ minutes and CD2 at 76 minutes, is a lot of music, and the extra four character pieces on top of the concertos makes this a must-have. Excellent performances with amazing sound; recommended. TT: 155.28

Critically acclaimed - and a favorite of mine, too.......2003-09-24

This wonderful recording of the Saint-Saens concertos does a fine job of rendering the Romantic style without getting smug about it. Hough gives them an appropriately warm and colourful feel, without lapsing into the overly lush and indistinct sound I associate with other performances. The four non-concerto pieces make this a very nice set, and the flamboyant 'Africa' in particular will keep you coming back for more.

I have always been a fan of Stephen Hough, from the first time I saw his hands dissolve into an utter blur - not for one measure or passage, but for most of a fiery encore (we got three out of him that night!). These discs prove his facility with somewhat mellower fare, and have brought Saint-Saens back to my attention after years of (unintentional) neglect. If you want mighty and massive, Saint-Saens' German or Russian contemporaries will be more satisfying; but lyrical works like these should not be overlooked if you want to be acquainted with the best of the piano concerto form.

A Fine Set, But Not as Fine as It Might Be.......2003-07-29

The most remarkable feature of this recording may also be one of its chief drawbacks-namely that all of Saint-Saens' concerted music of piano is crammed onto two chock-a-block discs. I doubt, given the technical limitations of the compact disc, that Hyperion could have added a brief etude or caprice to either of these CDs. Great value, then, except that it seems this compactness came at a price. Almost all of these works seem rushed in spots, as if Hough and company knew they were working against space constraints. I can't say for a fact that this is true, but while there is no end of brio and élan in these performances, there is often a lack of the Gallic elegance that Saint-Saens also provides in works that, not surprisingly, the suave, fastidious craftsman Maurice Ravel cited as models for his concertos.

If all you know is the popular Second Concerto, which some wag once claimed as traversing music history "from Bach to Offenbach," then you only know the shallowest of Saint-Saens' concertos. If you are not familiar with the Fourth Concerto, Saint-Saens' finest orchestral work, you should be. Built on the same architectural principles as the composer's popular Organ Symphony, this is more successful still and certainly more tasteful, though, as in the Organ Symphony, the finale is the weakest bit and keeps the concerto in the realm of the near-great rather than the great. Hough and Oramo lavish their best work on this concerto, and the performance is a winner, from the mysterious opening to the resounding appearance of the motto theme in chorale treatment by the brass. (After that, it's all downhill for the concerto anyway, as Saint-Saens ends with some especially empty display work for the pianist.)

Elsewhere, I find a lack of willingness on the part of the soloist and conductor to let the music expand naturally. This is especially true in the slow movement of the Egyptian Concerto (No. 5), which here lacks the requisite exoticism and even mysticism, I think. Ditto Saint-Saens' other North Africa-inspired piece titled simply "Africa." There may be something of the slapdash about this work anyway, though I enjoy it, but the performers give this less-than-vintage Saint-Saens no time to breathe, which it sorely needs if it is to survive at all. There's a tendency to rush the charming First Concerto, too, and there, despite all the brilliance, goes some of the charm. On the other hand, the underrated Third Concerto sounds imposing and even important in Hough's performance, and if he can't do much for the commonplace music of the finale, no one else can either.

One other problem has to do with the recording. In general, Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto series has featured fine, natural sound, but here the sound is very close and dry, with the piano placed in an unnaturally forward and rather airless perspective.

So while I'm, as always, impressed by the brilliance of Hough's playing in these concertos, I think something important is missing. And as fine as the Fourth Concerto and parts of the other concertos are in these performances, overall I prefer Jean-Phillipe Collard and Andre Previn. The sound on their EMI discs (catalog number 73356) is more recessed and maybe a little lacking in presence but much more realistic overall. And the performances have all the Gallic elegance that Hough and Oramo's lack. Add to this EMI's two-fer price, and you can't go wrong.

So if your budget allows for two sets of Saint-Saens concertos, certainly Hough's should be one of them. Otherwise, I think Collard is your man.

An Outstanding Set.......2001-12-13

I read a comment several years ago by the pianist Phillipe Entremont that he felt the Saint Saens concerto's lacked the emotional charge of the German concertos (Beethoven, Schumann etc.) I think this comment is shortsighted in that it neglects the many concertos written for the instrument between Beethoven and Saint Saens, a tradition that the Romantic Piano Series provides insight into. It is arguable that Saint Saens (a true Renaissance man) was the most accomplished composer-performer of his day and his piano concertos represent a high point. Perhaps the awful truth is that these concertos are fun to listen to. They are virtuoso pieces that sparkle and delight. Perhaps not as profound as some concertos but works that should be heard much more frequently in the concert hall.

I have had the Roget set for several years and have the Cortot recording of the Fourth concerto, and agree without reservation that Stephan Hough plays remarkably well. He captures the brilliance of these concertos remarkably well. The only drawback of the set is that the Third concerto was recorded at a different venue and has a dryer sound. The added bonus of this set are the shorter pieces Saint Saens wrote for piano and orchestra that were included on this set. For me, this is the set of these concertos to have, and I hope listeners unfamiliar with them will buy it. They do not disappoint.

Average customer rating: Music to Close Your Eyes to, Dream, and Float Away Breathtaking; quintessentially Russian and romantic Brilliant This is a good CD

Rachmaninov: Complete Works for Cello and Piano Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rachmaninov: The Symphonies Carl Stamitz: Cello Concertos Nos. 1-3 Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas Prokofiev: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2; Cello Sonata Rachmaninov: Complete Operas (Aleko, The Miserly Knight, Francesca di Rimini) ASIN: B00000IMFP Release Date: 1999-05-11

Tracks:

1. Son in g, Op.19: Lento - Allegro Moderato
2. Son in g, Op.19: Allegro Scherzando
3. Son in g, Op.19: Andate
4. Son in g, Op.19: Allegro Mosso
5. Romance in F, Op.4, No.3 Lento
6. Lied (Romance) in f: Andantino
7. Melodie in D: Moderato
8. Prld in F, Op.2, No.1: Comodo
9. Vocalise in e, Op.34, No.14: Lentamente - Molto Cantabile
10. Danse Orientale in A, Op.2, No.2: Andante Cantabile

Customer Reviews:

Music to Close Your Eyes to, Dream, and Float Away.......2005-12-04

This beautifully performed CD is filled with Rachmaninov's hauntingly beautiful melodies, including one of the most famous in the classical repertoire, "Vocalise," peformed with warmth and sensitivity by two highly talented musicians.

The CD is so reasonably priced that it would be worthwhile to purchase it even if the only selection on it were the 34 minute "Sonata in G minor," one of the most beautiful sonatas ever composed for cello and piano, with its enrapturing Andante third section. I geatly enjoyed every selection on this CD, especially the final selection, Danse Orientale, composed in 1892, when Rachmaninov was only 19 years old. This last selection has a timeless quality and an ethereal hypnotic beauty and intensity that I found very moving.

