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

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   

Reviews (8)

Too busy
I was hoping for more music - there's just too much storytelling for my and my kids' taste.We love the Beethoven's Wig series and were hoping this would be similar.

good product and fast service
Product arrived in ample time overseas and was pleased with quality of product!

what a road trip
i bought this item after reading some of the reviews on amazon for my nephews who are 2 and 4 years of age.two months after christmas their mom was explaining how they request the cd everytime they are in the car.she groaned when i was in the car and they boys wanted to show me how much they liked the cd.during the trip i witnessed a mother humming along to the music with her children, the boys singing to excerpts, and an overall execptional learning experience about music, culture, and history. if you are looking for something that all children will like, passes the time on a road trip, and teaches important lessons about life without being pretentious then get this cd, it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Children's    3. Childrens    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Period Music for Voice and Keyboard    7. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    8. Classical Period Symphony    9. Classical Period Variations for Keyboard    10. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    11. Concerto    12. French Horn Concerto    13. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    14. Keyboard    15. Miscellaneous    16. Miscellaneous Music    17. Motet    18. Opera    19. Orchestral    20. Piano Concerto   

Editorial Review

This is the first recording of Adams's Read more

Reviews (33)

25 minutes for this? What a waste of time and effort.
A very sad and desperate attempt to honor the event s of 9/11. Save your money. There is nothing significant on this CD. Mostly just names being read with some awkward music in the background and throughout. Virtually worthless. Buy the soundtrack to World Trade Center instead if you want music that causes you to relfect on that fateful day. To bad I can't return this junk.

Vastly overrated
John Adams is, of course, very talented. Unfortunately, this is pretty weak music, and his use of the victims' names being read is amateurish at best.I am glad if this piece helps console those who experienced 9/11 first- or even second-hand, but this whole project struck me as a bit unseemly.On his web site, Adams statesthat he only had six months to write the piece after he was "requested" to compose it by the NY Philharmonic.If you have to be requested or commissioned to write a piece on 9/11, I think you're in trouble.As a composer, do you really need a commission to write a work about one of the greatest tragedies in the country's history?It implies that if he hadn't gotten the "request," he wouldn't have bothered. Still, if he had composed anything approaching a masterpiece, it being a commission wouldn't have mattered.But this is far from great; it's really pretty boilerplate if you're honest about it and sounds like the work for hire that it was.I'm afraid composing is just a little too easy for Mr. Adams.By and large his music is very skilled, but it's also pretty empty.

Dealing With 9/11 Through Classical Music
Throughout time immemoriam, it has been commonplace for people in the arts to deal with historical events, both triumphant and tragic, through their life's pursuits.Wars; space travel; the Holocaust--the list goes on an on.In our present context, the big subject is the apocalyptic chain of events of September 11, 2001, in which a four-pronged terrorist plot wiped out the lives of nearly three thousand persons.It has been argued that to depict such horrors at this or any other time through the means of art cannot begin to match the reality.This is unavoidably true, but perhaps by doing so we will come closer to putting the terrible events of that day in perspective.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Choral Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Crossover    6. Minimalism    7. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

$70/40... you do the math.
No, I don't own this collection...yet.However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand.Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price.At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit.The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured).The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves.The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Sinfonia for Orchestra    2. Bassoon Concerto    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Cello Concerto    5. Cello with Keyboard    6. Chamber    7. Chamber Music & Recitals    8. Choral    9. Classical    10. Classical Composers    11. Concerto    12. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    13. Concerto for Two String Instruments    14. Credo    15. Flute Concerto    16. Gloria    17. Italian Baroque Opera    18. Magnificat    19. Mixed Chamber Ensemble with Keyboard    20. Multiple String Instruments with Keyboard/Continuo   

Reviews (1)

