Schubert: Moments Musicaux/Impromptus

On this CD:

1. Impromptu for piano in B flat major, D. 935/3 (Op. posth. 142/3)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

2. Moment musical for piano in C major, D. 780/1 (Op. 94/1)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

3. Moment musical for piano in A flat major, D. 780/2 (Op. 94/2)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

4. Moment musical for piano in A flat major ("Plaintes d'un Troubadour"), D. 780/6 (Op. 94/6)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

5. Impromptu for piano in C minor, D. 899/1 (Op. 90/1)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

6. Impromptu for piano in E flat major, D. 899/2 (Op. 90/2)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

7. Impromptu for piano in G flat major, D. 899/3 (Op. 90/3)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

8. Impromptu for piano in A flat major, D. 899/4 (Op. 90/4)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Jeno Jando

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante ... - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegretto - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble

Tracks:

Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Andante Grazioso: Thema/Variation 1 - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Menuetto - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Alla Turca (Allegretto) - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Adagio - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro Assai - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegro Moderato - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Andante Cantabile - Margarete Babinsky
Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegretto - Margarete Babinsky
12 Variations K.265: Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman: Theme/Variation ... - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Larghetto - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Rondo - Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Allegro Moderato - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Adagio Cantabile - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Rondo - Presto - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Con Spirito - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio E Cantabile - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Presto - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Overture Coriolan Op.62 - Dresdner Philharmonic
Overture Leonore No.2, Op.72 - Dresdner Philharmonic

Tracks:

Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Grave - Allegro - Di Molto E ... - Istvan Szekely
Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Adagio Cantabile - Istvan Szekely
Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Rondo - Allegro - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Adagio Sostenuto - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Allegretto - Istvan Szekely
Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Presto Agitato - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Assai - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Andante Con Moto - Istvan Szekely
Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Presto - Istvan Szekely
Rondo a Capriccio Op.129: Die Wut er Den Verlorenen - Jennd

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Allegro Maestoso - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Romanze. Larghetto - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Rondo. Vivace - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Maestoso - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Larghetto - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Allegro Vivace - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Grave - Doppio Movimento [Liv - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Scherzo [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Marche Fune. Lento [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Finale. Presto [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Allegro Maestoso [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Molto Vivace [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Largo [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Presto Ma Non Tanto [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 1 in a Minor [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 2 in a Flat [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
Mazurkas Op.59: No. 3 in F Sharp [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch

Tracks:

Nocturne in B Major Op.9, No. 3 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Etude in G Flat Major Op.10, No. 5 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Etude in B Minor Op.25, No. 1 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor Op. 20 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Scherzo No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op. 31 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Waltz No. 1 in E Flat Major Op. 18 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 1 in G Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 2 in C Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 3 in a Flat Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 4 in B Flat Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 1 in C Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 2 in B Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 3 in D Flat Major [Live] - Kemal Gekic
Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 4 in C Sharp Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic

Tracks:

Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Affettuoso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Intermezzo. Andantino Grazioso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Vivace - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Introduction and Allegro Appassionato Op.92 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
Concerto Allegro With Introduction Op.134 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman

Tracks:

Rustle of Spring Op.32, No.6 - Jennd
Novelette in F Major Op.21, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: E Major Op.19, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: F Sharp Minor Op.30, No.6 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: Duetto in F Major Op.38, No.6 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: G Major Op.62, No.1 - Jennd
Songs Without Words: Spring Song in a Major Op.62, No.6 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Major, Op.76, No.6 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Minor Op.76, No.7 - Jennd
Intermezzo in a Major Op.118, No.2 - Jennd
Intermezzo in E Flat Minor Op.118, No.6 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Arietta Op.12, No.1 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Folkevise Op.12, No.5 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Butterfly Op.43, No.1 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: To Spring Op.43, No.6 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Notturno Op.54, No.4 - Jennd
Lyric Pieces: Bryllupsdag Pa Troldhaugen Op.65, No.6 - Jennd
Saisons Op.37b, No. 6 Juin Barcarolle - Jennd
Chant Sans Paroles: Souvenir de Hapsal Op.2, No.3 - Jennd
Melody in F Op.3, No.1 - Jennd
Humoresque in G Flat Major Op.101, No.7 - Jennd

Tracks:

Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Theme: Andante - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 1 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 2 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 3 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 4 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 5 - Jennd
Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Pito - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 1 in C Major - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 2 in a Flat Major - Jennd
6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 6 in F Minor - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 1 in C Minor - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 3 in G Flat Major - Jennd
4 Impromptus D.899: No. 4 in a Flat Major - Jennd

Tracks:

Sonata in a Major D.959: Allegro - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Andantino - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
Sonata in a Major D.959: Rondo: Allegretto - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Molto Moderato - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Andante Sostenuto - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Michael Endres

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Adagio - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto E ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Non Troppo - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Appassionato - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Andante - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Giocoso - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Adagio ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Agitato ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Moderato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Deciso - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Marziale, Un ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Animato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Fantasy on Hungarian Folk-Tunes - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Polonaise Brillante (After Weber) - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
Fantasy on Weber's FreischVilmos Fischer

Tracks:

Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus. Sempre Vivo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Commodo Assai E Con ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Il Vechhio Castello (The Old Castle) . ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Non Tanto, Pesamente
Pictures at an Exhibition: Tuileries. Allegretto Non Troppo, ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo. Sempre Moderato, Pesante
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Tranquillo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells. ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges. Le MarchThe Market Place) . ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombae. Sepulcrum Romanum. Largo
Pictures at an Exhibition: Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua. Adante ...
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowls' Legs - Baba-Yaga. Allegro
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate of Kiev - Allegro Alla ...
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in E Flat Major. Andante Moderato
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in B Flat Minor. Andante Non ...
Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in C Sharp Minor. Andante Con ...
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 1 Intermezzo in a Minor (Allegro Non Assai)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 2 Intermezzo in a Major (Andante Teneramente)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 3 Ballad in G Minor (Allegro Energico)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 4 Intermezzo in F Minor (Andante - Allegretto
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 5 Romance in F Major (Andante - ...)
Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 6 Intermezzo in E Flat Minor (Andante, ...)

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Moderato - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Adagio ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Largo - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov

Tracks:

Prde Op.3, No.2 - Margarete Babinsky
Mdie Op.3, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
Polichinelle Op.3, No.4 - Margarete Babinsky
Moment Musical Op.16, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
Moment Musical Op.16, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op.42 - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
Prde Op.23, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

Rhapsody in Blue - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio. Andante Con Moto - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Agitato - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
American in Paris - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart

Album Description

This amazing 20-CD set truly is the ultimate piano collection! With over 20 hours of the greatest piano classics, from Mozart's priceless Piano Concertos and Sonatas to Gershwin's legendary Rhapsody in Blue, this set is a must have for everyone's collection. So sit back, relax and drift away on the beautiful melodic waves of classical piano at its very best.

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate music for every time of day and every mood.......2007-07-03

With 20 CDs in the collection, we have classical music for every mood and atime of day.

