S.W.A.L.K.

Track Listings

1. Rocky Road

2. Swalk

3. Positive Reality

4. Heavy- Weight Sound

5. Problems

6. Zodiac Signs

7. Armageddon Style

8. In Memory

9. Sweet Sixteen

10. Come Along

11. Strictly Rockers

12. Heavy-Weight Dub

13. Star Sign Dub

Average customer rating:

Horowitz Returns to Moscow at the Age of 82
My favorite classical recording of all time.
Oh, God...5 stars would be simply unfair...
Magnificent!!! Bravo Horowitz!!
Amazing

Horowitz in Moscow

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Horowitz: The Last Recording
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Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD]
Horowitz Plays Scriabin

ASIN: B000001G7Y
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Sonata In E Major, K.380 (L.23): Andante Comodo
Piano Sonata In C Major, K.330 (300 h): Allegro Moderato
Piano Sonata In C Major, K.330 (300 h): Andante Cantabile
Piano Sonata In C Major, K.330 (300 h): Allegretto
Prelude In G Major, Op.32, No.5: Moderato
Prelude In G Sharp Minor, Op.32, No.12: Allegro
Etude In C Sharp Minor, Op.2, No.1: Andante
Etude In D Sharp Minor, Op.8, No.12: Patetico
Soirees De Vienne: Valse-Caprice No.6: Allegro Con Spirito
Sonetto 104 Del Petrarca: Agitato Assai - Adagio
Mazurka In C Sharp Minor, Op.30, No.4: Allegretto
Mazurka In F Minor, Op.7, No.3: Allegretto
Kinderszenen: Traumerei
Etincelles, Morceau Caracteristique Op.36, No. 6: Allegro Scherzando
Polka de W. R.: Allegretto

Amazon.com essential recording

Along with the extramusical significance of the aged Horowitz's return to his erstwhile homeland, there's plenty here for seekers of the essential Horowitz. Perhaps his finest Mozart recording, the C-major Sonata, gets a forward-moving reading distinguished by an Andante Cantabile movement that sings the music with the tonal splendor and command of line characteristic of the beloved bel canto singers of the past whom Horowitz looked to as musical models. The program's remainder is as formidable, and only a curmudgeon could fail to smile with delight at a favorite Horowitz encore, Rachmaninoff's Polka de W.R. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz Returns to Moscow at the Age of 82.......2007-05-06

This profoundly beautiful recording was made in 1986, when Horowitz was 82. This was his first visit since he had left his homeland at the age of 22. The recording itself will make you cry, and when you read the CD insert, written masterfully by Charles Kuralt, of CBS News, you will cry some more. Mr. Kuralt speaks of Horowitz's life away from his homeland and his return. Many touching pictures of Horowitz with his wife, family, and music students enhance Mr. Kuralt's write up.
This recording of the live performance of Horowitz is superb. You will sit with your body rigid, with your hands cold and clenched, and with a smile of anticipation glued on your face, and will wait for the great maestro to play. Here you are, imagining that you are in Moscow, right there and then, and you are moved to tears by the music. What is it about the great performers that they make you breathless with the anticipation of the next note, although you know all these timeless favorites so well? In the search for an answer, I have gone so far even to read the books and articles about the biological foundation of music. I did find information about the neuronal connections and developments of various areas in the brains of the musicians. However, I did not find an explanation as to why is it that the average listener gets uplifted and enriched so much by the music when it is played by the great performers, but may be completely uninvolved when the lesser musicians play the same music. Do we have some sort of music receptors that can be triggered only by the selected few? In the absence of a scientific explanation, I have temporarily accepted that there is some sort of magic, which flows through the performer, and every soul in the concert hall. The great performers know how to make this magical connection with the average listeners. Somehow, I believe, the performer and the audience feed on each other.
I remember reading somewhere how Horowitz loved to perform. He said that he could make people in the audience hold their breath while his hand is up, in the great anticipation of his hand coming down to the keyboard. Yes, it is true; I was literally dying in the anticipation of the next note in many passages. Mr. Horowitz is a great master of passion. Just when you think that you cannot take any more passion, he tones it down, but he never lets the momentum of passion be lost.
You will love to death Horowitz's selection, each a real gem: Sonatas by Scarlatti and Mozart, Preludes by Rachmaninov, Etudes by Scriabin, Chopin Mazurkas, and much more.
You will love this recording!

My favorite classical recording of all time........2007-03-19

I have a couple of hundred classical CDs, and like most of them. But this is the one I play the most. It mixes familiar piano works with others that were entirely new to me.

The concert was held during Horowitz's first return to Moscow, and the emotion of both artist and audience seem audible. Anyhow, the playing is inspired.

Oh, God...5 stars would be simply unfair..........2006-06-07

Upon hearing this record for the first time, I had to pinch myself to make sure I was actually listening to such an amazing, if not perfect display of talent and beauty. After having listened to it over and over again along the years, maybe more than 1000 times, I still find it hard to believe that the guy was even a human being. The only fair review for such a record would be a wordless one: nothing I can write or say would do justice to the rich, almost infinte world of emotions, thoughts and colors he's able to convey through his playing. 20 stars. ;-)

Magnificent!!! Bravo Horowitz!!.......2006-01-07

I remember hearing all about this concert in Moscow when I was a kid. Whatever I thought - so some old guy played in Mosocw.

Well, reader you must forgive me for my stupidity, because for some time I realize the greatness of Maestro Horowitz, and the importance of his playing in Moscow, his hometown and homeland after 60 years.

I bought this album because I remember the hoopla in 1986. I was not dissapointed. The playing is emotional and incredible. Horowitz really was an amazing piano player - the ability to hold rapture over the audience is captured here. Those fingers -connected to a difficult, sole-eating, slight, Russian man - were magic. Wow. Those beautiful notes he plays hold in the air like ripe fruit. A master at work!

This was an inspired performance by a magician on the ivories. If your wondering what the fuss was about, or you want a CD that expresses how classical music can move the soul - then I recommend this CD very highly. Along with the Three Tenors IN Concert, it just has some inherent quality to move you.

Horowitz may have made better studio recordings, and better live recordings, but I am convinced this is just a good. I join along with the gentleman who can be heard yelling "BRAVO" at the conclusion of several pieces. BRAVO!

Amazing.......2005-11-19

Every now and then throughout history a genius in a certain area or discpline emerges. Whether it is Newton, Mozart, Freud. Horowitz falls into this category. Although there are some contrarians who don't like Horowitz, these people are usually not pianists and mere amateurs. Not for nothing he is considered one of the best if not the best pianists. Saying someone does not appreciate Horowitz is the equivalent of the creationists denying evolution.
Horowitz does things with the piano that are practically impossible to emulate or duplicate. His control over color, sound and pedalling dynamics just boggles the mind. He balances left hand right hand accents in a unique way. Horowitz reaches what is in my opinion the most technically challenging accomplishment, namely being ablt to play multiple voices simultaneously as if they all are autonomous one from the other, namely, playing three voices in which one has a crescendo, another a descrescendo and a third staying the same. I challenge any pianist to go to the piano and play 10 different level of marginal volume differences. starting from forte to pianissimo. For non musicians... this is like a shotput thrower throwing the shotput 100 times and hitting 50 feet, then 50 feet and 1/4 inches, 50 and half inches (you get this point) back and forth. This control over volume is just unparralled in the world of music. It is as if Horowitz fingers have their own brains and can do things that boggle the mind. This is akin to inducing schizophrenia in mice. There is NO ONE in the solar system who can play like this.

