Editorial Review

Here are three dozen pieces of music, all played by Yo-Yo Ma, culled from his extensive discography. Aside from the technical mastery and beautiful tone that are absolutes in all of his playing, one is dazzled by his curiosity and ability to adapt to so many forms and types of music. His Bach and Vivaldi are pellucid and played with non-sentimental crispness, his tango music gritty and rhythmically pungent, his jazz seemingly spontaneous, the "Meditation" from Read more

Reviews (8)

Great Collection!
Between these two disks, the listener experiences the expansive swath of this virtuoso's briliant repetoire.I bought the disk primarily for Bach's Prelude from Cello Suite No 1 in G Major, but I also loved the other Bach selections and the hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Simple Gifts".I have heard other performances by Yo-Yo Ma of this Cello suite selection, but I found this version to be the most stylistically appealing--at least by my humble tastes.I usually avoid compilation cds ("best of" is usually a turn off), but this is a definite thumbs-up.At the very least, it will point the way to other selections to pursue in greater depth.It really is a great musical find!

DVD purchase
Purchasing this product was hassle free and arrived well packaged in short time frame considering overseas destination.
After heearing both discs-- totally Out-0f-Sight!
Before first hearing this awesome Essential Yo-Yo Ma, my hearing Yo-Yo Ma in person came from a few feet from front-stage. Yet hearing him on ear-phones on this CD each morning, you get sucherie aura of inner presence, from the Prelude of Bach Suite No 1 in G major, then Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Sheep May Safely Graze, full Orchestra with Wachet Auf, "Simple Gifts" played by the Master Musician, sung by the plaintive soprano voice of an angel, two Morricone Pieces, "Gabriel's Oboe and the Falls" + "The Eternal Vow," from the Crouching Tiger and "The Cellist of Sarajevo." It is 153 minutes of blessed, calming, soothing, heavenly, Eternally Peaceful, flowing of Melodies!
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Cello Concerto    3. Cello Solo    4. Cello with Keyboard    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Choral    8. Choral Music    9. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    10. Classical    11. Classical Artists    12. Concerto    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Music    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC
[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself
This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

Beethoven Lover's Newest Report
Wow! This is really good. I can't believe it's not beethoven himself playing! I really recommend it to anyone who's a Beethoven lover like me! Please, I really need to know if you agree with me... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Ballet    3. Chamber    4. Choral    5. Choral Music    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Concerto    10. Ecosse/Ecossaise for Keyboard    11. Keyboard    12. Orchestral    13. Orchestral & Symphonic    14. Piano Concerto    15. Romantic Ballet    16. Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra    17. Romantic Overture for Orchestra    18. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    19. Romantic Symphony    20. Symphonic   

Reviews (16)

Inspire the baby-within
Beyond sheer musical appreciation and enjoyment, Mozart's music in general is ideal for gently stimulating the "creative centers" as well as instilling a sense well-being.While there is much academic disagreement about the extent or reality of the so-called "Mozart Effect," it doesn't take a genius to observe how Mozart's music puts most people (and probably babies-to-be) in a happy mood ready to take on the day's challenges.There is a simplicity - yet elegance and musical brilliance - in his music that is also well-suited for the youngest of children.
Calms your soul.....
Just had to take a moment to write this review. I bought this CD 9 months ago right before the due date of my first baby. Being a new mom and nervous and trying to do everything right, I played this CD the first week home from the hospital. It would totally calm both me and baby and we would rock and rock until he was asleep. I've always loved all kinds of music but having such a peaceful CD to listen to helped me gain my perspective and take a deep breath and just enjoy this new little one I had in my arms. Music does that to me but this CD has something extra special.