Would give 5 stars if sound quality where better.......2007-06-30

This Classical collection is one of great length and breadth ,and is well worth purchasing ,if you want an abundance of music at a low price.The sound quality is decent,however it is not great.This set will not provide you with the crisp,clear sound quality of a RCA,CBS or other well known label,so some classical aficionados may not appreciate it much.It all depends on what your looking for ,I guess.

Great collection for a great price.......2007-06-27

I did not expect much in buying this collection, but I was greatly surpeised. There were no reviews of the product at the time, and I bought the collection simply as a sampler of many great piano pieces. Most of the recordings are exquisite and of decent recording quality. This collection was well worth the price.

20 Fabulous Discs.......2007-06-08

I am surprised that this set has been out for 4 years and nobody reviewed it here yet. This is a lovely and occasionally amazing compilation. I was moved by many of the compositions. I really enhanced my classical music collection with this set. You have so many legends here to enjoy, from Bach to Brahms, Mozart to Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Gershwin, and more. If you love classical piano music and don't already have most of these works then this is a must buy for you. The price may go up, but I was fortunate to cash in on the $17.97 price. Quite a bargain for 20 fabulous discs.

Average customer rating:

Super Chamber Music
Great Schubert, but add some schmaltz please!
Brendel displaying his greatness
little music
Good. But...just good.

Schubert: The Complete Impromptus
Franz Schubert , and Alfred Brendel
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Schubert: Impromptus For Piano
Franz Schubert: Complete Trios
Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Schubert: The Last Three Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B0000041MS
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Impromptus, D.899: No. 1 In C Minor
Impromptus, D.899: No. 2 In E-Flat
Impromptus, D.899: No. 1 In G-Flat
Impromptus, D.899: No. 4 In A-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 1 In F Minor
Impromptus. D.935: No. 2 In A-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 3 In B-Flat
Impromptus. D.935: No. 3 In B-Flat
16 German Dances, D.783: Deutsche Tanze - Danses allemandes

Tracks:

3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 1 In E-Flat Minor
3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 2 In E-Flat
3 Klavierstucke (Impropmtus), D. 946: No. 3 In C Major
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 1 in C - Moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No.2 In A-Flat - Andantino
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 3 - In F Minor - Allegro moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 4 In C-Sharp Minor - Moderato
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 5 In F Minor - Allegro vivace
6 Moments Musicaux, D. 780: No. 6 In A-Flat - Allegretto
12 German Dances, D. 790: Deutsche Tanze - Danses Allemandes

Customer Reviews:

Super Chamber Music.......2007-05-31

As I was listening to this while gardening, I forgot for a moment that I was listening to Schubert, and thought 'My, what good Chopin this is!'. Well, I caught myself and realized my little slip revealed the fact that even though solo piano may not have been Schubert's strongest suit, he still managed to do it as well or better than the great classic Mr. Piano Man himself. This is an excellent bargain package with two CD's for the price of one and a complete set of a major composer's genre. I'm not a student of piano style, but Alfred Brendel seems to realize these in a better than workmanlike fashion. He may not be Murray Perahia, but he's no slouch.

Great Schubert, but add some schmaltz please!.......2007-03-18

I was greatly disappointed with my reaction to these CDs. There is nothing specific that I can say against the CDs, but....I was completely and totally uninvolved. I tried multiple listening, but it did not help. I was standing outside the music, and was examining it like I would an ant under the microscope. I know it is not my reaction to Schubert's impromptus, simply because I just adored them when I heard them performed by Krystian Zimerman.
The only thing I figured out is that Mr. Brendel was just too elegant and detached here for my taste. To use a metaphor, he was as elegant as a black cocktail dress, while a dress with some frills, colors, lace, and something soft would have been more appropriate here, I felt. In my view, even some schmaltz would be welcome here.
I guess it all depends on how you would be affected by this CD, so I do encourage you to try it!

Brendel displaying his greatness.......2007-02-05

I've always heard Brendel was a great interpreter of Beethoven, but have not heard his recordings before this work of Schubert. Brendel is an amazing pianist, and Schubert an inspiring composer. Some say this work by Brendel doesn't bring out the fullness of Schubert, but if this isn't one of the best recordings of Schubert, I'll eat my hat.

little music.......2007-01-02

Franz Schubert's piano impromptus are not big music.

Not only are the pieces relatively brief, but the absence of instruments other than solo piano and the evasion of bombast by Schubert altogether make these compositions small music.

But small is beautiful.

Alfred Brendel is at his understated best in his mastery of this genre. Lovers of the keyboard already know that Brendel can flow with Beethovian grandeur together with the best of them. He approaches Schubert's Impromptus, Deutsche Tanze, and Moment Musicaux as an artist with nothing to prove. The result is a pure reading of Schubert that leaves one savoring the music rather than the performer. That's a nice result that credits rather than demeans the pianist.

The Philips Classic ('Duo') series is at its usual peak form for quality, price, and therefore value.

Good. But...just good........2005-12-21

Schubert is my favourite composer, and I regard the impromptus as one of the most aesthetically pleasing of his piano works. I personally have played the D.899 pieces, and I find them very simple to play, they are not by any means technically demanding. But to play them well is in fact extremely difficult.

Control of speed and pressure on the keys is critical in every piece, especially no.3 and no.4 in D.899.

With that said, Brendel's playing is very straightforward and textbook to the very core essentials. The playing is very clean, and his tempo is well under control. However, that's where it ends, as he doesn't bring the liveliness into these works of beauty. Schubert sounds nothing more than a . If you want the music itself without any passion, then this is the album to get. Sound quality is excellent.

The best schubert impromptus I have heard thus far is from Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu. Of the two, I prefer Murray Perahia's. His playing really defines Schubert as a composer - the emotional output is all there, in every note, every phrase. There is not a single part in any of the impromptus where it can be considered dull. Listen to his recording and you will see what I mean. Radu Lupu tends to put more emphasis on the lyrical qualities of these pieces by using strong vibrato. If you really want something out of this world, then try Mitsuko Uchida's version, which is the complete opposite of Brendel, with erratic playing (much like her own personality).

-Sail

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Days and Evenings with Schubert and Uchida

Mitsuko Uchida Plays Schubert

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Mozart: The Piano Sonatas
Mozart: The Piano Concertos
"Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Opp. 109, 110 & 111"
Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos
Mozart: Sonatas for Piano & Violin

ASIN: B000654OUG
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-05-15

Schubert was a phenomenal composer. This set of CD's is now one of my most treasured possessions. His last sonata is almost 45 min long, an epic peice. Not for one second does Uchida's playing slow; she holds you completely engrossed in music so beautiful.

The sound quality is superb, the playing dense in personality and detail. As the previous reviewer mentioned, anyone interested in the piano, Uchida or Schubert this is a must have masterpeice.

Days and Evenings with Schubert and Uchida.......2006-01-31

Mitsuko Uchida is one of the major stars of the piano keyboard today and while her repertoire is wide, her interpretation of Franz Schubert's piano music is among the finest both on the concert stage and on recording. The two seem to be from the same soul: Uchida somehow finds the spiritual core of Schubert and traverses the hurdles of his Olympian pieces with complete ease and assurance.

