Tropirollo, Vol. 15

Track Listings

1. Rollo Tropifiesta: El Ladron/Mayonesa/SShh!/La Negra Tiene Tumbao/Asi E

2. Rollo Tropiromantico: Me Volvia Acordar de Ti/Que Levante la Mano/Quita

Tropirollo, Vol. 15,Various Artists,Balboa,Latin,Latin Pop/Rock,Mexican,V/a Compilations

Tropirollo, Vol. 15

Tracks:

O mio babbino caro (from 'Gianni Schicchi')
The Girl With Flaxen Hair (from Preludes, Book I; La fille aux cheveux delin: Prelude for Piano L 117/8)
Nocturne in C sharp minor (Op Post)
The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals)
Serenade (from 'Schwanengesang' song cycle for voice and piano, D 957
Casta Diva (from 'Norma')
Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467
Nocturne from Quartet for Strings No. 2 in D Major: 3rd movement
Dance of the Blessed Spirits (from 'Orfeo ed Euridice')
Songs My Mother Taught Me, song for voice and piano B104/4 Op 55/4
Pur ti Miro (from 'L'incoronazione di Poppea')
Elegie (Elegie 'O doux printemps d'autrefois' for voice and piano)
Traumerei ('Kinderszenen' for piano, Op 15, No. 7 'Dreaming')

Amazon.com

Every track on this CD contains a beautiful melody, many of them easily recognizable, all of them exuding tranquility. "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi opens the disc, with Bell delicately accompanied by a harp and spinning the long melody with great sensitivity. Bellini's "Casta diva" from Norma lives up to its reputation as the epitome of bel canto in Bell's hands; his violin sings. The middle movement of Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto takes well to the violin, and Debussy's "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is played with great warmth and sensuality. It would be easy to turn a recital like this into treacle, but Bell is wise enough to realize that the music is already sweet enough and he plays with great reserve and a minimum of sentimental slides. The light accompaniments always support, with woodwinds prominent but used with grace. This CD, in short, is a beauty: a fine gift, a lovely mood setter. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Romance of the Violin.......2007-07-16

While it's not my very favorite Joshua Bell CD, this is a pleasure to listen to!

End of the Day.......2007-06-08

I am a Joshua Bell fan, and this album is the one that I enjoy with my dessert, it calms me at the end of the day, and makes me think of my 6 year old granddaughter's visit. She has to have music on during meals at her home. Usually it is some kid stuff, but I do not have anything like she has at home, so I chose to play Joshua Bell during our dinner. When I placed the dessert before her, she looked up at me and said: "This music is so beautiful, I want to play the violin just like that". What more could I say.
He is inspiring, and she is right. This album is beautiful.

Wonderful!.......2007-05-30

I play this for my grandson to nap by. It is so relaxing and wonderful!

Over and over and over...........2007-05-17

That's how I want to play this CD! It's a wonderful line-up of rich, mellow, captivating compositions played with a warmth and vibrancy that is seldom heard. Joshua at his very best. You won't be disappointed.

Non-standard CD format.......2007-04-22

The music on this CD deserves five stars, but the CD itself is a non-standard format that doesn't work on all players. There's a tiny warning on the back of the CD. You won't notice the warning until you discover that the CD doesn't work on your player. My Macintosh computer wouldn't read the non-standard format so there was no way for me to listen in my office or put the music on my iPod.

A friend's PC was able to read the CD and make a copy in standard format that can be read on any player, including my Mac. The story had a happy ending, but I can not comprehend why the publisher chose the oddball CD specification.

The music is excellent and worth the trouble of making a copy, but the publisher really shouldn't make you go to that effort just to listen to a CD that you paid for.

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 Alfred Brendel
Marvelous Mozart
Artistic Genius
Almost Perfect
Penguin Guide "Recommended Recording"

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 1
Mozart: Violin Concertos
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35-41
Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Mozart: Symphony Nos.25, 26, 27, 29 & 32

ASIN: B0000041AB
Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.9 In Flat, KV 271 (Jeunehomme): 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No.9 In Flat, KV 271 (Jeunehomme): 2. Andantino
Piano Concerto No.9 In Flat, KV 271 (Jeunehomme): 3. Rondeau. Presto
Piano Concerto No.25 In C, KV 503: 1. Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No.25 In C, KV 503: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No.25 In C, KV 503: 3. Allegretto
Piano Concerto No.22 In E Flat, KV 482: 1. Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 22 In E Flat, KV 482: Allegro - Andante cantabile - Tempo I
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 2. (Andante)
Piano Concerto No. 15 In B Flat, KV 450: 3. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 2. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 27 In B Flat, KV 595: 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 Alfred Brendel.......2006-07-10

Nice interpretation of Mozart's piano concerto.

Marvelous Mozart.......2006-06-29

Alfred Brendel's place as an interpreter of the Viennese Classic repertory is by now unassailable, and his recordings of the Mozart Piano Concertos are a prime example of his art. His lean, focused sound can strike a listener as insufficiently sensuous in Romantic repertory, but against the backdrop of an orchestra, it seems a perfect modern equivalent of the eighteenth-century fortepiano, so much so that I don't really miss having an "authentic" instrument. Besides, discarding recordings such as these on the basis of inauthenticity would deny all listeners the chance to experience Brendel's practically infallible sense of style and taste.

Perhaps the real surprise in this collection of five concertos is that Brendel is at his most relaxed and insightful in the E-flat major Concerto, K. 482, which in most critical canons occupies a slightly lower place than the works which come before and after it. Mozart's warm-hearted and colorfully orchestrated (clarinets instead of the usual oboes) piece brings out an equivalent and unexpected playfulness of dynamic and rhythm in the pianist's irresistible reading, with profuse but always appropriate ornamentation in the rondo, and intriguing, stylish original cadenzas for the first and last movements. Incidentally, the same virtues hold for all of Brendel's emendations to Mozart's original notes in these pieces; in this he is decidely superior to Ashkenazy in his Mozart concerto recordings. (The one drawback of this entire set is that the inclusion of five concertos necessitates splitting K. 482 between the first and second CDs.)

