Symphonies 17 & 32

1. In Memoriam for orchestra
Composed by Havergal Brian
Performed by National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
2. Festal Dance for orchestra (piano)
Composed by Havergal Brian
Performed by National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
3. Symphony No. 17
Composed by Havergal Brian
Performed by National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
4. Festal Dance for orchestra (piano)
Composed by Havergal Brian
Performed by National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland

Product Description

Amazon.com
Havergal Brian (1876-1972) did not start to achieve public notice until he was 70. His early years were devoted to smaller-scale works such as In Memoriam (1913) and Festal Dance (1908) of a traditional and conservative British character. Not so the symphonies. These are Brian's strength. In them, he makes his own rules regarding momentum (he stops and starts unpredictably) and he intentionally works against musical convention, making his symphonies some of the most interesting work coming out of Britain in this century. Marco Polo's Brian Cycle should be an integral part of any collection of 20th-century British music. --Paul Cook

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating:

A disappointment from a declining Markevitch
Peter Ilyich becomes Tchaikovsky
Decent performances, good value
Very Straightlaced Readings
Brilliant early Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky: Symphonies 1-3

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
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Schubert: 8 Symphonies
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Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-3; Concert Fantasy

ASIN: B0000041BS
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 13 - Winter Reveries: 1. Allegro Tranquillo
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 13 - Winter Reveries: 2. Adagio Cantabile Ma Non Tanto
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 13 - Winter Reveries: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Scherzando Giocoso
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 13 - Winter Reveries: 4. Finale. Andante Lugubre - Allegro Maestoso
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 - Little Russian: 1. Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Vivo
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 - Little Russian: 2. Anantino Marziale Quasi Moderato
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 - Little Russian: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Molto Vivace
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 - Little Russian: 4. Finale. Moderato Assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In D, Op. 29 - Polish: 1. Introduzione E Allegro
Symphony No. 3 In D, Op. 29 - Polish: 2. Alla Tedesca. Allegro Moderato
Symphony No. 3 In D, Op. 29 - Polish: 3. Andante Elegiaco
Symphony No. 3 In D, Op. 29 - Polish: 4. Scherzo. Allegro Vivo
Symphony No. 3 In D, Op. 29 - Polish: 5. Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco
Francesca Da Rimini, Op. 32

Amazon.com

Igor Markevitch's Tchaikovsky performances have been among the best since the early '60s. He turned the unruly London Symphony Orchestra into a first-rate Tchaikovsky ensemble, in which a finely disciplined approach to rhythm provides the perfect foundation for some highly expressive music-making. The neglected Third Symphony is particularly cogent and exciting in Markevitch's hands. No lover of this composer should miss hearing these terrific discs. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A disappointment from a declining Markevitch.......2007-03-18

Sadly, these early Tchaikovsky symphonies find Igor Markevitch, one of my great heroes, in decline. He suffered a disastrous hearing loss around 1961, and ever after his brilliant podium skills were not the same. I suppose on reputation alone one could admire these recordings, but in truth they are competent and fairly ordinary from beginning to end. I would only buy them as a standby or for reasons of economy.

The LSO plays competently but without enough vitality or Russian passion. Philips' recorded sound is unattractive, too, lacking in body and warmth. I must agree with Mr. Lipscomb that if you place any of these three symphonies beside their best rivals, the "Winter Dreams" sounds listless next to Tilson Thomas and the BSO (DG), the "Little Russian" lacks the spontaneity and vigor of Giulini on EMI, and the "Polish" needs the power and conviciton of the Chicago Sym. under Abbado (Sony). The best thing here is a nervy, restless Francesca da Rimini, but that's not enough reason to purchase the whole set.

Peter Ilyich becomes Tchaikovsky.......2006-12-25

The planets aligned when the young Tchaikovsky, the London Symphony Orchestra, and Igor Markevitch came together between 1965 and 1975 in London for performances that Philips has had the good sense to issue in their high-value Philips Classics series. This two-desk set is a classic that years to be played on a high-quality sound system that will bring out the concert-hall effects it concludes.

Though the digital remastering fails to eliminate a low hum when played at high volume, the authenticity of the sound is worth this minor inconvenience. At one point, the listener can hear a page turn - perhaps a page of Markevitch's score. A cantankerous music lover might ask with annoyance how the hell they allowed a microphone close enough to Markevitch's podium to fall into a glitch like that. This astonished and less demanding reviewer almost pulled his truck off the road at the sheer historical thrill of becoming privy to such a human 'error' four decades after the fact.

In these three symphonies, Tchaikovsky is working out the tonalities that will appear in full flower later in his career, not least in the heart-rending struggles of the underrated but profoundly beautiful 'Pathetique'. The plausibilities available to a late Romantic composer like Tchaikovksy allowed the elasticity of tempo and tone that made possible the climb-and-descend, climb-and-descent motifs that are Tchaikovsky explores in these first three of his recognized symphonies, a modality that becomes almost a Tchaikovsky signature when his body of work is considered as a whole.

Markevitch's baton is patient with Tchaikovsky, allowing the LSO and the New Philharmonia Orchestra to work unhurriedly though some of Romantic music's most memorable passages.

A reviewer would be remiss not to underscore the value of the Philips Classics series, where almost canonical performances by legendary performers of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s are made available at two-for-one pricing under digital remastering that rescues valuable sounds for the ages.

This 1995 issue would serve well even as a listener's sole recording of Peter Ilyich's first three symphonic steps towards becoming the rather immortal musician we know as Tchaikovsky.

Decent performances, good value.......2005-08-20

As boxed sets go, this is probably as good as you will find when it comes to the early Tchaikovsky symphonies, and the price will be impossible to beat. No doubt individual recordings of the various symphonies are available that will have more more flair to them --- definitely, these performances take a strict by-the-numbers approach which may leave more ardent Tchaikowsky devotees feeling chilled. However, by and large, the performances are consistently decent if not great (I prefer a livlier tempo for the Polish, but that's just me).

This is the perfect set for those who are largely indifferent to Tchaikowsky's symphonies --- as I must admit that I am these days --- but nonetheless would like to have them available for listening for not a lot of money. It is also a good starter set for those who are just beginning to assemble a basic collection of the standard symphonic repertoire.

Very Straightlaced Readings.......2005-05-19

This super-cheap, extremely well-recorded Philips CD set of Tchaikovsky's first three symphonies is easy to recommend. The disciplined playing by the London Symphony is top-notch and Markevitch obviously knows his way around all three scores. So if you are looking for an inexpensive way to own Tchaikovsky's earliest symphonies in excellent stereo, this set strikes me as a clear first choice.

As for the interpretations, however, I have some misgivings about Markevitch here. He was unquestionably one of the 20th Century's virtuoso conductors: his pointillistically detailed style and cool precision are recognizable in just about everything he recorded. And, on occasion, he conducted Tchaikovsky with real expressive fire - his French Radio Orchestra account of "Romeo & Juliet" (Angel LP) is my all-time favorite, along with Mengelberg's (Andante - see my review). And his Philharmonia readings of Ravel's "La Valse" and the Shostakovich 1st Symphony are in a class of their own (EMI).

