Vaughan Williams: Orchestral Works
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Audio CD (11 May, 1999)
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Reviews (4)

Balanced & Refined English Folk Song Adaptations
Vaughan Williams is certainly one of the consummate English composers who took the folk song of his country and compsed delightful orchestra works around them.

This budget worthy 2-CD set displays this in two parts, the first performed by the Acadamey of St.Martin in-the-Fields while the second disc features more period instruments with the New Queen's Hall Orchestra and the London Philharmonic.

Celia Nicklin is superb with the Oboe Concerto nusancing this pastoral yet lively offering.Iona Brown likewise contributes a fine solo violin performance with "The Lark Ascending"

The strings also provide a strong offering on the "Tallis Fantasia", one of his strongest compositions on this selection.

Excellent example of this prominent English composer's love with folk song interpretation, in this recording done passionately and naturally.

A great CD
English Folk Song Suit is one of my favorite pieces ever! I first heard the song when I played it in Windensambe. It's an exciting piece to play and to listen to. I would recommend this Cd to anyone with an intrest in great music.

Fantasia on England
Every now and then I listen to a cd that changes my life. I went absolutely crazy over this one and started getting many other Vaughan Williams cds. The Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis is an absolutely unforgettable piece, and rightfully one of the composer's most famous works, but there is not a moment of inferior or inaccesible sound in this collection.

From this cd one can understand Vaughan Williams's reputation for writing pastorally beautiful music-in the lark ascending and dives and lazarus particularly, but one also gets a taste of the more intense works he produced, such as the concerto grosso and the partita for double string orchestra. They certainly don't approach the harshness of his 4th and 6th symphonies, but this cd is a wonderful overview of his smaller orchestral works.

everyone will recognize the melody to greensleeves, and the english folk song suite is just plain fun. This cd is the most often played in my collection of classical music, but whatever you do, do yourself a favor and give the Tallis Fantasia a listen. As the inside notes put it, it sounds like "a cathedral made audible" ... Read more

Asin: B00000IX81
Sales Rank: 10818
Subjects:  1. Band    2. Classical    3. Concerto    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Chopin: Preludes Op28; Preludes No25
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Audio CD (10 May, 1994)
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Reviews (3)

Great recordings
This Nocturnes and Préludes set is very good. If you are trying to familiarize with Chopin music this is a nice begining. Also if you are already familiarized, you will found a very highly performance. The Nocturnes are play with great sense, color and balance (just two of the set [stinks]: the 3 and 14.. I can't understand why Harasiewicz give us such a bad performance of this two). The Best set is Arrau's, and this fallow very close. About the Prélues, they're just great. The less satisfactory is the 24th, but even in this Prélude he made a great things. Harasiewicz is very poetical and in control here too. Great Set and Great Price!

Prize winner's early recordings
Adam was first-prize winner of the 1955 Chopin International Competition in Warsaw Poland, and these recordings are mint. They sound EXCELLENT transfered to CD- one of the best, warmest, clearest, most natural sounding piano CD's I have ever heard out of my collection of more than 100 classical piano discs. The performances are refined and spontaneous- one of the best versions of the Nocturnes ever recorded.
The Preludes are OK- I certainly prefer Jorge Bolet here. This 2 CD Chopin set is great value of classic performances from the 1960's.

For Chopin lovers, to be sure...
For some reason I just had a distinct urge to seek out some of this composer's material and ended up buying this solid representation of his work. It seems that all the well-known Nocturnes are here along with whatappears to be the complete set of Preludes. That's quite amazingconsidering that this 2-CD set was under $20 when I bought it. As for thepianist, Harasiewicz may not be as widely recognized as other highlyrenowned Chopin experts, but his balanced, thoughtful playing gives me thefeeling that he shouldn't have been overlooked from the start. This is awonderful collection of some of the finest piano music ever composed. I'mgrateful to have picked it up at all. ... Read more

Asin: B000004193
Sales Rank: 220683
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Keyboard   

Martha Argerich
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 October, 1998)
list price: $23.98
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Editorial Review

An encounter with the searing artistry of Argentinean pianist Martha Argerich, as her fiercely loyal following attests, can resemble a conversion experience. Like her close friendNelson Freire, Argerich takes a natural-sounding, unstudied virtuosity merely as her starting point, so that the most fearsome technical challenges emerge as thrillingly musical ones, as well.