It is only by these exalted standards that the performances of K. 271, the dashing "Jeunehomme," pushing the boundaries of standard concerto form with its unexpected piano interjections at the outset, and the Olympian K. 503 come off as slightly stiffer and less attuned to the finest nuance; however, the latter performance was recorded live and astonishes with its digital clarity, the concluding roar of applause being amply justified.

Brendel's collaborators, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields with Neville Marriner, supply exemplary accompaniments, notwithstanding some slight inaccuracies in the live K. 503 and, more surprisingly, K. 595. One hopes these recordings will be available for a long time to come.

Artistic Genius.......2006-05-31

Mozart is rightly hailed as a musical genius. Some say he was the best that ever was. I personally prefer Bach and baroque organ fugues but this CD is a good argument for the Mozart partisans.

In the first place, the compositions are excellent. Mozart was a genius and it shows. In the second place, the performances preserved here are exquisite. The recordings are clear and vibrant.

It is a first class album all around.

Almost Perfect.......2006-02-19

If you love Mozart you will really enjoy this CD. In my opinion Sir Neville Marriner & the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields performs Mozart better than any other. The only problem I have with this CD is some tracks on the first CD are recorded live. I have never been a big fan of live recordings. An occasional cough is heard on track 4 which makes me cringe. If only they passed out cough drops that evening I would have awarded this CD five stars. Otherwise the music is simply sublime. Robitussin anyone?

Penguin Guide "Recommended Recording".......2006-01-22

With his 27 piano concertos, Mozart developed the form to a new level of artistry and claimed dominion of the new musical genre. The first seven concertos resulted from early composition exercises from his father converting Baroque sonatas to concerto form (most not-so-special). The first truly-original piano concerto No. 5 was composed at age 17 and No.'s 14-27 are all considered mature and monumental with anything in the 20's truly magnificant. Even works as early as No. 9 "Jeunehomme" (composed for a female French student, Mlle. Jeunehomme, perhaps a love interest) reveal an uncharacteristic maturity, depth of beauty and perfection of form for such a young composer. While most of the 27 concertos are sunny and galante, the two minor-key concertos (No. 20 & 24 on Volume I) reveal Mozart's evolution into more personal, dramatic expression - foreshadowing the Romantic era ushered in part by Beethoven. However, by the late 1780's, the fickle Vieneese who were "so done" with his music, leading to Mozart's demise. Late in Mozart's life there appeared to be a "new phase" of introspection and simplicity as seen in the poignant last Concerto #27 (along with his last chamber works). But this was sadly cut short by his early death in 1791.

These readings by Brendel and Marriner are alive with enthusiasm, warmth, and the typical Brendel precision. The balance of the piano and orchestra is perfect and allow the drama to unfold unhindered. Along with Murray Perahia's and Andras Schiff's complete cycles, Brendel's performances of Mozart's piano concertos are considered - on the whole - to be at the top of the list overall. Highlights in Vol. II here must certainly be the simple beauty and chamber-like feel of Concerto No. 9 "Jeunehomme," the sparkling No. 22 (K.482) and the poignant "swansong" concerto, No. 27 (K. 595). Where volume II features these two more subdued concertos of immense tenderness (no timpani or trumpets), Volume I contains the powerfully emotive, crowd-pleasing D-minor and C-minor concertos No. 20, 24 - along with the famous and bubbly C-major concerto. Both volumes are essential listening, but that much might guide your first purchase if you can only get one set.

The six works on these two CD's (along with those of the sister set) are among the most skillfully composed, musically appealing and rightfully popular of Mozart's 27 piano concertos (hence the term, "Great Concertos"). Both sets received the highest Penguin Guide rating (Rosette) and are an official "Recommended Recording." Nice compliment. Additionally, Gramophone says "this set can be recommended without any reservations." The value and sound quality/balance are excellent (as with most all Philips DUO label CD's).

For those who like the sound of a Mozart-era fortepiano and more "period performances," there is a splendid 9-CD "complete" set of Mozart's piano concertos (no.'s 5-27) by Malcolm Bilson and the English Baroque Soloists w/ Sir John Gardiner conducting that is both top-notch music and a super value on DG. Also, if you are building a Mozart collection, many of these Philips' DUO sets are excellent choices and in the top-tier of quality: Great Serenades (Marriner), Piano Quartets (Beaux Arts Trio), Piano Trios (Beaux Art Trio), Violin concertos (Grumiaux), Violin Sonatas (Szeryng/Haebler), and Complete Quintets I, II (Grumiaux et al).

Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)

Average customer rating:

Food for your Spirit
An Antti Keisala Comment: Chopin Divine, Saddest Music In The World
Arthur Rubenstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)
Hmmm...
"A whole set of marvelous miniatures"

Arthur Rubinstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Rubinstein Collection Vol 47 - Chopin: Waltzes, Impromptus, Bolero
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 45
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 48
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 50
Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 46

ASIN: B000031WBV
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

Op. 9, No. 1, In B-Flat Minor
Op. 9, No. 2 In E-Flat
Op. 9, No. 3 In B
Op. 15, No. 1 In F
Op. 15, No.2 In F-Sharp
Op. 15, No. 3 In G Minor
Op. 27, No. 1 In C-Sharp Minor
Op. 27, No. 2 In D-Flat
Op. 32, No. 1 In B
Op. 32, No. 2 In A-Flat

Tracks:

Op. 37, No. 1 In G Minor
Op. 37, No. 2 In G
Op. 48, No. 1 In C Minor
Op. 48, No. 2 In F-Sharp Minor
Op. 55, No. 1 In F Minor
Op. 55, No. 2 In E-Flat
Op. 62, No. 1 In B
Op. 62, No. 2 In E
Op. 72, No. 1 In E Minor