Average customer rating:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation
Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices
**An Exquisite Album**
Samples
Great Sampler!

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
The Planets: Mars
The Ride Of The Valkyries
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves
Fanfare For The Common Man
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
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Also Sprach Zarathoustra
Romeo And Juliet: Dance Of The Knights
Requiem: Dies Irae
1812 Overture
Piano Concerto
Spring - Four Seasons: Allegro
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
The Royal Fireworks: La Ruissance From Music
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Jerusalem
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Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini [Variation 18]
Pictures At An Exibitions: Promenade
Symphony For Organ No 3: Finale, Symphony For Organ No 3

Customer Reviews:

perfect selection for commencement/ graduation.......2007-06-11

We were concerned after reading some other reviews that this version of Pomp and Circumstance wouldn't be the correct movement or the full length version. This selection has the song for graduation AND the extended length, so it gives plenty of time for processionals. If this is what you need, this is the CD to get.

Great Starting Point for Classical Music Novices.......2004-08-13

"Simply the Best Classicial Anthems" is exactly what the title indicates. This is a collection of what the CD says are "36 of the most powerful classics on Earth". My review of this CD comes from someone who is a Classical Music Novice. I'm familiar with some of the composers, musical styles, musical periods, and some of the terminology that is key to understanding Classical Music. By no means am I an expert. I have basically popped in this two CD collection into my player and have enjoyed the sounds it produces. If you are in the same category as I am or maybe just wanting to be introduced to Classical Music - this is going to be a very good CD to have in your collection. For the more seasoned Classical Music fan, this could be either enjoyable or overkill.

The CD contains 36 songs composed by the legends of Classical Music Composers from the past. The bulk of the works come from Composers in the the 19th and 20th century, but there are works from the Romantic and Classical eras of the late 18th and early 19th century (such as Beethoven and Mozart). In general you will find most of the major names of Composers you would expect to find - names such as Tchiakovsky, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Elgar, and Bach are all there. The only major composer who I would have expected to see on this CD that I don't see is Frederic Chopin. The composers of the late 20th century are not included on this collection - so you won't see Leonard Bernstein or John Williams on this set. While these Composers are excellent, I do think style of the tracks on this collection pre-date their style.

The recordings themselves are done by the great Orchestras around the world. For the most part, European Orchestras were used to deliver the tracks. There are a few exceptions: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra delivers "The Ride of the Valkyries"; The Toronto Symphony Orchestra delivers "Dance of the Knights"; and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra delivers Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Some of the European Orchestras that are well known include: BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, Choeur Philhamonique de Strasbourg, and more. Also included are performances by well known names in the Classical space such as Marie-Claire Alain (Bach's "Toccate and Fogue in D Minor" and Saint-Saens' "Symphony for Organ No 3"), Piero Toso (Vivaldi's "Allegro From Spring - Four Seasons"), and Placido Domingo appears on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".

The 2 Disc collection contains a total of over 2 hours and 6 minutes of music. The selections that are included in the set will sound very familiar to you when you play them. You probably have both heard and seen the names of tracks such as: Oref's "O Fortuna"; Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man"; Beethoven's "First Movement from Symphony Number 5" and "Ode To Joy"; Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance", and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Many of the other tracks will also sound familiar, but maybe not so much by name - such as Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries", Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathoustra"; Grieg's "Piano Concerto", and "Dies Irae" (versions included by Mozart and Verdi - you can compare the two and judge for yourself). As for the Discs themselves, I think most of the casual fans will like the selections on Disc Two better, but Disc One is still very good. On a sidebar, the Israel Philharmonic's version of "1812 Overture" is by far the best you will hear - particularly at the end, the booming drums create almost a 3 dimensional vision of fireworks being launched into the air.

There one big negative on this collection is some of the recording quality. The clarity of the recording is there, but some of the recording levels leave a lot to be desired. On some of the softer parts, it is barely audible without significantly turning up your volume. This is very evident on "O Fortuna" where you will hear almost dead silence during from the 30 second to 1:30 mark of the track unless you crank your volume up. Same with the first few seconds of Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathoustra" and Tchiakovsky's "1812 Overture". When the volume is cranked up you will hear them - but then the other sections will be way too loud. I'm surprised with modern technology that this couldn't be addressed better.

The liner notes are pretty thin. You do get the Composers, Performers/Orchestras, and recording dates. There isn't any more details than that and you won't learn anymore insight on the tracks than this information. Despite some of the shortcomings of the liner notes and recording volume, I still think this is an excellent place to start and do recommend this CD if you are a novice to Classical Music and are looking for a great place to start listening to what the Classics have to offer.

**An Exquisite Album**.......2004-02-21

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

Simply The Best Classical Anthems is a compilation album of `36 of the most powerful Anthems on Earth'. But, it is also said to be something else. It is said to be a gateway. A gateway to another world. A world where our imagination can run free without being shackled down by any borders or boundaries or rules or limits. A world that we have all seen or perhaps more accurately have all heard of but for many of us a world that we have never dared to enter. Never dared to enter because of fear. The fear of being ostracised and shunned by our community.

THE MYTH
`Classical Music!', I can hear some of you cry. `That isn't another world. That's just music for the upperclass, the high-brow, and the pompous.' Surprisingly, I too felt this way for a long time until I accepted the invitation made to me by Simply The Best Classical Anthems. I always felt that Classical Music was nice to listen to as background music for a Levis ad or a Car ad but I would consider people strange if they chose to hear it on its own. However, after having listened to this album I realised how wrong I was in my assumptions.

THE TRUTH
Music as with all forms of amusement helps to take you away from where you are now. It helps to relax you when you are stressed with anger; it helps to give you strength when you are vulnerable; it helps to keep your spirits up when you have faced tragedy or loss. It helps. And, for me the type of music that best conjures up the most passionate emotions (love, hate, courage and anger) at our most testing times is Classical Music.
How? I don't know.
Why? I don't know.
I can only promise you that in my experience it does.

THE CHEST
The album, in visual terms, is very difficult to overlook amongst the plethora of records that may surround it. This is because the album has a very distinct purple sleeve cover. Not any kind of purple mind you but the Cadbury's kind of purple. The kind of purple that carries with it an invitation. An invitation that if accepted promises you a treasure inside.
And since, I have always enjoyed the treasure within the purple Cadbury's Dairy Milk wrapper, I asked myself why would an album carrying the same invitation promise to be anything different? Thus, I parted with my tuppence worth and went back home to open this purple chest of promised treasures.

THE PROMISED TREASURE
As you may have guessed, the contents of the album are somewhat different to the contents of a Cadbury's bar. When I opened the album, I was presented with two compact discs. At first glance, there did not seem to be anything special about them. They were just your average, everyday, run of the mill compact discs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed because I suppose I had hoped for something more.
However, looks can be deceptive. (Afterall, a Cadbury's Dairy Milk does not seem very appetising until you taste it!) And, also come November each year, I am always bemused and surprised at how the shabby contents of a cardboard box can both light up the sky and light up the faces of the neighbourhood. Thus, I pushed aside my assumptions and I ignited the discs (not literally of course, I just pressed the play button on the CD player). And, I let the fireworks begin.

