Praeludium

On this CD:

1. Prelude for organ in E
Composed by Vincent Lubeck
Performed by Gavin Black

2. Prelude for organ "Nun laßt uns Gott, dem Herren'
Composed by Vincent Lubeck
Performed by Gavin Black

3. Prelude for organ in G minor
Composed by Franz Tunder
Performed by Gavin Black

4. Prelude for organ, "Komm heiliger Geist Herre Gott"
Composed by Franz Tunder
Performed by Gavin Black

5. Chorale variations for keyboard ("Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan")
Composed by Johann Pachelbel
Performed by Gavin Black

6. Toccata for organ in F major, BuxWV 156
Composed by Dietrich [composer] Buxtehude
Performed by Gavin Black

7. Prelude and Fugue for organ in D minor Prelude
Composed by Vincent Lubeck
Performed by Gavin Black

8. Chorale Prelude for organ in G major, BuxWV 210, "Nun freut euch lieben Christen G'mein"
Composed by Dietrich [composer] Buxtehude
Performed by Gavin Black

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
Prelude in C major
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
Goldberg Variations: Aria
Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
Prelude in D Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating:

beautiful ,beautiful
Great Recording

Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romance of the Violin
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Tchaikovsky, Wienawski, Brahms, Schumann: Violin Concertos
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0007WQHVW
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Variations on an original theme, Op.15
Romance, Op.78, No.2
Mazurka, Op.81, No.1
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor-Transcr. Joseph Joachim
Cantabile, Op.17
Scherzo-Tarantelle, Op.16
Nigun (Improvisation)
Perpetuum mobile
The Prophet Bird
Spanish Dance No.1
Waves at play (Wellenspiel)
Carmen Fantasy, Op.25 - Arr. Waxman

Tracks:

Praeludium and Allegro
Schosmarin
Tambourin chinois
Caprice viennois op.2
La Preuse (in the style of Louis Couperin)
Liebesfreud
Liebesleid
La Gitana
Berceuse Romantique (Caprice)
Polichinelle (Snade)
Rondino on a Theme by Beethoven
Tempo di menuetto (in the style of Pugnani)
Toy Soldiers' March
Allegretto (in the style of Boccherini)
Marche miniature viennoise
Aucassin and Nicolette (canzonetta medievale)
Menuet (in the style of Porpora)
Sicilienne and Rigaudon (in the style of Francois Francoeur)
Syncopation

Customer Reviews:

beautiful ,beautiful.......2007-05-27

I am not a music critic nor do I "know" much about music but if you love lovely violin music you will love this.

Great Recording.......2007-01-04

The Kreisler pieces are played exceptionally well. The one disc alone is worth the price of the double disc collection. Great playing.

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording
Highly Recommended!
Amazing
A gentleman musical agreement!
Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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Christopher Parkening plays Bach
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In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique
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ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
Estudio brillante
Etude No. 1 In E Minor
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Leyenda
Romance
Rumores de la Caleta
Capricho Arabe
Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Les Barricades mysterieuses
Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
Passacaglia
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Gymnopedie No. 1
Empress Of The Pagodas
Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
Fairest Lord Jesus
Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
Simple Gifts
Hymn Of Christian Joy
Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
Cantata 156: Arioso
Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
Canon
Dolly Suite: Berceuse
La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Terezinha De Jesus
Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
Evening Dance
Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
Canarlos
La Maja de Goya
El Noi de la Mare
Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

Average customer rating:

A+
Even for a trained jazz musician who thinks classical artists are overhyped, this stands out as one of the best albums.
Fantastic
Enjoyable listening
very interesting

Midori ~ Encore!
Fritz Kreisler , Niccolo Paganini , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Cesar Cui , Grazyna Bacewicz , Edward Elgar , Dmitry Shostakovich , Antonin Dvorak , Sergey Prokofiev , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Karol Szymanowski , Pablo de Sarasate , Gabriel Faure , Alexander Nikolayevich Skryabin , Bela Bartok , Eugène Ysaye , Midori (Goto) , and Robert McDonald
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000028N1
Release Date: 1992-12-08

Tracks:

Praeludium and Allegro (in the style of Pugnani)
Habanera, Op. 21, No. 2
Cantabile
Kaleidoscope: Orientale, Op. 50, No. 9
Oberek, No. 2
Salut d'Amour
Miniature Viennese March
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 - Moderator non tropp
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 15 - Allegretto
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 16 - Andantino
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 - Allegretto
Chanson de matin, Op. 15, No. 2
Introduction et Tarentelle
Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 46, No. 2 (B 170)
The Love For Three Oranges: March
Souvenir d'un lieu cher: Melodie, Op. 42, No. 3
Mythes, Op. 30: La FOntaine d'Arethuse
Syncopation
Orfeo ed Euridice: Melodie ('Dance Of The Blessed Spirits')
Berceuse, Op. 16
Etude in Thirds, Op. 8, No. 10
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Dance With Sticks - Allegro moderato
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Waistband Dance - Allegro
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Stamping Dance - Andante
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Hornpipe Dance - Molto moderato
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Romanian Polka - Allegro
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Quick Dance - Allegro
Reve d'enfant, Op. 14

Customer Reviews:

A+.......2007-05-10

To say that I love this disc would be an understatement. I have probably listened to it 500 times. To comment on just a few of the tracks...
The "Praeludium and Allegro" is definitely the best recording anyone (except maybe Kreisler!) has ever done. The praeludium, which is almost all quarter notes, is often just blindly sawed out. Midori treats each note individually. The allegro is also nice - not rushed at all. The staggeringly difficult Skryabin-Szigeti "Etude in Thirds" tossed off with impeccable technique and spotless intonation. Sarasate's "Habanera" sparkles with a decisive 'Spanish' flavor. Elgar's "Chanson de Matin" is just plain beautiful. Also nice are inclusions of some numbers not heard hardly ever, including Bacewicz's "Oberek #2" mazurka and the Shostakovich preludes. Robert McDonald, definitely one of the best, is the able pianist for all the numbers.

Even for a trained jazz musician who thinks classical artists are overhyped, this stands out as one of the best albums........2007-04-11

Let's be honest--any kid with a violin who ever set foot in a conservatory thinks (s)he's a prodigy, the next Mehta or Yo Yo Ma, while they play the same old tired music everyone else plays, exactly as the greats play it, with hardly a shred of originality that doesn't arise out of an inability to replicate the 'masters' as well as their CD players (and that goes for jazz musicians too, but they don't get as snobby about it). The musicians who are truly great don't have any sort of attitude about their playing or their music--they just play, and they play anything, and it's great.

Midori has been one such great artist from early on. She simply had the knack. You would still want to listen to her if she was half as skilled. Every decent musician practices assiduously, seeks out the best people to learn from, makes sacrifices in life just for the chance to play for a living (even weddings and strip clubs if need be), but few have 'the knack.'

I don't know if Midori has a similar story, nor does it really matter in terms of actually making music. I know her parents moved from Osaka to the States with her when she was about ten just so she could pursue her potential--as all great students have great parents. I'm sure she didn't just pop out of the womb playing violin. But, like I wrote above, she's got the knack that you can't get through practice or training. She's just plain great.

Yes, I'm bored by classical music in general. I like 'good' music regardless of style though, and this album is so far beyond good that it belongs in whatever collection of immortal artist you may have--say: Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Shaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and--even if you have no other classical music in your collection--Midori.

Fantastic.......2006-08-11

Midori produces some amazing sounds out of her violin!
You cant go wrong with Encore! Shes brilliant.

Enjoyable listening.......2005-09-24

I enjoyed this cd especially the first three pieces. Midori played Sarasate and Paganini pretty well.

very interesting.......2005-09-13

I as watching (and listening!) her play live in Dubrovnik this summer. In this record she is equally brilliant as she is when playing live!

Average customer rating:

first-rate interpretations, second-rate recorded sound
Not worth it!!!!!!!
Wonderful Interpretation throughout.