In addition to the outstanding music on this CD, the insert has two different essays that are both well-written and informative, one in English and a second essay in French, with the second essay providing background information about the musical influences and historical circumstances behind the compositions that is not in the English essay. There is also biographical information on both of these highly talented musicians.

Breathtaking; quintessentially Russian and romantic.......2004-06-26

Russian composers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have always been some of my favorites. Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev all wrote music with a similar sort of fiery, overwhelming, and tragic passion. These pieces for cello and piano are quintessential works of this genre; the cello is an instrument particularly suited to this type of music. The musicians, Janet Guggenheim and Michael Grebanier, use near-perfect technical ability to supplement sensitive interpretations of the pieces. I highly recommend the G minor sonata.

Brilliant.......2003-04-23

The CD is priceless, considering its wonderfully low price. The sonata alone is worth buying the disc for, though the other pieces are also first-rate.

This is a good CD.......2000-02-29

I liked this recording. The sound is clear and brilliant. The interpreters are ok, and ¿what can I say about the music? It's Rachmaninov! The sonata is full of passion and the price makes this CD a real to consider!

Average customer rating: Dutilleux - who? ON THE RISE complete? Landmarks of modern French orchestral music Music for a Starry Night

Dutilleux: Complete Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dutilleux | Dutilleux, Henri | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dutilleux: The Works for Piano Dutilleux: Cello Concerto, Lutoslawski: Cello Concerto Edward Rubbra - Complete Symphonies / Hickox Milhaud: The Complete Symphonies (Box Set) Ture Rangström: Complete Symphonies (Box Set) ASIN: B00004YU78 Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

1. Sym No.1: I. Passacailli: Andante - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
2. Sym No.1: II. Scherzo: Molto Vivace - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
3. Sym No.1: III. Intermezzo: Lento - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
4. Sym No.1: Finale, Con Vars: Largemente - Allegro - Scherzo - Lento - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
5. Sym No.2 'Le Double:' I. Animato, Ma Misterioso - Andrew Orton/Robert Chasey/Janet Fisher/Peter Dixon/Marios Argiros/Paul Dintinger/David Chatwin...
6. Sym No.2 'Le Double:' II. Andantino Sostenuto - Andrew Orton/Robert Chasey/Janet Fisher/Peter Dixon/Marios Argiros/Paul Dintinger/David Chatwin...
7. Sym No.2 'Le Double:' III. Allegro Fuocoso - Calmato - Andrew Orton/Robert Chasey/Janet Fisher/Peter Dixon/Marios Argiros/Paul Dintinger/David Chatwin...

Tracks:

1. L'Arbre Des Songs: I. Librement - - Oliver Charlier
2. L'Arbre Des Songs: Interlude - - Oliver Charlier
3. L'Arbre Des Songs: II. Vif - - Oliver Charlier
4. L'Arbre Des Songs: Interlude - - Oliver Charlier
5. L'Arbre Des Songs: III. Lent - - Oliver Charlier
6. L'Arbre Des Songs: Interlude - - Oliver Charlier
7. L'Arbre Des Songs: IV. Large Et Anime - Oliver Charlier
8. Two Sonnets, 'I Dreamt That I Carried You In My Arms:' Extremement Calme - Neal Davies
9. Two Sonnets, 'There Was Nothing But Torn Trunks:' Vehemet Et Agite - Neal Davies
10. Timbres, Espace, Mouvement Avec Interlude: I (1/4nt = 72 Environ) - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
11. Timbres, Espace, Mouvement Avec Interlude: Interlude - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
12. Timbres, Espace, Mouvement Avec Interlude: II (1/8nt = 56 Environ) - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
13. Prayer For Us Mortals: Tres Librement Recite - Animato - Plus Librement - Sans Lenteur - Neal Davies/Martyn Hill

Tracks:

1. Metaboles: I. Incantatoire - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
2. Metaboles: II. Lineaire - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
3. Metaboles: III. Obsessionnel - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
4. Metaboles: IV. Torpide - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
5. Metaboles: V. Flamboyant - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
6. Tout Un Monde Lointain: I. Enigme - - Boris Pergamenschikow
7. Tout Un Monde Lointain: II. Regard - - Boris Pergamenschikow
8. Tout Un Monde Lointain: III. Houles - - Boris Pergamenschikow
9. Tout Un Monde Lointain: IV. Miroirs - - Boris Pergamenschikow
10. Tout Un Monde Lointain: V. Hymne - Boris Pergamenschikow
11. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): I. Appels - - Boris Pergamenschikow
12. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): II. Echos - - Boris Pergamenschikow
13. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): III. Prismes - - Boris Pergamenschikow
14. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): IV. Espaces Lointains - - Boris Pergamenschikow
15. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): V. Litanies - - Boris Pergamenschikow
16. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): VI. Choral - - Boris Pergamenschikow
17. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): VII. Rumeurs - - Boris Pergamenschikow
18. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): VIII. Soliloques - - Boris Pergamenschikow
19. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): IX. Metamorphoses (Sur Le Nom Sacher) - - Boris Pergamenschikow
20. Mystere De L'instant (Grande Formation): X. Embrasement - Boris Pergamenschikow

Tracks:

1. The Shadows Of Time: I. Hours - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
2. The Shadows Of Time: II. Evil Ariel - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
3. The Shadows Of Time: III. Memory of Shadows - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
4. The Shadows Of Time: Interlude - - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
5. The Shadows Of Time: IV. Waves Of Light - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier
6. The Shadows Of Time: V. Blue Dominant? - BBC Phil/Yan Pascal Tortelier

Customer Reviews:

Dutilleux - who?.......2005-08-20

After hearing Henri Dutilleux for the first time ("The Shadow of Time") on a recent NPR broadcast, I immediately ordered his complete orchestral works, available on this four CD set. I am not disappointed. His music is very accessible and deserves a much wider audience. I highly recommend this set.

ON THE RISE.......2005-05-29

Because he's so quiet, and his music isn't as controversial as certain other post WWII french composers who will remain nameless *cough*, Dutilleux's tiny, immaculate reperatory does not get nearly the attention it deserves, and that's a damn shame.

Anyway, to keep it short, "The Shadows of Time" is one of the great triumphs of contemporary music and even as a broke musician I would have paid the admission fee just for this one (this recording is the best of the four available, too, though I'm sure better ones will come). Not to overshadow the rest of the music though, because this is a helluvalotta damn good, damn pretty, damn imaginative music.