THE KEY
From the very beginning, you will feel like you have unlocked the doorway to something special. And, after a full two hours of listening to both discs, you will feel like you have been taken out of this world and transported to another. Welcome to the world of Classical Music.

GUIDANCE
In the beginning, continue to listen to both discs in one go (i.e. one after the other). After a while, you will know which tracks you enjoy listening to the most. For those tracks you enjoyed the most make a promise to yourself that you will listen to the whole of the piece from which that track came from.
Good Luck on your quest if you choose to accept it.
Ride amongst the Valkyries, listen to the Flight of the Bumblebees, and use The Planets to keep you on the path.

I am not a good reviewer because as with all of my reviews I refuse to comment too much about what is inside the product but rather more about what effect the product has had on me. (Me, me, me. Vain & Egotistic, I know, so my friends and family keep telling me). But, I just want to cause a raucous about the product, enough not to spoil but enough of a raucous to let you experience it for yourself.

So my final words are:
Simply The Best Classical Anthems is an invitation. An invitation to the world of classical music. A world where you can begin a never-ending quest of curiosity. A curiosity that will always be rewarded with fulfilment.

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

Samples.......2003-11-23

The samples are too short and the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Having said that the choices are wonderful and the price is great. If you're looking for a overview of the best of classical music then this is for you. However if it's quality you're looking for then spent the extra money and look at other choices.

Great Sampler!.......2002-03-20

This is a good sampler, since it covers what you would want in a classical music CD. Looking at the tracks, it has the classic hits, such as "Ride of the Valkyries," "Toccata and Fugue," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "'Jupiter' from `The Planets,'" "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," and "Hallelujah Chorus."

There are also some new pieces that I have fallen in love with, such as "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," "'Promenade' from Pictures at an Exhibition." The compilers did an interesting double take by including both Verdi's and Mozart's "Dies Ire." I'm not sure which is better.

This music is good for the brain and good for the soul. There is a power and passion that the blaring and glaring music that makes up most of the FM band. I'm reminded of the religious man who said that there is no music in hell. Probably because they wouldn't appreciate it there.

Customer Reviews:

MUST HAVE THIS IN YOUR COLLECTION OF HOROWITZ.......2007-07-13

If you have any Horowitz music in your collection. THEN YOU MUST GET THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS ON DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON. Quality of recording is superb.

Horowitz: A Digital Legacy.......2004-11-15

This set includes all of the recordings Vladimir Horowitz did for Deutsche Grammophon in the 1980s, including his historical concert in Moscow.

While the context of his return in Moscow is moving, the studio recordings are simply wonderful. The sound quality is impeccable. The Steinway piano sounds warm but yet crisp and sharp. Horowitz still has plenty of power, and if you don't have a good sound system, you will notice that your speakers will literally fail, due to the overwhelming wall of sound that Horowitz creates in the intense parts.

The tender moments are just as exciting, as they are enhanced by the very quiet and clear digital recording process. Liszt's Standchen and Mozart's Piano Concerto No 23 are only two of a myriad of highlights contained on this boxed set. Having these high quality digital recordings of this piano legend is a blessing that you can't afford to miss. And at this price, it's simply irresistible.

Customer Reviews:

The tradition of the new!.......2006-05-08

Respect the egregious significance of Vladimir Horowitz for the great Western audiences, I really should notice that Europe had lived a Century and a half of reluctant Romanticism, while North America was in another historical process; the recent musical history began to write with two important composers: Edward Mac Dowell, a beloved and admired friend of Frau Carreno and Louis Moreau Gotschalk, who accustomed to make those Gargantuan recitals such as that famous Concert with more than one hundred pianists on stage. Indeed, this was an imported costume of those Ages, where the concept of listening music had lessened the value; the visible decay of the music in the second half of the XIX Century is more than obvious. The ominous presence of composers of the artistic height of Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner were concentrated in Germany and Austria; Frank in Belgium and Max Reger in Swiss, but if you take a look around the musical triviality lived in the rest of Europe (with counted and isolated exceptions)where the fireworks of Liszt, Thalberg, and Alkan filled the Concert Halls in Paris, with the elusive music of Lalo or Jules Massenet and the arriving of the new Midas King of the great Halls, Strauss dynasty, included Waldteufel captivated the audiences.

The emotion for watching a piano virtuosi simply had not prize. You should remind the famous tour undertaken by Anton Rubinstein in the last years of the XIX Century. Horowitz contributed conscious or unconsciously to perpetuate the legend. Effectively, he marked a`personal style at the piano; if not let me refresh you these names: William Kapell, John Browning, Gary Graffman. Lori Hollander, Byron Janis, Van Cliburn and Leon Fleisher, were notably influenced with this style. And please tell me who in a sensate state of mind, would be able to send to Europe his promising son or daughter where the flaming wrecks of the WW1 were in the air and the expected fears of a next confrontation was still to come.

Schnabel was a particular exception, since he was hired as Docent in USA, but its influence was relatively small. We should wait to the early Fifties to appreciate other styles and approaches; Gilels, Richter from USRR, Badura Skoda, Demus and Gulda from Austria, but still remained confined for dilettantes the renowned figures such as Edwin Fisher, Michelangeli, Myra Hess and Wilhelm Kempff.

His playing caused true furor during almost four decades. Horowitz now belongs to the legend.

Mature Horowitz And The Best Liszt Sonetto 104.......2005-10-04

I have not much to add to the other reviews. Horowitz made some of his very best recordings when he was already more than 80 years old, and this 2CD (+DVD) set contains many of them, as well as the best recording of Liszt's Sonetto 104 that I know of, or am ever likely to hear.

Truly Magical.......2005-04-17

This album showcases the mighty Vladimir Horowitz in his last years. His life of music is definitive in these masterful interpretations. In these pieces, Mr. Horowitz displays many new ideas on some pieces that have been played, assumed successfully, continually in the same manner.

Two instances - Scriabin's Etude, Op. 8 No. 12 and Mozart's Rondo, K. 511. The maestro's entrance is softer and slower in the former, and in the latter, as stated in the studio chatter, he speeds up the tempo to make it less of a profound statement. It was Horowitz who chastised the new age of pianists on their attempts to play everything slow and prophetic. I believe it was Mr. Horowitz that told David Dubal "Only very few pieces are meant to be played slow" (after comparing performance times of major piano works from the early part of the 20th century to the later part, you will see the difference).

The DVD included in this package is wonderful, but for those who enjoy a more classic approach to the classical period - do not anticipate simple aural enjoyment. Do expect to see one of the greatest pianists ever work his magic at the piano. Do look forward to watching a master correct a mistake by another master. Do count on a memorable experience.

Stunning.......2004-08-01

Horowitz is simply stunning, and this compilation is an absolute jewel. The added bonus of the DVD performance of Mozart's 23rd is the icing on the cake.