It's only when you do some comparing with individual symphony recordings by other conductors that the shortcomings of Markevitch's cool objectivity here become all too apparent. Perhaps the LSO is partly to blame - they simply don't sound very Russian to my ears. With Markevitch at the helm, the 1st symphony is more like wintry dreams than Winter Dreams, the Little Russian only sounds a little Russian, and the 3rd Symphony has too much polish and too little that's Polish. In a nutshell, there isn't much heart or soul on display here.

My preferred alternatives in these works are mostly old mono recordings that any self-respecting audiophile wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole: the Dante LYS CD of the Nikolai Golovanov/USSR Radio's impassioned #1 (recorded 1948) and the old Stradivari LP (re-issue needed!) of the 1st with Natan Rachlin and the Bolshoi Symphony (coupled with a wonderful #2); #2 played with warmth and insight by Beecham/RPO (Columbia LP) and an extraordinary "live" Second with Igor Stravinsky conducting the NY Phil. (available only in that orchestra's 10-CD "Historic Broadcasts" set); and the partially cut rendition of the Polish by Albert Coates on that conductor's volume in IMG's "Great Conductors" CD series. And finally - a modern recording! - there's an inspired "live" 3rd with Svetlanov (BBC Legends).

I keep this Markevitch set because 1) it's well-played and 2) it contains my only stereo accounts of #1 and #2. However, the icy chill of Markevitch's conducting in the Philips companion CD set of #4-6 was too much for me: I weeded it.

Recommended as an inexpensive collection in first-rate sound. But for genuine excitement, I listen far more frequently to the alternatives listed above.

Brilliant early Tchaikovsky.......2005-05-01

Tchaikovsky's Symphonies 1, 2 and 3 may not share the fame and popularity of the later three (neither in the concert hall nor on disc), yet they are nonetheless fascinating pieces of music from start to end. In Igor Markevitch they find the strongest advocate. Markevitch clearly had a natural affinity with this music and quite ideally caught the contrasting moods of these early symphonies.
In this pioneering set recorded in the mid-sixties he always obtained strong, often exciting, incisive playing from the London Symphony Orchestra. An intense "Francesca da Rimini" with the New Philharmonia is offered as a thrilling bonus.
The sound quality is excellent overall. Next to Dorati's set (on Mercury) this twofer is a clear first choice for Tchaikovsky's early symphonies - at any price.

Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert

Average customer rating:

The best period instrument Mozart symphony cycle around
The best period orchestra Mozart symphonies around!
A Beautiful Time Capsule
Another BBB (basically bland Brit) recording
Pinnock excellent, DG Archiv sound variable

Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert
Mozart , Ecc , and Pinnock
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Piano Concertos
Bach: Concertos
Haydn: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)
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ASIN: B000069KJ3
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Molto Allegro
Andante
Presto
Allegro Assai
Andante
Presto
Allegro
Andante
Presto
Allegro
Andante
Molto Allegro
Allegro Maestoso
Andante
Presto
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro

Tracks:

Molto Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro
Allegro Maestoso
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Presto
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro Molto
Allegro
Andantino
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro
Allegro Moderato
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Presto

Tracks:

Allegro Maestoso
Andante Grazioso
Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Allegro
Allegro
Andantino Grazioso
Menuetto - Trio
Molto Allegro
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Molto Presto
Andante
Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
(Allegro)
Allegro
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Allegro Assai
Andantino Grazioso
Presto Assai
Allegro Spiritoso
Andantino Grazioso
Presto Assai
Allegro
Andantino Grazioso
Presto

Tracks:

Allegro Spiritoso
Andantino Grazioso
Allegro
Allegro Con Brio
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro
Molto Allegro
Andantino Con Moto
Menuetto - Trio
Presto
Allegro Assai
Andante
Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro Con Spirito
Allegro Spiritoso
Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
Presto
Allegro Assai
Andante Moderato
Menuetto - Trio
Allegro Assai

Tracks:

Allegro Spiritoso
Andante
Tempo Primo
Allegro Vivace
Andante Di Molto Piu Tosto Allegretto
Finale: Allegro Vivace
Allegro Con Spirito
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Presto
Adagio - Allegro Spiritoso
Andante
Menuetto - Trio
Presto

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro
Andante
Presto
Adagio - Allegro
Andante Con Moto
Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Molto Allegro
Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
Allegro Assai
Allegro Vivace
Andante Cantabile
Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
Molto Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The best period instrument Mozart symphony cycle around.......2005-11-24

Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert turn in the best period instrument Mozart Symphony cycle around. With 20-30 players, the English Concert sounds full and rich, and are so well recorded, one could mistake them for a modern instrument chamber orchestra augmented with more players for a bigger sound. The early symphonies employ fewer players, the symphonies from about No. 20 and following call for more players, in some cases trumpets, horns and timpani in addition to the usual strings, harpsichord, flutes, oboes, and bassoon.

Pinnock chooses perfect tempos for the English Concert: allegros are spritely, but not driven and there's never a sense that the musicians are having trouble keeping up at Pinnock's tempos. Andante movements sing with the cantabile quality Mozart is famous for, and are always musical and flowing: very beautiful.

I am not a big fan of period instrument Mozart. I have heard Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music (L'Oiseau Lyre) in Mozart Symphonies 34, 38, 39, and 41 and that's enough to give me a sense that Pinnock is superior - more confident, and better recorded - to Hogwood in this music. Haydn's symphonies seem to work better with period instruments than do Mozart's, but Pinnock and the English Concert have a special musical quality which MAKE Mozart work with a period orchestra. Incidentally, both Pinnock and Hogwood have recorded very fine Haydn Symphonies with their respective orchestras.

I have also read, in AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (July/August 2005 issue) in a review of the Mozart Symphonies with Linden/Mozart Academy of Amsterdam, a period orchestra (Brilliant Classics set) that Pinnock's Mozart cycle is to be preferred. I have not heard Linden myself, but ARG's review states that with the exception of Symphonies 20, 39, 40, and 41, Pinnock "wins across the board." The reviewer cites sour tuning, below standard pitch, sloppy playing, not enough contrasts of dynamic range and pokey allegros, as liabilites which are especially annoying in Linden's cycle, and advises the reader to go with Pinnock if looking for a period cycle of Mozart symphonies.

Other options? Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (DG); Krips/Concertgebouw (for Symphonies 21-41, Philips); Hans Graf/Mozarteum Orchestra, Salzburg (Capriccio); and Nicholas Ward/Northern Chamber Orchestra, modern instrument chamber orchestra (for early symphonies, Naxos). But unless you really hate period instruments, you will like Pinnock, as I do, and as I stated earlier: I am not a fan of period instrument Mozart.