This 8 CD set includes three sets of Impromptus (D899, 935, 946), Moments musicaux D780, German Dances D 820 an D790, and the Piano Sonatas numbers 4, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The placing of these works on the individual CDs creates a series of eight recitals and each disc is rich and satisfying. Playing all eight CDs in one day makes for one of the most rewarding musical experiences available.

The recorded sound is superb and Uchida is in top form for each selection. This is fine as Schubert gets and the entire set is more than well worth the relatively modest price. For lovers of the piano, of Mitsuko Uchida, and of Schubert this is zenith release. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

Average customer rating:

Interesting recordings but with less peaks than lows !
A great Fantasia, worth getting the set for.
Probably the best Schubert Piano collection

Alfred Brendel plays Schubert

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

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Mozart: Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448; Schubert: Fantasia for Piano, 4 Hands in F Minor, D 940
Alfred Brendel plays Liszt
Beethoven: Variations & Vignettes
Alfred Brendel plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Grieg, Chopin & Saint Saens Piano Concertos / Previn, Rubinstein, London Symphony Orchestra

ASIN: B000001K6Z
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

Impromptus Op. 90 (D. 899): No. 1 In C Minor (Allegro molto moderato) - Franz Schubert
Impromptus Op. 90 (D. 899): No. 2 In E Flat (Allegro) - Franz Schubert
Impromptus Op. 90 (D. 899): No. 3 In G-flat (Andante) - Franz Schubert
Impromptus Op. 90 (D. 899): No. 4 In A Flat (Allegretto) - Franz Schubert
Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 (D. 780): No.1 In C (Moderato) - Franz Schubert
Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 (D. 780): No. 2 In A Flat (Andantino) - Franz Schubert
Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 (D. 780): No. 3 In F Minor (Allegro moderato) - Franz Schubert
Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 (D. 780): No. 4 In C Sharp Minor (Moderato) - Franz Schubert
Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 (D. 780): No. 5 In F Minor (Allegro vivace) - Franz Schubert
Moments Musicaux, Op. 94 (D. 780): No. 6 In A Flat (Allegretto) - Franz Schubert
Three Pieces, Op. Posth. (D. 946): No. 1 In E Flat Minor - Franz Schubert
Three Pieces, Op. Posth. (D. 946): No. 2 In E Flat - Franz Schubert
Three Pieces, Op. Posth. (D. 946): No. 3 In C - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

Fantasia In F Minor For Piano 4-Hands, Op. 103 (D. 940): Fantasia In F Minor For Piano 4-Hands, Op.103 (D. 940) - Franz Schubert
Allegro In A Minor For Piano 4-Hands, Op. 144 (D. 947) 'Lebenssturme' - Franz Schubert
'Grand Duo' Sonata In C For Piano 4-Hands, Op. 140 (D. 812): I. Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert
'Grand Duo' Sonata In C For Piano 4-Hands, Op. 140 (D. 812): II. Andante - Franz Schubert
'Grand Duo' Sonata In C For Piano 4-Hands, Op. 140 (D. 812): III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace - Franz Schubert
'Grand Duo' Sonata In C For Piano 4-Hands, Op. 140 (D. 812): IV. Allegro vivace - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

Fantasy In C, Op. 15 (D. 760) 'Wanderer' - Alfred Brendel
Impromptus, Op. 142 (D. 935): No. 1 In F Minor (Allegro moderato) - Alfred Brendel
Impromptus, Op. 142 (D. 935): Impromptus No. 2 In A Flat (Allegretto) - Alfred Brendel
Impromptus, Op. 142 (D. 935): No. 3 In B Flat (Theme & Variations: Andante) - Alfred Brendel
Impromptus, Op. 142 (D. 935): No. 4 In F Minor (Allegro scherzando) - Alfred Brendel
Fantasy In C For Piano And Orchestra: I. Allegro - Alfred Brendel
Fantasy In C For Piano And Orchestra: II. Adagio - Alfred Brendel
Fantasy In C For Piano And Orchestra: III. Presto - Alfred Brendel
Fantasy In C For Piano And Orchestra: IV. Allegro - Alfred Brendel

Amazon.com

Alfred Brendel is not the most expressive Schubert player in the world on records,. But these early Vox recordings generally find him in good form, communicative enough to make an experience out of the Impromptus, for example. His duets with Evelyne Crochet are so gentle in their outlook that they sometimes almost fade from view, making it difficult to concentrate on the music (not Schubert's fault). I doubt that I'd recommend these performances if they weren't bargains. But the set is very inexpensive. So while other pianists give the ultimate Schubert performances, these discs are still worth their cost. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Interesting recordings but with less peaks than lows !.......2004-10-20

I must confess I am not a Brendel fan , but I must recognize the only composer he plays with interesting approach to my taste is Schubert and certain pieces .
His Wanderer Fantasie is the best of the set . And notice we are talking Brendel in his thirties ,
There are best Musical moments Paul Badura Skoda and Schnabel.
The Fantasie at four hands with Schiff is by far too much better . And the set of Impromptus has in Artur Schnabel, Edwin Fisher, Dinu Lipatti and Badura Skoda better performers.
Only recommendable for Brendel fans.

A great Fantasia, worth getting the set for........2003-04-10

I have to disagree with the amazon.com in-house reviewer on this one. She's critical of the performance of the duo works in this collection (with Evelyn Crochet) but I've always found the performance of the great F minor fantasia absolutely compelling, and, hearing it again in this re-release, some 30-odd years after hearing the performance in its original incarnation, I was still gripped, despite some less than ideal sound. I love the Gilels (father and daughter) and the Perahia/Lupu recordings but this is even more special. So, five stars to the Fantasia, - its the other performances I find a occassionally unyielding (partly because of the ageing sound quality) and perfunctory (Bendel's fault there, I'm afraid). Only a three to them, then, but the 5 stars for the Fantasia lifts the collection overall to a four.

Probably the best Schubert Piano collection.......2001-12-08

I can't be happier with this CD set. It combines what, in my view, are Schubert's best piano works. The impromptus, and the Fantasias for piano and 2 pianos incl. Die Wanderer. What's more Brendel is perhaps the quintessential interpreter of early Romantic music (Beethoven, Schubert). I searched all over for a collection like this, and this is the only CD set that offers it. If you like Schubert get it, you won't be disappointed.

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973

Average customer rating:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD.
ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?
merely spectacular!
I have never regretted buying this...
The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!