This collection is a must for anyone who likes contemporary music--or early 20th century and wants to stretch there ears just a bit. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

complete?.......2004-03-21

How can Chandos clain this to be a complete orchestral collection when they leave out his ballet, . Ok. There are dancers on stage, but it is a full orchestra that plays it, and it has yet to see the light of day completely recorded anywhere.
Shame on Chandos for overlooking this.

Landmarks of modern French orchestral music.......2004-01-02

Henri Dutilleux has increasingly been regarded as one of the finest of living composers, and as his conservative-modernist style--derived from Debussy and Ravel, though more chromatic and less tonally-centered than either--has become less unfashionable his music has received an increasing number of recordings. Amongst the finest of these have been Yan-Pascal Tortelier's readings for Chandos, and this 4-CD boxed set contains Tortelier's three individual discs, plus a 22-minute bonus disc of a live performance (Tortelier again) of the composer's 1997 work The Shadows of Time. When released, this collection was a complete recording of all Dutilleux's acknowledged orchestral works: this is no longer true, as Dutilleux is still writing, although his post-Shadows work is yet to be recorded. (Hopefully Hans Graf's ongoing budget-price Arte Nova series of Dutilleux recordings will bring matters up to date.)

I have already reviewed the individual discs included on this set, so I will only describe the works briefly, but taken as a whole, they undoubtably rank as amongst the most important orchestral music of the post-war period. Chronologically speaking, they begin with the two symphonies. The first of these, completed in 1951, begins with a slow, mysterious passacaglia, follows it with an overly virtuosic scherzo, a deeply-felt nocturnal slow movement and a flamboyand finale. It is a considerable achievement, though it is some way from Dutilleux's fully mature style, unlike the Second Symphony, completed eight years later. This work is subtitled 'Le Double', as a concertino-like group of 12 players forms a counter-orchestra to the main band--though its function is not of a concerto grosso nature but merely to allow a much greater variety of colours and timbres. The first movement begins mysteriously, building to a dramatic climax. The slow movement (in which the counter-orchestra is particularly prominent) contains a wonderful range of musical colours, while the finale begins vigorously but lapses half-way through into a slow epilogue.

The 1964 work Métaboles is effectively a brief concerto for orchestra in five movements. The first four movements each showcase a different section of the orchestra--alternating fast and slow movements--and in the finale the whole orchestra comes together for a vigorous conclusion. Tout un monde lointain, a 1970 cello concerto based on the poetry of Charles Baudelaire, is a deliriously nocturnal work in five movements that combines delightful solo writing with some extraordinary orchestration, before fading out ambiguously. Perhaps the finest of Dutilleux's orchestral works is Timbres, espace, mouvement, a darkly ecstatic diptych inspired by Van Gogh's painting 'Starry Night'. Two powerfully visionary panels are separated by a forceful interlude for the orchestral cellos alone.

L'Arbre des songes, completed in 1985, is a dreamlike violin concerto in four movements that play without a break. Lyrical and fantastic in equal measure, it has often been described as one of the finest violin concerti of the 20th century, and I wouldn't dispute that rating. Mystère de l'instant is a 1989 work, a sequence of ten atmospheric 'snapshots' for strings and solo cimbalom. The first is an extraordinary evocation of a mass of flying birds; while the other nine are good, they don't quite live up to the first. Finally, The Shadows of Time is perhaps the only authentically angry work in Dutilleux's output. A meditation questioning the validity of music in a world capable of the Holocaust, it begins ambivalently with an evocation of ticking clocks against tense orchestral writing. A solo treble sings 'Why me? Why the star?' before the music builds to an angry climax. After an interlude and a second, equally angry climax, the finale returns to the ambivalent mood of the opening, and the work ends with return of the ticking clocks.

The performances on this set range from good to excellent, but whether the set will be of interest probably depends on whether one owns any of the individual discs. For those who do, or who only need a recording of The Shadows of Time, Hans Graf's first Arte Nova disc may prove more attractive, but those wanting the complete available works in one easy package will find this compilation well-nigh unbeatable.

Music for a Starry Night.......2003-02-26

The reason to buy this boxed set is not to acquire new, definitive interpretations of much represented music; it is to become acquainted with a composer who has had no prior integral recording. That is justification enough. The music of Henri Dutilleux (born 1916) manages to be unmistakably "modern" without being the slightest bit doctrinaire or off-putting: Dutilleux's roots go down deeply into the impressionist soil of Claude Debussy, although unlike Debussy, Dutilleux shows an interest in polyphonic complexity rather than in chord-based harmonic color as such. In addition, Dutilleux's structures usually correspond to what one can call "the symphonic" in a way that Debussy rarely essayed: and indeed his first two orchestral scores were symphonies (1951 and 1959). Like many composers in the aftermath of World War Two who refused to embrace the procedures of the "Second Viennese School," Dutilleux found himself somewhat marginalized. While Dutilleux received performances and commissions and was recorded over the years, he never enjoyed the cachet of, say, Pierre Boulez. In an essay on "The Symphony in France," published in "Paths to Modern Music" (1971), the astute Laurence Davies had to plead for Dutilleux, "a much underestimated composer outside his own country" whose "brilliantly clear textures" make his Second Symphony (subtitled "The Double") "an astounding achievement." On record, Rostropovich played the Cello Concerto and Stern his Violin Concerto; other works have been recorded here and there. The neglect is largely made up for in Yan Pascal Tortelier's comprehensive four-disc survey for Chandos, illustrated appropriately on the jewel-box and on the pamphlet by van Gogh's "Starry Night." On CD 1, Tortelier pairs the two symphonies. Davies valued the Second over the First Symphony, although he admitted the virtues of the latter, particularly its opening Passacaglia. The musical language of the First Symphony is close (by way of a known reference) to Frank Martin's: intensely chromatic without abandoning tonality. (Dutilleux's Passacaglia resembles Martin's free-standing endeavor of the same name in its full-orchestra version, available on a Chandos CD under Matthias Bamert). The two inner movements are a colorful Scherzo and a darkly colored slow movement. The Finale, like the First Movement, is a theme with variations - virtually a second passacaglia, but wider ranging in its moods than the First Movement. The Second Symphony pits a small orchestra of about ten instruments, including harpsichord and celesta, against the full orchestra, hence the appellation of "The Double." I imagine that this is a difficult score to record, as the spatial element resists transcribed representation. That said, this three-movement work is quite as fascinating and beautiful as its precursor. On CD 2, Tortelier gives us Dutilleux's Violin Concerto, "L'arbre des songes" ("The Tree of Dreams" [1985]), in a sequence of uninterrupted movements proper and interludes. This is Dutilleux the mystic, sharing certain penchants with Olivier Messiaen, although never sounding brash or vulgar, as Messiaen sometimes does. "The Tree of Dreams" is music for late-night listening. The "Two Sonnets by Jean Cassou" for baritone and orchestra, dating from the 1940s, show the composer working in a tradition of French orchestral song going back to Hector Berlioz and his "Nuits d'été." The score called "Timbres, espace, et mouvement avec interlude" (1978) takes its inspiration from van Gogh's "Starry Night." It depicts the awe of stellar delirium effectively - less wildly than Messiaen, be it said - yet with some strange and novel sounds. "Métaboles" (1964), on CD 3, again shows some kinship with Martin (think of "The Four Elements") and gives the impression of a symphony by another name. The Cello Concerto, entitled "Tout un monde lointain" (difficult convincingly to translate into English: "A Whole World Far Away"), is another essay in religious yearning and phantasmagoria. Like Berlioz, Dutilleux has a gift for melody: the concerto-format lets him exploit his talent, allotting the "singing role" to the solo instrument and supporting the solo line in a delicate web of hallucinatory accompaniment. The descriptive title comes from one of the Baudelaire poems that the concerto purports to "interpret." This is another link to Berlioz, who made one of the earliest settings of Baudelaire. "Delicacy" and "exquisiteness" are adjective that come to mind insistently as one listens to Dutilleux's music. One thinks of them as French traits par excellence. They appear again in "Mystère de l'instant," a quasi-concerto for cimbalom and strings - by no means so odd as it might seem. On CD 4, Tortelier gives us "The Shadows of Time" (1995), for voice and orchestra, which shows Dutilleux refining his mode of expression even further toward the seamless and translucent. With one minor quibble, I recommend this boxed set. The quibble is the shortness of the fourth disc. Chandos could easily have added a performance of Dutilleux's string quartet, "Ainsi la nuit," which would have turned a stinting measure into a fair one. Discs 1 - 3 are well filled.