The best period orchestra Mozart symphonies around!.......2005-08-23

Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert perform Mozart's symphonies with great style, elan, and spirit, making this the best period orchestra Mozart Symphonies around. Pinnock deals alot in contrasts and atmosphere, setting a mood for each movement, within each symphony. The English Concert plays even Mozart's earliest symphonies-written when he was a pre-teen-as great music, and it works, very effectively. Allegros bristle with spirit, Andantes and Adagios emphasize cantabile (singing style) as all Mozart's music has a vocal/singing emphasis (in contrast to Haydn or Beethoven, who tend to build movements arount motives, or rhythmic patterns of notes; Mozart emphasizes melody moreso in many of his works).

I am not a fan of period instruments in music of Haydn, Mozart, and any composers after Bach and Handel, but this cycle is really fine. My favorite Mozart Symphonies have been Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (complete cycle, DG); 21-41 by Joseph Krips/Concertgebouw Orchestra (Philips, coupled with Marriner/Academy of St. Martin in the fields for 1-20); Bruno Walter/New York Philharmonic for Symphonies 25,28,29,35,36,38-41 (Sony); Otto Klemperer/Philharmonia for Symphonies 36,38-41 (EMI). But, Pinnock's accounts are spirited and the English Concert, at about 20-25 players, doesn't sound scrawny or ineffective at all. If you're used to the sonority of the Berlin Philharmonic or Philharmonia Orchestra, this will take some getting used to, but it is very good.

This could be called "period instrument Mozart for those who don't like period instruments." I have heard Christopher Hogwood/Academy of Ancient Music in Symphonies 34,38,39,41, and they are not as good as Pinnock's accounts. Hogwood's orchestra sounds small, puny compared with Pinnock's more robust group. I am not meaning to degrade Hogwood, as I have a number of fine recordings of his: Beethoven Symphonies 1,2;
Handel's MESSIAH; Haydn Symphonies 94, 96; Boyce Opus 6 Symphonies. But in Mozart Symphonies, I prefer Pinnock.

Pinnock's set is also well recorded, adding to it's high quality. You can't go wrong with these, unless you absolutely hate period instruments.

A Beautiful Time Capsule.......2005-04-08

In comparing this recording, with its use of original instruments, and my favorite recordings with modern instruments, I find I prefer this. It doesn't lose any power, but it gains by the imaginative process of listening to the music as Mozart would have heard it. The collection is also a wonderful way to listen to the progression of Mozart's music throughout his life. As you listen to the first two of the eleven discs, you'll be amazed at the symphonies he wrote when he was only nine years old!

Another BBB (basically bland Brit) recording.......2005-04-06

This is a short review because when you've heard one of these you've heard them all. They're all played in the same starched, stiff mannor, with brisk tempi, little feeling, no shaping of phrase, and no color. The Mozart symphonies--the latter ones, anyway--have their own style and merit different approaches (No. 31, the "Paris," is almost curtain-raiser music for an opera buffa, for example, while No. 39 is in some ways proto-Beethoven, harmonically sharing a good deal with the "Eroica," and No. 40 shows Mozart heading into a realm of a basically Romantic chromaticism that would have led to much fascinating music if he'd lived longer and written more in that style). Yet here all the works are played interchangably. These are performances that could have been generated on a computer.

The sound is excellent, but that's about all there is to recommend this set. Hogwood's traversal on period instruments has more personality, believe it or not. And to really show what can be done with works like these on HIP instruments, try Franz Bruggen's remarkable recordings of the Haydn symphonies on Philips. I can't recommend this set, and I got it for considerably less than the Amazon price, too.

Pinnock excellent, DG Archiv sound variable.......2005-02-18

I greatly admire Pinnock's style, directing skill and harpsichord playing, but I don't understand the variability of sound balance achieved on his many recordings by DG. Most are recorded in Henry Wood Hall and have the same "tonmeister" and producers. For example his recording of the Bach Violin Concertos is vibrant, full bodied and has a great "presence", whereas on the other end of the spectrum, the last disc of the symphonies, 40 and 41, is really anemic, with pratically no bass. I gave them a +12db bass boost to try and compensate for the lack of bass, but there was hardly any difference in the low end response. In order to listen to this disc, and to some extent the prior two as well, I have reverted to my volume expander used with vinyl records from the 70's.

My system has very clean and deep bass response and handles Telarc organ recordings with great effect, so I do not believe it is that. And, as I stated the violin concertos have a great presence, to the point where I can visualize the bass and cello players bowing their instruments. It may be do to different microphone placement for the larger ensemble of the latter symphonies, without compensating for the different acoustic.

When it comes to Archiv's 4D recordings of the English Concert, I do not like them at all. The choir from the Mozart Coronation Mass sounds like it is being piped down from outer space, detached and way to ethereal. The Telemann suites do not fare any better, thin and anemic. Don't think the extended dynamic range and lower threshold noise level helped in any way.

I should also add that I have about every recording of Pinnock and the English Concert, really the best "Original Instruments Group" out there. In my humble opinion, Pinnock should have a "Sir" in front of his name.

Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6; Romeo and Juliet; Francesca da Rimini

Average customer rating:

A famous "Little Russian" and more great Tchaikovsky from Giulini
Extraordinary performances by a master conductor!
My Favorite "Pathetique"

Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6; Romeo and Juliet; Francesca da Rimini

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

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The Chicago Recordings
Dvorák: Symphony No.9/ Schubert: Symphony No.8
Mahler: Symphony No. 9 / Schubert: Symphony No. 8
Brahms: Symphony No.1, Haydn Variations

ASIN: B0007RO570
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

I. Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Vivo
II. Andantino Marziale, Quasi Moderato
III. Scherzo (Allegro Molto Vivace - L'istesso Tempo)
IV. Moderato Assai - Allegro - Presto
Symphonic Fantasia

Tracks:

I. Adagio - Allegro Non Troppo
II. Allegro Con Grazia
III. Allegro Molto Vivace
IV. Finale (Adagio Lamentoso - Andante)
Fantasy Overture

Customer Reviews:

A famous "Little Russian" and more great Tchaikovsky from Giulini.......2006-09-26

Giulini's classic recording of the 'Little Russian' symphony was always one of his calling cards--it has real sweep and urgency, miles away from the less-than-vital conducting style he adopted in later years. The sonics are paper thin but clear, and the Philharmonia plays with commitment. I was grateful to hear such excitment in the first movement (by comparison the readings from Karajan, Abbado, and even Bernstein sound inert). The pointed woodwind playing in the second movement is tangy, the Scherzo bounces along like ballet music, and the finale remains grand without pomposity. How rare those virtues are in performances of the Tchaikovsky Second.

Francesca da Rimini is considerably better recorded, but I wish EMI had toned down the treble a little. Giulini's reading doesn't quite match the searing ones from Mravinsky, Stokowski, and Markevitch, but it's very good, with additional intensity form the highlighted recording. The Pathetique that follows was always well rgarded, even if once again Giulini can't match the incandescence of Mravinsky, the sheer virtuosity of Reiner with the Chicago Sym., or the personal intensty of Bernstein on DG. His is an ardent, heart-on-sleeve performance that appeals to me far more than, say, Jansons or Pletnev, however. The Scherzo is dashing and vibrant, and the finale, a minute or two slower than usual, feels melancholy rather than tragic. The recorded sound is the best so far on this bargain two-fer.

finally we get Giulini's Romeo and Juliet, also widely admired in its day forty years ago. By now te listener will appreciate the conductor's overall style, which is distinctly warm but not Russian, tending toward gentleness rather than blazing excitement. All the ardor of Rome and Juliet is brought out, yet the intensity remains restrained. All in all, EMI has ignored these recordings for a long time, and it's woderufl to have them gathered together in one place.

