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   

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

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   

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   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (10)

TUSCANY
ENJOYED ANDRE RIEU ON PBS SO I BOUGHT THE ALBUM I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!

Songs were omitted
I agree this CD is awesome BUT, and big but here, a LOT of songs on the DVd were omitted here. Especially L'Italiano which is one of my favorites. I have both the DVD and CD. The DVD is much better.

One of my Favorites!
Tuscany, both the CD and DVD are absolutly wonderful! I love the setting in la piazza de repubblica in Cortona, Tuscany...it just adds that much more to the atmosphere. The song choices are beautiful, as well as the orchestra. Another one of Andre's which i highly recommend ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. French Operetta    5. French Romantic Opera    6. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Music    13. Romantic Symphony    14. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    15. Symphonic    16. Transcription for Orchestra    17. Vocal    18. Waltz    19. Waltz for Orchestra   

Reviews (9)

Life Saver
Normally reviews try to tell you about the music.In this one I will only tell you what the music did for me.When I was 14, I was in the hospital for two months for a corrective surgical process on my leg.While I was in, I became very depressed, had trouble eating, and lost a lot of weight off a frame that was not exactly hefty to start with.This album (and a version of Handel's Water Music which I'm trying to find) I listened to every day, again and again.It kept me from becoming utterly despondent.I have heard no other music as serenely cheerful and bouyant.

There's nothing in the world quite like it!
I'm a fan of all sorts of music, from film music to pop/rock, folk, some country, vocal, opera, classical, and even some heavy metal.I don't have ANY music like this other than some of the other Bolling suites.This and "Suite No. 2" for Flute and Jazz Piano are ESSENTIAL.They never get old, and are like old friends every time you hear them, as they never fail to deliver.Whatever type of music you like or don't like, if you try this disc out and don't find yourself feeling happier than you were before you put it on, there's something wrong with you.One of those rare discs (like the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds") that should be in every person's music library, to pop on from time-to-time as they go through life.I'm sure I will be listening to this and other Bolling jazz suites for decades and decades to come.He is the master of this art form as far as I'm concerned.

My favorite recording
I bought this on cassette over 20 years ago, and it continues to be #1 in my top ten list of favorite recordings.It is a perfect blend of baroque and jazz.I remember playing this in my car and my passenger was amazed at the structure of the music, particularly transitions within the pieces.I like all of Bollings series of "_____ and jazz piano" but this is the best of all.It remains fresh & creative.How could anyone not find this music compelling? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. France    4. Jazz    5. Pop    6. Swing   

Editorial Review

If one's notion of "world music" promises a touch of the exotic and indigenous, often overlooked is the fact that the influence of western pop music has seeped into every corner of the globe, creating a hybrid that's often more than merely the sum of its influences. Theater vet Brightman steps into that pan-cultural hall of mirrors here, wedding her fascination with the music and rhythms of the "forbidden places" (the title's Arabic meaning) of the Middle East to her own oft ethereal vocal charms and rock-solid sense of drama. And if the diva's equally sound crossover sensibilities (and that of longtime producer Frank Peterson) sometimes mire it in familiar world-beat pastiche, Brightman's charmed muse manages some transcendent moments nonetheless. Her musical borrowings (Borodin for the title track; Puccini's *Madame Butterfly* for "It's a Beautiful Day") are as compelling as her choice of collaborators: classical violin star Nigel Kennedy and Iraqi vocalist Kadim Al Sahir add compelling touches to the weary timeliness of"The War is Over." The musical influences range from Europe across the Mediterranean and as far East as the Indian roots of "Bollywood" composer A.R. Rahman's "The Journey Home" and Brightman's own "You Take My Breath Away" to evocative recastings of the emblematic standards "Stranger in Paradise" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," while ex-Killing Joke keyboardist Jaz Coleman provides the savory East-meets-West orchestrations that ensure Brightman's star turns the seamless foundations they deserve. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (193)

No voice like hers in the world
I own this cd.I saw her in person at the"Harem"concert.Never had I heard or seen any voice like this.What a performer,best concert I'd ever seen.Beautiful voice,I can never get enough of Sarah Brightman's music.It is so comforting at times.I have all her music and this cd makes you wonder,how can she top this?Thank you Sarah Brightman for giving us your beautiful gift of music.

Brilliant Brightman, Her best CD.
Sarah is just the best, she can hit any note and her individuality shines on this CD. She sings "The Journey Home" from the musical Bombay Dreams and her voice just soars. "Harem", "Mysterious Ways" and "You Take My Breah Away" are songs that take me to dreamland. Amazing! A master piece!