Strauss: Tone Poems

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schumann Piano Works
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Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B00002DF9N
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Night - Sunrise - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: The Ascent - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Entering The Wood - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Wandering By The Brook - By The Waterfall - Apparition - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Flowery Meadows - On The Mountain Pasture - On The Wrong Track Through Thickets And Undergrowth - On The Glacier - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Precarious moments - On The Summit - Vision - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Rising Mists - The Sun Gradually Dims - Elegy - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Calm Before The Storm - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Thunderstorm, Descent - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Sunset - Berliner Philharmoniker
An Alpine Symphony, Op.64: Epilogue - Night - Berliner Philharmoniker
Don Juan, Op.20: Tone Poem After Nikolaus Lenau - Berliner Philharmoniker
Waltzes From Act III - Berliner Philharmoniker

Tracks:

Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: Introduction - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: Of The Backworldsmen - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: Of The Great Longing - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: Of Joys And Passions - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: The Song Of The Grave - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: Of Science - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: The Convalescent - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: The Dance Song - Michel Schwalbe
Thus Spake Zarathustra, Op.30: Song Of The Night Wanderer - Michel Schwalbe
Festival Prelude, Op.61 - Wolfgang Meyer
Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Op.28 - Berliner Philharmoniker
Salome, Op.54: Dance Of The Seven Veils - Berliner Philharmoniker

Tracks:

A Hero's Life, Op.40: The Hero - Erich Muhlbach
A Hero's Life, Op.40: The Hero's Adversaries - Erich Muhlbach
A Hero's Life, Op.40: The Hero's Companion - Erich Muhlbach
A Hero's Life, Op.40: The Hero's Battlefield - Erich Muhlbach
A Hero's Life, Op.40: The Hero's Works Of Peace - Erich Muhlbach
A Hero's Life, Op.40: The Hero's Retirement From The World And Fulfilment - Erich Muhlbach
Death And Transfiguration, Op.24 - Staatskapelle Dresden

Customer Reviews:

first-rate interpretations, second-rate recorded sound.......2006-07-30

What admirable interpretations from Böhm! He breathes so much character into each of the musical "paragraphs" in these readings. Each theme is given its own distinct tempo, chosen with exceptional judgement to emphasize its idiosyncracies and expressive character; and Böhm can turn his orchestra on a dime when a good deal of contrast is called for between the end of one paragraph and beginning of the next. There's also enourmous dynamic range and contrast, form the softest pianissimi to thundering fortissimi. These are readings that really bring out the broad ebb and flow of these long pieces, emphasizing the structure, the architecture of them. They're really fantastic.

Do be warned, though, that the recorded sound is very dated: generally it's rather one-dimensional and the resolution is not very high, so that you mostly hear only the most prominent voices of the ensemble at any given time. It's at its worst in the Alpine Symphony, which sounds like a scratchy, screechy 1930's film soundtrack. In the rest of the pieces it ranges from good to serviceable; but if there's any repertoire that really benefits from today's high-fidelity recording technology, massive post-Romantic orchestral scores like these are certainly a front-runner. Buy this set for the marvellous interpretations, but you'll want to explore other, better-recorded readings as well to really hear the full depth and resonance of the orchestral sound.

Not worth it!!!!!!!.......2006-07-19

This seems like a great deal with the amount of material and the price, but the truth is "cheap price, cheap recordings" . I highly suggest if you want to get the most of Richard Strauss's tone poems you should buy different recordings. The main thing I was disappointed with on this box set was the recording of An Alpine Symphony. The recording of the alpine symphony was too old and weak, sloppy and loud (only at times),and just ok overall. The alpine symphony is on the first cd so I after I listened to that, I had a bad attitude about the rest of it. Even though, all of the other recordings are pretty good or ok.

Personally, I would suggest Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic when it comes to Richard Strauss's tone poems.

Wonderful Interpretation throughout........2006-01-01

This collection is a wonderful package in that it brings together one of Strauss's life friends and largest advocates (Karl Bohm) with two incredible GERMAN orchestras playing their own nationalistic music.

These recordings rank among my most cherished and loved. Highlights (for me) include the climax of sunrise in the Alpine Symphony, the huge reverberations as the massive sound of the fff chords carry over into silence in Heldenleben, and the wicked-crazy horns as they rip through the Waltz from Rosenkavalier.

These are prime interpretations (better, I feel than any other -- and I mean ANY - sorry Karajan fans!!!). And these two wonderful forces play their musical heritage with passion and brilliance.

