Editorial Review

Manuel Barrueco is one of the best guitarists I've ever heard. Listen tohis own arrangement of Albeniz's Read more

Reviews (10)

Bachand others on the Guitar
A wonderful combination between the Great Bach and a master of Guitar

heavenly music
I love this cd. The minute you put this music on you are transported to another world. It is very soothing and relaxing to listen to. Anyone who likes classical guitar should own this cd.

WOW!
WOW! This CD is outstanding! Far better then what I expected!! Listening to this Master at work in the car cures road rage!! I highly recomended it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    9. Duo for Two String Instruments    10. Guitar Solo    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Music    13. Lute Solo    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

Yo-Yo Ma might seem like an unlikely protagonist for thetango, but this intrepid musical explorer has taken his task seriously,collaborating with experienced tango musicians. Ma even participates in aposthumous collaboration with one 1987 Piazzolla recording. Furthermore, whilehe's obviously the headliner here, he doesn't dominate the arrangements nearlyas much as he does the billing and photography of the disc. While the resultisn't your essential Piazzolla album (that would have to include more of thecomposer's own playing), it's an atmospheric and convincing collection, perhapsa good introduction for those who don't know the music. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (22)

A Classy CD
Great intro to tango, great to relax and read to.

Great Music BUT - Stupid Sony CD
I love this music - plays great on my CD player, but when I tried to play it on my computer at work, I wouldn't work.Sony wanted me to install something that didn't work on my machine (my computer is farely new), so I ended up having a friend copy the music over to a new CD without all that SONY stuff they use to stop pirating probably.Now I can listen at work and it is wonderful.BUT BEWARE ON BUYING CDs like this!

Very good but not what I heard live in Cerritos
When I first heard Yo-Yo Ma live in Cerritos several years ago, his closing piece was from the yet released Soul of the Tango.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello with Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Music    9. Duo for Two String Instruments    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music   

Editorial Review

This enchanting, flavorful CD finds the ever curious Yo-Yo Ma traveling to South America, and Brazil in particular. The music varies from classical to samba to bossa nova; the combinations range from guitar, flute, and cello to female voice (the remarkable Rosa Passos), cello, guitar, percussion, piano, and bass; to simple cello and piano; to cello and two guitars. The overriding element is rhythm; each selection has a beat which is both infectious and sensual, but the contexts are splendidly varied. "Dansa brasileira" has a Debussy-like, impressionistic flavor, "Dansa negra" is sultry with an easy melody, "1 x 0" is a dance scored for guitar, percussion, and cello with a solo clarinet riff. It's impossible to get bored or tired listening to this creative CD; it's unique--just like Yo-Yo Ma himself--and endlessly surprising. It may not be quite what we'd call "classical" music, but it is many kinds of music, and they all will delight. The other musicians are as impressive on their instruments as Ma is with his cello, and that's saying a great deal. Read more

Reviews (30)

Obrigado Brazil
The tempos and sensuality of Brazilian music meshed with the artistry and joyous soul of Yo Yo Ma: a recipe for pleasure.I first listened to this on my car CD player and found myself wanting to pull over and get out and dance.The depth of Ma's cello adds just the right counterpoint to the rhythms and buoyancy of the samba and bossa nova. Enjoy!

Takes My Breath Away
This Disc is merely further proof of what the world already knows. Yo Yo Ma was in fact born to play the Cello, it is simply fantastic. It is a must own for me, It feels the air around you with such wonderful tones. Although some classical snobs might complain that this is nothing more than a pseudo Classical album, who cares. They should find the nearest emergency room and have someone remove the poles from thier *sses. No apologizes are needed hear, this disc is all that it needs to be, which is absolutely magnificient.......
Obrigado Brazil
The CD was received however, it can't be played because something
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Brazilian    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Music    9. Duo for Two String Instruments    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Music    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Orchestral    15. Unknown Genre/Unspecified Instrumentation    16. Vocal    17. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

The idea here was to put two masters together--one classical cellist,one improvisational singer/sound-effects performer--and voilà! instant amazing,unique, hip--and, hopefully, hit--record. The intriguing setup was to see whatwould happen when each led the other through the unfamiliar territory of his ownspecialty. The success of this recording lies not so much in the music or even inthe overall performances, but in the fascinating and fun opportunity to sit in onthe musicians' good-natured, respectful give-and-take, to witness an uncommonform of artistic chemistry that allows each performer to expand his vision andeven his technique. On one hand we get Bobby McFerrin's impressionistic,improvisatory jazz/pop; on the other we enjoy Yo-Yo Ma's highly refined,formalized musicianship. Originally planned as a disc for children, Read more

