Editorial Review

Taking as her base 12 works of Bach, Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero proceeds to play variations on each. The works are familiar and most Classical fans will recognize their melodies instantly. But Montero, who is closer to a jazz improvisationalist than a classical pianist merely embellishing, alters rhythm as well as melody, and the results are invariably both surprising and delightful. The Presto from the Italian Concerto is positively wacky, but "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" sticks to the piece's mood with truth and originality. Montero plays "beyond" Bach with good taste and respect, and always with intense musicality. The results may seem improvised, but I doubt they are---they seem to well worked through---but that is more of a plus than a minus. You'll revel in hearing old favorites "interpreted" and find some unexpected pleasures here. Read more

Reviews (4)

True improvisations -- a wonder!
I struggle for the words to express how thrilled I am. Ms Montero is resurrecting the art of spontaneous improvisation in the field of classical music. Robert Levine, the Amazon site reviewer, hopefully has listened to the NPR interviews or the podcast and is now aware that Ms Montero did indeed improvise these on the spot. The only preparation lies in the fact that Gabriela Montero has been playing in this spontaneous way since before she was 3 years old! She was given a toy piano when she was 7 months and soon started picking out the songs her mother sang her to sleep with. Her talent today truly is astonishing! Give her a tune or theme never heard before, and she magically weaves a new piece out of it. We have read of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin all doing this -- it's a wonder and a fresh delight to hear how marvellously she does it for us. Kudos!

Very gifted pianist playing beautiful music
I have her CDs playing in my car and in my home.Her improvisation skills are top notch.Beyond Bach is one of my favorite pieces in this collection.Her other pieces are excellent as well.You can also find her interview on NPR.

Bach, Mozart and Beethoven Would Be Delighted...
It's an often neglected fact that Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were master improvisers, and I often wonder how they would feel about 'classical music' having become so exclusively addicted to reproducing the notes on the page. It seems that the latter of the three important legs of a musician's stool -- technique, interpretation, and improvisation -- has been forgotten in lieu of endless variation on the former two legs.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Concerto    7. Concerto Grosso    8. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    9. Invention for Keyboard    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Concerto    12. Keyboard Music    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Orchestral    16. Orchestral & Symphonic    17. Toccata for Keyboard    18. Violin Concerto   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

Like Floating On A Cloud
My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.

Bach
Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.
Good CD, especially for novices
I was looking for a recommended Bach CD - certain music by a certain orchestra - and stumbled on this.It is an excellent choice for a new library.I think when there was more than one movement to a piece, it would have made more sense to go ahead and keep the movements together instead of separating them, but a novice listener would not notice.A great way to become exposed to a great composer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Chamber    4. Choral    5. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Concerto Grosso    11. Concerto for Three Solo Instruments    12. Concerto for Two Pianos    13. Concerto for Two String Instruments    14. Invention for Keyboard    15. Keyboard    16. Magnificat    17. Mass    18. Music for Organ    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Wendy Carlos's Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (22)

wonderful album but. . .
I have always enjoyed this album and Well-Tempered Synthesizer ever since they came out in LP form when I was young.
A fun trip back to the 60's
I remember being in college listening to (at the time) the LP while studying. It is a greeat trip down memeory lane.

How about "class by itself?"
Sure I had record albums of music by Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff, but "Switched-On" was my real intro. to "classical" (orchestral) music. I still have this vinyl album, but I seldom drop the tonearm on it anymore: I'm afraid the stylus will come after me. Brandenburg No. 3 with its dripping water 2d movement puts this recording in a class by itself.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Concerto Grosso    9. Electronic    10. Electronic & Computer    11. Electronic/Avant-Garde/Minimalist Music    12. Invention for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Orchestral    15. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard   

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (42)

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

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

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

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

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (3)

Children's Favorites a solid purchase
This CD mostly delivered what was expected of it.The only critique I have is that some of the tempos could have been cleaner, and that it should be cross-referenced by the other composers besides J. S. Bach.