As another reviewer pointed out, the sound quality leaves something to be desired, however it is not quite as bad as they would have us believe. What we first must take into account is that Strauss' huge tone poems put enormous demands on the recording equipment of its day that could not be met. Also, Bohm was stressed above all else that "the melody be prominent". Yes - as a result the recording really kicks out the melody line.

Okay - take that into account and listen to these with some imagination. I assure you that you will be able to hear the detail of Strauss' music - but more importantly the style and idea of it. Listen like you would look at a black and white photo. While the B&W leaves more for your imagination, you still "get the picture" - and sometimes the B&W reveales more! It's exactly the same with this incredible box of Strauss.

The interpretation is absolutely stunning and revealing. Bohm nailed this on the head and truly captured the essence of this music. I feel this is a wonderful place for you to start if you know little Strauss - and if you know much about Strauss, this is a great place for you to hear a different, but seemingly perfect interpretation of Strauss.

Fritz Kreisler: Variations On A Theme By Corelli; Praeludium & Allegro; Sicilienne & Rigaudon

Average customer rating:

Kreisler and Ehnes -Ten stars for musical joy - and more

Fritz Kreisler: Variations On A Theme By Corelli; Praeludium & Allegro; Sicilienne & Rigaudon

Manufacturer: Analekta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Wieniawski, Sarasate
Niccolo Paganini: 24 Caprices For Solo Violin
Mozart: Violin Concertos
Bach: The Six Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin
Ravel, Debussy, Saint-Saens: Works for Violin and Piano

ASIN: B00006JCNE
Release Date: 2007-04-06

Tracks:

Variations On A Theme By Corelli
Praeludium & Allegro, In Style Of Gaetano Pugnani/ Dans Le Style De Gaetano
Sicilienne & Rigaudon, In The Style Of Francois Francoeur
Devil's Thrill/ Le Trille Du Diable (Tartini-Kreisler)
Recitativo & Scherzo (For Solo Violin/ Pour Violon Seul)

Customer Reviews:

Kreisler and Ehnes -Ten stars for musical joy - and more .......2005-10-05

This recording may be my favorite musical recording discovery in the last ten years. The Analekta recording of Canadian virtuoso violinist, James Ehnes, playing 20 Fritz Kreisler compositions for violin and piano, is relatively expensive. But it's so good that I plan to send copies for Christmas to as many of my family members scattered through the U.S. and Europe as I can afford - whether they're classical buffs or not!

For those who don't know Fritz Kreisler (and they have a treat waiting) he was probably the most beloved classical performer (violin) in his time. He was a multitalented man whose warm humanity, and generous and open spirit made audiences take him to their hearts.

Kreisler's unique 60-year musical career only begins with performance. Born in 1875, Kreisler possessed a gift for infectious melody. By the 1920's his audience-pleasing compositions - especially encores - began to encounter avante-gardist prejudices on the part of the professional musical establishment. The establishment accepted musical traditions of the past in older compositions but not in new composition. So the resourceful Kreisler introduced a series of encore masterpieces as "rediscoveries of works by forgotten baroque and rococo composers, whose manuscripts he had been found in a French monastery". Thus came celebrated pieces like Praeludium and Allegro by "Gaetano Pugnani", and "Sicilenne and Rigaudon by "Francois Franceour". After NY Times music critic, Olin Downs, reported research showing that manuscripts of Kreisler's "oldies" didn't exist, Kreisler revealed his hoax in 1935. That brought out angry recriminations by Alfred Newman and other musicologists who had been taken in.

Kreisler's technique had a larger influence on the evolution of violin performance, but he will surely be remembered most for unaffectedly capturing - amidst a relentless 20th Century movement to bury melody, romanticism, tonality, and other traditions of music - feelings like the charm of Vienna (Caprice viennois), and the aches and joy of love (Liebesleid and Liebesfreud).

James Ehnes'many awards, recordings, and performances with leading conductors and orchestras throughout Asia, the U.S., and Europe, place him among leading concert violinists. It speaks to changed trends among younger musicians that Ehnes (born 1976), would devote this album exclusively to Kreisler's large and small masterpieces with obvious love and understanding. Ehnes shares with Kreisler an "effortless" style and warmth. Besides the music, the liner notes are informative and perceptive, and the recording excellent.

