Dances for Four Hands

Track Listings

1. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1 in g minor

2. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 2 in d minor

3. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 3 in F Major

4. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 4 in f minor

5. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 in f-sharp minor

6. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 6 in D-flat Major

7. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 1 in C Major (Furiant)

8. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 2 in e minor (Dumka)

9. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 3 in A-flat Major (Polka)

10. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 4 in F Major (Sousedská)

11. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 5 in A Major (Skocná)

12. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 6 in D Major (Sousedská)

13. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 7 in c minor (Skocná)

14. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 8 in g minor (Furiant)

15. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 1 Allegro marcato-Cantabile-Animato

16. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 2 Allegretto tranquillo e grazioso-Allegro-Tempo I

17. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 3 Allegro moderato alla Marcia

18. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 4 Allegro molto

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The KIPNIS - KUSHNER PIANO DUO was formed in 1995 and made its debut at the New York Musicians’ Club, "The Bohemians." Appearances during subsequent seasons have included concerts in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and, Washington, D. C. The Duo has been heard in broadcasts over New York’s WQXR and WNYC, Boston’s WGBH, Pittsburgh’s WQED, Los Angeles’s KUSC, and seen on cable television in New York. Additionally, the four-hand duo has participated in outreach programs and master classes at schools in over ten states. The October, 1997, issue of Clavier magazine featured the pianists‘ outreach activities with a cover story. The Kipnis/Kushner Duo was the only North American ensemble invited to perform at the Music in Old Crakow Festival in August, 1997, and in 1998, the Duo toured Brazil, in 2000 Germany. Further information on the Duo may be found on the Kipnis web site under people.mags.net/kipnis/ikipnis.html

Tracks:

Eine Klein Nachtmusik: (I. Allegro)
Nutcracker Suite: (Russian Dance)
The Four Seasons, Op. 8: (Spring: I. Allegro)
Hungarian Dance No. 5 In G Minor
Symphony in D, K. 161 - 163: (III. Presto)
Waltz In D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1
Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, S. 1048: (III. Allegro)
Swan Lake: (Dance Of The Swans)
Carmen Suite No. 2: (Habanera)
Messiah: (Overture)
Wind Serenade 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 12: (III. Allegro)
Water Music: (Overture)
Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Op. 66: (Panorama)
Symphony No. 26 In E-flat Major, K. 184: (III. Allegro)
Waltz No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, S. 1041: (III. Allegro)
Water Music: (Lentement)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049: (II. Andante)
Habanera
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major, K. 447: (II. Romanza)
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: (Variation No. 18)
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

classic music CD.......2007-06-27

The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.

Good for beginners.......2007-02-15

It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

Great mix.......2007-02-14

All the best composers! Over an hour of music. A samble of the greatest pieces.

Good for first-timer.......2007-01-22

This is the first time I have ever bought a classical music CD and I was very pleased with this one. It has a good variety of selections. I would buy it again.

25 Classical Favorites cd.......2007-01-06

This CD has so many of my favorite, lively classical music -- love it!!

Average customer rating:

Yes
A decent introduction to the music of Rachmaninoff
Great Collection of "Hits"
One of the best CD I own

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Debussy's Greatest Hits
Grieg: Greatest Hits
Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits
Chopin: Greatest Hits
Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A1L
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: III. Allegro scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: 18th Variation
Symphony No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 27: III. Adagio
Prelude In G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Prelude In G-Sharp Minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2
Cello Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: II. Allegro scherzando
Etude-tableau In D Major, Op. 39, No. 9
Six Pieces, Op. 11: Scherzo
Six Pieces, Op. 11: Slava
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai

Customer Reviews:

Yes.......2003-04-03

This is a marvelous collection. There were a few pieces I wish that it would include, such as the rest of his Piano Concerto No.2, or perhaps The Rock, but the fact that the performances are generally great and the recording quality is near-perfect makes up for that.

I would recommend this to anyone who is just starting to become interested in the works of Sergei Rachmaninov.

A decent introduction to the music of Rachmaninoff.......2001-08-12

Sergi Rachmaninoff was the last of the great Romantic composers, especially since the Romantic period had ended for European artists when he was at his height. Although a composer and a conductor, Rachmaninoff was also a virtuoso pianist, which explains why his best compositions feature the piano, either in solo work or with an orchestra. His "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor," which he wrote when he was 20, made him famous throughout the world. This collection also includes several other preludes, "Vocalise," and the famous 18th Variation (Andnate cantible) from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. My only serious complaint about this collection as an introduction to Rachmaninoff is that it only has one movement from his Second Piano Concerto and I have other CDs that include the entire work, which I thing is a good idea.