Extraordinary performances by a master conductor!.......2005-12-13

Carlo Maria Giulini 's death on June has been possibly the saddest musical absences of this year. I won 't get tired to affirm the musical world lost a wise man in all sense. The happy meeting with the Philharmonia was a successful event, this orchestra is simply magnificent. Woods, strings, metals are extremely powerful and filled with aristocratic profile when you require it. Giulini and this ensemble made important contributions. Go for instance to his Mozart' s Symphonies 40 and 41 of 1965 (London Label, hard to get it, by the way)

His vision of Tchaikovsky 's Second Symphony is the most complete and integral I have ever heard previously or even later. There have been fortunate, powerful, sumptuous and perfumed versions: Markevitch and Muti have made striking performances. But anyone of them has been able to equal this unique and eloquent reading. Giulini made a true dissection, an openhearted and systematic interpretation filled with details without losing the apex of the work. He underlined literally all the ingredients that consolidate it as the most Imperial of his three First Symphonies. There is emotion, lyricism, vitality, energy, expressive elegance and visceral approach. There is not any detail you may refuse.

His Sixth Symphony deserves special mention. Absolutely idiomatic, profound and persuasive. Giulini went to the core of the score and extracted all the substance to expose before us one of the most relevant and pyramidal versions in the history of the disc. There is an admirable fact you always should take in mind every time you listen it. Go for the expressive Waltz of the second Movement and then go to the Fourth Movement and realize how the composer reintroduces the same Waltz but in a dark tonality This is the key.

Francesca de Rimini is rich in details, precise and dramatic, although the best rendition of this page comes from Munch and the Boston Symphony.

Romeo and Juliet is a magisterial version, filled of flair and panache; once more the virtuosity of the Orchestra allows us to watch those little details, such as modulation, tempi, and careful sense of expression.

This album deserves without any bit of doubt, to be placed in the coveted list of the best and more successful re mastering records of the Year. Not only due its artistic significance but besides, the sumptuous fidelity and polished sound.

Bravo for the Sound Engineers of EMI. I really hope future feats keep going like this extraordinary event.

A must-buy; it 's my most sincere recommendation.

My Favorite "Pathetique".......2005-05-25

There are lots of magical accounts of Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony available on CD -- Monteux (see my review), Mravinsky, Reiner, Markevitch, Karajan, Ormandy, Barbirolli, Silvestri -- but my hands-down favorite account of the "Pathetique" has always been Giulini's 1959 recording with the Philharmonia. It was previously available in several CD incarnations from EMI but has been out-of-print for years...until now! With this release, EMI has produced another gem in the "Gemini" series, the label's new incredibly inexpensive two-disc budget classical line. This set features four glorious Giulini Tchaikovsky recordings -- the aforementioned 6th Symphony, the 2nd Symphony also known as "Little Russian" (a brilliant performance!), Romeo and Juliet, and Francesca da Rimini, all with the Philharmonia from the late 50s and early 60s in grand golden-age stereo. Like the 6th, the 2nd and Romeo have been available on CD previously but were also OOP prior to this reissue -- only the Francesca was currently in-print via an EMI Seraphim title. Now you can finally hear for yourself what all the fuss is about, and you don't have to spend a fortune to do it.

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Scott Joplin: Greatest Hits
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music
Classical Guitar, Vol. 2
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Mozart: The Symphonies (Nos 1-41, plus 27 other symphonic works) /AAM * Schroder * Hogwood

Average customer rating:

The original, original instrument take
The most complete set of Mozart symphonies ever recorded
Indispensable
Ok, but....
A milestone set, and worthy of all praise

Mozart: The Symphonies (Nos 1-41, plus 27 other symphonic works) /AAM * Schroder * Hogwood
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , The Academy of Ancient Music , Christopher Hogwood , and Jaap Schroder
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert

ASIN: B000004CYS
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Flat Major, K.16: I. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 1 In E Flat Major, K.16: II. Andante
Symphony No. 1 In E Flat Major, K.16: III. Presto
Symphony No. 4 In D Major, K.19: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In D Major, K.19: II. Andante
Symphony No. 4 In D Major, K.19: III. Presto
Symphony In F Major, K.19a-Anh.223: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In F Major, K.19a-Anh.223: II. Andante
Symphony In F Major, K.19a-Anh.223: III. Presto
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, K.22: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, K.22: II. Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, K.22: III. Allegro molto
Symphony In D Major, K.32: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.32: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.32: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.32: IV. Finale
Symphony In D Major, K.81-K.783l: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.81-K.783l: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.81-K.783l: III. Allegro molto
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: IV. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony In D Major, K.95-K73n: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.95-K73n: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.95-K73n: III. Menuetto & Trio
IV. Presto
Symphony No. 11 In D Major, K.84-K73q: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 11 In D Major, K.84-K73q: II. Andante
III. Allegro
Symphony No. 10 In G Major, K.74: I. Allegro - Andante
Symphony No. 10 In G Major, K.74: II. Rondo (Allegro)
Symphony In D Major, K.87-K74a: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.87-K74a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K.87-K74a: III. Presto
Symphony In D Major, K.120-K.111-111a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K.120-K.111-111a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K.120-K.111-111a: III. Presto
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: I. Allegro
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: II. Andante
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: II. Andante
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: IV. Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony In C Major, K.35: Sinfonia: Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.38: Intrada: Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: I. Serenata: Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: II. Menuetto &Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: III. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: IV. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: V. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: II. Andante
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony In D Minor, K.118-K74c: Overture: Allegro - Andante - Presto
Symphony In F Major, K.75: I. Allegro
Symphony In F Major, K.75: II. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In F Major, K.75: III. Andantino
Symphony In F Major, K.75: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: II. Andante
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: III. Menueto & Trio
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: II. Andante
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: IV. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: V. Anhang: Menuett K.61g
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: II. Andante
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: IV. Presto
Symphony No. 16 In C Major, K.128: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 16 In C Major, K.128: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony No. 16 In C Major, K.128: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 17 In G Major, K.129: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 17 In G Major, K.129: II. Andante
Symphony No. 17 In G Major, K.129: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: IV. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: II. Andante
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: Anhang: Andantino grazioso (substitute slow movement)
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K167a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K167a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K.167a: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K167a: IV. Adagio - Allegro assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: II. Andante
Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: II. Andante
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: IV. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 135: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 135: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 135: III. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 161 - K 163 - K 141a: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony In D Major, K 161 - K 163 - K 141a: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 161 - K 163 - K141a: III. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 26 In E Flat Major, K 184 , K 161a: Molto presto - Andante - Allegro
Symphony No. 27 In G Major, K 199 , K 161b: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 27 In G Major, K 199 , K 161b: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 27 In G Major, K 199 , K 161b: III. Presto
Symphony No. 22 In C Major, K 162: I. Allegro assai
Symphony No. 22 In C Major, K 162: II. Andantino grazioso
Presto assai
Symphony In D Major, K 181, K 162b: I. Allegro spiritoso
Symphony In D Major, K 181, K 162b: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 181, K 162b: III. Presto assai
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 182, K 173dA: I. Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 182, K 173dA: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 182, K 173dA: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173dB: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173dB: II. Andante
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173dB: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173 dB: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: II. Andante
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: IV. Allegro con spirito

