Complete Piano Music Vol 4

On this CD:

1. Four Irish Dances, suite arranged for piano (after Stanford)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

2. Nell (Fauré)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

3. Après un rêve (Fauré)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

4. Concerto for piano & orchestra in A minor (Schumann)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

5. Tiger, Tiger, for piano
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

6. Air and Dance (Delius)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

7. Hornpipe, arranged for piano (from Handel's Water Music Suite No. 1) (Free Settings of Favourite Melodies, 2)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

8. Toccata & Fugue in D minor, transcribed for piano (after Bach BWV 565 & Busoni's & Tausig's transcriptions)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

9. Lullaby From "Tribute To Foster" for piano
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

10. Angelus Ad Virginem for piano
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

11. Klavierstück for piano in E major
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

12. Eastern Intermezzo for piano (or 2 pianos 4-hands), RMTB 5
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

13. Bigelow March for piano
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

14. Transcription of Grieg's Piano Concerto First Movement, for solo piano
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

15. At Twilight, for piano
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

16. Klavierstück for piano in A minor
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

17. Klavierstück for piano in B flat major (fragment)
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

18. Klavierstück for piano in D major
Composed by Percy Grainger
Performed by Martin Jones

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In A Major, BWV. 1055: Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto In A Major, BWV. 1055: Larghetto
Piano Concerto In A Major, BWV. 1055: Allegro ma mon tanto
Piano Concerto In F Minor, BWV. 1056: Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto In F Minor, BWV. 1056: Largo
Piano Concerto In F Minor, BWV. 1056: Presto
Piano Concerto In F Major, BWV. 1057: Allegro
Piano Concerto In F Major, BWV. 1057: Andante
Piano Concerto In F Major, BWV. 1057: Allegro assai
Piano Concerto In G Minor, BWV. 1058: Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto In G Minor, BWV. 1058: Andante
Piano Concerto In G Minor, BWV. 1058: Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

Very good.......2001-05-01

Hae-won Chang has recorded two volumes of Bach's keyboard concerti. At the moment, Amazon carries only the second volume. But both are excellent recordings of all the seven surviving solo keyboard concerti on piano. Chang's articulation is crisp and expressively colorful, helping carry the often-suppressed counterpoint in these works above the orchestra--especially notable for concerti 1052 and 1054 on the first volume. Some of the performances here stand up to some of the other great recordings of these works on piano. The 1052, for instance, on volume one, is dramatic with unwaning impetus, rivaling even Gould's performance with Bernstein. Although the 1055 concerto is less successful, the famous 1056 concerto presented in volume two is dramatic in its first movement surging tempo, preparing for the calm and tastefully rendered second movement. And the third movement, so often, it seems, played with banging and clanging by many pianists, rings clearly here, mirroring the first movement's rush. The orchestra, of modern size, is up to the task as well; the 1058 concerto shows off the strings and continuo especially well in their brightness and range of force. One cannot go wrong with this set when looking for consistently fresh and clear performances on piano of Bach's solo keyboard concerti.

Great Performance!.......2000-10-27

The Naxos disc is really a great bargain, considering the wonderful and colourful performance of the soloist. Chang plays much better than Gavrilov, who seems to be unable to produce anything except staccato in Bach's concertos. Really nice!

Bargain Bach.......2000-10-15

Hae-won Chang plays these keyboard concertos beautifully and is sympathetically accompanied. This is playing of real distinction - direct and unforced: the CD would be a first recommendation even if three times the price.

Ditto for Volume Two-very good!.......1999-12-10

If you want Bach's concertos on modern piano, and you don't want to pay full price (or even if you do), look no further.

Average customer rating:

Microcosmos
Great value with a few flaws
eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much
Best classical value out there
5 Stars for the music and performance

Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

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

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Bartok: The Piano Concertos
Béla Bartók: The 6 String Quartets - Takács Quartet
Complete Piano Works of Scriabin
Bartok: Violin Concertos, Viola Concerto, 6 Duo for 2 Violins, Violin Rhapsodies; Yehudi Menuhin
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B00008X5AY
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

Sàndor, still active at 90 as this reissue appears, was a student of Bartók and a preferred interpreter of his music. Since this set appeared on nine LPs in the early 1960s, it has been the standard for Bartók's piano music; in this fine-sounding reissue, it still is. Sàndor can hit hard enough for such virtuoso pieces as the Piano Sonata and "Out of Doors," but he also retains the romantic element heard in the composer's own playing which tempers the harsher qualities of the music. While this collection isn't quite as complete as advertised (some early, insignificant piano music by Bartók is omitted), it includes all of Bartók's significant piano music, including such relatively obscure gems as the Bagatelles, eight Improvisations, and many delectable folk arrangements which will appeal even to listeners who think Bartók is too challenging for them. Vox's recorded sound, superbly remastered, resists obsolescence as effectively as Sàndor's performances. Even with the inclusion of the early books of "Mikrokosmos," which will appeal mostly to piano students, this set is worth several times the asking price. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Microcosmos.......2007-03-08

Sándor was a champion not only of Bartók's music but also of Bartók's style of playing. He often complained that people were too quick to see Bartók as ultra-modern, and to fail to appreciate the rich seam of lyricism that also runs through his music.