Amazing Cycle of Shostakovich Symphonies
Mariss Jansons and various orchestras have finally completed a noteworthy and valuable Shostakovich symphonic cycle just in time for Dmitri's Century birthday year. I have to be the first to say that I love the cycle. Performances from 1988-2005, these really are arguable definitive recordings of the works. At first, I was skeptical of the Jansons cycle because I myself was a little disappointed with his Tchaikovsky cycle with the Oslo Philharmonic. But having studied with great shostakovich conductors seem to really add something to all of his performances whether its the 1st symphony with the Berlin Philharmonic, the 8th with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, or the incomporable 11th with the Philadelphia Orchestra. It certainly demonstrates that Jansons is a man of many talents if he can whip any orchestra into shape.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Symphony    2. 20th/21st Century Symphony with Chorus    3. 20th/21st Century Symphony with Multiple Solo Voices    4. 20th/21st Century Symphony with Solo Voice and Chorus    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Fox Trot for Orchestra    8. Orchestral    9. Orchestral & Symphonic    10. Suite for Orchestra    11. Symphonic   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (12)

It Doesn't Get Much Better
This is the fourth recording of "The Planets" I've purchased, and I am extremely pleased. The Los Angeles Philharmonic was at its best here, and much of that was owed to the genius of its then director Zubin Mehta. Crisp arrangements, and a full orchestral sound is how you achieve the full effect of "The Planets." Other conductors should take note. Not my favorite, that honor still goes to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the leadership of Leopold Stokowski. But you definitely can't go wrong with this one.

A fine CD at a friendly price
I've heard several recordings of "The Planets," and I like this one very much.The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra (with Zubin Mehta conducting) and the Los Angeles Master Chorale (Women's voices) do a fine job of capturing the drama of the work.And I think it was a good idea to couple it with a little of the outer-space-related music of John Williams.
Great Recording!Good Sound for an ADD source!
Holst's "The Planets" ranks among my favourite classical pieces ever and this version by Mehta and the LA Philharmonic is the best version I've heard.In addition, the sound quality is quite good given the age of the recording and the fact that it comes from an analogue original source and so I can only imagine how much better this would be if it ever gets a remastering job from the best master tapes in Decca's vault.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Film    5. Film Music    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral & Symphonic    8. Suite for Orchestra   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (4)

Classic - Hold the Chills
This is a fine collection of mostly classical themes.
Packed with creepy stuff
This is an awesome album. It starts off with thunder crashing, running footsteps, a gate creaking, the wind howling, a cat screeching, a door opening, a woman crying that she needs help....and then SCREAMING! And then straight into track 2, the overture to 'The Phantom of the Opera'. Wow! The rest of the cd also features 'creepy' music from various sources, such as Alfred Hitchcock films, like Psycho, various classic works like Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Night on Bald Mountain', and also some other creepy sound effects. A good album not only for Halloween but I dare you to listen to it during a dark night with a thunderstorm raging outside.

A real work-out for your system......
I've owned the "Chiller" CD since it's release in '89.At the time, I was working for a local Audio/Video/Music dealer, and was looking for 'demo' CD's containing not necessarily heavy bass, but ones displayingincredible dynamic range, and sharp transient peaks.I already owned acopy of "Time Warp", also on Telarc, and was intrigued when Iread about "Chiller.Needless to say, I was extremely pleased withthis disc.Not only did I get a disc containing some great treatments ofclassics, but the re-make of the "Psycho" suite is wonderful (theshower sequence is very faithful to the original)!A word ofwarning.....the dynamic range of this disc is not to beunderestimated.....I drove an older amplifier into thermal shutdown VERYquickly with track #1.I haven't tried it since I've upgraded my homesystem....hmmm....might have to scare the neighbors tonight (or at leastrattle a few dental fillings)! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Music    2. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Music    7. Conductor    8. Electronic/Computer/Tape Music    9. Film    10. Film Music    11. Instrumental Pop    12. Keyboard    13. Miscellaneous    14. Miscellaneous Music    15. Music Theater    16. Musical Theater    17. Orchestral    18. Orchestral Pop    19. Romantic Orchestral Music    20. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra   

Editorial Review

Benjamin Zander has been making his reputation by examining the correct tempos for familiar works, as in his pioneering recording of Stravinsky's Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent, but it will spoil you for slower tempi ...
I bought this on the recommendation of reviews here and elsewhere, and am VERY pleased with it.The performance is first rate, and the sound quality is quite good but not great.(One reviewer described the sound quality as "opaque", and I concur, else I would have given it five stars.)The companion disc is worth the price of the set, and one need not be a Music Theory Major to understand Zander's analysis.Just a warning, though, after becoming accustomed to Zander's quicker tempo - which, if you agree with his analysis, is actually Beethoven's original tempo - it will be hard to listen to other, slower performances without wondering what these other conductors were thinking ... or doing.