Highly Rated Recordings. Excellent Song Selection
Too often classical music CD's for families or kids are poor in quality. But that is not the case with this excellent CD. The recordings on this CD were selected from the very best, previously released recordings. Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Miscellaneous    9. Miscellaneous Music    10. Orchestral    11. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    12. Quartet for Four String Instruments    13. Quintet for Five String Instruments    14. Trio for Three String Instruments    15. Violin Concerto    16. Woodwind Chamber Music   

Reviews (7)

Pleasant backdrop
As a child growing up in the city of Salem, known for it's working class backbone, I was the only kid I knew who had been to Symphony Hall more than Fenway Park. Going in to Boston for the symphony's open practices was what I lived for. It gave me a true appreciative, although untrained ear. The one lasting lesson is that while you may not notice good classical music,EVERYONE notices bad classical music. And this is NOT bad classical.
Musical soothing of the soul
I have been a fan of Baroque music since childhood (and I'm not all that old either). But I've only started reading the Patrick O'Brian books in the last few months, since it was announced that my favorite actor, Russell Crowe, was about to star as Captain Jack Aubrey in the Peter Weir movie. I am reading the books in order, and am currently on "HMS Surprise," so what else could be a more perfect accompaniment than this CD? Aubrey is such a multi-layered character, filled with imperfections and bad puns, however he has a great love for music and he plays the violin quite well. Often paired with ship's surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin on the cello, music is a great release for this sea captain, and the pieces on this CD are fine representations of what Aubrey might have played while on assignment or heard when on land. The selections by Hadyn, Locatelli, Handel, Boccherini and Leclair are pleasant, soothing compositions that are complex and varied enough that they are not redundant, and range from peaceful to nimble. While listening to the CD, I could vividly imagine Jack Aubrey below decks in his cabin and asking Maturin to strike up a tune with him. And then they begin an Andante or an Allegro, allowing Aubrey to set aside his absolutely awful puns and jokes so he can clear his mind and relax. Considering some of the battles he's involved himself in so far in the series, he definitely needs it. Reading his adventures while listening to these charming pieces will relax you as well, and definitely take your imagination to some wondrous places in an era of great change.

Afloat on a sea of relaxation
I like Mozart. I really do, and I used to put on a piano concerto or two over dinner when I had guests aboard.Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata da camera    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Trio Sonata    10. Two String Instruments with Keyboard/Continuo   

Editorial Review

Guitarist John Williams (no, not John Williams the soundtrack composer) adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Read more

Reviews (13)

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!
If you had to call modern classical guitar by another name, it would be John Williams.A student of none other than the brilliant Andres Segovia himself, John has shown over the years to have learnt a great deal from the master and has himself developed simply impeccable technique.
Excellent!!
This is a delightful compilation.The music flows effortlessly and leaves the listener wanting more.

The title says it all
I mainly bought this because I can listen to "Cavitina" or "Theme from the Deer Hunter" 20 times per day. This CD is better than herbal tea for relaxation. Love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    3. Chamber    4. Chamber Music    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Choral    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Classical Crossover    10. Classical Guitar    11. Classical Music    12. Classical Pop    13. Concerto    14. Film    15. Film Music    16. Guitar Concerto    17. Guitar Solo    18. Keyboard    19. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    20. Lute Solo   

Editorial Review

Although these musicians have previously played together in duos, you aren't likely to hear the trio of Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, and Mischa Maisky every day. The friends have attempted to perform as a threesome for decades, but it took sheer luck, and a few 1998 dates in Japan, to find the acclaimed pianist, violinist, and cellist onstage together. Recorded as a tribute to Reinhard Paulsen, the late manager of Argerich and Kremer, this disc features two of chamber music's darkest pieces: Shostakovich's op. 67 and Tchaikovsky's op. 50 for piano and strings. Both composers wrote these works as elegies, and the effect of the pairing is riveting; the Shostakovich is bleak and occasionally violent (the use of Jewish melodies makes this as much a remembrance of the Holocaust as of any individual), while Tchaikovsky's epic, nearly 50-minute piece requires more patience but is even more expansive. Though the musicians haven't performed these pieces before, they have an intuitive grasp of the music--Kremer seems meant for these lyrical, personal violin passages, and Argerich is ready to unleash her fury at a moment's notice. Sonically, Maisky's cello is slightly obscured by his powerhouse peers, but he serves as a sobering backbone to these compositions. The very short tango by contemporary Peter Kiesewetter acts as an encore, a two-minute reminder that these friends know how to have fun too. Read more