Average customer rating: Imaginative & engaging music

Alexis-Emmanuel Chabrier Complete Piano Music / Rena Kyriakou (2 CDs) Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chabrier | Chabrier, Alexis Emanuel | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caprices | 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 Similar Items: Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music ASIN: B000001K4C Release Date: 1994-08-22

Tracks:

1. Pieces Pittoresques: Paysage
2. Pieces Pittoresques: Melancolie
3. Pieces Pittoresques: Tourbillon
4. Pieces Pittoresques: Sous-Bois
5. Pieces Pittoresques: Mauresque
6. Pieces Pittoresques: Idylle
7. Pieces Pittoresques: Danse Villageoise
8. Pieces Pittoresques: Improvisation
9. Pieces Pittoresques: Menuet Pompeux
10. Pieces Pittoresques: Scherzo-Valse
11. 5 Pieces: Aubade
12. 5 Pieces: Ballabile
13. 5 Pieces: Caprice
14. 5 Pieces: Feuillet D'Album
15. 5 Pieces: Ronde Champetre
16. Bourree Fantasque

Tracks:

1. Capriccio
2. Inpromptu
3. Habanera
4. Air De Ballet
5. Ste De Valse
6. Marche Des Cipayes
7. Trois Valses Romantiques
8. Cortege Burlesque
9. Souvenirs De Munich - Rena Kyriakou/Walter Klien

Amazon.com

Chabrier's music isn't exactly essential for life, but it is extremely lighthearted and entertaining most of the time. This set, advertised as complete, may be missing some trivial brief items. But the essential Chabrier for piano, including his pieces for four hands, is all here, in performances whose spirit matches the essence of the music. Kyriakou's playing on most of the solo pieces matches Alain Planès performance on Harmonia Mundi HMC 901465, but Kyriakou's single disc costs more than this set. And don't miss the four-hand Souvenirs de Munich, a delightful nose-thumbing parody of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Imaginative & engaging music.......2007-03-09

Great composers cast a shadow that often obscures lesser but still excellent talents. Emmanuel Chabrier seldom gets his due as a piano composer, and that's a shame. His music is well crafted, imaginative, and engaging. In the hands of a good artist, it can't fail to please. Greek pianist Rene Kyriakou (1918-1994) was just the right artiist for the job. Though not well known today, Kyriakou was a fine pianist with a sure feel for Chabrier's music. (It didn't hurt that she was a composer herself.) And she and Walter Klien play as one in the piano duets.

Angela Hewitt recently recorded an excellent all Chabrier CD. With Kyriakou, however, you get all his piano music, including the piano duets, in top flight performances. Although these recordings were made in 1965, the sound is good. Coupled with Vox's low price, you can't go wrong. Treat yourself to this wonderful music.

Average customer rating: Excels in performance and acoustically The sting of awakening. The True Incarnation of Messian's Mystic Art outstanding - music, performance, and sound Essential Messiaen!

Olivier Messiaen: Complete Organ Works Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Messiaen | Messiaen, Olivier | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Messiaen: La transfiguration de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ Des Canyons Aux Etoiles Olivier Messiaen: Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum; Chronochromie; La Ville d'en haut Louis Vierne: Complete Organ Symphonies Messiaen ASIN: B00005UOVM Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. Apparition De L'eglise Eternelle
2. La Nativite Du Seigneur: I. La Vierge Et L'enfant
3. La Nativite Du Seigneur: II. Les Bergers
4. La Nativite Du Seigneur: III. Desseins Eternels
5. La Nativite Du Seigneur: IV. Le Verbe
6. La Nativite Du Seigneur: V. Les Enfants De Dieu
7. La Nativite Du Seigneur: VI. Les Anges
8. La Nativite Du Seigneur: VII. Jesus Accepte La Souffrance
9. La Nativite Du Seigneur: VIII. Les Mages
10. La Nativite Du Seigneur: IX. Dieu Parmi Nous

Tracks:

1. Le Banquet Celeste
2. Offrande Au Saint Sacrement
3. Diptyque
4. Les Corps Glorieux: I. Subtilite Des Corps Glorieux
5. Les Corps Glorieux: II. Les Eaux De La Grace
6. Les Corps Glorieux: III. L'ange Aux Parfums
7. Les Corps Glorieux: IV. Combat De La Mort Et De La Vie
8. Les Corps Glorieux: V. Force Et Agilite Des Corps Glorieux
9. Les Corps Glorieux: VI. Joie Et Clarte Des Corps Glorieux
10. Les Corps Glorieux: VII. Le Mystere De La Saints Trinite

Tracks:

1. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: I. Le Pere Des Etoiles
2. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: II. Dieu Est Saint
3. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: III. La Relation Reelle En Dieu Est Reellement Identique A L'essence
4. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: IV. Dieu Est
5. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: V. Dieu Est Immense - Dieu Est Eternel - Dieu Est Immuable...
6. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: VI. Dans Le Verbe Etait La Vie Et La Vie Etait La Lumiere...
7. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: VII. Le Pere Et Le Fils Aiment, Par Le Saint-Esprit, Eux-Memes, Et Nous
8. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: VIII. Dieu Est Simple - Les Trois Sont Un
9. Meditations Sur Le Mystere De La Sainte Trinite: IX. Je Suis Celui Qui Suis

