Reviews (19)

Life Is But A Dream...
This CD is just pure magic. I know that is such a cliche' thing to say, but it really is. Of course, it really won't appeal to those people who are into EXTREME LIVING...whatever the hell that means, because to me, extreme living is living close to the soul, close to the spirit, close to the Invisible Source that makes and creates all things in and out of Itself.
Beautiful, dreamy
This music evokes both emotions and images of life waking up in spring, even being in a magical forest where anything can happen, or floating on clouds. You can just enjoy the music and let your imagination soar or the music can take you into that trance-like state where you can access creative ideas and creative solutions to any problems - and maybe they just dissolve of their own accord.

Fabulous collection !
If you like Debussy - whom I have heard called one of the progenitors of ambient music - you will love having his most inspiring and beautiful works together on one cd. These works are tranquil and serene, and yet they don't fade into the background - no matter what you are doing - because they are true art. When this cd is playing you can't help but listen and sigh. My cats love this cd, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Flute Solo/Sonata    8. Keyboard    9. Keyboard Music    10. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Music    13. Prelude for Keyboard    14. Quartet for Four String Instruments    15. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    16. Trio for Mixed Instruments without Keyboard    17. Waltz for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

There is a lot of really enjoyable music here. I rememberorganizing a performance of the Fifth Piano Concerto (subtitled "TheEgyptian") when I was repertoire committee chairman for a local communityorchestra. We found it not only very playable for all of us amateurs in theorchestra, but it simply blew the audience away. It's a real find. Both theSecond and Fourth concertos have been popular favorites for more than a century,but they seemed to have vanished sight in the past couple of decades. It was ourloss, but no more. And the Fifth Piano Concerto, even when played by amateurs,can blow an audience away. At two discs for the price of one, these fineperformances offer listeners a great chance to know this charming and vivaciousmusic at little or no risk at all. So why hesitate? Read more

Reviews (9)

Outstanding.
Having listened to other recordings, plus hearing live ones, of Concerto #2 (the most popular) for 15 years, it was nice to hear the entire pentalogy of the Saint-Saens piano concerti.
OK for the money
All in all, I think this is a fair value.Dutoit does a great job conducting and the quality of the recording is good.I was disappointed with the soloist's interpretation of concerto no 2 - I felt too much liberty was taken - esp on the opening passages.What should have been one long phrase building in intensity was instead practically broken into shorter phrases and any momentum that might have been gained was lost.I also felt like the third movement was not played at a tempo I would consider 'presto'.
You'll like this set even if you don't like Saint-Saens
Unlike some of the other reviewers here, I am one of those who consider Saint-Saens to be a hopeless musical lightweight, a first-rate second-rate composer (as the old saw goes), a musician of prodigious technical talent but lacking any real depth in his music.It isn't any accident that, despite the tremendous popularity of his music during his lifetime, only about 2 dozen (and that is probably being generous) of his many many pieces are performed with any consistency.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Piano Concerto   

Editorial Review

During her far-too-brief career, cellist Jacqueline du Pré exhibited an almost oracular power of communication. Her performances bristled with the kind of brilliant electricity that could change lives and convert listeners to a lifelong love of music. Happily, it's possible to experience a sense of that power from the recordings du Pré completed before multiple sclerosis halted her career as a performer in the early 1970s. This set provides a splendid portrait--at bargain price--of du Pré's unmistakable personality: the astonishingly original yet convincing phrasing, raw energy, and ability to make her instrument sound uncannily like a human voice (du Pré was after all a favored student of Mstislav Rostropovich). Her rendition of Haydn's Concerto in C is clearly cast in a romantic--and nowadays perhaps unfashionable--mold, yet du Pr&eacute's big, bold tone carries the musical line forward with exhilarating presence. It's a demeanor that proves especially reassuring for the quirkily mercurial inventions of Boccherini. Yet du Pré most indelibly leaves her signature on the work that became her hallmark, Edward Elgar's E Minor Concerto, grafting a deeply personal level of expression onto the score's rich post-World War I melancholy. In the Schumann, du Pré makes an eloquently passionate protagonist. A similar sense of excitement is to be heard in Dvorák's Concerto--performed near the end of her career--above all in the flame of inspiration she evidently sparks from the orchestra in the serene close of its slow movement. This is a supremely rewarding collection for the beginner and aficionado alike. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (9)