In Argerich's landmark account of the Ravel triptych Gaspard de la Nuit, for example, you're almost tempted to forget what an Everest these pieces represent to the most intrepid virtuoso, so gripping are the poetic conjurings. Unpredictability and magnetic presence define Argerich's style, but not at the price of distortion. There isn't a track of filler on this collection, which displays Argerich's range from the glistening, mirrored surfaces of Ravel's Sonatine to a Rachmaninoff Third pushed to the breaking point and back again (in the legendary live recording with Riccardo Chailly--an essential performance of the work), as well as her extraordinarily immediate, vital Bach. Quick tempos and imaginative finger weightings convey personality without pointing away from the music. And in the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1, Argerich's visceral imagination can actually make the score sound better, richer in substance, than it is. One of the top-drawer collections in the entire Philips series, this set offers a portrait of an artist who will involve you in the passion of music making more deeply than you may have thought possible. --Thomas May ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Musical genius in enormous doses!
As pianists go, there are very few who could claim to be of the same stature as Martha Argerich. She has the innate gift of making me believe that everything she does is the only way of doing things, although I know and love many other performances of the works contained in this set. Her Rach 3 is simply peerless, in my opinion. Excitement and fireworks abound, but there is always room for the more sensitive side, and it is DELICIOUS when she lets her sensitivity come through. One particular moment in the third movement is so powerful that whenever I hear it, I simply have to stop whatever I'm doing and just listen. The Prokofiev is precise, exciting and poetic, and the Ravel concerto and Gaspard de la nuit are unbelievable.
This was my introduction to Argerich's art, and I believe it is an excellent one- it shows the full range of her abilities (excluding chamber music) to perfection- she can play anything from Bach to Ravel equally well and convincingly. Heartily recommended!

Musical genius in enormous doses!
As pianists go, there are very few who could claim to be of the same stature as Martha Argerich. She has the innate gift of making me believe that everything she does is the only way of doing things, although I know and love many other performances of the works contained in this set. Her Rach 3 is simply peerless, in my opinion. Excitement and fireworks abound, but there is always room for the more sensitive side, and it is DELICIOUS when she lets her sensitivity come through. One particular moment in the third movement is so powerful that whenever I hear it, I simply have to stop whatever I'm doing and just listen. The Prokofiev is precise, exciting and poetic, and the Ravel concerto and Gaspard de la nuit are unbelievable.
This was my introduction to Argerich's art, and I believe it is an excellent one- it shows the full range of her abilities (excluding chamber music) to perfection- she can play anything from Bach to Ravel equally well and convincingly. Heartily recommended!

welcome to a new world!
a few years ago, i was looking at some cd's at the tower records near lincoln center. i was desperately seeking a cd version of martha's ''valses nobles'', which i'd had for years on vinyl. a man came up and saw that i was looking under argerich. his sole comment was, ''oh, that woman gets on my nerves! she can surely wreck a chopin!'' i ran out of the store and into the winter night at once: i knew i was in the presence of a madman!

martha argerich's uncanny ability to BECOME what she plays will astound you. you may have heard ravel's music many times in your life, but you will never know how it feels to INHABIT that world called ravel until you have gone through the martha argerich experience. argerich creates an environment out of every piece. we dwell in her execution.

much though i'd like to be less metaphoric to help you decide on your purchase, i find that language has never been so inefficient as when i have tried to define the art of martha argerich. no one comes close. do yourself a favor and buy this album now. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DBU3
Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Concerto    4. Keyboard   

Guitar Dreams - Classics for a New Age
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 1996)
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Reviews (2)

Pleasantly dull.
Sorry, but I was quite disappointed in this cd, given the caliber of the performers.I found it pleasantly dull and will most likely trade it in for something else.

AMUSICALPASSAGE OF DREAMS THROUGHTOUTTHE GUITAR...
THIS RECORDING ECHOES THE PASSION OF THE WORLD'S GREAT GUITARISTS FOR GRANDMUSIC. ONE CAN LISTEN TO THIS RECORDING FOR AN ENTRY INTO THE DREAM WORLD. ALL OF THE GUITARISTS ON THIS RECORDING ARE EXCEPTIONAL.THE JULIANBREAM AND JOHN WILLIAMS DUETS ARE SUPERB. AS I LISTEN TO THEIR MASTERFUL SELECTIONS, I FEEL AS IF I AM WITHIN THEIR MISTS.THE TECHNICAL SKILLREQUIRED OF EACH PARTNER IN A MUSICAL DUET CAN BE IMPROVED BY DELICATELISTENING. BREAM AND WILLIAMS DISCOVERED EACH OTHER'S MUSIC AS THEYPERFORMED IN THEIR DUETS.THIS RECORDING'S EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE BELONGSTO BREAM AND WILLIAMS FOR ALBENIZ "BENEATH THE SPANISH PALMTREE". TO DISCOVER THE CLASSICAL GUITAR'S VARIED SONGS, THIS CD IS ANEXCELLENT SYMPHONY.EACH GUITARIST ON THIS RECORDING HAS A JOYFUL SONG.ENJOY THEIR SWEET NECTAR FROM WITHIN THE PURE FRUIT OF THE GUITAR . ... Read more