Complete Masterworks Recordings, 1962-1973

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon
Liszt: Piano Works
Chopin: The Piano Works
Martha Argerich Collection (Box) [Germany]
Horowitz Encores

ASIN: B000002909
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Sonata In E Major, K 531 (L430): Allegro
Sonata In A Major, K322 (L483): Allegro
Sonata In G Major K455 (L209): Allegro
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brio
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': II. Adagio cantabile
Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': III. Rondo. Allegro
Impromptu In G-flat Major, Op. 90 (D899) No. 3: Andante
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Etude In C-sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 7: Lento
Scherzo No. 1 In B Minor, Op. 20: Presto con fuoco
3 Preludes - From Book II: IV. Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses. Rapide et leger
3 Preludes - From Book II: V. Bruyeres. Calme
3 Preludes - From Book II: VI. General Lavine - eccentric.
Poeme In F-sharp Major, Op. 32 No. 1: Andante cantabile
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: I. Grave- Doppio movimento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: II. Scherzo
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: III. Marche funebre. Lento
Piano Sonata No.2 In B- Flat, Op.35: IV. Finale. Presto
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In C, Op.33 No.2: Appassionato
Arabeske In C, Op.18: Leicht und zart
Kinderszenen, Op.15 - Scenes From Childhood: 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 2. Kuriose Geschichte
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 3. Hansche-Mann
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 4. Bittendes Kind
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 5. Gluckes genug
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 6. Wichtige Begbenheit
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 7. Traumerei
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 8. Am Kamin
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 10. Fast zu ernst
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 11. Furchtenmachen
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 12. Kind im Einschlummern
KINDERSZENEN, OP.15: 13. Der Dichter spricht
Toccata In C, Op.7: Allegro
Hungarian Rhapsody No.19 In D Minor: Lento patetico (Lassan)- Vivace (Friska)

Tracks:

Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegretto
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante e cantabile
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro
Keyboard Sonatas: Andante moderato
Keyboard Sonatas: Vivo
Keyboard Sonatas: Allegro

Tracks:

Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: I. Preludio, quasi improvvisando. Tempo moderato
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: II. Intermezzo. Adagio
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C, BWV 564: III. Fuga. Moderamente sherzando, un poco umoristico
Fantasie In C, Op.17: I. Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschalflich vorzutragen
Fantasie In C, Op.17: II. Massig. Durchaus energisch
Fantasie In C, Op.17: III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
Piano Sonata No.9, Op.68 'Black Mass': Moderato quasi andante-Molto meno vivo-Allegro-Piu vivo-Allegro...
Poeme In F-Sharp Major, Op.32 No.1: Andante cantibile

Tracks:

Mazurka In C-sharp Minor, Op. 30. No. 4: Allegretto
Etude In F major, Op. 10 No. 8: Allegro
Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Serenade For The Doll. Allegro ma non troppo
Etude In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 2 No. 1: Andante
Etude In A-Flat Major, Op. 72 No. 11: Presto e con leggierezza
Traumerei
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K.331: I. Tema.Andante grazioso e variazioni
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: II. Menuetto - Trio
Sonata No. 11 In A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla Turca
Polonaise-Fantaisie In A-Flat Major, Op. 61: Allegro maestoso

Tracks:

Mazurka In B minor, Op. 33 No. 4: Mesto
Nocturne In E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1: Andante
Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70: Moderato - Allegro - Puissant, radieux - Allegro - Piu vivo - Presto - Moderato
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: I. Allegro
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: II. Adagio
Piano Sonata In F Major, Hob. XVI: 23: III. Finale
Blumenstuck In D-Flat Major, Op. 19: Leise bewegt
L'ISLE JOYEUSE: Quasi una cadenza - Tempo.
Vallee d'Obermann: Lento assai - Piu lento - Un poco piu di moto ma sempre lento - Presto - Lento

Tracks:

Ballade No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 23: Largo - Moderato - Meno mosso - Presto con fuoco
Nocturne In F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1: Andante
Polonaise In F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44: Tempo di polacca - Doppio movimento, tempo di Mazurka - Tempo I
Sonata In E major, K 380 (L23): Andante commodo
Sonata In G major, K 55 (L335): Allegro
Arabeske In C Major, Op. 18: Leicht und zart
Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8 No. 12: Patetico
Traumerei
Variations On A Theme From Bizet's Opera 'Carmen'

Tracks:

Sonata In E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 2: III. Rondo
Adagio sostenuto In F Major
Sonata In B-Flat Major, Op. 25 No. 3: II. Rondo
Sonata In A Major, Op. 50 No. 1: II. Adagio
Corale Prelude 'Lch ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
Sonata In F-Sharp Major, K 319 (L35): Allegro
Sonata In G Major, K 260 (L124): Allegro
Sonata In C Major, HOB. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione
Sonata In C major, Hob. XVI:48: II. Rondo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: I. Allegretto ma non troppo
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: II. Vivace alla Marcia
Sonata No. 28 In A Major, Op. 101: III. Adagio ma non troppo, con affetto - Allegro

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto
II. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2'Moonlight': III. Presto agitato
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': I. Allegro con brio
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': II. Introduzione. Adagio molto - attacca
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein-Sonata': III. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Prestissimo
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': I. Allegro assai
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': II. Andante con moto -attacca
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, 'Appassionata': III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Presto

Tracks:

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in G-flat major, Op. 10 No. 5: Vivace
Introduction & Rondo In E-Flat Major, Op. 16: Introduzione. Andante - Rondo. Allegro vivace
Waltz in A minor, Op. 34 No. 2: Lento
Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53: Maestoso
Mazurka in F-sharp minor, Op. 59 No. 3: Vivace
Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 50 No. 3: Moderato
Mazurka in D-flat major, Op. 30 No. 3: Allegro non troppo
Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41 No. 2: Andantino
Mazurka in D major, Op. 33 No. 2: Vivace
Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4: Presto
Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3: Lento, ma non troppo
Etude in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12: Allegro con fuoco
Prelidu In B Minor, Op. 28 No. 6: Lento assai

Tracks:

Posonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1: Allegro con brio
Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15: Sostenuto
Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6: Andante
Etude No. 2 in A-flat major from 'Trois Nouvelles Etudes': Allegretto
Mazurka In F Minor, Op. 7 No. 3
Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2: Tempo giusto
Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck From Sonata No. 3 In F Minor,Op. 14: Andantino
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: I. Ausserst bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: II.Sehr innig
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: III. Sehr aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: IV. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: V. Sehr lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VI. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VII. Sehr rasch
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: VIII. Schnell und spielend

Tracks:

Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 4: Allegretto
Impromptu In F Minor Op. 142 (D935) No. 1: Allegro moderato
Impromptu In A-Flat Major Op. 142 (935) No. 2: Allegretto
Impromptu In E-Flat Major Op. 90 (D899) No. 2: Allegro
Consolation In E Major S. 172 (R.12) No. 2
Pour les arpeges composes: Dolce e lusingando
La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune: Lent
Etude In A Minor Op. 104b No. 3: Allegro vivace
Scherzo & March S. 177 (R.20)

Tracks:

Feuillet d'album In E-Flat Major Op. 45 No. 1: Andante piacevole
Etude In F-Sharp Minor Op. 8 No. 2: A capriccio, con forza
Etude In B-Flat Minor Op. 8 No. 11: Andante cantabile
Etude In D-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 10: Allegro
Etude In A-Flat Major Op. 8 No. 8: Lento (Tempo rubato)
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No 3: Prestissimo
Etude In F-Sharp Major Op. 42 No. 4: Andante
Etude In C-Sharp Minor Op. 42 No. 5: Affannato
Etude Op. 65 No. 3: Molto vivace
No. 1: Allegretto
2 Poemes Op. 69: No. 2: Allegretto
Vers la flamme Op. 72: Allegro moderato
Feuillet d'album Op. 58
Fairy Tale In A Major Op. 51 No. 3
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor Op. 36: I. Allegro agitato
Sonata No. 2 In B-flat, Minor, Op. 36: II. Non allegro
Sonata No. 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 36: III. Allegro molto
Prelude In G-Sharp Minor Op. 32 No. 12: Allegro
Moment musical In B Minor Op. 16 No. 3: Andante cantabile
Etude-Tableau In E-Flat Minor Op. 33 No. 5: Non allegro - Presto
Etude-Tableau In C Major Op. 33 No. 2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau In D Major Op. 39 No. 9: Allegro moderato (Tempo di Marcia)

Amazon.com

It may surprise you to learn that, despite his untouchable reputation with the public, Vladimir Horowitz enjoyed a certain dubious reputation with the critics. For many, he was the epitome of the witless virtuoso, all technique and vulgar display, and no brains. There was some truth in this to the extent that he really could be variable on record, but by general consensus his Masterworks recordings show him at his absolute best. Aside from his famous Carnegie Hall concerts from 1965, you get stunning performances of music by Schumann, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, and above all, Scarlatti--the composer that Horowitz, more than anyone, put back on the map for pianists the world over. A great set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Horowitz: good. Amazon: good. Sony Classical: BAD........2004-05-24

I bought this set in December, and because I have so many classical CD's (more than 300), it took me 5 months to realize that the set contained TWO volume 8's and NO volume 9's. Worried that it might be too late, I e-mailed Amazon. Their first reply was that the replacement was already on its way (with return shipping paid for as well). Wow, that was a relief!

When I got the new set, I decided to study it closely and make sure that everything was good. It turns out that several of the discs (in both sets) had holes through the aluminum reflective layer -- which seemed to be because it was too thin to begin with. One disc was cracked, and another looked like the aluminum was "rotting out" on the edge. You would think that for $230, Sony Classical would put more quality into their discs. So what good is "Super Bit Mapping" and "High Definition Remastering" if the discs are so cheap that the player will misread the data? And I don't have much confidence that the discs will last many years, either.

Fortunately I got to pick the best discs from the 2 sets, so I won't need to replace this one for another. But I certainly lost respect for Sony Classical.

And kudos to you Amazon; you're really looking out for your customers!

ARE YOU CRAZY RICH OR CRAZY STUPID?.......2002-08-25

Why would any one in the right mind plunk down [money] for 13 CDS by the same pianist? Is it so you can brag about owning 11 years' worth of the same old thing? Or did you get it as a gift designed to impress but not really to listened to? Now you could probably get [money] for it whether you used it or not. Columbia Masterworks should have brought along new and younger talent. For my bet I can't think of many American pianists who are currently recording. Do we have to recycle Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, and others over and over? This is the Twenty-first Century. We should at least be thinking of Twentieth Century piano works. I can get 10 CDs by 10 pianists currently recording if I look to Europe.

merely spectacular!.......2001-03-10

I've only had this set about a week and have already indulged three complete listenings; it's a gold mine! - the power of preaching is persuasive in the Temple of Horowitz! I'm taken aback by the unity and continuity of sonics, an excellent and remarkable display of high engineering art. Everything important is here (almost! I wish some of the Scriabin Preludes had been included). There are sketches of incomparable pianism and supreme intelligence in these discs: Liszt's 'Vallee d'Obermann', and the Consolations; Debussy's 'L'isle joyeux' - so 'russian playing french'! - Scriabin's 'Vers le flamme' and the Black Mass sonata - one simply can't climb out of the volcano, it's terrifying and beautiful! - and the Scarlatti and Chopin. Only Gilels approaches Horowitz's indigenous understanding of Chopin. In the course of thirteen discs the glory can start to crash in around you, but at the last moment of endurance along comes 'Serenade of the Doll', or one of the Consolations. The Bach-Busoni is cerebral and fine. Horowitz gets rapped for the wrong romanticism - it's the romanticism of artistic intelligence that his art claims! I love that famous C clunker at the beginning of the Bach-Busoni in the Return to Carnegie Hall recital; more than that, I appreciate how Horowitz played his public pride in it, no retouches, etc. Shrewd, and very real, I think. He was a pianist of enormous humility on the inside, so completely knowing of his gifts - one of the reason his playing was something special. He possessed the often disregarded ability to stand completely outside his playing and admire it as one might a beautiful woman, with complete humility. It affords us the privilege of reaping joy after joy of a remarkable art the likes of which will surely stand true for a long time. 200 bucks is a lot of money, I probably would have thought it too much for the convenience of a collection; I'm glad someone else didn't feel that way, and gave me the set! - now I find it curiously too clever a package to be considered merely a consolidation of recordings into a 'set' - there is something indefinably congruent about these recordings. They fit together with harmonious intent, and shine and shadow the land with a marvelous music. Highest recommendation without reservation.

I have never regretted buying this..........2000-08-22

Considering that this set is devoted to a single instrument played by one artist in a 12-year period, the depth is mind-blowing. If variety is the spice of life, than this set is a very warming set indeed.

For the most part, Horowitz communicates a deep respect for the specific style of each composer: his Scarlatti is done articulately and without any smear with the pedal. His Liszt is demonic. His Rachmaninov is dazzling, with all of the "superfluous" notes (!) and Russian virtuosity in tact. Horowitz's Schumann is sensitive, passionate and Romantic.

And then there are his interpretations of Chopin. To me, Vladimir Horowitz is one of Chopin's best ambassadors. In particular, I draw attention to the Polonaise-Fantaisie in Vol. 3 and the mazurkas and etudes of Vol. 7.

For a good summary of this collection, listen to Vol. 4, "The Legendary 1968 TV Concert." Applause is omitted between selections, and the repertoire is tailored to Horowitz's pianistic gifts.

The first disc of Vol. 3 (Including the Bach-Busoni Toccata and the Schumann Fantasy) is not top-notch piano-playing... It's a little sloppy and inaccurate. I'm sure there are other minor slips elsewhere in this collection, but here they are most obviously seen.

Regardless, this collection is a MUST for Horowitz fans. Save up your money little by little and go and buy it. It is truly the most rewarding purchase of classical music I have ever made.