Reviews (24)

Yo-Yo keeps on experimental
One of the best parts of a genius is to try out of his layers. In this case Yo-Yo tried to go out from the classic, and with a very good singer, in a easy say, as Bobby. They make a very special music between classic and jazz, with some elements of pop.
This is no "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
Have never been a big Bobby McFerrin fan, probably due to that god-awful, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."But I am a classical music junkie and one day listening to our local classical station I heard a selection that I thought was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard.What a shock when I learned that it was McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma doing Vivaldi's Andante!
Excellent CD!
While I admit to being a newbie in my connoisseurship of the classical music genre, not only do I think that this disc is a good collection of some of the best classical music ever written, it is actually FUN sometimes, with silly bits thrown in by Bobby and Yo-Yo Ma every now and then! These guys make great music and have a great time making it.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Chamber    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Concerto for Two String Instruments    10. Duo for Two String Instruments    11. Jazz    12. Keyboard    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    15. Musette for Keyboard    16. Opera    17. Orchestral    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Russian Romantic Opera    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Bela Fleck is one of the greatest five-string banjo players performing today. Beginning in the 1970s, he honed his lightning-fast chops performing bluegrass, then moved on to contemporary jazz and fusion sounds. With this album, he broadens his horizons once again by performing an entire program of classical music transcriptions. Reminiscent of classical guitar albums by John Williams (who makes a guest appearance here), the disc traverses a wide range of repertoire--from Chopin mazurkas to Bach's Two and Three Part Inventions. Throughout, Fleck displays a feathery touch on his banjo, and his instrument offers a pleasant, brassy tone with very little twang. The technique he displays on Read more

Reviews (42)

Another Bela Fleck Masterpiece!
Who knew there could be classical banjo. It may sound dumb to some of you, but Bela Fleck pulls it off perfectly.I prefer the jazz fusion of his work with the Flecktones, but that does not mean this is not brilliant.Technically speaking, Bela and all of his collaborators are the best around, and who can argue with the songwriting of the classical composers(no one openly insults Mozart).If you haven't heard Bela Fleck, here's some advice.Get one of his Flecktones albums if you're into jazz, rock, or funk, this if you like classical, and his Newgrass Revival, Strength in Numbers, or Sam Bush stuff if you're a bluegrass fan.

Definitely a Winner
It is apparent to my ears why this CD won a Grammy. It takes familiar classical music pieces and puts the distinct Bela Fleck style on them. The pairing of the banjo with different instruments makes this album texturally interesting for the ear and one does not tire of the selections, even if they are familiar. My favorite pairing is the marimba with the banjo. The liner notes are interesting, as is Bela's story on how difficult it was to make the album. It was definitely worth his time and the listener's .

Soul Food
This is exquisite! The best of human experience encoded on a simple CD disk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Bluegrass    3. Cello Solo    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Period Variations for Keyboard    10. Duo for Two String Instruments    11. Etude for Keyboard    12. Invention for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Mazurka for Keyboard    15. Progressive Bluegrass    16. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    17. Sinfonia for Keyboard    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    19. Violin Solo    20. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (4)

Selection of Songs?
Perlman is a man of extraordinary clarity and tonality also one of my favorite violinists. After I finish practicing a piece I usually find a recording to listen to different interpretations. Most of them are by Perlman and Heifetz. Unfortunately this album has some obscure songs and the songs itself do not do justice to Perlman what some other songs may have done. Still it is important to broaden the scope, so I would recommend this to all music connoisseurs :). btw i'm only 16 so...don't take this review too literal huh?

If you are a violin lover, buy it
It's beautiful.Simply put.

This is "THE" Greatest Hits alum by Perlman
Perlam is already a great player like the whole world knows.But the music selection couldn't better!I espacily like the piano accomplimant.Perlman pays the pieces with true style.The working realtionship betweenPerlman and the Pianist is truly incredible.Before geting any of Perlman's other greatest hits albums, get this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Duo for Two String Instruments    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Nocturne for Keyboard    14. Oboe Solo/Sonata    15. Orchestral    16. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    17. Scherzo for Orchestra    18. Song Without Words for Keyboard    19. Violin Concerto    20. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (14)

Amazing
I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement!
In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.
Extreme virtuosity
CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Cantata    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Choral    6. Classical    7. Classical Artists    8. Classical Music    9. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    10. Concerto    11. Duo for Two String Instruments    12. Guitar Concerto    13. Guitar Etude    14. Guitar Solo    15. Instrumental Gospel    16. Keyboard    17. Keyboard Music    18. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    19. Lute Solo    20. Miscellaneous   