Reviews (10)

Commitment and generosity
The Shostakovich is impressive enough, but the Tchaikovsky...! This piece is dismissed as a "turgid exercise" by the Rough Guide to Classical Music. Not here it isn't. The booklet to this CD states that the performance was the first time Maisky, Kremer and Argerich appeared together, despite extensive work as duo combinations. If this is the reason for the white heat of the playing, one can only admire thepassion these people produce in each other. Kremer's contribution is absolutely blinding from first to last: never has the violin sounded so frostily severe, and yet so humane. Argerich is balanced backwardly by the engineers, but produces her famous palette of colours ranging from the tinkling bells of the variation movement to the devastating torrents at the climax of the piece. Maisky deserves credit for being able to cope with the sounds created around him, let alone add to them; he does this with distinction, matching Kremer's sense of commitment if not his quality of sound. The opening of the trio draws you in to a wintry Russian landscape; the tears and drama of the first movement yield to some brilliantly contrasted variations (the rhythmic flair of all players so impressive) and the final allegro leading to the climax is jaw-dropping for its stamina, precision and cumulative energy. Kremer sounds like he is playing for his life. The tragic climax, with the return of the first theme, has an unbearable Slavic desperation about it. The slight tango encore is essential to restore sanity. I have yet to hear a recorded chamber music performance to equal this; the Japanese audience were audibly affected by the experience. This is an example of what incredibly gifted musicians can do - with and for each other, by daring to be themselves. Buy this even if you don't like Shostakovich.

The big meeting at the summit--and it disappoints
"Every concert must be 'ewent.'"--Mstislav Rostropovich Riveting Performance of Three Friends Playing a Live Concert
These are profound, riveting performances of Shostakovich's and Tchiakovsky's piano trios. Admittedly, Argerich leads the trio with her fiery keyboard playing, but Kremer is no less memorable for his lyrical phrasing on the violin. Maisky is just as fine on the cello, though he is often overshadowed by his friends. Both pieces are dark, somber works which are well suited to Argerich's tempestuous personality. Although the sound quality isn't as fine as a contemporary studio recording, it does come quite close. I tip my hat in admiration to Deutsche Grammophon for producing a splendid recording which celebrates a long-lasting friendship amongst three of our most exciting classical musicians. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Artists    5. Classical Music    6. Miscellaneous    7. Miscellaneous Music    8. Quintet for Keyboard and Four String Instruments    9. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments   

Reviews (19)

Life Is But A Dream...
This CD is just pure magic. I know that is such a cliche' thing to say, but it really is. Of course, it really won't appeal to those people who are into EXTREME LIVING...whatever the hell that means, because to me, extreme living is living close to the soul, close to the spirit, close to the Invisible Source that makes and creates all things in and out of Itself.
Beautiful, dreamy
This music evokes both emotions and images of life waking up in spring, even being in a magical forest where anything can happen, or floating on clouds. You can just enjoy the music and let your imagination soar or the music can take you into that trance-like state where you can access creative ideas and creative solutions to any problems - and maybe they just dissolve of their own accord.

Fabulous collection !
If you like Debussy - whom I have heard called one of the progenitors of ambient music - you will love having his most inspiring and beautiful works together on one cd. These works are tranquil and serene, and yet they don't fade into the background - no matter what you are doing - because they are true art. When this cd is playing you can't help but listen and sigh. My cats love this cd, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Descriptive Title    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Classical Music    6. Concerto    7. Flute Solo/Sonata    8. Keyboard    9. Keyboard Music    10. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    11. Orchestral    12. Orchestral Music    13. Prelude for Keyboard    14. Quartet for Four String Instruments    15. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    16. Trio for Mixed Instruments without Keyboard    17. Waltz for Keyboard   

Features

• Soundtrack
• Import

Reviews (16)