A note about ratings: I said "ten stars" in my title, because over the past years the tendency for domination of five-star ratings makes it harder to distinguish truly exceptional recordings. I assume that the predominance of high ratings came about in an understandable way - people are most likely energized to rate recordings they really like. However, the result is loss of breadth, which is unfortunate to my mind. If ratings ranged more widely they could better delineate strengths and weaknesses, as well as stylistic preference. A "three" rating might include a unique quality in an otherwise mediocre release.

Average customer rating:

Wow!
Nigel Rules!

Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Complete]
Classic Kennedy

ASIN: B00006JKMD
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro (The Four Seasons)
Massenet: Meditation (Thais)
Satie: Gymnopedie No. 1
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Debussy: The Girl With the Flaxen Hair
Bach: Sonata for Solo Violin in C, Allegro assai
Kreisler: Praeludium and Allegro
Bach: Es ist genug, so nimm, Herr
Danny Boy
Scarborough Fair
Melody in the Wind
Monti: Scardas
Vivaldi: Autumn, Allegro (The Four Seasons)

Amazon.com

Violinist Nigel Kennedy long stopped annoying or surprising concertgoers and disc buyers with his looks and manners--the cover of this CD pictures him with red and blue paint on his face, and he's biting his violin. If that irritates you, his playing certainly will not. Here, two movements from Vivaldi's Four Seasons act as bookends to, among other pieces: a Satie Gymnopédie, exquisitely played, with lovely embellishments near its close; Vaughan Williams's floating Lark Ascending; a stunning, virtuosic Bach solo (never before released); a soft-edged Bach chorale; a soupy, sentimental "Danny Boy"; a slightly overwrought "Scarborough Fair"; a piece by Kennedy himself; and a few other surprises. Kennedy's tone is lush and warm, and his emotionalism almost never overwhelms the music. Greatest hits? More like greatest encores. But definitely a terrific 71 minutes of fiddling. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2005-09-28

When I got this CD to use for my "music appreciation" class that I teach to a small group of homeschooled students, I thought I might use just a few of these songs to listen to in class. But we will definitely be spending more time on the whole album--this is one of the best violin solo albums I've heard for a while, and Nigel Kennedy is one of the best violinists I've heard, ever. One can hear the energy and emotion in each song played. The arrangements are beautiful, and the choice of songs on the album are wonderful. This is one to actively "listen to". And yes, I'd love to see a live concert DVD!

Nigel Rules!.......2003-01-28

This is terrific, top to bottom! I can write for hours about the joys of Nigel live, the visual and musical daring, the goose in the arse of most orchestral experiences and the rapturous, clamourous, rock and roll reaction he elicits in the most staid of settings. Classical music was not ready and remains uncertain how to deal with him, mostly because he has the chops and the creativity first and foremost.
This collection underscores his remarkable repertoire. Be it Vivaldi, Beethoven, Kreisler, Elgar or Hendrix, Kennedy upends the expectations of one and all. His intensity is extraordinary, his playfulnesss on stage a joy, his interpretive skills incisive.
At this point, though, what would be even more welcome than this terrific collection, would be a DVD of the man himself in action. I can still hear the crowd at Philadelphia's Academy of Music howling, that's right, howling, for an encore. Sawalisch was not sure what to do. The Orchestra looked stymied. Out came Nigel with the fiddle attached to his forehead. He shouted at the audience that they were possibly further off their rockers than he and then asked if anyone in the orchestra knew any Willie Dixon. One of the double bassists did and they launched into "Gingerale Afternoon." Sheer genius, especially on the heels of Beethoven's volin concerto. Lu himself would have dug it immenseley.
Pick this disc up, then write to his label and insist on a DVD.