The piano as an extension of consciousness.......2004-07-25

Mr. Drake has written the definitive review of this recording, but I want to add a few things.
In these recordings, the piano seems merely an extension of Horowitz's consciousness. The translation from his head and his heart to the piano is effortless, and filled with emotion. While listening to this CD, I understood that Horowitz's flawless technique stems not just from a complete knowledge of the pieces, but from his love of the music. He makes the music his own like no other.
This is inspirational music, played by the greatest master of his craft at the height of his powers.
An added bonus is the DVD which accompanies the 2 CD's, a video of the studio recording of Mozart's 23rd piano concerto. Horowitz, in his 80's, has the innocence of a child, playfully joking with the producer, the conductor, the page turner. When he plays, it is with a sense of joy that seems to accompany all of the recordings in this set.
The productions values here are excellent, typical Deutsche Grammophon.
I'd give this recording a 10 if I could.

Average customer rating:

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music
For the price you can't lose

Discover Music of the 20th Century

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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II. Allegro - Ladislav Slovak
III. Allegro Agitato - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Main Theme From Schindler's List - Paul Bateman
The Unanswered Question - Northern Sinfonia
Second Electonic Interpolation (Conclusion) - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Third Electronic Interpolation (Beginning) - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
I. Liturgie De Cristal - Amici Ensemble
IV. Commentaire - Idil Biret
Warming Up, Leading To Model 1, Bass - Gregory Rose
'Gott Nochmal' Sun God - Gregory Rose
'Vishnu' God Of Storms - Gregory Rose
God Of The Earth - Gregory Rose
First Interlude - Boris Berman
I. - Roger Heaton
Short Ride In A Fast Machine - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
The Lord's Prayer - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
II. Lento E Largo-Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
Lullaby - Philharmonia Orchestra
Vision Of The Hunt I - Philharmonia Orchestra
Voice For Solo Flute - Robert Aitken

Customer Reviews:

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music.......2007-03-22

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music.

Should be continued, plenty more 20th-century composers to be discovered.

For the price you can't lose.......2007-02-21

This 2 cd set consists of, as the title indicates, various 20c pieces or movements from the Naxos catalog. Sound quality is uniformly high, although for some such as Stockhausen's it's not clear if that's good or bad. What is excellent is the variety of the collection--some familiar (Debussy), others not, some pretty, others intentionally weird. Few will find every piece to his or her taste, but many listeners who do not spend much time on 20c music will find something to like. Overall, a great introduction to a period of much off-putting, yes, but also much compelling music.

Average customer rating:

Authenric Music with traditional instruments.
Living history

Music of the Civil War
Americus Brass Band , B. Holmes , W.L. Hobbs , Hosea Ripley , Walter Kittridge , D.L. Downing , George Frederick Root , Gioachino Rossini , Anonymous , James P. Carrell , W.K. Batchelder , C.V. Wallace , Henry Russell , Patrick S. Gilmore , Stephen Foster , Daniel Decatur Emmett , and Giacomo Meyerbeer
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Civil War: Its Music and Its Sounds
Songs of the Civil War
The Spirit of '76 and Ruffles and Flourishes
Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty
The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording

ASIN: B0000038IY
Release Date: 1993-02-02

Tracks:

When The Cruel War Is Over - Hoist Up The Flag Quick Step
Americus Quick Step
Fireman's Polka
Tenting On The Old Camp Ground
Dixie's Land Medley Quick Step
Battle Cry Of Freedom - Kingdom Coming Quick Step
Excerpt From William Tell
Sumter Light Guard March
Bonnie Eloise Quick Step
Amazing Grace
Glory Hallelujah Grand March
Scenes That Are Brightest - In Happy Moments Quick Step
Kazoodie Ko Whirl Overture
Woodman, Spare That Tree
Fireman's Quick Step
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Civil War Folk Song Medley: Oh, Suzanna, Garry Owen, Jordan Am A Hard Road, Bonnie Blue Flag, The Girl I Left Behind Me
Coronation March

Customer Reviews:

Authenric Music with traditional instruments........2000-09-17

For those of you who enjoy the music, as it was sung and played during the Civil War, this recording is a "must!" J.A. McA.

Living history.......1999-07-31

So shoot me. I like bagpipe music and I like fife and drum recordings and I like brass bands. Recently cruisin' the Internet brought me to the website of a company called Summit Records out in Arizona; and my eye was caught by the title (DCD 126) with a group calling itself The Americus Brass Band. I obtained a copy post haste and I want to all to know about it with equal rapidity. There is just short of 55 minutes of Civil War tunes played in a style that is "historically accurate, right down to the high military pitch and the clicking of the rotary valves on the original antique instruments employed" (as the notes tell us). The history of the band is available in those notes, so let me just dwell on the "music that still produces feelings of humor, joy, sadness, and patriotic pride." Well, what music does not produce at least one of those?--and I am not entirely sure there was anything about the Civil War of which we on either side should be particularly proud. But Sing a Song of Suffering seems to be an eternal way of making the best of a rotten situation during war time; and this CD is replete with such memories as "Tenting Tonight," "Amazing Grace," "Woodman, Spare That Tree," and even a little bit of the "William Tell Overture" and a Meyerbeer opera! In short, this is not the expected line up of soldier songs but selections that are "typical of that which might have been played by a group such as the Americus Brass band." I love it. Give it a try, please.

Ljuba Welitsch The Complete Columbia Recordings

Average customer rating:

Enigimatic Flame!
perhaps the most sensual of German lieder singers

Ljuba Welitsch The Complete Columbia Recordings

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000029V9
Release Date: 1997-06-03

Tracks:

Salome, Op. 54: Final Scene
Tosca - (Act I): 'Perche chiuso?...Mia gelosa'
Tosca - (Act II): 'Vissi d'arte'
Don Giovanni - (Act I): 'Don Ottavio, son morta!...Or sai, chi l'onore'
Don Giovanni - (Act II): 'Crudele! Ah no, mio ben... Non mi dir, bell'idol mio'
Die Fledermaus: 'Czardas'
Der Zigeunerbaron: 'Habet Acht' - (Gypsy Song)
Four Last Songs: 'Fruhling'
Four Last Songs: 'September'
Four Last Songs: 'Beim Schlafengehen'
Four Last Songs: 'Im Abendrot'

Tracks:

Op. 43, No. 1: 'Von ewiger Liebe'
Op 105, No. 1: 'Wie Melodien Zieht Es Mir'
Op. 84, No. 4: 'Vergebliches Standchen'
'Die Mainacht'
'Meine Liebe ist grun'
Op. 2: 'Gretchen Am Spinnrade'
Op. 43, No. 1: 'Die Junge Nonne'
Schwanengesang: 'Liebesbotschaft'
Op. 32: 'Die Forelle'
Myrthen, Op. 25, No. 1: 'Widmung'
Liederkreis, Op. 39, No. 5: 'Mondnacht'
Myrthen, Op. 25, No. 3: 'Der Nussbaum'
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 1
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 2
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 4
Zigeunerlieder,Op. 103: No. 7
'Mne Grustno'
''Mel'nik'
'Gde ti, zvezdochka?'
'Hat Dich Die Liebe Beruhrt'
'Valse De Chopin'
'Dei Nacht' - Op. 10, No. 3
'Cacilie' - Op. 27, No.2
'Ich atmet' einen linden Duft'
'Blicke Mir Nicht In Die Lieder'
'Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen'
'Um Mitternacht' - (Incomplete)

