Editorial Review

Beethoven’s last three piano sonatas have long been regarded as the Mt. Everest of the form, heights that can be scaled only by pianists who possess the keyboard technique to realize the depth of the composer’s vision. By those standards, if Uchida isn’t the equal of such giants as Arrau, Kempff, and Schnabel, she certainly comes close enough to make this an outstanding release. Her pianissimos are feathery-light; her fortes are as powerful as one might wish, and her trills are analogues of Beethoven’s spiritual ideas. She renders Beethoven’s full dynamic palette with nuances that make every shading register. Uchida never makes an ugly sound. Her tone remains warm, colorful, and full-bodied. More important, her interpretation encompasses the inward, contemplative slow sections as well as the energetic ones, and she plays Beethoven’s contrapuntal passages with a clarity that makes every musical strand count. She’s helped by outstanding engineering, too. Not all of the transcendental Beethoven is captured here, but Uchida comes a lot closer than most pianists can aspire to. That alone makes this disc a must-have. Read more

Reviews (5)

Classical buy of the year

wonderful recording
I heard Mistuko Uchida played op. 109 live. At the time I thought the tempo was a bit slow. She picked up the tempo nicely in this recording. Every phrase, down to every note in the CD was beautifully done. However, they are not overly "smooth and sweet" as her Mozart was often complained about. There are fire, sparks, and bite at all the right spots. For Mistuko fans---she wrote her own program note for this recording. It is quite worth reading (with her personal hand-writing and hand-drew musical samples too), especially if you are interested in music theory or musicology. I Highly recommend this CD.

Among the Best Recordings of Beethoven's Last Three Piano Sonatas
I wish Mitsuko Uchida hadn't waited so long to start recording Beethoven's piano sonatas, having already demonstrated her keen interest in and superlative playing of Mozart's and Schubert's major works for the piano. This is quite simply her best recording of Beethoven's piano scores I have yet heard, coupled with some elegant, often profound, musicological notes on these scores which she has written in the liner notes to this CD. I am especially impressed with her thoughtful, yet expressive, performances of both the Opus 109 and 111 piano sonatas; these rank alongside recordings I have heard from both Alfred Brendel and Maurizio Pollini as among the finest I've come across. The recordings also successfully capture the warm ambience of the Snape Maltings, England concert hall, enhancing the vibrant qualities of her performances.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Keyboard    5. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

Though they were long misunderstood as mere technical hurdles, Bach's six suites for unaccompanied cello are among those rare works of music that offer inexhaustible rewards for performer and listener alike. Yo-Yo Ma gave a pathbreaking account of the suites back in the '80s (Read more

Reviews (54)

Inspired by Ma!
The music on this second recording of Yo-Yo Ma's is fantastic.Admittedly, the packaging is a little confusing (the title itself is a little misleading-- as if it were not comprised of Bach compositions).But the only real complaint is that the fourth suite is split in half on the two CDs.This would be easily solved by by putting 1, 3 & 5 on one CD & 2, 4 & 6 on the other.
A must-have recording!
OK... I'm very late to weigh in on this CD as I see there are already so many reviews about it but I've been enjoying this CD so much that I just had to share my thoughts with you.
Bravo Yo Yo !
Compar� � sa version de 1983, Yo Yo Ma semble ici plus int�rioris�(version 1994). Son approche est plus r�fl�chie
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Subjects:  1. Cello Solo    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (21)

It's Bach and Richter, but the recording quality....
I love this music and Sviatoslav Richter is one of my favorite classical artists, but the quality of this recording is horrible and is so bad that the quality of both the performance (excellent!) or of the works themselves (wonderful!) can not be overcome by the quality of the sound.

Best performance ever
As some of the reviwers said I also agree that this is the best performance of the TWC. I don't know if Bach would concieve the speed and magical colors that Richter achieves but Bach is a box of of surprises and if you've got the the talent you can find it all; this is what Richter is able to do. And he shares with us Bach's possibilities, and show us that he (Bach) is the the Master of all ages.

