Edo

Edo

Track Listings

1. Part 1 [Japanese Title]

2. Part 2 [Japanese Title]

Tracks:

A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Symphony No. 2 In D - Larghetto
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Romance No. 2 In F
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Emperor' Concerto - Adagio un poco mosso
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Pastoral' Symphony - Scene By The Brook
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Pathetique' Sonata - Adagio cantabile
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: String Quartet No. 13 In B-Flat - Cavatina
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Fur Elise
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: Violin Concerto In D - Larghetto
A Gentle Prelude to Sleep: 'Moonlight' Sonata - Adagio sostenuto

Customer Reviews:

Great but not for massage.......2007-03-10

TRY, just TRY to do a massage to Fur Elise. It just can't be done! It wasn't very relaxing. I felt like I should be doing tapotement or something. Threw my rhythm way off.

BUT as a CD, it's lovely. :)

Works on my kids.......2006-12-26

I'm purchasing my second copy of the CD. My kids listen to it every night to lull them to sleep - they usually don't make it through the first piece. It is true that some of the music doesn't seem very conducive to sleep, but by the time one hears those selections, one is fast asleep.

Wakes you up instead.......2006-03-09

This CD was supposed to be soft, easy music that would help you go to sleep. I did go to sleep almost immediately but not because of the music--I was just very tired. However, the music actually woke me up a couple of times when it got just a little louder. Maybe it's me, but I didn't find this product to do as promised.

Music for Life.......2006-03-09

Thanks to the Philips Set Your Life to Music series, we don't have to set aside a concert hour to experience great music. Beethoven at Bedtime gives us the music when we need it to enrich our quiet moments. As with the other titles in this series, the performance is pure and sensitive enough to satisfy the most intellectual listener. One has only to read the list of artists and listen to the clips. What a treasure!

musical morphine.......2005-08-18

this album will definately put you out unless youre manic or all cranked up or something.but why go to sleep? youd miss out on a bunch of beethovens most beautiful music ever written.and being as how hes only the second of 7 musical geniuses ever,no true music lover can be without this many spleandored collection.its got all the great slow songs beethoven did on it like the "moonlight sonata" used on the beatles song "because" and the video game "shadow man".im sure youve heard it somewhere."for elise" is another easily recognizable song.it was on the movie "bill and teds excellent adventure".theres some more musical bliss with his violin piece and even the all important "pathetique sonata".thats the real clencher.if youre not pretty drowsy after that beautiful but utterly sedating ditty perhaps you should seek out a drs prescription before you play it because youre an isomniac.it will put most anybody out though and is plum full of a number of the most beautiful songs ever!

Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire

Average customer rating:

Tear Time
The Beauty of Rachmaninoff
Applause
Beautiful
Rachmaninoff for Romance

Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance
Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts
Bach for Breakfast

ASIN: B0000041DX
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Vocalise For Orchestra
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini - 18th Variation (Excerpt)
Symphony No. 2 in E minor: Symphony No. 2 In E Minor - Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor: Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor - Adagio sostenuto
Prelude In D
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor: Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor - Intermezzo (Adagio)
Symphonic Dance: Symphonic Dance - I. Non Allegro (excerpt)
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F - Sharp Minor: Piano Concerto No. 1 In F - Sharp Minor - Andante
Prelude In E-Flat
Piano Concerto No.4 In G Minor: Piano Concerto No.4 In G Minor - Largo
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor: Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor - Allegro scherzando (Excerpt)

Customer Reviews:

Tear Time.......2007-05-09

Find your loved one, get some tissue and escape into a world of desire and fantasy. All ages will love this music. Tender, soft, and relaxing with the hint of being alive again.

Donald Lindsey

The Beauty of Rachmaninoff.......2006-11-10

This album contains some of Rachmaninoff's most beautiful and romantic music which should appeal to everyone, even if you're not a classical music fan. The performances are first rate and you may even shed a few tears listening to this very emotional music. These excerpts from some of Rachmaninoff's major works may induce you to want the entire compositions for your collection.

Applause.......2002-03-12

I'll add my applause to these reviews. It's an elegant collection of Rachmaninov pieces. Simply beautiful.

Beautiful.......2001-05-21

If you are a Rachmaninov fan, this CD is a must. Of all the CD's I have of Rachmaninov, this is my favorite. The orchestra's that perform capture the essence of what he composed. It is a beautiful CD guaranteed to please. As the back of the CD states, "Rachmaninov and romance go together like Romeo and Juliet"

Rachmaninoff for Romance.......2000-04-25

I purchased this CD primarily for Trac#2--Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini-18th Variation. I wasn't disapointed! The whole cd is very relaxing and definitly puts you in the mood. I thought the cd would contain only piano music but there are many well-orchestrated and dramatic tracs.

Average customer rating:

"Blasted" away
Wow!
For those who like BIG organ works
Pure Majestic Power!
Excellent Performance by Murray

An Organ Blaster Sampler

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Organ Spectacular
Bach: Great Organ Works
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3
Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ
Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion

ASIN: B000003CXP
Release Date: 1991-02-10

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor
Toccata
Toccata
The Emperor's Fanfare
Beaucoup Plus Largement
Dieu Parmi Nous
Finale
Rigaudon
Fanfare
Maestoso

Customer Reviews:

"Blasted" away.......2006-09-27

I am by no standards an expert on music, let alone organ music. I just purchased this CD because I love the sound of the organ, and wanted an album from a mix of artists before I started branching out to single composers. I would also consider myself an audiophile, only listening to high quality music with my portable headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD-555's. Let me tell you, the quality is perfect, and the music is incredible! Such a full sound, it's *almost* as good as sitting in audience, only lacking the full body experience of organ music. I would recommend this to anybody looking to get a foot into the world of organ music.