Great Collection of "Hits".......2000-06-22

This is actually not a bad collection of Greatest Hits. Usually the problem with collections like these is that they have bad recordings and not very good performances but some of these ones are actually okay, and it features performances by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax among others. In general these are the works of art you think of when you think of Rachmaninoff and so these pieces are a perfect representation of his style.

One of the best CD I own.......1999-12-30

This is one of the best I own. The music is so great, hard to explain...so moving, especially the first track. It reminds me of Russia a lot. I listen to it everyday while driving to work. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

I disagree with the consensus here
Don't hesitate to get this set
Superb interpretations by Katchen
A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful
Radiant and inspired recordings

Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Decca
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Binding: Audio CD

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Works for Solo Piano
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ASIN: B0000042GM
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 1 - Heft 1
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 2 - Heft 2
Variations And Fugue On A Theme By G.F. Handel, Op.24: B Flat Major
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
4 Ballades, Op.10: Intermezzo. Allegro
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante con moto

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: Ziemlich langsam
Works For Solo Piano: Poco larghetto
Works For Solo Piano: Allegro
Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 1 - 8
Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 9 - 16
Works For Solo Piano: Scherzo es-moll

Tracks:

Works For Piano Solo: Allegro
Works For Piano Solo: Andante
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro molto e con fuoco
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro con fuoco
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro non troppo ma energico
Works For Piano Solo: Andante con espressione
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Introduzione (sostenuto) - Allegro non troppo e rubato
Works For Piano Solo: Agitato
Works For Piano Solo: Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro

Tracks:

Works For Piano Solo: Allegro maestoso
Works For Piano Solo: Andante espressivo - Andante molto
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro energico
Works For Piano Solo: Intermezzo. Andante molto
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato
Works For Piano Solo: Presto energico
Works For Piano Solo: Andante
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro passionato
Works For Piano Solo: Adagio
Works For Piano Solo: Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento
Works For Piano Solo: Andante teneramente
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro agitato

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op.76 - I Capriccio in F sharp minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - II Capriccio in B minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - III Intermezzo in A flat major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - IV Intermezzo in B flat major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - V Capriccio in C sharp minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VI Intermezzo in A major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VII Intermezzo in A minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VIII Capriccio in C major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - I Intermezzo in A minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - II Intermezzo in A major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - III Ballade in G minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - IV Intermezzo in F minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - V Romanze in F major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - VI Intermezzo in E flat minor
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - I Intermezzo in B minorn B
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - II Intermezzo in E minor
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - III Intermezzo in C major
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - IV Rhapsody in E flat major

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: Andante moderato
Works For Solo Piano: Andante non troppo e con molto espressione
Works For Solo Piano: Andante con moto
Works For Solo Piano: g-moll
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: Des-dur
Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
Works For Solo Piano: a-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
Works For Solo Piano: E-dur
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: B-dur
Works For Solo Piano: f-moll
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
Works For Solo Piano: h-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll

Customer Reviews:

I disagree with the consensus here.......2007-07-11

I was disappointed by this set and would not recommend it. It's great that all of Brahms' piano works are included here and the boxed set includes some difficult to find works (like those Op. 21 variation sets) as well as the better known and wonderful later piano pieces and the Op. 39 Waltzes.

The problem is that Katchen's performances are flawed and often unpleasant. The worst problem is that he bangs the keys a lot. Fortissimo passages are ideally not supposed to be noisy; they are intended to be loud and forceful without being unpleasant. It's a key distinction that Katchen fails to realize. I also think that Katchen's technique is a bit patchy. He blurs the passagework and there is a lack of both accuracy and delicacy in the fast passages. To take an example, the Op. 76 set is marred by both of these problems: a lack of accuracy and a tendency to bang on the keyboard. I also found many of the passages that didn't suffer from these problems to be interpretationally uninteresting (the slow parts of the Paganini Variations, Bk II are undistinguished, to take an example). Big thumbs down.

I did some direct comparison of sets to the Katchen performances and in every case Katchen was far inferior.

Take the Op. 39 Waltzes: Leon Fleisher's old recording is wonderful and much more sensitive and interesting than Katchen.

I also listened to Radu Lupu's recording of the Opp. 117-119 pieces (THAT is a wonderful recording - if you are looking for a superb recording of Brahms piano music, get that one and save yourself the aggravation of the Katchen set) and it's simply no contest.

I also sampled the terrific Op. 79 Rhapsodies and the Paganini Variations as played by a favorite pianist of mine, the lesser-known French pianist Nicholas Angelich, and Katchen's sloppy and undirected interpretations pales before the versions by a "non-superstar" pianist.