The piano music is dominated by short pieces, many of them written for piano students, notably the collections "Microcosmos" and "For Children". These, together with suites of folk dance arrangements, make up the bulk of the solo piano output.

Sandór plays these short, and often simple pieces, with neither too much nor too little art. As a gifted teacher, he knew unerringly how much music each of these small vessels held. The result is beguiling - but be warned: no-one can listen to the 153 short pieces of Microcosmos end-to-end. This is an anthology to be dipped into, not swallowed whole.

The remastering is pretty successful (fortunately - some of Vox's CD reissues are plagued by severe deterioration of the original tapes). And it's for half nothing-what's not to like?

Great value with a few flaws.......2006-07-28

I am not a Bartok expert by any scale, but I do like the way these pieces, without exception, are played. There are, however, a couple of other problems.

As mentioned by an earlier reviewer, very few of the works are split into tracks - Mikrokosmos is divided into 7 for each of its six volumes, and to accomodate for a full CD. In these seven tracks there are 121 songs. I would have much preferred if the songs had been split into tracks. Almost the entire CD set is this way - Fifteen Hungarian Songs is one track, Fourteen Bagatelles, etc. It is very annoying when one wants to hear a particular song in those tracks and not the others.

Another detriment to the collection is the recording quality. It is decent most of the time, but in loud sections the piano buzzes. One might be able to ignore it, but I think that it detracts from the passion of the forte quite a bit.

Overall, for $18 it is pretty decent, but if you are like me and like to keep your music library neatly organized (and aren't extremely cheap), I would not recommend this set.

eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much.......2006-07-25

I like the fact that Bartok is into the folk tradition and all, but he just tends to forget the fact that melody has to be SOMEWHERE in the music. I'm all for creative expression when you're sitting alone at the piano, but abstract music should be reserved for performance art. I like playing some of your stuff Bela, but I just don't want to listen to you.

Best classical value out there.......2005-10-05

To put this set in perspective, for months I would go to my local Tower Records fishing for worthwhile classical CDs at least once a week. One of the discs that sat in the bins the longest was a single CD of Bartok piano music, played by Zoltan Kocsis. It was Volume 7 of a complete series. This CD listed for $17.99, and as long as I went to that Tower Records, it did not budge an inch, nor was its price amended.

Now, Kocsis is one of the greatest pianists alive, and if anyone is worthy of commanding a premium, it is him. And to be fair, that CD is going to be re-released on October 11 as part of a Collector's Edition - eight CDs, $63.97 MSRP. But it's already going up against this little gem, which contains five CDs with all of the truly great solo-piano works by an internationally recognized Bartok specialist for $21 - not much more than the cost of one CD from the other set. This kind of value is not to be taken lightly.

I came to this set with my impression of Sandor informed by his complete Prokofiev - ultra-hard, sometimes rhythmically slack, always melodically lacking in some way or another. But he held a very special feeling for Bartok, and saved his best playing for the great Hungarian. In passages like the first of the Three Csik Dances, the opening of the Improvisations Op. 20, or in the Ten Easy Pieces, there is a simplicity, charm and wistful homesickness that is quite touching. In pieces like the Out of Doors suite, the Sonata, or the Burlesques, there is a vicious, impulsive energy, a wicked sense of humor and an overabundance of overtones. It is never mindless, inappropriate or even overly harsh - it's just very, very loud.

In this set I like best the endless landscape of the Sonatina, the unusual colors and fragrances in the Etudes, the brilliantly conceived Bear Dance (the last of the Ten Easy Pieces), and the multifaceted, complex, gorgeous Improvisations. Any fan of Bartok should hear these.

5 Stars for the music and performance.......2005-04-04

This is a fantastic deal, but the problem with this Collection stems from the fact that the pieces are often not separated by tracks. This is especially annoying for the Children's Pieces and Mikrokosmos. There are so many pieces, one wears out the fast forward button and still may miss the particular piece one is looking for. The booklet is fairly insightful, and the performer is widely hailed as the supreme interpreter of Bartok's piano music. So aside from this slightly annoying at times and ridiculously annoying at other times flaw, this is one of the best deals in Classical music. Don't hesitate. Add it to the cart.