Average customer rating:

Exceptional Collection

Bedroom Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Midnight Adagios
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ASIN: B0000BWVBV
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Concerto For Harpischord, Strings, And Continuo No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056 - Raymond Leppard
Concerto Grosso In B Minor, Op. 6, No. 12 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Pavane For A Dead Princess - Steve Erquiaga
Romance For String Orchestra - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Carnival Of The Animals - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 - Alexandre Lagoya
En Bateau - l'ochestre de la suisse romande
Humming Chorus - BBC Concert Orchestra
Sicilienne - Steve Erquaiaga
Italiana - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Una Furtiva Lagrima - BBC Concert Orchestra
Chanson De Matin, Op. 15, No. 2 - BBC Concert Orchestra
Suite In E Major For Lute, BWV 1006A/1000 - Eduardo Fernandez
Touch Her Soft Lips, And Part - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Suite for Cello Solo No. 3 In C Major, BWV 1009 - Pepe Romero
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julian Lloyd Webber
Pavane - Nicholas Kraemer
Serenade For Strings In E Major, Op. 22 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro - BBC Concert Orchestra
Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
La Fileuse - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
Flower Duet (Sous Le Dome Epais) - BBC Concert Orchestra
Pied-En-L'Air - Nicholas Kraemer
Arioso - Steve Erquiaga
Two Aquarelles - English Chamber Orchestra
In Paradisum - Stephen Cleobury
After A Dream - Steve Erquiaga
Suite For Cello Solo No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 - Mischa Maisky
My Bonny Boy - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Concerto For Guitar In D Major, RV 93 - Eduardo Fernandez
Un Bel Di - BBC Concert Orchestra
Holbert Suite, Op. 40 - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Concerto For Oboe In D Minor, BWV 1059 - Heinz Holliger
Vissi D'Arte - BBC Concert Orchestra
Sheep May Safely Graze - William Bennett
Fantasia On Greensleeves - William Bennett

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional Collection.......2003-12-31

I have heard many, many classical "mood" collections, and this is one of the best, with many surprise selections.
It is consistently restful and calming.
I recommend it highly.

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg - It Ain't Necessarily So

Average customer rating:

SHE PLAYS OUT OF TUNE!
Perfection
Soul Quenching Expression
Fire and Passion!
Salerno-Sonnenberg: Adroit and Emotional

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg - It Ain't Necessarily So
Claude Debussy , George Gershwin , Camille Saint-Saëns , William Kroll , Niccolo Paganini , Franz Schubert , Scott Joplin , Fritz Kreisler , Manuel de Falla , Sergey Prokofiev , Sergey Rachmaninov , Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg , and Sandra Rivers
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RSY
Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

Praeludium And Allegro
Porgy And Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So
Clair de lune
Banjo And Fiddle
Liebesieid
Liebesfreud
Prelude
Cantabile
The Bee
The Easy Winners
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Rondo
La Gitana
Suite populaire espagnole: Asturiana
Suite populaire espagnole: Jota
The Love For Three Oranges: March
Tempo di Minuetto
Vocalise Op.34 No.14

Customer Reviews:

SHE PLAYS OUT OF TUNE!.......2005-08-16

Yes, she does: her sound is horribly thin, and she can't play the highest notes strong enough, so that they wither away and disappear into silence. Even the darkest, lowest notes come out weakly, so one can't argue that she has trouble just with the upper registers: her whole playing is terribly bad. She does have
a good vibrato, but I fear that if her sound were not thin, the vibrato would make even the darkest melody sound pathetic.

Hahn is all right (not excellent, nor good, just right for
some provincial recital hall) as long as she keeps to the lower pitch range (perhaps she should be playing the bass fiddle!), Shaham does everything only passably, and Chang has some passion and feeling but no strength to express it, but Salerno-Sonnenberg is bad across the board. There maybe a passably competent technique in her playing (that is, she can get the melody across), but she plays out of tune - the sound is disgusting!

I know how crazy this piece of writing must sound among so many raves, but there's no other way to explain the horribly weak, thin sound of the violin in this recording. Perlman, who suffered all his life from weak health, even in such difficult pieces as Beethoven's Kreutzer sonata was able to produce a full-bodied sound - and this, when he was well past his sixties.

But then again, Salerno-Sonnenberg is not alone in showing such a lack of... no, this is not about inborn talent. I doubt some child can pick up a violin and play in tune without first listening to a competent elder's playing. After the most basic education in music performance, it is just a question of getting a good recording of a piece, and practicing till one gets a relatively equal sound.

