Editorial Review

The year 2005 was big for Italian composer Dario Marianelli. His score for Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (63)

An Excellent Match!
In short, this is my new favorite CD to listen to while painting, driving, writing and working on any thing at all. I am writing my next novel as I listen to this work. The music puts me in a good mood to be sure. I oft cannot help but recall scenes from the movie while I listen to this soundtrack and so I can relive the movie even when I am too busy to get a warm cup of something wonderful and put my feet up to watch it for a couple of hours. I adored the movie, even though it differed from my expectations: better in some ways, a little lacking in others (though it gets better and better with every viewing) and it has not replaced but only added to my other 5 hour BBC P&P movie miniseries. More Jane Austen is always good. The only thing lacking in this soundtrack are one or two missing songs that I loved from the movie. But then again, and after all, I cannot truly complain, for there is so much ear candy in this modern work of classic genius. This is truly a must have.
Love the soundtrack, disliked the movie
I very much enjoy the music to this movie. My favorite track is "The Secret Life of Daydreams." This music is peaceful and resting. I did not like the movie except for the gorgeous scenery and a very few moments of good acting. However, knowing the orignial story I can imagine it to the music or even just enjoy it for what it is, great music. I highly recommend this cd. My personal recommendation is that if you have the software to take out the beautiful scenery in the movie, then make your own movie set to the soundtrack backround. This way you can enjoy only what you want of the movie, accompanied by this wonderful music.

Great story with great music.
We loved the movie and the music matches beautifully -- very agreeable indeed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Magic was created one starlit night in July 1990, when Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo andJosé Carreras met onstage at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and became Read more

Reviews (20)

A knockout performance
Like so many of the reviewers here I am not an opera aficionado. But I sensed immediately the night I saw this concert on television that this was one of those 'remarkable' artistic events. Domingo and Pavarotti both have such strength and beauty in their voices that they overwhelm. Carreras adds flavor and enthusiasm.
The night that started it all!
You can read the technical information about the contents of this CD above. That is not what this review is about. I became intrested in opera about 1 1/2 years ago because of happening upon Mario Lanza. Since then, I have experienced many great truly operatic voices, including the "King," Pavarotti.
Great singing from the three tenors
This cd is a must-have for anyone interested in opera - or beautiful singing. And when you're at it - why don't buy the dvd from the concert? It will make you appreciate the cd even more.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Art Song (General)    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. French Romantic Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    9. Opera    10. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    11. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    12. Spanish/Latin American/Italian Operetta (Zarzuela)    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Hundreds of compilation recordings have been thrust on the market in recent years on the theory that classical music makes a nice, non-threatening accompaniment to everything from working out to making love. And here we have one compilation promising to make your baby smarter. It's offensive enough that the music featured on these compilations is spliced up so that the most you hear of any work is a single movement; what's really annoying is the poor quality of so many of the featured performances. So it is some consolation that the artists here include such 20th-century legends as the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell and the Budapest String Quartet with Mieczyslaw Horszowski. Of course if these folks were alive, one can imagine their violent objection to this presentation of their work. Read more

Reviews (17)

Build Baby's Brain through ClassicsVol 1
I am a true fan of Classical music and this was purchased as a gift for a co-worker who is adopting a child from China.Therefore I did not open it nor listen to it.The recipient is now overseas picking up their daughter so I know they haven't had the opportunity to listen to it. I think it's a great idea, though, and purchased a used set for my Grandson.

Wonderful stimulating music for baby
I am sorry for the previous review who said that intelligence is hereditary. If that is true, all mankind would have been doomed from the start.
The greatest CD!!
I received this CD free when I had my first baby and it instantly became my fav cd of all time. I have it on my computer and I had another copy made because I just can not imagine not having it.
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Childrens    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    9. Classical Music    10. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    11. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    12. Concerto    13. Educational    14. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    15. Keyboard    16. Opera    17. Oratorio    18. Orchestral    19. Piano Concerto    20. Quartet for Keyboard and Three String Instruments   