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol.2
Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol 2 / Walter Klien
Walter Klien plays Brahms
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000001K5S
Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: I. Molto Moderato
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: II. Andante Sostenuto
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace Con Delicatezza
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In A-Flat Major, D. 557: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In A-Flat Major, D. 557: II. Andante
Sonata In A-Flat Major, D. 557: III. Allegro
Sonata In F Minor, D. 625: I. Allegro
Sonata In F Minor, D. 625: II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Sonata In F Minor, D. 625: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: II. Andante Molto
Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: III. Menuetto: Allegretto
Sonata In E-Flat Major, D. 568: IV. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In A Minor, D.537: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sonata In A Minor, D.537: II. Allegretto Quasi Andantino
Sonata In A Minor, D.537: III. Allegro Vivace
Sonata In E Major, D.459: I. Allegro Moderato
Sonata In E Major, D.459: II. Scherzo: Allegro
Sonata In E Major, D.459: III. Adagio
Sonata In E Major, D.459: IV. Schezo Con Trio: Allegro
Sonata In E Major, D.459: V. Allegro Patetico

Franz Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Planned spontaneity
One of the best Liszt CD's out there
Somehow I missed this one when it first came out
A Portrait of the Virtuosity and Mind of Franz Liszt

Franz Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Brahms: Variations and Fugue in B flat on a Theme of Handel; Schumann: Fantasia in C; Arabesque
Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 4
Liszt: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 3
Franz Liszt: Études d'exécution transcendante 1851 version
Liszt: Sacred Music Transcriptions

ASIN: B0000014FJ
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Danse Macabre, Op. 40: Danse Macabre, S555 - R240
Nuages gris (Trube Wolken), S199 - R78
Unstern: sinistre, disastro, S208 - R80
Reminiscences des Huguenots, Grande fantaisie dramatique sur des themes de l' opera Les Huguenots de Meyerbeer (2nd and final version), S412 - R221
La lugubre gondola I, S200: 1 - R81: 1
La lugubre gondola II, S200: 2 - R81: 2
Impromptu ('Nocture'), S191 - R59
Totentanz, 'Danse Macabre', S525 - R188

Amazon.com

The sound could be better, but Arnaldo Cohen's whirlwind technique and rapier temperament is tailor-made for the demanding transcriptions presented here. By contrast, the Brazilian pianist imbues the cryptic late Liszt works with tenderness and mystery. A disc no Liszt maven should pass up, especially at Naxos's bargain price. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Planned spontaneity .......2007-03-24

People who shy away from ''classical'' - or ''serious'', as some would put it - music for its supposedly greater depth and sounder intellectual basis should make acquaintance with one of the funniest, wierdest and most imaginative composers of all time, the Hungarian virtuoso Franz Liszt. Totentanz is the closest thing to Iron Maiden and Andrew Lloyd Weber that we have in classical music. It always reminds me of "Fear of the Dark" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". It's so trivial, gratuitous, frenzied, shallow, pointless, ugly, flamboyant, showy and outright over-the-top that it borders on ridicule. One gets embarassed upon hearing it. Some of the music in this disc is so unashamedly bad and shallow that it becomes utterly funny and hugely entertaining. Arnaldo Cohen has succeeded more spectacularly than anyone before him in conveying the sheer excitement and the very well planned spontaneity of these pieces. His fiery playing and absolute command of dynamics and colour are breathtaking. He's undoubtedly one of the most intense and impressive pianists to have ever played this music (by the way, he's a great Schumann interpreter too). Other highlights of this recording are the irresistible and haunting ''Unstern: sinistre, disastro'' and the chilling ''Danse Macabre''. Nuage gris is an interesting attempt at atonality and the Impromptu is beautifully and masterly played. After all is said and done, it's a wonderful and exciting recording (provided you don't take some of these pieces too seriously). I've constantly found myself getting back to it lately. I dare to say it's a must-have.

One of the best Liszt CD's out there.......2006-06-29

I'm sure most of us are familiar with the countless CD's out there by Bolet, Brendel, Kissin, Horowitz, even Hamelin of encore Liszt pieces. You know the type: Liebestraume No. 3, Un Sospiro, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, La Campanella, Mazeppa et al. While these pieces are certainly good, I find myself tired of seeing these same types of recordings. It seems every professional pianist has his own Liszt CD of music that we've heard twenty other pianists play.