The perfect package
This is the most wonderful collection to have on 1 CD. Children from birth on up can benefit from this musical collage.
A Wonderful Introduction to the Classics
With total playing time clocking in at 78:04 minutes of music, you'll be paying about 6-cents/minute, which is a better bargain than long distance phone calls, and often more rewarding!Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Chamber    3. Children's Collections    4. Childrens    5. Classical    6. Classical Music    7. Classical Period Variations for Keyboard    8. Concerto    9. Invention for Keyboard    10. Keyboard    11. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    12. Miscellaneous    13. Music for Two Keyboards    14. Music with Spoken Words    15. Orchestral    16. Piano Concerto    17. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    18. Romantic Ballet    19. Romantic Orchestral Music    20. Scherzo for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

In 1968, keyboardist-composer Wendy Carlos released Read more

Features

• Box set
• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (37)

Walter's best
I know record and CD covers have been reprinted to reflect that Walter goes by the name of Wendy now.But this is all his best stuff in one collection.If you never had "Switched-On Brandenburgs Vol. 1 & 2" on LP and didn't get them either on CD back in 1987, then this is your chance to get them along with bits from his other works.Also get his other masterpiece "By Request" and the soundtrack of the movie "A Clockwork Orange".That's all you need if you are a fan of 60's analog synthesizer classical music, which only Walter was doing at that time.

Loved It All Over Again
When I heard the first piece from the first album as a young boy, I was completely hooked. I don't think Wendy could have picked a better song to start with. The power and expansiveness of the Sinfonia is surely what Bach must have heard in his head when he wrote it over 300 years ago.
Devotion to her art, dedication to her audience.
Wendy Carlos didn't have to do this, you know. Fer pity's sake, the oldest of these recordings is now well past legal drinking age! And, heck, on the average stereo system found in Joe Sixpack's living room (where a vinyl copy of the original "Switched-On Bach" is lost between an LP of "The Byrd's: Greatest Hits" and the soundtrack album to "The Sting"), the original Columbia Masterworks CD of "Switched-On Bach" sounded just fine. Besides, the analog synthesizer has long since taken its place next to the valveless Baroque trumpet and the rare violino piccolo as a "period instrument". "Puh-leez, Wendy!" some might shriek. "Give it a rest!"
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Cantata    5. Choral    6. Choral Music    7. Classical    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Concerto Grosso    11. Electronic    12. Electronic & Computer    13. Invention for Keyboard    14. Italian Baroque Opera    15. Keyboard    16. Microtonal    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. New Age    20. Opera   

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (7)

Tech issus
I bought this album because I enjoyed the LP version I bought back in the 70's. The music is still very good but this CD version would not play in our DVD player / burner. Instead of playing in the newer technologies, it gave us access to some not so good art and photography by W. Carlos. It was necessary to copy the music from the cd to my PC and then burn a fresh CD to get it to play.

Switched-On Bach II
Once again, a great experience! Will continue to do business with you whenever the opportunity arises. Thanks.

30 years later, still controversial
Upon reviewing my predecessors' comments, I am amazed at the degree to which Wendy's orchestrations and performances still provoke listeners!Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Concerto    8. Concerto Grosso    9. Dance-Based Keyboard Music    10. Electronic    11. Electronic & Computer    12. Invention for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Microtonal    15. Orchestral    16. Solo Voice and Continuo    17. Vocal   

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem    2. Bagatelle for Keyboard    3. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    4. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    5. Berceuse for Keyboard    6. Cantata    7. Canzona for Keyboard    8. Chamber    9. Chamber Music & Recitals    10. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    11. Choral    12. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    13. Classical    14. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    15. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    16. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    17. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    18. Concerto    19. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    20. Etude for Keyboard   

Reviews (2)