Editorial Review

It's not opera; it's not a pop concert; it's not Broadway. It's all of theseand none of them. Once you accept the fact that this sequel to the originalblockbuster concert recording is less about music and more about entertainmentand the power of musical personalities, you can appreciate what you're hearingas an event--phenomenal and bizarre, momentous and frivolous. This is anoccasion to celebrate the voices and egos of three huge superstars, and to havefun listening as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras interact,bouncing lines off each other and playing to the overwhelmingly enthusiasticaudience. Much of the fun and flavor of the concert is dependent on seeing theaction, though, and without the visuals you notice flaws in the singing muchmore. Domingo comes off as the more solid performer, and his voice is in farbetter shape than the other two. But if you crave big, high, and loud--and youdon't take your opera too seriously--you'll love this disc. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (10)

Un gran concierto
Yo tenia el Cd de este concierto, pero sin duda el DVD presenta la realidad, lo sublime de este evento, porque ademas de ver las interpretaciones, trae varios puntos y canciones extras.Carreras creo que esta bien, saca la tarea. Placido Domingo en Amor vida de mi vida, logra llevar el concierto a su punto mas alto en ese momento, punto superado unicamente por Pavarotti en Nessum Dorma. Pavarotti como siempre sublime como dije en Nessum Dorma, Ave maria y en los popurris.La calidad del DVD es genial, con full screen y sonido digital. Otro punto buenisimo es la aparicion de Frank Sinatra en la cancion My way y de otras luminarias del cine y la pol�tica.Espero que este comentario sirva de ayuda para aquellos que quieran este DVD.
Give em a 3.5
The Three Tenors has/have become a cottage industry, churning out one CD after another for every imaginable event and in every combination.This does not mean that the results are necessarily inferior but it does imply a commercial, layman's approach.And maybe this is better - spreading the joys of fine music to the masses.After all, where besides figure skating and cartoons do most people have a chance to even hear opera? The Most Enjoyable Evening IN !!!!!!!!!!!
I am not a regular Opera fan, hoever these THREE are the Best. their songs they sing together are SUPER!!!And the range of NOTES REACHED ARE REMARKABLE. tHE MIXTURE of songs is a treat for all, even if you are not an OPERA FAN!!!! Great show!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Christmas    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Crossover    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Vocals    8. French Romantic Opera    9. Italian Romantic Opera    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Music Theater    13. Musical Theater    14. Opera    15. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Spanish/Latin American/Italian Operetta (Zarzuela)    18. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Everything about Bryn Terfel is over-life-size: his physique, his personality, his breath-control, and of course his extraordinarily beautiful voice. This recording displays his stunning vocalism and versatility to full advantage, but its title belies its content. Alhough it does include some simple pieces, the execution is fussy, overdone, and calculated for maximum external effect. The program ranges from Mozart, Pergolesi and pseudo-Bach to Sondheim in arrangements that are pure Hollywood, complete with throbbing strings and rolling drums, often destroying the spirit as well as the letter of the original compositions. It begins with Mozart's heavenly "Ave verum" arranged for baritone solo and chorus, frustratingly cut off after a few phrases (another setting of the same text by Karl Jenkins, written for Terfel, is more satisfying, being complete and original). The splendid baritone Simon Keenlyside joins him here as well as in the opening number of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater;" originally for soprano and alto, this must be the baritones' revenge on female singers who usurp songs written for men, like Schubert's and Schumann's cycles. Franck's "Panis angelicus" also inexplicably becomes a duet; unfortunately, Terfel's and tenor Aled Jones' voices do not match. Bach-Gounod's popular "Ave Maria" is all swells and exaggerations. The rest of the program consists of folksongs, hymns, show and film tunes, inflated to operatic proportions and generally ending in a fade-out or a flourish. Even the title song is anything but simple. This record is not for purists who like their music performed the way the composer wrote it, but aficionados of great singing will love it. Read more

Reviews (6)

Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts
Simply superb.I don't know what our local (Wash DC) paper was talking about when they said Deep River was the weakest link.I was enthralled from beginning to end.I have had the pleasure of hearing Bryn Terfel live in recital at the Kennedy Center.I can assure you that his voice has only improved with age.He was wonderful then and is spectacular now!