Asin: B000003FWJ
Sales Rank: 88583
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Concerto    3. Keyboard    4. Orchestral   

Guitarist John Williams
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 September, 1998)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Music both old and new, but all of it inspired by the timeless modal harmony of medieval and Mediterranean cultures: this is the subject of John Williams's brilliant guitar disc for Sony, which also features his debut as a composer. The main work is his own "Aeolian Suite" for guitar and chamber orchestra, based on both original and 14th-century tunes (one of which, the "Saltarello," appeared on early-music pioneer David Munrow's disc called Instruments of the Middle Ages). The suite is a lovely piece of writing, deftly composed, and neither tacky nor pretentious. It's paired with an inspired assortment of spiritually related but diverse arrangements and original pieces by Satie, Theodorakis, Domeniconi, and an emotionally intense four-movement work called "Stélé," by Australian composer Phillip Houghton. Naturally, Williams performs each piece expertly, but most important, he makes his instrument sing, and that's just what the music demands. Simply super. --David Hurwitz ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Unequalled playing
You may have heard that the classical guitar can be thought of a small piano, but here's an album in which the musical conceptions are more the size of a symphony orchestra. Only John Williams could have carried this music off in this style, aided by excellent backing and superb recorded sound. An exhibition of pure guitar mastery, a very enjoyable CD.

Not as good as other JW CDs.
As a big fan of John Williams I must say that this CD is at the very bottom of other CDs done by him.As far as technicality, John is KING. But the CD has a very "down" effect, almost depressing. The choice of tracks starts great but it collapses shortly after, until Erik Satie's tracks.

A masterpiece by the master
The greatest tribute any artist can give to their instrument is to take it beyond where they found it. Mr. Williams has certaintly done this here. My personal favorites are the 'Three Epitafios' by Mikis Theodorakis, named after Pre Easter services in the Greek Orthodox Church. This is certainly a wonderful addition to the classical guitar repertoire by the esteemed Theodorakis. Composer Carlo Domeniconi,s 'Koyumbaba' is in perfect contrast to the Epitafios. With its haunting C sharp minor tuning this suite of pieces has an almost middle eastern oud quality. The 'Aeolian Suite' is Mr. William,s own composition for guitar and Orchestra and proves himself equal to the composers listed on this recording. As with his other recordings he transports the classical guitar to new avenues of technic and substance. Not allowing it to become stagnet or a monument to the Segovia legacy. In addition, the guitar that Greg Smallman made (which is used on this cd) sounds superb. This is another one of Mr. William's excellent performences. ... Read more

Asin: B00000C28V
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Keyboard    4. Miscellaneous    5. Vocal   

Barrios: Guitar Music, Vol. 1
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 April, 2001)
list price: $6.98 -- our price: $6.98
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Reviews (3)

Good Introduction to Barrios
I got this and David Russell's Barrios CD about the same time. The Penguin Guide to CDs gives this CD a three star - outstanding - rating; they also rate John Williams' Barrios recordings highly, but don't mention the David Russell Barrios recording.

This is Volume 1 of a projected series of Barrios' guitar music. It is my first time hearing Antigoni Goni who is excellent, leading me to want to hear her other recordings as well as live in recital.

There isn't too much overlap between her and Russell in Barrios, making getting both CDs worth it if you like Barrios.

Excellent recording quality.

Highly recommended
Playing Barrios requires more than just excellent technique. The performer has to capture the darkness in the light passages, like a yearning in moments of gaiety..Also, capture the light in the dark passages, as a ray of optimissim in moments of sorrow. Ms Goni captures all these emotions profoundly in this highly recommended CD.

The programme features rarely heard gems like Humouresque, Pepita, and the magical Tu y Yo. Her expressive phrasing often breathes new life into the often played works such as Maxixe, Junto a Tu Corazon, Vals no4.