Amazon.com

Ljuba Welitsch had a short career, her stardom spanning the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s. Perhaps this is because she gave so much of herself--even on records you feel she's operating on all cylinders. Her most famous role, Salome, is represented here by the closing scene with Fritz Reiner and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, recorded at the time of her triumphant New York debut. She was also a great Donna Anna, her rendition of the big arias from Don Giovanni full of fire and thrust. Tosca's "Vissi d'arte" is a passionate reading, one of the best on disc. The song disc is more variable but always interesting. A great singer, captured in her prime. -- Dan Davis

Amazon.com

Half of Bulgarian soprano Ljuba Welitsch's Columbia output stems from her salad days at the Met, when her silvery voice cut across the footlights like liquid fire. The 1950 Tosca and Don Giovanni selections, as well as her incomparable Salome Final Scene with the fiery Fritz Reiner at the helm, sound more potent than ever in these 20-bit transfers from original source material. Also memorable are two delicately scaled Joseph Marx lieder and a peerless Strauss Cacille. Sadly, the 1952-3 lieder sessions find Welitsch in dire straits: her voice has acquired a papery edge, with perceptive decline in intonation and breath control. Give Paul Ulanowsky credit, though, for admirably maneuvering through the thankless, Crisco-thick piano "deorchestrations" of Strauss' Four Last Songs. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Enigimatic Flame!.......2003-11-14

This woman moved me! I felt exitement, finality, pain, passion, victory, sensuousness, and nostalgia of a time unknown to me. The Salome aria is the most convincingly and beautifully sung I have ever heard by far. The thread of sound is never broken. The lieder selections are very lovely and interestingly personal, not at all detached or serious; a joy. Strauss' Four Last Songs done with piano are quite effective as such.

The recorded sound is very impressive; a clean, full-bodied sound. Columbia's mono recordings are absolutely superior.

This soprano seemed to have something very important to say. There is an ever present urgency in her delivery, a haste, and a desperation that clings to the heart. As she sings, she invokes compassion, mystery, fear and joy.

Please hear this woman!

perhaps the most sensual of German lieder singers.......1999-08-22

This collection of Ljuba Welitsch's singing Strauss is an great example of a singer's cultural connection to a composer giving her an almost eerily innate feeling for the music. Welitsch's voice can only be described as sexy, in a pre-war German sort of way, silvery hard and focused in tone combined with a sensuality of expression that is unique. She breathes life and fire into this music in a way that later singers -- even the great Elisabeth Schwarzkopf -- could not.

Leontyne Price Christmas Songs Chants de Noel.Weihnachtslieden Wiener Philharmoniker Herbert Von Karajan

Average customer rating:

The Ultimate Christmas CD
A True Muiscal Treasure
"La Splendissima" at Xmas: A Priceless Gem of Great PRICE!
Can't I give it 10 stars?
Finally - Price's "Alleluia"

Leontyne Price Christmas Songs Chants de Noel.Weihnachtslieden Wiener Philharmoniker Herbert Von Karajan

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs
Christmas With Leontyne Price (Dig)
Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection
Jessye Norman - Christmastide
Joy to the World

ASIN: B0000041TH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Silent Night
Hark! The Herald Angles Sing
We Three Kings Of Orient Are
Angels We Have Heard On High
O Tannenbaum
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
Von Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her
Sweet Li'l Jesus
Ave Maria
O Holy Night
Ave Maria
Alleluja

Customer Reviews:

The Ultimate Christmas CD.......2005-12-06

There are three or four CD's that are required listening in every December. Leontyne Price's makes the list-- with stars. This CD is a reissue from a LP recorded in 1961 and includes many, many great selections: Mendelssohn ("Hark!The Herald Angels Sing"), Schubert ("Ave Maria"), Bach ("Ave Maria" and "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her") and Mozart ("Alleluja"). In addition, "Silent Night," "We Three Kings," "God rest ye merry, Gentlemen" and four other traditional Christmas songs are included. Ms. Price's a capella version of "Sweet li'l Jesus defies description. I'm not sure how to describe what she does on "Angels we have heard on High" except to say that her voice soars and floats as she plays with the melody line. She's obviously having a good time on this one. The two Bach numbers are wonderful, her version of "O Holy Night" is as good as any you'll ever hear, and the closing "Alleluja" is simply magnificent.

I purchased the LP of this "Leontyne Price Christmas Songs" the December that John Lennon was killed. It was a great comfort at such a dark time. It's a great gift for someone you love. I'm always surprised when music lovers have not heard of it. I cannot say enough good things about this CD that deserves more than five stars.

A True Muiscal Treasure.......2004-11-05

This is one of the recordings that made me fall in love with opera. My father owned a drugstore and I started working at eth store when I was in junior high. He loved Christmas and would always play holiday music once Thanksgiving arrived. He used 8-track tapes that could repeat over and over again. Most of the recordings would be light and airy music that would encourage people to shop, but every now and then he would slip in this Leontyne Price recording, much to the chagrin of the employees. I would often switch to the track that contained Ms. Price singing "Von Himmel Hoch" pretending it was a joke, but secretly I could hardly believe that anyone could create such music. I also loved her singing of Mozart's "Alleluia."

Now when I listen to Leontyne Price's Christmas album, I no longer pretend to make fun of it. I suppose I have become my father (musically at least) and simply enjoy it. As I listen to it today, I am less impressed with Ms. Price's tremendous vocal gifts, as wonderful as they are, but of her ability to bring out the richness of each work she performs. The simple title of the recording CHRISTMAS SONGS is appropriate because the recording is about the music itself, not the performer. From my point of view this makes the recording unique. I have a number of Christmas recordings in my collection from just about every opera singer imaginable, but I always find that this recording is one of the best vocally because Price obviously loves the music, brings the music to life in her signature style, but allows the recording to be about the music and not the performer. Come to think of it, she did this onstage as well, which may be why she is considered by so many to be a musician rather than a performer and why she was so beloved when she sang and her recordings are still treasured by so many to this day.

"La Splendissima" at Xmas: A Priceless Gem of Great PRICE!.......2003-03-30

There's no need to tarry too long in this 'review'. Others have already eloquently lavished praise on this recording. I simply must add my own hosanna to theirs. Without a doubt, the singing of soprano Leontyne Price -"La Splendissima" - is incomparable here. There has never been a soprano with a timbre so incredibly distinctive & beautiful that also infuses her music with a rare humanity and humility. Every Christmas is inauguarated with this recording at my home, and those fortunate enough to receive this CD as a gift from me, are infinitely grateful & astounded by Ms. Price's gifts.(especially those not inclined to Opera singers!)
Her collaboration here with Maestro Von Karajan is just as rewarding as all of the others including "Carmen", "Tosca", the Verdi "Requiem"(VHS/DVD), and a legendary "Il Trovatore". These (2) musical 'giants' seem to derive inspiration from each other that ignites a passionate response from each as well. Nowhere is this more evident than in their now 'classic' rendition of the Schubert "Ave Maria". Listen to the ethereal, voice-like intro of the orchestral strings that precedes Ms. Price's celestial vocalism. It's magical! The programme is diverse and deeply satisfying for the Season. Miss Price's singing, whether in this rep, singing Spirituals, the recital stage, or Grand Opera, is almost always an inveterately soulful experience. It is no less so here. Celebrate the Season (any Season you like) with "La Splendissima" Leontyne Price singing classical 'Soul' music at Christmas. Get this!!!!!!!!