Wow!.......2006-06-07

I happen to love organ music, even that tacky Saint-Saens
Third Symphony (with which this CD ends and just the third movement).

I grew up with E. Power Biggs, Virgil Fox, et al. and had never heard of Michael Murray (okay, it's been a while). I bought this delightful CD when it first appeared and before Amazon had been invented.

Upon hearing that most famous work with which Murray begins, I confess I was just this side of hysterical -- I was laughing with pure happiness. Murray's take on is it wonderfully over-the-top in the best possible sense. I have a son-in-law who is a musician and, indeed, does play the organ (i.e., if any of them have had pipes, I don't know, but I'm here to tell you, I don't want to hear ANY but pipe organs -- okay, I'm old).

At any rate, to hear this Toccata and Fugue played with such (carefully studied) abandon so tickled me, I called Brian (the son-in-law) and demanded that he listen while I put it on my stereo.

Now I'm going to send it to my son Bruce upon learning last night that he LOVES organ music. Who knew? He's 54 years old, for goodness' sake and never mentioned that little item before.

For those who like BIG organ works.......2005-09-04

This CD concentrates on the big, showy organ pieces that organists love to play. As an organist myself, I find that such numbers are usually more fun to play than to hear. Fortunately, this CD is very listenable, and makes the case for both playing and listening to these works. I'd buy it again; maybe more telling, I'm looking for some of the music, so I can go play it!

Pure Majestic Power!.......2003-07-20

Corey is right - this is an outstanding organ CD, one of the best I've heard. Murray plays some of the largest and most powerful organs on Earth, and uses the reed stops more than the usual organist to produce great effects and a wall of sound that are majestic in the extreme. The selections are all great virtuoso showpieces, and track #6 by Messiaen (Dieu parmi nous from La Nativite') is especially demonstrative of the great contrasts available in a large organ. The horizontal trumpets in this piece are predominant and very bright, contrasting with the snarling bass of the pedal organ.

A word of caution - this CD requires a capable stereo (think subwoofer) to sound its best. Trust me - if you listen to this CD on a good stereo and if you like organ music, you'll sit there with a big grin on your face and tears in your eyes as you listen to this CD.

Excellent Performance by Murray.......2001-11-09

This is by far one of the best organ CD's I have ever listened to. The variety is very good overall. From the state trumpets at St. John's to the mighty organ of First Congregational Church, Murray provides nice registration on all of the organs sampled. The Finale from Saint-Saens No. 3 is awesome with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy,s direction. Murray provides his own notes on the organs and the pieces in the booklet that is included. This is some fine organ music!!

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini
4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4
low-hanging fruit
Fantastic
A decent set

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Van Cliburn: My Favorite Rachmaninoff
Serge Rachmaninoff: 3 Symphonies/The Rock
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff

ASIN: B000004167
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 1. Moderato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 3. Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 2. Intermezzo (Adagio)
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 3. Finale (Alla breve)

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 1. Vivace
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 3. Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 1. Allegro vivace. (Alla breve)
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 3. Allegro vivace
Rhapsodie On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini.......2007-03-09

I am truly enjoying them. I play them almost daily.

4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4.......2007-02-21

I didn't care for the interpretation of the Third piano concerto, It was a bit rough around the edges and lacked lyricism. I bought the set because I heard the 4th on NPR and loved it.

low-hanging fruit.......2007-02-15

Sergei Rachmaninoff's music for piano and orchestra is easy to love. Its lyrical romanticism and connections with successors that lead even to jazz piano tend to be accessible to contemporary listeners. It is some of the most stirring music ever written, though it does not earn the respect of work written by canonical masters of the genre like Mozart and Beethoven.

When you pair this music with Edo de Waart's baton (now in Hong Kong), Rafael Orozco's keyboard, and the always dependable Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, you've got a situation where artistic ripe fruit is hanging low for the picking.

After you've loved this double CD recording to death, make it a project to introduce someone who needs orchestral music in her life but doesn't see it yet. Rachmaninoff might just be the doorway.

Lovely, lovely music, perhaps even for hearts worn flat by pop culture's single track.

Fantastic.......2006-11-29

As a reviewer said below (I 100% agree), technically, the pianist's technique is virtually godlike (Czifra-like technique). Maybe musically he provides a unique interperetation... but in a positive way! After listeting to about 10 versions of Rachman.concertos, I found the Orozco interpretation and understanding of the concertos to be far the superior!! Originally I had no idea about this recording and wanted to go with Kissin or Kondrashin etc. Also because the quality of this recording is not the top one (but it is not that bad - I just call it "philips sound"). To conclude, to me this is finally the kind of interpretation which makes me stand up from the chair and which makes me chill. Like Heifetz on violin. The performance has unbelievable emotional drive - Orozco is unbelievable. Kissin pales beside him, really.