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Verset Pour La Fete De La Dedicace
3. Monodie
4. L'ascension: I. Majeste Du Christ Demandant Sa Gloire A Son Pere
5. L'ascension: II. Alleluias Sereins D'une Ame Qui Desire Le Ciel
6. L'ascension: III. Transports De Joie D'une Ame Devant La Gloire Du Christ Qui Est La Sienne
7. L'ascension: IV. Priere Du Christ Montant Vers Son Pere
8. Messe De La Pentecote: I. Entree (Les Langues De Feu)
9. Messe De La Pentecote: II. Offertoire (Les Choses Visibles Et Invisibles)
10. Messe De La Pentecote: III. Consecration (Le Don De Sagesse)
11. Messe De La Pentecote: IV. Communion (Les Oiseaux Et Les Sources)
12. Messe De La Pentecote: V. Sortie (Le Vent De L'esprit)

Tracks:

1. Livre D'orgue: I. Reprises Par Interversion
2. Livre D'orgue: II. Piece En Trio (Pour Le Dimanche De La Sainte Trinite)
3. Livre D'orgue: III. Les Mains De L'abime (Pour Les Temps De Penitence)
4. Livre D'orgue: IV. Chants D'oiseaux (Pour Le Temps Pascal)
5. Livre D'orgue: V. Piece En Trio (Pour Le Dimanche De La Sainte Trinite)
6. Livre D'orgue: VI. Les Yeux Dans Les Roues (Pour Le Dimanche De La Pentecote)
7. Livre D'orgue: VII. Soixante-Quatre Durees
8. Livre Du Saint Sacrement: I. Adoro Te
9. Livre Du Saint Sacrement: II. La Source De Vie
10. Livre Du Saint Sacrement: III. Le Dieu Cache
11. Livre Du Saint Sacrement: IV. Acte De Foi
12. Livre Du Saint Sacrement: V. Peur Natus Est Nobis
13. Livre Du Saint Sacrement: VI. La Manne Et Le Pain De Vie

Tracks:

1. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: VII. Les Ressuscites Et La Lumiere De Vie
2. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: VIII. Institution De L'eucharistie
3. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: IX. Les Tenebres
4. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: X. La Resurrection Du Christ
5. XI. L'apparition Du Christ Ressuscite A Marie-Madeleine
6. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XII. La Transsubstantiation
7. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XIII. Les Deux Murailles D'eau
8. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XIV. Priere Avant La Communion
9. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XV. La Joie De La Grace
10. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XVI. Priere Apres La Communion
11. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XVII. La Presence Multipliee
12. Livre Du Siant Sacrement: XVIII. Offrande Et Alleluia Final

Customer Reviews:

Excels in performance and acoustically.......2006-01-26

Latry is technically and musically excellent. He "gets" the music.
The recording is a perfect mix of amibient space and reverb and direct sound. Bass extends well down to 16Hz so you will need a good system to reproduce this faithfully.

I've heard that Latry doesn't use 100% of the tonal color available on the Cavaile-Coll organ, but I feel as though it's expressive and rich.

The wind chest noise doesn't bother me. It is part of the instrument.

Overall excellent. Play this loud!!!

The sting of awakening........2006-01-24

I must confess that I've been lukewarm about Messiaen. He was often pictured in the 1970's in Hawaiian shirts and suspenders jacking his pants up to his man-boobs and this tacky image carries over all too well to some of his later music, where the extended durations are meant to be slow and glorious like the procession of a pharaoh through the streets of Thebes, or the dawning of God's grace on a sinner ( I'm trying to avoid using the word "hieratic" ) but can sometimes, if you're in the wrong mood, seem more like a senile windbag droning on without a care in the world for his auditors. His portrayal of mystical states often have an air of smugness, of impregnable autosatisfaction.

Then, occasionally, a recording like this comes along and suddenly my spine is vibrating like a Water-Pik. I'm beginning to realize that Messiaen is a far more tricky composer than I'd thought, that what seems foolproof has maybe never really been heard the right way before. Latry has the key to Messiaen in a way that Celibidache has the key to Bruckner, or Stockhausen has the key to Stockhausen. In fact, this may be the one true Messiaen recording that exists so far, in any of the categories from orchestral to piano music. Where other players seem to be twiddling their thumbs waiting for the next note, Latry fills those spaces between with terror and expectation that make you want to jump out of your skin. What usually feel like repetitious passages in Messiaen's music are revealed by Latry in all of their subtly particular glory, like God looking down at the antheap of humanity and still being able to sympathize with one overweight secretary's love problems. A repeated piercing shriek from the organ will be given a smoky, ominous feeling the first time, and then a soft, languishing one the next, and so on.

While many composers benefit from different approaches, for Messiaen, facts are facts -- to play him you must not only be from France, but must be a Catholic. French Catholics, who have a body of literature behind them with one foot in the secular world, by writers such as Leon Bloy, Huysmans and Julien Green, are not to be compared with Catholics anywhere else. To listen to Latry play Messiaen is to marvel at the arbitrary cruelty and unfairness of the church, its shocking lapses behind the scenes allowed to slide on the basis of an infallibility we're meant to take on faith... And then to realize that this faith, unrewarded and abused, trampled on and thrown away, is precisely for this reason, precisely because it's hopeless, our absolute duty towards God. Latry's Messiaen is a celebration of terror, disappearance, awe and infinitely black spasms of traumatized joy.

The True Incarnation of Messian's Mystic Art.......2005-04-24

You will not find a better recording of Olivier Messiaen's organ works than this gem. Approved by a Catholic Church official in the liner notes as capturing the religious ideals that Messian sought to reveal, Latry's playing on the formidable Notre Dame Cathedral organ contains a gravity and seriousness that give a rare and divine character to the music. Latry was blessed by Messiaen himself as the best interpreter of his works, and the reason for that is evident here. The music pours fourth in a majestic tide, and Latry uses his formidable talent, the full resources of the outstanding 600-year old organ, and the natural, extra-long reverberation in the medieval cathedral to capture the mysticism that pervades Messiaen's art. This is art music of the highest caliber, and will greatly reward repeated listenings.

outstanding - music, performance, and sound.......2004-04-14

This CD set was released at a perfect time for me: just after hearing ALL of the material live at St. James cathedral in Seattle, performed by the young Paul Jacobs. He told the audience that the music had changed his life. Play these CDs on a good system, and I think you will understand. Best concert of any sort in a decade for me.

The music is incredible, and would only sound exactly right in a cathedral. To get as close to live sound as possible, I wish this recording was in a surround format (SACD or DVD-A), however for stereo, this is excellent, as others have noted. It's a must have.