Can't I give it 10 stars?.......2002-12-19

This contains what must be some of the most beautiful voice music, anywhere, any style - period.

The Ave Maria (first) and O Holy Night are absolutely transcendental!

This review is short because nothing else can be said.

Finally - Price's "Alleluia".......2002-10-24

I have this LP and have been waiting for it to come out in CD because the Mozart "Alleluia" (from the Exsultate Jubilate)is the most beautiful version I've ever heard. Leontyne's voice is like a crytal bell.

Average customer rating:

Correction
Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong....
The Wonder of Wunderlich
I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!

The Art of Fritz Wunderlich

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD]
Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor
Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen
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Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor

ASIN: B0009PLMQW
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Duetto And Chorus: Kommt, Eilet Und Laufet
Aria: Sanfte Soll Mein Todeskummer
Recitative And Chorale: O Schmerz! Hier Zittert Das Gequalte Herz
Aria With Chorus: Ich Will Bei Meinem Jesu Wachen
Recitative: Mein Jesus Schweigt Zu Falschen Lugen Stille
Aria: Geduld!
Duet: Et Misericordia
Aria: Deposuit Potentes
Recitative: So Stehe Denn, Du Gottergeb'ne Seele
Aria: Adam Muss In Uns Verwesen
Chorus: Jauchzet, Frohlocket, Auf, Preiset Die Tage
Recitative: Es Begab Sich Aber Zu Der Zeit
Aria: Frohe Hirten, Eilt, Ach Eilet
Aria: Ich Will Nur Dir Zu Ehren Leben
Recitative: Und Liess Versammeln Alle Hohenpriester
Terzetto: Ach! Wann Wird Die Zeit Erscheinen
Recitative: Und Gott Befahl Ihnen Im Traum-Genug, Mein Schatz Geht Nicht Von Hier
Aria: Nun Mogt Ihr Stolzen Feinde Schrecken

Tracks:

Overture
Aria: Hier Soll Ich Dich Denn Sehen
Recitative And Aria: Konstanze, Dich Wiederzusehen, Dich!/O Wie Angstlich, O Wie Feurig
Aria: Wenn Der Freude Tranen Fliessen
Quartet: Ach! Belmonte! Ach, Mein Leben!
Aria: Ich Baue Ganz Auf Deine Starke
Recitative And Aria: Welch Ein Geschick!/Wie, Du Solltest Fur Mich Sterben!
Aria: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Zum Ziele Fuhrt Dich Diese Bahn
Wie Stark Ist Nicht Dein Zauberton
Der Welcher Wandert Diese Strasse Vol Beschwerden
Tamino Mein! O Welch Ein Gluck!

Tracks:

Duet: Strahlt Auf Mich Der Blitz Des Goldes - Hermann Prey
Duet: Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue
Scene And Duet: Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Stande/Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben
Toast: O Freunde, So Leeret In Vollen Zugen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: Ich Sah Euch Lieblich Und Engelsschon - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Scene And Duet: er Ist's! Carlos! Mein PRinz!/Gott, Der Entflammte Der Liebe Heisse Glut - Hermann Prey
Duet: Infame Feder! Welch Scheusslicher Pinsel/Ach, Geliebte! Nie Kehrst Du mir Wieder! - Hermann Prey
Aria: Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne
Scene: Nicht An Mich, Geliebter, Denke
Duet: Du Sussester Engel, Wie Herrlich Hast Du Geteufelt!
Leukippos, Du?
Arioso: Ja, Ich Lieb Sie, Olga
Aria: Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden

Tracks:

Recitative And Arioso: Holdes Laubgezewig, Du Schones/Schattige Ruh, Nie Gab Natur Sie Mir
Aria: Der Gedanke An Die Flammen Der Liebe
Aria: Bleibt Ihr Treu Dem, Der Euch So Verachtet?
Aria: Finstre Furie, Ihr Geister Der Holle
Aria: Nur Einen wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen - Hermann Prey
Recitative And Duet: O Unverhofftes Gluck/Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? - Hermann Prey
Ma Se Il Nostro Gioir/Alcun Non Sia
Perche A Lo Sdegno/Padre Cortese/Si Non Vedro
Aria: Erwacht In Meinem Herzen
Duet: Nur Weinen Lernte Ich/Nur Klagen lernte Ich
Aria: Keine Schlange Lasst Sich Toten
Romance: O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten
Trio: Doch Nun Zu Dir/Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe - Hermann Prey
Aria: Man Wird Ja Einmal Nur Geboren
Song: Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch Madchen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Recitative And Duet: Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir/Der tempel Brahmas Strahlt - Hermann Prey

Tracks:

I. Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
II. Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
III. Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube, Die Sonne
IV. Wenn Ich In Deine Augen Seh
V. Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
VI. Im Rhein, Im Heiligen Strome
VII. Ich Grolle Nicht
VIII. Und Wussten's Die Blumen, Die Kleinen
IX. Das Ist Ein Floten Und Geigen
X. Hor Ich Das Liedchen Klingen
XI. Ein Jungling Liebt Ein Madchen
XII. Am Leuchtenden Sommermorgen
XIII. Ich Hab Im Traum Geweinet
XIV. Allnachtlich Im Traume Seh Ich Dich
XV. Aus Alten Marchen Winkt Es
XVI. Die Alten Bosen Lieder
Zartliche Liebe: 'Ich Liebe Dich' WoO 123
Adelaide Op.46
Resignation WoO 149
Der Kuss Op.128
Was Ist Silvia, Saget An
Lied Eines Schiffers An Die Dioskuren D 360
Liebhaber In Allen Gestalten D 558
Der Einsame D 800
Im Abendrot Op. Post. D 799
Leise Flehen Meine Lieder
An Die Laute D 905
Der Musensohn D 764
An Die Musik D 547

Tracks:

Granada
Mattinata
Funiculi-Funicula
O Sole Mio
Vergiss Mein Nicht
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich
Ich Kusse Ihre Hand, Madame
Caro Mio Ben
Ave Maria
Plaisir D'Amour
La Danza
Serenade: Fern Im Weiten Land, Dort Unten Im Suden
Be My Love
Santa Lucia
Tiritomba
Heute Nacht Oder Nie

Tracks:

Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
Denk Dir, Die Welt War Ein Blumenstrauss
Ich Kenn Ein Kleines Wegerl Im Helenental
In Wien Gibt's Manch Winziges Gasserl
Draussen In Sievering
Ich Weiss Auf Der Wieden Ein Kleines Hotel
Ich Muss Wieder Einmal In Grinzing Sein
Im Prater Bluhn Wieder Die Baume
Herr Hofrat, Erinnern Sie Sich Noch?
I Hab Die Schonen Maderln Net Erfunden
Es Steht Ein Alter Nussbaum Drausst In Heiligenstadt
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
Wenn Es Abend Wird/Gruss Mir Mein Wien
Ob Blond, Ob Braun, Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n
Weine Nicht, Bricht Eine Schone Frau Dir Das Herz
Mein Herz Ruft Immer Nur Nach Dir, O Marita
Eine Kleine Fruhlingsweise
Schlaf Ein, Mein Blond-Engelein
Annchen Von Tarau
Still Wie Die Nacht

Customer Reviews:

Correction.......2006-12-13

Now folks, both of what the two other reviewers wrote about the tragical death of Fritz Wunderlich is wrong. Wunderlich died in hospital at September 17 1966. He had broken his skull, when he fell down the stairs in the hunting-house of a friend. Late in the evening of September 16, Wunderlich, as usual when not at home, had phoned his wife in Munich. He was very tired from strolling through the forest the whole day, making out the ideal locations for the hunt, which should start early in the next morning (Wunderlich was a passionate hunter). After he had wished his wife a good night, he went to the staircase in order to go down to his bedroom at the first floor. He still wore his heavy hunting boots - with open shoestrings! As walking downstairs, Wunderlich struggled over the open shoestrings and grabbed for the banisters, which was not more than a rope, fixed to the wall. The banisters teared out, and Wunderlich fell down the whole stairs. Fritz Wunderlich died in hospital the next day. It was only short before his 36'th birthday. An exceptional singing career had come to an untimely end. Some people believe that Wunderlich was drunken at the time of accident. If this is true can't be proven any more. But still this is not what his close friends said, regarding his accident and his death. In my opinion Wunderlich was the last of the really great tenors of the last century. All the tenors which came to fame after him (sorry folks, even such maestros as Pavarotti and Domingo) lack a certain quality in singing. It's the ease of breath flow, or singing on the breath without pushing the voice, it's the overtones, the legato, the mezza voce, the messa di voce and many more things - in short: the overall beauty of the voice through both registers. Wunderlich was the last tenor who had all this. Other examples are Caruso, McCormack, Gigli (despite the sobbing in his later recordings) and of course the wonderful Jussi Björling. But these are only some few names. If you listen for example to the cd's in the box "Famous tenors of the past" you will find that there were many very good and outstanding tenors in the first half of the 20'th century and - as we can only assume - in the time before the invention of the grammophone. Take a close look at todays famous tenors (I know, there are some quite good and promising ones) but what are they in comparison to those tenors (or better to say, to their voices and singing) I just mentioned before?

Please make your own decision.

Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong...........2006-05-05

... okay, maybe. It's just that I've never heard a recording I didn't love. And I prefer that he sing everything in German even when that means not using original language.

This is a bit strange because I'm most often bugged by Don Carlos and Vepres in Italian (just a personal quirk). Of course, I'm also bugged by dropping the "s" in Don Carlos, which is always incorrect. The man's name IS Carlos whether in Italian or French.

I tried to write Mr. Avila a personal note, but could not, so let me say that Fritz Wunderlich did not die of cancer, but a dreadful accident in Scotland (I'll not go into the whys and wherefores, I just wanted to set PART of the record straight.)

The Wonder of Wunderlich.......2005-11-22

Deutsche Grammophone does it again! This is an extensive 3-cd compilation album featuring the artistry of the great German tenor Fritz Wunderlich in a variety of vocal repertoire - Baroque cantata/oratorio, opera and Lieder. Like the other critic pointed out, I first heard Fritz sinigng a superb Tamino in the Karl Bohm Magic Flute, although I have also heard him sing Lieder opposite the mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig and baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, who were his contemporaries and colleagues. Wunderlich died tragically in 1966 of cancer. He inspired a generation of purely lyric tenors or "tenors di grazie" whose charming voice would never roughen and lack grace. His Germanic style earned him popularity in World War II Europe and he was the leading exponent of Lieder in the 50's. His tenor voice is glorious, as close to a male angel as possible. On this recording, we are treated to sumptuous arias from Bach's Christmas/Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas. Also noteworthy are the unsurpassed performances of Mozart tenor heroes- such as Belmonte from "Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail" (Abduction from the Seraglio) and his unbeatable Tamino from Die Zauberflote The Magic Flute. He sings bel canto opera arias fo tenor, from master composers Rossinni, Bellini and Verdi. While I don't much like that he is singing Italian arias in German, one must remember that at this time, in the LP Era of World War II Germany and Austria, German-born opera singers sang Italian opera in German translation/revisions. While many German singers could indeed sing in Italian, they were mostly trained to sing it in German because of excessive national pride and because Germans viewed Italian opera as course and un-melodic. Still, there have been superb German singers who sang in Italian like Wagner diva Birgit Nilsson,baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, tenor Peter Schreier, soprano Edda Moser, baritone Walter Berry, tenor Herman Pretty, all post-Wunderlich sensations. Wunderlich sings Lieder in one CD with great and unrivaled musicianship. Especially impressive are the Viennese pieces. Further to the cd's this album is equipped with photos of Wunderlich and his family and a detailed profile biography.

I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!.......2005-10-28

I knew little about the German tenor Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), except reading the accolades given to his recordings and performances by reviewers in "American Record Guide" over the past 13 years. I knew Wunderlich recorded the role of Tamino in the famous DG recording of Mozart's "Die Zauberflote", with Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (Now on DG Originals CDs), but was not aware of what a wide range of repertoire he had until hearing this release.

This release has a wide variety of Wunderlich's discography, including Bach arias from his Christmas and Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas; his Mozart roles in "Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail" (Eugen Jochum/Bavarian Radio Orchestra) and "Die Zauberflote" (Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic); a variety of arias and duets by Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Richard Strauss, mostly sung in German, and with Hermann Prey, baritone and Erika Koth, soprano in many of the duets; Baroque arias by Handel, from "Xerxes" (including the famous "Ombre mai fu" sung in German) and "Julius Caesar", selections from Monteverdi's "Orfeo" (an early track from 1955 sung in Italian); Schumann's "Dichterliebe", 4 Beethoven Lieder, including "Adelaide" and "Der Kuss"; and 9 Schubert lieder, including "An der Musik," and "Der Musensohn", all with Hubert Giesen, piano; Popular songs such as "Granada" and Viennese songs, with chamber orchestra accompaniment. There are no texts for the songs, but you may have text booklets with other CD releases, so don't really need them when you hear Wunderlich's beautiful voice.

There is a booklet with articles about Wunderlich's career, including a preface by his widow, Eva Wunderlich, photos of Wunderlich as a boy and young man, with his wife Eva in 1965, and children Constanze, Wolfgang, and Barbara. I enjoy reading and looking at the booklet, even apart from listening to the beautiful recordings.

Wunderlich was a genius, and his voice sounds great in every track, mono (some, but not a majority) and stereo (most of the tracks in the 7 discs are stereo) alike. If you love great music, and opera, but like me aren't often of a mind to sit still for 3 hours to listen to one, get this. It's a great release, and reasonably priced to boot. I'm thankful to God for great music, for the ability to hear and feel, and for Fritz Wunderlich and his service to music lovers everywhere.