Then comes along Naxos' idea for the Complete Piano Music of Liszt (perhaps following Leslie Howard's success) and their first CD is probably one of the best Naxos Liszt CD's in existence. The musical selection and the pianist is what makes the CD shine. Before getting this CD I had never heard of Arnaldo Cohen, but this guy plays Liszt just right; superb, sensitive, stunning, and what other good adjective starting with an "s" I could think of.

The first piece, a piano transcription of Saint-Saens' 'Danse Macabre' is testimony to Liszt's ingenuity of transcription for the piano. There aren't that many recordings of this. Cohen's performance is chilling, exciting, and sounds like it's summoning a troupe of dancing skeletons from the piano. The second gloomy 'Nuages Gris' is a staple of late Liszt and is played solemnly as it should be, a soft and murky touch. The 'Unstern: sinistre disastro' is startling in its modernism and evocation of an impending misfortune or evil. As a composition it also shows Liszt's prolific genius.

Next on the list and going back to the Lisztomania days, the 'Reminiscences des Huguenots' by Cohen is, in my opinion, the best interpretation of this splendid fantasy. Leslie Howard's countless recordings of the first, second, final and other version pales in comparison. There is something about Cohen's flight and dynamics on the piano. His tempo and phrasing, his refusal to rush through tender moments, but also his sense enough to speed up a bravura section is quite refreshing. The piece is a great fantasy from Liszt's touring days.

The two 'La lugubre gondolas' are the most darkly disturbing and heartfelt pieces of the Romantic piano oeuvre. Only Alkan stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Liszt in making the piano a morbid and bleak instrument of sadness. Inspired by R. Wagner's death, they are amazing, haunting, beautiful and seductive.

If the choices so far haven't left me beyond contented, a colossal monster of a composition launches itself at the very end. The 'Totentanz' is an underappreciated work of Liszt. With all the Piano Concerto No. 1 and 2's out there, this one should be higher in its popularity. It's a work of genius, combining demonic power and at times grace together into an epic set of variations on the 'Dies irae' theme. What makes it outstanding on this CD in particular is that the work for orchestra and piano is transcribed to the single piano here; to me, the result and performance of Cohen's effort sounds better than Howard's playing.

Again, I must reiterate the original and exquisite repertoire on this CD; the choices of music here expose Liszt's great piano works that have sadly been under the radar for a while.

If you enjoy Liszt or any of the Romantic period piano music, this is a must-have. I think this CD is one of the best of Liszt that I own; highly recommended.

Somehow I missed this one when it first came out.......2003-06-28

I've only recently become familiar with the playing of Arnaldo Cohen, and I've gotten several of his recordings in the last month or so. I'm impressed by his red-blooded playing. He's not one of those cookie-cutter competition-winning note-spinners, but tends to put more of his own passion into the performance. Of course, that's important with repertoire on this Liszt disc. Just listen to the coruscating 'Danse macabre,' Liszt's arrangement of Saint-Saëns's symphonic poem. It will peel the paint off your listening-room wall.

He plays both versions of 'La lugubre gondola,' something we rarely get, and certainly not in recital. He manages to make them very different.

This is mostly late Liszt, the exception being the 'Huguenots' piece which, I have to admit, does go on a bit too long. That's Liszt's fault, not Cohen's. He does all that can be done with it.

I've always been struck by the unsettling 'Unstern' ('Dark Star', as some translate it, but I've come to think of it as Liszt's 'Black Hole' because it's so weird and modern-sounding) ever since I heard it as an encore played by Garrick Ohlsson years ago. It's one of those forward-looking, almost-atonal things that Liszt has, in latter years, gotten more and more attention for. Liszt subtitled it 'sinistre, disastro' and Cohen infuses those qualities into this strange little masterpiece; it is head and shoulders above Leslie Howard's pale performance from his complete Liszt traversal. The only other worthy competitor that I'm aware of is Pollini on DG.

Finally we have a chillingly effective performance of the solo piano version of 'Totentanz', Liszt's exhaustive workout on the Dies irae. I've always preferred it to the piano-and-orchestra version, which is more commonly heard and recorded.

This is volume one of Naxos' ongoing series of complete Liszt piano music; they are using a different pianist for each CD and they certainly picked a good one to start with.

