Beethoven [Original recording remastered]

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67 Allegro con brio
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Ljubljana Radio Orchestra
Conducted by Anton Nanut

2. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Alfred Scholz

3. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor ("Moonlight"), Op. 27/2 Adagio sostenuto
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Dubravka Tomsic

4. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Allegro ma non troppo
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by South German Philharmonic
Conducted by Henry Adolph

5. Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 Larghetto and Rondo - Allegro
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Slavonica Philharmonia
Conducted by Alberto Lizzio

6. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21 Adagio molto, Allegro con brio
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by North German Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Eugen Duvier

7. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor ("Pathétique") Op. 13 Adagio cantabile
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Dubravka Tomsic

8. Fidelio, opera, Op. 72 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Ljubljana Radio Orchestra
Conducted by Anton Nanut

9. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55 Allegro con brio
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by South German Philharmonic
Conducted by Henry Adolph

10. Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major ("Emperor"), Op. 73 Allegro
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Radio Symphony Orchestra with Dubravka Tomsic
Conducted by Anton Nanut

11. Bagatelle for piano in A minor ("Für Elise"), WoO 59
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Hugo Steurer

12. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 Allegro vivace e con brio
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Slavonica Philharmonia
Conducted by Henry Adolph

13. Symphony No. 9 in D minor ("Choral") Op. 125 Presto - Allegro assai (Mvt. 4)
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Slavonica Philharmonia
Conducted by Eugen Duvier

Beethoven, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alberto Lizzio, Alfred Scholz, Anton Nanut, Eugen Duvier, Henry Adolph, Ljubljana Radio Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, North German Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Slavonica, Radio Symphony Orchestra, Süddeutsche Philharmonie, Dubravka Tomsic, Hugo Steurer, Bagatelle for Keyboard, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Concerto, German/Austrian Classical Period Opera, Keyboard, Opera, Orchestral, Piano Concerto, Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra, Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic, Violin Concerto

My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating:

Excellent Sound Track

Great gift!

Good, but not for the Family

fantastic......

"A" for Andrews

My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)
Alan Jay Lerner , Rex Harrison , Julie Andrews , and Frederick Loewe
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast)

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The Music Man (1957 Original Broadway Cast)

Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000067AS1
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Tracks:

Overture
Why Can't The English?
Wouldn't It Be Loverly
With An Ordinary Man
I'm An Ordinary Man
Just you Wait
The Rain In Spain
I Could Have Danced All Night
Ascot Gavotte
On The Street Where You Live
You Did It
Show Me
Get Me To The Church On Time
A Hymn To Him
Without You
I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
A Post-Recording Conversation (bonus track)
Playback: Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe (bonus track)

Amazon.com

The 2,700 performances of Lerner and Loewe's musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion gracefully spanned the Eisenhower and Camelot eras, then begat a wildly popular film version, whose 1965 Best Picture Oscar capped the show's decade of prominence. The crowning achievement of Lerner and Loewe's rich body of work began its recording life on this 1956 cast recording, a collection of performances that long ago became a ubiquitous and indispensable fixture of American musical theater. Indeed, it's hard to imagine anyone else but Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison in the roles of the cockney Eliza Doolittle and her long-suffering mentor, Henry Higgins, delivering definitive versions of the show's embarrassment of riches: "Why Can't the English?," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "The Rain in Spain," "I Could Have Danced All Night," and "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." This new edition offers a digitally burnished take of the already glorious recording, now supplemented with a post-recording conversation track featuring Harrison, Andrews, Lerner, conductor Franz Allers, and original producer Goddard Lieberson, as well as a 1961 audio interview with Lerner and Loewe. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Sound Track.......2007-06-27

I found My Fair Lady full of beautiful arrangements and excellent vocals. Can't get better then the sound of Julie Andrews!!!! Although Julie did not get the movie roll this makes me appreciate the movie even more.

Great gift!.......2007-06-01

Bought this as a gift for a friend.Received it quickly and she was delighted.

Good, but not for the Family.......2007-05-29

I initially really enjoyed the movie my fair lady and wanted a sound track so I could continue to enjoy the music. However, upon recieving the cd, I was especially disappointed with one aspect - the language. I knew Professor Higgins and others had used profanity on the film, and was ok with it. You hear it once and move on. However, I don't want a cd playing around my family that my kids are learning to dance, sing, and act out a song that has rather obvious swear words. After 1 listen I picked out at least three instances of swearing, the worst being I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face (my otherwise favorite song!) The song starts out d--n, d--n, d--n! It's shouted.

fantastic.............2007-05-16

MY FAIR LADY, one of the most well-loved and beautifully made musicals, was a definitive vehicle for the career of (then) twenty year old Julie Andrews, as the "loverly" Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle. Between Andrews' soaring soprano (which is especially poignant to hear, today, considering that she can no longer sing as she once did) and the great supporting cast, lead by Rex Harrison, as Dr. Henry Higgins, the bored professor who takes her under his wing as a special project to mold into a dignified lady, this is a five star show!

The story was actually based on PYGMALION, by the late, great playwright, George Bernard Shaw, inspired by Greek mythology. In the original Greek play, Pygmalion is the sculptor who creates a depiction of a woman, out of ivory, and falls in love with it. He prays to Venus, and then his sculpture is brought to life, as Galatea. In the musical, the gist is similar but the journey and characters veer from this concept considerably. For starters, no one starts out as a piece of stone--especially not Eliza Doolittle. She has definite opinions and a distinctive personality (saucy language and all), that Dr. Doolittle is very keen on shaping up for society. The music is perfectly in synch with the mood of this great play, which is in some ways a true parable about human behavior and the treatment of women in society. Some of the most beautiful music by Lerner and Loewe is featured here. The songs include "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face," and "Get Me to the Church On Time." This is brilliant. Buy this today! I am not sure how great the sound quality is on audio cassette, in comparison to the original recording on vinyl that I heard, as a little girl. I have a feeling it's pretty spectacular though!