A decent set.......2006-09-07

Perhaps the greatest virtue of this recording set is that it very nicely comes with the complete set of Rachmaninoff works for Piano and orchestra, but other than that, unfortunately, it counts for little else.

Technically, the playing is solid. However, the interpretation has less soul to it than I would really like in such deep music as this. Many beautiful sections of music are glossed over, such as the opening of the Fourth Concerto, the opening of the Rhapsody, and other parts.

As a complete set, this recording is at best a bargain set with bargain priced playing and sound... However, if you are looking for interpretations of the individual pieces included, each one has at least several more satisfying recordings available. Looking for a complete set is now much easier--check out Nikolai Lugansky's complete set for only about $2 more, last I checked.

Bach: Violin Concertos, BWV 1041 & 1042; Double Concertos, BWV 1060 & 1043

Average customer rating:

Music-making of the First Rank...
Here it is
Wonderfully Musical!
Bland
Could be better

Bach: Violin Concertos, BWV 1041 & 1042; Double Concertos, BWV 1060 & 1043

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Complete Violin Sonatas / Grumiaux, Jaccottet, Mermoud
Bach: Orchestral Suites Nos. 1-4
Bach: Complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin
Mozart: String Quartets Nos. 14 - 23
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo

ASIN: B0000040Z3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041: I: Allegro moderato
Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041: II: Andante
Violin Concerto In A Minor, BWV 1041: III: Allegro Assai
Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042: I: Allegro
Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042: II: Adagio
Violin Concerto In E, BWV 1042: III: Allegro Assai
Concerto In D Minor, BWV 1043: I. Vivace
Concerto In D Minor, BWV 1043: II: Largo, Ma Non Tanto
Concerto In D Minor, BWV 1043: III: Allegro
Concerto In D Minor BWV 1060: I: Allegro
Concerto In D Minor BWV 1060: II: Adagio
Concerto In D Minor BWV 1060: III: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Music-making of the First Rank..........2005-04-18

This album still delights after more than three decades. Arthur Grumiaux's brilliant tone and technical acumen are ideally suited to these concerti. These performances predate the advent of period-instrument interpretation that dominates current recordings of baroque music, but the present offerings cannot be said to be romanticized nor "mushy" versions. The tempi are uniformly well-judged and delivered with verve and momentum, in contrast to the many stodgy, plodding interpretations of these works. The double violin concerto also features great interplay and rapport between Grumiaux and Hermann Krebbers, an artist of the top order in his own right. The Largo movement is particularly fine, revealing Bach in a rarely-equalled lyrical dimension. The concerto for violin and oboe is also delightful, showcasing both soloists (the celebrated Heinz Holliger playing reed) in top form and in full sympathy. The sound throughout is rich and round but with Philips' characteristic clean and clear high-end sonics. I owned this album as an LP years ago, and have kept a slot for it on my CD rack for twenty years. There is a good reason why it still in the catalog. It is simply music of surpassing quality---and an exceptional value to boot...

Here it is.......2001-04-14

There isn't anything extraordinary to say about this set of Bach violin concertos. For what they are, classicized performances, they are fine in tempi and polished elegance. Nothing dazzles about it. However, the orchestral sound is rich, and Grumiaux, as usual, sings with his violin playing. As a typically interpretated performance, this recording is a fine disc.

Wonderfully Musical!.......2001-04-08

I was wonderfully surprised to have been able to locate this recording on CD format - it's incredibly musical, delicate, strong and melodic! Highly recommended!

Bland.......2001-04-05

Having recently been disappointed by a recently-purchased CD of Bach violin sonatas by the same peformer, I was interested to read the reviews of and listen to some samples from this CD. I have to agree with the first reviewer's opinion that the interest and excitement of these pieces is lost in these performances. The second movement of BWV 1041, in particular, is one of the most sublime compositions I have heard. It should sound strong and vibrant, driven by the basso ostinato. Here, it sounds romantically vague and mushy.

Using original style instruments and smaller numbers of instruments helps. The benchmark recording for me is an old vinyl LP I own which was produced on the Das Alte Werke label.

Could be better.......2000-11-17

As a violinist, I am currently working on the Bach A minor. I got this CD hoping that it would help me out a bit. Well, I was very disappointed. The expression and interpretation is bland, and though I know this is a wonderful concerto, I wouldn't have guessed it from this recording.

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff's Masterpieces
superb
Great Piano Fireworks
Rhapsody is best
No. of concerto is wrong

The Best Of Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff
Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3

ASIN: B00000416Q
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 1. Moderato
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 3. Allegro scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43
Vocalise, Op. 34 No.14
Liebesleid
Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 No.2
Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No.5

Tracks:

Symphony No.2, Op.27: 1. Largo - Allegro moderato
Symphony No.2, Op.27: 2. Allegro molto
Symphony No.2, Op.27: 3. Adagio
Symphony No.2, Op.27: 4. Allegro vivace
The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff's Masterpieces.......2005-11-13