Richter and Baroque
I have long held Richter to be a master of baroque music and polyphonic music in general. Since fugues are a model for conflicting layered themes and their intertwining with other themes, this music can be very difficult and a surprising number of pianists cannot master them. Richter is very serious in anything he plays and you can see that throughout the cycle he is very consistent and never gets lazy. This is what makes Richter so special.... is his mastery and understanding of braod genres of music ( a legitimate criticism, I guess to a certain extent, to Horowitz and Rubinstien who molded their repertoire to suit what they played well). Richter's Baroque is very different than conventional Baroque - more intense, less benign, even agressive at times. I guess it is worthwhile to hold a view versions if one wishes - harpsichord, Richter, maybe Schiff. Overall, this CD is close to my heart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    6. Keyboard   

Reviews (5)

A Truly Great Performance
I originally found this record in a used record store and purchased it for $1.This was not too long ago.After listening, i could not believe that this record only cost me $1 and that some idiot actually sold this to a used record store without listening first.I have never heard a performace of Rhapsody In Blue that is as powerful and heartfelt as this one.Bernstain melts into the piano, resulting in a performance that outshines so many Gershwin performances that exist.On the other side of the record is An American In Paris, a textbook tone poem, and i mean this as a great compliment.The images of Paris and a partially homesick/partially jubilant American strolling along exude from every note.When i found these great performances on CD, i snatched up a copy as quickly as i could.GET THIS RECORD.It is truly a Great Performance.

GLORIOUS!
This review refers to "Great Performances: Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue/An American In Paris"(CD)
The Definitive Version and Good Sound Quality!
This ADD recording has surprisingly good sound quality for an older recording that hasn't been remastered.The performance by Bernstein and both the Columbia Symphonic and the NY Philharmonic on the pieces is simply breathtaking.You'd be hard pressed to find better interpretations of these Gershwin masterpieces.The only problem with this album is that it's very short and although would have been the perfect length on an lp or cassette as it was originally, it seems to be a waste of cd space here.Sony should probably remaster this and add some tracks like perhaps "Porgy and Bess" to make it a better value proposition.I hope they re-release a remastered version on mini-lp sleeve replica packaging too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Orchestral    7. Piano Concerto   

Reviews (24)

came for Starbuck - stayed for the excellent music
Amazing music, terrific piano.Really really cool.
Wonderful!
This is a wonderful CD filled with enchanting music! You will not be disappointed!

Simply Mesmerizing.....
I never knew Minimalist music can sound so sentimental on piano. The simple use of consonant chords, as in Pop music, can soothe your mind and submerge you into the world of music. The constant arpeggiations in 'Mad Rush' and the second movement of 'Metamorphisis' are especially dazzling. If you like simple piano music, then you'll probably love this album. If there's any score for these music, why might as well play it? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Keyboard    6. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    7. Minimalism    8. Modern Composition    9. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Editorial Review

On Read more

Reviews (15)

Joshua Bell's playing is exquisite
Joshua Bell's exquisite playing turns these arrangements into Gold. In the hands of Perlman or Shaham these arrangements would be pure shmaltz, but Bell's playing is of the highest caliber.

S'Wonderful
Love it!I had heard of Josh Bell but never had purchased any of his music.I am a full fan now.This cd is wonderful.I am a Gershwin fan and have been for years.Bell breathes new life into the old classics and the result is breathtaking.His touch with the violin is beyound discription.He even plays with George in one cut, Sweet and Low Down.That alone is worth the price of the cd.Buy this cd and expect to be enchanted.It has been in my changer for weeks now, I can't get enough.

My Starter Bell CD
This CD was my introduction to Joshua Bell after hearing a track on our local Washington, DC, classical radio station.It was hard not to be struck not only by the warmth of Mr. Bell's playing but also by his phrasing.He is almost never flashy, but his nuances made me find new musical possibilities which I hope -- but somehow doubt -- Gershwin intended.This is Gershwin as you have never heard him before, and it desires a place in anyone's classical or jazz collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Music    4. Classical Pop    5. Concerto    6. Film    7. Film Music    8. Keyboard    9. Music Theater    10. Musical Theater    11. Orchestral & Symphonic    12. Prelude for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This recording of the Süssmayr completion of Mozart's beloved Read more

Reviews (21)

Review of Mozart: Requiem CD
Arrived in excellent condition--brand new--arrived in a very timely manner.Excellent service.