So while I admit I haven't listened to every portion of the Katchen set, I found every reason to avoid it when compared to some alternatives available.

Don't hesitate to get this set.......2007-07-04

It's a good thing I waited to write this until I'd heard these CDs a few times. I would have been guilty of understatement. Katchen's work grows on me in much the same way Brahms' music itself does. It is rich in nuance and insight, and never fails to please.

I'll confess, I bought this set to fill the gaps in my piecemeal collection. What a delightful surprise to find my "stopgap" set more than holds its own against recordings by the likes of Richter, Rubinstein and Gilels. To help the reader overcome any reluctance I offer a few comments on the few "downsides" mentioned by others:

Yes, Katchen does play fast, but not always, and certainly not out of inability to hold the listener's attention through more artful means. Katchen's track times are often slower than Rubinstein's or even Gilels'; but where the spirit moves him, he can go like a rocket. He's generally fastest in the earlier works, where a case can be made for playing them with youthful ardor; Katchen does this to a T. This applies to the first 2 sonatas, the Paganini variations (why would anything associated with Paganini lack splash and dazzle?) and to a much lesser extent, parts of the Handel variations. The main thing is, it works. The very few places where I felt Katchen was rushing the music are heavily outnumbered by places where the added energy seems to "fit" like a glove.

Yes, in an exhaustive set you inevitably endure the "bottom of the barrel." I'm surprised how little of this 6-CD set strikes me as anything less than indispensible. Every track is worth hearing. Katchen has been surpassed here and there, but he doesn't put in a bad performance in the whole batch.

Yes, the recordings are more than 40 years old. They will not satisfy the most jaded audiophile (there's not quite the "presence" of a good recording today). But they are amazingly clean and lifelike for their age (even the 3 tracks that are mono). They sound noticeably better than the popular Rubinstein recordings of equal vintage. At first I thought I heard a touch of bass-heaviness, but now I just think Katchen gives us a strong, clear bass line. Once again, it works. The sound is simply not a problem for a normal listener.

Finally, there's the small stuff. Getting the CDs out of their tight-fitting sleeves without putting your fingerprints on the playing surface is well-nigh impossible, unless you give in and apply a letter opener to solve the problem once and for all. Is that any reason not to get this much wonderful music at such a low price? London has even revived the old practice of offering different program notes in different languages, so that multilingual readers can benefit from more than one set of comments. All around it's a winner!

Superb interpretations by Katchen.......2006-11-16

Katchen's performace throughout this collection are excellent.Brahms integrates many of Schumann's,Bach's and Beethovens compositional ideas into his own works.He is a master of the appoggiatura(suspension of the dominant chord).And the ghosts of Bach,Schumann,and Beethoven appear at intervals throughout this collection of his piano works.The VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME is an ethereal experience,and the Op.09 VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY SCHUMANN, composed after his death,Brahms's pathos,especialy in the slower variations, make you aware of his sadness of Schumann passing, as there is vivid sense of despair and remorse you can hear throughout.It is well documented the profound influence Shumann had on Brahms's compositional process.OP.76 is a passionate performance by Katchen.You also have short piano works culminated in Op116,Op 117,Op.118,which includes the great masterpiece in Ebminor,and Op.119.The Pagganini Variations,Variations on a theme by Haydn,the Ballads Op. 10.And both volumes of the HUNGARIAN DANCES,the 2 Rhapsody's,and VARATIONS ON A THEME BY HANDEL.It quite remarkable that such music could be created by such a young man in the astonishing Sonatas,OP.1,OP.2,and OP.5.The slow movements in all three sonates are very inspiring,and heart fealt.It makes you glad to be alive in order to hear such remarkable music.A well balanced performance throughout.If your a Brahms lover,this is a must for your collection.Enjoy

A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful.......2005-02-03

To be honest, I can't really figure out how much I like Katchen's performance. It's hard to gauge because Brahms's piano music is inherently exceptional played by just about any performer.

I feel that the ballades, op. 10 are played way too fast (although I'm not exactly sure how close Katchen is to Brahms's tempi indications). I've heard them by several other performers and, being a Gould fan, would have to say that his slower interpretation really captures how beautiful the pieces are more than anyone else. I also enjoy Kempff's performances of many later works. Katchen really seems so rushed for some reason. To me, that really takes attention away from the fine details, which I think are so essential to Brahms's piano music. He's not quite delicate enough with some of the pieces.

This faster speed is only very slight for the rest of the set, but pretty consistently. I think he does a better job with more intense pieces like many of his larger-scale variations and the sonatas. Those I would give 5 stars, but only 4 stars for the op. 116-119, for they're a little too fast.

My only other qualm is the arrangement of the set. It would be nice to have all the sonatas together on a disc, 116-119 on a disc, etc., going along with the whole chronological thing..