Pleasure to listen
This 3 cd pack plays daylong on the player. Great music, great artist.

passionate and individual
I was moved to add comment after reading several of Octavius' strongly worded, biased and repetitive reviews here at Amazon. His suggestion that it was schizophrenia that led to Du Pre's early withdrawal from the concert platform and untimely death is just plain wrong if not libellous!! The poor woman developed multiple sclerosis and was one of the rare ones in whom it proved to be fatal. Yes she did study with Rostropovich in Russia in 1966 but became extremely homesick. It should be added that she also attended masterclasses with Casals but regarded William Pleeth as her "cello daddy". Her words, not mine.

Great collection
This is one of my favorite concerto collections for cello.The passion the duPre brings to the music is breathtaking.I would recommend this collection for anyone.You will not be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello Concerto    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto   

Reviews (8)

Immortal Legend
As a cellist, I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre's recordings. Even now as a 35 year old, I'm still enthralled by her amazing talent. This is a great cd if one is looking for a wonderful introduction to this superb cellist or simply wants to savor her most well known recordings. Du Pre owned the "Elgar" concerto. No other words can summarize this fact. Other beautiful and moving pieces are here on this disc: Bruch "Kol Nidrei", Haydn "Concerto No.2", Faure "Elegie", Brahms "Concerto No.2". The cello is a difficult instrument to play due to the strength required in both hands. Du Pre's playing touches the heartstrings with both emotion and depth. The tone that she coaxes from her cello is amazing. Jacqueline Du Pre is a legend.

Epitome of Cello
As a cellist, I absolutely love du Pré's work.I actually found this CD when I was looking for a modern recording of "A Jacqueline du Pré Recital", a record compiled of pieces done between July 15, 1962 and April 1, 1969.The second CD in this set contains the same songs as that record.
Ooo! Samples!
As far as the romantic period goes, Jacqueline Du Pre is my personal favorite 'cellist.Her sensitivity to put expression of the musical idea always outweighed the desire to appear impressive.There is a difference in being just a virtuoso and being a musician.Avirtuoso has the capability to dazzle and amaze, but music is more than just being impressive, and Du Pre succeeds in becoming, in every sense, a musician first and foremost.The only complaint I have of this album is the fact that you only get one movement of each piece!Even so, this a wonderful "sample dish" of Du Pre's extraordinary playing, mainly meant to get you hooked so you can get more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Britain    2. Cello Concerto    3. Cello with Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Classical Music    10. Concerto    11. English Horn Solo/Sonata    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Music    14. Music for Organ    15. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments    16. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (8)

Carnival...
I found this disk to be "adequate."Other than The Swan, nothing really moved me.The swan rates five stars, the rest, four!You might like it more than I did...

This is a Carnival of Fun
I had been a fan of this recording when it was first released. While looking for the recording for my daughter, I fell upon this release.
Musical Playfulness at it's finest
This CD is absolutely charming. The Carnival of the Animals is so full of different expressions- the majestic lion, the agonizingly slow tortoise, the free-flying birds, the dancing fossils, and the regal swan. Phaeton is amazing, as is le Rouet d'Omphale and the Danse Macabre. I wasn't into Saint-Saens before this CD, but now I'm hooked. For model romantic era music, buy this CD without delay :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Orchestral    7. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra   

Reviews (8)