A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era
Bryn Terfel harkens back to earlier American operatic stars such as Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill who crossed grenres to satisfy their unquenchable need to sing any and all songs that moved them to an appreciative public. These great singers all had their origins singing sacred music from their respective religions and learned to lay their considerable talents before the altar of the simple inspirational song.
So close to Heaven!
This album is a ticket to Heaven.The sheer beauty of the music and voice full with affirmation and faith, makes one bow humbly to the almighty.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Vocals    6. Film    7. Film Music    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Motet    12. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    13. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    14. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Some Quartets, like the Busch, Italiano, and Talich, have come close to the inner core of these supreme masterpieces. The Takács Quartet now joins those select few. From the opening chords of the Op. 127--firmly stated, perfectly blended, just gruff enough while still sounding beautiful--you know you're in safe hands during this journey into the deepest, most timeless works in the repertory. Slow movements are always a major test here, and if the Takács doesn't surpass some of the above-mentioned groups, they are superior to their present-day peers in conveying Beethoven's deepest thinking while also attending to surface beauties. The Takács surpass the Emersons and Alban Berg Quartet(admirable as those performances are)in their interpretive insights and ensemble sound. But these masterpieces are so rich and dense that admirers need more than one version. The Takács are masters of Beethoven's quick-changing contrasts, making them sound logical, even inevitable. While their playing is full of drive and forward motion, it’s never excessively energetic or overly lean. Of course, the Grosse Fugue is included, along with Beethoven's substitute finale Opus 130 and the Opus 95 Quartet, making for three well-filled discs recorded in excellent sound. Read more

Reviews (13)

Takacs Complete Beethoven Quartets (part 3)
This is the 3rd part of my full review of the Takacs Beethoven string quartets. Part 1 is for the Opus18 Quartets and Part 2 for the middle quartets.
Defective Decca set of Takacs Late Quartets
I purchased this set yesterday, and it has the same defect noted by others: Disc 3 is correctly labeled but is an exact copy of the music on Disc 1.Obviously Decca has a quality control problem and seems to lack the integrity to do a recall.

Am I missing something here?
This quartet or was it these recordings or maybe both, didn't do a thing for me. It's a major surprise considering how much praise these are getting. Another thing, the sound quality wasn't great. Too much reverb. That's been done before with the Medici Quartet on Nimbus, and with better results. I might not be a "musical" expert, but I'd take the Medici Quartet versions over this stuff any day. Well maybe not the Op. 130/133 disc.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Quartet for Four String Instruments   

Reviews (16)

"A great lower baritone voice.......incredible songs,"
Bryn Terfel has one of the most amazing voices. To top it all he has this real passion when he sings. This is a must have for ANY music fan...
ENGLISH ART SONGS...

Genius and the recording itself is quite sound
I think perhaps a reviewer here who has complained about the recording of this album has perhaps only listened to the Amazon snips, which do sound - for some reason - as though they were recorded in a cave.The album itself was well-recorded and the balance between piano and voice is very good.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Vocals    6. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    7. Song Collection for Solo Voice and Piano    8. Song Cycle for Solo Voice and Piano    9. Song Cycle for Solo Voice with Piano or Orchestra    10. Vocal    11. World Music   

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

Reviews (15)

Absolute Beauty
I've loved Kiri's voice ever since I first heard her sing. She has such amazing control over that gorgeous instrument of hers. This truly is the best of Kiri Te Kanawa, although pretty much everything she lends her voice to is perfect. The highlights of this album for me are: Dove sono...this is the most perfect and complete rendition of this lovely aria that I have ever heard. Period. Ave Maria...sheer elegance. And her crowning High B in this song is breathtaking. Ecco: respiro appena. Io son l'umile ancella...absolutely stunning. Just the opening word "Ecco" alone is stunning. The rest of the aria is no less perfect. Chi il bel sogno di Doretta. This may be my favorite on the CD. I never really cared for this aria till I heard Kiri sing it. Beautiful beyond words. Especially her ethereal High C. This album is worth buying just for those songs alone. So basically, if you want to hear divine singing, buy this album.