Scott Morrison

A Portrait of the Virtuosity and Mind of Franz Liszt.......2000-04-25

This is a brilliant and wonderfully priced CD! If you enjoy the works of Liszt, then get this CD. The selected works here detail, in my opinion, the darker, more emotional pieces written/transcribed by Liszt. This includes Nuages gris and the 2 Lugubre gondola pieces, all considered to be "experiments" in mood and tonality. In Nuages gris, Liszt pours out some of his darker emotions, possibly related to the turmoils of his life with women, composition (and its critics, to which there were many), and old age (since this was one of his last works). Many dislike these darker works, but there are a few, such as myself, who find an inherant beauty to them. Of course, the album is also full of Liszt's virtuoso piano writing, which Mr. Cohen pulls off in fine fashion. Totentanz features some amazingly fast runs, while also filling in for the rest of the orchestra (this is an orchestral work of Liszt's which he condensed for piano). This album pays homage to the often misunderstood genius of Franz Liszt, and is a worthy addition to any collection. (Oh, and the price doesn't hurt either :)

R. Strauss: Complete Music for Winds and Brass, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

R. Strauss: Complete Music for Winds and Brass, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Arts Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Richard Strauss: Music for Symphonic Brass
Richard Strauss: Complete Music for Winds and for Brass, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000007NQ5
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

Parade March (No.1) For The King's Cavalry Regiment Without Op. No.AV 97
Parade March (No.2) For Cavalry Without Op. No.AV 98
'De Brandenburgsche Mars' (Free Arrangement Of An Old Display March) Without Op. No.AV 99
Military Festival March (Imperial March) Without Op. No.AV 100
Processional For The Arrival Of The Knights Of St. John Of Jerusalem (Investiture March) Without...
Processional For The Knights Of St. John Of Jerusalem (Investiture March) Wihout Op. No.AV 103
Vienna Phil Fanfare Without Op. No.AV 109
Fanfare For The Beginning Of Music Week In Vienna, Without Op. No.AV 110
Vienna Fanfare (Fanfare For The City Of Vienna) Without Op. No.AV 134
Festival Music For The City Of Vienna Without Op. No.AV 133
Ste in B flat, Op.4: Prld (Allegretto) - Blaser Ens Amade/Klaus Rainer Scholl
Ste in B flat, Op.4: Romanze (Andante) - Blaser Ens Amade/Klaus Rainer Scholl
Ste in B flat, Op.4: Gavotte (Allegro) - Blaser Ens Amade/Klaus Rainer Scholl
Ste in B flat, Op.4: Intro Und Fuge (Andante Cantabile-Allegro Con Brio) - Blaser Ens Amade/Klaus Rainer Scholl

Average customer rating:

Essential American piano music
American Impressionism?
Great music from a genius
The good die young...

Griffes: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Griffes: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 2
Charles Griffes: The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan/The White Peacock/Three Poems of Fiona McLeod
MacDowell: Piano Music, Vol. 1
Griffes: Collected Works for Piano
Four American Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B00000HZOG
Release Date: 1999-01-19

Tracks:

Son: I. Feroce; Allegrettl Con Moto
Son: II. Molto Tranquillo
Son: III. Allegro Vivace
Three Tone-Pictures, Op.5: The Lake At Evening
Three Tone-Pictures, Op.5: The Vale Of Dreams
Three Tone-Pictures, Op.5: The Night Winds
Tempo Rubato
Roman Sketches, Op.7: The White Peacock
Roman Sketches, Op.7: Nightfall
Roman Sketches, Op.7: The Fountains Of Acqua Paola
Roman Sketches, Op.7: Clouds
A Winter Landscape: Lento E Mesto
Rhap in b: w.Great Freedom
Offenbach's 'Les Contes D'Hoffmann': Barcarolle ('Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour')
Legend in f#: Moderato
Prld in b: Andante

Customer Reviews:

Essential American piano music.......2003-10-29

The music of Charles Tomlinson Griffes has a place in musicians', and especially pianists', hearts out of all proportion to its quantity. Michael Lewin has recorded the complete piano music of Griffes on two CDs, of which this is the first. On this CD there are relatively familiar works, such as the Roman Sketches and Sonata, alongside yet-to-be published rarities, such as a charming transcription of Offenbach's Barcarolle, and a lovely Chopinesque Prelude dating from the young composer's fifteenth year (he was to die, alas, only two decades later).

Getting these rare Griffes items alone makes this disc worthwhile, particularly at the Naxos price. That being said, the playing itself is somewhat uneven. In the impassioned, ferocious late Sonata Michael Lewin's extroverted style fits the music perfectly; elsewhere, in the more delicate numbers his approach seems frequently outsize and clangorous. Still, this disc provides a lot of rare and beautiful music at a bargain price.