You never have enough Ravel - just never.
This two disk set is one of those that you should add to your collection because it is wonderful music, sounds great, and is extremely affordable.Everyone knows and loves "Bol�ro".Commissioned by Ida Rubinstein as a ballet and premiered in 1928 was not a musical success. At another performance, led by Toscanini, Ravel complained that the tempo was too fast.Toscanini replied that it was the only way to save the work.But it soon became a mass success to Ravel's surprise and consternation.He felt they loved it for all the wrong reasons.The violinist H�l�ne Jourdan-Morhange relates this interesting story of one incident involving the work:
The Best of Ravel By Master Conductor And Orchestra
French-Canadian conductor Charles Dutoit and the Motneral Symphony Orchestra deliver what is the most musically satisfying collection of Ravel Bolero's French music. At a fine price, this is a fine jewel, with moments that sparkle and burn with a beautiful fire. The first track is of course the famous Bolero, with its hypnotic, singular theme that is expanded into a climatic crescendo which is overtly sexual, primal and sensuous. It was originally a ballet about a Spanish dancer (dancing the bolero of course) in a bawdy cafe. She is spurred on to dance even more erotically by the lusty men until we can assume the men can take no more. The Rhapsody Espagnole is an evocative portrait of Spain, with lyrical passages and tonal beauty. The Valse is another classic of French music of the early 20th century. Ravel's mother had died prior to the premiere. It is a slow, romantic waltz that escalates into a frenzied dance of death. In musical terms, there is nothing too different from La Valse and Bolero. They are both basically one motif that is repeated but changes in volume and pacing. The Pavane For A Dead Princess is my favorite work of his. It is possibly the most gorgeous funeral music one will ever hear. Far from being a melancholy piece, it is a stately, Renaissance-like work that pays homage to exoticism of the East and Romanticism of the West. The Dead Princess we assume is either Moorish or Spanish and the music is lilting and spiritual without ever reaching the heights of frustration or despair that Bolero or Valse take on. The Tomb of Couperin is also a funereal piece but its beauty lies in its imitation of Baroque music. Couperin was a Baroque composer of keyboard works. The music is aptly called neo-baroque or neoclassical since it was composed in the 20th century. This same style is embedded in Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales and Minuet Antique- all works that reflect the music of the Baroque and classical eras, an homage to Handel and Gluck. Daphne Et Cloe is perhaps his most ambitious work, as it expands on the Baroque classic and makes it more operatic and orchestrally grander. All fans of Ravel will want to own this recording. Dutoit knows this music down to a T and the orchestra captures nuance and subtlety in a variety of both light and dark textures. The music is brimming with life and the sound is crisp and beautifully remastered.
I love it
This is a great 2 disk set.I am sitting here drinking a heineken and blasting this super loud.I feel like I am marching into town with 2 briefcases jammed full of big bills. I highly recommed this.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Ballet    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Keyboard    8. Keyboard Music    9. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    10. Minuet for Keyboard    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral & Symphonic    13. Orchestral Music    14. Pavane for Keyboard    15. Suite for Orchestra   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful music
I have been looking for this title for a long time...in all the wrong places.

A Valentine's Day Gift for all time
If you truly want to touch someone's heart, give this as a Valentine's gift.I received the CD last year and I love every minute.It makes a loving gift of one of the greats.With such a long career you would think that Placido would disappoint.So far it hasn't happened.This year my honey and I will see him in concert!Another Valentine's day wish come true.

A LOVE UNTIL THE END OF TIME
A must have for"chip"fans features love til the end of time from series.Waited a long time for this song and im not disappointed and love came for me from splash.Domingo has a beautiful voice.Also features Maria from west side story Placido Domingo at his best a must buy great value for money.Overall an exellent choice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Miscellaneous    6. Miscellaneous Music    7. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    8. Opera    9. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    10. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    11. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    12. Vocal   

Editorial Review

A fine French touch is evident in this collaboration between the Swiss- born conductor Charles Dutoit and his Canadian orchestra. They give a highlypolished performance of the standard Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent program
I can enthusiastically recommend this high quality production.First off the program includes Faure's two best large scale works (Op. 48 and Op. 80).The sound is outstanding.As an example the organ in Requiem is clearly heard even during periods of both choral and orchestral activity.Fine details in the orchestra are easily discerned.The singing in Requiem is also excellent although at times the Sherrill Milnes' vibrato is a bit 'wide' for my taste.Op. 80 is also beautifully played.Well worth the investment of your time and money.

In Paradisum
I first encountered the Faure Requiem by singing it in high school. I enjoyed the experience, but had little to compare it to, musically or artistically. I have since then acquired a little more knowledge and perspective. Faure's vocal writing is subtle, melodic, and can be rapturous, as witnessed by his art songs (and I sang my share in college and afterward). The requiem has a quiet lyricism, as opposed to the works by Mozart, Berlioz or Verdi. I would like to think that maybe death is more in Faure's view than the angst of the other works. If I want to be swept away by overcharged emotionalism and dramatic writing for huge forces, I turn to the Verdi. It always makes me want to weep, for it conjures up Man's deepest fears and longings. The Faure is gentle, lulling, and breathtaking in its simplicity. It also makes me want to weep, for it suggests hope and peace. If you have never heard this work, you owe yourself this experience. If you know this work, this is a beautiful recording. I've been listening to it since its first release and have yet to tire of it.