Tracks:

Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202 , K 186b: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202, K 186b: II. Andantino con moto
Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202, K 186b: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202, K 186b: IV. Presto
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: I. Andante maetoso - Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: IV. Prestissimo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 28 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: I. Allegro spriritoso
Symphony No. 28 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: II. Andante
Symphony No. 29 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: III. Menuetto (Allegretto) And Trio
Symphony No. 28 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: IV. Presto
Symphony In D Major, K 121, K 207a: I. Allego molto
Symphony In D Major,K 121, K 207a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K 121, K 207a: III. Allegro
Symphony In D Majr, K 204,K 213a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K 204, K 213a: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 204, K 213a: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In D Major, K 204, K 213a: IV. Andantino grazioso - Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In C Major, K 208, K 213c: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In C Major, K 208, K 213c: II. Andantino
Symphony In C Major, K 208, K 213c: III. Presto assai
Symphony In D Jaor, K 250, K 249b (Haffner Serernade): I. Allegro maestoso - Allegro molto
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): II. Menuetto galante And Trio
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): III. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): IV. Menuetto And 2 Trios
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): V. Adagio - Allegro assai
Symphony No. 32 In G Major, K 318: I. Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 32 In G Major, K 318: II. Andante
Symphony No. 32 In G Majaor, K 318: III. Tempo primo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: I. Allegro assai
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: II. Andante moderato
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: IV. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K 320 (Posthorn Serenade): I. Adagio maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Symphony In D Major, K 320 (Posthorn Serenade): II. Andantino
Symphony In D Major, K 320 (Posthorn Serenade): III. Presto
Symphony No. 34 In C Major, K 338: I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 34 In C Major, K 338: II. Andante di molto piu tosto allegretto
Symphony No. 34 In C Major, K 338: III. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

March In D Major, K 408, No. 2, K 385a
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: I. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 25 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: II. Andante
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: IV. Presto
Symphony No. 36 In Major, 'Linz', K 425: I. Adagio - Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 36 In C Major, 'Linz', K 425: II. Andante
Symphony No. 36 In C Major, 'Linz', K425: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 36 In C Major, 'Linz', K 425: IV. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 31In D Major, 'Paris' (First Version), K 297, K 300a: I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (First Version), K 297, K 300a: II. Andante
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (First Version), K 297, K 300a: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: I. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: II. (Andante)
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: IV. Finale (Presto)
Symphony No. 38 In D Major, 'Prague', K 504: I. Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 38 In D Major, 'Prague', K 504: II. Andante
Symphony No. 38 In D Major, 'Prague', K504: III. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: I. Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: II. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: IV. Finale (Allegro)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: II. Andante
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: IV. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (Second Version), K 297, K 300a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (Second Version), K 297, K 300a: II. Andante
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (Second Version), K 297, K 300a: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: II. Andante cantabile
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: IV. Molto allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In A Minor, 'Odense', K 16a, Anh. 220: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony In A Minor, 'Odense', K 16a, Anh. 220: II. Andantino
Symphony In A Minor, 'Odense', K 16a, Anh. 220: III. Rondo: Allegro moderato
Symphony In G Major, 'Alte Lambach', K 45a, Anh. 221: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony In G Major, 'Alte Lambach', K 45a, Anh. 221: II. Andante
Symphony In G Major, 'Alte Lambach', K 45a, Anh. 221: III. Molto allegro
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: II. Andante
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: II. Andante
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': I. Allegro
Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': II. Andante un poco allegretto
Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: II. Andante
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: IV. Finale
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: I. Allegro
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: II. Andante
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: IV. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 51, K 46a: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 51, K 46a: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 51, K 46a: III. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: II. Andante
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 216, K 3 - 74g: I. Allegro
Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 216, K 3 - 74g: II. Andante
Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 216, K 3 - 74g: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 215, K 3 - 74g: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 37 In G Major, K 444, K 425a, Anh. A53: Mvts II And III By Michael Haydn: I. Adagio maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 37 In G Major, K 444, K 425a, Anh. A53: Mvts II And III By Michael Haydn: II. Andante sostenuto
Symphony No. 37 In G Major, K 444, K 425a, Anh. A53: Mvts II And III By Michael Haydn: III. Finale (Allegro molto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: II. Andante
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: IV. Allegro assai

Amazon.com essential recording

This was the set that really got the "authentic instrument" craze going. It was a big, ambitious project that promised a fresh look at familiar music, as well as lots of exciting new discoveries. Christopher Hogwood tailored his forces to match what we know of the actual size and constitution of the orchestras of the period, and since Mozart wrote symphonies in every country in Europe, including England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, the result is practically a blueprint of 18th-century orchestral practice. Then everyone else got into the act, and these performances sort of fell off the musical map. Listening to them again, one finds they hold up rather well. There's still the sense of discovery, and of course the music itself is glorious. At budget price, this is history in sound. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The original, original instrument take.......2007-05-03

A few months ago I bought the Trevor Pinnock Mozart Complete Symphonies (11 cds) and the 250th Anniversary Edition Mozart Symphonies (8 cds) that is not quite a complete symphony cycle. The Anniversary Edition features Harnoncourt on about 5 of the 8 discs. I also have his two CD twofers that cover the early symphonies. So, I more or less ended up with two complete renditions of Mozart's symphonies. I first bought the Harnoncourt early symphony 2fer and enjoyed it enough to buy volume two. This led me to buy the 250 Anniversay 8 cd set. I have not in the least regretted these purchases!

Harnoncourt is the most radical of these three original instrument takes on Mozart, especially in the late symphonies. For example, listen to symphony 29 by each of these three sets and compare them to the Karl Bohm benchmark 29th. Harnoncourt is Ricky Racer and Bohm is Mr. Serene and Majestic.

Obviously, price is only one of the factors in buying. The AAM costs more but has almost twice the music. The AAM set is probably the more collectable since they got there first. This set was issued in multiple lp boxes way back when and I recently watched just one of these boxes, unopened, go for over 80 bucks at EBAY.