Essential Messiaen!.......2003-06-19

If you are a Messiaen fan, you simply must own this CD! It is essentail for a number of reasons.

For one, it is a complete recording of all of his organ works--quite an audio library, as you can see from the list of pieces included! Second is the quality of the recording (assured since this is a Deutsche Grammophon recording). It is digital, clear, and amazing. An old recording of Messiaen playing his own organ works is available, but it is a mono recording which he plays on a lackluster organ, as opposed to this recoring which is (of course) stereo, digital, and recorded on the organ at Notre Dame Cathedral--a magificent instrument that does justice to Messiaen. Also, while Messiaen is a favorite composer, his skills as an organist are not world-class as Olivier Latry's, whose playing here is masterful, inspired and technically perfect. You put all that together--excellent composer, recording, instrument, and organist--and you have "Messiaen: Complete Organ Works"... which from my first listening of it has become my favorite CD, bar none.

The reason why will be apparent to you as you listen to the very first track: "Vision of the Eternal Church." The piece is intended to invoke a musical interpretation of what it would be like to experience an apparition of the Church of God. As such, the first half is a constant build, one long crescendo, as if the vision were appearing slowing... the second half is a fading away, one long decrescendo. When Latry gets to the climax right in the middle of the piece, you'll see immidiately how all the elements come together (excellent recording, composer, instrument and artist)... it is the single most triumphant, majestically rendered chord you will ever hear. (You can almost hear the stone of the cathedral shaking, it is that magnificent!)

Latry's versatility is apparent when you hear the softer, more nuanced pieces, such as "Diptyque," which are as delicate as "Vision of the Eternal Church" is majectic. In short, most of the pieces are given a definitive interpretation by Latry.

I own every other recording of Messiaen's organ music, and this one stands far and above all of the others. If you don't know Messiaen's organ works, this CD is clearly your best bet; if you have heard his organ works before, or own other CDs, you'll smile as you listen to how Latry interprets each piece.

If I were stuck on a deserted island and could have only a handful of CDs to keep me company, this would be one of them.

Average customer rating: From awesome to awful . . . cello pieces disappointing Classic Ginastera

Alberto Ginastera: Complete Music for Piano & Piano Chamber Ensembles Barbara Nissman , Aurora Natola-Ginastera , Laurentian String Quartet , Alberto Ginastera , and Ruben Gozalez Manufacturer: Pierian ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ginastera | Ginastera, Alberto | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | 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 | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ginastera: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 ASIN: B00005LC3C Release Date: 2001-07-31

Customer Reviews:

From awesome to awful . . . .......2005-03-04

When I first heard Ms. Nissman's performance of the dances from Estancia over a typical, everyday radio many years ago, I was quite impressed with her aplomb in tossing off Ginastera's acute rhythms --- but it was, after all, an ordinary boombox, not your high-end FM-receiver in a split-hairs, blockbuster sound system. I'd heard many of her other Ginastera pieces over a mundane radio, in fact, and became very interested in finding out more regarding her pianism.

It's with great disappointment that I must revise the earlier imprint of her being quite awesome to being somewhat awful - in this recording, at least. I can't exactly say that I was thrilled when I finally had the chance to hear the whole program and the important First Sonata. No doubt about it, Ms. Nissman has a strong and sure rhythmic sense. Her colors in such fast-moving, hard-edged music could be almost enjoyed, were she not so lead-footed, pedaling so deeply. Her articulation, already so wanting in clarity and precision, is thus even more smeared in the brillante, rapido passages. That she is not better-recorded also serves her poorly.

But then, if Ginastera was well-pleased with Nissman's performance and the recording, then apparently the rhythmic demands take highest priority over other considerations. After all, with his sylistic hallmark, that would have to be a given - and indeed, in this set, that is Ms. Nissman's strong suit (perhaps the only one...). So, who am I to complain?? We can have the moon, maybe, but it's probably unreasonable to ask for the galaxies... .

However, when I weighed the aspects of the price of boxed sets, and especially, of having to listen to these CDs over and over again (because I like Ginastera), I realized that I wouldn't be able to stand such uneven, sloppy pianism on repeat for very long, which even her fine musicianship cannot over-ride. It's too bad that this is the case, as there are still so few, if any, recordings of complete Ginastera piano and piano-chamber works in the catalogue. That said, the Nissman set is at least serviceable, in view of this gap. (See comments on the cello performance in other reviews here.)

It was after repeat listening to a different recording, a quite stupendous Brazilian pianist doing the Ginastera First Sonata, that I came to this assessment on Nissman's performance of the Sonata No. 1 and of her entire program. This new pianist's razor-sharp articulation, transparent pedaling, wide dynamic range, rhythmic integrity, and arching lines are absolutely rewarding to listen to, over and over and over. To render sensitively nuanced phrasing as the music blazes headlong and forte is not least in this other recording's high marks. Following along with the score, I was most impressed indeed.

Her tempos, though fast, are just a tad slower, but her pianism is even more ferocious than Nissman's - who takes yet higher speeds - and this is because of her dazzlingly clean technique, crisp, judicious pedal, and incisive articulation. In the hands of this Brazilian pianist, this glittering, fast-paced music throws out its flashing shafts and sparks with the clarity of diamond brilliance (and this is so in the CD's Brouwer set as well). If Nissman had taken her tempos down a couple of notches, her technical command could have been impeccable, and her overall performance could then have not suffered so.

This Hungarian guitar-piano duo - he's American, and they both have the surname Halasz (Debora and Franz; maybe they're married to each other...?) - are remarkable musicians to keep an eye on, based on the merits of their probably first CD (Ginastera- Brouwer-Ponce, BIS-CD-671, ASIN-B0000016L6; the guitar performance is equally superlative, musically and technically.) With the many-hued palette of her sensitive touch, especially showcased in the Ginastera slow movement and the Ponce, she's just splendid throughout. I'll hold out for Ms. Halasz. Maybe if we're lucky, one day she'll put out a big Ginastera recording. I'd be among the first to buy.

cello pieces disappointing.......2004-06-13

In other reviews there are many glorious comments of Barbara Nissman's playing, and they are well deserved. However, this is not a good CD to buy if you are looking for good recordings of the two cello pieces on this CD. Slow tempos, sloppy articulation, missed notes, incorrect rhythms unfortunately abound in the playing of Aura Natola-Ginastera in both the recordings of the Pampeana No. 2 and Cello Sonata. Being the wife of Alberto Ginastera herself I'm sure she has great insight into his music, but it seems as though her technical playing ability is not on a level to play these pieces well.