Mozart: Requiem
It sounds good.It skips track #2 sometimes on one of my cd players but on an older cd player it plays it.oh well life is tough if this is all I have to complain about Mozart: Requiem/McNair, Watkinson, Araiza, Lloyd;Mariner
this is definitely the best performance we heard.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Requiem/Requiem Section   

Editorial Review

Gorgeously recorded so that all of Shostakovich's eerieness of texture (and harps) can be heard, Haitink's performance of the Fifth symphony is pretty wonderful. The bare landscape of the first movement, with its lonely oboe solos, leads into the very Mahlerian, faux-fun second movement with creepy ease. The Largo is introverted but poignant, with handsome, sustained pianissimo playing, and the finale has great energy, but not quite enough of the grotesque--it's a bit too well-groomed. The Ninth, on the other hand, is ideal, with a finale to rollick over, and a refusal to turn the sometimes sappy second movement into empty emotion. It's one of those moments when Haitink's coolness pays off. A good buy. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (14)

Five stars for a sparkling, vivacious Ninth, but set a snooze alarm for the Fifth
Here we have one triumphant Shostakovich performance and one nearly inexcusable one. The praise that Haitink's Shostakovich Fifth has garnered here is inexplicable--this is a plodding reading that barely gets on its legs for the entire first movement. Don't the reviewers below detect the total absence of rhythmic vitality and pace? I guess not. Oh well, one person's nobility is another's long nap.
A Soviet Artist's Response to Just Criticism?!
The Symphony No. 5 is one of Shostakovich's greatest masterpieces, which can hardly be ascertained from its origins as a piece to satisfy the Soviet state's artistically stifling demands in music (for example, all other aspects of music had to be subordinate to melody). The previous year Shostakovich was savagely attacked in the Pravda for his opera `Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District', primarily because Stalin was shocked by its graphic sex and violence, and the fifth symphony was Shostakovich's reaction to this scathing criticism. (He was undoubtedly aware that the article extended further than trying to damage his confidence, if he didn't produce music along the lines of the states prerequisites he would be imprisoned or killed.)
Superb interpretation and ultra superb recording
I wish that Haitink made more amazing recordings like this one of the 5th and 9th symphonies by Shostakovich. He is usually thought of as being in the top rank of conductors, but by hearing this disc, you might think that he's just about the best. Maybe the amazing sound quality kind of makes him look good, but not really, this is just a greatly played superb interpretation. The Concertgebouw (which by the way is my favorite Orchestra at the present time) are on their toes throughout this version of the 5th. They are just truly amazing here, just as they are on most occasions. Did you know that this recording won the Gramaphone top prize for it's sound engineering? That was no surprise to me! Haitink alternated between the Concertgebouw and London Philharmonic for this symphony cycle, and of course the Londoners are in really fine form also, but still not the equal (in my opinion) of this fine dutch orchestra. I've never been quite so impressed with a classical cd's sound quality, except for a few cds of the conductors Christopher Hogwood and Trevor Pinnock. I haven't heard more than 8 or 9 different versions of the 5th, but this and Semyon Bychkov's version with the BPO in 1986 are my favorites at the present time. I think the Bychkov version has almost as good sound quality, and it's severely underrated, because I've never heard the Penguin Guide or any other classical magazine rate it, which is quite crazy, because it's a bold blistering performance that does deserve very high praise. This is also one of the best 9th's out there, but that is a symphony that I have not listened to very much to this point in my life, though I plan to listen to it more very soon. Haitink pretty much can't do wrong when he's conducting Bruckner or Shostakovich, but it you haven't listened to his Bruckner or Shostakovich, do yourself a favor and buy some, because he's definitely one of the top interpreters there are. If nothing else buy this for the demonstration sound quality, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with this incredible disc. ENJOY!!! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

At the ripe old age of 19 Mozart wrote five violin concertos, and they represent his coming of age as a composer of orchestral music. From here on, it's basically one masterpiece after another. Though not difficult works, technically speaking, they partake in full measure of Mozart's uniquely sensual brand of melody. That means that successful performances must know how to spin out a singing musical line, while at the same time making the most of the rare opportunities for soloistic display. Taste and musicianship are more important qualities than virtuosity, and that makes these pieces ideal vehicles for Arthur Grumiaux's aristocratic temperament and technical polish. Read more

Reviews (22)

Excellent.Must-have set.
This is an excellent set put out by Philips in it's renowned Duo cd class.Almost all of Mozart's violin works are here.Arthur Grumiaux, one of my favorites, does a superb job of interpreting Mozart's works.This last weekend I played the same works by Heifitz and the comparison makes for interesting listening.I can't say one is better than the other, specially since I have no formal training in music, but each artist definitely leaves an impression.
Gustavo Ferreira Violin Music
This is a very good compilation of Mozart Violin Concertos and with a very good Orchestra. I did not put 5 stars because I had some of Mozart concertos played by H.Heifetz and other by Xue-Wei that I consider are more brilliant violinsts. Grumiaux is very good but not excelent.