There really is quite a sound difference between modern and original instruments. Rhapsody has the Mozart Horn Concertos posted by the AAM using an apparently valveless horn. Listen to this very squeaky rendition and compare it to Brain's to get a feel for the difference. They also have the Philips Complete Mozart Piano Concerto box that features a pianoforte on disc one of concertos 1 to 4. This instrument sounds more like a harpsichord than a piano and took some adjusting to get used to. The Smithsonian put out on vinyl (circa 1980) The Six Brandenburg Concerti by Bach on original instruments. The booklet gives quite a bit of info on the differences in instruments between modern and original. Here are a few snippets: "The brass instruments were, until the 19th century, valveless." This reduced the number of notes available. "The wind instruments of Bach's time had few keys--the transverse flute had one, the oboe two or three, and the bassoon three--calling for contrived fingerings to cover the full chromatic scale." "The music produced by a Baroque bow is characteristically tapered in shape, with great potential for a lively distinction between notes."

The bottom line for me is that Mozart, when well played, conducted, and recorded, sounds great--be it original instruments or modern. Having both modern and original choices is great. Life is wonderful with changes in flavor. I have only listened once to the AAM Mozart symphonies and have not done a compare and contrast between these and Pinnock's, etc. I was impressed by the consistency in performance and that being very good. It is really quite a feat to put out 19 cds and have them sound great from stem to stern. As an ADD recording, these give the DDDs a run for the money. The AAM Mozart Symphony cycle is posted at Rhapsody so you can look before you leap if you are in the market.

The most complete set of Mozart symphonies ever recorded.......2006-08-10

This massive 19 CD collection contains 71 symphonies!

Yes, all 41 of the usual symphonies are here, but another 27 symphonic works are presented, as well as alternative versions of symphonies Nos. 31, 35 & 40. The works are all recorded on period instruments (or modern copies of 18th century instruments) and the orchestra is accompanied throughout by harpsichord continuo. The sounds of the various sections of the orchestra are full of colour and character - the wind and brass players, in particular, make this set such a delightful one.

I also have the Pinnock recording, which contains only the standard 41 symphonies and it is every bit as good. I can really make up my mind which I prefer, although Pinnock's reading of symphony No. 40 is sublime - particularly in the beautiful slow movement. However, Hogwood and his Academy of Ancient Music play almost all these symphonies with great gusto and style. As another reviewer said, Hogwood allows his musicians to simply play the music and let Mozart's music live in a natural and "organic" way, with minimal interference from the conductor.

Each work tells a story and the recordings of these works remind us of the fact that Mozart wasn't some sort of proto-Beethoven, rather, his music was more like the culmination of many 18th century currents, trends and ideas - "Baroque music on steroids", even! ;-))

This is a set which is very close to my heart and I consider it one of the treasures in my home. I return to it often - at any time of the day or night.

Indispensable .......2004-11-13

This set is indispensable for anyone who seriously wants to have a complete Mozart collection. It contains every symphonic work written by Mozart, including second versions of certain late symphonies.

The playing is "alive" and fresh, the sound is full, warm and clear. What you get is not Hogwood's "interpretation"...but music and just the music, this guy understands Mozart and just lets these musicians play with joy, spontaneity, meaning and feeling. I didn't think they would be so good! There are times when you don't even notice that they're playing on period instruments.

This set is completely satisfying and I'm glad I own it. It's a pricy box set, but totally worth it...try to find it used and bask in the glory of Mozart.

Ok, but...........2004-06-30

I will qualify this review by saying that I have not by any means listened to every single symphony on this recording. I listened to several of the symphonies from this set for a conducting class, and spent a considerable amount of time comparing them with other recordings for phrase structure, dynamics, etc. My conclusion:

Overall, I am personally just not impressed by Hogwood. His handling of the phrases is rough, and the music just doesn't seem polished. Occasionally the balance is questionable (for example, several clarinet passages in the first movement of the 39th stick out), and at other points I get the impression that he put little planning into the organization of strong and weak bars. Perhaps it is mostly personal preference, but other conductors really do sound better.

I think that this recording has its place, as there are few boxed sets of all of Mozart's symphonies available, and certainly there was some groundbreaking period instrument work here. I would, however, strongly recommend that anyone considering purchasing this set actually obtain a copy first from a library to decide if this is really what they want.

A milestone set, and worthy of all praise.......2004-04-29

In the 1970s, the Hungarian conductor Antal Dorati recorded all of the 104 symphonies of Franz Joseph Haydn (Amazon asin # B0000042DP). The era of "epic" integral collections was ignited. Many thought the vast majority of Haydn's symphonies would be boring, cookie-cutter works rolled out in almost assembly-line fashion. But Dorati, with excellent help from the Haydn scholar H. C. Robbins Landon, would disprove all of that, and show that there is not a dud in the whole collection. And Dorati's readings have stood the test of time.

Dorati's achievement marked the beginning of an ea that in the next 2 decades would see complete integral sets of the works of every major composer, culminating ultimately in the 1980s with Phiips complete Mozart Edition.

Shortly after Dorati finished his massive project, the Academy of Ancient Music embarked on a complete traversal of all of the "symphonies" of Mozart on period instruments, the currently reviewed item. Not just the traditional 41, but also many lesser know works. More fascinating music was unearthed. But, the milestone of this set is not the discovery of forgotten masterpieces. That had become a common daily occurence. It was the period instrument movement instead that was set free by Hogwood's achievement. With this project, Hogwood did for period instruments what Dorati did for integral cycles of lesser known works. The period instrument movement had been around for a long time. But it never quite could hit "mainstream" until Hogwood made these recordings. And ever since, period instruments have flourished.

There are better recordings of many of the works in this set, both on period instruments and conventional instruments. But the consistency that runs through the set brings an appreciation for Mozart's Symphonies that is unparallelled.

Customer Reviews:

EXCITING PERFORMANCES VINTAGE STEREO SOUND BUT NOT SACD.......2005-09-27

Despite whar Mr Richman says in his review below this five disc box set does NOT consist of hybrid SACD discs. They are all CDs - generously filled but still basic 16 bit discs. It may be that Mercury's parent company plans to release these discs singly as three channel SACDs but here you get the two channel mixes that originally appeared on LP and on the 1990s CD releases. It would have been great to hear them in three channel - Dorati's "Firebird" sounds magnificent on SACD - but this box is still a bargain. There's some low level hiss and the occasional tape clunk but these are small blemishes on some exciting late 50s and early 60s recordings that make most of today's offerings sound sterile and cautious. Dorati's Tchaikovsky is never winsome or self-pitying. As a masterly ballet conductor Dorati never ignores the lilt and sway of the composer's waltz-inspired lighter moments - but he and the orchestra (London Symphony and Minneapolis) really let rip for the exciting brass perorations. Try the finale of the "Little Russian" symphony, or "Francesca di Rimini", for some real sock-blowing sound! Even if you own other recordings of these popular works try to find a space on your shelf for Dorati and the inimitable Mercury sound.

Dorati's MLP Tchaikovsky Gems Are Back!.......2005-05-25

Those familiar with my reviews on Amazon know my great love for the Mercury Living Presence series. Equally great is my disgust that so many of these brilliant recordings have been deleted in the last few years! Thankfully, some of these legendary performances are resurfacing as SACD hybrids. Unfortunately, they are now being sold at full-price, despite a competing hybrid series on RCA/BMG being available at midline. In spite of the added expense, I hope this MLP reissue trend will continue, and maybe we'll even see a few items getting their CD debut.