kiri te kanawa is angelic
the best recording of faure's requiem i'vehad the pleasure of hearing.many pieces i played during my wedding ceremony. the additional pieces are are stunning as well. Faure is a brilliant and unsung genius. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral    6. Requiem/Requiem Section    7. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    8. Secular Choral Music with Orchestra   

Editorial Review

In the CD's liner notes, novelist Ethan Canin's analysis of Holst's Read more

Reviews (47)

Hey! Move the microphone closer to the band!
This recording is extremely quiet, requiring you to put the volume up to 11 to even hear anything quieter than the loudest crescendos on "Venus" or "Mercury." I typically copy CDs to my computer, and this recording required some amplification (I use the Audacity program) to correct the problem for computer playback, and you have to turn the car stereo all the way up to listen to the CD on the road. However, once you turn up your hearing aid, this is an all-around excellent recording ("Mars, Bringer of War" is heavier than the heaviest heavy metal could even imagine being).

One of my favorites
I was directed to this recording of The Planets by a composer friend of mine, who stated at the time that it was generally accepted amongst classical musicians as the best recording available.I have a couple other recordings, including one by Tomita, and I've seen it performed by (I believe) the Denver Symphony, but I have to agree this seems to be the standard to follow.The performance is articulate and flawless and the sound quality of the recording itself is superb.

Holy S.....
Now. For a couple of reasons:
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Orchestral    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Suite for Orchestra   

Reviews (3)

Best of the the popular Copland...
Here's a great introduction to the popular music of Aaron Copland. When "Fanfare for the Common Man" begins, sparks of recognition will fly for most listeners. This song has been everywhere: presidential inaugurations, the olympics, commercials, movies, etc. Some flatten it as hopelessly clich�d, while others find it moving and inspiring. Copland also reprised it in the finale of his Third Symphony. Arguably Copland's most famous piece, "Appalachian Spring" closes the CD. In between, more great Copland: excerpts from 'Rodeo' (apparently the beef lobby has appropriated "Hoe-Down" as one of their themes); a great vocal rendition of "Simple Gifts" and a large chunk of another of Copland's best known works: "Billy the Kid". The only confusing piece is the "Variations on a Shaker Hymn" from Appalachian Spring when the entire Appalachian Spring is already included. Seems slightly redundant.
A Great American Album
This is a great album representing true patriotic American music. Songs like "Hoe-Down" are lively and energetic and give rememberance to what one can imagine as the true American spirit.

Must have this one...
I like all types of music, I wanted this album because I liked the song "RODEO" that is used on the beef commercials.This CD has made me into a Copland fan.It has many great songs.If you want a CD that says "I am an American."This is it.I am sending copies to a friend in Bombay and Tel Aviv.This is who I am put to music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    3. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    4. Ballet    5. Band    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concert/Brass/Marching Band Music    10. Orchestral    11. Orchestral & Symphonic    12. Suite for Orchestra    13. Vocal   

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Vocals   

Reviews (4)

La Mer is one of my all-time favorites
There is nothing quite like Dutoit's handling of some of Debussy's timeless masterpieces. All have enormous strength and have clear sound quality. The piece that gives me the shivers the most is La Mer. It has the perfect oceanic feeling that some other conductors forget about. I can just imagine the stormy sea letting out its dangerous but majestic fury when listening to the third movement. Images for Orchestra and Printemps are also fabulous. Highly recommended for those who are interested in impressionistic music.

Wonderful
Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top-notch form.Dutoit handles these works well, bringing delicacy of phrasing, sweeping crescendos, and awesome sonics.Rarely does can an orchestra sound calm, quiet, even serene AND loud, dramatic, and forceful.La Mer is particularly striking in Dutoit's hands.Decca's crystal clear sound makes this set even more attractive.Highly recommended.

Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok
Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top notch form.However, the reason I gave this CD set only 4 starts is because the recorded sound less much to be desired.The cd sound is very "echo"y, it sounds like the orchestra is playing in a cave, not a concert hall.If that doesn't bother you then go for this set.As for me, I want Debussy with a little clearer of a sound. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    3. Ballet    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Orchestral    9. Orchestral & Symphonic    10. Orchestral Music    11. Suite for Orchestra   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (3)

The best version we'll ever get?
I agree with both reviewers below: this 1977 performance of Andrea Chenier is the best studio version, and given the absence of tenors with Domingo's charisma, it may be the best we can expect for a long time. but this isn't just the familiar Domingo-Milnes show. By a long stretch Scotto is the best Maddalena I've ever heard. Even though she never had the strong chest tones of a true verismo soprano like Tebaldi, Milanov, or Magda Olivero, Scotto had the right attitude--she seems to be tearing her heart out. Milnes is blustery, as usual, but domingo couldn't be better as the ardent Chenier, and Levine's vigorous pacing helps to disguise the weaknesses in the music (although an audience favorite, this opera is disdained by critics, one of whom called it a garbage can filled with verismo cliches).
A bit shallow, yet still thrilling
This recording came near the end of the famous Domingo/Milnes RCA recordings when they made a flurry of operas with Price, Caball� and Scotto. Here they are paired with Scotto, and led by the young James Levine with the National Philharmonic which was much used at that time by RCA and Decca. Best studio version
Here we have Domingo & Milnes at their absolutely best. Scotto also is great, landing somewhere between Tebaldi and Callas. It's heard from the very start, G�rard's "son sessant'anni..." gives the tone to the whole performance - blood red and white hot as it is. Thereafter we're spoilt with at least ten - how often are there such a number in one opera - of melodic, dramatic and not least lovely tunes - here greatly sung by some of the last centurys greatest voices. Although I find Bjorling, Corelli and Bastianini great in their respective parts, this is THE over all best studio performance. Feel perfectly assured with this one - the only one to compete is a obscure live version with Del Monaco & Callas on the record label of Melodram (or 'Verona'). Nore Pavarotti's, nore Carreras' versions comes even close to the impact and theatrical reliability of this recording. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Music    3. Italian Romantic Opera    4. Opera    5. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    6. Opera/Operetta   

Reviews (5)

An Inspirational CD for an Inspirational Movie!
The movie for this CD actually played a large part in my decision tobecome a serious pianist! The CD itself portrays all the pieces used in themovie wonderfully with the top recordings by the most talented artists. TheRachmaninov piano concerto no.3 is extremely exciting to listen to. If youenjoy exciting and romantic classical music, then this is the CD for you!

Awesome CD!
When I first saw the movie "Shine", I knew I had to get thesoundtrack right away.When I got to the store, I was hoping that thesoundtrack will include the complete list of all the songS.Many times, Iget disapointed when I buy soundtracks (espeically classical music) becausethey tend to include only the part that they used in the movie.But when Isaw this CD, I knew this was IT!!!And when I listened to it, it was evenbetter than I expected.I love classical music and a lot of times, I amvery disappointed by the presentation of the music in many CDs.It seemsas if they hired someone who barely understand the piece to play the song. But from the first song you hear, you know this CD isn't that case.Youcan "feel" every song.Every time I listen to this CD, I getemotional.If you love classical music, I guarantee that you will lovethis CD.MUST HAVE!!

notwithstanding
This is a wonderful collection of classical music.Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin pieces are featured with such an artistic interpretation.Notwithstanding the cut made in movement 3, Rafael Orozco's version ofRach3 touches your soul.And this is coming from a Vladimir Horowitz fan,and a pianist! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Pop    6. Concerto    7. Etude for Keyboard    8. Gloria    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    11. Opera    12. Piano Concerto    13. Polonaise for Keyboard    14. Prelude for Keyboard    15. Rhapsody for Keyboard    16. Romantic Symphony    17. Russian Romantic Opera    18. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    19. Soundtracks & Film Scores    20. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

William Grant Still composed a large body of excellent music that deserves the widest possible circulation. He merged his mastery of the jazz vernacular with classical forms learned at Wilberforce and Oberlin. Even while studying later with an iconoclast like Edgar Varese, Still sought to extend the historical focus of the Harlem Renaissance into his compositions, injecting the "Afro-American" symphony especially with folk-inspired touches of impressionism and neo-Romanticism. The work seeks a broad sweep and bears resemblances to Gershwin and Ellington in the mix of pop and swing elements into the symphonic language. The coupling is a fitting one, in part because Ellington struggled for years to create a large-scale work that could indeed be considered rightfully "orchestral" outside his own big band's works. The Suite from the River is an ideal revelation, taking Ellington's sectionally orchestral thinking (where the orchestra was a conglomerate of different sections playing off each other) to levels that reach Still's well-schooled use of the symphony orchestra as a vehicle. Neeme Järvi does a fine job leading the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in rendering these two unlikely but deserving works. Read more