American Impressionism?.......2001-11-28

I ordered this CD on the basis of a few reviews I read, because it was solo piano music by an American composer, and the fact that it was cheap! Maybe I was just expecting something else, but upon listening to it was dissappointed. I don't see how one can say Griffe's compositions rival Debussy's. The variation of tone and colors are a fraction of the great French composer's audio palette. It is music that attempts to sound impressionistic, which defeats the very purpose of impressionism, which is to sound like nothing mannered at all. It is interesting how Griffe composes within the modern idealogue of the piano as percussive instrument, but maybe this is an opinion I formed only because of Lewin's heavy hands. Lewin certainly bangs hard, and though the tone is bright and full, it verges on clangy. His playing just seems anomalous to the music. More subtle playing and dramatic use of the pedals would have been more suitable for what I had in mind. Like I said, maybe I was just expecting something different. I'm gonna keep listening to it until I figure it out or trade it in.

Great music from a genius.......2000-08-16

The piano music of Griffes is very profound. Since the first Sonata you can hear that something great is coming.

My favourite is the Barcarolle Nuit d'Amour (Track 14)

Very romantic music with excellent performance and recording. Another winner for Naxos

The good die young..........2000-02-14

Charles Tomlinson Griffes (1884-1920) was, like Schubert, taken from this world way to early. His impressionist style compositions are a match for, while not necessarily mimicking, Debussy, and his Sonata is an extraordinary piece of unique, forward-looking music. He was also something of a rarity in his time - an American composer of highly original talent. Michael Lewin performs Griffes' music with sensitivity and energy. Naxos produces, when one considers the price, some of the highest quality cds money can buy. I highly recommend this selection to all interested in 20th century piano music.

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 14: Misc. Chamber Works

Average customer rating:

The "Unknown" Beethoven...
Simply Delightful!
Brilliant if sometimes odd rhythm and tempo

Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 14: Misc. Chamber Works

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Complete Beethoven Edition Vol. 6 - Piano Works / Demus, Alder, Gilels, Mustonen, Kempff, Barenboim
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 7: Violin Sonatas
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 2: Concertos
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 9: Piano Trios
Complete Beethoven Edition, Vol. 10: String Trios

ASIN: B000001GZH
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

No. 1 In E Flat Major: 1. Adagio assai - attacca - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 1 In E Flat Major: 2. Allegro con spirito - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 1 In E Flat Major: 3. Tema. Cantabile - Variazioni I-VI - Tema. Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 2 In D Major: 1. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 2 In D Major: 2. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 2 In D Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 3 In C Major: 1. Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 3 In C Major: 2. Adagio con expressione - Ludwig Van Beethoven
No. 3 In C Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Trio For Piano, Flute, And Bassoon In G Major: 1. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Trio For Piano, Flute, And Bassoon In G Major: 2. Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Trio For Piano, Flute, And Bassoon In G Major: 3. Tema andante con Variazioni - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata For Piano And Horn In F Major: 1. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata For Piano And Horn In F Major: 2. Poco Adagio, quasi Andante - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonata For Piano And Horn In F Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sextet For 2 Horns, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sextet For 2 Horns, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: 2. Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sextet For 2 Horns, 2 Violins, Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Quintet For Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon In E Flat Major: 1. Grave - Allegro, ma non troppo
Quintet For Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon In E Flat Major: 2. Andante cantabile
Quintet For Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon In E Flat Major: 3. Rondo. Allegro, ma non troppo
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 1. Entrada. Allegro
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 2. Tempo ordinario d'un Minuetto
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 3. Allegro molto
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 4. Andante con Variazioni
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 5. Allegro scherzando e vivace
Serenade For Flute, Violin And Viola In D Major, Op. 25: 6. Adagio - Allegro vivace e disinvolto
Sonatina In C Minor: Adagio
Adagio In E Flat Major: Adagio (ma non troppo)
Sonatine In C Major: Allegro
Variations In D Major

Tracks:

Trio For Piano Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major: 1. Allegro con brio
Trio For Piano Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio
Trio For Piano Clarinet And Cello In B Flat Major: 3.Tema. 'Pria ch'io l'impegno'. Allegretto - Allegro
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 1. Adagio - Allegro con brio
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major:: 2. Adagio cantabile
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major:: 3. Tempo di Menuetto
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 4. Tema. Andante con Variazioni
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 5. Scherzo. Allegro molto e vivace
Septet For Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Cello And Double Bass In E Flat Major: 6. Andante con moto alla Marcia - Presto
Fugue For String Quintet In D Major: Allegretto

Tracks:

Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: I. Allegro
Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: II. Adagio molto espressivo
Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: III. Scherzo. Allegro
Quintet For 2 Violins, 2 Violas And Cello In C Major: IV. Presto
Prelude And Fugue For 2 Violins And Cello In E Minor: Praeludium
Prelude And Fugue For 2 Violins And Cello In E Minor: Fuge
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 1 In E Flat Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 2 In G Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 3 In C Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 4 In F Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 5 In D Major
Six Minuets For Two Violins And Bass: No. 6 In G Major
Duet For Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: Allegro
Duet For Viola And Cello In E Flat Major: Allegretto
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 1 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 2 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 3 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 4 In D Minor
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 5 In D Major
Six Landler For Two Violins And Bass: No. 6 In D Major
Duet For Two Violins In A Major
Canon In A Major (Probably For Two Violins)

Tracks:

Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 1. Air ecossais: 'The Cottage Maid'. Tema. Andantino quasi Allegretto - Var. I-II - Var. III. Allegro - Tempo I
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 2. Air ecossais: 'Von edlem Geschlect war Shinkin'. Tema. Allegretto scherzoso - Var. I-II - Var. III. Allegretto-Allegro
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 3. Air autrichien: 'A Schusserl und a Reindl'. Tema. Andantino - Var. I-IV - Var. V. Adagio sostenuto, ma non troppo - Var. VI. Andante con moto
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 4. Air ecossais: 'The Last Rose Of Summer'. Tema. Andante expressivo assai - Var. I-III
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 5. Air ecossais: 'Chiling O'Guiry'. Tema. Allegretto spiritoso - Var. I-II - Var. III. Allegro assai
Six Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 6. Air ecossais: 'Paddy Whack'. Tema. Allegretto piu tosto vivace - Var. I-IV
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 1. Air tirolien: 'I bin a Tiroler Bua'. Tema. Moderato - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Allegro
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 2. Air ecossais: 'Bonnie Laddie, Highland Laddie'. Tema. Allegretto, quasi vivace - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Andante mosso, alla Siciliano - Allegro
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 3. Volkslied aus Kleinrussland. Tema. Vivace - Var. I-IV - Var. V. Adagio sostenuto - Tempo I
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: Air ecossais: 'St .Patrick's Day'. Tema. Allegretto scherzoso - Var. I - Var. II. Poco adagio - Vivace - Moderato - Tempo I
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 5. Air tirolien: 'A Madel, ja a Madel'. Tema. Moderato - Var. I-II - Var. III. Maestoso - Allegro
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 6. Air ecossais: 'Peggy's Daughter'. Tema. Andante comodo - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Vivace
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 7. Air russe: 'Schone Minka'. Tema. Andante - Var. I-IV - Var. V. Andante moderato - Var. VI. Allegro - Adagio - Andante commodo - Poco vivace
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 8. Air ecossais: 'O Mary At Thy Window Be'. Tema. Andantino quasi Allegretto - Var. I-III - Var. IV. Un poco piu mosso - Allegro assai
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 9. Air ecossais: 'Oh, Thou Art The Lad Of My Heart'. Tema. Allegretto piu tosto vivace - Var. I - Var. II. Cantabile e legato - Var. III - Var. IV. Andante espressivo - Var. V. Vivace
Ten Themes With Variations For Piano And Flute: 10. Air ecossais: 'The Highland Watch'. Tema. Spiritoso e marziale - Var. I-II - Var. III. Piu moto - Var. IV. Adagio espressivo - Var. V. Allegro
Duo For Two Flute In G Major: Allegro con brio
Duo For Two Flute In G Major: Minuetto quasi Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

The "Unknown" Beethoven..........2005-01-03

I think it would not be wrong to say that most casual listeners of classical music know Beethoven mostly by his orchestral works--the symphonies, piano concertos, violin concerto, and overtures. Those who go a little deeper might know him by the piano sonatas, violin sonatas, and string quartets; however, this misses a significant portion of his oeuvre--and a major facet of his ethos and art: specifically, the chamber works and lieder: this is the "unknown" Beethoven.

This collection is absolutely the best, finest, and most excellent presentation of Beethoven's chamber works: the Horn Sonata; the Piano-Wind Quintet; the Serenade for Flute, Violin, and Viola; the Clarinet Trio; the Septet for mixed strings & winds; and the String Quintet.

Plus, some really nice esoterica: the early piano quartets; trio for piano, flute & bassoon; pieces for mandolin & piano; and pieces for flute & piano.

All of these works fall into Beethoven's First Period; yet, they must not be considered "juvenalia": Beethoven was the greatest artist/poet who ever lived, and his genius was manifest from his teenage years.