A long wait, but worth it.
Prior to Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon", literary/historical epics seemed confined to action/war pictures--whether Roman, 19th century or WWII. The slower extended "Masterpice Theatre" approach wasn't thought commercial--and especially such a dry picaresque social satire as Barry Lyndon.Luckily Kubrick had the clout and experience to make it.
stunning movie, exquisite soundtrack
An absolutely superb selection of music.Again and again Kubrick revealed his genius in moviemaking with every detail, including his choice of musical accompaniment.The Handel is bold and poignant in all its variations. The rivetting Schubert Trio in E-flat IS the scene in the movie, and remains the scene on the soundtrack and is played eloquently and flawlessly with that odd droll depth which was sometimes characteristic of the Baroque. A truly amazing listen. It will transport you out of the bussle of the 21st Century with such profound delicacy. This one work alone would be worth the price of the CD, but there's so much more. There's also a Mozart march, a wonderful Bach Adagio for duel harpsichords, a gorgeous cello concerto by Vivaldi, and the hypnotically exquisite Cavatina by Pasiello. There are a couple of rare modern sublimes as well, Sean O'Riada's amazingly ethereal "Tin Whistles" and his "Women of Ireland."And then there's a few works of period traditional music which add filigree to the whole ensemble.It's a complete soundtrack, so like most soundtracks, there's a couple of pieces you probably won't want to listen to over and over again, but you can program those out with your CD or mp3 player (the two marches, while well-performed, distract from the otherwise delicate minuet pace of the whole ensemble, so I edit them out). Most of this music places you right in the period, but at the same time, much of it is so rare and wonderfully performed that it also transcends time and place with moments of the highest aesthetic pleasure. I converted it into my mp3 collection and pick and choose from its flavors for aesthetic sustenance according to my appetite.It's a small banquet. You can't help loving this collection.The Schubert trio in E-flat, especially, will stay close to your heart the rest of your life.It has to be one of the most beautiful recordings of all time--an amazing mixture of pathos and deliberation--so much like Barry and Lady Lyndon.

Excellent music/excellent movie
Barry Lyndon is one of my favorite movies and the music chosen is perfect for it.I love the part when Barry has just seen Lady Lyndon for the first time and follows her slowly outside, while Schubert's piano trio in e flat is played.That piece of music perfectly complements the scene.The Irish music by the Chieftains in the beginning is also enjoyable.I haven't been able to find the recording of the Schubert piano trio in e flat anywhere that was used in the film. The pianist is Anthony Goldstone and I love the recording in the film but haven't been able to find the complete trio with Goldstone anywhere online. Anyone know where to find it? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Band    2. Band Music    3. Cello Concerto    4. Chamber    5. Concerto    6. Concerto for Two Pianos    7. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    8. Italian Classical Period Opera    9. Keyboard    10. Miscellaneous    11. Miscellaneous Music    12. Opera    13. Orchestral    14. Orchestral Music    15. Pop    16. Quartet for Four String Instruments    17. Soundtrack    18. Soundtracks    19. Soundtracks & Film Scores    20. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Marvellous!
I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!
All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music    4. Chamber Music & Recitals    5. Classical    6. Classical Artists    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Music    11. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra    12. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments    13. Violin Concerto    14. Violin with Keyboard    15. Vocal   

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   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (15)

A wonderful tribute to the artist
This CD is perfect in my opinion. The recording is perfect, the pitch is perfect, the tempo is perfect, and the track selections are perfect. I think the album samples Beethoven's most remarkable pieces of work from his early years to his death. I have heard many recordings of the Ninth symphony that was just executed poorly; which is a shame because it is such a powerful piece. However, this album does it superbly. Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia did an amazing job with this album.
Very emotional and moving!!
I am a big fan of classical music. Beethoven, in my opinion, was one of thebest composers, Mozart 1st, Beethoven 2nd, etc. This album is very moving and filled with emotion. I am currently listening to Adagio Cantabile-from Piano Sonata No. 8-from the film album. This piece is so moving and emotional. Another piece was Moonlight Sonata which I especially liked. Beethoven loads this piece with love and emotion for his one true love. In my opinion, Beethoven was the best at writing emotional and moving music. Whenever I listen to his music, I am immersed in a world of emotion and feeling. His music is truly beautiful. Back to the album, Sir Georg Solti really captured Beethoven's genius and devotion to his music in this album. This album really accents the film. You cannot have one, you must have both the film and the soundtrack. This is a must have for classical music/Beethoven fanatics and people who want to get a great summary of Beethoven's genius. BUY THIS!!!!