Reviews (9)

Still: Symphony Nº 1
This is a masterpiece of the black folclor in a wonderfull interpretation. When I heard for first time I felt me inside of the soul of the ancient black people. The composer and the interpretation knew in themselves the happiness and the sadness at same time from them

Good, Good, Good
Since these two composers must be considered in the same field as Beethoven and Brahms (it's strange to think of Ellington writing in that setting), I must rate the music itself only 4 stars because these two are not quite Big B (either one) when it comes to knowing the orchestra. I do like this music very much, and I give this performance 5 stars for the DSO's willingness to put it out at all: they have rectified a great dishonor held against both composers. However, while the playing is good, I can imagine more passion in these pieces, and I wonder why Bernstein never touched them, being somewhat of a jazzman himself.
African-American Composers In The Spotlight
Two great African-American composers of the 20th century--William Grant Still (1895-1978) and the legendary "Sir" Duke Ellington (1899-1974)--have one work each spotlighted on this fine Chandos recording.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Symphony    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Miscellaneous    6. Miscellaneous Music    7. Orchestral & Symphonic    8. Symphonic   

Reviews (15)

Excellent Performance
Paganini is very well interpreted by Mr. Accardo, and of course Paganini's music is always extraordinary and unique.
Salvatore Accardo in one of his best achievements ever made!
During the middle seventies, this album was a true revelation. In fact, the entire set of these Violin Concertos simply had not been released. The fortunate combination with Charles Dutoit, The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Salvatore Accardo as soloist, allowed the audiences to appreciate and enjoy these works, with that special character; they are not deep pieces, are in the great tradition of Liszt, fireworks for the instrument.
Exemplary Performances!
Nicolo Paganini is primarily a virtuoso composer who did not compose anything other than for the violin in the early 19th century.He was a true prodigy of the instrument whose ferocious and innovative style of playing frightened many of the credulent folk into thinking he was the devil. With the increasing popularity of the waltz, he along with other romantics such as Beethoven completely revolutionized the concept of violin concertos that were still then mostly in the antiquated Roccoco menuet formulas of Mozart and Haydn.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Orchestral & Symphonic    7. Violin Concerto   

Reviews (4)

Save your money and get the Levine / Preston recording
This is truly the worst recordings I've ever heard of the Saint-Saens 3rd symphony.It sounds like the orchestra and organ parts were recorded during different studio sessions and matched in post processing.The organ part was clearly recorded on a instrument of German influence and is all wrong for this French Romantic era symphony.Also its obvious that the organ part was boosted during post processing because there's no way that the registrations the organist is using in the recording would carry over a full orchestra in real life. A Sleeping Tiger Awakens!
This is a a truly remarkable recording of the Saint-Saens 3rd. It has been described that the organ's first appearance in this symphony, is of a quiet, behind the scenes, gently supportive, cat-napping tiger. Only after the increasingly rousing 2nd half, does the tiger fully awaken with a pounce that lands it directly front and center, and snarling! The tiger now leaps, blazing forth in great prominence, headlong into the finale. Man, that is one THUNDEROUS C major chord that opens the Maestoso-Allegro!You better be holding on to your hat!Really, though, I have heard maybe one other recording that tops this for having every bit just perfect--andthat was Charles Munch in Boston, recorded in 1959.But Dutoit and Hurford should snag all the praise they can get for this sonically resplendent recording. Saint-Saens did some ofhis absolute best orchestral writing in this 3rd (his last) symphony. You will be moved by the quiet, poetic strings and soft, sustained organ pedal notes in the first half. You will be launched, with gooseflesh, right out of your chair during the finale, and you will be in love with this Gallic beauty.