Beautiful voice, great collection
I think Kiri has a beuatiful voice, she is never overtly dramatic, but the people who call her the "church soprano" should hear this album. She can sing sacred music better than many other opera stars, but she is so great as Countess in Mozart's Figaro. This is a great collection of many different pieces, from operas, sacred works, musicals, all sung with lots of feeling. Let The Bright Seraphim is the aria she sang at the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, it is such a splendid performance. My favourite piece on this album is probably Mozart's Laudate Dominum, but there are no disappointing songs here. Her voice is so warm, and she really gets involved with the text. If you are a big fan of Kiri, you should get this collection, it is such a nice selection of her greatest hits, and it is a very good introduction for new fans.

Magnificent
I admit straightout to know nothing of opera - the cd is my first of its kind. Knowledge, however, is not required to enjoy this cd, only the ability to listen and feel.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Vocals    7. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    8. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    9. Italian Romantic Opera    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    13. Music Theater    14. Musical Theater    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Requiem/Requiem Section    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Romantic Opera    20. Sacred Choral Music   

Reviews (4)

An exceptional recording
There are three piano quintets recognized as masterpieces of the form: Brahms' Op. 34, Schumann's Op. 44 and Dvorak's Op. 81 here. Dvorak composed this work as part of his devotion to the Bohemian folk idiom and, along with the "Dumky" Trio and E-flat Piano Quartet, epitomize the national Czech music tradition. Similarly, the String Quartet Op. 51 was composed purposely with to showcase Slavic flavors and is rich in beauty and charm.
Impeccable!
This is a masterful performance that is polished and proportionate in every way. The music bursts with life in the hands of these musicians! Having seen the Takacs Quartet in live performance twice within the last 5 years I will say that these guys are definately on top of their "game". This becomes at least partly apparent by way of listening to this recording...one of the finest of these works!

DEEPENINGDVORAK
No mixed feelings at all about this warmly autumnal performance; there is a genuine glow to the Haefliger/Takacs presence, an introspective ambience that separates it from the crowd. There is sweetness, too, and an affecting lyricism, particularly appealing in the tender treatment of the often-hectic opening movement, but even more so in the heartfelt second. Unlike any other recording I've heard, the Slavic melancholy imbued in this work is unashamedly brought to the fore by this ensemble, and I applaud them for their insight. Even the sparkling third movement earns kudos with its magical trio section (so beautiful!); and, too, the finale is brought off with just the right amount of panache and grace, sans the usual barnstorming.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Quartet for Four String Instruments    7. Quintet for Keyboard and Four String Instruments   

Reviews (1)

The Tallis Scholars do their namesake proud
In the last couple of years, the Tallis Scholars have been compiling their sizeable recording output into attractive two-disc editions.Here, they've collected a large number of their interpretations of their namesake, Thomas Tallis.Tallis (c. 1505-1585) is, of course, one of the giants of Renaissance music, and he was certainly the greatest English composer of liturgical music between John Dunstable and William Byrd.I personally consider him the second-greatest Renaissance composer after Palestrina, but I'm not dogmatic about it.I love the music of Josquin, Victoria, and Byrd almost as much.Let's just say that, if you're interested in immersing yourself in the work of a single Renaissance composer, you can't do much better than Tallis.
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Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Early Music / Chant    6. Magnificat    7. Psalm Setting    8. Renaissance Motet   

Editorial Review

Bryn Terfel has it all. His rich, deep baritone voice is capable of navigating the rapids and doing the vocal leaps and cartwheels that Handel routinely demands of his singers, even the ones with big, deep voices that usually move more slowly. He is Welsh, and in his mastery of words--clarity of projection and precise emotional expression--he calls to mind another great Welsh performer, Richard Burton. This recital, accompanied by Sir Charles Mackerras with skill and sensitivity, runs the whole gamut of Handel's vocal styles, from military bluster (powerfully present in the first aria, "Arm, arm, ye brave") to humble piety (in the second selection, "Vouchsafe, O Lord"). There is erotic awe in "Where'er you walk," comic grotesquerie in "O ruddier than the cherry," and pure splendor in "The trumpet shall sound." A marvelous recital. Read more

Reviews (8)

Great fun and a tour de force for Bryn Terfel
Bryn Terfel's flexible, powerful, and velvety (give me a better adjective for this) voice is well suited to navigating the variety of bombastic and melodramatic arias characterizing Handel's various offerings.These are well punctuated by more tender passages which the composer was equally adept at producing.All in all a most satisfying recording that I seem never to tire of hearing.

