Editorial Review

The Irish Tenors are an acquired taste that, it seems, nearly everyone has acquired. On Read more

Reviews (30)

Beautiful Christmas Music
I really enjoy this music.I like the quality and style of music presented by the Irish Tenors, and I like Christmas music.This is the perfect CD for me.I like hearing it from early November through the holiday season.I have given this album as a gift, and it was much appreciated.I would recommend it for anyone who likes traditional Christmas music.

BREATH - TAKING !!!
I have the CD and the tape of this item and I have also seen the Concert twice.TWICE !! The most amazing part of it is when Anthony sings his LITTLE JESUS BOY.When I went to the concert the first time I wasn't really prepared for the effect that song would have on me. On the CD & tape he sings with a Choral Group to back him up. EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST LINES OF THAT SONG !!!!!. Home for Christmas--A Masterpiece
Like millions of others I discovered the Irish Tenors through PBS.I promptly began looking for anything else by these wonderful performers and found this Cd.The music is soul-satisfying as the Christmas music is allsacred (the closest to secular is "Good King Wenceslas"). Thearrangements are in turn glorious, tender, and sweet. "Suo Gan"by McDermott, ''Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "The WexfordCarol" by Kearns are highlights. Of the ensemble pieces, "SilentNight" and "Joy to the World" stand out. But the crowningselection is "The Holy City." We are wearing the album out andit's only May.We'll have to have another copy for Christmas! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Crossover    6. Holiday    7. Ireland    8. Irish Folk    9. Xmas Instrumental   

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (3)

Very, very good!!
This Butterfly is quite excellent for many reasons.The singing is outstanding.Price is wonderful, Elias is so good. And, even if I am not a fan of Tucker, he is quite a misguided hero.While not as loud as DelMonaco, he is one hell of a great voice.In the end, this is truly a tragedy of wide proportions.
AWESOME!!!
I LOVE it! It's in my car now; Butterfly is about to bid her child farewell :) This does NOT sound like 1962 (let alone RCA, which usually sounds kinda bland to me)! I have yet to hear the famous Barbirolli (and Scotto, whom I do not care for, but also the wonderful Bergonzi! I will get it someday) and I have the Callas in the mail, but this is so great. I heard Leontyne's "un bel di" on my FIRST classical CD, "Opera's Greatest Moments", and I fell in love with it then; in fact, I prefer her rendition above ALL others, including Callas, Freni, Ponselle, et al. By the way, the other singers on this recording are also fabulous! I can only imagine how much more PERFECT this sounds in SACD! I must get a player soon! BUY THIS!!!

Superb Remastering
This recording of Madama Butterfly is one of my all time favorites.It was one of the first records that I bought myself in the early 1970's.Since then I have acquired original 1963 LP pressings, UK-made LP's, the the original R2R tape, and the old CD issue, all in hopes of finding the best sounding edition.Up till now, the Reel-Reel tape was the best, apparently avoiding the some of the dull Dynagroove equalization that RCA imposed on this and most of its subsequent 1960's releases.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Italian Romantic Opera    4. Opera    5. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Reviews (5)

Retrograde Mozart with undeniable heart
Leonard Bernstein thought that every composer was a romantic because he was. These big, heart-on-sleeve performances of Mozart's great late symphonies use the Vienna Phil. at almost full force--they could slip into the Brahms First without adding personnel. Bernstein lived long enough to theoretically be influenced by the period-instrument movement, but his allegiance never shifted. He belongs with Karajan and Bohm as the last conductors for whom Mozart should sound "important."
Mozart: The Great Late Symphonies
What a great album we have here. Leonard Bernstein conducts the later symphonies of Mozart, which are considered to be his most mature and his greatest works for full orchestra. This album is worth the price and a treasure to own for your extensive classical music collection. If you appreciate classical music, you'll truly enjoy this album. Everyone knows that Leonar Bernstein ranks among one of the best conductors of the 20th century, right up there with the great names of Herbert Von Karajan, Bruno Walter, Sir Neville Marriner, all who have held their own when it comes to Mozart's music. Karajan I feel is not quite as good when it comes to Mozart's symphonic works. Bruno Walter and Sir Neville Marriner have long surpassed Karajan in the area of Mozart symphonies. Indeed, if you get the chance be sure to check out symphonies conducted by either Bruno Walter or Sir Neville Marriner. Marriner and the Acadamy Of Saint Martin In The Fields did mostly Mozart and provided the music of the 1984 Milos Forman film Amadeus. The best bargain on the market
The new Trio series has to be one of the most welcome and affordable additions to the classical music market. This set shows why. For a budget price one can get pretty much all of Mozart's best loved symphonies, in some of the most highly regarded performances made of them. Bernstein's lush, relaxed, and very romantic interpretations may not be for all tastes, especially those who have become used to period style. But for those who feel Mozart would have preferred his music performed with the warmth and beauty that is missing from the rather cold, analytical period interpretations that have become the norm, these are for you. I cannot recommend this set more highly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Classical Period Symphony    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Symphonic   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