This Tchaikovsky Symphony Cycle by the great Antal Dorati has always been one of my favorite MLP offerings. While a two-disc set of Symphonies 1-3 and a single title of the 4th continue to be available in their original CD incarnations, the CDs of Symphonies 5 & 6 have gone out-of-print recently. However, with this box set they are now deservedly restored to the catalog. Even better is the fact that the four 5CD box sets being reissued have been so reasonably priced. This Tchaikovsky set, and the ones of Dorati conducting Bartok, Paray conducting French music, and Hanson conducting a variety of American music, including his own compositions, have a total cost cheaper than the original single issue CDs! Once again, Mercury Living Presence lives!

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40, 41; Eine Kleine Nachtmusik; Serenata notturna

Average customer rating:

Great recording of Karajan's rendition of Mozart

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40, 41; Eine Kleine Nachtmusik; Serenata notturna

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5, 6 & 9
R. Strauss: Zarathustra; Don Juan; 4 Last Songs, etc.
Ravel, Debussy, Saint-Saëns: Orchestral Works
Brahms: 4 Symphonies

ASIN: B00008CLNT
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

1. Adagio - Allegro
2. Andante Con Moto
3. Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio
4. Finale. Allegro
1. Molto Allegro
2. Andante
3. Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio
4. Allegro Assai
1. Allegro Vivace
2. Andante Cantabile
3. Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio
4. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Romance. Andante
3. Menuetto. Allegretto - Trio
4. Rondo. Allegro
1. Allegro
2. Thema (With 6 Variations). Andante
3. Menuetto - Trio
4. Adagio
5. Menuetto - Trio I - Trio II
6. Rondo. Allegro
1. Marcia. Maestoso
2. Menuetto - Trio
3. Rondeau. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Great recording of Karajan's rendition of Mozart.......2006-11-20

All of these pieces, (the three last symphonies, the serenades, and Eine Kleine Nachtmusic) are exemplary of Mozart's later compositions, which have much more depth than his earlier works. The recording quality of this CD is very high, and Karajan's interpretations of the music is very, very good. The only complaint I have is a minor topic, but that he decides in some places not to take repeats (for example, the expositions of the 2nd and 4th movements of symphony no. 40) but since the repeat isn't sooo important, it doesn't make that much of a difference (and some music is better when made shorter anyway!). I've never heard a bad recording under the baton of any conductor with an orchestra as prominent as the Berlin Philharmonic, so adding all of these points together, chances are, if you decide to buy this recording, you should be very happy you did.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Performances
I agree with
Good, but . . .
Great sound, great music-making - Mackerras best Mozart
Replaces all other versions in my collection

Mozart: The Symphonies

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies
Brahms: Complete String Quartets, Quintets & Sextets
Johannes Brahms: The Symphonies
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures

ASIN: B000003CYC
Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

I. Allegro Molto
II. Andante
III. Presto
I. Allegro Assai
II. Andante
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Finale
I. Allegro
II. Andante

Tracks:

III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro Molto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I. Introduction: Andante
II. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Menuetto; Trio
III. Andantino
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro Molto
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Molto Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Molto Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante Grazioso
III. Rondo; Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andantino Grazioso
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Molto Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Andantino Grazioso (Alternate)
IV. Menuetto; Trio
V. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio

Tracks:

IV. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Molto Presto
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andantino Grazioso
III. Presto
I. Allegro Assai
II. Andantino Grazioso
III. Presto Assai
I. Allegro Spiritoso
II. Andantino Grazioso
III. Presto Assai
I. Allegro Spiritoso
II. Andantino Grazioso
III. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Allegro Con Spirito
I. Moto Allegro
II. Adnantino Con Moto
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Spiritoso
II. Andante
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Presto
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante
II. Andante (Alternate)
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Spiritoso
II. Andante
III. Allegro Spiritoso
I. Allegro Assai
II. Andante Moderato
III. Menuet; Trio
IV. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante Di Molto
III. Allegro Vivace
I. Allegro Con Spirito
II. (Andante)
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Presto
I. Adagio; Allegro Spiritoso
II. Poco Adagio
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Presto

Tracks:

I. Adagio; Allegro
II. Andante
III. Presto
I. Adagio; Allegro
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Menuetto: Allegretto; Trio
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Molto Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menueto; Trio
IV. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante Cantablie
III. Menuetto; Trio
IV. Molto Allegro

Amazon.com

Musical scholar that he is, Charles Mackerras adopts period performance practice, but opts for modern instruments. The Prague Chamber Orchestra is one of the world's best small ensembles. They play this music with impeccable wit, sophistication, and style. Of course, Mackerras himself studied in Prague--Mozart's musical home away from home--and has long enjoyed an excellent relationship with the city's orchestras and musicians. With swift tempos, employment of a harpsichord accompaniment, and all the repeats taken in each work, these finely honed interpretations offer a uniquely consistent view of Mozart's symphonic achievement. Telarc's superb sound allows the music to fall very gratefully on the ear. --Dave Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Performances.......2007-07-07

While historical instuments are not used on these recordings the performances are still excellent and most particularly for the faster than usual tempos for the minuets. Lethargic and pompous minuet tempos are common with most recordings of music from the Classic Period but here we have minuet tempos that are related to the dance steps and the way it was generally danced in the period. While ignorance of the minuet as a dance is wide spread here we have recordings that rise above that limitation and give improved character and vigor to the works as a whole. Bravo!

I agree with.......2006-02-19

a music fans comment, Mackerras is good, BUT...
So I do not expect anyone to give my comment a "YES Paul's review was most helpful"
:-))
Mackerras is the most popular as far as modern voting goes. Popular votes never influence my decision in critiquing.
My fav in the complete is Bohm/Berlin
In the last 6 syms, it is Walter/Columbia/Sony which may be the finest I've heard, which is sadly Out of print. The Walter/Columbia is a bigger orch sound, which obviously is against Mozart's initial idea of size of orch. But the Columbia plays so tight/fliud/details rendered with powerful depth of emotions, that it is excusable the "big-band" sound.
Bohm's Berlin is slightly scaled down in size, yet at times does not match the Columbia's tightness/percision.
But I do find Bohm and Walter to be very close so that I can't decide which I prefer more.
IOW I love them both equally, and prefer both over Mackerras well recorded set. Seems to me Mackerras' Prague Chamber is like a "youth orch", not going into the details as does the more experienced Columbia and Berlin. Also to consider is the fact of the instrument quality, which the Prague is not in the same class as the Columbia and Berlin. In Mozart the string section's instruments can make all the difference. AS well as winds. I'm sure the Prague is a smaller budget orch and cannot afford the finer instruments alloted to the 2 bigger orchestras. .
Makerras' orch play too fast at times, lacks depths in the nuances that I hear in Walter and Bohm, and the recorded sound is abit harsh/grainy.
Overall the Mackerras is my 3rd choice in Mozart. But still as good as Bohm is, I felt no need to keep the Mackerras.
Read my review of the Bohm/Berlin complete set.