The first of Hewitt's monumental Bach cycle
Recorded in 1994, this is the first recording in "Canadian" pianist Angela Hewitt's traversal of J.S. Bach's major keyboard works.The program here ranges from the more simple of Bach's compositions (Two-Part Inventions) to some of the more trecherous, virtuostic masterpieces (the two fantasias).Written by Bach for his son and students around 1723, the Two-Part and Three-Part Inventions form the foundational know-how and skills of Bach's countrapuntal keyboard art.For centuries now these works have been essential for any piano student learning the "basics" of figuration, melodic line, smooth legato, clarity of two and three voices and so on.The Three-Part pieces are fairly advanced pieces possessing complex voicing and passagework. As such they are pre-requisite for learning the more complex preludes and fugues of "The Well-Tempered Clavier."Like the pieces in the WTC, both sets of Inventions show Bach as both a master educator and deft lyricist with their range of emotive qualities.There is delicacy, pensiveness, vivacity, virtuosity and sorrow expressed in these miniatures - all while building the foundational skills (like seamless legato w/o use of the pedal) necessary for performing the major piano repertoire.Pianists worldwide owe a world of gratitude for Johann Sebastian Bach for such foundational compositions.
Sophisticated, understated Bach
I have several recordings of the Inventions and Sinfonias, both on harpsichord (Gilbert, Koopman) and piano-- but this is easily the most satisfying. Less quirky than Gould's, Hewitt's performance is the furthest thing from flashy or idiosyncratic and really allows the clarity and contrapuntal elegance of Bach's keyboard writing to shine through. The result is the furthest thing from didacticism, always a risk with works that have such a central position in every pianist's early training. While eschewing every excess, Hewitt is also unafraid to take some liberaties-- hear, for example, the octave-doubling in the f-minor Sinfonia, easily a highlight of the set and of this performance in particular. Excellent fill-ups as well, the virtuosic c-minor Fantasia (though performed, as is almost always the case, without its fragmentary companion fugue) and the "Chromatic" Fantasie & Fugue. Unhesitatingly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard    5. Invention for Keyboard    6. Keyboard    7. Keyboard Music    8. Sinfonia for Keyboard   

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
We are using this series of CDs in our homeschool music program - they are fantastic! We especially love this one about Bach - what an awesome man! The story of his life is told in a way that is very interesting and holds the children's attention while also using various pieces of his music in the narration.It is done VERY well! My children are gaining a tremendous amount of knowlege and appreciation for music through this CD and so are my husband and I! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Concerto Grosso    10. Concerto for Two String Instruments    11. Invention for Keyboard    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Music    14. Magnificat    15. Mass    16. Music for Organ    17. Orchestral & Symphonic    18. Passacaglia/Passacaglia and Fugue for Keyboard    19. Passion    20. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard   

Reviews (8)

A classic!
I first got my hands on this CD in the late 1980's (the 1990 release date listed by Amazon is incorrect) and it ignited a life-long love affair with the music of Bach.Everything on the disc, from the thundering chords of the Fugue in D Minor to the bouncy, almost pop-like beats of the Italian Concerto, is brilliant -- and, incredibly, the choice of instrumentation doesn't sound cheesy or annoying years later (as it does with, say, Wendy Carlos' Switched-On-Bach albums).Dorsey's incredible rendition of the Fugue in D Minor drove me to learn to play the piece, a significant undertaking, which is probably the highest endorsement I can offer.And, as other reviewers have noted, the rendition of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is really quite breathtaking (although it hasn't aged as well as some of the other material on the disc).Dorsey's done a great job of making the music of Bach more accessible -- hats off.

Wonderful!Then, and now.
I purchased this album on (gasp!) cassette tape in the early 90's and thoroughly enjoyed it.Thinking it could get no better, I never put forth the effort to pick up the CD.That is until fate intervened on day at a garage sale.Both albums in new condition on CD for a buck each.How could I say no?Oh, my!I can't describe how wonderful Don's works sound in pristine digital audio.It sounded so good in the car that I went home, threw the disc into my system, and promptly smoked the voice coil on my sub.Wow!The clarity, fidelity, and dynamic range are just incredible, and Don's interpretations are just plain fun.From the thundering "Toccata and Fugue" on Bachbusters to the frenzied "Rage over a Lost Penny" on Beethoven or Bust, Don absolutely nails it. Bachbusters is Excellent
Anyone who appreciates the music of J.S. Bach will love this CD.Dorsey is truly a master of keyboard instruments, not to mention synthesized music.I've been scowering the Internet for quite a while in search ofother computerized Bach renditions, mostly in vain.But there is an albumcalled CYBACH on MP3.com which I would highly recommend.It focuses mostlyon organ works, though.My hat goes off to Don Dorsey!Please, keep itup! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Invention for Keyboard    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Music for Organ    12. Sinfonia for Keyboard   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

Educatioinal Experience
I was somewhat disappointed with this purchase. Many of the pieces played were at different speed that I had come to learn them. Some pieces were so fast, I thought that it was unreal, others were slower than I anticipated. I realized that music is open to personal interpretation, but I feel that about half of the pieces were off tempo. Admittedly, I am not a Bach expert, or an Elliot Gould fan, I feel that this purchase was almost not worth the time and effort I spent looking for it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Invention for Keyboard    5. Keyboard    6. Sinfonia for Keyboard    7. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Childrens    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Invention for Keyboard    8. Keyboard    9. Keyboard Music    10. Minuet for Keyboard    11. Orchestral    12. Piano Concerto    13. Romantic Ballet    14. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    15. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    16. Romantic Symphony    17. Symphonic    18. Unspecified Dance for Orchestra    19. Violin Concerto   