Re-release of a Fantastic Collection
This is a re-release of the Emerson String Quartet's live performances of the Shostakovich String Quartets. For Shostakovich lovers this is a must buy.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Chamber Symphony    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Quartet for Four String Instruments   

Reviews (8)

Plesantly surprised...
I don't remember how I found this CD the other day surfing through the "Amazon" such as it is, but I did. I listened to a few clips provided & on the strength of that, I purchased this CD.
Absolutely Agree About Corelli
Franco Corelli's "Nessun Dorma" is still the best of them all - clear, passionate, and exciting. (And those final two notes...! Gives me chills just to think of it.) I was fortunate enough to see him live in both "Turandot" and "Romeo and Juliet" a year before his retirement, and he was still a Calaf and a Romeo to die for... as, of course, Liu and Juliet did!As it is, I tend to buy compilations depending on how much Corelli they include - though Bjorling is a strong second, and I have happy memories of Domingo. Long live the Golden Age of Operatic Tenors!

Good but not enough Corelli!! Terrie Lackawanna, NY

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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    3. Classical Music    4. French Romantic Opera    5. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    6. Italian Romantic Opera    7. Opera    8. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Editorial Review

The Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (388)

The Begining of the Prequils
I bought this one to complete my collection of all of the SW Soundtracks, it plays okay but is not my favorite, except for Duel of the Fates. It also doesn't have CD Text Capablility, not the best one prefer OE Trilogy and EP. 3 but good to have to complete your collection.

Pure, unadulterated Star Wars
This isn't the full soundtrack, but it's got the majority of the important cues, and more importantly the most memorable ones. There was also an Ultimate 2-Disc set that was released, but that one felt like it was ripped directly from the film, complete with edits and jumps in the music. Here the music is presented as stand-alone pieces, the way it was probably written and the way it should be.
Beyond Excellent
This music proofs there is more between heaven and earth.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Movie Themes    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

It's simple: in his various realizations of the piano music of Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini set a standard that has yet to be bettered. This compilation, drawn from recordings made between 1966 and 1971, is consequently the best of the best. Ciccolini always played Satie's music as though it had been written by Claude Debussy, not by some cheap charlatan or uneducated primitive (which, to an extent that is still debatable, Satie was). The result is that these seemingly simple piano pieces acquire a tonal allure that is as surprising as it is undeniable. They possess an understated sophistication that points directly toward Ravel and Poulenc, at the same time providing an opening to the minimalist aesthetic of the later 20th century. Ciccolini's playing is pliant and graceful, and under his fingers the music seems to breathe and come alive. What more could a composer or a listener want? Read more

Reviews (9)

Picasso in sound
Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Eric Satie were drinking buddies; it shouldn't be surprising that their work, though in different media, should bear striking similarities. This CD set replaces a very badly abused vinyl recording from the 1960s. No one plays Satie like Aldo Ciccolini. I do wish the Parade had been included, Satie wrote the music, Cocteau the libretto and Picasso did the sets and costumes-Satie's only ballet. Of course, the circa 1910 audience walked out. It's the story of an out-of-work ballet company that goes out onto the streets of Paris to try to get customers to come inside. The customers are stereotypes like the American in a cowboy outfit who adds the sound of this six gun to the music and the secretary who types through the encounter. The back wall of the theater was covered with Picasso designed neon signs flashing in bright colors throughout the performance. Across the front of the stage he'd strung acetate on which were playing street scenes of Paris from three cameras-red, blue and green. The men were way, way ahead of their times.

Great but NOT complete
Please note that this collection does NOT contain Erik Satie's complete works for piano.The collection makes no such claim, but at 5 CDs, some may assume it to be complete and none of the other reviews to date mention this.I am too lazy to do the research to come up with a complete list, but offhand I know that these songs are missing - "Je Te Veux", "Fantaisie-Valse" and "Valse-Ballet".These 3 are among my favorite Satie pieces, so yes, I think the collection is diminished somewhat by their absence.
There's only one.
If you're reading this, you've already heard Satie's music, so I needn't to go into that. I do want to say that this is the only recording of Satie that is worth hearing. Ciccolini is the only foot that will fit the Satie glass slipper.Don't waste your money on the ugly step-sisters. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Ballet    2. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    3. 20th/21st Century Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    4. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    5. Ballet    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    10. Collection of Dance-Based Music for Keyboard    11. Keyboard    12. Keyboard Music for More Than One Player    13. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    14. Morceau for Keyboard    15. Musical Theater    16. Nocturne for Keyboard    17. Orchestral    18. Orchestral & Symphonic    19. Prelude for Keyboard    20. Sarabande for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