Amazon.com

Despite Arthur Rubinstein's extroverted personality and open-hearted interpretive approach, his performances of Chopin's introspective, half-lit Nocturnes inspired him to some of his greatest recordings, as this, the last of his three traversals of the 19, amply demonstrates. His earlier recordings, from 1936-37 and 1949-50, have their admirers, but this set dating from 1965 and 1967 is superior for its interpretive depth and realistic stereo sound. It's a touch slower than the earlier versions, and Rubinstein's glorious tone color, mastery of shadings, and unerring sense of rubato help make these among his greatest recordings. He makes the music breathe as few others have; the melodies go straight to the heart thanks to subtle phrasing that wrings worlds of emotion without wallowing. That sense of naturalness and inevitability in his playing can be heard in every one of these 19 works. It makes the start of Op. 27, No. 1 deeply moving and inspires awe at the way he brings structural clarity to Op. 48, No. 1 without compromising its mood. Others may have equaled his achievement in one or another of these works, but as a set, this is inspired pianism. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Food for your Spirit.......2007-02-28

I love, love, love this moving collection! It is divinely inspired, celestial, heavenly, stirring, emotionally filling and guaranteed to transport you to a higher dimension...

An Antti Keisala Comment: Chopin Divine, Saddest Music In The World.......2007-02-09

Sometimes we feel we're unspeakably down: nights when you're exhausted by your daily routines and the dreamer in you wakes up in vain. Some people read romantic short stories. Some go to have long walks on the beach. When I'm blue, I either go running or watch Wong's "Chunking Express", some Tarkovsky or listen to the saddest music. To music most divine. That's this Rubinstein's interpretations of Chopin are high on that list, as they are on every other best-of list I've yet compiled.

Simply put, this is a masterly artist interpreting the most masterly artist of our time.

Chopin is, to me, the epitome of an artist who invests his whole soul to his music. A poet whose own poems start to shape his heart. Others can comment (and have already done so) on the technical aspects of either Chopin or Rubinstein's skill, but I merely wish to articulate how shocking his music is in how it bares the soul, how naked it is. In modern rock music, I've found Peter Gabriel to work this way, at least the Peter Gabriel of the untitled era, up to the album "Us". This is the greatest of commitment, almost a secret made between the composer and listener. The music approaches the listener in such a direct way not from the outside but from within. And this has nothing to do with who's playing the piano. There are simply passages that are larger than either the player or our comprehension. The silences, the rubatos, the relation of the notes to the mood of the thing, to the heart of the matter. Rubinstein just happens the most open-hearted, as one of the editorial reviews points out.

About Chopin. He's not like Bach in my books, whom I've found to appear emotionally majestic yet who's more like the Peter Greenaway of classical music; more showy and mathematical, calculating. Adhering to a certain cosmology rather than inventing and investing straight from and to the soul. Whereas Bach relies on framework in which he fills his music (this is, of course, the Zeitgeist of his time and style of music and in itself nothing remarkably revealing) with the finest of contrapuncts, Chopin's method is to create a free flow of melody, harmony, tempo and dynamics. It's organic and it's fluid. I don't think I should even mention Mozart's badinage. Rubinstein uses the rubato of Chopin to a great extent, which makes for some of the most breathtaking passages ever played on a piano. I play piano so badly I'll never have the possibility to play Chopin properly, but I've done the 'next best thing', that is, I've played him as transcribed for the guitar by Franscisco Tárrega. Those transcriptions, in my mind, contain that bittersweet chance of rubato, and that nakedness translates to the guitar quite well. But that's not the real thing.

This is. Of course, the best thing is to get all of Rubinstein's recordings, but if I was to make the hardest decision and choose only one, this would be it. Very close would be the Preludes as well as the Mazurkas, but this is perhaps the most heavenly music. Only Pärt's "Alina" continually reaches me on such a personal level. These songs made me believe that music can change your life.

Now I'm going to try and sell this item to you. Thus I'll have to ask that particular question: what is it about Rubinstein? We know him as the mastermind, the giant interpreter, who revolutionized how we listen to Chopin. But this isn't just merits, or otherwise he wouldn't be celebrated today for anything else than just showing a different path at the time. And this is a sad destiny some other artists share. Where Rubinstein triumphs is that his playing is much like what Chopin's music is like: it's a rare gift for us to find two artists with the same soul. This is why I think Rubinstein continues to be important and these records even life-altering. That's not in his technical skill, per se, it's in his ability to channel something from within, lift up something from the notes that can only be read between the lines. He's intimate, much like the music, and that's why I let him come close and do his best. Most beautiful music, most uplifting music; the saddest music in the world.

With best regards,
AK

Arthur Rubenstein - Chopin 19 Nocturnes (Vol. 49).......2007-01-21

Arthur Rubenstein interprets Chopin beautifully with great emotion. It would have been interesting, were it possible, to have him play these great works in the presence of Chopin to get his reaction. The "Red Seal" RCA label lives up to it reputation for having made some of the very best quality recordings ever made. The crisp, clear and true to the original sound makes you feel as though you were in the studio while the recording was being made.

Hmmm..........2006-12-04

Well, here's the good: Rubinstein is far more adept than you or I will ever be at interpreting these pieces. His playing is rich, yet rather restrained. A bit too restrained at times. Now then, the bad:

1. sound quality is in dire need of remastery. I can't emphasize that enough. While not as thick with background noise as the Cortot Box set recorded in the 30s and onward... It's still pretty thick, which bothers the hell out of me, making listening straight throughh almost impossible at times.

2: only 8 (!!!) of the minor key Nocturnes are accounted for. I'm sorry, but the minor key pieces are VASTLY more interesting and varied and sensual and full of sturm und drang than the major key pieces. Three are missing, though I'm too lazy to go picking through and find out which 3 they are. Still, that's about 1/4th of the minor key NOcturnes: unaccounted for.