However, all these things are personal preference. I would definitely recommend this set. It's made up about 1/2 of my music listening for the past couple months. It's not expensive at all for what you're getting, and if you get just one Brahms piano cd, you're going to want to get more, so you should just get it over with and have this whole set, it's fabulous music. Just keep in mind that this is not the only interpretation that should be considered.

Radiant and inspired recordings.......2004-09-19

If there is a more effervescent , idiomatic , innovative and resplendently performance of the Handel Variations , I have not heard it . Katchen emphasizes with colossal scrupulosity the wide doe and the diversity spectre of the orchestral instruments . You must marvel at the technical equipment of Katchen playing .
The other outstanding version of these Variations is of Michael Ponti (live preformance)
gifted with a major emphasis in the striking and color tone ; but the point to remark is that in both performings the approach is similar ; every one of the Variations must be played as a microcosmos in itself ; with nuance , grace , majesty, powerful imagination, sense of the span and above al ; savoir vivre . If you intend to play with authoritative precision without Mediterranean dewy and radiant mood ; you are destined to fail with these Variations and becoming unbearable for the audience and the listener . Lamentably , there are many of them in the actual market but I think you can guess them .
The two Rhapsodies are performed with the highest commitment . Melodic flight and arresting lyricism .
The Sonatas are superbly performed . The Sonata No. 3 may find serious matchers with Clifford Curzon and Paul Badura Skoda .
The intermezzos are depicted with the adequate illuminating . These intimate pages must be played with the perfect balance of light and shadows ; think in Chopin Nocturnes for instance . Only Glenn Gould gets close to him in the Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 2 .
The Ballades may be the weakest works of this fundamental set . Benedetti Michelangeli and Emil Gilels recorded brilliant and eloquent versions.
Finally The Paganini Variations find in Benedetti Michelangeli a serious and unbeatable adversary .
To be honest , this set is widely recommendable for you , to know the whole and intimate world of Johannes Brahms , the beloved son of Hamburg.
Katchen also recorded a powerful Islamey and an unforgettable Rachmaninoff No. 2 .

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

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

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

A joyful celebration of Brahms
Somewhat middling
Hungarian Dances for Orchestra
One of the best recordings of the Hungarian Dances I've heard
Likely The Best Stereo Set Of The Hungarian Dances

Brahms: Hungarian Dances Nos. 1-21

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000013KA
Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

Hungarian Dances: No. 1 (Orch. Brahms)
Hungarian Dances: No. 2 (Orch. Hallen)
Hungarian Dances: No. 3 (Orch. Brahms)
Hungarian Dances: No. 4 (Orch. Juon)
Hungarian Dances: No. 5 (Orch. Schmeling)
Hungarian Dances: No. 6 (Orch. Schmeling)
Hungarian Dances: No. 7 (Orch. Schmeling)
Hungarian Dances: No. 8 (Orch. Gal)
Hungarian Dances: No. 9 (Orch. Gal)
Hungarian Dances: No. 10 (Orch. Brahms)
Hungarian Dances: No. 11 (Orch. Parlow)
Hungarian Dances: No. 12 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 13 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 14 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 15 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 16 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 17 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 18 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 19 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 20 (Orch. Dvorak)
Hungarian Dances: No. 21 (Orch. Dvorak)

Customer Reviews:

A joyful celebration of Brahms.......2007-05-31

This disc is a true joy- snatch it up while you can, especially at Naxos prices. It is by far one of the best (if not the best) cycles of Brahms' fully orchestrated Hungarian Dances out there, period. The Budapest Symphony Orchestra under Bogar turn in positively joyful readings full of the special bohemian orchestral sound found so rarely in any orchestra outside the region: a tiny bit ever so pleasingly off kilter with excitement. Naxos' sound, while I do not believe the best they've ever presented, is still consistently full and balanced and good enough to warrant no complaints from me. This disc is a keeper, for sure.

Somewhat middling.......2007-03-06

I feel as if I'm in the minority here when I say that this recording is a little bland.

While the price is a definite bonus (and you won't feel too bad in losing $7 for the CD if it turns that you don't like it), the recordings just don't do it for me even though I can tell that Bogar and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra play with gusto and the sonics are quite good and balanced.

When I first listened to this CD, I was feeling as if I were listening to a non-descript Western European or North American orchestra playing the dances a little more quickly than usual. Nothing more, nothing less.

My overall favourite recording of these dances is the one issued in 1985 by Hungaroton involving Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. (N.B. This recording by Hungaroton is different from the one made by the same performers for Phillips in 1999. To my surprise, the older recording from Hungaroton sounds better than the newer one by Phillips. Who would have thought that 14 years would make a difference?)