Sergei Rachmaninoff remains the most celebrated of the modern Russian composers who retained the spirit of Romantics like Tchaikovsky. In this fabulous recording from the Phillips Label, we are treated to his most cherished piano/orchestral masterpieces. They include the incomparable Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, as performed by the Royal Philharmonic with Spanish pianist Rafael Orozco and conducted by Edo De Waart. This piano concerto is grand in scale and at times borders on Beethovenesque melody. It's dark and brooding and supremely romantic. It was prominently featured in the David Lean 1940'ish film "Brief Encounter" about a romance that is forged on a train ride. The most famous piece associated with the great Rachmaninoff is his Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra. Lush, sweeping romantic melodies sigh and stir on the piano and escalate into voluminous beauty in the orchestra. Upon hearing it, you will recognize it for sure. The Vocalise was originally a piano piece, at times resembling a sort of modern Moonlight Sonata, with a long haunting melodic line, but has become famous as a concert aria and sopranos like Renee Fleming still sing the aria today. As most piano composers tend to do, Rachmaninov transcribed works from other composers for piano and here we hear his lovely piano version of Kreisler's violin work "Liebeslied" or "Love Song". Beautiful! The Preludes are works of tonal beauty and nocturnal moods. Orozco is truly gifted on the piano. Years of training sharpened his musical talents so that he mastered the piano and Rachmaninoff especially. He knows Rachmaninoff's music intimately. He uses flowing rubato and handles the music with a sacred spirit. He breathes life into the works and never succumbs to mechanical playing. Instead, we get colorful musical portraits, complete with evocative imagery, such as in the Isle of the Dead, a symphonic poem that is also terrific in orchestral form. The Symphony No. 2 is another brilliant piece on here. Overall, a fine album and the quality of sound is excellent. At an affordable price, this is a treasure.

superb.......2005-09-17

Out of my huge collection of classical music, I find these disks being played more often than almost all the rest!

Great Piano Fireworks.......2004-02-05

This is my favorite recording of Rachmaninov's 2nd! Orozco and de Waart are thrilling right from the very first note. I keep flipping back to Track 1 just to hear the passionate opening movement! I have Ashkenzy, Vasary, and Entremont's recordings of this piece. The spacious engineering and Orozco's riveting performance keep me coming back to this one! The reading of the Rhapsody is also one of my favorites. I have a special attachment to this work, and these performances do not disappoint my picky taste. I hate to say it, but Orozco's technique and interpretation of the Rhapsody rival the performance with Rachmaninov as soloist with the Phila. Orch.
The other pieces in this "two-fer" are exceptional performances as well. I especially love Orozco's brilliance and technique in the G minor prelude--why couldn't I play it like that in piano lessons??? The Vocalise and Liebeslied are lovely arrangments.
For this price, this set is absolutely essential to anyone interested in Classical music! This is THE recording to have!

Rhapsody is best.......2004-01-19

This performance of the Rhapsody is absolutely amazing! The Concerto 2 is pretty intense as well, but get it for the Rhapsody -- it is worth it!

No. of concerto is wrong.......2004-01-04

I thing you made a mistake on your homepage.
The correct title is "Piano Concerto No.2" on "Listen to Sample" as below.

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante Espressivo-Andante Molto
III. Scherzo: Allegro Energico
IV. Intermezzo (Ruckblick): Andante Molto
V. Finale: Allegro Moderato Ma Rubato
Theme And Variations In D Minor

Tracks:

I. Agitato In B Minor
II. Molto Passionato, Ma Non Troppo Allegro In E Flat Major
I. Andante Moderato In E Flat Major
II. Andante Non Troppo E Con Molto Espressione In B Flat Minor
III. Andante Con Moto In C Sharp Minor
I. Intermezzo: Allegro Non Assai, Ma Molto Appassionato In A Minor
II. Intermezzo: Andante Teneramente In A Major
III. Ballade: Allegro Energico In G Minor
IV. Intermezzo: Allegretto Un Poco Agitato In F Minor
V. Romanze: Andante In F Major
Intermezzo: Andante, Largo E Mesto In E Flat Minor
I. Intermezzo: Adagio In B Minor
II. Intermezzo: Andantino Un Poco Agitato In E Minor
III. Intermezzo: Grazioso E Giocoso In C Major
IV. Rhapsody: Allegro Risoluto In E Flat Major

Tracks:

I. Maestoso
II. Adagio
III. Rondo: Allegro Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

New Compilation By Brahms' Best Interpreter.......2006-01-22

Wow, I have the honor of breaking in the review line on this 3-CD set! Here we have Radu Lupu's entire recorded output of Brahms' piano music, all from 1971-81. CD 1 (like CD 2) was previously released as a single CD, so be sure you're not duplicating your collection. CD 3 is a previously out-of-print recording of Concerto Nr. 1 with the London PO conducted by Edo de Waart. I'll address this first. I had never heard Lupu's concerto, and, as an unremitting Lupu fan, I had high hopes. He plays the socks off the thing as I envisioned. However, de Waart and the London PO aren't quite up to Lupu's standards, and a tug-of-war at times threatens the proceeedings. It seems Lupu wants to push ahead in tutti passages, then wants to luxuriate in solo moments--perfectly Brahmsian, I think, if de Waart would only allow him. Also the strings just play with sloppy intonation and execution. One wishes for Jochum's Berlin Phil. to come to Lupu's aid here! Having said that, I will likely keep this right up there with my Gilels version, if only to hear again and again Mr. Lupu's poetry and passion.
As for the other 2 discs (CD1: Sonata Nr.3, Theme and Var. in d minor; CD2: 2 Rhapsodies Op.79, 3 Intermezzos Op.117, 6 Piano Pieces Op.118, 4 Piano Pieces Op.119), I rate his playing to be the best I've heard of these works. If you think he's got the more wistful, roaming Brahms down, you may be surprised to hear his Op. 5 Sonata, where his architecture rivals Richter. I think Lupu just GETS Brahms, more so than anyone else. I feel the same way about Brendel and Schubert.
This 3-CD set makes a wonderful intro to Brahms piano music; if you only wish to own one, this would be a terrific choice!
* * * * 1/2 stars (because of the concerto)