"A" for Andrews.......2007-04-15

For years I had only the movie soundtrack and I was perfectly content with it, it was after all one of the best shows ever to hit the boards and I think Marie Nixon did a wonderful in the role of Liza Doolittle - she matched Hepburns voice closely plus she's a professional singer who soars with good material.

It's amazing listening to Ms. Nixon in The King & I; she is much closer to Deborah Kerr's voice and they sounded more natural between speaking and singing but that was the clinker for me. I realized the distance between Ms. Hepburn and Ms. Nixon in the movie version - so I went back to square one and GOT THE ORIGINAL.

You have to hand it to Goddard Leiberman (head of Columbia years ago and protege of Fanny Brice) for starting the tradition of recording Original Broadway Cast 'albums' at the time they opened.

Finally listening to Julie Andrews sing the most popular songs from one of the best shows ever penned almost made me cry. You can tell she's riding the crest of the wave - she literally soars, defying gravity. Her diction, as always, is perfect but she's perfect as the brash cockney flower girl, a young girl on an adventure and a refinded lady. I will always be grateful to Marnie Nixon for the work she did for the film but once you listen to original Eliza Doolittle you will realize there is only ONE and that ONE is JULIE ANDREWS.

Yes, her leading man is also good. One surprise however was Stanley Holloway - it was a shock to realizae that it was about ten years between the show and the film and he does sound ten years younger. The man is a delight at any age, it's not important, it just adds to the fun.

If you really like the show, and the songs, treat yourself and get the Original Broadway Cast - the cast hit the studio at the peak of their form with a solid hit under their belt and that confidence sets this recording light years ahead of any other recording.

Now if it were in stero that would make it a 5 star review.

Average customer rating:

The Greatest Trio in the 20th Century

Trio Recordings, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Trio Recordings, Vol. 1
Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Op. 49 & Op. 66
Brahms: Piano Trios Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Piano Quartets Nos. 1, 2 & 3
Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas
Antonin Dvorak: Quintet For Piano, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello, Op. 81/Quartet For Piano, Violin, Viola And Cello,Op.

ASIN: B0000027CV
Release Date: 1991-05-31

Tracks:

Trio, Op. 1, No. 1 In E-Flat Major: I. Allegro
Trio, Op. 1, No. 1 In E-Flat Major: II. Adagio cantabile
Trio, Op. 1, No. 1 In E-Flat Major: III. Scherzo: Allegro assai
Trio, Op. 1, No. 1 In E-Flat Major: IV. Finale: Presto
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Introduzione: Adagio assai
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Tema: Allegretto
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation I
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation II
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation III
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation IV
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation V
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation VI
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation VII
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation VIII
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation IX
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Variation X
Variations For Piano, Violin And Cello On Wenzel Muller's Lied: 'I Am The Tailor Kakadu', Op. 121a In G Major: Allegretto
Trio, WoO 38 In E-Flat Major: I. Allegro moderato
Trio, WoO 38 In E-Flat Major: II. Scherzo: Allegretto ma non troppo
Trio, WoO 38 In E-Flat Major: III. Rondo: Allegretto

Tracks:

Trio, Op. 1, No. 2 In G Major: I. Adagio; Allegro vivace
Trio, Op. 1, No. 2 In G Major: II. Largo con espressione
Trio, Op. 1, No. 2 In G Major: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Trio, Op. 1, No. 2 In G Major: IV: Finale: Presto
Trio, Op. 1, No. 3 In G Major: I. Allegro con brio (quasi tranquillo)
Trio, Op. 1, No. 3 In G Major: II. Andante cantabile con variazioni
Trio, Op. 1, No. 3 In G Major: III. Menuetto: Quasi Allegro
Trio, Op. 1, No. 3 In G Major: IV. Finale: Prestissimo

Tracks:

Trio, Op. 70, No. 1 (Ghost) In D Major: I. Allegro vivace e con brio
Trio, Op. 70, No. 1 (Ghost) In D Major: II. Largo assai ed espressivo
Trio, Op. 70, No. 1 (Ghost) In D Major: III. Presto
Trio, Op. 70, No. 2 In E-Flat Major: I. Poco sostenuto; Allegro ma non troppo
Trio, Op. 70, No. 2 In E-Flat Major: II. Allegretto
Trio, Op. 70, No. 2 In E-Flat Major: III. Allegretto ma non troppo
Trio, Op. 70, No. 2 In E-Flat Major: IV. Finale: Allegro
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Tema: Andante
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation I
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation II
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation III
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation IV
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation V
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation VI
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation VII
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation VIII
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation IX
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation X
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation XI
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation XII
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation XIII
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Variation XIV
14 Variations For Piano Trio In E-Flat Major, Op. 44: Andante

Tracks:

Trio, Op. 11 (Alternate Version) In B-Flat Major: I. Allegro con brio
Trio, Op. 11 (Alternate Version) In B-Flat Major: II. Adagio
Trio, Op. 11 (Altrnate Version) In B-Flat Major: III. Tema con variazione (Pria ch'io l'impegno: Allegretto)
Trio In One Movement, WoO 39 In B-Flat Major: Allegretto
Trio, Op. 97 (Archduke) In B-Flat Major: I. Allegro moderato
Trio, Op. 97 (Archduke) In B-Flat Major: II. Scherzo: Allegro
Trio, Op. 97 (Archduke) In B-Flat Major: III. Andante cantabile ma pero con moto
Trio, Op. 97 (Archduke) In B-Flat Major: IV. Allegro moderato; Presto

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Trio in the 20th Century.......2000-06-19

You would never disappointed by this acclaimed trio of pianist Eugene Istomin, violinist Isaac Stern and cellist Leonard Rose. This 4-CD set, recorded during the prime of the musicians, is such a historical record on Beethoven's compositions. Stern's violin is energestic and sharp as a knife, while Rose's cello wraps the pieces up with a sweet but powerful way. Well, Istomin's piano is somewhat lack of charisma, however, his sound is not buried under his great partners' performances. Especially, the Trio, Op. 1, No.3, on the second disc, is a superb combination of the three. It is sad that the trio ended by the death of Leonard Rose in the 1980s. It could have been delightful if we were able to see the three musicians' performances today.