Romantic guitar music, with Latin American folkloric influence

Absoultely the Best Barrios
This is one of my favorite CDs.You've never heard Barrios like this! ... Read more

Asin: B00005A7JY
Sales Rank: 60071
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Vocal   

Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras Nos. 1, 2, 5 & 9 / ORTF National Orchestra, De Los Angeles
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 January, 1999)
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Reviews (9)

Excellent
I spotted this in a music store and bought it because I'm a fan of Villa-Lobos' compositions for guitar.Honestly, I was not familiar with the music on this disc at all.But wow, what a pleasant surprise.I downloaded it to my mp3 player last night so now I can listen to it anywhere.

The best record of Bachianas
During his life, Heitor Villa-Lobos recorded almost all his orchestral works, mainly in France with ORTF Orchestra.

I see some customers saying this Bachianas collection isn't a wonderful recording quality (it was recorded in the 50's), this is mono, etc, etc.

I think some listeners are bad accustomed with digital recording, with technologically perfect sounds, superb mastering, and things like that, and they seems forget the principal: the quality of music, of the composition. How many Cds are so "perfect" in recording quality, and the recorded music is a trash, with no artistic value?

So, in my opinion this Bachianas recording is one of the best classical music recording of the XX century, because it has the own composer direction. A few classical composers got the opportunity to record their music with their own interpretation. At this point, Villa-Lobos was probably the most successful composer of all times (neither Stravinsky nor Richard Strauss recorded so many works during their lives).

In this collection, we have the rare opportunity to listen the music as the composer imagined.

About the music, I can say Bachianas Brasileiras has a melancholic taste at all. I agree with the review that say "this isn't happy, sunny day, birds, etc". Just the third movement of the Bachiana 8 (Catira Batida, an old brazilian folk dance) has a happy feeling. Even so, the middle of this movement is a melancholic valse in the old style of Rio de Janeiro serenaders (chorões).

But the "Trenzinho do Caipira" ("country train" of Bachiana 2), the Martelo dance (second movement of the famous Bachiana 5), and all the other dance movements have a pinch of melancholy, a characteristic of the neo-romantic style.

If you want to listen some more animated Villa-Lobos music, search for the "Choros" serie, "Mandú-Çarará", "Prole do Bebê" (Baby's Family), "Momoprecoce" (Carnival of the Brazilian children), and more of his early compositions, which has more freshness, vivid colors and stronger rhythm, including excitingpercussion instruments.

REMARKABLE!
This is one of my absolute favorite recordings that I own. 1st of all, Villa-Lobos is conducting his own music, so there is really no reason whatsoever to complain about tempo, dynamic levels, etc. (unless, of course, Villa-Lobos was drunk while conducting) This is the way he wants it, so if you don't like it, you obviously don't know his music

My favorite is #5- mysterious, with 8 cellos and soprano, Victoria de los Angles (who has a beautiful voice).

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00000GCAG
Sales Rank: 31748
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Orchestral    4. Orchestral & Symphonic    5. Vocal   

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 January, 1999)
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Editorial Review

This account of the German Requiem really is one of the great recordings of the century. Even today, Otto Klemperer's monumental interpretation with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus, recorded in 1961, remains unmatched among readings that emphasize the spirituality of the score. Sober and sustained, but not unduly slow, it places Brahms on the continuum of German sacred music going back through Beethoven to Handel, Bach, and Schütz. Drawing committed playing and singing from his forces, Klemperer opens the door to the beauties of the music without fuss or fanfare. Both soloists are exemplary: Schwarzkopf's expressive portamento now sounds a bit dated in style, but her singing is characterful, while Fischer-Dieskau is a paragon of restrained expressiveness. The singing of the Philharmonia Chorus is especially beautiful. EMI has done a superior job of remastering the original recording. Balances and tone quality are quite fine, and the spacious Kingsway Hall ambience conveys with lifelike immediacy. Compared with previous CD incarnations, there is new depth to the image and better resolution of detail--the weight of the organ can really be felt, as can the timpani strokes in "Denn alles fleisch es ist wie gras," and one finds greater presence and definition in the chorus and considerably more richness of tone in the orchestra. There is still some distortion in the climactic moments; for example, what sounds like tape saturation frizzes a couple of the big Beethovenian choral proclamations at the end of "Denn alles fleisch es ist wie gras." Such things are but a small blemish on what is an absolutely ravishing restoration of one of the most valuable recordings of the stereo era. --Ted Libbey ... Read more