Average customer rating:

Melodic phrasing
This is a must have CD
Excellent Recording
Superb Collection

The Best Of Saint-Saëns

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits
Saint-Saëns: Les 5 Symphonies
The Best of Grieg
The Best Of Handel
Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra, Don Juan / Karajan

ASIN: B0000041AP
Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

Violin Concerto No. 3 In B minor: Allegro non troppo
Violin Concerto No. 3 In B minor: Andantino quasi allegretto
Violin Concerto No. 3 In B minor: Molto moderato e maestoso
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Introduction, And The March Of The Lion
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Hens And Cocks
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Fast Animals
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Tortoise
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Elephant
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Kangaroos
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Aquarium
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Persons With Long Ears
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Cuckoo In The Forest
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Birds
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Pianists
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Fossils
Le Carnaval des Animaux: The Swan
Le Carnaval des Animaux: Finale
Danese Macabre, Op. 40: Symphonic Poem After
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22: Andante sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22: Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22: Presto

Tracks:

Introduction et Rondo capriccioso, Op. 28
Le carnaval des animaux- Le cygne
Piano Concerto No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: 1. Allegro moderato
Piano Concert No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 44: 2. Allegro vivace - Andante - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78 Organ: 1. Adagio - Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78 Organ: Poco adagio
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78 Organ: 2. Allegro moderato - Presto - Allegro moderato -
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78 Organ: Maestoso - Piu allegro - Molto allegro

Customer Reviews:

Melodic phrasing.......2007-05-03

Camille Saint-Saens was merciless in composing a score, often demanding performances that crowded the very limits of what is possible. Consequently, there are a lot of recordings that are frustrating to listen to because one can hear where the work is close but unfulfilled. This anthology of recordings compiled by Philips is the holy grail of Saint-Saens because the choice of conductors and artists was obviously based on melodic phrasing. There is no better performance of the seamless second movement or of the third movement's full string-section counterpoint in Violin Concerto No. 3. This CD set has the best Danse Macabre ever done; people think they know this symphonic poem, but unless they have heard the one conducted by Bernard Haitink, they have not. This Danse Macabre is symphonic perfection. Again, people think they know the Introduction and Rondo capriccioso, but the one with Henryk Szeryng playing violin and conducted by Edouard Van Remoortel transcends and bewilders the mind. Both piano concerti, No 2 and especially No. 4, these works open a new musical paradigm, the piano played by Michele Campanella in No. 4 making music only Saint-Saens knew a piano could make. The undeniable conclusion is that the performances were searched for and chosen as a tour de force of melodic phrasing, with an impressionist composer who imagined brilliance beyond this world.

This is a must have CD.......2007-04-14

I must admit that the Penguin Guide was overly critical of this CD. They said the recording of the Organ Symphony was not exciting and they are certainly far from being correct. The standard by which I judge the Symphony is mainly (if not almost) purely based on the finale. Out of the recordings I have heard this is the finest account. I found the Ormandy version a bit too fast forsaking the majestic feel. The Levine version is well played, but there just seems to be some issue with balance and heaven forbid the Berlin Philharmonic percussionists making a mistake near the end (they played 2 bars late). Dutoit's account is fairly similar to this recording, but I find Edo de Waart's recording has a more 'natural' and richer sound. There is something magical in the finale, the organ is brilliantly captured throughout. Polished, balanced, finely controlled tempi and well-executed this is the best version of the Organ Symphony. If you're starting a Saint-Saens' collection, this 2CD set will certainly not disappoint. The accounts of the other pieces are first-rate.

Excellent Recording.......2003-10-03

As an orchestral player (violinist, violist) and student conductor who is currently in a performance cycle of Symphony No. 3 "Organ", I think that this is one of the best recordings I have heard of the symphony. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for great balances and a full sound of an orchestra!

Superb Collection.......2000-11-05

This was my first Saint-Saëns CD, and I did not quite know what to expect. It was love at first hear(?!). An excellent collection, ranging from the humorous "Carnival of the Animals" to the serious Organ Symphony. If you are not familiar with Saint-Saëns, I would strongly recommend this collection as a great introduction.