You'll want your own too
Having grown up an avid fan of Bernstein's Young People's Concerts I was thrilled when I ran into this recording. The music is fabulous and the "lectures" are fascinating, edifying and very understandable. Everyone I've played this for agrees and wants their own copy.

A stunning achievement!
Except for the 9th symphony, I have never been able to get into Beethoven, or any of the "romantic" composers (such as Brahms) who followed him. (For the record, my favorite composers are Mozart, Stravinski, and Ives.)Still, it seemed there had to be something more there than I was capable of understanding.With Mozart, I have found that I greatly prefer "period instrument" performances, and so formed the opinion that modern conducting and performance practice is often to blame for obscuring a great composer's intentions.I was therefore intrigued to learn of these Beethoven performances at Beethoven's clearly designated tempos.Read more

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

Reviews (9)

Because of reviews
I bought this version because of the other reviews and I think it was a wise choice! The tempo's are perfect and the music is inspirational!

The Crown of Western Music
This recording of The Art of Fugue is my all-around favorite.
The best
Of the five CDs of J.S. Bach's The Art Of The Fugue recently acquired, The Stuttgarter Kammerorchester version is by far the most outstanding.The performance is precise.The two disks are awesome listened to in one sitting.Actually, over and over.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    7. Keyboard    8. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (36)

one of my favoirte cds
sir paul writes such beautiful melodies. found this in the library and just loved it. it is such a peaceful pleasure to listen to. you will find some familiar tunes and other new ones. i find it moving and lovely.

Is it possible to wear out a CD?
I first heard the song "Tuesday" on my "wake-up" radio station. I was amazed and thrilled when I found Paul McCartney as the truly gifted composer, proven by this glorious work. Some of the tracks are reminiscent of old Beatles songs.
It's absolutely beautiful!
There are no words to describe this CD.It is emotional, strong, beautiful, and stunning.I would have NEVER expected violin and McCartney to be so prodigious together.I highly recommend this CD, if you can appreciate classical music and Mccartney music, in any way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Classical    5. Classical Composers    6. Classical Music    7. Orchestral    8. Orchestral & Symphonic    9. Orchestral Music    10. Pop/Rock    11. Singer/Songwriter    12. Soft Rock    13. Vocal    14. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Leonard Bernstein's performances of Shostakovich were almost as highly regarded as hisMahler. This performance of the Fifth Symphony was the highlight of his celebrated tour of the Soviet Union with the New York Philharmonic in 1959. The composer himself attended the performances and approved of Bernstein's interpretation, which is the exact opposite of the traditional Russian one. Rather than take the finale ponderously, Bernstein flies through the music at a frantic pace, carrying it forward with irresistible momentum. The Ninth Symphony is the composer's lightest and most carefree. Bernstein walks the fine line between humor and seriousness with acrobatic skill. Read more

Reviews (28)

Concerning tempos
Regarding tempos: yes, this Bernstein recording is famous for being rather quick. Though these ARE the tempos Shostakovitch has down in the score. Most people now take it much slower, and that way is considered 'correct.' FWIW.

an incorrect interpretation
The Shostakovich 5th is interpreted incorrectly. The tempos are always way too fast. Bernstein perhaps should have done more research before he conducted this Shostakovich. The ending is misleading. Because of the fast tempo, there lacks sorrow and pain. Buy the Rostropovich recording instead.