Reviews (19)

profound, but unpleasant choir
Klemperer is the best conductor of this piece. Listening to him is finding that in his epic reading Brahms is carrying the entire Judeo-Christian culture and understanding about Death, but transfiguring it to his beliefs. It is memorable how solemn and at the same time vital it is. Partly is because of tempi. He is middle of the road, that is 69 min, between Masur (60) and Kempe (?)(79 !!!!). So he is slow enough to be profound but fast enough to be fluid. That is important.
The baritone, Fischer-Diskau, is reference. Each word is painted with a lot of vocal resources. THE BEST.
But the soprano didn`t grab me. Refined as she is, she seems so flat (limited volume range)... Margiono (Gardiner) is better.
The orchestra is truly amazing: power and acceptable clarity.
But the choir: full, lot of vibrato. If you can stand it, this is for you. If not, go for Gardiner: is also very good: his Monteverdi Choir is extraordinary, baritone just fine, great soprano, good orchestra (could have been better) and a great interpretation (if sometimes less profound): Gardiner surpasses Klemperer in the fugues (more deliberate, less mechanic). I have to admit Klemperer wins in #2 & #3 (beggining), #1 & #7, but Gardiner wins in the rest. But the choir sound is of paramount importance for repeated listening. And moments like the relaxing#4, with those vibrato, simply drags. Had Klempererrecorded with our vibrato free choirs, surely would have been the reference for eternity.

Klemperer's German Requiem
I have been listening to Brahms's German Requiem to commemorate the death of a parent of a dear friend.This beloved work received its first performances in 1868 and 1869.Its immediate inspiration was the death of Brahms's mother and, probably, the death of Robert Schumann as well.Although many view Brahms as a conservative composer, the spiritual message of this work is distinctly modern.In writing his Requiem, Brahms eschewed traditional religous doctrines, creeds, and texts. Instead, he chose passages from the Bible (Old and New Testaments and Apocrypha) that emphasized a sense of the mystery of life, the fragility of life and inevitability of death, the hope for the future, and the value of patience and endurance.The German Requiem gives a sense of spirituality in a secular age.Brahms himself saw his work as a "human" rather than as merely a German requiem.Malcolm Macdonald, in his 1990 book, "Brahms", has aptly captured much of the spirit of this music when he describes it as showing "human love as the equivalent of God's love of the cosmos" (p. 22).Human love encompasses the love of a parent, friend, child, sweetheart, and much else.

I can't think of a more fitting interpreter of the German Requiem than Otto Klemperer or of a better recording to bring this music to life than this historic, 1961 recording with the Philharmonia Chorus & Orchestra, with soloists Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elisabeth Schwartzkopf.The recording is available at modest price on the EMI Classics series of "Great Recordings of the Century."It is that, indeed.

Otto Klemperer (1885-1973) was himself a religious seeker passing through at various times of his life periods of skepticism, Judaism, Christianity, and then near the end of his life a return to Judaism. He was at his best in the performance of serious, monumental music and in the works of Beethoven and Brahms. (His performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis is also masaterful and available on this series.)This recording captures the solemnity and gravity of Brahms's great Requiem and also its lyricism -- its ultimate message of comfort and hope.The sound is outstanding.The chorus can be heard clearly and understood, and the instrumentation of the work comes through.The soloists, Fisher-Dieskau and Schwartzkopf perform their important parts in the third, sixth, and fifth sections beautifully.Klemperer's tempos are slow and magesterial.

The Requiem combines Brahms's study of the music of the past, primarily Bach and Mozart, with his need to compose in his own voice.Put otherwise, Brahms tried to reformulate the religious sensibilities of the past for the modern temper.Large massive fugual sections conclude the second, third and sixth sections of the requiem and counterpoint looms large in much of the rest of the work. But the prevailing tone is one of peace and comfort.

The first movement of the work is a consolation to mourners set in the lower registers of chorus and orchestra.The second movement is a lengthy and solemn sarabande which celebrates the transience of human life and the hope of an enduring life hereafter.This movement includes grand music for brass and tympani as well as for the chorus and the monumental fugue.Fischer-Dieskau delivers an eloquent prayer for wisdom and understanding in the third movement which, again, is capped by a great fugue.The fouth movement, the climax of the work, is short and songlike and captures the etherial spirit of heaven.The fifth movement belongs to Ms Schwartzkopf as she delivers Brahms's message of hope and consolation to mourners.The sixth movement is an impassioned dialogue on the mystery of life between the chorus and Fischer-Dieskau culminating in a grand fugue of glory to God.The finale returns to the movement of the opening, in a higher register, and closes the work on notes of hope and serenity.