Original Masters: Leopold Stokowski: Decca Recordings 1964-1975 [BOX SET]

Average customer rating:

My own life is behind these recordings
Don't go for broke unless you're a die-hard Stokowski fan
More Sensational Stokowski

Original Masters: Leopold Stokowski: Decca Recordings 1964-1975 [BOX SET]

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Decca Recordings, 1965-1972 (Limited Edition)
CARL SCHURICHT Decca Recordings 1949-1956
George Szell: Decca & Philips Recordings 1951-1969
Ernest Ansermet: Decca Recordings 1953-1967
Pierre Monteux Decca & Philips Recordings, 1956-1964

ASIN: B00067R3BQ
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Customer Reviews:

My own life is behind these recordings.......2007-06-10

I can assure that one of the reason I love music is due to these recordings of Mr. Stokowsky. My father had the record of Scherezade and, though my father was an ignorant about cultivated music, he knew very well what to appreciate. We never argued when I played Beethoven's first symphony so loud, however, he always did when I played Rolling Stones so loud. I adore that he taught me to appreciate Rimsky-korsakov's music as well as Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Spagnolo so young. He was wise, on his way. I can't help to cry for him, listening to Borodin's Palatsovian dances, because, it is great music, and, having into account that I used to love it by Mr. Stokowsky's work, it doubles my crying and my remembrance. He loved the record so much. I love you, daddy.

Don't go for broke unless you're a die-hard Stokowski fan.......2006-09-22

When Stokowski began to make Phase 4 recordings for Decca in 1964, he was already 82, but he hadn't lost his energy or his tendency to shape music in outlandish ways. I mostly love him, but this box set duplicates recordings that can be found on the Cala label, which has been releasing everything Stokowski in the world, and on Decca single CDs if you go to the used market.

I mention this because the whole box set, Vol. 2 in the Original Masters series, continas some forgettable performances, in particular the rhythmically slack Beethoven Sym. 5 and 7, the over-highlighted Schubert 'Unfinished,' and a live Brahms First that seems manic and forced too much of the time. However, if you think of Stokowski having little to offer in the German classics, here is an exceptional Beethoven Ninth, one of the best things from his late career and wonderful in every way.

Decca knows that the crowd-pleasers are the gaudy, multi-miked Phase 4 versions of Scheherazade, as bombastic as you could imagine, and lots of Russian fare, including Stoki's signature synthesis from Boris Godunov. The 1812 Over., by the way, isn't over the top and yet needed to be. Finally, this German-Russian collection contains a thrilling disc of Wagner excerpts, much of it grossly over-miked, but at its core containing very impressive, vital interpretations.

In all, I'd select the Wagner, the Beethoven Ninth, and the legendary Scheherazade as the best things here. Buy them separately or take the plunge for this whole box, your choice.

More Sensational Stokowski.......2005-06-08

It took me a while to purchase this six-disc set in UNI's "Original Masters" series, but I finally did this past weekend. Classical music fans seem to either love or hate Leopold Stokowski (I, of course, love him), and unfortunately much of "Decca Recordings 1964-75, Volume 2" will be old news to serious devotees of the conductor. While I'm not familiar with the complete Decca back-catalog, at least three full discs worth of material have been previously available in the old "Weekend Classics" series -- Beethoven's 5th & 7th, Beethoven's 9th, and the Wagner selections. (I'm pretty sure the Rimsky-Korsakov material on disc five, and the Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky pieces on disc six have been issued prior too.) This is good news for those who came to collecting classical CDs late (like me) because while the Wagner is still available individually, the Beethovens have been fetching absurd prices in the Amazon Marketplace. The only material receiving its first international release is contained on disc 3 -- a Schubert "Unfinished" with the London Philharmonic from 1969 and a rousing live performance of the Brahms 1st with the London Symphony on the occasion of the conductor's 60th anniversary leading that body. The original instruments crowd will surely turn up their noses at these legendary performances, but me, I'll just sit back and listen to some more sensational sounding Stokowski.

Average customer rating:

Not to be missed
Excellent, fun music

Cowgirls (1996 Original Cast)

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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Colette Collage (1994 Studio Cast)
Brownstone the Musical (2003 Studio Cast)
Listen to My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Mary Poppins (2005 Original London Cast)

ASIN: B0000014ZE
Release Date: 1996-07-16

Tracks:

Overture (Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique, Opus 13)
Three Little Maids (Gilbert And Sullivan)
Jesse's Lullaby (Music By j. Brahms)
Ode To Connie Carlson
Sigma, Alpha, Iota
Ode To Jo
From Chopin To Country (Music By Frederic Chopin)
Kingdom Of Country (Music By C. Converse/M. Murfitt)
Songs My Mama Sang (Traditional Hymn, Addidtional Music By M. Murfitt)
Heads Or Tails
Love's Sorrow
Don't Call Me Trailer Trash
Honky Tonky Girl
Every Saturday Night
Don't Look Down
They're All Cowgirls To Me
Saddle Tramp Blues
It's Time To Come Home
We're A Travelin' Trio
Sunflower
Concert Medley
House Rules
Cowgirls

Customer Reviews:

Not to be missed.......2007-06-24

I never tire of listening to this CD. I saw the show in Atlanta several years ago and then again in Nashville--featuring Mary Murfitt herself--and think it is wonderful. I'm always surprised at how such a hilarious/silly premise can set the stage for a moving exploration of friendship, relationships between parents and children, and the joy that comes in facing and conquering our fears. I remember sitting at the side of the theater in Nashville and watching the audience, which previously had been rolling with laughter, be spellbound when the cast began "Songs My Mama Sang" with that gentle mandolin strumming in the background. It was magic--and this "little" show with great writing and thoughtful performances made it happen. I only wish it were performed more often, but then it takes a really talented cast to make it work. There will always be the CD, though.