This offbeat disc of seasonal songs and carols by the Anonymous 4 will delight their fans and please everyone else. The 19 selections include traditional folk melodies and texts, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, interspersed with fitting selections by contemporary composers including John Taverner, Benjamin Britten, and Peter Maxwell Davies, whose ethereal a cappella A Calender of Kings gets its first recording.Andrew Lawrence-King, playing Irish harp, Baroque harp, and psaltery with his accustomed finesse, is a major reason for the disc's success, accompanying most of the vocals and contributing three lovely solos. The disc is crammed with highlight tracks, like the lilting Cornish Wassail song and the Irish Good people all, and haunting numbers like "Flight into Egypt," sung in Gaelic, and "Behold, here is the best morning," sung in Welsh. Excellent sonics and Harmonia Mundi's typically fine production values also help make this a Christmas disc that will give joy in July. Read more

Reviews (4)

Wolcum Yule
The recording is fine . . . it just didn't appeal to me personally

lovely and unusual Yule album
Anonymous 4 has brought us a beautiful selection of 19 traditional songs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.These include a lesser known work by Henry VIII as well as more contemporary songs by John Tavener, Richard Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon and Benjamin Britten, and a piece commissioned for the group from Peter Davies.Andrew Lawrence-King accompanies on Irish harp, Baroque harp and psaltery.There is a short essay on the traditions and legacy of the concept of Yule, a Cetic midwinter celebration, and this and the informative liner notes are given in English, French and German, accompanied by Celtic drawings. Goose Flesh!
This is a remarkable quartet, singing with purity and style, from the haunting to the merry, medieval chant to modern settings of Celtic religious texts.Where there are arrangements, they are lovely and the instrumental pieces are simple and beautiful.This is the first time I have heard this group of women, and I am enchanted.It's a cappella at its very best: look to your laurels, King's Singers and Chanticleer, here come the ladies! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Choral    5. Choral Music    6. Christmas / Chanukkah    7. Christmas Music    8. Classical    9. Classical Artists    10. Concerto    11. Concerto Grosso    12. Concerto for Three Solo Instruments    13. Keyboard    14. Keyboard Music    15. Miscellaneous    16. Miscellaneous Music    17. Orchestral    18. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    19. Sacred Choral Music a cappella    20. Secular Choral Music with Keyboard (or Continuo)   

Editorial Review

Released during the era of leisure suits and pet rocks, the film Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Soundtrack

Reviews (71)

AWESOME! John Williams shows again why he's the master of movie scores
After over a year of trying to find a seller of this fine soundtrack, I finally found it! It is high time that the full score was released on CD.
Is John Williams Superman???
After listening to the CD, John Williams must be Superman.By far, the greatest movie score ever written.

Excellent!
Other than the over kill of "Can you read my mind", an excellent collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Orchestral Pop    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Karl Jenkins's Read more

Reviews (13)

Fantastic Choral
Once I heard a piece on the radio I had to have this CD. I was not disappointed at all.
Is it Bach, is it Mozart or maybe it's Haydn; NO it's Jenkins!!!!
This is one of the most beautiful Masses I have every heard and will have the pleasure to perform! It is truly a work of art. The Orchestral parts are just as important as the Vocal score. In most movements the orchestra doubles the vocal parts. Jenkins has brilliantly crafted a masterpiece and the power of the words, taken from many sources including the Bible and Rudyard Kipling makes this one of the greatest works of our time.
Accessible Classical Music
As written in other reviews, this piece is very accessible, perhaps not easy to listen to because of the subject matter, but accessible to all.The first time I listened to it, I was overwhelmed.However, as a fan of earlier 20th century and late 19th century romantic works, I have not found this disc as captivating past one listening as some of these other works, for example, the Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan-Williams, as mentioned in another review.The length of the piece relies on repetition, ad nauseum, which is used to great effect in some places (movement 7 comes to mind), but is used constantly throughout the piece without much harmonic, melodic, or textual variation.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Neo-Classical    6. New Age / Meditation   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (5)

poor sound quality
a great selection of baroque favorites, but the sound quality, especially on the pachelbel canon, not great at all.for that reason, i cannot recommend getting it.what do you expect for five dollars, right !>?i would suggest spending a little more money and getting something that you can't bear to part with, for continued listening enjoyment.