Meditation: Classical Relaxation (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Relaxing music at its finest!
Get it for $9.99 at Sam's Club!
Beautiful, moving music! You'll recognize many of the pieces
Meditative, But Not Boring
A Bargain and Beautiful

Meditation: Classical Relaxation (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)
Chopin For Relaxation
Classics for Relaxation and Meditation
Beethoven for Relaxation
Vivaldi for Relaxation

ASIN: B000001VUT
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

Canon
Andante From Piano Concerto No. 21: Elvira Madigan
Coppelia: Notturno
String Quintet In C: Adagio - Schubert
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air - Bach
Clarinet Concerto: Adagio
Symphony No. 8 'Unfinished': Andante con moto - Schubert
Concerto, Op. 9 No. 2: Adagio
Orpheus And Eurydice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits

Tracks:

Thais: Meditation
Romance In G, Op. 26
The Last Spring
Minuet
Serenade, Op. 3 No. 5
Poeme, Op. 41 No.6
Elegiac Melody No. 1
Serenade For String Orchestra: Elegia
I Love You
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours

Tracks:

Adagio
Romance In F Minor, Op. 11
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Romance For Violin No. 2 In F, Op. 50
Rosamunde: Ballet Music In G
Symphony No. 5: Adagietto

Tracks:

Peer Gynt: Morning
Standchen (Serenade)
Mozartiana Suite: Preghiera (Ave Verum)
Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A: 2nd Movement
Rosamunde: Intermezzo
Violin Concerto In E Minor: 2nd Movement
Serenade For String Orchestra: 1st Movement
L'Arlesienne, Suite No. 2: Intermezzo
Concierto De Aranjuea: 2nd Movement
Trout Quintet: Theme And Variations

Tracks:

The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Valse Triste
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat
Minuet
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Oboe Concerto In D Minor (Excerpt)
Piano Sonata No. 8: Pathetique: 2nd Movement
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo sinfonico
Christmas Oratorio: Sinfonia
Ave Maria
Horn Concerto No.3: 2nd Movement
Symphony No. 1: 3rd Movement
Traumerei
Peer Gynt: Ase's Death
Xerves: Largo
Symphony No. 9: From The New World: 2nd Movement

Tracks:

Swan Lake
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance
Nocturne In B Major, Op. 9 No. 3
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Notturno
Symphony No. 35: Haffner: Andante
Carmen Suite No. 1: Intermezzo
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, D.960: Andante sostenuto
Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat Major: Andante
Piano Concerto No. 2: Larghetto

Tracks:

Impromptu In G Flat Major
Evening Song
Serenade No. 1: Adagio non troppo
The Merry Peasant
Flute Quartet In G Major
Symphony No. 7: Allegretto
Cradle Song
Quartet in G Major: Theme And Variations
Barcarolle: The Seasons: June
Symphony No.36 'Linz': Poco adagio

Tracks:

Prelude In C Minor - Meditation
Piano Concerto In A Minor: Adagio - Meditation
Flute Concerto No. 2: Adagio non troppo - Meditation
Andante - Meditation
Impromptu In B Flat Major - Meditation
Clair de lune - Meditation
Divertimento In D, K.251: Andantino - Meditation
Caro mio ben - Meditation
Piano Concerto No. 9: Jeunehomme: Andante - Meditation
Theme And Variations - Meditation

Tracks:

The Sleeping Beauty: Panorama
Waltz, Op.39 No.15
Flute Concerto In G Minor: Andante
Impromptu In A Flat
Violin Concerto No. 5: Adagio
Symphony No. 3: Allegretto
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Andante
Piano Sonata No. 3: Largo
Suite No. 1: Intermezzo
Piano Concerto No. 3: Largo

Tracks:

La Traviata: Act 1: Prelude
Kinderscenen: Foreign Countries And People
Chanson triste
Symphony No. 5: Andante
La Campanella
Flute Concerto in B Flat: Adagio
Piano Sonata No. 2: Funeral March
Symphony No. 94: Surprise: Andante
Concerto for Flute and Harp: Andantino
Symphony No. 6: Pathetique: Adagio lamentoso

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing music at its finest!.......2005-10-14

This is a GREAT 10-CD set!The performances are top-notch, the music is varied, and the feelings engendered are wondrously beautiful.

Get it for $9.99 at Sam's Club!.......2005-06-22

Very nice set of CD's, very beatiful and relaxing, but don't pay $27, get it for $9 at Sam's Club. I know this will be censored but come on, how can you guys charge those saps that much! Amazon should try to find the best price for its customers, even if it sends them to different vendors. Censoring this message is a crime, DON'T DO IT. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Beautiful, moving music! You'll recognize many of the pieces.......2004-02-24

John Cheng's review, below, said it's "an undeniable bargain," and I whole heartedly agree! I especially LOVE Volume 5. I have a Typing/Resume business, and I listen to Volume 5 ALL the time on my computer while I'm doing my work. It inspires me to be creative and calms me down when I'm stressed.

I would say I've _easily_ listened to Volume 5 at least 100 times, and I'm still not tired of it. That's amazing for me, because I'm also a musician (singer/pianist) and I get bored easily. I actually found the Volume 5 CD at a Thrift store, and loved it so much that I bought the whole set recently. So I've only listened to a few of the other CD's in this set, so far, and they're also great.

This is NOT boring music. My clients and family have heard it also, and they've also mentioned how soothing and wonderful these pieces are. Most of you will probably recognize a lot of these songs! You'll be saying, "OH! I remember THIS one! I haven't heard this for YEARS!!!"

It's well worth the money for 10 very full CD's!!! Try it! You won't be disappointed!

Happy listening!
Betty, Owner of Betty's Desk Typing Service and Quality Resumes

Meditative, But Not Boring.......2002-06-21

Here's the deal: If you check out the individual CDs of this collection, you'll pay way too much. That said, compare this price, and realize it is a steal at twice the price.

The list of selections is immense. 101 selections. Most of it you've heard before, but that's OK. Despite the various cute names -- quite creative -- "Vol. 9"!... you can load your CD player and enjoy them without feeling a transition of style.

It's true these aren't meditative in the sense of a Gregorian chant. Anyone familiar with classical music will recognize the composers and various movements to know this. What is true is that you can sit down and write Amazon reviews with it in the background quite comfortably. No weird interpretations, just the music as you know it.

It is also meditative in the sense of popping on it your portable player as you go for a Sunday afternoon walk. The music has just the right pacing: no quite aerobics class, but not ready for the office elevator either.

The box and jewel cases are not that flimsy kind of thing often associated with box sets. It sounds silly to review the jewel cases, but I'm frustrated with the ones I've received lately that have no meat to them. This'll do the job.

I fully recommend "Meditation: Classical Relaxation, 10 Volume Set [BOX SET].

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

A Bargain and Beautiful.......2002-02-28

This is a wonderful collection of some of my most favorite classical selections. Most I already own, but still like having these all together. I could only wish that the recording level was the same for all selections. Yes, some are written to be softer, but I found it often necessary to turn the volume up or down for different selections. But aside from this minor preference, the quality, the choices, and the price are all super.

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