Outstanding variety of Baritone Repertoire
Bryn Terfel offers an engaging sound, and a very historically accurate performance of the works, other than the arias that were originally written for counter tenors.For all Baritones and Basses, and those studying and teaching the repertoire, this is a must have CD, as it employs an outstanding combination of the finest arias and the most often performed.

"I rage, I rage, I melt, I burn!"
This CD showcases popular Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel raging, melting, and burning his way through a wonderful variety of Handel arias (although I would have left out the 'Messiah' selections and gone for a few of Handel's 2,000 or so less-recorded songs).Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Italian Baroque Opera    6. Opera    7. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    8. Oratorio    9. Te Deum   

Editorial Review

Bryn Terfel is themost recent in a long line of great Welsh singers (and certainly one of thegreatest)--a people who proverbially are "born with music in the blood and poetryin the soul." Here, he sings the songs of his native Wales: hymns, folksongs,art songs, tender lullabies, yearning songs of love and homesickness, andheroic, defiant patriotic songs--including the Welsh National Anthem, whichopens and closes the program. Terfel's voice, flowing out effortlessly like agolden stream, is phenomenal for its incomparable beauty, its range of dynamics,its inflection, and its intensity; his expressiveness is simpler and morenatural than usual, and seems really to come straight from his soul. In honor ofanother great Welsh tradition, two splendid male choirs accompany him; in thefine orchestra, the English horn and harp soloists are particularly striking.The only false note on this heartwarming disc is the lush, garish orchestration,which runs counter to the ingenuous spirit of the songs and often almostresembles a soundtrack. The prime example is the lovely lullaby that's popularin English as "All Through the Night." Terfel sings it with wonderfulsimplicity; the orchestration is out of a grade-B movie. No wonder, therefore,that the more magical moments are those in which Terfel sings alone with acappella chorus, harps, or piano; especially in the quiet, inward songs. Theaccompanying booklet is done beautifully, with stunning photographs of the Welshcountryside, a brief account of Welsh history and music, and texts in both Welshand English. Read more

Reviews (8)

Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD
Bryn Terfel picked songs that meant a lot to him growing up in Wales, and also which represent the Welsh spirit.I really enjoy listening to this CD, and know you will, too!Simply beautiful and stirring melodies, sound food for both ear and soul.

Nostalgia for Wales
Bryn Terfel, with his magnificent baritone, sings a wonderful selection of songs that makes me wish that I was Welsh.My husband was born in Wales and this is a wonderful way for our children to know more of their heritage by listening to the Welsh language as it is sung and following the words in Welsh, then reading the translation.This CD is definitely a favorite.

A beautiful album...
Do you like the bass-baritone voice? Do you like Welsh songs? Then stop right here and buy this CD. Terfel is by turns rousing, then tender and mellow, with a large warm voice and the right coloration for each song. By the way, if you like Men of Harlech, this is an excellent version. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Crossover    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Vocals    8. Folk Song    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Opera    12. Show Tunes    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music   

Reviews (13)

Look out world
Maestro Terfel throws down the vocal gauntlet in this tour de force offering of selected opera arias and dares any male singer, future or current, to pick it up. From the elegance and humor of Mozart, to the giddy delights of Rossini, and the vocal power of Verdi, Bryn Terfel diplays clearly why he is the preeeminent bass-baritone of our age. Short of some misguided forays into American Musical Theater, there seems to be nothing that this proetean singer cannot do. James Levine leads the bravura Met Orchestra with equal parts style and substance. A must have for a fan of great singing and artful music making.