Excellent, fun music.......2000-05-03

This is a strong woman's musical with great music that doesn't get tiring to listen to. I'd recommend it for anyone wanting to perform a great musical for theatre.

Average customer rating:

Super-human virtuosity of young Horowitz

Recordings 1930-1951

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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So Far from Real
Modesty Blaise

ASIN: B000002S1W
Release Date: 1990-07-18

Tracks:

Choral Prld, BWV 734: Nun freut euch, leiben Christen
Son in b, KK 87
Son in G, KK 87
Son in a, KK 188
Son in A, KK 188
Son in E flat
Etude in c#, Op.10
Etude in G flat, Op.10
Etude in F, Op.10
Etude in F, Op.25
Impromptu in A flat, Op.29
Nocturne in e, Op.72
Mazurka in f, Op.7
Mazurka in e, Op.41
Mazurka in c#, Op. 50
Mazurka in E, Op. 54
Etude No.11: 'pour les arpeges composes'
Pastourelle (L'Eventail de Jeanne, No.8)
Toccata (3 peices for pno, No.2)

Tracks:

32 Vars in c, WO 80
Arabeske, Op.18
Toccata in C, Op.7
Traumeswirren (Fantasiestucke Op.12 No.7)
Presto passionato (Original Finale of Son No.2 Op.22)
Funerailles (Harmonies poetiques et religieuses, No.7)
Son in b

Tracks:

Con for pno in d, No.3 Op.30: I. Allegro
Con for pno in d, No.3 Op.30: II. Intermezzo-Adagio
Con for pno in d, No.3 Op.30: III. Finale (Alla breve)
Prld in g, Op.23 No.5
The Flight of the Bumble-Bee
Petrouchka: Danse Russe
Toccata, Op. 11

Amazon.com

The drawback to this comprehensive feast of prime Vladimir Horowitz is EMI's overzealous noise reduction, which smoothes the edges off of the great pianist's unique sonority. This is less bothersome in the 1951 sessions, which produced two delicious Scarlatti Sonatas not reissued elsewhere. The high-voltage Horowitz of the thirties was a more direct, less mannered artist than his older self. But his classic Liszt Sonata, Chopin Fourth Scherzo, and other solo EMI jewels are best heard via APR's superior (albeit more expensive) transfers. This erratic but exciting Rach 3 (with cuts, and a momentary third movement memory lapse) still awaits a CD transfer to match that of a bygone Seraphim LP. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Super-human virtuosity of young Horowitz.......2007-06-15

I give 5 stars for this 3CD set despite the old recording sound. Sound of piano itself is reasonably well for the day once you are used to the background noise, good enough to convey the subtlty and delicacy of his playing.

Prokofiev's Toccata is still fastest and most exciting on records, verging on super-human. Rachmaninov's 3rd concerto is the best performance by Horowitz with more argency and intensity than his later recordings. The incandescent account of Liszt Sonata is one of the most compelling and beautiful along side Richter and Pogorelich's classic accounts.

Haydn and Scarlatti sonatas, Beethoven variations, Schumann's Toccata, Chopin Etudes, Stravinsky's Petrushka and so much more display Horowitz' keen sense of tonal colours and mind blowing fluency of playing.

Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Complete Recordings

Average customer rating:

Save some $ money! Get the newer January 2006 reissue set instead.
6, or Even 7 Stars!
A must have for Piano and classical music lovers
Ah, Rachmaninoff, brilliant star of music, how we adore you
Review from a spoiled modern listener

Sergei Rachmaninoff: The Complete Recordings

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: 29 Piano Sonatas / Gilels
Rachmaninov Plays Rachmaninov--Ampico Recordings (1919-29)
Liszt: Piano Works
Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff
Shostakovich: The String Quartets

ASIN: B000003FB7
Release Date: 1992-09-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Vivace
Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Andante
Concerto No. 1, Op, 1 In F Sharp Minor: Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Allegro vivace
Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Largo
Concerto No. 4, Op. 40 In G Minor: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Introduction: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation I: (Precedente)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation II: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation III: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IV: Piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation V: Tempo precedente
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VI: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation VIII: Tempo I
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation IX: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation X: Poco marcato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XI: Moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XII: Tempo di minuetto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIII: Allegro
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIV: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XV: Piu vivo scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVI: Allegretto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVII: (Allegretto)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVIII: Andante cantabile
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XIX: A tempo vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XX: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXI: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXIII: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XXIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso

Tracks:

Isle Of The Dead, Op. 29
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Lento; Allegro moderato
Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Adagio ma non troppo
Symphony No.3, Op. 44 In A Minor: Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Allegro assai
Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e grazioso
Sonata, Op. 30, No. 3 In G: Allegro vivace
Sonata D. 574 In A: Allegro moderato
Sonata D. 574 In A: Scherzo: Presto; Trio
Sonata D. 574 In A: Andantino
Sonata D. 574 In A: Allegro vivace
Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegro molto ed appassionato
Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegretto espressivo alla Romanza
Sonata, Op. 45 In C Minor: Allegro animato

Tracks:

Partita No. 4, BWV 828: Sarabande
Harpsichord Suite No. 5: Air And Variations - 'Harmonious Blacksmith'
Sonata, K. 331: III: Turkish March
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Thema: Allegretto
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation I
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation II
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation III
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation IV
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation V
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VI
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation VIII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation IX
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation X
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XI
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIV
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XIX
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXIII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXIV
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXV
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVI
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXVIII
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXXI
32 Variations, WoO 80 In C Minor: Variation XXXII
Return Home
Polish Songs: The Maiden's Wish
Die schone Mullerin: Das Wandern
Schwanengesang: Serenade
Polonaise No. 2 In E
Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
Impromptu, Op. 90, No. 4 In A Flat
Concert Etude No. 2: Gnomenreigen
Orfeo ed Euridice: Melodie
Etude, Op. 104b, No. 2 In F
Etude, Op. 104b, No. 3 In A Minor
Spanisches Liederspeil: The Smuggler
Minuet, Op. 14, No. 1 In G
Liebesfreud

Tracks:

Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Grave; Doppio movimento
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Scherzo
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Marche funebre
Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 'Funeral March': Presto
Carnaval, Op. 9: Preambule
Carnaval, Op. 9: Pierrot
Carnaval, Op. 9: Arlequin
Carnaval, Op. 9: Valse noble
Carnaval, Op. 9: Eusebius
Carnaval, Op. 9: Florestan
Carnaval, Op. 9: Coquette
Carnaval, Op. 9: Replique
Carnaval, Op. 9: Sphinxes
Carnaval, Op. 9: Papillons
Carnaval, Op. 9: A. S. C. H. - S. C. H. A. (Letteres dansantes)
Carnaval, Op. 9: Chiarina
Carnaval, Op. 9: Chopin
Carnaval, Op. 9: Estrella
Carnaval, Op. 9: Reconnaissance
Carnaval, Op. 9: Pantalon et Colombine
Carnaval, Op. 9: Valse allemande
Carnaval, Op. 9: Pganini (Intermezzo)
Carnaval, Op. 9: Aveu
Carnaval, Op. 9: Promenade
Carnaval, Op. 9: Pause
Carnaval, Op. 9: Marche des 'Davidsbundler' contre les Philistins
Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 In E Flat
Waltz, Op. 64, No. 2 In C Sharp
Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3
Ballade No. 3, Op. 47 In A Flat
Mazurka, Op. 68, No. 2
Waltz, Op. Posth. In E Minor

Tracks:

Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Preludio
Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Gavotte
Partita No. 3, BWV 1006: Gigue
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Scherzo
Liebersfreud
Die schone Mullerin: The Brooklet
Polka de V.R.
Etude-tableau, Op. 39, No. 6 In A Minor
Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Sorochintsy Fair: Hopac
Lullaby, Op. 16, No.1
Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee
The Ruins Of Athens: Turkish March
Scherzo In A Flat
The Seasons: November: Troika
Prelude No. 8, Op. 11, No. 8 In F Sharp
One Lives But Once
Powder and Paint
Polka italienne (Piano 4 Hands)

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Maderato; Allegro
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando
Prelude, Op. 23, No. 10 In G Flat
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 3 In E Major
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 7 In F Major
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 6 In F Minor
Etude-tableau, Op. 33, No. 2 in C Major
Etude-tableau, Op. 33, No. 7 In E Flat
Daisies, Op. 38, No. 3
Oriental Sketch
Melodie, Op. 3, No. 3 in E
Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5 In B Flat
Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 5 In G
Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
Moment Musical, Op. 16, No. 2 In E Flat

Tracks:

Mazurka, Op. 63, No. 3 In C Sharp Minor
Nocturne, Op. 15, No. 2 In F Sharp
Waltz, Op. 18 'Grande valse brilliante' In E Flat
Waltz, Op. 34, No. 3 'Valse brilliante' In F
Waltz, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute'
Waltz, Op. 69, No. 2 In B Minor
Waltz, Op. 70, No. 1 In G Flat
Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39 In C Sharp Minor
Waltz, Op. 64, No. 1 'Minute' In D Flat
Le coucou
L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: Minuet
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Songs Without Words, Op. 67: Spinning Song
Waltz
Lyric Pieces, Op. 12: Elfin Dance
Etude, Op. 28, No. 6 In F Minor
If I Were a Bird
La jongleuse
Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: Golliwogg's Cakewalk
The Seasons: November: Troika
Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 2 In G
Waltz, Op. 40, No. 8 In A Flat

Tracks:

Prelude, Op. 23, No. 5 In G Minor
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 12 In G Sharp Minor
Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Prelude, Op. 32, No. 5 In G
Serenade, Op. 3, No. 5 In B Flat
Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5
Polichinelle, Op. 3, No. 4 In F Sharp Minor
Polka de V.R.
Liebesleid
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Pastorale In E Minor
Theme and Variations
Waltz, Op. 42 'Two - Four' In A Flat
Waltz, Op. 64, No. 3 In A Flat
Polka de V.R.
Bacarolle, Op. 10, No. 3 In G Minor
Prelude, Op. 3, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor

Amazon.com

We remember Rachmaninov today mostly for the music he wrote. But as this set quickly reveals, he was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, able to play his own music and a great variety of others with tremendous personality and a technique that is still astonishing. There's no point picking highlights from this set, since they are everywhere. But if you've never heard Rachmaninov play Schumann's Carnaval, try starting there for one of the most imaginative recreations of a piece of music ever recorded. The set also includes Rachmaninov's only recordings as a conductor in two of his own major works. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Save some $ money! Get the newer January 2006 reissue set instead........2006-05-17

At the time of this review, whenever you search for a phrase such as "Rachmaninoff Complete", amazon's search engine always lands on this out-of-print recording (ASIN: B000003FB7) . It's also no fun to see that it costs more than a hundred bucks! But if you type "B000A2AD2S" in the search box, you'll see the new reissued set for half the price. It's the exact same 10 CDs. Just the cover art is different.