Average customer rating:

The Inner Psychological and Philosopical Questions of Power
An Opera about Nixon
Fabu
getting down in the horn of africa
A Waste of Commission Money

Nixon in China
John Adams , Edo de Waart , Trudy Ellen Craney , Marion Dry , John Duykers , Stephanie Friedman , and Thomas Hammons
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

John Adams - The Death of Klinghoffer / Nagano, The Orchestra of the Opera de Lyon
John Adams - El Nino / Hunt-Lieberson, Upshaw, W. White, Nagano
On the Transmigration of Souls
Naive & Sentimental Music
Adams: Violin Concerto/Shaker Loops

ASIN: B000005IYW
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Act I, Scene I: Beginning - Orch Of St. Luke's/Edo De Waart
Act I, Scene I: 'Soldiers Of Heaven Hold The Sky'
Act I, Scene I: 'The People Are The Heroes Now'
Act I, Scene I: Landing Of The Spirit Of '76
Act I, Scene I: 'Your Flight Was Smooth, I Hope?'
Act I, Scene I: 'News Has A Kind Of Mystery:'
Act I, Scene II: Beginning - Orch Of St. Luke's/Edo De Waart
Act I, Scene II: 'You Know We'll Meet With Your Confrere The Democratic Candidate If He Should Win.'
Act I, Scene II: 'You've Said That There's A Certain Well-Known Tree'
Act I, Scene II: 'Founders Come First, Then Profiteers.'
Act I, Scene II: 'We No Longer Need Confucius.'
Act I, Scene II: 'Like The Ming Tombs.'
Act I, Scene III: Beginning - Orch Of St. Luke's/Edo De Waart
Act I, Scene III: 'Ladies And Gentlemen, Comrades And Friends,'
Act I, Scene III: 'Mr. Premier, Distinguished Guests,'
Act I, Scene III: Cheers

Tracks:

Act II, Scene I: Beginning - Orch Of St. Luke's/Edo De Waart
Act II, Scene I: 'Look Down At The Earth,'
Act II, Scene I: 'This Is Prophetic!'
Act II, Scene I: 'At Last The Weather's Warming Up.'
Act II, Scene II: Beginning - Orch Of St. Luke's/Edo De Waart
Act II, Scene II: 'Oh What A Day I Thought I'd Die!'
Act II, Scene II: 'Whip Her To Death!'
Act II, Scene II: Tropical Storm
Act II, Scene II: 'Flesh Rebels'
Act II, Scene II: 'I Have My Brief'
Act II, Scene II: 'It Seems So Strange'
Act II, Scene II: 'I Am The Wife Of Mao Tse-Tung'

Tracks:

Act III: Beginning - Orch Of St. Luke's/Edo De Waart
Act III: 'Some Men You Cannot Satisfy.'
Act III: 'I Am No One.'
Act III: The Maos Dance
Act III: 'Sitting Around The Radio'
Act III: 'Let Us Examine What You Did.'
Act III: 'When I Woke Up I Dimly Realized The Jap Bombers Had Given...
Act III: 'I Have No Offspring.'
Act III: 'I Can Keep Still,'
Act III: 'After That The Sweat Had Soaked My Uniform'
Act III: 'Peking Watches The Stars,'
Act III: 'You Won At Poker.'
Act III: 'I Am Old And I Cannot Sleep'

Customer Reviews:

The Inner Psychological and Philosopical Questions of Power .......2007-06-25

Even though I am quite familiar with a lot of "classical" orchestral works and some chamber music, I am just beginning to explore the world of opera. So far, the only other operas I have to compare are Monteverdi's "Orfeo" and Mozart's "Magic Flute".

The composer, John C. Adams, uses the "minimalist" approach to which I am also somewhat unfamiliar. The only minimalist works I've heard proir to "Nixon in China" are Gorecki's beautiful and sad, "Symphony of Sorrow" and "The Photographer" by Philip Glass.

This opera seems to sound a lot like what little of the music of Philip Glass I have heard. It also sounds a bit like Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" at times. There are really no "songs" that one can sieze, as the entire 2 1/2 hours has the same unending feel to it.

I would say that the music style makes "Nixon in China" a piece of moods and feelings rather than "beautiful melodies". These moods and feelings are dependent on the well-crafted liberetto (collection of lyrics) and expressive singing. At times, the opera becomes very intense and urgent. In this sense, "Nixon in China" is more akin to "Orfeo" than "The Magic Flute".

Through it all, "Nixon in China" is a very intriguing opera. It is a truly modern work, unlike anything by Beethoven through Stravinsky or Schoenberg. The setting and subject matter are also something new: not mythological or based on some great novel or play; but rather a diplomatic mission between two of the most important nations on the geo-political stage in our modern age: China and the USA.

The inner psychological and philosopical questions of power are also explored through the complex characterizations of Nixon, Mao, Kissenger and Cho En-lai. As a student of music, psychology and history; I found the very idea of "Nixon in China" quite interesting.

An Opera about Nixon.......2007-01-20

John Adams never was any better than on this fantastic opera. It is absolutely spectacular. I even went to see it played in Paris I think 15 years ago. He manages to integrate his minimalist approach into this masterpiece of modern music.

Fabu.......2005-11-22

I understand why opera lovers would call this minimalist. In the context of opera as a whole it is minimal, thankfully if you ask me. However, viewed in relation to modern music it is very full and sonically beautiful. Compared to Beeson's "Lizzie Borden" etc. "Nixon in China" is an homage to classic opera.

The libretto is stunningly brilliant. It gets enough attention so I won't add anything here.

The music is lyrical and addictive. You will find yourself whistling, humming or just full out singing it outloud while walking down the street. The first time you listen to it you will be completely hooked from the very beginning and be in full on gush mode by the end of Nixon's "News" aria at the end of the very first scene.