I harbored great hopes for Salerno-Sonnenberg when I read about her troubled life, the attacks she had to face from critics, her attempted suicide. I was letting myself be deceived by that old Romantic cliché, that pain makes for good art. But this is not about discovering or rediscovering unknown masterpieces, but about interpreting establish ones, and a Paganini doesn't have the "extended techniques" present in many postmodern pieces where noise passes for music, so in this case a standard called in-tune playing exists, and she doesn't perform up to it. But this judgement depends on my senses. If you don't believe me, you can find out whether I am right, or whether I am just another flea-like critic from the incestuous music business, by comparing Salerno-Sonnenberg's playing to that of any famous solo violinist whose career started in the 60's or 50's - when gesticulating wasn't equated with playing.

Perfection.......2004-11-02

Salerno-Sonnenberg's passionate, elegant, heartbreaking interpretations of these wonderful selections is perfectly paired with Sandra Rivers at the piano. I shall never forget their performance of "Claire de lune," the Kreisler pieces, or the exquisite Rachmaninov "Vocalise." In her hands, the violin becomes voice and reeds and brass -- transcending itself and taking the audience right along.

Soul Quenching Expression.......2003-10-12

Making great music lies in the ability to express things words can't, to touch the soul, capture the moment and move the heart.

It takes a great artist to perform great music!

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg is such an artist and this release is one of her many gifts to the music loving world!

Fire and Passion!.......2000-11-14

Check out Track #5 - Liebesieid - for a small sampling of the tremendous emotional pull of Nadja's playing. I have several CDs of Itzhak Perman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter, but no violinist matches Nadja's gift of making each piece her own - you know that she truely feels the music - it flows through her - and it isn't just a dry technical playing of the piece.

Salerno-Sonnenberg: Adroit and Emotional.......1999-07-05

What separates Salerno-Sonnenberg from other violinists is the pure emotion conveyed in her music. The power, sorrow or joy she expresses at any given moment is almost palpable. In fact, I remember listening to the first track on It Ain't Necessarily So and literally getting goosbumps. It's a stunning Kreisler piece that steadily builds in strength and tempo. Sonnenberg capitalizes on these elements, offering an unforgettable delivery. Many of the tracks on the album emit such raw energy -- It Ain't Necessarily so is not an album that will put one to sleep. Beyond strength, what makes this album worthwhile is the diverse selection of music. Of course Salerno-Sonnenberg interprets Kreisler, but she also plays Gershwin, Kroll, Schubert and even the jazz of Scott Joplin. The one complaint I have about this album is the sonics. For such a great musician, I think EMI could have recorded a little bit more dynamically. But don't let this keep you from owning the album. It's a truly great one.

Buxtehude: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Buxtehude & Bryndorf

Buxtehude: Complete Works for Organ, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Da Capo [Naxos]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Buxtehude: Sacred Cantatas

ASIN: B0000X7KF0
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

Praeludium In G Minor, BuxWV 149
Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211
Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ, BuxWV 189
Puer Natus In Bethlehem, BuxWV 217
Der Tag Der Ist So Freudenreich, BuxWV 182
In Dulci Jubilo, BuxWV 197
Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen Allzu Gleich, BuxWV 202
Ciacona In C Minor, BuxWV 159
Passacaglia In D Minor, BuxWV 161
Ciacona In E Minor, BuxWV 160
Praeludium In G Minor, BuxWV 148
Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland, Der Den Tod Uberwand, BuxWV 198
Komm, Heilger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 199
Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 209
Nun Bitten Wir Den Heilgen Geist, BuxWV 208
Komm, Heilger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 200
Gott Der Vater Wohn Uns Bei, BuxWV 190
Praeludium In C, BuxWV 137

Customer Reviews:

Buxtehude & Bryndorf.......2004-06-22

Adds up to an unequalled combination. Sound is marvellous, clean and crisp, and Bine Bryndorf a performer with a due restraint that plays to this music's advantage. The music is never thick, and is almost without exception engaging to one's ear and to the senses. If you are an organist, the detailing of the instrument's registrations (the Johan Lorentz at St. Mary's Church) should delight as greatly as the music itself. Listening to this quite makes one understand why Mr Bach chose to hike for hours and hours just to hear old Buxtehude play.

Music Review:

Music Review

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