That plus the issue of sound quality: I'll stick with my Claudio Arrau set, hushed breath and all, which I have had to purchase twice and which never fails to take me where I need to go.

I love the Rubins, but still: Buyer Beware.

"A whole set of marvelous miniatures".......2006-05-22

Although most of people tend to consider, Chopin' s Nocturnes as tearful salon pieces, they perhaps retains, with major effervescence than any other genre composed by him, the essential principles that support the Romantic mood. The night conceived as a frame for the febrile imagination, that may originate the most beautiful dreams or on the contrary the most horrid nightmares.

"Chopin loved the night and its soft mysteries as much as did Robert Louis Stevenson, and his nocturnes are true night pieces, some with agitated, remorseful countenance, others seen are whispering at dusk." ..."He ennobled the form originated by Field, giving it dramatic breadth, passion and even grandeur." These smart considerations belong to James Huneker (1860--1921) the famed author and music and drama critic.

Under this perspective any analysis around Chopin should be done according the specified genre you consider, due it would explain preconceived attitudes and superficial generalizations that frequently lead to trivial thoughts and originate distorted and deformed opinions around the egregious figure of the beloved Polish composer.

There have been three famed and renowned pianists that have shone with radiant splendor at the moment to play this set of Nocturnes. Of course that Rubinstein was one of them, (the others two are Samson Francois and Alfred Cortot), and the reason why they are above the most, resides in the fact they played every one of these works, with a special connotation and intimate atmosphere. As Huneker previously emphasized, every Nocturne has its particular blaze, texture, color, personality and expression.

So if you want to experiment a true experience listening this set of Nocturnes, don' t think it over and acquire it.

Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

second good as the first
Jack's Music
Musical Evenings
The saga continues on a high note
Exquisite

Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Essay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Musical Evenings With The Captain
Musical Evenings in the Captain's Cabin
Master and Commander
Harbors and High Seas, 3rd Edition : An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Complete Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian, Third Edition
A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian

ASIN: B000000841
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

Oboe Quarter In F Major, K. 370 (368B): Allegro
Oboe Quarter In F Major, K. 370 (368B): Adagio
Oboe Quarter In F Major, K. 370 (368B): Rondeau: Allegro
Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: Allemenda
Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: Corrente
Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: Sarabanda
Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: Giga
Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: Ciaconna
Trio In G Major, (Hob.XV:25): Andante
Trio In G Major, (Hob.XV:25): Poco Adagio
Trio In G Major, (Hob.XV:25): Finale - Rondo, In The Gipsies' Style - Presto
Sonata In D Major Opus 16, No. 1 For Violin & Keyboard: Allegro assai
Sonata In D Major Opus 16, No. 1 For Violin & Keyboard: Andante grazioso

Customer Reviews:

second good as the first.......2007-01-16

Once more...
It is dead-on excellent. Perfectly in tune with the entire series and spirit of Patrick's work. A simply joy to listen to time after time. You grasp the character of the age in crisply performed versions of various collection.
Good good stuff. Come on Killick you might just learn to like it.

Jack's Music.......2006-03-03

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.......2006-03-03

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.......2006-01-27

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.

Exquisite.......2002-01-22

There was a young girl of Darjeeling
Who could dance with such exquisite feeling
There was never a sound
For miles around
Save of fly-buttons hitting the ceiling.

The music on this CD is along the same lines. Exquisite.

As with volume 1, this is not music that thunders or trumpets. No, it is relaxing, perfect for listening to whilst reading a book by Patrick O'Brian or for just contemplating the way of the world.

Or in my case, for background music at a dinner party. It does not intrude, but floats the mind on its currents, gently wafting thoughts and conversations along.

The liner notes are long, comprehensive, and a positive delight for afficionados of Aubrey and Maturin.

Tracks:

Waltz in E flat, Op.18: Grande Valse Brillante
Waltz in A flat, Op.34 No.I: Valse Brillante
Waltz in a, Op.34 No.2: Valse Brillante
Waltz in F, Op.34 No.3: Valse Brillante
Waltz in A flat, Op.34 No.3: Valse Brillante
Waltz in D flat, Op.64 No.I: Minute
Waltz in c#, Op.64 No.2
Waltz in A flat, Op.64 No.3
Waltz in A flat, Op.69 No.I: L'Adieu
Waltz in b, Op.69 No.I
Waltz in G flat, Op.70 No.I
Waltz in f, Op.70 No.2
Waltz in D flat, Op.70 No.3
Waltz in e, Op.posth.
Impromptu No.I in A flat, Op.29
Impromptu No.2 in F#, Op.36
Impromptu No.3 in G flat
Fant-Impromptu in c#, Op.66
Bolero in A, Op.19

Customer Reviews:

The engaging poetry!.......2006-12-19

One of the maxim exponents of Chopin in the first decades of the Century was undeniably Arthur Rubinstein. He knew to create - if I may - the perfect link between image and the Polish sentiment ; although the pioneer in this sense was Ignaz Jan Paderewski. Lodz was his birthplace and if Chopin was a self exiled in his historical moment., Rubinstein must have taken into account in September 1 1939.

He nourished the last traces of a dying romanticism - as well as Rachmaninov did it - after his forced exile from URSS. His golden sound was far from the tragic approach given by of Alfred Cortot, for instance. He played the piano according the canons of the artist of the Century XIX, expression and sentimentality, hovered by an ardent nationalism that still inflamed the poetic imagination in some corners of the world, specially in the enormous immigrant wave who chose different places in America in order to search a promised land.

His direct phrasing without intellectual or philosophical approaches deserved to him a special name in the Western hemisphere.

He is now part of the keyboard's legend as well as one of the Chopin`s champions.