good listen, but needs work
This is good background music, but can't be held up to the higher standards set by the Backstreet Boys or maybe New Kids On the Block. I really think this Beethoven guy has potential, but I'll wait for his next album release before holding my breath. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Soundtrack/Score    6. Concerto    7. Keyboard    8. Mass    9. Piano Concerto    10. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    11. Romantic Symphony    12. Soundtrack    13. Soundtracks    14. Soundtracks & Film Scores    15. Symphonic    16. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments    17. Violin Concerto    18. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (6)

Eclipsed
For me the point here is the K.563, and while I have loved Grumiaux's playing for decades, and this is a nice older [1967] recording, it is completely blown away by the recent recording by Yo Yo Ma, Gidon Kremer, and Kim Kashkashian.On the other hand, the latter recording is defective in that the technicians managed to make the violin sound shrill and harsh -- the usual suspects are of course recording engineers who've spent much of their careers blowing out their high-end hearing listening to and working with "rock and roll" recordings, and thus needing to boost the highs in order to hear them; at the same time, it was miked much too closely.At least the Philips recordings were done in an era when the engineers were older folks who had spent their careers listening to and recording music.My choice: the Ma / Kremer / Kashkashian CD, but with my treble control cranked down....

A style made for Mozart
Here is yet another great Mozart Philips recording featuring the elegant playing of Arthur Grumiaux.The String Quintets and Violin Concertos are other ones.When you hear Grumiaux play Mozart like this, you think, "Now, how can one top that?"Such a dignified, galante and poised style as his is perfect for Mozart's music. These two CD's provide a cournacopia of Mozart delights played magnificantly by Arthur Grumiaux and friends: three string duos, the one and only great string trio (K.563) and a rather unique collection of preludes and fugues mostly transcribed from Bach's "Well Tempered Clavier" for violin and viola.Each work also has an interesting story behind it as does most of Mozart's music.
A nice pair
Not much to add here: 1st CD: The string trio K. 563 is a peer to Mozart's greatest quartets and quintets. Period! The string duos K. 423 and 424 are simple in sound, but rich in texture; the simplicity of means calls for advanced composing and Mozart doesn't dissappoint. 2nd CD: The trio K. 266 is less interesting, but the six preludes and fugues are really great, fusions of Mozart and Bach. All the playing is excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Duo for Two String Instruments    6. Keyboard    7. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    8. Trio for Three String Instruments   

Editorial Review

Mendelssohn wrote his first trio, Op. 49, when he was 30, the second, Op. 66, five years later. Among the most beloved favorites of the repertoire, they are heard so frequently--especially the first one--that one would think all interpretive choices had been exhausted. But there is something special about hearing them performed by musicians who are even younger than the composer was when he wrote them. The three players on this record, all of whom have flourishing solo careers, are in their 20s. They bring to this familiar music the freshness of a new discovery, without however straining for novelty or surprise; their unlimited instrumental command and beautiful, varied, invariably expressive tone are entirely at the service of the music. Their approach combines meticulous observance of the score--dynamics, phrasing, articulation--with youthful spontaneity, ardent romanticism with judicious restraint; they follow Mendelssohn to the heights and depths of emotion without becoming sentimental, exaggerating or resorting to external effects. Though essentially dark, somber and dramatic, both Trios find relief in dreamy, inward, lyrical slow movements, and while each has a characteristic Mendelssohnian elfin Scherzo, in the first Trio it is lit by a bright, sunny sky and in the second it is shadowed by ominous storm-clouds, punctuated by flashes of lightning. The players take both Scherzos extremely fast, and though every note is clear, many details get lost in the headlong rush. The only flaw of this very impressive recording is the balance: the piano is too loud, the violin too soft, and the dynamic contrasts are excessive.Read more