A breath of nostalgia and a rediscovery...
I loved her as Christine.I loved her Pie Jesu.Then I lost touch with her work for several years.The first thing off this CD that I heard was the introduction to the song "You take my breath away."
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Adult Contemporary    3. Dance-Pop    4. Ethnic Fusion    5. Interview    6. Middle Eastern Pop    7. Miscellaneous    8. Music Theater    9. Musical Theater    10. Pop    11. Pop Vocals    12. Popular Music    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music    15. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented asLeonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versionssince they were first issued--better even than the composer's own, laterrecordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to theextended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three greatCopland ballets together, along with the ever popular Read more

Reviews (38)

Sound paints pictures of America
Copland shows us why it's called classical while still giving audiences something anyone can enjoy. I highly recommend this CD to people who want to learn to appreciate classical music or introduce their kids to it. Aaron Copland blends American history (sounds of "Simple Gifts") with sprightly sound and sweeping romance to create treasures that paint a visual picture for the listener. Highly recommend. The drive to work would be unbearable without this CD!

AN absolute treasure
I believe that for a person not to have this CD in their collection woujld be a sign that they just do not know what great music is.
Copland/Bernstein on SACD
These pieces are now availible on SACD, and as great as the CD is, the SACD version is breathtaking. I have owned these pieces on LP and cassette in my youth, but these works really "open up" in multichannel SACD with an extremely wide dynamic range and soundstage. Lenny was a personal friend of Copland and was a great admirer of his works. The performances here show his love and respect for these works. I have heard other conductors, but none come close to the exciting interpretations given here. Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony come a close second...but these are the definitive interps. The SACD multichannel version really out classes the CD version...but, alas, it doesn't seem to be offered on Amazon! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. Ballet    3. Band    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Classical Music    8. Concert/Brass/Marching Band Music    9. Orchestral    10. Suite for Orchestra   

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
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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   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

good selection, but horribly recorded
good song selection, but horribly recorded. the sound is too contaminated.

hmmmm
definitely not the best rendition of the popular suite.on the other hand,try finding another one.
Good Introduction but poor quality
This is a good introduction to Tchaikovsky for the beginner that gives a broad sampling of his work. Considering the price, it's a good value if someone is just wanting to begin exploring classical music or Tchaikovsky in particular.
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Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    7. Concerto    8. Keyboard    9. March for Orchestra    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral & Symphonic    13. Piano Concerto    14. Quartet for Four String Instruments    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Romantic Orchestral Music    17. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    18. Romantic Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    19. Romantic Symphony    20. Russian Romantic Opera   

Reviews (8)

A Great Introduction to Italian Opera
The artists on this CD succeed in their goal to create a CD that displays great Italian opera. Carlo del Monte and Victoria de los Angeles open the disc with the Brindisi from La Traviata. Victoria de los Angeles is not the best Violetta, but she does the job, along with her parner Carlo del Monte, an underappreciated tenor. Victoria de los Angeles also appears on the CD in "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly, a role she was well known for. Swedish tenor Nicolai Gedda appears on the disc twice. His first appearence is a superb rendition of "La donna e mobile" from Rigoletto. His final performance on this disc is in the heroric aria "Celeste Aida", a performance in a role that was not in his voice range. Anna Moffo is the star on this CD, appearing three times in three very different roles. First is her beautiful "Una voce poco fa", normally a role that calls for a mezzo-soprano. Her second is "Voi che sapete" from Le Nozze di Figaro, another mezzo-soprano role. Her final appearence is her best, "The Mad Scene" from Lucia di Lammermoor. Underrated tenor Giuseppe Campora performs "Che gelida manina" with a great tenor voice. Soprano Reri Girst is excellent in her performance of "Caro nome" from Rigoletto. One of my favorite baritones appears on this CD. Robert Merrill is a perfect Count di Luna, and it is evident in his rendition of "Il balen del suo sorriso". Another baritone appears on this CD: mario Sereni. He is not a world famous baritone, but he should have been. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the world of Italian opera.

Best of the best!
The performers, the selections, the quality... almost divine!

Fabulous bargain for anyone
I would recommend this CD to anyone, from opera novice to experienced listener...Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Individual Dance Movement for Orchestra    2. Classical    3. Classical Music    4. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    5. Italian Romantic Opera    6. Opera    7. Opera/Operetta Collections    8. Orchestral    9. V/a Compilations   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (13)