Still beautiful to me.......2005-11-04

As a piano student during the 1950s and early 1960s, I remember that there were "knock down drag out" arguments between the "pro-Rubinstein" factions and the "anti-Rubinstein" factions of the classical piano performing world. I was made keenly aware of the aforesaid because my piano instructor was a "dye-hard" member of the "anti-Rubinstein" faction. Rebelliously, I purchased all of the Rubinstein recordings that I could get my little untalented hands on including this recording of Chopin's Waltzes. I remember loving them at the time as I still do now that I've restored this recording on CD to my collection.
Rubinstein's performance in this recording really touches my very soul. Upon hearing this recording again, I'm reminded of how much I loved them almost 50 years ago. Whatever one may call his playing (eccentric, sentimental, syrupy, etc.) it certainly has retained its appeal to me--as a young person or now as an older person. (Note: Rubinstein particularly plays the "sad little" waltzes in minor keys exquisitely!)
If you want to hear a master (at least to me) of Chopin playing some wonderful works, buy this disc.

barcode piano for barcode lovers everywhere!.......2005-04-23

i must repeat myself over and over again.STAY AWAY FROM RUBINSTEIN.his playing is just too eccentric its as if he was abducted by aliens and had chopins works downloaded into his brain.what you get is a sort of robotic chemistry with a dire attempt to sound artistic.
these high reviews do baffle me to oblivion.

Artur Rubinstein great recording of Chopinýs Bolero, Waltzes.......2004-01-05

Artur Rubinstein great recording of Chopin's Bolero and 14 Waltzes
By Peter Dietrich, president, Chopin Society of New England

Artur Rubinstein's performance of the fourteen waltzes seems to be among the definitive versions. This stereo recording from a one day session in June of 1963, issued on BMG in the Rubinstein collection volume 47, and the earlier version first issued on LP RCA Victor LM-1892 recorded in December, 1953 and issued on BMG Rubinstein collection volume 29, equals in sound and profound understanding the two great versions by Alexander Brailowsky (1896-1976) recorded in the early fifties on LP for RCA Victor LM-1082 as well as the stereo recording from the early sixties issued on Sony Music SBK 46346 in 1990.

The four recordings are milestones of the classical waltzes. Their interpretations have achieved expert fluidity with grace and elegance of nobility. As Robert Schumann remarked "should be danced at least by countesses." To the above recordings I will add Dinu Lipatti's recording issued by EMI in the Great Recordings of the Century series. My opinion is based on hearing a great number of outstanding as well as good performances through more than fifty years. I will just list several additional names from my collection who have recorded fourteen waltzes: 1) Robert Lortat (1930), 2) Alfred Cortot (1934 and 1943), 3) Edward Kilenyi (1952), 4) Moura Lympany (1959), 5) Witold Malcuzynski (1959), 6) Regina Smendzianka (1959 and 1961), 7) Samson Francois (1964), 8) Stefan Askenase (1964), 9) Adam Harasiewicz (1965), 10) Tamas Vassary (1966); pianists who have recorded nineteen waltzes: 1) Augustin Anievas (1970), 2) Geoges Cziffra (1979), 3) Claudio Arrau (1980 - several of the waltzes are played too slow), 4) Vladimir Ashkenazy (1984), 5) Lidia Grychtolowna (1989), 6) Istvan Szekely (1992), 7) Garrick Ohlsson (1996 - 20 waltzes in this recording) 8) Jerzy Sterczynski (1996 - 23 waltzes, which will be discussed in the future).

The famous Polish poet Kazimierz Wierzynski author of the "Life and Death of Chopin" (1949) makes the following observation. "Chopin's Waltzes have little or nothing in common with the atmosphere of the ballroom. Niecks calls them Tanzdichtungen (dance poems). How does Rubinstein play the Chopin Waltzes? Surely, their worldliness and elegance are particularly suited to this worldly and elegant pianist whose incomparable virtuosity goes hand in hand with his unique feeling for Chopin. Without in the least sentimentalizing Chopin, Rubinstein fully renders his warmth: he is the ideal interpreter of the waltzes in which tenderness is so subtly blended with sparkle, playfulness and deep emotion."

Other Chopin works included in this compilation are the four impromptus recorded in 1964 and the Bolero recorded in 1962. Harvey Sachs, author of Rubinstein's biography published by Grove Press, New York, 1995, wrote the following notes for this compilation: "The 1964 version of the Impromptus, heard here is typical of the beautifully poised, yet deeply poetic Chopin recordings that Rubinstein made in his seventies as a sort of summa of his interpretations of the music of his great compatriot." However, the glory of this compilation is the Bolero in A Major, Op. 19. Until the Rubinstein recording in 1962 when he was almost 75 years old, this work was "obscure" Chopin, almost completely forgotten and recorded very seldom as well as terribly underrated. Despite the obscurity of the work for such a long time, there are several recordings of it in existence. I will list the notable recordings from my collection according to their release:
1) Adam Harasiewicz, Philips (1972); 2) Arnaldo Cohen, Dischi Ricordi, LP (1978); 3) Nikita Magaloff, Philips (1979); 4) Vladimir Ashkenazy, London/Decca (1987); 5) Georges Cziffra, EMI (1987); 6) Nelly Ben-Or, Meridian Records (1989); 7) Idil Biret, Naxos (1993); 8) Garrick Ohlsson, Arabesque, vol. 8 (1997); 9) Emil von Saur (recorded 1940) Arbiter (1998); 10) Anatol Ugorski, Chopin Complete Edition DG, vol. 7 (1999).

All the above recordings, although inspired performances and technically excellent, do not reveal the hidden beauty of the dance, as does Artur Rubinstein in his performance. Mr. Rubinstein unhurried tempos and magical play with the pedal plus his affinity for Spanish music brings this work to interpretative splendid heights unknown until his recording and since. These five star performances are highly recommended for every music lover.