Reviews (10)

Excellent!
This CD is a wonderful find. Schiff plays Bach with masterful grace and technique. His interpretations of the pieces are marvelous. Those who doubt the "purity" of the playing can go sit down with a metronome and play it note for note if they so desire. Music is meant to be expressed, and Schiff does so, in a great way. As a player of the inventions, I can appreciate the talent, technique and phrasing of a masterful pianist.

Average
Writting reviews about lesser talented pianists who are nowbuilding their house in the wake of Gould always seems to be the perfect occasion to say astoundingly stupid things about Gould - the wolf hunted down by dogs scarving to turn him into a dog.
What is all this fuss about Gould being better than Schiff?
Schiff plays Bach extremely well with a beautiful tone. I personally think that Schiff plays better than Gould. An eccentric person, Gould mainly does what he wants. In some pieces, he plays them extroadinarily, but most pieces, they are a mess of complete rushing and absolutely no dynamics. In almost every song he plays, Schiff shows a perfection that no one else could have. I enjoy listening to him and learn a lot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Invention for Keyboard    5. Keyboard    6. Keyboard Music    7. Sinfonia for Keyboard   

Reviews (7)

Excellent Introductory CD!
This CD is an excellent introduction to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It's certainly not exhaustive, but it's a start. It also includes pieces from Johann Michael Bach, as well as another composer (whose name escapes me at the moment) whose work was once mistakenly attributed to JSB. This entire series of CDs is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the Classical Masters. Start with this series, and then by all means, delve deeper into their respective repetoires. You won't be disappointed.

Good Introduction to Bach.
I don't want to repeat what has been said already but this is a great indroduction to Bach. The variety on this release is good, but like has been said numerous times before, the amount of variety fails to set a single mood. But with a low price and a great deal of variety this is a great CD for those who want to start getting into Bach. Recommended.

Bach For Dummies?
A smattering of short excerpts -- many not on their native instruments -- to introduce the great literature left to us by J.S. Bach.Some of the versions are truly inspired, a few are not.Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Cantata    4. Chamber    5. Choral    6. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    7. Classical    8. Classical Composers    9. Classical Music    10. Concerto    11. Concerto Grosso    12. Concerto for Two String Instruments    13. Invention for Keyboard    14. Keyboard    15. Keyboard Concerto    16. Keyboard Music    17. Lute Solo    18. Magnificat    19. Miscellaneous    20. Miscellaneous Music   

Editorial Review

If Peter Serkin's four Read more

Reviews (5)

This is a great CD.
After years of hacking through these pieces on the piano, and then a few more years studying them in college classes...I guess I developed a fondness for them.So, I wanted to get a recording that summed up why I loved them so much.Don't be angry, but the Gould just didn't do it for me.I was very impressed with Serkin's performances of Takemitsu and Messiaen, so I was glad to find this cd.It's great...I'd say perfect (although I'm not a Bach scholar...am I?).The tempos are great.There is this subtlety to it...the notes just kind of "dance" out of the speakers and into your ears.Nice.

Gorgeous sound and musicianship
The extreme disparity of the reviews here is probably indication enough that this is a recording worth buying and studying.Serkin is consistently one of the most subtle and insightful musicians active today, and Bach is the perfect showcase for his talents.Listeners seeking a cheap thrill will be disappointed with this disc; the more thoughtful will discover a bottomless well of seamless phrasing, singing tone in the cello register, and voicing of a subtlety that is nearly impossible to achieve. I don't think so.
Comparing Peter Serkin to Glenn Gould is like comparing your high school baseball team to the New York Yankees.They're in completely different leagues. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Invention for Keyboard    5. Keyboard    6. Keyboard Music    7. Sinfonia for Keyboard   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (3)

Swinging Bach
When the Swingle Singers take on Bach's polyphony at full speed, it's exhilarating. Very cleanly done, very fun, and the jazz drums and bass add nicely to the sound.
I've been looking for this for a LONG time...
I loved listening to this with my Dad in the 60's and 70's and had always wanted a "clean" copy of my own. I have the original LP, but the pops and hisses now mar the recording and let's face it, a CD is a lot easier to listen to. This is NOT the title or album cover of the LP issued in the US, but IS the same recording as the "Bach's Greatest Hits" LP released here in 1963 (or 1964) with the white album cover and grey line drawings of Bach et al. It is just as I remebered it. What a nice memory.