Features

• Hybrid SACD

Reviews (2)

YOUTH
This month in Aspen, Colorado, I had the immense pleasure of hearing two of the participants in this recording perform Beethoven's "Kreisler" Violin Sonata--Jonathan Gilad, piano and Julia Fischer, violin. These very young performers made such an impression on me in the aforesaid work that I purchased this recording of the Mendelssohn Piano Trios that also includes Daniel Müller-Schott on cello. Again I am very impressed with ALL of these performers. I love these works and Julia Fischer, violin, Jonathan Gilad, piano, and Daniel Müller-Schott, Cello play them splendidly performing them with passion and with marvelous youthful energy (the works are, after all, youthful Mendelssohn).Although, I own many recordings of the Mendelssohn Piano Trios, I found this recording immensely satisfying being filled with such vigor and with such beauty of tone--ah youth! A big plus is that the performers seem to be so keenly aware of each other forming a marvelous team.How so very exciting!
Three Young Musical Lions in Superb Mendelssohn Piano Trios
None of the three instrumentalists on this piano trio CD has been around all that long -- they're all in their twenties -- but the word has been getting out about them for some time now. Violinist Julia Fischer has made the biggest splash on the strength of recordings of Bach solo works, Mozart piano sonatas, and three Russian concerti as well as some high-profile concert appearances in Europe and North America. Cellist Daniel Müller-Schott is not far behind with his muscular tone, tight vibrato and a sound of his own, and a recent CD of the Elgar and Walton concerti with André Previn and the Oslo Philharmonic. Jonathan Gilad is a little less-well known but he had a very successful début CD on EMI with music of Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart. As far as I know this trio had not teamed up before, but whoever had the idea to get them together deserves a medal. All three of them are consummate chamber musicians on the evidence of this disc and, further, they appear to have the greatest respect for their trio partners. Fischer and Müller-Schott have a startling ability to match their tone to one another. Gilad's contribution sparkles and dances. Fischer, at the beginning of the rather somber first movement of the C Minor trio, reminds one startlingly of Rostropovich with a huge yet doleful sound.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Classical Composers    5. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments   

Editorial Review

Since Martha Argerich has abandoned solo recitals and studio recordings, her new CDs feature concert collaborations with like-minded friends and protégés. Whatever the negatives of such live recordings may be, the upside trumps them handily since, if we're lucky, some of the sparks generated by musicians in a concert venue will be captured. With this set drawn from the 2005 Lugano Festival we're decidedly lucky, for musical electricity courses through all three discs. There are nine works by eight composers ranging from Mendelssohn to Guastavino, all played with spontaneity and full-blooded Romanticism. Argerich is onstage for five of them, including such rarities as Brahms' two-piano version of his Variations on a theme of Haydn, where she's partnered by Polina Leschenko, and, with Piotr Anderszewski, Grieg's full-dress arrangement for two pianos of Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 16, an oddity whose curiosity value outweighs the sacrilege. There's also the sensuous Argentine and Andalucian encores and the teenage Beethoven's Piano Quartet set alongside masterpieces such as the Brahms Piano Quintet, Op. 34 and Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No.2, both played with a captivating blend of sensitivity and fervor. For many the highlight will be two big Rachmaninoff works on Disc Two – Mischa Maisky's big-toned cello in the master's G minor Cello Sonata, whose episodic qualities the soloist turns into virtues, and the Suite No. 2 for two pianos, passionately played by Argerich and Gabriela Montero. Get this, put it in your player, and be transported to Festival-level performances by established masters and a new generation of stars. Read more

Reviews (2)