The greatest 20th Cent. pianist at his best!.......2000-04-15

If you were to take a set of piano music from only one performer to a desert island, this would be the set. Vladimir Horowitz was a pianist of incredible, almost unique, technical prowess capable of creating wonderful piano textures and tone colorings, and possessing his own dark, distinctive sound on a wonderful Steinway he had transported to each of his concerts or studio recording sessions. Of almost limitless ability, he suffered criticism from music critics because he severely limited his performing repertoire and stayed away from the concert stage for several prolonged periods because of his terrible insecurity and stagefright. He was especially criticized in his early years for bravura performances which were brilliant, but loud and not always tasteful. He was known for giving his enthralled audiences what they wanted, but it should be remembered that he championed Scarlatti and almost single-handedly brought him back into the performing world from near-oblivion, and it was Horowitz who premiered several important works by twentieth century composers such as Barber and Khatchaturian. He kept the works of the mysterious and exotic Alexander Scriabin from disappearing from piano benches in the conservatories, and he created some of the most imaginative and thrilling encore transcriptions ever heard in the concert hall. In later years, his repertoire expanded and he played some wonderful Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, much of which is featured in this set. The highlight of this disc collection from the early 60's through about 1973 is the historic return concert at Carnegie Hall in 1965. After a self-imposed exile from public performing for 12 years, he made this famous recital which is one of the most memorable in the history of recorded piano performance. Although he made several nerve-induced mistakes in the opening Bach piece, he settled down quickly and delivered a thrilling performance, highlighted, for me, at least, by the Chopin Ballade in G minor, which took away my breath and featured one of the most dazzling climaxes I have ever heard on a piano. His incredible performance possessed a youthful vitality which belied his 62 years. Throughout the other discs in this set one hears Horowitz at his best: still technically awesome yet more musically mature and capable of producing little miracles from pieces well-known, and less-known. No longer pandering to the expectations of the audience, he gave as his encore at the Carnegie Hall return concert, a precious, child-like Traumerei from Kinderszenen. The Schumann featured on these discs includes some of the most beautiful offerings available anywhere of this composer, including a wonderful Fantasy in C and perhaps the best performance ever on record of Kreisleriana. The Schubert impromptus are little miracles, and the Debussy that's thrown in makes us fantasize about the other French music he could have given us! His wonderful Chopin reminds us there are other views besides Rubinstein's to this most-important-of-all piano literature, and his Rachmaninoff is glorious. Performing into his eighties, he was a wonder of music and the 13 discs offered here give a personal record of a dazzling career from his very best years. It might be pointed out that several pieces are offered more than once in the set as they were recorded in several concerts and studio sessions and it is interesting to hear the differences in his performances. One might wish that his piano oeuvre had included more composers and a wider range of pieces, but this collection certainly highlights the work he was best known for, including as it does the various Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Schumann, Scarlatti, Scriabin, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Clementi, and Beethoven gems he was noted for throughout his long career. Anyone loving the piano, or just beautiful music must hear these discs!

Schubert: Piano Sonatas D.960 & 664, Moments Musicaux D.780, Impromptus D.899

Average customer rating:

The non-pareil!
Great recordings
Amazing recording

Schubert: Piano Sonatas D.960 & 664, Moments Musicaux D.780, Impromptus D.899
Wilhelm Kempff
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Schubert: Wanderer-Fantaisie; Impromptus
Mozart: Piano Sonatas KV310 KV331 Fantasias KV397
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Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Favourite Piano Transcriptions [Australia]

ASIN: B000024575
Release Date: 1998-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Molto Moderato
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Andante Sostenuto
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Scherzo- Allegro Vivace
Piano Sonata In B Flat Major, D 960 - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.1 In C Major- Moderato
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.2 In A Flat Major- Andantino
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.3 In F Minor- Allegro Moderato
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.4 In C Sharp Minor- Moderato
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.5 In F Minor- Allegro Vivace
Moments Musicaux, D 780 (Op.94) - No.6 In A Flat Major- Allegretto
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.1 In C Minor- Allegro Molto Moderato
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.2 In E Flat Major- Allegro
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.3 In G Flat Major- Andante
4 Impromptus, D 899 (Op.90) - No.4 In A Flat Major- Allegretto
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.1 In F Minor- Allegro Moderato
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.2 In A Flat Major- Allegretto
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.3 In B Flat Major- Theme With Variations- Andante - Var. I-
4 Impromptus, D 935 (Op.Post. 142) - No.4 In F Minor- Allegro Scherzando
Piano Sonata In A Major, D 664 (Op.Post.120) - Allegro Moderato
Piano Sonata In A Major, D 664 (Op.Post.120) - Andante
Piano Sonata In A Major, D 664 (Op.Post.120) - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The non-pareil!.......2006-01-30

I heard Kempff play the great Schubert B-flat sonata when I was a schoolboy, and to this day, many years later, I've never heard anyone catch the heart-breaking, valedictory lyricism of that first movement in quite that way. To my mind--and fingers--the rather slow tempo that others have noticed is absolutely right. Then the figure-work is so delicate! And no-one, in my longish experience, no-one, has ever played the scherzo with such sweet, rippling grace. The impromptus are beautifully played, too, especially the first one of the second set. What a player Kempff was! And what a great age of music-making he lived in: such nobility of approach and understanding.

Great recordings.......2005-07-18

These selections of Schubert are among the best the composer can offer, and we also have Kempff performing them, so it's a double deal. In D.960 Kempff finds such a calmness interrupted by bursts of tension and passion. It is slower that others saved only by Richter and Arrau, but it never gets boring or feels dragged. Kempff's sense of phrasing here is marvellous.

The shorter pieces (impromptus and moment musicaux) are nicely done. While you can feel they all belong to sets, Kempff also creates a sense of individuality for each piece.

On the whole, I should say this is a very good introduction to Schubert and also a good item for Kempff fans such as myself. The sould is also very good for the time of the recording.

Amazing recording.......2003-09-06

This is clearly one of the best D960 I have heard. The other pieces are also beautiful. Kempff has almost no peer in this repertoire. The first movement of the D960 is played slower than most pianists I have heard(except Richter), leading to a veiled tension that pervades the omnipresent Schubert lyricism. Faster tempos end up making the music sound perky.Kempff achieves amazing effect in the other three movements too. The D664 is also exceptional. A CD truely worth owning.

Tracks:

Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.35: I. Grave - Doppio Movimento
Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.35: II. Scherzo
Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.35: III. Marche Funebre. Lento
Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.35: IV. Finale. Presto
Etude-Tableau in C Major, Op.33, No.2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau in E flat Minor, Op.39, No.5: Appassionato
Arabeske in C Major, Op.18: Leicht Und Zart
Hungarian Rhapsody in D Minor, No.19: Lento Patetico (Lassan) - Vivace (Friska)

Tracks:

Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Kuriose Geschichte
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Hasche-Mann
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Bittendes Kind
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Gluckes Genug
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Wichtige Begebenheit
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Traumerei
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Am Kamin
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Ritter Vom Steckenpferd
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Fast Zu Ernst
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Furchtenmachen
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Kind Im Einschlummern
Kinderszenen (Scenes From Childhood), Op.15: Der Dichter Spricht
Toccata in C Major, Op.7: Allegro
Sonata in E Major, K.531 (L 430): Allegro
Sonata in A Major, K.322 (L 483): Allegro
Sonata in G Major, K. 455 (L 209): Allegro
Impromptu in G flat Major, Op.90, No.3: Andante
Poeme in F sharp Major, Op.32, No.1: Andante Cantabile
Etude in C sharp Major, Op.2, No.1: Andante
Etude in D sharp Minor, Op.8, No.12: Patetico