The Great Chopin Master.......2003-07-26

This CD is superb. It shows the best of Rubinstein's Chopin.He did this CD with so much clearness and feeling. Rubinstein ends the CD with the little known Bolero. I reccomend it a lot.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
It's not heavy breathing
Technically good, emotionally bland.
Highly recommended
just a warning...

Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Baroque Lute Music, Vol. 1
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Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley

ASIN: B0000007HU
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

A Piece Without Title - Dowland
Pavana - Dowland
Mr Knights Galliard - Dowland
My lord willobies wellcome home - Dowland
The frogg galliard - Dowland
A Fancy - Dowland
My Ladie Riches galyerd - Dowland
The Lady Laitons Almone - Dowland
A Dream (Lady Leighton's Paven) - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
Orlando sleepeth - Dowland
What if a Day - Dowland
Mrs Winters Jumpp - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
M. Giles Hobies Galiard - Dowland
Dr Cases Pauen - Dowland
Mellancoly Galliard - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
Mistris Whittes thinge - Dowland
Go from my windowe - Dowland
Almain - Dowland
Mrs Whites Nothing - Dowland
Pavan - Dowland
Galliard - Dowland
Farewell - Dowland

Tracks:

My lady hunnsdons puffe
Solus cum sola
Suzanna Galliard
Sir John Smith his Almain
Sweet Robyne
Dowlands first galliard
Master Pypers Pavyn
Captain Digorie Piper his Galliard
As I wen to Walsingham
Monsieur's Almaine
Mrs Brigide fleetwoods paven alias Solus sine sola
Dowlands Galliard
Farwell (As
Captain Candishe his Galyard
Aloe
Can she excuse
A Coye Joye
Mrs vauxes Gigge
Mrs vaux Galliarde
Sir Henry Guilforde his Almaine
Mignarda
Lachrimae
Sir John Souch his galliard
Fantasia

Tracks:

The most high and mightie Christianus, the fourth King of Denmark, his Galliard
Sir John Langton his Pavin
Mr. Langtons galliard
A Fancy
A Pavan
The most sacred Queene Elizabeth, her Galliard
Mrs. Cliftons Allmaine
The Right Honourable the Lady Cliftons Spirit
tarletones riserrectione
Tarletons Willy
fortune my foe
The Queenes galliard
Wallsingham
A Galliard (on Walsingham)
Dowlands Adew for Master Oliver Cromwell
The Right Honourable Ferdinando Earle of Darby, his Galliard
Lord Strangs March
Mistresse Nichols Almand
forlone Hope fancye
Mr. Dowlands Midnight
Semper Dowland semper dolens

Tracks:

Preludium
A Fancy
Lachrimae
Galliard to Lachrimae
A Fantasia
An Almand
Pavana
The Right Honourable Robert, Earl of Essex, his Galliard
A Galliard (on a galliard by Daniel Bachelar)
My Lord Wilobies Welcom Home
The Shoemakers Wife. A Toy
The Right Hounourable The Lord Viscount Lisle, his Galliard
Coranto
A Galliard
The Lady Russells Paven
Galliard (on Awake sweet love, set by Fr. Cutting)
The Frog Galliard
Come Away
La mia Barbara
Loth to Departe

Tracks:

A Fancy
Pavana Dowlandi Angli (Mylius #2)
Doulands rounde battell galyarde
Pavin
The Erle of Darbies Galiard
Mistris Norrishis Delight
A Jig
The Erle of Essex Galliard
Galliard
Une Jeune Fillette
Gagliarda
Pavana Lachrimae
Squires Galliard
A Fancy
Hasellwoods Galliard
Sir Thomas Monson, his Pavin
Sir Thomas Monson, his Galliard
Almande
Sir Henry Umptons Funerall
Captayne Pipers Galliard
A fantasie

Amazon.com

Dowland did for lute music what Haydn did for the string quartet and Beethoven the piano sonata. The finest lutenist and songwriter of his age--he composed several of the greatest hits of the late 16th and early 17th centuries--the surviving lute works constitute a sort of encyclopedia of the possibilities of the instrument. There are song arrangements, dance pieces, tributes to the composer's friends, even a musical self-portrait. Much of the music is fashionably sad. Lute songs generally deal with the agony of lost love, and Dowland's most popular tune was called Lachrimae (Tears). Paul O'Dette is simply the best lutenist alive. These five discs are available together at a special price, or separately. A reference edition. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-03-31

If you are a fan of the music of John Dowland, you must own this CD. The playing is outstanding to say the least.

It's not heavy breathing.......2006-08-22

It's great that O'Dette gives us the complete solo works, of course. I have the common reaction to O'Dette: his technique is flawless, his performance unengaging.

Others have remarked on the "heavy breathing" noticeable on the recordings -- it's not heavy breathing, but the movement of his fingers on the gut strings making that sound.

Technically good, emotionally bland. .......2006-04-11

Considering the extreme paucity of (especially solo) lute recordings currently available worldwide,
but especially in the US, this set becomes an essential "must have" for all lovers of the lute.
Yet it somehow disappoints.
I am sure that Paul O'Dette is brimming over with virtuousity and a technical expertise
that I am hardly one to pass sound judgement upon.
But the recordings have a flatness and monotony;
the songs are rendered with precision, but seem to lack feeling, empathy, or enthusiasm throughout the offering.
It is an impressive compendium, and I'm glad I purchased it.
There are very few lutenists out there producing any music at all, so Mr. O'Dette should certainly be praised
for delivering such a substantial feast to our ears.
It just should have had more flavor.
Where is Konrad Ragossnig when you need him?

Highly recommended.......2005-10-23

I bought Volume 1 of this set a couple of years ago. It has become one of my favorite CDs, so I thought I would enjoy the full set. I have not been disappointed. I find the sound quality excellent, the playing superb. The included booklet has a lot of interesting background material. The music is great as background for a dinner party or intimate conversation, but has depth aplenty for concentrated listening. I often listen to it while working at the computer where I swear it improves concentration and productivity!