Vol.1 Jazz Sebastian Bach
Dear Sirs! > I have not intention to buy the CD version of Jazz Sebastian Bach one of the highlights of the Swingle Singers. This is more testimony, but very, very rare, than professional review of one CD. But this text can be may be useful for your buyers. My English is not the best, so you fill free to rewrite this text in the way appropriate for you buyers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    3. Classical Music    4. Classical Pop    5. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    6. Harmony Vocal Group    7. Invention for Keyboard    8. Jazz    9. Jazz Vocals    10. Keyboard    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Orchestral    14. Pop    15. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    17. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Although Gyorgy Ligeti is best known for his eerie, tonally ambiguouschoral and orchestral writing (immortalized in Read more

Reviews (9)

Report from the far reaches of the musical envelope.
This recording of Gyorgy Ligeti's 'Mechanical Music' gets five stars from me only because I happen to like this sort of thing, and 'good' music of this type which pushes the envelope in one direction or another is hard to come by. My immediate reaction to it is the amount of similarity I hear in some of the works to those of Frank Zappa's more serious instrumentals, especially to his 'signature' tune, 'Peaches En Regalia'. If I didn't know Sir Frank was heavily influenced by Edgar Varese, I would have started looking for Hungarian skeletens in the Zappa closet.
Not great music, but fun
Of Marcel Duchamp's powerful "Nude Descending a Staircase," an unfriendly (but perceptive) critic said a better title would have been "Explosion in a Shingle Factory." I'd suggest that Ligeti's Poeme Symphonique for 200 Metronomes might more descriptively be titled "Tone Poem: Waiting Out a Twenty-Minute Hailstorm in a Tin Shack."
share Ligeti's fascination with mechanical things.
First off, I should inform you that Sony's Ligeti Edition series is being deleted so if you're interested in this stuff, you should pick up the ones you want as soon as you can. Ligeti Edition 5 is a good one. No, it's AWESOME. If you have any interest in "mechanical music," this should be essential.Read more

Subjects:  1. Capriccio/Caprice for Keyboard    2. Chaconne for Keyboard    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Electronic/Avant-Garde/Minimalist Music    7. Invention for Keyboard    8. Keyboard    9. Keyboard Work Entitled "Piece" or "Stück"    10. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title   

Editorial Review

The thesis that a child's brain can grow from listening to music is inarguable. The science is somewhat simple: for kids hearing music, the real meal of the sound is its connections and structures, both of which teach the brain how to organize phenomena. Johann Sebastian Bach's music is a stunning study in this regard, thanks at certain points to his keenly built, pristinely laid out musical architecture and at other times to the mix of intricate detail and delicate gloss. With this collection, drawn from Columbia Records' vast vaults, you get the best of the gentle scenarios, beginning with "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and extending to E. Powers Biggs's breathy organ on "Be Thou Art Near." Firecrackers pop a little more cracklingly as Lutz Kirchhof performs a pair of lute suites and Anthony Newman takes on a pair of the famed Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Cantata    4. Cello Solo    5. Chamber    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Composers    9. Classical Music    10. Concerto    11. Concerto Grosso    12. Invention for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Lute Solo    15. Music for Organ    16. Oboe Concerto    17. Orchestral    18. Orchestral & Symphonic    19. Solo Voice and Continuo    20. Vocal   

Reviews (6)

More 'sci-fi' inspired music
This 6th installment of the Gyorgy Ligeti Edition contains one (Harmonies) of Ligeti's three pieces used by Stanley Kubrick in the '2001' soundtrack. For that reason alone, this CD is a bit more interesting than some of the others in this series. To me, as a representative of the average listener who happens to like a very broad range of musical styles, this CD is more interesting than Ligeti's string compositions, but not as interesting as his choral works.
Piano pieces are lesser works, but the rest is fantastic
Gyorgy Ligeti Edition 6 "Keyboard Works", a installment of Sony's attempt to present Ligeti's