New York saves Bernstein
I am not here to dispute the great talent of the all-American musical hero Leonard Bernstein. A man far above the rest as far as skill and attention to detail is concerned but as for this recording there are many dissapointing aspects of the interpretation. The Ninth is done quite well. Although it does feel slightly bland and downright boring at times, I attribute this to my own personal preference. The orchestra performs superbly and Bernstein is in his element amongst this famed group of musicians. All in all, this is a solid recording of the Ninth.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Symphony    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

This is an extraordinary recording - extraordinary in concept, planning, preparation, and execution. Orchestras have been known to let an entire violin section stand up and play Paganini's "Perpetual motion" in unison - often with dubious results - but a cello section that can transform itself into a multi-layered ensemble is unique. Of course it only works if the section belongs to a great orchestra and consists of great individual players. The sound these cellists produce is incredible, from the sonority of an orchestra to delicate, transparent lines, from somber darkness to celestial radiance. They must have very strong thumbs: much of the music lies in the stratospheric thumb-position. Indeed, it is often hard to believe that these are cellos, not violins, or flutes and oboes. Their intonation, balance and unanimity are impeccable, and their stylistic versatility equals their technical command. The program, in excellent arrangements, some by the players themselves, ranges from a 17th-century Carissimi prayer (with chorus) through Bach, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Verdi, Piazzolla, whose Tango Suite gives the disc its title, Pärt, whose "Fratres" is heard in its original version, punctuated by bass-drum thuds, to contemporary Gospel shouts (with a jazz singer) by Volker Schlott, a Berlin-based jazz musician. The program ends with a frankly emotional, beautiful piece written for the 12 Cellists by Markus Stockhausen, who joins them on trumpet and flugelhorn. The recording's only flaw is its excessive dynamic contrast; let your ears revel in the Cellists' sound, but keep a finger on the volume control. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    5. Choral    6. Choral Music    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Keyboard    10. Miscellaneous Vocal Music    11. Music For String Orchestra    12. Oratorio    13. Orchestral    14. Orchestral & Symphonic    15. Vocal    16. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Karl Bohm was one of this century's great Mozart conductors--a fact that's apt to beforgotten in the flood of authentic instrument productions, many of them on DG's associated labels.He conducted Mozart with real love and affection, maintaining moderate tempos, allowing eachwork's gorgeous melodies a chance to sing and breathe. Mozart's symphonic music has its roots inthe opera house, and so did Bohm. Listening to the witty woodwind interjections in the finale ofSymphony No. 39, for example, you can readily imagine the witty exchanges of differentcharacters in one of Mozart's comic operas. These beautifully recorded versions of Mozart'sgreatest symphonies belong in the collection of every fan of the composer. Read more

Reviews (40)

Wonderful Sound Quality and Precision
Precision.That is what comes to my mind when listening to a Karl Bohm interpretation of Mozart.Mozart's final symphonies are ageless masterpieces of music.Anyone can recognize the opening Allegro moto of Symphony No. 40 in G-Minor (one of Mozart's only symphonies in a minor key).Just finding a collection with these wonderful symphonies is a great find.
Other than Bruno Walter's
Columbia SO recordings (NOT with the New York PO) , which are OOP, this Bohm is the one to have, the only one you need actually. As I've heard at least 6 other major conductors, Klemperer , Mackerraas, both Levine's etc etc.
Efficient interpretations and lovely playing, but there's more to Mozart
I can see someone admiring these recordings, since they are very well executed and crisply presented, with no major flaws. And I can see why Mozart was considered one of Karl Bohm's best composers if you like his foursquare, unsmiling approach. Apparently many other listeners and reviewers don't demand more than what this bargain set of the last six symphonies delivers.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Classical Music    4. Classical Period Symphony    5. Symphonic   

Editorial Review

If you're looking for a real bargain set of Beethoven's complete symphonies, look no further. David Zinman leads the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich through the big nine. Unconventional--this is the world-premiere, modern-instrument recording of the New Barenreiter Edition (translation: slight variations in the scoring)--and with Zinman's typically fast tempos, these are spirited, though probably not definitive, performances. Herbert Von Karajan's1963 cycle of Beethoven's symphonies must still be considered the essential versions and, costing only 10 dollars more than this set, it's just as much of a bargain. But, for Beethoven lovers on a tight budget, folks looking to add one more Beethoven cycle to their music library, or experts who want to hear what the fuss of the Barenreiter Edition is about, this set shouldn't be passed up. Zinman and Tonhalle have delivered a winner, with excellent sound and a great sticker price. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (43)