The German Requiem is one of the treasures of music.Klemperer's version is an inspiration and will move both new listerners and those familiar with Brahms's great score.

Bah!
The tempo of 'Herr, Lehre doch mich', not to mention Fischer-Dieskau's typically pretentious and self concious phrasing, is ludicrous.

Wolfgang Meyer, Jose van Dam and Samuel Ramey all leave poor ole Fischer for dead.In my world this recording just doesn't cut the mustard. Klemperer, as ever, reminds us 'subtle' was not part of his vocabulary. ... Read more

Asin: B00000GCA3
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Debussy: Images/Prelude a l'apres/Midi d'un Faune/La Mer
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 January, 1997)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

This is the Debussy disc to buy if you're buying only one. All of thebest and most popular orchestra music is here (the second of the"Images" is the well-known tone poem "Iberia"). Salonen musthave the keenest ear in the business--no "impressionist" fuzz here.Musical textures are extraordinarily clear, but never at the expense of themusic's natural sensuality. The Los Angeles Philharmonic has been playing at thevery highest technical level ever since Esa-Pekka Salonen took over, and Sonyhas been documenting their work in top-quality sound. There are a lot of Debussyrecordings, many of them very good, but it's hard to beat the all-aroundexcellence of this one. --David Hurwitz ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Inherent Color Palette of Impressionism
It is always interesting to see how many contemporary composers honor the works of Claude Debussy, a composer that is the quintessential impressionist artist and as such has been allowed to shimmer off into the sunset by many conductors today.

Esa-Pekka Salonen continues to grow as a composer of lavish orchestral color and a broad spectrum of timbres and instrumentation and so it seems only logical that he should have an affinity for the orchestral works of Debussy.He consistently programs these works with the LA Philharmonic and by this time it is generally accepted that he is one of the finest conductors of Debussy's large works.His conducting of Debussy's opera 'Pelleas and Melisande' remains a gold standard.

Here, on this singularly splendid recording are three of Debussy's challenging works.Salonen finds all of the transparencies, the tautly woven threads of themes that wash in and out of the orchestral sound, and the brio of the large moments as in 'La Mer' and at all times keeps these fragile sonorities alive and throbbing.The 'Images' pulsate with atmosphere, 'Prelude a l'apres Midi d'un Faune' is sensual without falling into the vulgar, and the 'La Mer' is simply overwhelming in capturing the moods of the sea.

Salonen and the LA Phil are as solid a team as any in the world now and one only hopes they will continue to record and capture the masterpieces of the literature even in the face of downsizing of classical music recordings.Highly recommended. Grady Harp, March 05

Lacking in Dynamism
I'm sure that Esa-Pekka Salonen has done a remarkable job with these three pieces, but at the same time I found myself waiting for something to happen.While I can't agree with the semi-common criticism that Claude Debussy's compositions are musical wallpaper, they do seem to lack a certain dynamism that would spark the interest of a classical music neophyte such as myself.It is true that 'La Mer' has some fire in it, but even this is muted to a great extent.Meanwhile, the "Images pour orchestre" and "Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune" carry very little to attract the casual listener.So, while the music is rather technically proficient, I can't recommend it for someone unless they are already very familiar with what they are getting.A less familiar listener will likely be a trifle disappointed.

In the Paray school
What Salonen is doing here is playing Debussy as he should be played--immaculately with pointillistic color and no slush.Obviously he is a disciple of the great Paul Paray who knew Debussy particularly welland whose own recordings are legendary and very much available toyou.

The difference, then, is one of experience.Whereas Paray rises toperfectly controlled power, Salonen lets go with a lot of noise andclatter.Yes, he has the right idea, but the LA Phil gets away from himand he has a mighty hard time quieting things down below mezzo-forte whencalled for.Still, I'd rather listen to Salonen get the right idea thanmost of the flotsam that's washed up on recorded Debussy shores.