Tracks:

Sonata No.8 in C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': I. Grave - Allegro Di Molto E Con Brio
Sonata No.8 in C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': II. Adagio Cantabile
Sonata No.8 in C Minor, Op.13 'Pathetique': III. Rondo. Allegro
3 Preludes from Book 2: Les Fees Sont D'exquises Danseuses
3 Preludes from Book 2: Bruyeres
3 Preludes from Book 2: General Lavine - Eccentric
Etude in c, Op.10, No.12 ('Revolutionary'): Allegro Con Fuoco
Etude in C sharp Minor, Op.25, No.7: Lento
Scherzo No.1 in B Minor, Op.20: Presto Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Sonata in D Major, K. 33 (L 424): Allegro
Sonata in A Minor, K. 54 (L 241): Allegro
Sonata in F Major, K. 525 (L 188): Allegro
Sonata in F Minor, K.466 (L 188): Andante Moderato
Sonata in G Major, K. 146 (L 349): Allegretto
Sonata in D Major, K. 96 (L 465): Allegro
Sonata in E Major, K. 162 (L 21): Andante
Sonata in E flat Major, K. 474 (L203): Allegro
Sonata in E Minor, K. 198 (L22): Allegro
Sonata in D Major, K. 491 (L 164): Allegro
Sonata in F Minor, K. 481 (L 187): Andante E Cantabile
Sonata in A Major, K. 39 (L 391): Allegro

Tracks:

Organ Toccata in C Major, BWV 564: I. Preludio, Quasi Improvvisando
Organ Toccata in C Major, BWV 564: II. Intermezzo: Adagio
Organ Toccata in C Major, BWV 564: III. Fuga. Moderamente Scherzando, Un Poco Umoristico
Fantasy in C Major, Op.17: I. Durchaus Phantastisch Und Leidenschaftlich Vorzutragen
Fantasy in C Major, Op.17: II. Massig. Durchaus Energisch
Fantasy in C Major, Op.17: III. Langsam Getragen. Durchweg Leise Zu Halten

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.9, Op.68 'Black Mass'
Poeme in F sharp Major, Op.32, No.1: Andante Cantabile
Mazurka in C sharp Minor, Op.30, No.4: Allegretto
Etude in F Major, Op.10, No.8: Allegro
Ballade No.1 in G Minor, Op.23: Largo - Moderato - Meno Mosso - Presto Con Fuoco
Children's Corner: No.3 Serenade For The Doll
Etude in C sharp Minor, Op.2, No.1: Andante
Etude in A flat Major, Op.72, No.11: Presto E Con Leggierezza
Kinderszenen, Op.15: No.7: Traumerei

Tracks:

Polonaise-Fantasie, Op.61
Mazurka in A Minor, Op.17, No.4: Lento, Ma Non Troppo
Etude ('Black Key') in G flat Major, Op.10, No.5: Vivace
Introduction & Rondo in E flat Major, Op.16: Introduzione. Andante - Rondo. Allegro Vivace
Waltz in A Minor, Op.34, No.2: Lento
Polonaise in A flat Major, Op.53: Maestoso

Tracks:

Sonata No.3 in F Minor, Op.14: Variations On A Theme By Clara Wieck: Andantino
Kreisleriana, Op.16: I. Ausserst Bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op.16: II. Sehr Innig
Kreisleriana, Op.16: III. Sehr Aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op.16: IV. Sehr Langsam
Kreisleriana, Op.16: V. Sehr Lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op.16: VI. Sehr Langsam
Kreisleriana, Op.16: VII. Sehr Rasch
Kreisleriana, Op.16: VIII. Schnell Und Spielend

Tracks:

Etude: Andante Piacevole
Etude in f#, Op.8, No.2: A Capriccio Con Forza
Etude in B flat Minor, Op.8, No.11: Andante Cantabile
Etude in D flat Major, Op.8, No.10: Allegro
Etude in A flat Major, Op.8, No.8: Lento (Tempo Rubato)
Etude in F sharp Major, Op.42, No.3: Prestissimo
Etude in F sharp Major, Op.42, No.4: Andante
Etude in C sharp Minor, Op.42, No.5: Affannato
Piano Sonata No.10, Op.70: Moderato - Allegro - Puissant, Radieux - Allegro - Piu Vivo - Presto - Moderato
2 Poemes, Op.69: No.1: Allegretto
2 Poemes, Op.69: No.2: Allegretto
Vers La Flamme (Poeme), Op.72: Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.36: I. Allegro Agitato
Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.36: II. Non Allegro
Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat Minor, Op.36: III. Allegro Molto
Prelude in G sharp Minor, Op.32, No.12: Allegro
Moment Musical in B Minor, Op.16, No.3: Andante Cantabile
Etude-Tableau in E flat Minor, Op.33, No.5: Non Allegro - Presto
Etude-Tableau in C Major, Op.33, No.2: Allegro
Etude-Tableau in D Major, Op.39, No.9: Allegro Moderato (Tempo Di Marcia)

Customer Reviews:

A great musician, not only a virtuoso.......2005-10-24

Vladimir Horowitz is, perhaps, the last example of the true last romantic russian virtuoso. His execution is always interesting by a musical point of wiev. The composers are many and of varied historic periods, but the execution is always very appropriated in style and musical analisys. Specially the works by Scriabine and Rachmaninov have here an equilibrated treatment that shows the musical qualities over the technical power. An indispensable for all piano lovers and piano players.

Ca$hing in on Nostalgia.......2002-01-01

Despite having died over twelve years ago, Vladimir Horowitz remains a potent force in the ever-shrinking Classical music market. Since his death in 1989, Horowitz' complete recordings have been remastered and reissued, and a number of previously unreleased recordings have also surfaced.

The marketing gimmick behind the Original Jacket Collection is a simple one: ten CDs, with the music duplicating the original LP release, with the original liner notes and bearing the original LP covers (albeit in miniaturized form).

Horowitz was in his late prime during his Columbia (now Sony) years, 1962-1973. The performances in this box are rightfully legendary. Highlights include: loads of Chopin including the Sonata, Op. 35 (1962), a brooding Poloniase-Fantasie, Op. 61 (recorded live in 1966), an electrifying performance of the neglected Introduction & Rondo, Op. 16 (1971); Horowitz' own transcription of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 19; and the all Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, and Scriabin LPs. It is worth noting that most of these recordings were Grammy winners and have never been out of the catalogue since they were initially released.

That's part of the problem. Horowitz fans with sharp ears will detect that these are not new remasterings, they are straight transfers from Sony's 1993 Complete Masterworks Recordings reissue. In a number of cases here, such as in Schumann's Kreisleriana, alternate takes were used, which differ from the original LP issues. While the performances don't suffer from the alterations, should not Sony have done their homework and checked the CD remasterings against the original LPs?

Ca$hing in on Nostalgia.......2001-12-27

Vladimir Horowitz remains a potent force in the ever-shrinking Classical music market. Since his death in 1989, Horowitz' complete recordings have been remastered and reissued, and a number of previously unreleased recordings have also surfaced.