Unfortunately, this situation is a common pattern with amazon's listing of classical music: when you use your intuition and type in common-sense search phrases for Bach, Mozart, etc, you often get the ultra-expensive out-of-print ships-in-4-weeks items as the default item. It takes a lot of detective work to find the newer reissue recordings. For example, to find the new reissue without knowing the ASIN, I had to enter just "Rachmaninoff" in the search text (deliberately left the word "Complete" out of the search) so it would no longer lock me into this item page that you're looking at and give me a full listing instead. I then sorted the listing by "Original Release Date" and found it on the 2nd page. There's no picture on the new item which doesn't give you any confidence that you found the right one. Don't worry, B000A2AD2S is what you want.

For product research, it's good to have both ASIN product listings because the older out-of-print B000003FB7 has the sound samples (and also all the helpful customer reviews) while the new B000A2AD2S has the better price and availability.

To make things even more confusing, the amazon staff sometimes copies entire customer reviews to the new item which would then make THIS review seem strangely out of place. If that happens and I notice it, I will delete this review for B000003FB7.

(In another strange twist, amazon searches in rock/pop usually points you to the newer cheaper remastered/repackaged/reissued/whatever of a particular recording. I don't know why it works the opposite way in classical music?!?!)

6, or Even 7 Stars!.......2005-06-04

Hofmann hit the nail on the head when he said Rachmaninov had "arms of steel and heart of gold". From this album, we can have a clear picture of Rachmaninov's vison of music, of his musical mind and thoughts and moreover his own playing.

While Kempff's playing would often remind of the protestant church music, Rachmaninov bring to our mind the chanting of the Orthodox church, which is much thicker and darker. On top of that, his playing is orchestral which is so powerful and full colours. Yet, it is nothing like Richter, where often the whole piece is just one phrase.

Here each piece has it's own life and identity each with a focal point. It is water tight compact and yet very much natural and alive, never as hair-raising as Horowitz. But, it is not natural in Arrau's way. It is somewhere in between, closer to Argerich but with more consistency and depth. And like Casals' playing, it keeps our attention from the first note up to its focal point until its very end. But unlike Casals, he touches our hearts. It is very emotional but never to the point of being sentimental-- the performance of his own concertos, for example, can tell you that.

Sure, he did have fingers of steel that helped him to bring out whatever colour or atmostphere as appropriate. And despite that fact that there are some minor alterations on the scores like his Chopin, he is one of the few pianists who could really show you every note on the score counts and, above all, how it counts...

His Chopin may not be as neurotic as Cortot. Nonetheless, he sheds light on the dark and nervous side of Chopin so well: a very throbbing interpretation that is so unique. We also have him accompanying Kreisler on some violin sonatas, something that one could turn to time and again, year after year. What a great chamber musician and accompanist he was...!

The recorded sound of the CDs do vary, and some are more acceptable than the others. But for genuine music lovers, they should be able to get over this very soon: how else would they benefit from one of the greatest legacies of a genuinely great musician!

A must have for Piano and classical music lovers.......2005-04-04

To respond to a review about the sound quality-for those people who have no experience with historical performances i.e cortot-hofmann-etc these discs are for the most part much better recorded. There are the inevitable pops and hisses but if these things disturb you, or you cant get past them, then you shouldnt be listening to this kind of thing anyway. the importance here is in the playing, and the playing is extra ordinary. I you want to buy a disc for the reperatoire then i can think of hundreds of performances that will satisfy, but only people with a true interest to hear and study these pieces will be beyond satisfied. I know that may not sound like a lot of fun, but these discs are fun, great, and for me, almost too good to be true. Again, if sound disturbs you, then you may be listening to the music for the wrong reasons. Take from it the playing, the revelations that Rach provides to his pieces, and how fortunate we are that it sounds as good as it does.

Ah, Rachmaninoff, brilliant star of music, how we adore you.......2003-09-14

The music of Rachmaninoff is beyond words, furthermore, beyond imagination. He was a genius, no doubt, and nobody will ever understand how incredibly lucky we are to be blessed with his compositions. Furthermore, it is truly astonishing to hear Rachmaninoff play his own work. There is nothing so beautiful on this earth and there never will be.

Review from a spoiled modern listener.......2003-07-13

I'll admit that I'm a spoiled modern listener, accustomed to having the bang and hiss edited out of a recording, and it took me a while to warm to these. Rachmaninoff's performances are splendid, but if you can hardly hear them over the cacophony of background noise, what's the use? His performance of his own, often overlooked Concerto No. 4 finally made me sit up and listen, even though I've owned two versions of this piece for a number of years (Ashkenazy & Wild).

Average customer rating:

Pearl Gets These Classic Horowitz Reissues Right

Horowitz-Solo Recordings 1928-36

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000WRU
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

Carmen: Variations On Themes
Mazurka No. 21 In C# Minor Op. 30 No. 4
Capriccio In E Major, L. 375
Serenade For The Doll
Capriccio In F Minor (Concert Etude In F Minor Op. 28 No. 6)
Valse Oubliee
Paganini Etude In E Flat Major: Paganini
Paganini Etude In E Flat Major: Danse Excentrique
Prelude in G Minor Op. 23 No. 5
Pastourelle
Toccata
Toccata Sonata No. 52 In E Flat: Allegro Moderato
Toccata Sonata No. 52 In E Flat: Adagio
Toccata Sonata No. 52 In E Flat: Finale (Presto)
The Flight Of the Bumble Bee
Petrouchka: Russian Dance
Sonata In B Minor: Lento Assai
Sonata In B Minor: Allegro Energico
Sonata In B Minor: Grandioso
Sonata In B Minor: Recitativo - Andante Sostenuto - Quasi Adagio
Sonata In B Minor: Allegro Energico - Pui Mosso - Stretta Quasi Presto - Prestissimo
Sonata In B Minor: Andante Sostenuto
Sonata In B Minor: Allegro Moderato
Sonata In B Minor: Lento Assai