The recording for Phillips (now issued by Eloquence) of the Hungarian Dances with Kurt Masur and the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester is surprisingly good and it's my favourite recording of the dances by a non-Hungarian orchestra.

Hungarian Dances for Orchestra.......2006-12-19

Brahms wrote a great amount of music, including the Hungarian Dances, for piano four-hands. This music was composed for amateur music-lovers to play at home, and it included many reductions of Brahms's orchestral and chamber works as well as original compositions. In its original format, the Hungarian Dances became extremely popular and contributed more than any other work to Brahms's financial success during his lifetime. The music was quickly transposed for other instruments, including violin and piano by Brahms's friend Joachim, and orchestra, by a variety of hands. For those interested, the original four-hand piano version of the Hungarian Dances is available on Naxos in a recording by Kohn and Mathies in volume 2 of an extensive series of Brahms's four-hand piano music. The piano-violin arrangement of the dances is available in a Naxos recording by Bisengaliev and Lenehan. But the subject of this review is the orchestral version.

For modern listeners, the orchestral version of the Hungarian Dances is the most familiar, and this 1988 recording by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra conducted by Istvan Bogar is a classic. This is a relatively early Naxos release which deserves the many accolades it has received. It continues to attract many fine reviewers on this site. The playing is lively and spirited, joyous and melancholy in turn. It captures the gypsy spirit of the Hungarian Dances. For those listeners who need to be convinced that classical music can be lively and fun, this CD is an ideal place to start.

As a young man, Brahms toured briefly with a Hungarian violinist named Remenyi who gave Brahms a lifelong passion for Hungarian and gypsy music. This passion comes through in Brahms's longer and more somber works as well as in these dances. The earlier sets of these dances are based upon authentic Hungarian themes. In the latter dances, Brahms wrote the themes himself, in Hungarian style. The orchestrations were done by Brahms himself, by his friend Dvorak, and by a number of other composers. These are short delighful works, which will make your blood flow and your feet dance. They also are filled with tinges of melancholy and sadness. My own favorite of these works is No. 16, with its slow, melancholy opening and lively conclusion. Every listener will develop his or her own favorites from this set.

This CD of Brahms's Hungarian Dances is an excellent way to get to know a popular and enchanting style of classical music.

Robin Friedman

One of the best recordings of the Hungarian Dances I've heard.......2005-10-13

Istvan Bogar may not be a household name to Classical music lovers in the US, but he leads spirited, dashing accounts of Brahms "Hungarian Dances" with a Budapest orchestra which plays very well for him. Tempos are often on the fast side, but always under control, and never breathless. The woodwinds play especially well in their solo licks, and there's always a certain joie de vivre (Joy of living) to these recordings.

The recorded sound is very clear and balanced, in line with Naxos' best recordings offered to the public.

This disc is a bargain: I heartily recommend it.

Likely The Best Stereo Set Of The Hungarian Dances.......2005-06-01

SHORT REVIEW: This 1988 recording of all 21 Hungarian Dances by Brahms is probably the best integral set available. Istvan Bogar leads a Hungarian ensemble (the Budapest Symphony) in playing that is idiomatic, if a little short on real zest or imagination. Although this Naxos CD has a rather stingy timing of just 49 minutes, the performances are well-recorded and constitute an easy choice for any Brahmsian who wants a complete set of these marvels in their orchestral versions.

LONGER REVIEW: Brahms wrote his 21 Hungarian Dances originally for piano four-hands, and he later orchestrated only #1, #3 and #10. #2 here is in a version by a Swedish conductor named Hallen, #4 is in an arrangement by composer Paul Juon, #5-7 are as transcribed by Schmeling, #8-9 were arranged by Gal, the bandmaster Parlow did #11-16, and Dvorak orchestrated #17-21. In general, the first 10 dances have the most Hungarian flavor and are the most frequently performed.

Having just listened through integral sets by Abbado (DG), Dorati (Mercury), Fischer (Philips) and this one by Bogar, I wonder if performing these lovely works with real zest and imagination has become a lost art. I am keeping this Bogar and eliminating the Abbado (too straight, and DG's sound is harsh), the Dorati (near equal to Bogar, but I prefer the sound of the latter's Hungarian ensemble), and the Fischer (kitschy and too clever by half, and rather listless to boot). To damn with faint praise, I feel that Bogar's set is the LEAST dull of this bunch.