Reviews (6)

Eclipsed
For me the point here is the K.563, and while I have loved Grumiaux's playing for decades, and this is a nice older [1967] recording, it is completely blown away by the recent recording by Yo Yo Ma, Gidon Kremer, and Kim Kashkashian.On the other hand, the latter recording is defective in that the technicians managed to make the violin sound shrill and harsh -- the usual suspects are of course recording engineers who've spent much of their careers blowing out their high-end hearing listening to and working with "rock and roll" recordings, and thus needing to boost the highs in order to hear them; at the same time, it was miked much too closely.At least the Philips recordings were done in an era when the engineers were older folks who had spent their careers listening to and recording music.My choice: the Ma / Kremer / Kashkashian CD, but with my treble control cranked down....

A style made for Mozart
Here is yet another great Mozart Philips recording featuring the elegant playing of Arthur Grumiaux.The String Quintets and Violin Concertos are other ones.When you hear Grumiaux play Mozart like this, you think, "Now, how can one top that?"Such a dignified, galante and poised style as his is perfect for Mozart's music. These two CD's provide a cournacopia of Mozart delights played magnificantly by Arthur Grumiaux and friends: three string duos, the one and only great string trio (K.563) and a rather unique collection of preludes and fugues mostly transcribed from Bach's "Well Tempered Clavier" for violin and viola.Each work also has an interesting story behind it as does most of Mozart's music.
A nice pair
Not much to add here: 1st CD: The string trio K. 563 is a peer to Mozart's greatest quartets and quintets. Period! The string duos K. 423 and 424 are simple in sound, but rich in texture; the simplicity of means calls for advanced composing and Mozart doesn't dissappoint. 2nd CD: The trio K. 266 is less interesting, but the six preludes and fugues are really great, fusions of Mozart and Bach. All the playing is excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Duo for Two String Instruments    6. Keyboard    7. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    8. Trio for Three String Instruments   

Reviews (2)

Bravo!
I heard this album for the first time at a restuarant in Florenceduringmy trip to Italy. I was surprised it was from the US beacause it hascaptured the very soul of Italy. After 7 years it has remained my favoriteof all Puccini cds I own. I especially like the fact that it is instumentaland can be played for many occassions. It never fails to stir thewanderlust for a trip back to Italy! A must for every romantic!

Outstanding compilation of the Italian classics,
I have been a music lover for years. This CD introduced some Italian music to me that I was not familiar with.I listen to this music very often...it is almost theraputic in effect. I have never heard more beautiful musictogether on one CD. You won't regret getting this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Concerto for Two String Instruments    9. Duo for Mixed Instruments without Keyboard    10. Duo for Two String Instruments    11. Guitar Concerto    12. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    13. Italian Romantic Opera    14. Opera    15. Polychoral Music For Brass    16. Quintet for Five String Instruments    17. Romantic    18. Violin Concerto    19. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (16)

stylistically wrong
Having studied with an international authority on cornet playing I can con fidently say that Wynton's cornet playing is ok at best.More than anything hes tryying to sell CDs rather than capture the essence of Cornet playing, like most of wyntons playing its alot of flash but no substance.Great if your a trumpet head and you get off on empty virtuostic fluff.

Wynton, Wynton, Wynton.
There are times, when I'm listeing to Wynton, I get depressed like the flash of a 64th note played. His sounds is so pure and wonderful. He rocks. I don't mind realizing that there aren't many other trumpeteers out there like him.
Good, but not the best
Marsalis is an excellent trumpet player, there is no question as to that.He is certainly not the best in the world, however.I prefer a better recording of Carnival of Venice and many other cornet solos by Gerard Schwarz.The spirit of such solos is lost when they are put to ensemble accompaniment, Schwarz interprets them far better in my opinion.Also, his technical mastery is at least equal to that of Wynton's, or was when he made the album.His sound is sweeter and more perfect to my ear.And this is not the only album in which you can hear dazzling technical pieces, either.Sergei Nakariakov, Rafael Mendez, and Allen Vizzutti are the most proficient players with recordings out there.Nakariakov and Mendez both do better readings of the Paganini, playing the entire song double-tonguing and circular breathing.The Mendez Flight of the Bumblebee has a much better sound and fits the piece more, too.The most amazing song I have ever heard is the Carnival of Venus, by Vizzutti.Listen to anything by Wynton and then this song, you will be absolutely amazed.The last variation of the Marsalis is Vizzutti's first, and they get harder from there.Simply put, this is a good recording and the most accessible, but there are better ones out there.I wouldn't buy this to hear cornet solos or amazing technical pieces, but for hearing other interpretations.I prefer Schwarz, Mendez, Vizzutti, and Nakariakov. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Duo for Two String Instruments    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Orchestral    12. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    13. Scherzo for Orchestra    14. Trumpet Sonata    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Concerto    6. Dance-Based Keyboard Music    7. Duo for Two String Instruments    8. Keyboard    9. Viola Concerto    10. Violin Concerto    11. Violin Solo   