Tracks:

Presto Passionato
Funerailles
Mazurka In F Minor Op. 7 No. 3
Etude In F Major Op. 10 No. 8
Traumeswirren (Dream Visions) Op. 12 No. 7
Mazurka No. 27 In E Minor Op. 41 No. 2
32 Variations In C Minor G. 191
Choral Prelude
Etude XI Pour Les Arpeges Composes
Arabeske, Op. 18
Toccata In C Op. 7
Etude Op. 25 No. 3 In F
Mazurka No. 32 In C# Minor Op. 50 No. 3
Etude Op. 10 No. 4 In C # Minor
Etude Op. 10 No. 5 In G Flat
Sonata In B Minor KK 87
Sonata In G Major KK 125
Scherzo No. 4 In E Op. 54

Customer Reviews:

Pearl Gets These Classic Horowitz Reissues Right.......2007-05-11

Vladimir Horowitz's earliest recordings, believed by some to be his finest, have been reissued numerous times since their initial appearance over 70 years ago.

Horowitz's first recordings were made in RCA's Camden, New Jersey studios in 1928. They consisted of short, "encore" type works such as his own Carmen Variations and Danse Excentrique, Debussy's Serenade, and Dohnanyi's Capriccio. From 1930-1936, Horowitz concentrated his recording activity in London (RCA's European affiliate, HMV, had not been as decimated by the Great Depression than its American counterpart).

This reissue contains some classics. The Liszt Sonata has never been equaled and is a must for any serious collector, as is the Funerailles. But the Hungarian composer's Valse oubliee is played more captivatingly in Horowitz's 1985 recording. It's hard to imagine in this day and age that Horowitz's version of Haydn's E-flat sonata was a world premiere recording, but indeed it was. Its relaxed elegance continues to charm, and it remains more musicologically "correct" than Horowitz's 1951 live version. Horowitz was also an early champion of Scarlatti, and recorded the composer's Capriccio as transcribed by Tausig. The two sonatas included here are among the first recordings of "pure" Scarlatti. The pianist preferred his Bach "un-pure", and the Choral Prelude as transcribed by Busoni is a miracle of line separation and clarity. Horowitz's early foray into Beethoven, the 32 Variations in C minor, is more straightforward and successful than many of his later attempts with this composer.

Horowitz's early Schumann, though technically impeccable, did not quite plumb the depths as in his later recordings. So much the better then, that the pianist limited himself to recording shorter works, including an Arabeske with unmatched legato, an effortless Toccata, and whimsical Traumeswirren. Originally intended as the finale for Schumann's G minor sonata, the Presto Passionato was rejected by the composer's wife as unplayable. Horowitz makes it sound like child's play. (Pearl's is the only reissue that I know of that gets the 78RPM side change right in this piece.)

Horowitz once referred to Chopin and "the only truly great composer for the piano" and he invariably included a selection of the Polish master's music in his recitals. The sampling here includes four technically impeccable Etudes, four Mazurkas, and a remarkably up-tempo Scherzo in E major.

Horowitz also championed "modern" composers like Rachmaninoff and Poulenc. It says much about the changing mores of performing that Horowitz (often condemned these days for violating composers' intentions) received nothing but praise from the many composers he knew personally. While the Poulenc Pastourelle and Toccata are gracious and dazzling, the Rachmaninoff G minor Prelude is disappointingly sloppy. A thrilling Russian Dance from Stravinsky's Petrouchka is also included.

Pearl has handled these old recordings with care, and they sound better than in any other issue thus far. Highest recommendation.

The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Average customer rating:

Playing from another age--outstanding!
50-year-old recording quality sounds amateurish to my ear
Incomplete Portrait of a Great Chamber Ensemble

The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B0002ANQWM
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Customer Reviews:

Playing from another age--outstanding!.......2006-02-25

While the appreciation of music is necessarily subjective, I find that I must try and redress the balance after Mr. Gardner's review (this forum is meant to guide, after all!)

[Please also review the wise and redoubtable Jeffrey Lipscomb, who brings an unmatched historical perspicacity to his reviews--thank you, Mr. Lipscomb.]

This set is, quite simply, some of the best chamber music playing that you will ever hear. I will confine myself to the Beethoven trios: I have not heard the London LP Archduke that Mr. Lipscomb mentions in his review, but the present Archduke is probably the greatest I have ever heard, the Ghost indubitably so. Libero Lana's cello playing is of a different order altogether from what one normally hears these days: his right hand is among the most nuanced I have heard and his bridgework brings out a level of expressivo that is to be heard to be believed (sample the scherzo, for instance). This was my first experience of Lana, and I was unable to sleep afterward from excitement! There is some superb Haydn playing here, especially hob xv: 28. I shall post more when I have worked my way through the Brahms and Ravel.

50-year-old recording quality sounds amateurish to my ear.......2005-12-17

I've been listening to these recordings on headphones and they sound like a recording made by a basically competent amateur today. Most are mono, from the early 1950s. Sometimes the piano sounds like it is not in the same room with the other two performers. The performances are good but not outstanding.

You can find many or most of these pieces on Naxos, in recordings of better quality. If you can get this collection at lower than Naxos prices (that is, less than around $30 for the set) then do it. (I did find it for less than $30.) But allow for the poor recording quality.

The recordings sound better on speakers (when used as background music, and not paying too much attention) than they do on headphones.