Honesty andmusical integrity!
The artistic personality of Artur Grumiaux was undoubtedly very sober. In comparision with the warmth of a David Oistrakh or the powerful musculature of Heifetz, his golden and flawless intonation was if I may, unique. His sonority and style did not belong to bravura style. He was an accurate and impressive violinist. His Mozart is crystalline and innocent. Once more, his presence in variousperformances in Prades Festival transformed and even improved his spelling touch. As you know all the artists who participated in this unequal Festival acquired a giant dimension. It is not by mere hazard that names of the height of Joseph Szigeti, Eugene Istomin, Rudolf Serkin, Sandor Vegh, Isaac Stern, William Kapell, Clara Haskill - above their innate skills - experienced Casals' spell. And because of this experience there was an immediate rapport with Clara Haskill and recorded one of the most incredible sets of Mozart `s Sonatas for violin that I'have heard ever.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Sinfonia Concertante    6. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

There's no arguing with the power of Sissel's voice. The Norwegian soprano brought James Horner's Read more

Reviews (18)

Absolutely one of the world's BEST voices
Everything about this woman is beautiful!
wonderful
I bought this as a gift for my husband and had the added advantage of enjoying it myself.This young woman is very talented and a joy to listen to.
Powerful Voice
It amazes me that she isn't more well known. Ask the millions of people who saw Titanic and virtually everyone of them wouldn't know it was Sissel's haunting voice that was such a beautiful ending to a great movie.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Choral    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Crossover    7. Classical Pop    8. Etude for Keyboard    9. Film    10. Film Music    11. French Romantic Opera    12. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    13. Italian Baroque Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Opera    16. Pop    17. Pop Vocals    18. Requiem/Requiem Section    19. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    20. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Arvo Pärt's Read more

Reviews (53)

Exquisite
My partner put me on to this CD. It's the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Deceptively simple, profoundly moving.
Profound simplicity
Just like writing a short letter is harder than writing a long letter, so it is with music.I hate 90 percent of "New Age" music a la Steve Halperin because it is lazy composition, as if playing fewer notes and holding them longer or repeating phrases endlessly is enough to create profundity.On the other hand, we have this in its deep, deep simplicity, each note purposeful and so well thought out.For example in Spiegel im Spiegel, at one point in what is a sweet undulating melody are these little staccato high notes that are almost jarring in their abruptness and yet delightful, as if to wake you up and listen.Another composer would have just kept the same flow unalteringly, good, versus inspiring.

Fǖr Alina, a love song.

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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Keyboard    6. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    7. Orchestral & Symphonic    8. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (4)

Finally, the wait is over...
I never understood why this opera was not given a recording much earlier. In any event, here it is, almost 15 years later, and the wait has been worth it. The recording is generally of excellent quality. The orchestra sounds lush, and the vocals are strong, over all.
Not Glass's best, but better than anyone else
Although not Glass's greatest opera (that title remains with 'Akhnaten' or 'Satyagraha'), this is still a monumental work. All the trademark Glass's trademark touches are there, the chugging chords and rippling arpeggios, but these are leavened by the harmonic freedom typical of his mature work. Although some of the vocal parts are at times underpowered, Glass's choral scoring is among his best. The spaceage parts of the Opera are suitably futurific, and his Columbus section features some charming latin pastiche.
Glass' Fantastic Voyage
Philip Glass' latest recording "The Voyage" is indeed one of the composers' most brilliant works for the stage. The opera is an oblique portrait of Christopher Columbus and its main theme is not set on him per se but more on discovery itself. Along with writer David Henry Hwang and the expert conducting of Dennis Russel Davies with the Landestheater Linz, "The Voyage" creates a real adventure in both sound and in imagination.
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Subjects:  1. American 20th/21st Century Opera    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Opera    5. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Reviews (1)

GLASS GENIUS- GLASS CAN DO IT ALL!!!!
Two spectacular concertos on one disc- these are two of my very favorite concertos by Glass.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Concerto    5. Harpsichord Concerto   

Reviews (4)

Baby Neptune
I love all of the Baby Einstein DVD's, so the music CD has been just as good as the DVD's. I play it all the time when my son is in the car and it seems to calm him and keep his attention. I even listen to it in the car when my son is not with me.It is relaxing and soothing.
Baby Neptune Review
Our daughter loves the Baby Neptune CD. It makes for a relaxing musical interlude for long car trips.