Reviews (4)

Musical grandeur
The other reviewers have given this disc it's due superlatives and I would have to concurr, it is sublime. You will not find a more beautiful, rhythmic or enchanting piece of music. As soothing as it is invigorating the guitar work is a marvel. I play this disc constantly and never seem to ge tired of it. You seem to hear new things with each listen, the guitar work is more dazzling each time. Beingsomewhat of a novice when it comes to the works of Piazzola I find that this disc serves as a good reference point for becoming more familiar with his compositions that were infused with his impecable standards of Argentine tango. This is definitely an excellent disc that shows off the talents of the fast and furious fingering of the frets by Sergio and Odair Assad. Recommneded for guitar afficionados who love the sound of theviolinand bandoneonblended to perfection. These are Piazolla masterpieces that lovers of world beatwho like their music flavored with a spicy tango beat will enjoyyear after year.

Overview of even deeper understanding of Piazzolla's music
A few of the tracks found on this CD were originally released on previous efforts of the brothers Sergio and Odair Assad; so this disc is a compilation of sorts. But don't let that stop you. Sublimely Stupendous
Frankly, I didn't know how I would like this CD. The song selection is marvelous, but I own the Assad brothers' Alma Brazileira and find it to be very uneven and was a little afraid I'd find the same here. I did not and was instead very pleasantly surprised.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Duo for Two String Instruments   

Editorial Review

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you.From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Read more

Reviews (22)

Heard this with NEW appreication.........
This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively.

Wynton's the best
I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music.

Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions
For anyone who loves trumpet music as I do, this album is a must.Wynton Marsalis has mastered twenty all-time favorite pieces with such brilliance, that no other trumpeteer comes near by comparison.Opening with J. Clarke's, The King's March, Wynton proceeds to favor listeners with such baroque favorites as Purcell's Entrada from "The Indian Queen," J. Clark's The Prince of Denmark's March and J. Stanley's Trumpet Voluntary.Fantastic selections from Bach, Mozart, and Haydn follow, with the album also including such delightful listening as The Last Rose of Summer, Carnival of Venisee, and Flight of the Bumblebee.You won't be disappointed with this purchase! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Incidental Music for Orchestra and Voices (or Sem    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Concerto Grosso    10. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    11. Duo for Two String Instruments    12. Jazz    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Pop    18. Quartet for Four String Instruments    19. Russian Romantic Opera    20. Symphonic   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (11)

Mozart-A prisoner of his own time.
If you were to clump all of the composers of the classical era together, mix them up, and listen to them willy-nilly in a blind hearing test, you'll never be able to tell the difference between them... until you hear Mozart. Mozart's era was not rich in harmony. To me, Haydn wrote the same symphony over and over. Stamitz and Gossec... love 'em, but they were also prisoners of this classical harmony. But Mozart was able to put his fingerprint on all of his music. You can pick his music out blindly with ease because it is unmistakingly Mozart. That's why we have a mostly Mozart festival and not a mostly Kraus (who?) festival.
Good music and good value
Bought this for my son who is learning to play piano. Lots of good music, not too expensive.

Five and a half hours of joy for not much bucks
This is just about the best money I've ever spent on music. I love Eschenbach's interpretations: tenderness and emotional intimacy in spades---and dazzling effects without self-consciousness or "athletic" display of technique. I would say that he "lets Mozart be Mozart," except that these interpretations have so much personality that Eschenbach's own life-energy must be coming through. I just think that his own personality complements Mozart's perfectly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    8. Duo for Two String Instruments    9. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    10. Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This is a three-CD set that includes all of Villa-Lobos' moody Bachianas Brasileiras. The best known is the fifth, for soprano and eight cellos (well performed here), but there is a wealth hidden among the others. There are dance movements galore; the second builds to a wonderfully percussive and powerful final movement; the eighth, despite an upbeat old folk dance as its centerpiece, has a melancholic warmth that is irresistible. The flute and bassoon duet that makes up No. 6 is rich and expressive, and the solo pianist has his work cut out for him in No. 3. All of them show a use of counterpoint that is truly skillful, and these performances--the only complete, modern set, not to mention at a bargain price--bring out all of the delicacies in the music. A real find.Read more