Incomplete Portrait of a Great Chamber Ensemble.......2005-03-25

Along with the Busch Trio (Adolph & Hermann Busch with Rudolf Serkin) and the Cortot-Thibaud-Casals Trio, the Trio di Trieste has long been one of my favorite piano trio ensembles. I have already reviewed a Trieste CD offering here at Amazon (plus comments on their earlier Archduke in a review of the Istomin-Stern-Rose account on Sony). So in brief I will say that their heartfelt expression, nearly telepathic unanimity of phrasing, and the nuanced pulse of their readings made the Trieste very special to hear. My chief reservations about this set: several of the Trieste's finest recordings are not included here, and the Schubert Trios don't find them at their very best.

As was the case with other recent DG multi-disc CD releases (e.g., Stefan Askenase's superb Chopin recordings and a fine set dedicated to conductor Hans Rosbaud), Amazon has oddly neglected to itemize the contents of these 5 discs. So here are the contents and their recording dates:

CD 1 has Vivaldi's Sonata C minor (1952), Rameau's Pieces de Clavecin (1952, arranged for piano trio by Saint-Saens), Haydn's "Gypsy" Trio, Beethoven's "Ghost" and the Mozart Trio K. 542 (all from 1954).

CD 2 includes Mozart's K. 502, Beethoven's "Archduke" (1959) and Variations op. 44 (1960), and Schubert's Sonata Movement in B flat major (1969).

CD 3 has Schubert's op. 99 (1959) and op. 100 (1965).

CD 4 features another Haydn Trio (1960), Brahms Trios op. 8 (1967) and op. 87 (1966).

CD 5 offers Brahms op. 101 (1966), Schumann's 1st Trio (1969), and the Ravel Piano Trio (1959).

The Vivaldi and Rameau are minor but charming items (I still have the 10-inch LPs of both). The Haydn "Gypsy" is a stellar account which, to my ears, eclipses the otherwise very fine Cortot/Thibaud/Casals. I prefer this superb Beethoven "Ghost" even to the excellent Busch Trio version, and both Mozart Trios are best-ever accounts. These were all made with the group's original personnel: pianist Dario de Rosa, cellist Libero Lana, and violinist Renato Zanettovich. Lana was replaced by Amedeo Baldovino in 1962.

This set's other highlights: the stylish Haydn Trio in E major and a gorgeous, unabashedly romantic interpretation of the Ravel. In the latter work, I also have a sentimental attachment to the Rouvier/Kantorow/Muller version (Erato CD), which figured so prominently in the soundtrack of the wonderful French film "Un Coeur en Hiver." I have never had an opportunity to hear the legendary Pasquier Trio version on a very rare Erato LP: a couple years ago a copy was auctioned at Ebay for around $400.

Unfortunately, the remaining items are a mixed bag. The Schubert and Brahms Trios are already available on separate CD issues from DG, and I have to echo Amazon Top 100 reviewer Michael Richman's complaints elsewhere about such un-necessary duplication by DG and other labels. The 1960 Beethoven "Archduke" here, while certainly distinguished, is a lesser effort than the Trieste's 1954 version (London LP), which was rhythmically more alert, had a far more profound account of the Largo, and was quite simply the greatest performance of the work I have ever heard. Likewise, the Brahms works fail to match the incandescence of the earlier mono recordings: in the op. 87 Trio, Baldovino's contribution lacks the poetry and fantasy of Lana on the London LP version (which also had much warmer and fuller sound). The Schumann is less engaged than their early Polydor Vox LP reading: preferable to either were the accounts by Cortot/Thibaud Casals (EMI) and Mannes/Gimpel/Silva (once on Decca LP, coupled with Schubert's lovely Nocturne).

As for the two Schubert Trios, I think the Trieste here was getting past its prime. Zennatovich's violin tone was starting to sound pretty threadbare, some of the phrasing had become a trifle precious, and unison playing was now a touch hard-boiled. In addition, this was sonically a poor period for DG: overly-bright treble, lacking in bass, and (most noticeably in op. 100) rather too-closely miked. When I switched over to Cortot et al in op. 99 (EMI) and, even more agreeably, to the Busch Trio's op. 100 (Sony), the music suddenly sprang to life again in all its glory. What wonderful playing! Incidentally, the op. 100 Trio's Andante was used to great effect in the film music of Stanley Kubrick's visual masterpiece "Barry Lyndon."

All things considered, this modestly-priced set is essential for its superb Haydn, Mozart, Ravel and the Beethoven Ghost. Hopefully, the Trieste's superior earlier renditions of the Archduke and the Brahms Trios will also appear on CD, along with their inimitable account of Dvorak's "Dumky" Trio.

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The Complete Recordings 1904-17, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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The Complete Recordings of Maud Powell, Vol. 2
The Complete Recordings of Maud Powell, Vol. 1

ASIN: B00005UO8X
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Vladimir Horowitz, Piano: Early Recordings 1928 Through 1947

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Vladimir Horowitz, Piano: Early Recordings 1928 Through 1947

Manufacturer: Andante
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Horowitz Live and Unedited [includes Bonus DVD]

ASIN: B000066TXG
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Album Description

This four-CD set presents a selection of performances by a young lion of the keyboard: Vladimir Horowitz. Dating from 1928 to 1947, these classic recordings document the piano virtuoso at his most fiery and fearless. The repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical scores (Scarlatti, Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn) to the great Romantics (Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Rachmaninoff), 20th-century pieces (Debussy, Poulenc, Prokofiev) and transcriptions by Horowitz himself. Pristine copies of the original HMV/Victor 78s were transferred and digitally remastered using the state-of-the-art CAP 440 technique. The handsomely illustrated 84-page booklet features an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tim Page and a perceptive essay by New York Times critic Paul Griffiths ("Vladimir Horowitz: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Lion"), as well as detailed artist biographies from The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.

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