Alternatives? Most of the great ones will require some searching, but the rewards are certainly worth it. Of course, there are the original piano 4-hand accounts, the best to my mind being all 21 by Tal/Groethuysen (Sony) and, for #11-21, the Katchen/Marty (Decca). Brahms's good friend Joseph Joachim arranged them for violin and piano, and there are superlative recordings of individual dances by Eugene Ysaye (Sony - extraordinary playing!), Bronislaw Huberman (Biddulph - even more extraordinary!), Albert Spalding (on a Remington LP that fetches about $100 in the collector's market!), David Oistrakh (Melodiya), Joseph Szigeti (Andante), and Tossy Spivakovsky (Pearl). All of these are played with a zeal and conviction only barely hinted at by Bogar and his ensemble.

There are some wonderful orchestral versions among historic CDs. Furtwangler did #1, 3, & 10 with the Vienna Phil. (EMI), Clemens Kraus recorded #1 & 3 with the London Symphony (Arlecchino), and Constantin Silvestri's virtuosic accounts of #5 & 6 are in a 10-CD set (Disky). But my favorites of all are those recorded in the 1950's by Gyorgy Lehel and the Hungarian Radio Symphony. Lehel's accounts of #1-8 and #10 are played with real abandon and a great sense of fun. These were on a Parliament LP that deserves to be reincarnated on a Supraphon CD.

Finally, if you want to REALLY hear the true Hungarian roots that inspired Brahms, try to find a copy of Arlecchino CD 109. That contains a SUPERB account of Bartok's "Bluebeard" (see my review) and, as a bonus, there are some thrilling Hungarian folk tunes played by the Toki Horvat Hungarian Putzsta Band. The latter performs a czardas used in one of Brahms's Hungarian Dances. This ensemble, led by the very gypsy-style violinist Toki Horvat, also has a cimbalon and what sounds like a tarogato (midway between a clarinet and a soprano sax). Everybody plays with a virtuosity that is simply staggering.

To have all 21 of these delightful dances with Bogar on an inexpensive Naxos CD definitely fills a niche. But if you want to hear how uninhibitedly this music CAN be played, consider finding some of the individual alternatives cited above.

Jeff Lipscomb

Average customer rating:

Perfect
Outstanding

Masters of the Bow

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Masters of the Bow: Cello
Violin Adagios
Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits
The Art of Violin

ASIN: B000060O2V
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

Introduction And Rondo Capriccioso For Violin And Orchestra - Itzhak Perlman
Violin Concerto No.2 In D Minor, Op.22: Romance (Andante) - Gil Shaham
Zigeunerweisen, Op.20 - Ruggiero Ricci
Violin Concerto No.2 In B Minor, Op.7: Rondo A La Clochete 'La Campanella' - Salvatore Accardo
Thais: Meditation - Joshua Bell
Partita No.3 In E, BWV 1006: Preludio - Nathan Milstein
Partita No.3 In E, BWV 1006: Gavote And Rondo - Gidon Kremer
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.2 In G Minor, RV 269 'Summer': Presto - Pinchas Zukerman
Sonata No.4 In G Minor, Op.1 'The Devil's Trill' - Gil Shaham
Violin Sonata No.3 In D, Op.9 No.3: Tambourin (Presto) - Henryk Szeryng
Minuet In G, WoO 10 No.2 - Arthur Grumiaux
Songs Without Words: Spring Song, Op.62 No.6 - Christian Ferras
24 Caprices For Solo Violin: Caprice No.9 In E Major - Shlomo Mintz
24 Caprices For Solo Violin: Caprice No.17 In E-Flat Major - Ruggiero Ricci
24 Caprices For Solo Violin: Caprice No.24 In A Minor 'Tema Quas' - Salvatore Accardo

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In D, Op.35: Canzonetta (Andante) - Nathan Milstein
Polonaise No.1 In D, Op.4 - Leila Josefowicz
Ave Maria, D 839 - Christian Ferras
Hungarian Dance No.1 In G Minor - Samuel Sanders
Humoresque, Op.101 No.7 - Arthur Grumiaux
The Legend Of Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee - Henryk Szeryng
Hebrew Melody, Op.33 - Ruggiero Ricci
Salut D'amour, Op.12 - Phillip Moll
Waltz 'La Plus Que Lente' - Henryk Szeryng
Three Old Viennese Dances: Liebesfreud - Joshua Bell
Three Old Viennese Dances: Liebesleid - Phillip Moll
Baal Shem: Nigun - Arthur Grumiaux
Berceuse, Op.16 - Anne-Sophie Mutter
Tzigane - Concert Rhapsody For Violin And Piano - Gerhard Oppitz
Danzas Espanola, Op.37: Andaluza (Dance No.5) - Arthur Grumiaux
Hora Staccato - Christian Ferras
Six Romanian Folk Dances, Op.Sz 56 - Henryk Szeryng

Customer Reviews:

Perfect.......2005-02-15

I love classical music but I dont own very much of it, so I thought I would start my collection with Masters of the Bow. What a beautiful selection it was. I just love the sound of a Violin, Joshua Bell is my favorite,I would love to hear more from him. This collection really helps you get to know the masters. Lovely Lovely!