Reviews (4)

The best introduction to Villa-Lobos available
The Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) was very prolific, composing 12 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 17 string quartets, 14 "Choros," numerous ballets and other orchestral works, and 9 "Bachianas Brasileiras."Although Villa-Lobos' style is firmly nationalistic, his individual works are highly varied, with some pieces being highly structured while others are virtually improvisatory.Likewise, the forces employed by Villa-Lobos vary substantially.For instance, compare the 9 minute Bachianas Brasileiras No. 6 scored for flute and bassoon against the half hour long Bachianas Brasileiras No. 3 for piano and orchestra.However, the scoring of Bachianas is more uniform and the style more traditional in comparison to, say, the Choros, making them a good entry point for those unfamiliar with this composer.
A Wonderful New Recording of the Great Cycle
How wonderful it is to have a fresh, new, all-digital interpretation of the great 9-piece cycle of the Bachianas Brasilieras of Villa-Lobos. We so often hear just the highlights -- the 5th, with soporano and eight cellos, and the "Little Train" of the second -- but here is a thoughtful performance of all these unusual and creative compositions combining the discipline and chromatic transitions of Bach with the untempered wildness and melodic exuberance of Brazil.
A Glowing Performance of the Entire Cycle of Bachianas Brasileiras
Heitor Villa-Lobos is probably best known for this cycle of works under the title 'Bachianas Brasileiras' and while certain of these enchanting pieces are standard repertoire ('Toccata - O Trenzinho Do Caipira' and the luxuriously gorgeous'Cantilena' for soprano and eight celli), the remainder of this startlingly finecomposition is rarely heard.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Concerto    6. Duo for Two Woodwind Instruments    7. Keyboard    8. Keyboard Music    9. Octet for Eight String Instruments    10. Orchestral    11. Orchestral & Symphonic    12. Piano Concerto    13. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    14. Vocal   

Reviews (2)

Sublime
The two foremost virtuosos of our time have come together once again to produce this sublime album.
An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar
This CD is a must have for all lovers of the classical guitar. As is the case of the first album, aptly named "Together", the modern masters of the classical guitar, Bream & Williams, joinforces againin order to achieve some spectacular results.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    7. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    8. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    9. Duo for Two String Instruments    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Miscellaneous    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Orchestral    15. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This is a fine collection of moving, muscular performances by this seminal postwar composer. Surely the best known of the works on this disc is the Second String Quartet, one of the masterpieces of 20th-century music--although you might not know it's a masterpiece until the heartbreaking last movement. But the First String Quartet, written before Ligeti emigrated from Hungary to the West, is fascinating: it shows Ligeti working through the influence of Bartók, particularly Bartók's Third and Fourth Quartets--music Ligeti knew only silently, from the score, since performances of Bartók's music were banned by the Hungarian communist regime. This excellent recording provides a complete overview of Ligeti's compositional career through the medium of string chamber music, from homages to Bartók to the achievement of Ligeti's own groundbreaking style. Read more

Reviews (15)

Important, but not as interesting as the vocal works.
Sony's "Gyorgy Ligeti Edition 1: String Quartets and Duos" is the first in this series of, I believe, complete works by Ligeti, but it is always the third or fourth disk I go to whenever I get around to listening to Ligeti once again, about once every year.
Not really my style...
This is a little too avant garde for me.I like my classical music to be just that: classical.
String works, includes his must-have glorious Second Quartet
Sony's "Gyorgy Ligeti Edition 1: String Quartets and Duos" is the first disc of the 13-volume series--continued after the 8th installment by Teldec's "The Ligeti Project"---of Gyorgy Ligeti's collected works in performances overseen by the composer itself. It collects his impressive two strings quartets, a brief birthday greeting to another composer, a work inspired by an ethnomusical stint in Romania, and another early work. The works are performed by the Arditti Quartet, who have done so much to provide satisfying and lasting performances of modern string repetoire.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Duo for Two String Instruments    6. Quartet for Four String Instruments   

Reviews (4)

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.
Together, first time
Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters
Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    9. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    10. Duo for Two String Instruments    11. Guitar Etude    12. Keyboard    13. Music for Four Hands at One Keyboard    14. Orchestral    15. Pavane for Keyboard   

Reviews (2)

good but not flawless
I don't have any overwhelming complaints about this recording, but from a clarinetist's standpoint, there are a few detractions. I t