SUPERB
An introduction to the best baroque music by famous composers. In this case: I'm baroque
I'm not usually a classical listener kind of gal.The only reason I stumbled onto this cd is because my favorite tune from a movie is on it. Sarabande is also played on the movie Persuasion (author: Jane Austen).I wanted to have that tune.Followed the links and landed on the Baroque cd.Ordered it.Sarabande is my favorite, followed by Canon, four seasons: spring, etc.I love this cd!It feels happy and light.For me, as a writer and an animator, it adds extra emotional impact when creating as well as influencing my imagination more.I recommend this cd when people want to feel like spring. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Concerto Grosso    11. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    12. Italian Baroque Opera    13. Keyboard Concerto    14. Miscellaneous    15. Miscellaneous Music    16. Music For String Orchestra    17. Oboe Concerto    18. Opera    19. Orchestral    20. Quartet for Four String Instruments   

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Choral    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Concerto    7. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Opera    12. Oratorio    13. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    14. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music    17. Xmas Vocal   

Reviews (29)

And As For The Bernstein..........
Most music lovers who buy or seek this CD will do so for the Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 and for good reason: Hilary Hahn offers a sensitive, intelligent and thoroughly informed performance as accompanied by David Zinman conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.Surely everyone has a favorite performanceof this standard repertoire work: whether or not that performance rests comfortably in memory from a live concert or is secure in the recorded catalogue is a mute point.But few could argue the beauty and skill with which Hilary Hahn caresses this work.It is a very fine performance.
How to play this recording!!!!
I was interested in the complaints about miking or mixing, but didn't think too much about it... UNTIL I got the CD a couple of months ago.
Some passion missing...
I like Hahn's choice of tempos and her vision of Beethoven op. 61. The violinist sometimes compared to Heifetz takes considerably slower tempos than him, almost like Oistrakh. In this case I happen to agree with Oistrakh & Hahn. Compared to the old Russian master, however, I think some passion is missing here. The first movement may feel long-drawn-out when not played an interesting way, and that is my feeling, especially compared to Oistrakh's passionate performance under Ehrling's baton and his almost ceremonial under Cluytens.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Orchestral    8. Violin Concerto   

Reviews (10)

Corelli's famous Concerti by my favorite period instrument orchestra and conductor
Trevor Pinnock's recording of Corelli's Op. 6 Concerti grossi will not be to all tastes.Those raised on traditional instrument recordings by such as Max Goberman/Vienna Sinfonietta (Odyssey LPs, circulated in the 1970s) or Paul Angerer/Southwest German Chamber Orchestra (Vox) may not like the clipped articulation and fast tempos Pinnock uses.But the English Concert is a joy to hear: and can THEY PLAY!The allegros sizzle with joy and tension (in the minor key movements) and I find myself unable to resist conducting myself to the rhythmic patterns they generate.I think Corelli would be pleased, and I doubt he ever heard this good a performance of his Opus 6 Concertos.
Christmas Concerto
The _Christmas Concerto_ (Opus 6 Number 8) is the best on the CD!If you like Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" or the Bach "Double"but have never heard Corelli's Christmas Concerto, I think you will like it very much.

Corelli: Master and Commander of Enchanting Melodies
In a world dominated by Gabrelli and Vivaldi, Corelli's 12 Concerti Grossi (Op. 6) are gems.The performance of Pinnock and the English Concert is superb and the Archive recording crystal clear and in high fidelity.To the inexperienced ear the components of each piece flow together, yet the distinguishable melodies create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere -- either for a listener intent on each note, or as atmosphere while going about the day's business or leisure.Guided to this recording by the soundtrack for the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," you will be not long into the first of this two CD set before being rewarded for your purchase.Wonderful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Concerto Grosso    6. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Pollini's traversal of Chopin's 19 Nocturnes (he leaves out the pair of posthumous ones) is one of his finest recordings in years. His long-lined yet detailed performances are comparable to the very different ones that have long stood at the pinnacle of recorded sets. Not as serene as Artur Rubinstein's, not as philosophical as Claudio Arrau's, nor as warm as Ivan Moravec's, Pollini's interpretations have their own allure. One is the way he shapes the melodies with a natural flow enhanced by his tonal beauty, less lean and streamlined than his usual way with Romantic music. Another is his careful attention to dynamics, as in the subtle gradations of tone found in Op.9 No.1, Op. 15 No 2, and others in the set. Yet another is his detailed articulation that yields trills of feathery lightness and brings out inner details without unduly spotlighting them. His pianissimo playing is radiant, pearly runs are seamlessly strung together, and climaxes like that in Op. 37 No.1 ring out boldly. And this paragon of the objective modern style indulges in discreet rubatos that bring life to the musical line and make you feel the music behind the notes.Read more