Salonenwill probably remake this again, just give him some time--check back in 20. In the meantime, stick with all the Debussy offered by Mercury with PaulParay and the Detroit Symphony, THE revelatory combination to be reckonedwith in this and lots of other material. ... Read more

Asin: B0000029R5
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Concerto    3. Orchestral   

Tavener: Song for Athene / Svyati
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 February, 2001)
list price: $6.98 -- our price: $6.98
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Reviews (5)

Incredible music at an incredible price
This is the best addition to my music library I've made in quite some time.Hearing the ethereal Song for Athene sung for Princes Diana's funeral I was mesmerized.It wasn't until our church choir began rehearsing this piece that I learned who had written it.I immediately went to Amazon to find more music by John Tavener.When I saw the price of this recording, I hesitated--perhaps the rest of his music doesn't match the quality of Athene?Why else would the price be so low?Since receiving my order I can only say it is worth far more.Anyone who enjoys the mystical eastern sounds introduced to us in the 60s and 70s will thoroughly enjoy Tavener's marriage of English choral music with the hypnotic droning "ohms" of eastern music.
You will experience mystery and contemplation as you listen.Blake's and Herbert's poetry take on new meaning when set to Tavener's provocative underpinnings. His other pieces further create a sense of wonder, meditation, and awe.To listen is to be drawn to worship.Each piece on the disc adds value to the recording. What a marvelous find.

Top-rate singing at a wonderful price
For all the minor "complaints" one could have about this recording, it is still a wonderful, recent recording of beautiful music from one of England's finest traditional choirs. For such a cheap price, it is WELL worth the money!

Tavener's music is perhaps an acquired taste. If modern, "hypnotic" sacred choral music appeals to you, then you would certainly do well to buy this recording, which includes some of Tavener's best works. I personally enjoy the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis best. Everything on here is very well sung -- sometimes truly beautifully so -- by the men and boys of St. John's College Choir.

If you like Tavener, this CD is certainly worthy of your collection. If you are not familiar with Tavener's music, then this is the CD to buy to discover it -- the quality of singing is first-class and the price can't be beaten!

Nothing Special
I have liked Tavener since Apple and the Whale.

I came across this in a budget section and gave it a whirl. Actually it has been in my car for three days. Well written, well sung, well orchestrated. Well what?

Well it does not seem to me, although I am no expert, that it sounds pretty much like any other English choral music.

It sounds good but does not sound special.

I like it but it does not raise my soul. ... Read more

Asin: B000050XAG
Sales Rank: 36816
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Classical   

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 70
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 August, 2000)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (1)

Rubinstein in Top Form
Rubinstein loved these pieces and knew them well.

For his Americandebut in 1906, he performed the Saint Saens Concerto and earned ravereviews.Of the three official recordings available, this was the finest. The 82 year young pianist has all the brio of earlier days, along with thestructural sense which came to him in his later years.

The Falla"Nights in the Gradens of Spain" was recorded at the samesessions as the Saint Saens and has the same attributes.Ormandy'scollaboration with the Philadelpiha Orchestra is first rate.Unlike many"superstar" conductors, Ormandy was always a sought after andsympathetic accompanist--matching Rubinstein phrase-for-phrase andachieveing a unified conception.The sound during this portion of thealbum is first rate.Balance problems originating with the original LPissue in 1969 have been corrected, and the orchestra mix gives an excellentrecreation of the Philadelphia Sound.

Rubinstein learned the FrankSymphonic Variations while traveling by train to a concert in Spain,drumming passages in his lap.The man had an amazing memory.Here again,he is in top form, with Wallenstein and the pickup orchestra providing afine accompaniment (but not quite on the level of Ormandy's).

TheProkofiev March and Rubinsteins's own arrangement of Falla's Ritual FireDance were favorite encores, both for himself and his audiences.The Fallais slightly less fiery than in earlier recordings and live performances,but is still thrilling.The sound here reflects Rubinstein's tonalaesthetic--always velvety and never harsh even during fortes.

Highestrecommendation. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TG7F
Sales Rank: 221634
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Concerto    3. Orchestral    4. Orchestral & Symphonic   

The Dutilleux is a really complex beautiful work (not unlike the other two more well known quartets on this album). To me it is kind of contrast to the Ravel and Debussy because to me Dutilleux implies more of the "Les Six" attitudes and styles then it does the impressionisms of the Ravel and Debussy. Still I thinnglish orchestra, theBritish critics are raving, as if these earlier, much better, and much lessexpensive versions didn't even exist. Well, ignore the hype. Not only does theBoston Symphony play rings around today's London Symphony Orchestra (Davis'scurrent group), but they are much better recorded too. This first Sibelius cyclewas a prime recommendation when it first came out, and it still is, plain andsimple. --David Hurwitz ... Read more