Delightful but not perfect
FYI: most of the "Night Suite" songs are also included on Baby Einstein's Lullaby Classics CD.Yet, this CD is as delightful as all the others.I don't mind the synthesizer, which critics often complain about.I've played both the real symphonic versions and Baby Einstein, and both my daughter and I agree that the real recordings are sometimes a little overwhelming in the home (although I still think truly exhilerating in concert.) Also, the Baby Einstein company brags that their short clips of great songs are more condusive to the short attention span of babies, I think that statement is superficially true.I won't go into all the scientific musical mumbo-jumbo but will say that I think this thinking tears down the very essence and formula of classical music that has made it popular therapy for developing minds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Children's    4. Childrens    5. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Lullabies    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Orchestral    12. Pop    13. Unspecified Dance for Orchestra    14. V/a Compilations    15. Waltz for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

Cecilia Bartoli's new CD features a collection of music that could not be heard in her native Rome at the start of the 18th century due to Papal censorship. Theaters, the Church felt, were places of evil and corruption and operas led people to immorality. But some music-loving senior members of the priesthood asked composers to write oratorios and cantatas--indeed, operas without staging, essentially--for their own private entertainment. Call it what you will, the music is sensational--by turns virtuosic, gentle, and playful--and always expressive: just right, it seems, for Cecilia Bartoli's temperament. The opening aria on the CD, a call for peace in the name of Jesus, is, in fact, a dazzling martial air with trumpets blaring and the voice going through an amazing array of coloratura fireworks. It shows Bartoli at her most aggressive. The listener is practically hurled back from the speakers when she begins, with rapid-fire runs and trills and cascades of notes, all perfectly in place. Showy arias are offset by several tender ones ("Lascia la spina" from Handel's Read more

Reviews (32)

Exciting, moving, beautiful, energetic, heart-felt, fantastic...
What more can I add?
Highly Recommended
I saw Ms. Bartoli for the first time on 60 Minutes many years back. 60 Minutes did a fine job introducing this fine talent to American audiences. Bartoli looked good on camera and her voice was exquisite. Over the years I listened to various CD's from her in book stores and thought that whoever was recording her was not doing any justice to her talent. Then finally I came across this CD and read the reviews on Amazon. I was encouraged by the high ratings and made my purchase. I agree with all the other reviewers that gave this CD 5 Stars. It is the bestBartoli CD that I have heard.
Outstanding
I was left speechless when I first listened to this CD.A powerful, emotionally intense interpretation of some fabulous, albeit almost forgotten, oratorio pieces.As a big opera fan, I have really enjoyed listening to it. To Cecilia and to whoever came up with the idea to rescue these musical wonders in her amazing voice:Bravo, Bravo, Bravo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    7. Oratorio   

Editorial Review

At first glance, this doesn't seem like conductor Riccardo Muti's cup of tea. It's a work without many subtleties, one that seems to need a policeman more than an interpreter. But Muti lets it rip--the joyous moments are superb, the mock-sentimental moments charming, changes in rhythm properly jarring, and the energy level very high. Soprano Arleen Auger almost makes her high-flying part seem simple. Warning: The louds are Read more

Reviews (18)

The best recording available
I first heard Carmina Burana in this recording back in the 80's on LP. The music blew me away and when CD became the standard, I searched for a recording of this wonderful piece. I have heard many many recordings of this work but when I discovered that the Muti - Phiharmonia recording was available and at a very cheap price, I thought I would go back to my roots. It was like coming back home. The energy and brilliance of this recording is evident from the first (big) chord to the last (big) chord. I haven't heard a better recording. Try it and compare it to what you have - it is not as if it is expensive! It will impress you I'm sure.

Great Music
The music is great, but as mentioned in other reviews, the sound quality of this cd is terrible.I found myself wondering how the sound engineer who made this recording didn't notice some of his mics were not connected.Almost complete silence while you barely hear the voice and drums seemingly in the far, far distance, then suddenly loudagain.I'm still searching for a better Orff recording.

Powerful music
-- Carmina Burana --
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Reviews (1)

Fabulous Mutter!!
She is one of my favorite violinists of this time...sorry martinus scribelus..., music is art and its always unique.. , and this is a good exmple, so this CD is art..and a artist like Mutter, that gives everything on stage and this time she does it for Mozart. A great recording, as all Mutter's recordings, with passion, perfection, technique and color that she allways shows, we should also mention the superb Lambert Orkis at the piano. ThanksAnne-Sophie for another great CD!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Violin with Keyboard