A few tunes appear more than once as Dowland reused some work, but the arrangements are sufficiently different to be interesting. It is his complete lute works, after all. Some might criticise the set for sounding too much in the same style. It is the work of one composer, and if you happen to like the style, as I do, this is a pro rather than a con.

Another reviewer mentioned obtrusive breathing on the recording. I had listened to Volume 1 for two years before reading the review and had not noticed this. On listening carefully, there is breathing audible, but I do not find it a problem. Perhaps it depends whether one listens to the music or the background.

just a warning..........2005-10-14

Beautiful music, but... you can hear Paul's heavy breathing throughout. Apparently a lot of other reviewers either don't hear the heavy breathing, or aren't bothered by it, but for me, it's a near deal-breaker. Go ahead and mark my review as unhelpful, but I had to put the warning out there.

The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Make a joyful noise!
Just what I wanted.
Analog recording superior
High comfort level
Oldie But a Goodie

The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B000009OQF
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

I Was Glad
Like As The Hart/Give Sentence With Me
Praise The Lord, O My Soul
Hear My Crying, O God
The Earth Is The Lord's
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
The Lord Is My Shepherd
God Is Our Hope And Strength
O How Amiable
Lord Who Shall Dwell
By The Waters Of Babylon
O Praise The Lord
O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
O Sing Unto The Lord
O Praise God In His Holiness

Customer Reviews:

Make a joyful noise!.......2007-03-13

It's amazing how hearing these settings can help you to understand the Psalms more fully than simply reading them might permit. This performance is clear and precise, and in no way lacks emotion or expression. I have always found these settings to be very moving, and King's College certainly conveys their power. A must buy for those who long for traditional settings, and who find modern "religious" music to be tiresome and unimpressive.

Just what I wanted........2007-01-03

An escape from "modern christian" music. These are the words of the Psalms set to music, sung in a cathedral by angelic voices. This is what Heaven's music sounds like I'm sure!

Analog recording superior.......2005-11-10

This is a fantastic recording from I believe 1968 when the King's Choir was led by Willcocks. In my opinion, these older analog recordings are sharper and more distinct -- you can actually hear individual boys and parts. Perhaps that has more to do with engineering and placement of microphones than digital vs. analog. But the bottom line is this is a vintage recording and is as good as it gets.

High comfort level.......2004-11-07

I would surely like to obtain a complete collection of all psalms by this choir. For years I have looked, searched, for this collection which I heard as a child played every sunday in South America. A great collection, ageless and timeless something have and play in the home for upliftment and inspiration even if you are not a religous person. Endless stars ****************************

Oldie But a Goodie.......2003-03-28

Had this music been recorded digitally, it would have been beyond sublime. Alas, it still has an analog sound to it, despite the remastering. Nonetheless, it is worth the purchase (though for a better recording of the 46th Psalm, check out the Choir of Christ's Hospital recording of it).

Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 15: Wild Cool & Swingin' Too

Average customer rating:

LOVE ULTRA-LOUNGE!
Great Compilation!
I love the Ultra-Lounge series.
Wild, Cool & Swingin' Too is #1 in my book
Perfect for the midnight swinger in all of us!

Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 15: Wild Cool & Swingin' Too
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 5: Wild Cool & Swingin
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Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 4: Bachelor Pad Royale

ASIN: B000002UH8
Release Date: 1997-06-03

Tracks:

Frenesi - Eydie Gorme
Night And Day - Steve Lawrence
Charade - Bobby Darin
A Lot Of Livin' To Do - Nancy Wilson
5 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days - Louis Prima
Wives And Lovers - Vic Damone
The Boy From Ipanema - Peggy Lee
Strangers In The Night - Wayne Newton
With Plenty Of Money And You - Tony Bennett
Call Me Irresponsible - Bobby Darin
Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby - Dinah Washington
Snootie Little Cutie - Bobby Troup
Daddy - Julie London
Just In Time - Dean Martin
Perdido - Sarah Vaughn
Angel Eyes - Jack Jones
Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody - Louis Prima
Midnight Swinger - Mel Torme
Destination Moon - Dinah Washington
It Had Better Be Tonight - Lena Horne
Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai) - Ella Fitzgerald

Customer Reviews:

LOVE ULTRA-LOUNGE!.......2007-05-13

Love this kind of music - can't get enough - have most all of the CDs. Excellent New Jersey-based company with excellent foresight and retro-understanding for the best party and jazz combos. Excellent choice for any kind of day or evening, party or relaxation time.

Great Compilation!.......2007-03-20

I would recommend this CD as well as the original "Wild Cool & Swingin'".

You'll like them both!

I love the Ultra-Lounge series........2006-12-10

The sound quality of the Ultra-Lounge series is excellent, even though the songs were recorded mostly in the 50's and 60's. Capitol Records packs each CD with carefully chosen tracks consistent with the theme of the particular volume in the series. Many of the selections that appear here aren't available elsewhere, either because the original album on which the song appeared is out of print, or because the song was issued as a single and never collected in an album. A few 'previously unreleased' tracks also appear here. This series is a wonderful introduction to the music of a by-gone era, and each album includes detailed notes on each track (artist, writers, date recorded, how released, etc.). I heartily recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this type of music.

Wild, Cool & Swingin' Too is #1 in my book.......2006-10-10

Don't get me wrong - I've got most of the Ultra-Lounge discs and I love them all - but this one is the best. Each disc focuses on a facet of Lounge music (Bossa Nova, Mambo, Exotica). Most of these are a kick in a "They sure did some crazy music" way, but the two Wild Cool discs focus on the more popular acts of the era.