Good, but . . ........2004-07-08

I bought this item from Amazon and I am not sorry that I did. Actually it is good, very good, but I find something that I do not like: Why does this Sir McKerras play all the minuets so fast? Why does he such excessive repeating? The minuets in Haydn are all happy and full of joy, but in Mozart each one is quite different from another: some are happy, some are sad, some are childish, some are majestic, etc. Some of those Minuets seem to be written in order to be danced by Kings and so forth. Is Sir McKerras such an egalitarian that he does not accept such differences? Too bad Herr Josef Krips is dead, he was the real Mozartean.

Great sound, great music-making - Mackerras best Mozart.......2003-05-19

Mackerras has made some pretty amazing recordings these last years, from Beethoven's 9th to Mahler's 5th. This set has Mackerras conducting the Prague Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble that has definetely studied Mozart and studied him well. Most if not all the symphonies are first class but I have to point out the opening of the 25th and the finale of the 40th. I really rediscovered these pieces after hearing to these great recordings. The sound perfect as always with Telarc recordings. A must for all Mozart fans and a great alternative to the celebrated Hogwood set on L'Oiseau Lyre (Decca).

Replaces all other versions in my collection.......2000-12-16

When Sir Charles Mackerras aimed his sights at recording the complete Mozart Symphonies with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, critics were delighted at the results as the discs became available separately. The writer for the Penguin Guide commented that the playing and the technical aspects of the recordings were excellent, while pointing out that the pacing is more urgent in the earlier symphonies, more relaxed in the later ones. The Gramophone writer pronounced them "full of sparkle and precision."

No, this is not an "original instrument" presentation, but Mackerras takes a loving view of his composer and most listeners will be quite satisfied with the results. Granted that other recordings might offer more "period style" here or more heaven-moving renditions there. However, this boxed set of 10 CDs has replaced in my collection all the miscellaneous recordings I have been lining up on the Mozart shelf; and (as Ko-Ko sings) "They never will be missed" as long as this Telarc set is there to be played.

Tracks:

Adagio - Baroque Chamber Orchestra
Air On The G String - Festival Strings Lucerne
Mvmt. III - Festival Strings Lucerne
Aria - Peter Serkin
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Norman Luboff Choir
Toccata & Fugue In D Minor - Philadelphia Orchestra
Adagio For Strings - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Mvmt. I - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Mvmt. IV - New York Philharmonic
Fur Elise - Nellie Kokinos
Turkish March - Arthur Fiedler
'Moonlight' Sonata - Jorg Demus
March To The Scaffold - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Rakoczy March - Arthur Fiedler
Habanera/Toreador Song - Arthur Fiedler
Minuet - Arthur Fiedler
Polovtsian Dance No.17 - Arthur Fiedler
Hungarian Dance No.5 - London Festival Orchestra
Lullaby - Arthur Fiedler
Minute Waltz - Geza Anda
Grande Valse Brillante - Geza Anda
Marche Funebre - Emanuel Ax
Simple Gifts - Copland
Fanfare For The Common Man - Philadelphia Orchestra
Clair De Lune - Arthur Fiedler
Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun - Philadelphia Orchestra
Flower Duet - Philharmonia Virtuosi
Mvmt II. Going Home Theme - Arthur Fiedler
The Sorcerer's apprentice - Philadelphia Orchestra
March No.1 - Arthur Fiedler
Ritual Fire Dance - Arthur Fiedler
Pavane - National Philharmonic
Rhapsody In Blue - Arthur Fiedler
An American In Paris - Arthur Fiedler
Funeral March Of A Marionette - Arthur Fiedler
Piano Concerto In A Minor - Kjel Baekkelund
Morning - Philadelphia Orchestra
Hallelujah Chorus - Royal Philharmonic Chorus
Alla Hornpipe - Festival Strings Lucerne
Mvmt. II - English Chamber Orchestra
Mars - Philadelphia Orchestra
Sabre Dance - Arthur Fiedler
Vesti La Giubba - Placido Domingo
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 - Philadelphia Orchestra
Liebestraum No.3 - Arthur Fiedler
Intermezzo - National Philharmonic
Wedding March - Philadelphia Orchestra
Mvmt. IV - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Rondeau - U.K. Symphony
Andante - Geza Anda
Mvmt. I - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Overture - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Rondo Alla Turca - Walter Hautzig
Mvmt. I - English Chamber Orchestra
A Night On Bald Mountain - Philadelphia Orchestra
Great Gate Of Kiev - Philadelphia Orchestra
Barcarolle - Arthur Fiedler
Theme II (Can Can) - Arthur Fiedler
O Fortuna - New England Conservatory Chorus
Canon - Baroque Chamber Orchestra
Montagues & Capulets - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Lt. Kije's Wedding - Arthur Fiedler
Nessun Dorma - Jussi Bjorling
Mvmt. III - Rome Opera Chorus
Mvmt. III. Opening - London Symphony Orchestra
Var. 18 - Leonard Pennario
Bolero - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Flight Of The Bumblebee - Arthur Fiedler
Adagio - Julian Beam
Overture/Largo Al Factotum - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Theme II - Arthur Fiedler
Danse Macabre - Philadelphia Orchestra
Gymnopedie No.1 - National Philharmonic
Symphony No.8 'Unfinished' - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Ave Maria - Robert Shaw Chorale
Finle - Morton Gould & His Orchestra
Valse Triste - Finnish Radio Orchestra
Stars & Stripes Forever - Arthur Fiedler
Semper Fidelis - Arthur Fiedler
Blue Danube Waltz - Arthur Fiedler
Tales From The Vienna Woods - Arthur Fiedler
Fanfare - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Infernal Dance & Main Theme - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Waltz Of The Flowers - Arthur Fiedler
Waltz - Philadelphia Orchestra
Waltz - Philadelphia Orchestra
Theme II - Philadelphia Orchestra
Opening - Barry Douglas
Finale - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Fantasia On Greensleeves - Philadelphia Orchestra
Grand March - Arthur Fiedler
Anvil Chorus - Rome Opera Chorus
Libiamo (Drinking Song) - Carlo Bergonzi
Die Irae - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rigoletto - Placido Domingo
Allegro - Jose-Luis Garcia
Largo - Jose-Luis Garcia
Bridal Chorus - Robert Shaw Chorale
Ride Of The Valkyries - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

It's only snippets of the music!.......2006-02-12

This CD only contains 30-60 second long snippets of each of the pieces. It could be a teaching tool but is not something you can just put on to listen. It does contain reference to popular TV and Film works that contain the music.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

Music: Best of the Double Discs

Hot Jock Stadium Rock

Last Soul Company

It's Ok Pt.2 [CD-single]

Franck: Messe A-dur, Op. 12

Father Christmas

Dejate Llevar

Europa

Jalopy Go Far [Import]

Die Grossen Erfolge [Import]

Messiaen: Les Corps Glorieux; Le Banquet céleste; etc.

Rose of Cimarron