Reviews (9)

A Visionary fperformance
When I first purchased this recording, the rather austere interpretations disappointed me.I had been listening to the Pires earlier, and her much more traditional, romantic approach had made a deep impression(still a great accomplishment, better than almost all who precede her recording).However, after a few listenings, Pollini's incredible intellectual command and spiritual interpretation became evident.If someone has listened more romantic playing of these pieces such asArrau's, then Pollini's may seem at first without any beauty or understanding of Chopin's intent because the doesn't linger of phrases, manipulate the tempo by rushing or slowing down in a dreamlike trance.Instead, Pollini finds the true essence in his perfect pianism and his visionary effort here.The sound of the recording is exemplary- I do wish they could have placed the microphones so as not to hear Pollini's occaisional and momentary gutteral utterances and breathing , but a small price to pay to hear Chopin's Nocturnes played with such insight, technique, and understanding.I rank this cd with his playing of the etudes, ballades, and preludes...all of the highest order.

He's back!
These recordings represent something of a return to form for Pollini, whose recordings in recent years have often sounded as if the score had been programmed into that hi-tech Yamaha player piano.Here one senses a sophisticated musical intelligence constantly making judgments and decisions.And, of course, his technique is still highly impressive.His articulation is a thing of wonder and his structural sense is a real asset in these pieces which can often seem diffuse.Still, the performances often seem defined by what is NOT done rather than any individual touches.Rubato is at a minimum and agogic hesitations nonexistent.They are very "come scritto" in what might be considered the Toscanini tradition.As such, they would be an excellent introduction to this music for new listeners.
HOLY COW!
According to the DG website, this set was supposed to be released in Novemeber of 2005 -- and it came out 7 months later! What an awful, miserable wait... I wish Pollini weren't on their back-burner, I think he's the best thing they have! This set is ridiculously good, amazing, excellent.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    5. Keyboard    6. Nocturne for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes ofHerbert von Karajan,with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Read more

Reviews (27)

A great addition to my music collection
This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety.I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner
Okay, so I like Wagner.I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries".Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did?No.If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.
100 STARS, If possible...
Fellow listeners, this CD collection is a real treat. I think of it as a "teaser" for one of the greatest romantic composers. Some of the other reviews here criticize this CD set for "chopping up" Wagner. While I realize that this takes place, it in no way compromises a single chord of the wonderful playing on these CDs.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    5. Miscellaneous Music    6. Opera    7. Orchestral    8. Orchestral & Symphonic    9. Romantic Orchestral Music   

Editorial Review

Unlike most composer/pianists, Rachmaninoff's instrumental prowess wasfully commensurate with his creative gifts. He embraces his youthful First Concertos as ifhe had encountered an old lover, consumating his passion with stupefying fingerwork inthe first movement cadenza. Conversely, the composer seems bored in the Third. Helaconically dispatches its torrents of notes, opts for the easier ossias in difficult passages,and makes cuts in the first and third movements. And pianists like Arturo Michelangeliand Earl Wild have recorded more incisive, demonic Rach Fourths. No question aboutthe Paganini Rhapsody and Second Concerto, where Rachmaninoff's fierce authority andluscious, molten tone permeate every bar. RCA's transfers, however, could have beenbetter.Read more

Reviews (28)

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos No.2 and No.3
I'm completely blown away this recording (Rachmaninoff playing Rachmaninoff Concerto 2+3 with Philadelphia Orchestra). I have heard so many recordings of both these concertos that I had become tired of them as they are treated as romantic virtuoso vehicles by all pianists - who - generalising though this may sound - play the Concerto No. 2 ALL IN THE SAME WAY!! So, when I heard Rachmaninoff playing HIMSELF tonight, I was completely stunned but his own interpretation which seems completely different to everyone elses. I cannot understand why other pianists who play these concertos haven't gone back to listen to Rachmininoff himself.
A moment of love
I'm not sure which version I'm going to buy, but I am on the Amazon site looking because I know the utter nutcases that write the reviews on classical works will do so with passion and unambiguous opinion.

A moment of truth
This afternoon I put on this recording of Rachmaninov, thinking I could use a little "background" music as I cleaned the living room.It stopped me dead in my tracks.For the next half hour (it was the third concerto) I sat on the coffee table, clutching my dust rag and muttering an occasional "my god!"
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Concerto    5. Piano Concerto   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Marvellous!
I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a cl