I won't mention this recording too much. Could it be better? Yes. I am simply desperate for a DVD version like the other Adams operas "el Nino" and "Death of Klingenhoffer." But US residents shouldn't complain since I paid double the price here in the Netherlands.

In the end "Nixon in China" basically uses every trick in the opera bag. It will definitely be an opera that lasts. Ten years after I heard it for the first time it is just as crisp and addictive as before.

Lastly. On a complete side note. I've heard excerpts of "Nixon in China" in the "Civilizations IV" computer game as the background music to the modern era.

getting down in the horn of africa.......2005-08-17

I can't even begin to say how much I love this disc and Volume 8 of this series. This is the most unique, fun, danceable, funky, bluesy, r&b, poppy fun and sometimes even spooky music i have heard in over a year.

just listen to the samples and be bewitched and feel your feet start to shuffle. buy it, make all your friends listen to it and they will love you for it.

funtimes await you!

A Waste of Commission Money.......2002-10-23

This terrible, trite, insipid piece of music was a waste of a commission. Unbelievably repetitive at every level. Find some of Adams' inspired earlier music rather than this tripe.

The only thing worse is experiencing a live performance...awful sets ..

Tracks:

Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 1. Rries, Passions (Largo - Allegro agitato ed appassinonato assai)
Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 2. Un bal (Valse: Allegro non troppo)
Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 3. Sc aux champs (Adagio)
Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 4. Marche au supplice (Allegretto non troppo)
Symphony Fantastique, Op. 14: 5. Songe d'une nuit du Sabbat (Larghetto - Allegro- Ronde du Sabbat: Poco menu mosso)
Tristia, Op 18 (excerpts): 3. Marche fune pour la derni sc d'Hamlet (Allegretto moderato)
La Damnation De Faust, Op. 24 (excerpts): Menuet des follets
La Damnation De Faust, Op. 24 (excerpts): Marche hongroise

Tracks:

Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 1. Le peur (Goethe, Duboys)
Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 2. Choeur d'ombres (Berlioz)
Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 3. Chanson de brigands (Berlioz)
Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 4. Chant de bonheur (Berlioz)
Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 5. La harpe ienne - Souvenirs
Lo ou Le retour a vie, Op. 14b: 6. Fantasie sur la Temp de Shakespeare (Berlioz)
Grande Symphonie fune et triomphale, Op. 15: 1. Marche fune (Moderato un poco lento)
Grande Symphonie fune et triomphale, Op. 15: 2. Oraison fune (Adagio non tanto - Andantino un poco lento e sostenuto)
Grande Symphonie fune et triomphale, Op. 15: 3. Apothe (Allegro non troppo e pomposo)

Tracks:

Harold en Italie, Op.16: 1a. Harold aux montagnes (Adagio)
Harold en Italie, Op.16: 1b. Harold aux montagnes (Allegro)
Harold en Italie, Op.16: 2. Marche des prins (Allegretto)
Harold en Italie, Op.16: 3. Snade (Allegro assai - Allegretto)
Harold en Italie, Op.16: 4. Orgie de brigands (Allegro frenetico - Adagio - Allegro, Tempo I)
Les Troyens arthage: Prelude From: Les Troyens arthage: Part II, Act III
Les Troyens (Act IV): No. 29: Chasse royale et orage - Pantomime
Les Troyens (Act IV): No. 32: Marche pour l'entrde la reine; No. 33: Ballets
Les Troyens (Act IV): -A: Pas des Alm
Les Troyens (Act IV): -B: Danse des esclaves
Les Troyens (Act IV): - C: Pas d'esclaves nubiennes
Rrie et Caprice, Op.8

Tracks:

Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Introduction
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Prologue: 'D'anciennes haines endormies'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Strophe 1: 'Premiers transports que nul n' oublie'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Strophe 2: 'Heureux enfants aux coers de flamme'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part I, Rtatif et Scherzetto: 'Bientot de Romeo' - 'Mab! la messagere' - Bientot la mort est souveraine'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part II, Romseul - Tristesse - Concert eet bal
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part II, Grande f chez les Capulets
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part III, 'Ohe! Capulets! Bonsoir, bonsoir!'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part III, Sc d'amour

Tracks:

Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Scherzo: La reine Mab ou la fdes songes
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Convoi fune de Juliette: 'Jetez des fleurs pour la vierge expiree!'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Romau tombeau des Capulets
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Finale. Choeurs et Rtatif du P Laurence: 'Quo! Romeo de retour!'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Finale. Air du P Laurence: 'Pauvres enfants que je pleure' - 'Mais notre sang rougit leur glaive'
Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Part IV, Finale. Serment de rnciliation: 'Jurez donc'

Tracks:

Beatrice et Benedict
Benvenuto Cellini
Overtures: Le roi Lear, Op. 4
Les Francs - juges, Op. 3
Waverley, Op. 1
Le corsaire, Op. 21
Carnaval romain, Op. 9