Asin: B0000028MV
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical   

Classic Yo-Yo
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 September, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Except for one "previously unreleased" recording and two new ones, this is a compilation of segments taken from older Yo-Yo Ma CDs, perhaps to whet listeners' appetite to hear the entire records. The disc represents a triumph of performance over material. The program consists of short pieces and single movements of long ones and serves to display Yo-Yo Ma's extraordinary versatility, his spectacular instrumental and musical gifts, and his remarkable ability to invest everything he plays with the same commitment and emotional concentration. There is no logic to the sequence, except that it begins and ends with solo cello. Bach, whom Ma plays tuned normally when unaccompanied and tuned low with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, may justify the CD's title but seems out of place. Moreover, juxtaposing him with O'Connor and Piazzolla is jarring, though the Tangos are beautiful. The transcription of Dvorák's lovely E-minor Slavonic Dance, despite the participation of violinist Itzhak Perlman and his golden tone, sounds like a movie soundtrack: all bravura and cheap effects. The playing's the thing, and it is stunning, not only Yo-Yo Ma's, but that of all his collaborators, from vocalists Bobby McFerrin and Alison Krauss to pianist Emanuel Ax, Ma's duo partner of 25 years. Ax joins Ma for the Finale of Brahms's second cello sonata; that is what you may find yourself humming at the end. --Edith Eisler ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Awesome
While most people on this site see the "classic" in the title of the album as referring to classical music only, they are mistaken. Classic Yo-Yo refers to his style, not the genre into which his music choices fall.The list of tracks alone should have been a big enough clue that the music isn't all classical.Judging this album, or any album for that matter, on just its title is simply foolish.And while this is technically a solo album, the way Yo-Yo brings in guest artists to perform with him shows his flexibility as an artist.His version of Simple Gifts is so much more than a school chorus; it is an amazing cellist playing the accompaniment on a song that is meant to be sung.

On a more positive note, I found every track beautiful, from the elegant solo cello in the Bach cello suite to the haunting vocal line in the Bobby McFerrin piece.Yo-Yo Ma gathered a wide range of intriguing pieces to make this fantastic album.

What is this?
This is a compilation of many different styles;look Yo-Yo can play bluegrass!Not really "Classic" Yo-Yo.

Great if you're not familiar with Yo-Yo Ma
This CD is a good sample of what yo-yo ma has acheived in his musical career, if you want a more in depth listening of his talents than I suggest getting the simply baroque CD. The only thing that I didn't like about this cd was that the compositions were to mixed up in the genres. There was a bit of classical, some movie works, a great song by John Williams, and some of The Tango series music. If you would rather listen to one genre, get a CD that just has Classical or Contemerary, don't get a jack of all trades cd. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OAY5
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Crossover    6. Film    7. Keyboard    8. Miscellaneous    9. Orchestral    10. Vocal   

Albeniz: Iberia
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 August, 1992)
list price: $21.98 -- our price: $21.98
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Reviews (1)

Marvellous music marvellously played
This is music which many people may recognise but not have been able to identify.It's the best of Spanish piano music - dramatic and lyrical, deeply romantic and full of complex iberian dance rhythms.Alicia de Larrocha gives it all the colour and excitement it deserves in a bravura performance.I found the 2-disc set, of music half of which was familiar from childhood, but some which I hadn't heard before, deeply mesmerizing. ... Read more

Asin: B000002S47
Sales Rank: 126517
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Keyboard    3. Orchestral   

Delius: Orchestral Works
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 May, 1999)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (1)

A Wonderful Collection
This is the best collection of Delius's orchestral music for the money.An early 20th century English Composer, Fredrick Delius composed some of the most lush, peaceful music in the repertoire.He does write somepowerful, brassy climaxes, but for the most part his pieces flow like alazy rowboat on a calm river.Delius had a gift for capturing nature insound, reflecting the best of Haydn in his 6th, 7th, and 8th symphonies,Beethoven in his "Pastorale," Wagner in his Forest Murmurs, andDebussy in his Images.

Sir Charles Mackerras leads the Orchestra of theWelsh National Opera with confidence.His readings of these pieces are asgood, if not better, than any I've heard - including Sir Thomas Beecham'sRoyal Philharmonic recodrings.Maestro Mackerras carefully conducts thesepieces with enough rubato to make them flow while maintaining enoughrhythmic discipline to keep them from turning into an orchestral,homophonic mush.The Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera playssurprisingly well here.They are clearly disciplined and responsive.Mostimportantly, their sound is rich and vibrant.Only on the closest oflistenings can the most minor rhythmic and intonation problems be found. This is an excellent orchestra. Under Mackerras's direction, they producesome amazing music.Packaged as a two for the price of one set, thiscollection is not to be missed. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IX80
Sales Rank: 185865
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Orchestral    3. Orchestral & Symphonic