Classic Ginastera.......2002-01-15

Ginastera who was present during the original recordings, must have been overjoyed having Barbara Nissman. She is the ideal pianist to capture the elemental power of his ferocious gaucho-inspired folk rhythms. Her rhythmic exuberance and bravura have to be heard to be believed. It reveals Ginastera as the Bartok of Argentina as their respective treatment of gaucho and Magyar folklore is perfectly analogous. She clearly understands this point too as her stylistic insight is just as incisive in the chamber works on volume 2 as in the solo piano pieces comprising volume 1. Originally recorded on Newport records in 1992, they are now safely achived on Pierian label and protected from the deletions axe. Justly so. Nissman's spontaneity, exhilaration and stylistic insight make these performances classics that will never date.

Average customer rating:

Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (Box Set) Manufacturer: Cpo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | 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 Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol. 3 (Box Set) Paul Hindemith: Complete Orchestral Works [Box Set] Hindemith: Complete String Quartets Hindemith Conducts Hindemith: The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon Rochberg: String Quartets Nos. 3-6 ASIN: B000058TDA Release Date: 2001-02-20

Amazon.com

For the last decade or so, CPO has been the only label of note to advocate the music of Paul Hindemith (1885-1963). Not only have they gone about this advocacy with great enthusiasm, they've also sought out some of Hindemith's lesser-known works. And while Volume I contains Hindemith's clear masterpieces, Volume II shines with its own gems. Most notable among the major works in this set are The Four Temperaments (1940) and the Piano Concerto (1945), both clear Romantic masterpieces and both excellently performed. Of the lesser-known works, the best are the suites from the ballets, Der Damon (1922) and Herodiade (1944). Also in Volume II are the complete cello concertos, which contain some of Hindemith's moodiest writing. The sound quality in all five discs is warm and focused with the exception of disc two, which contains somewhat muted recordings of Kammermusik No. 2 and Konzertmusik. This is a minor complaint, however. Hindemith fans will want this collection if they don't already have any of these five previously released discs. --Paul Cook

Average customer rating: Excellent Webern from the master Boulez and company. Webern may grow on you and Boulez et al. are worth every penny. Interesting and Challenging The original and still the best Boulez's Webern -- brilliant modern miniatures

Anton Webern: Complete Works, Opp. 1-31 Anton Webern , Pierre Boulez , Heather Harper , Charles Rosen , Isaac Stern , Halina Lukomska , Colin Bradbury , John [guitar] Williams , Daniel Majeske , Robert Marcellus , Abraham Weinstein , and Barry McDaniel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Webern | Webern, Anton von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Varèse - The Complete Works / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra · Asko Ensemble · Chailly Arnold Schoenberg: Serenade/Five Pieces For Orchestra Schoenberg: The String Quartets Berg: Chamber Concerto; Three Orchestral Pieces, Op. 6; Violin Concerto Arnold Schoenberg: Piano Music ASIN: B000002707 Release Date: 1991-02-08

Tracks:

1. Passacaglia fur grobes Orch Op.1 - LSO/Pierre Boulez
2. 'Entflieht auf leichten Kahnen' Op.2 (Text: Stefan George) - John Alldis Chor/Pierre Boulez
3. Funf Lieder Op.3, aus 'Der siebente Ring' von Stefan George: I. Dies ist ein Lied fur dich allein... - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
4. Funf Lieder Op.3, aus 'Der siebente Ring' von Stefan George: II. Im Windesweben-Sehr fliebend - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
5. Funf Lieder Op.3, aus 'Der siebente Ring' von Stefan George: III. Am Bachesranft-Ziemlich rasch - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
6. Funf Lieder Op.3, aus 'Der siebente Ring' von Stefan George: IV. Im Morgentaun-Fliebend - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
7. Funf Lieder Op.3, aus 'Der siebente Ring' von Stefan George: V. Kahl reckt der Baum-Langsam - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
8. Funf Lieder Op.4, nach Gedichten von Stefan George: I. Eingang-Ruhevoll - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
9. Funf Lieder Op.4, nach Gedichten von Stefan George: II. Noch zwingt mich Treue-Bewgt - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
10. Funf Lieder Op.4, nach Gedichten von Stefan George: III. Ja Heil und Dank-Sehr langsam - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
11. Funf Lieder Op.4, nach Gedichten von Stefan George: IV. So ich traurig bin-Sehr fliebend und zart - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
12. Funf Lieder Op.4, nach Gedichten von Stefan George: V. Ihr tratet zu dem Herde-Langsam - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
13. Funf Satze fur Streichquartett Op.5: I. Heftig bewegt - Juilliard Str Qt
14. Funf Satze fur Streichquartett Op.5: II. Sehr langsam - Juilliard Str Qt
15. Funf Satze fur Streichquartett Op.5: III. Sehr bewget - Juilliard Str Qt
16. Funf Satze fur Streichquartett Op.5: IV. Sehr langsam - Juilliard Str Qt
17. Funf Satze fur Streichquartett Op.5: V. In zarter Bewegung - Juilliard Str Qt
18. Sechs Stucke fur grobes Orch Op.6: I. Etwas bewegte Achtel - LSO/Pierre Boulez
19. Sechs Stucke fur grobes Orch Op.6: II. Bewgt - LSO/Pierre Boulez
20. Sechs Stucke fur grobes Orch Op.6: III. Zart bewegt - LSO/Pierre Boulez
21. Sechs Stucke fur grobes Orch Op.6: IV. Langsam - LSO/Pierre Boulez L
22. Sechs Stucke fur grobes Orch Op.6: V. Sehr langsam - LSO/Pierre Boulez
23. Sechs Stucke fur grobes Orch Op.6: VI. Zart bewegt - LSO/Pierre Boulez
24. Vier Stucke fur Geige und Klavier Op.7: I. Sehr langsam - Isaac Stern/Charles Rosen
25. Vier Stucke fur Geige und Klavier Op.7: II. Rasch - Isaac Stern/Charles Rosen
26. Vier Stucke fur Geige und Klavier Op.7: III. Sehr langsam - Isaac Stern/Charles Rosen
27. Vier Stucke fur Geige und Klavier Op.7: IV. Bewegt - Isaac Stern/Charles Rosen
28. Zwei Lieder fur mittlere Stimme und acht Instrumente Op.8, nach gedichten von Rainer Maria Rikle:... - Heather Harper
29. Zwei Lieder fur mittlere Stimme und acht Instrumente Op.8, nach gedichten von Rainer Maria Rikle:... - Heather Harper
30. Sechs Bagatellen fur Streichquartett Op.9: I. Mabig - Juilliard Str Qt
31. Sechs Bagatellen fur Streichquartett Op.9: II. Leicht bewegt - Juilliard Str Qt
32. Sechs Bagatellen fur Streichquartett Op.9: III. Zeimlich fliebend - Juilliard Str Qt
33. Sechs Bagatellen fur Streichquartett Op.9: IV. Sehr langsam - Juilliard Str Qt
34. Sechs Bagatellen fur Streichquartett Op.9: V. Auberst langsam - Juilliard Str Qt
35. Sechs Bagatellen fur Streichquartett Op.9: VI. Fliebend - Juilliard Str Qt
36. Funf Stucke fur Orchester Op.10: I. Sehr ruhig und zart - LSO/Pierre Boulez
37. Funf Stucke fur Orchester Op.10: II. Lebhaft und zart bewegt - LSO/Pierre Boulez
38. Funf Stucke fur Orchester Op.10: III. Sehr langsam und auberst ruhig - LSO/Pierre Boulez
39. Funf Stucke fur Orchester Op.10: IV. Fliebend, auberst zart - LSO/Pierre Boulez L
40. Funf Stucke fur Orchester Op.10: V. Sehr fliebend - LSO/Pierre Boulez
41. Drei kleine Stucke fur Violoncello und Klavier Op.11: I. Mabige Achtel - Gregor Piatigorsky/Charles Rosen
42. Drei kleine Stucke fur Violoncello und Klavier Op.11: II. Sehr bewegt - Gregor Piatigorsky/Charles Rosen
43. Drei kleine Stucke fur Violoncello und Klavier Op.11: III. Auberst ruhig - Gregor Piatigorsky/Charles Rosen
44. Vier Lieder fur Singstimme und Klavier Op.12: I. Der Tag ist vergangen (Volkslied)-Sehr ruhig - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
45. Vier Lieder fur Singstimme und Klavier Op.12: II. Die geheimnisvolle Flote (Li Tai po/Bethge)-... - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
46. Vier Lieder fur Singstimme und Klavier Op.12: III. Schein mir's als ich sah die (aus August ... - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen
47. Vier Lieder fur Singstimme und Klavier Op.12: IV. Ein Winterabend (Goethe0-Sehr flieBend - Heather Harper/Charles Rosen