Simply Delightful!.......2004-12-23

This is a wonderful collection of Beethoven chamber music. The recordings are intimate, the musicianship is superb...the music is timeless. The piano concerti are the real highlights here; I don't think they can be any better, and the other selections are very pleasant. If you like Beethoven chamber music (and I can't imagine NOT liking it), then this set is highly recommended. Every now and then you come across a boxed set of recordings that you can listen to over and over. This is one such set.

Brilliant if sometimes odd rhythm and tempo.......2001-01-10

This CD, part of the magnus opus of Beethoven's works committed to CD is wonderfully brilliant and evocative of the renditions of the early 1950's.

Although there are the rare rhythmic, and very rare tempo peculiarities this must remain as one of the finest renditions of Beethoven's Chamber Works. This is of course to be expected from works produced by DDG.

Tracks:

Vespertina
Matinal
Tres Canciones Populares Mexicanas: La Pajarera
Tres Canciones Populares Mexicanas: Por ti mi Coraz
Tres Canciones Populares Mexicanas: La Valentina
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 1 In C Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 2 In A Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 3 In G Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 4 in E Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 5 In D Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 6 In B Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 7 in A Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 8 In F Sharp Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 9 in E Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 10 In C Sharp Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 11 In B Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 12 in G Sharp Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 13 In F Sharp Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 14 in D Sharp Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 15 In D Flat Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 16 In B Flat Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 17 In A Flat Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 18 In F Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 19 in E Flat Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 20 In C Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 21 in B Flat Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 22 In G Minor
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 23 In F Major
Twenty-Four Preludes: No. 24 In D Minor
Four Pieces: Valse
Four Pieces: Tropico
Four Pieces: Mazurka
Four Pieces: Rumba
Scherzino Mexicano
Postlude
Alborada
Canci
Prelude
Prelude
Courante
Six Short Preludes: Moderato
Six Short Preludes: Andante
Six Short Preludes: Moderato
Six Short Preludes: Allegretto expressivo
Six Short Preludes: Allegretto con moto
Six Short Preludes: Allegretto
Estrelitta

Customer Reviews:

Good Interpretations, some seldom recorded.........2006-05-09

I basically agree with the other reviewers, although I still think that some of the preludes were recorded at odd tempos..but maybe his sheet music is more authentic than mine, since there are new Ponce manuscripts being dug up and published now..
That aside, Holzman is a great player and a very good Ponce interpreter. The other reviewers failed to note that some of these pieces are very hard to find another recording of, and many are probably premiere recordings, the Courante for instance..I.ve never seen it on another disc..

Excellent....what a deal!.......2005-01-05

1) Hard to find masterpieces by an underrated Modernist genius from Zacatecas.

2) Excellent interpretations by a world class guitarrist.

3) Flawless recording quality.

Fantastic.......2001-12-03

Excellent recording. This guy plays these pieces like they were utterly simple, but all the romance comes through. One of the best recordings as well for guitar: no scratches, faulters or extraneous noise and doesn't sound like it was recorded in a room too large or too small. He has total command of the guitar. I'd buy anything played by him.

Sensitive playing.......2001-05-07

Holzman's interpretations of these short Ponce works for guitar are quite moving. This music is modern/twentieth-century, and so doesn't follow some of the harmonic and melodic conventions of older "classical music" (from prior eras, classical, baroque, romantic). But Holzman plays these pieces with a sensitivity that brings out the emotions in the music. Often, these emotions are sad and introspective, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's depressing. The tempo of most pieces are quick, and Holzman's tone color suit the pieces. He also plays with unwritten rubato and other breaks in tempo (though not as dramatic as Glenn Gould). For guitarists, this CD may also be an introduction to Ponce's guitar repertoire. For others, enjoy it for Holzman's emotionally complex performance.

Tracks:

Muller-Lieder: Das Wandern
Muller-Lieder (2nd version): Der Muller und der Bach
Muller-Lieder (2nd version): Der Jager
Muller-Lieder (2nd version): Die bose Farbe
Muller-Lieder (2nd version): Wohn?
Muller-Lieder (2nd version): Ungeduld
Die Forelle (2nd version)
Die Rose
Meeresstille from 12 Lieder
Der Gondelfahrer
Liebesbotschaft from Scwanengesgang
Ave Maria from 12 Lieder
Ungeduld (1st version) from 6 Melodien
Giestliche Lieder: Litaney
Giestliche Lieder: Himmelsfunken
Giestliche Lieder: Die Gestirne
Giestliche Lieder: Hymne
Lob der Thranen
Erlkonig from 12 Lieder

Customer Reviews:

Best Piano Music on the Planet.......2007-03-16

If you like solo classical piano music, you must have this CD. The "marriage" of Scubert and Liszt is nothing less than transcendental. A well-engineered recording of great performances.