Outstanding.......2004-08-17

I love the violin and this collection is one of my favorites. A great choice for someone like me who doesn't know enough about music and never knows what to buy. It has introduced me to some artists and pieces that I knew nothing about and will help me know what to look for in violin music in the future. This is my favorite but I would also recommend The Cello and Voice CDs in the "Masters of" series. I can't wait for more in this series.

Average customer rating:

great series

The Story Of Brahms

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001KDB
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat Major, Op. 83: Allegro appassionato
Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 83: Rondo
Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Adagio non troppo
Serenade, Op. 106: No. 1
Violin Concerto in D Major. Op. 77: Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro con spirito
Capriccio in B Minor, Op. 76: No. 2
Hungarian Dance No. 6 in D-flat Major
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Andante sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: Maestoso
Lullaby, Op. 49: No. 4
Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G Minor
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35: Book II
Rinaldo, Op. 50
Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 39: No. 15
Love Song Waltzes, Op. 52: No. 1
Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F-sharp Major
Variations on a Theme by Haydn: Op. 56a
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Excerpts
Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro non troppo
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: Op. 77
Academic Festival Overture: Op. 80
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major: Allegro non troppo
Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op. 115: Allegro
Tragic Overture: Op. 81
Academic Festival Overture: Op. 80
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 1 in G Minor
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 2 in F Major
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 10 in E Major
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 5 in F-sharp Major
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 6 in D-flat Major
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 7 in A Major
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 17 in F-sharp Minor
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 19 in B Minor
9 Hungarian Dances: No. 21 in E Minor

Customer Reviews:

great series.......2007-01-10

This CD along with the others in the series is very good. So far we have collected about ten different ones. They are thorough and interesting. I homeschool and it has been a great additon to our teaching materials and tools. The narrarated history format interspersed with the composer's music is key to keeping the interest of the children. A must-have for introducing classical music with historical background to your kids and at a great price on Amazon!

Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

very romantic to make love by
Great Mood Music

Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe
Gabriel Faure , Felix Mendelssohn , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Fryderyk Chopin , Franz Liszt , Erik Satie , Robert Schumann , Antonin Dvorak , Gustav Mahler , Sergey Rachmaninov , Leos Janacek , Cesar Franck , George Frideric Handel , Jules Massenet , Sergey Prokofiev , Catalan Traditional , and Various Artists
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | 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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

More of the Most Romantic Classical Music in the Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II

ASIN: B00011V890
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

BIZET Aragonaise from Carmen
DEBUSSY Clair de Lune
SAINT-SAS The Swan
BEETHOVEN Moonlight Sonata, Adagio
TARREGA Recuerdos
FAURE Aprun rrie
,MENDELSSOHN Song without Words Op. 19 #6
TCHAIKOVSKY Serenade for Strings, Elegia, Larghetto elegaico
CHOPIN Ballade No. 1
LISZT Liebestraume
SATIE Gymnopedies No. 1
SCHUMANN Abendlied
MENDELSSOHN Song without Words Op. 62 #5
DVORAK Serenade for Strings, Larghetto
BEETHOVEN Fse

Tracks:

MAHLER Symphony No. 5, Adagietto
RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2, Adagio
JANACEK Idyll for Strings, Adagio
FRANCK Violin Sonata, Recitativo-Fantasia
HANDEL Largo from Xerxes
CHOPIN Etude in E Major
TCHAIKOVSKY Swan Lake (excerpt)
MASSENET Meditation from "Tha
PROKOFIEV Romeo & Juliet
TRADITIONAL Nocturne in F
TCHAIKOVSKY Nocturne in F
RACHMANINOFF Prelude

Customer Reviews:

very romantic to make love by.......2007-06-11

The music is seductive and promotes an atmosphere of feeling uninhibited when you are making love.

Great Mood Music.......2006-08-11

This is a great CD to compliment any romantic situation. A meal by candle light, champagne on the veranda, or a Jacuzzi for two! Very soothing.