Argerich in most congenial company
EMI has made a small business out of live recordings by Martha Argerich, and one of the most congenial aspects are the box sets from the Lugano Festival where Argerichis the name draw. She is at her most relaxed in this setting, as one can hear from the Rachmaninov Suite #2, which is vigorous and declamatory but nowhere close to her brutal studio recording. The Amazon reviewer has listed what one can expect from this 2005 installment, sold at bargain price but ful of treasures. For me the revelation was Mendelssohn's Piano Trio #2, which bids fair to be considered an overlooked masterpiece.
MARTHA AND MANY
Aside from Martha Argerich herself, there are 16 performers represented on this 3-disc set. The other established 'big name' is the cellist Mischa Maisky, the brothers Capucon were already familiar to me from a performance of Mendelssohn's first D minor trio at the corresponding Argerich Project at Lugano in 2002, and the rest are up-and-coming young players some of whom I see have already made their first recordings in their own right.
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Subjects:  1. Cello with Keyboard    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Artists    6. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    7. Keyboard    8. Keyboard Music    9. Music for Two Keyboards    10. Quartet for Keyboard and Three String Instruments    11. Quintet for Keyboard and Four String Instruments    12. Romantic Variations for Keyboard    13. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments   

Reviews (5)

Jack's Music
True fans of the Aubrey-Maturin series will enjoy this CD. It lets the listener complete the picture of what life was like on board Jack's ship.However, anyone who is not familiar with this series will still enjoy the CD for its taut, well paced performances of some highly distinguished, yet less often performed pieces.

Musical Evenings
I did not enjoy this as much as Vol I. This contained more instrumets which I had not envisioned as being part of the book.

The saga continues on a high note
This is a wonderful CD that takes up where Volume One left off. The amazing thing about this music is the insight which it gives us into the world of Aubrey-Maturin. My only small complaint is that both volumes feel as if they were pasted together from exsisting recordings, although it is my understanding they were not. I would have liked to see the music scored as it is in the book for 1 violin, 1 cello. Of course that is a minor gripe.Buy the CDs...they are a great addition to any collection and the perfect backdrop to a winter's night, curled up in chair by the fire. Turn up the music, pour the claret, toast the cheese. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Quartet for Mixed Instruments without Keyboard    8. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments    9. Violin Solo    10. Violin with Keyboard   

Reviews (8)

Immortal Legend
As a cellist, I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre's recordings. Even now as a 35 year old, I'm still enthralled by her amazing talent. This is a great cd if one is looking for a wonderful introduction to this superb cellist or simply wants to savor her most well known recordings. Du Pre owned the "Elgar" concerto. No other words can summarize this fact. Other beautiful and moving pieces are here on this disc: Bruch "Kol Nidrei", Haydn "Concerto No.2", Faure "Elegie", Brahms "Concerto No.2". The cello is a difficult instrument to play due to the strength required in both hands. Du Pre's playing touches the heartstrings with both emotion and depth. The tone that she coaxes from her cello is amazing. Jacqueline Du Pre is a legend.

Epitome of Cello
As a cellist, I absolutely love du Pré's work.I actually found this CD when I was looking for a modern recording of "A Jacqueline du Pré Recital", a record compiled of pieces done between July 15, 1962 and April 1, 1969.The second CD in this set contains the same songs as that record.
Ooo! Samples!
As far as the romantic period goes, Jacqueline Du Pre is my personal favorite 'cellist.Her sensitivity to put expression of the musical idea always outweighed the desire to appear impressive.There is a difference in being just a virtuoso and being a musician.Avirtuoso has the capability to dazzle and amaze, but music is more than just being impressive, and Du Pre succeeds in becoming, in every sense, a musician first and foremost.The only complaint I have of this album is the fact that you only get one movement of each piece!Even so, this a wonderful "sample dish" of Du Pre's extraordinary playing, mainly meant to get you hooked so you can get more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Britain    2. Cello Concerto    3. Cello with Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Classical    8. Classical Artists    9. Classical Music    10. Concerto    11. English Horn Solo/Sonata    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Music    14. Music for Organ    15. Trio for Keyboard and Two String Instruments    16. Violin with Keyboard