The disc is hopping starting off with Eydie Gorme in a blistering read of the latin classic "Frenesi". Steve Lawrence follows with a barnstorming take on "Night and Day". I can't even listen to Sinatra's version without falling asleep now. The pace doesn't let up with Bobby Darin's phenomental "Charade" and Nancy Wlson's "A Lot of Livin' To Do".

Dinah Washington contributes the hot jazz classic "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" (a.k.a. the song from the Tom & Jerry classic) and the sultry "Destination Moon". Tony Bennet does "Plenty of Money and You" which was featured on the Swingers soundtrack. Mel Torme sings the cheeky and hilarious "Midnight Swinger".

Other standout tracks include everything. No seriously, there isn't a bad track on the disc with one outstanding cut after another. If you want some classic lounge tracks, you've found them. I think this is better than Wild, Cool & Swingin', but it's great, too, so why not buy both of them?

Perfect for the midnight swinger in all of us!.......2006-07-26

This CD is chock full of great songs performed by some of the greatest talents of the 20th century. There is a total of twenty-one (yes, twenty-one) tracks on this CD making it both a lot of fun and a great value. It's also excellent for lounge music lovers and fans of classic pop vocals.

The CD starts off with Eydie Gorme doing a smash "Frenesi." The song is beautifully arranged and Eydie's voice is in excellent form. Her other half, Steve Lawrence, follows up quickly with the beautiful "Night And Day." Awesome!

The songs on this CD are all wonderfully musically arranged and the quality of the sound is excellent. No excess noise here! Bob Norberg at Capitol Recording Studios did an excellent job of digitally remastering these tracks.

I loved Nancy Wilson's electric version of "A Lot Of Livin' To Do;" and Peggy Lee does some hot job of "The Boy From Ipanema." Bobby Darin fans will delight that two of his songs are on this CD: "Charade" and "Call Me Irresponsible." Dinah Washington fans get an equally nice treat; Dinah sings both "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" and "Destination Moon" on this album.

Wayne Newton does a particularly good job with "Strangers In The Night" and I also liked the style with which Louis Prima delivers "5 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days." One playful number that I really enjoyed was the medley of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" by Louis Prima. A chorus accompanies Louis on this number and the result is thrilling!

The liner notes are very, very good. You get song credits and the dates the songs were recorded by the artists. There's an extensive essay by R. J. Smith--and there are even two drink recipes: one for a "blue blazer" and the other for a "millionaire." Not bad, not bad.

I highly recommend this CD for fans of classic pop vocals, lounge music, and the great vocalists of the 20th century such as Tony Bennett, Dinah Washington, Louis Prima, Dean Martin and Bobby Darin. All these performers and many more can be found attacking their songs with all their might here on this CD! Get this CD, turn down the lights and enjoy your favorite drink--and maybe enjoy a little romance while you do!

Blues Masters, Vol. 15: Slide Guitar Classics

Average customer rating:

Good Starter!
Another good sampler
Awesome!

Blues Masters, Vol. 15: Slide Guitar Classics
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000032X9
Release Date: 1993-08-17

Tracks:

Dust My Broom - Elmore James
Honey Bee - Muddy Waters & His Guitar
Taylor's Rock - Hound Dog Taylor & The House Rockers
Maxwell Street Medley - Robert Nighthawk & His Flames Of Rhythm
Too Much Alcohol - J.B.Hutto & His Hawks
Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground - Blind Willie Johnson
Dynaflow Blues - Johnny Shines Blues Band
Treat Me The Way You Do - Joe Carter & His Chicago Broomdusters
Homesick's Shuffle - Homesick James
Deep Feeling - Chuck Berry
Chicken Stuff - Hop Wilson & His Chickens
I Am The Black Ace - Black Ace
Is You Ever Seen A One-Eyed Woman Cry - Earl Hooker
Shake Your Money-Maker - Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Rollin' And Tumblin' - Canned Heat
Mean Town Blues - Johnny Winter
Statesburo Blues - Allman Brothers Band
All Shook Up - Ry Cooder

Customer Reviews:

Good Starter!.......2004-07-30

This CD isn't the best anything. It's just a good starter cd for the new Blues listener, and a good listen for the more experienced. So I'll rate it a good. It probably deserves three stars but I'm a sucker for slide guitar so I gave it four.

Another good sampler.......2003-12-07

This is another fine entry in Rhino's lengthy Blues Masters series. It isn't the definitive word on slide guitar blues, of course, or on any of the artists represented, but as a sampler it works very well, featuring a lesser-known (but very good) rendition of "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James, and well-chosen cuts by Muddy Waters, J.B. Hutto (the tough boogie "Too Much Alcohol"), and Robert Nighthawk (a superb medley of two of his best songs, "Anna Lee" and "Sweet Black Angel").

The compilers at Rhino have included the Allman Brothers' version of Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues" rather than the original, "Shake Your Moneymaker" by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Canned Heat's take on "Rollin' And Tumblin'"...I would probably have gone with McTell's own "Mama T'Ain't Long Fo' Day", which is one of the most beautiful acoustic slide guitar blues tunes you'll ever hear, but that's just me.

Robert Johnson is missing, and Son House is, too, but the compilers try to make amends by including some lesser-known tracks which should appeal to the experienced blues fan, like James Williamson's "Homesick's Shuffle", Babe Turner's "I Am The Black Ace", Earl Hooker's "If You Ever Seen A One-Eyed Woman Cry", the harsh "Treat Me The Way You Do" by Joe Carter, and a rare opportunity to hear Chuck Berry wielding the slide on the odd instrumental "Deep Feeling". And the awesome Blind Willie Johnson is here as well, performing the eerie "Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground".

Very good. But its companion volume, Blues Masters Vol. 18, is actually even better.

Awesome!.......1998-10-17

This is must buy for any fan slide guitar. From beginning to end, from Elmore James to Johnny Winter, it's non-stop blues. You'll find yourself hitting the repeat button on the CD player, so you can hear the great blues slide guitar again.

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