Average customer rating:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Together, first time
Masters
Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Baroque Guitar
Bach: Lute Suites

ASIN: B000003FDM
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
Goyescas: Intermezzo
La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
Dolly, Op. 56: Spanish Dance
Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, No. 2: Oriental

Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Album
Easy listening Chang
total disappointment
some ways to go in knowing sorrow...
emotionally riveting vitali

Sweet Sorrow
Tommaso Antonio Vitali , Fryderyk Chopin , Niccolo Paganini , Edouard Lalo , Henri Vieuxtemps , Nicolo Paganini , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Johannes Brahms , Franz Liszt , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Camille Saint-Saens , Sir Colin Davis , Sarah Chang , English Chamber Orchestra , Charles Abramovic , Anthony Caronia , Jonathan Feldman , Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam , Charles Dutoit , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Sandra Rivers , Leopold Chalier , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Fire & Ice
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Sarah Chang - Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 ~ Saint-Saëns: Havanaise / Sawallisch
Debut
Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1; Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1

ASIN: B00000K4F0
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Chaconne
Me'lodie
Hungarian Dance No.1 In G minor
Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: IV Andante
Violin Concerto No. 5, Op.37 In A minor: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto No. 5, Op.37 In A minor: III. Allegro con fuoco
Sonata No.12, Op.3 In E Minor: I. Canzonetta - Andante innocentemente
Cantabile In D
Belshazzar's Feast: Nocturne, Op.51 No.3
Nocturne No.20, Op.posth. in C sharp minor
Consolation No.3 In D Flat
Violin Concerto, Op.35 In D - II. Canzonetta - Andante
Introuduction And Rondo capriccioso For Violin and Orchestra, Op.28

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Album.......2007-03-16

This is a great album that I listen to over and over again. It really makes me feel... Sarah Chang is one of the greatest violin players and she has done a fabulous job on this album.

Easy listening Chang.......2006-03-09

This collection, consisting mostly of reissues, showcases Chang's expressive qualities, with the emphasis being mostly on the slow and dreamy side of her art. One has the feeling that the producers envisioned this disc as background music for a romantic candlelight dinner or some such, and for that purpose it is perfectly sufficient. Chang, of course, is a major violinist and none of the playing here is less than topnotch. As a musical experience for connoisseurs, however, "Sweet Sorrow" has its drawbacks, chief among them being the sameness of mood and tempo. Also, the inclusion of fragments of works such the Vieuxtemps Fifth Concerto and the Tchaikovsky Concerto is musically unsatisfying; the latter is particularly irritating as it leaves the end of the slow movement simply hanging. It may be of some significance that some of the most engaging playing from Chang is heard on the earliest tracks, the Chopin Nocturne and Liszt Consolation, recorded in her child prodigy days; here a genuine love for the music comes through that is somewhat muffled in most of the other selections.

total disappointment.......2005-08-14

In Chang's performance of the Vitali Chaconne, the feeling and passion initially apparent in her playing was wiped out by her
almost total lack of energy, expressed in a thin sound that often
made it difficult to distinguish the solo violin from the orchestra strings. By the second quarter of the piece, I was shocked to find the sound of her violin fading out in mid melody. It was so terrible, so embarrassing, I had to stop listening.

I think a much better interpretation of the Vitali is the one by Oistrakh, but sadly it is with piano accompaniment while Chang's is with orchestra - one that performs superbly... So that the aesthetic crime that is Chang's anemic, thin playing is doubly terrible.

some ways to go in knowing sorrow..........2004-09-04

Sarah Chang is no doubt technically brilliant on her instrument, however, her playing lacks depth and consistency of style. In the piano piece by Lizt re-arranged for violin for example, she has great difficulties in transitions and is therefore subdued in her musicality. The orchestral interpretation/edition of Saint Saens piece on this album is awful. Similar recordings by Anne Sophie Mutter or Midori Goto show greater maturity and are much more pleasing to the ear.

emotionally riveting vitali.......2004-01-13

The Vitali is worth the price of the cd. The rest is also very good - although obviously all very similar pieces. HOWEVER, this rendition of the Vitali with full orchestra (which is hard to find) is emotionally riveting. I usually stop the cd at that point because it's hard to listen to anything else immediately after that. Kind of like Jacqueline DuPre's Elgar - you need quiet after it to return yourself to everyday life.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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1. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1 in g minor
2. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 2 in d minor
3. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 3 in F Major
4. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 4 in f minor
5. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 in f-sharp minor
6. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 6 in D-flat Major
7. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 1 in C Major (Furiant)
8. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 2 in e minor (Dumka)
9. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 3 in A-flat Major (Polka)
10. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 4 in F Major (Sousedská)
11. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 5 in A Major (Skocná)
12. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 6 in D Major (Sousedská)
13. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 7 in c minor (Skocná)
14. Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 8 in g minor (Furiant)
15. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 1 Allegro marcato-Cantabile-Animato
16. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 2 Allegretto tranquillo e grazioso-Allegro-Tempo I
17. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 3 Allegro moderato alla Marcia
18. Grieg Norwegian Dance No. 4 Allegro molto