Grandeur
Saint-Saens' Symphony #3, especially the first four movements (op. 78), truly resounds the grandeur of France. The fourth piece, Sym No.3 in c, 'Organ' Op.78: Maestoso-Allegro, was played during London's grandest World's Exposition in 1900, complete with cathedral pipe organ and full grand paino. This was written at a time when Europe had not yet lost its wondrous magic to existentialism and the industrial machine. Its a beautiful composition that holds in it the glory and genius of the Fin de Siecle spirit. This recording on the London label is the best I've yet to hear, and its tenor recalls the age of giants- of Hugo, Napoleon, and Europe's great flowering World's Expostitions. So refreshing to hear in our troubling modern time. Ecoutez soigneusement, pour c'est le grandeur! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Romantic Symphony    7. Symphonic   

Reviews (2)

nightmarish masterpiece
Saint Saens is highly underrated. His moribund, melodious music is just asgrandoise as anything put out by Beethoven, and just as romantic as theworks of Chopin. DANSE MACABRE itself is likely his most fantasticly darksymphony, comparable to such classic haunts as Bach's Toccata & Fuguein D Minor and Berlioz's Dream of a Witches' Sabbath. One can hear themeslater used by such horror film composers as Trevor Jones and Danny Elfman,as well. This album is more then worth the money, and will satisfy loversof both classical music and Halloween mayhem.

the danse macabre is one of my favorite classical pieces
i never liked classical music until i heard the danse macabre by camille saint-seans,it gave me a feeling i had never felt before. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Orchestral    7. Romantic Orchestral Music    8. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    9. Violin Concerto    10. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (2)

The best of latin music through Domingo's voice
This CD goes wherever I go, it is with no doubt, the queen of my collection. Medleys are wonderfully orchestrated and arranged and every song makes you travel anywhere between Mexico and Buenos Aires. Here,Domingo's voice is more like a musical instrument than anything else andeach song you'll discover a new instrument. Honestly, I would personallyaward it six stars.

Classic Latin American tunes beautifully sung and produced,
Domingo's love for traditional Latin American music shines throughout this CD. A selection of great "standards", beautifully arranged and recorded by one of the world's great voices. "De Mexico a BuenosAires," written by Domingo's son is the one original song on therecording and is one of many highlights here.I have listenned to this CDcountless times over the past two years and it remains a delight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Choral    4. Choral Music    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Latin    8. Latin Pop    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Opera    12. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    13. Spanish Folk    14. Vocal   

Editorial Review

David Daniels seems to be the current leader of the opera world's March of the Falsettos--and with good reason: he's one of the first countertenors with enough beef in his voice to sound convincing in the heroic castrato roles of Handel's operas. His first solo disc is a collection of arias from just those roles--and an impressive debut it is. Daniels has the solid coloratura technique a Handel singer needs and a quick, narrow vibrato that can blend with Baroque instruments without alienating traditional opera buffs. (In fact, he sometimes sounds surprisingly like Marilyn Horne, one of his coaches.) Best of all, he has a musicality and dramatic sense that save the laments and slow serenades from dullness and the bravura showpieces from empty virtuoso display. The performances aren't flawless: Norrington's tempos are occasionally too quick for comfort (Daniels's and the listener's), and Daniels's vibrato sometimes spreads unattractively at the top of his range. He's at his best in the low alto roles that Handel wrote for the great castrato Il Senesino, such as the title roles in Read more

Reviews (29)

About time I said how good this recording is!
I've had this CD for a few years now and it is one that I often play. David Daniels is a great singer and his interpretations of Handel's arias are sublime. He is one of the best countertenors currently working in the world and he has few peers - Andreas Scholl, Bian Asawa, Derek Lee Ragin, Daniel Taylor, Robin Blaze, Lawrence Zazzo, Philippe Jaroussky, Gérard Lesne, Bejun Mehta and, of course, James Bowman are his only serious rivals.
a voice teacher and early music fan
The selections on this disc were chosen by Daniels, whose plan seems to be to provide a view of Handel at the most significant stages in his London career as an opera composer. Thus this line-up allows us the ability to observe how Handel is able to transcend stereotype characters in his operas.In fact, he uses a total humanistic approach displaying the entire spectrum of their emotions in arias of great variety. And, of course, one has to admire Daniel's awareness of these facts.It is indeed a very fine disc, not only because of the line-up but also because all arias are sung extremely well by him.I found myself focusing on his selection from "Serse": "Ombra mai fu".He sings this so much more emotionally and endows it with his own unique style.It's so well-done!!! My other favorite is from "Rinald