Tracks:

1. Vier Lieder fur Sopran und Orch Op.13: I. Wiese im Park (karl Kraus)-Sehr ruhig - Heather Harper
2. Vier Lieder fur Sopran und Orch Op.13: II. Die Einsame (Wang Xen Yu/Bethge)-Bewegt - Heather Harper
3. Vier Lieder fur Sopran und Orch Op.13: III. In der Fremde (Li Tai Po/Bethge)-FlieBend - Heather Harper
4. Vier Lieder fur Sopran und Orch Op.13: IV. Ein Winterabend (Georg Trakl)-Sehr ruhig - Heather Harper
5. Sechs Lieder fur Singstimme und vier Instrumente Op.14, nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl: I. Die... - Heather Harper
6. Sechs Lieder fur Singstimme und vier Instrumente Op.14, nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl: II. ... - Heather Harper
7. Sechs Lieder fur Singstimme und vier Instrumente Op.14, nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl: III. ... - Heather Harper
8. Sechs Lieder fur Singstimme und vier Instrumente Op.14, nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl: IV. ... - Heather Harper
9. Sechs Lieder fur Singstimme und vier Instrumente Op.14, nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl: V. Nachts... - Heather Harper
10. Sechs Lieder fur Singstimme und vier Instrumente Op.14, nach Gedichten von Georg Trakl: VI. Gesang.. - Heather Harper
11. Funf geistliche lieder fur Sopran und funf Instrumente Op.15: I. Das Kreuz-Getragen - Halina Lukomska
12. Funf geistliche lieder fur Sopran und funf Instrumente Op.15: II. Morgenlied (aus'Des Knaben... - Halina Lukomska
13. Funf geistliche lieder fur Sopran und funf Instrumente Op.15: III. In Gottes Namen aufstehn-... - Halina Lukomska
14. Funf geistliche lieder fur Sopran und funf Instrumente Op.15: IV. Mein Weg geht jetzt voruber-... - Halina Lukomska
15. Funf geistliche lieder fur Sopran und funf Instrumente Op.15: V. Fahr hin , o Seel'-FlieBend - Halina Lukomska
16. Funf Kanons nach lateinischen Texten fur Sopran, Klarineete und BaBklarinette Op.16: I. Christus... - Halina Lukomska
17. Funf Kanons nach lateinischen Texten fur Sopran, Klarineete und BaBklarinette Op.16: II. Dormi... - Halina Lukomska
18. Funf Kanons nach lateinischen Texten fur Sopran, Klarineete und BaBklarinette Op.16: III. Crux... - Halina Lukomska
19. Funf Kanons nach lateinischen Texten fur Sopran, Klarineete und BaBklarinette Op.16: IV. Asperges... - Halina Lukomska
20. Funf Kanons nach lateinischen Texten fur Sopran, Klarineete und BaBklarinette Op.16: V. Crucem... - Halina Lukomska
21. Drei Volkstexte fur Singstimme und drei Instrumente Op.17: I. Armer Sunder, du - Halina Lukomska
22. Drei Volkstexte fur Singstimme und drei Instrumente Op.17: II. Liebste Jungfrau, wir sind dein - Halina Lukomska
23. Drei Volkstexte fur Singstimme und drei Instrumente Op.17: III. Heiland, unsre Missetaten - Halina Lukomska
24. Drei Lieder fur Singstimme, Es-Klarinette und Gitarre Op.18: I. Schatzerl klein - Halina Lukomska/John Williams/Colin Bradley
25. Drei Lieder fur Singstimme, Es-Klarinette und Gitarre Op.18: II. Erlosung - Halina Lukomska/John Williams/Colin Bradley
26. Drei Lieder fur Singstimme, Es-Klarinette und Gitarre Op.18: III. Ave Regina - Halina Lukomska/John Williams/Colin Bradley
27. Zwei Lieder fur gemischten Chor und funf Instrumente Op.19, aus'Chinesisch-deutsche Jahres-... - John Alldis Choir/Pierre Boulez
28. Zwei Lieder fur gemischten Chor und funf Instrumente Op.19, aus'Chinesisch-deutsche Jahres-... - John Alldis Choir/Pierre Boulez
29. Streichtrio Op.20: I. Sehr langsam - Members of the Juilliard Str Qt
30. Streichtrio Op.20: II. Sehr getragen und ausdrucksvoll - Members of the Juilliard Str Qt
31. Sym Op.21: I. Ruhig schreitend - LSO/Pierre Boulez
32. Sym Op.21: II. Variationen - LSO/Pierre Boulez
33. Qt fur Geige, Klarinette, Tenorsaxophon un Klavier Op.22: I. Sehr maBig - Charles Rosen/Daniel Majeske/Robert Marcellus/Abraham Weinstein
34. Qt fur Geige, Klarinette, Tenorsaxophon un Klavier Op.22: II. Sehr schwungvoll - Charles Rosen/Daniel Majeske/Ro