Two Beethoven cycles from the Alban Berg--which one is better?
Founded in 1971, the Alban Berg Quartet of Vienna was the dominant ensemble in the quartets of Mozart and Beethoven for two decades. Such was their pre-eminence that EMI recorded two complete Beethoven cycles with them over the span of less than five years. The first was made in the studio in 1985, the second was recorded live at the Mozart Saal in Vienna in 1989--since the latter contains applause, it's obvious which is which upon hearing htem. But online stores like Amazon, Tower, and Crotchet do not distinguish between the two.The one pictured herer is the studio cycle.
Great music - quality control problem with CDs
These are wonderful renditions of these Quartets.I had worn out my records and finally decided it was time to get a CD version of this fantastic music.The first thing that came as a surprise was when Disk Number 4 would not load into Itunes on my Mac.I was able to get it to work on my Wife's PC and copy it onto a new CD and get past the problem that way, but it seemed odd my MAC could not read this disk.Then I discovered all the tracks on each disk are mislabeled after the first quartet.This meant manually correcting each entry on every disk (7 of them) which was labor intensive.I love the music but any potential buyer who purchases these with the intention of loading them into their IPOD should be aware of this quality control problem.

The Top Cycle
This set is one of those opportunities to get in on wonderful performances at a great price. I had to weigh in because I was surprised to find some less than stellar reviews of this set- one reviewer below actually wrote a review for a completely different recording, giving this one 3 stars not even having heard it.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Orchestral & Symphonic    7. Quartet for Four String Instruments   

Reviews (5)

Peter and the Wolf, Prokovief read by L. Bernstein
Great! my granddaughter (age 3) loves it. She listens to it several times aday! We have drawn the characters on a card for her to follow the story. I will keep the Saint Saens (Carnival of the Animals) for later.

Excellent Recording
Leonard Bernstein did a spectacular job in the narration of Peter and the Wolf.I remember when he did Young Peoples' Concerts many years ago and he made classical music come alive for children.

Childhood Revisited
My mother bought a vinyl copy of this for my sister and me when we were young.We practically wore it out from constant listening.It also didn't help that we "ballet" danced around the living room while the record was playing.Delighted to know that this recording is now in CD form.Still find the music, and Bernstien's narration, charming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Variations    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Miscellaneous    8. Music with Spoken Words    9. Orchestral    10. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (17)

3 1/2 stars for interpretation, sound and packaging
The reviews here of this performance remind me of the reviews a few years back of a woman's rendition of a couple Bach cantatas. They focused on the beauty of her singing and nothing else.
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto
I ordered it because I like Joshua Bell who is the violinist on this recording and because I like Tchaikovsky.I was not dissapointed.

The Tchaikovsky concerto has rarely been peformed with such beauty and finesse
Nothing helps a warhorse like a great artist applying a new twist. Right now the world is flooded with fire-eating Russian virtuosos who play the Tchaikovky violin concerto with abandon. Joshua Bell's technique is as good as tehirs, and his tone excels almost everyone in sweetness and purity. Combining those strengths, he's recorded a refined, often reflective reading. Tilson Thomas concuts in perfect agreement. There's plenty of dazzling display, but Bell has decided to take the music seriously. He carefully molds every phrase, and in so doing we hear a stream of interesting detail.
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Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Romantic Ballet    9. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

The great Yo-Yo Ma has recently (in addition to his world music explorations) moved to the baroque cello, a so-called period instrument, and his transition has been remarkably smooth. He is indeed a musical polyglot, and this CD finds him solidly in the heart of the Baroque period, with music by Vivaldi. In addition to three concerti the composer wrote for cello, there are some fascinating transcriptions. The Largo violin solo from the "Winter" concerto of the Four Seasons is here beautifully played on cello, its darker tone added substituting gravity for chill in the wintry landscape. Aconcerto originally for viola d'amore, lute and strings has been transformed into one for cello, organ, strings and continuo, with Baroque expert Ton Koopman as transposer and organist (and sympathetic, energetic conductor throughout). And oddest of all, Koopman has created cello solos out of arias (one of which is helped by a perky bassoon)originally composed for female voice from a couple of operas, the oratorio Read more

Reviews (8)

Absolutely Amazing
I love this album from beginning to end.RV 531 will blow your socks off, especially the first and third movements!Yo-Yo and Ton have done it again, thank you for such a wonderful record.You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

You mouth open in Awe.
This album is complete. My mouth was open in Awe when I heard Allegro off this album, it's no.1 on this album. I couldn't stop picturing them all playing this. The piece was astouding! The dynamics, accents, just everything! I don't know what else to say about this album!

Hard to believe!
This album is just exquisite... At times there are no words to describe the depth and beauty -- his incredible bow control, intensity and passion, impeccable pitch, sense of dynamic movement... It's all there! The first time I heard "Largo" from Winter I had to hold my breath -- it is such a dazzling rendition! I say that this album deserves twice as many ears as there are people in the world today! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cello Concerto    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto for Two String Instruments    8. Gloria    9. Italian Baroque Opera    10. Opera    11. Oratorio    12. Violin Concerto