Probably the best cycle on the market
I love this set.
Beethoven Rediscovered!!!!!
I was curious to listen to David Zinman and the Zurich Orchestra after all I had read inthe CD guide books and magazines. This is my sixth full cycle (Karajan 1963 and 1977, Klemperer,Bernstein/VPO and Toscanini) and these days is definetely my favourite. Zinman brings new life to the symphonies- period. The Barenreiter edition may play a role in the freshness of the music but the passion of maestro and orchestra makes you feel as if you are present in the music hall, being a spectator of a live performance.
Fast speeds, exceptional clarity and good recording
This set is back in circulation and, apparently, all the recordings are now available individually. This is probably the more important development for people that want to sample Zinman's review of Beethoven using period speeds and the Bahrenreiter edition.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Romantic Symphony    7. Symphonic   

Reviews (4)

This is the one you're looking for!
We took our children to the Santa Cruz Symphony's production of Peter and the Wolf. Since the concert, they have been very interested in this classical music collection and listen to it regularly.We purchased this CD and the book "Peter and The Wolf" by Vagin Vladimir (fabulous illustrations).Together, they're a charming gift that any child will love and it could very well be their introduction to classical music for a lifetime.

a beautiful recording
David Bowie's voice is wonderful in this beautiful recording of Peter and the Wolf. the orchestra is rich and full and alive.

The most imaginary performance of Peter and Wolf
The version of Eugene Ormandy conducting The Philadelphia Orchestra has most youthful and imaginary reading of Peter and Wolf. The color and the flare of the story is vividly drawn out. The orchestral sound are warm, delight and dynamic. Thanks RCA for reserving this musical artistry and rematster it. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Trio of great violin sonatas
While Brahms wrote only three sonatas, they are a great trio of works.The first is the most intense, the second the most lyrical and the last one the most inspired with a slow movement that is arguably Brahms most beautiful melody.The two famous musicians here give us radiant performances. At almost 10 bucks less than a full-priced version of this music, this CD represents great value. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (5)

the most sensetive musicever
This music take me away from every day troubles and brings my soul to a beutiful world of music.Saint-Saent's vision of music is different, his creations are sensitive and intence. He is agreat talent.

Cool Camille
I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique.I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it.On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars.I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works.You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this. Astounding!!!
I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy.This CD is one of those.Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own.I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Flute Concerto    8. French Horn Concerto    9. French Romantic Opera    10. Opera    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral & Symphonic    13. Piano Concerto    14. Romantic Orchestral Music    15. Romantic Symphony    16. Romantic Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem for Orchestra    17. Symphonic    18. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

This surprising program is a joy through and through.It begins with a 1985 work by John Corigliano (Fantasia on an Ostinato) that uses the slow-movement theme from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony and then later flies off into wonderfully emotion-filled directions. Next come Beethoven's "Tempest" sonata, played with just the right drama, and his fabulous "Choral Fantasy," op. 80, which is part sonata, part study for the 9th symphony. Pianist Grimaud plays the Fantasy with alternating delicacy and power, and the CD ends with Arvo Pärt's Credo, scored for piano solo, mixed chorus, and orchestra. This last piece is rich and complex, and in some ways encompasses the previous works' emotions and textures; those who think of Pärt as the quiet, holy minimalist, are in for a treat, and perhaps shock. Grimaud is simply magnificent regardless of the century or style; the beauty of her tone is surpassed only by its expressiveness. Esa Pekka Salonen leads the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir handsomely. This is a very special disc, a must for your collection. Read more

Reviews (22)

Grimaud is special, and so is this CD
Helene Grimaud is somewhat of an enigma and also a maverick. For one thing she loves wolves and helps sponsor a wolf sanctuary. Also she is exceptionally attractive and has a very strong personality which comes through even in recorded performances. But Helene Grimaud is also a very good pianist for whom artistry is as important as technigue, and she has an abundance of both. Buy any performance by Grimaud and you will probably be very favorably impressed by it even if it differs in subtle ways from performances by other pianists. I purchased this CD prima