Amazon.com

Berlioz was the first Romantic master of the orchestra. His music hasn't been surpassed in terms of sheer brilliance and accuracy of effect. This set includes all of the overtures, the Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, the Royal Hunt and Storm from Les Troyens, orchestral music from The Damnation of Faust and Romeo and Juliet, and the completely insane Grande Symphonie funebre et triumphale. Davis achieved his reputation as a conductor as a Berlioz specialist, and he proves an expert advocate on behalf of this stimulating, bizarre, and totally original genius. The recording quality, so critical in such colorful music, is also very good. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

I am in a Box with Berlioz Box Sets.......2004-02-22

First I ordered Hector Berlioz Complete Orchestral Works (Box Set) in a 6-CD set by Sir Colin Davis because orchestral is what I like best. That was in 2002. Now I have ordered The Berlioz Edition (Box Set)in a 24-CD Box Set by Sir Colin Davis because I like what I have heard of Berlioz by Davis. I will put this up for sale, and if it doesn't go I will consider putting The Berlioz Edition up for sale after I have heard it. As I said I am in a Box with Berlioz Box Sets and can't afford both.

A superb set, well worth the price!.......2002-08-16

For those of us who grew up in the 1950s and '60s, the music of Berlioz means Munch and Toscanini: Munch for his incendiary performances of "Symphonie Fantastique," "Romeo et Juliette," "Damnation of Faust," the Requiem and the overtures (among others), Toscanini primarily for his gorgeous reading of "Harold in Italy" but also for his versions of the Roman Carnival Overture and (for those who could find it) the "Romeo" with Gladys Swarthout. These readings had one thing going for them, which was a rhythmic impetus that made even the slow movements exciting. Unfortunately, for those of us who read scores, when we checked these versions against the music we found that Toscanini and Munch had fiddled a bit with tempi and bowing accents in an attempt to make the music more exciting. Is this so bad? Not necessarily, because these conductors had this music in their blood, they were presenting Berlioz as they had processed him over a lifetime of love, and so their fast tempi had little in common with the rattly, jangly readings often turned out by John Eliot Gardiner.

Sir Colin Davis was, and of this reading remains, the greatest Berlioz interpreter of the stereo/digital era. This is no mean feat when one realizes that he now has several competitors in the field, among them James Levine and Charles Dutoit, but in my view only the wonderful John Nelson (whose recordings of the Te Deum and "Nuits d'Ete" with Susan Graham are so wonderful) really comes close. And what makes Davis so great is that, like those legendary conductors of old, he really gets under the skin of Berlioz and makes him exciting while maintaining score tempi. Listen, for instance, to his "Symphonie Fantastique," still the benchmark modern recording after nearly 30 years. Davis also excels in his readings of the Overtures, music from "Les Troyens," and the Symphonie Funebre et Triomphale which grabs the listener and pulls him/her into its vortex of sound.

In the other two symphonies, "Harold in Italy" and "Romeo et Juliette," I sense a lapse of sorts: the slow music is conducted not necessarily too slowly, but with a certain Romantic mushiness bordering on easy listening. This, for me, robs the "Romeo alone" and "Scene d'amour" of its passion, though of course it is wonderful to hear the score in modern stereo instead of Munch's cramped mono, and for me Toscanini's second movement of "Harold," with its peculiar yet engaging walking gait, shall never be surpassed--and, unlike Munch, Toscanini somewhat transcended his mono sound because of the wonderful clarity and transparency of his orchestra. Nevertheless, if I were forced to I would live with this Davis set over my Munch and Toscanini recordings because of their overall warmth and excellent sound.

Other highlights include excerpts from "Lelio" sung superbly by pre-leukemia Jose Carreras (listen to him ascend fearlessly to those high notes--he hasn't done that in nearly a quarter-century!), dramatically astute singing by Patricia Kerns and John Shirley-Quirk in "Romeo," and marvelous interpretations of the Overtures (oh, and you can forget "Rob Roy"...Berlioz decided after one performance that he would never publish it or even bother revising it, hence it is not here). I do question the omission of the Requiem and Te Deum (after all, they ARE "orchestral works"), but with so many riches at such a low price, who cares? Liner notes are sparse, and this is a slimline box which means paper sleeves and no jewel boxes, but so what? For this much Berlioz, so beautifully sung and conducted, the composer himself would gladly have plunked down ...

all the overtures *NOT*.......2001-05-04

This isn't a "complete" recording of Berlioz' orchestral music - what about the 'Rob Roy' overture? Granted it recycles some of Harold in Italy, but still...

A wonderful collection of Berlioz.......2000-08-15

This incredible six CD set features all of Hector Berlioz's purely orchestral music conducted by the great Sir Colin Davis, widely regarded as one of the greatest living Berlioz interpreters. In addition to favorites such as Symphonie fantastique, Harold en Italie and Romeo et Juliette, the set also includes the lesser known Lelio and several other works. The works were recorded between 1965 and 1980, and the sound is wonderful and rich. His interpretations are also lively and full of energy, especially in the overtures.

The Romeo et Juliette included in this set is my favorite of all the recordings of it that I've heard, although I haven't yet heard Sir Colin's more recent recording with the Vienna Philharmonic. The recording of Lelio is also well done. Jose Carreras and Thomas Allen are the featured singers in Lelio's song movements, and the fantasy on Shakespeare's Tempest at the end of the work is fascinating indeed. If you've only heard Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and want to hear more of his works, or are looking for a nice collection of classic Berlioz recordings, then take a good look at this set.

Music:

Music

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