What fun!
This is definitely the best recording of the selections chosen from "le Nozze de Figaro" I have ever heard.Terfel has a wonderful sense of musical humour, and is able to make his voice do seemingly, whatever he likes. In fact I think one could liken his voice to a big red bouncy ball, it's so round and fun to play with, you can tell that he himself has fun using it. However this is the only one of his albums I have really fallen in love with, in spite of listening to quite a few.Some of the same pieces are on his other cds, but not as well-sung as in this one.

I LOVE YOU, BRYN!
Terfel is amazing.The voice is warm, wide and sensous, and the acting is top-notch.This recital is the best recording I have heard of him outside full operas, where he is (of course) at his best.Every peice on it is a gem, but especially the first five Mozart arias.You will never hear a better Catologue Aria.I make it a point to listen to his at least once a week.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Music    4. French Romantic Opera    5. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    6. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Opera    10. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    11. Russian Romantic Opera   

Editorial Review

Having toured the world with its Beethoven Quartets cycle as the old millennium entered the new, the Takács Quartet now commits some of them to disc. This two-CD set from Decca includes the three Razumovsky quartets, Op. 59, of 1806, and the Harp Quartet, Op. 74, sometimes known as the Lobkowitz after its dedicatee, composed in 1809. Although the latter's presto yields the fastest version of the fate motif Beethoven ever wrote, it is possible to go too quickly, as the Takács does here, making triplets of the first notes, which are not written as such. The speed of the dazzling finale of the Razumovsky No. 3 is impressive, but just fails to grip as firmly as a slightly slower, more controlled performance might. Read more

Reviews (8)

The most exciting
A lot of more or less perfect performances of the middle quartets are avaiable, but this is the most exciting. There is a price to pay for excitement, that is a lesser feeling of balance, of perfect architecture. For my part I happily pay that price, because to me, the middle Beethoven was very much about excitement. The master would certainly enjoy the playing of the Takacs. If this is your first set of Beethoven's middle quartets, you will hardly accept other; this is so exceptional.

Takacs Full Beethoven St. Quartets Review (part 2)
This is the 2nd part of my full review of the Takacs string quartets.Part 1 is for the Opus18 Quartets and Part 3 for the Late Quartets.
The Best so Far.
This set is amazing. I have had the pleasure of hearing the Berg, Lindsay, Emerson, and Julliard string quartets interpret the opus 59s, and I must say that the Takacs outdoes them all. Before this recording was introduced to me, I had a deep affection for the Emerson and Julliard's recordings. That has most certainly changed now. The Takacs fulfilled all my preconceived notions about what these pieces require, and introduced me to much much more. The finale of the op. 59 no.3 is astounding (a term I would never use to describe the previous quartets' interpretations), and, in my opinion shatters the attempts of the Emerson's rendition - I'm not sure where Mr. Jones finds so much room to complain about the finale of the no. 3 - nevertheless he is wrong. The op. 59s as recorded here is a landmark recording and I promise it will be referred to as an essential interpretation for years to come. As for the "harp" quartet, I could talk forever about the amazing beauty which is reveled in this recording....but I'll spare you. All I will say is that it too is fantastically beautiful and should not be missed. Whether you are a native collector of Beethoven quartets or one just looking for the "right" first set, the Takacs will not disappoint - Strongly Recommended.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music   

Reviews (14)

Great collection of sacred music
What a great collection, many real sacred classics, all delivered in very heartfelt, but simple way, and Kiri's voice is just so beautiful. And I like the fact that there are many different moods, there are some songs which are very soothing, slow pieces but also different ones, and the the final songs are Let The Bright Seraphim which is so uplifting and bright and Let Their Celestial Concerts. They are both from Samson, it's refreshing to hear these tracks instead of the usual pieces from Messiah.
An Inspiring and Heartening Compilation
Kiri Te Kanawa voice never fails to inspire me and uplift my spirit. Her rendition of "Ave Maria" is just so beautiful and moving that its effect on the listener can not be expressed in mere words. Kiri's voice and intuitive nature of delivering the inner strength and emotion of each selection on this CD is just inspiring.

making a joyous sound
Dame Kiri's voice shines in these beautiful sacred pieces, and