Horowitz was in his late prime during his Columbia (now Sony) years, 1962-1973. The performances in this box are rightfully legendary. Highlights include loads of Chopin including the Sonata, Op. 35 (1962), a brooding Poloniase-Fantasie, Op. 61 (recorded live in 1966), an electrifying performance of the neglected Introduction & Rondo, Op. 16 (1971); Horowitz' own transcription of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 19; and the all Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, and Scriabin LPs. It is worth noting that most of these recordings were Grammy winners and have never been out of the catalogue since they were initially released.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best of the Masterworks series.......2007-07-06

Brilliant Classics' "Masterworks" series, if you can get them cheaply (and currently they go for about $1/CD from Amazon's France Web site), are a great way to amass a significant library of the works of several great computers. The production values and the performances themselves are uneven, and the interpretations are not always historically-informed (unlike the bulk of Brilliant's "Complete Editions" of the works of Bach and Mozart). But there are numerous gems in the rough in The Masterworks, and the economic value is unsurpassed, even if you were to throw away half of the CDs in each set.

You're unlikely to throw away much of this Schubert collection though. This seems to be the finest of the Masterworks sets, with a succession of solid, often first-rate performances of most of the major Schubert works. Here's what you get:

- The symphonies, performed by The Hanover Band in a historically-informed style. Very interesting performances perhaps marred by an odd recording balance that makes the woodwinds sound distant. Takes up four CDs
- The six Latin masses. Also the Deutsche Messe in the version with wind instruments. Five CDs in all
- Edison Denisov's completion of Schubert's unfinished dramatic work Lazarus (2 CDs, Helmuth Rilling's premier recording)
- The last four string quartets (including the Quartettsatz) with #9 thrown in. Also the octet, piano quintet ("The Trout"), string quintet and both piano trios. In short all the canonical chamber works. Performances are strong, and well recorded
- Two CDs of violin/piano duets, including Op. 137 and Op. 162
- 19 of the 21 "canonical" piano sonatas (missing #7 and #12) as well as the Moments Musicaux, Impromptus, German Dances, Wanderer Fantasy and several other piano works, 11 CDs in all. As with the chamber music, the performances and recordings are strong, often stunning
- Two CDs of piano duets, including the Divertissements and D. 617
- Song cycles: Die Schöne Müllerin, Winterreise, Schwanengesang, and four CDs of standalone songs, including such "standards" as Erlkönig and Gretchen am Spinnrade. The singers are a bit uneven here, ranging from standouts Robert Holl, Deitrich Fischer-Dieskau and John Shirley-Quirk to the somewhat shrill Arleen Augér

Missing from the collection is Rosamunde, and a number of famous songs: Die Forelle (The Trout), Death and the Maiden, Ellens Gesang III (the so-called Ave Maria, D. 839), Der Hirt auf dem Felsen and Der Wanderer. But you do have almost all the important instrumental works, and most of the vocal works generally considered to be essential, with some padding added in the form of minor works such as the parochial Deutsche Messe, the German Dances, and the modernist-informed completion of Lazarus by the 20th Century Russian composer Denisov.

As with the other Masterworks sets, there are no program notes. You'll need to do your own research. Answers.com is a good starting point for Schubert compositions. There are also no song texts or translations provided, so again you'll need to track down your own. Try "The Lied and Art Song Texts Page" for lieder lyrics and translations. Hunt down a good price on this collection, browsing one of Amazon's European sites if necessary, and treat yourself to many hours of lovely music for the cost of a modest night out.

Will not buy this.......2007-03-16

I can't see D965 or D945 on this 40 disks worth of Schubert. Bizarre! There are so many great songs missing it scares me.

Worth it!.......2006-12-19

One of the best in "The Masterpices" series. Many of the discs (the symphonies in particular) were licensed from Nimbus and other full-line labels. Not all that long ago these discs would have set you back $18 to $20 a piece. That said, I still wouldn't part with my Hyperion collection. 40 CD's at this price... you can't go wrong.

Great way to jumpstart a schubert collection.......2006-12-19

Hartmut Holl, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Stephanie Brown, and Jaime Laredo as well as the Stuttgart Bach Collegium performing Schubert are hardly "left-behind artists and ensembles" as the previous naysayer states. These are licensed from major label releases and from the original masters issued at a bargain price, especially for the number of discs you get. Sound quality ranges from good to excellent. Good for all Schubertians and anyone who wants to jumpstart a Schubert collection.

Better to Pick a Few First-rate Performances.......2006-11-14

This is a bargain in dollar/listening time ratio, but who cares? There are many second-rate performances by left-behind artists and ensembles. Obviously the economics of resurrecting disks that don't require royalties has been the driving factor of selection. (On the other hand, the complete edition boxed sets of Bach and Mozart, which you'll find if you look, are stupendous successes artistically.)

Average customer rating:

Rare Gulda Recordings (& Repertoire) from Austrian Radio

Friedrich Gulda, Piano

Manufacturer: Andante
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
Similar Items:

Decca Beethoven Recordings, 1950-1958
Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2

ASIN: B0007MR0Y0
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Customer Reviews:

Rare Gulda Recordings (& Repertoire) from Austrian Radio.......2005-04-06

When people think of the great Austrian pianist Friedrich Gulda (1930-2000) they tend to think of two things: the classic and romantic Austro-German repertoire, and jazz. Gulda was a child prodigy who came to fame early and whose reputation was made playing Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. He recorded the complete Beethoven sonata cycle three times. In his mid-twenties he discovered jazz and from that point on his career combined both the European classics and jazz gigs in places like Birdland in New York. At one point he even had his own big band. He made relatively few recordings and this 4 CD set gives us an opportunity to hear performances never widely available before. It includes some repertoire he certainly is not usually associated with, namely that of the 20th-century French piano giants, Ravel and Debussy. Indeed the set is preponderantly drawn from the French. Since Amazon has not yet listed the contents of the four CDs, let me do that work by work.

CD1: Schubert: Piano Sonatas in A minor, D845 and in B flat major, D960, recorded in 1967. These are straightforward, exceptionally clean performances whose primary strength is their sense of architecture and line. I love how he emphasizes in Mvt. IV of the A minor that little figure that presages the famous Paganini Caprice that has been used so many times as the basis for sets of variations. His emphasis here is a sly homage to those few notes that are so beloved by composers subsequent to Schubert. Of course, Gulda was a master Schubertian and these are masterful performances start to finish.

CD2: Schubert: Four Impromptus, D899; Moments musicaux, D780, also recorded in 1967. Debussy: Pour le piano, and Suite bergamasque, recorded in 1957 as are the rest of the works here. (All these 1957 recordings are in mono, and strangely, their sound is marginally clearer and warmer than those for 1967.) Gulda played a lot of Schubert in his earlier years, but less and less of it as time went on. These performances are not as nuanced as some I prefer, such as those of Perahia. They sound more like Brendel, say, in their clarity and reticence. The Debussy, on the other hand, is light in spots, warm in others, and entirely idiomatic. Gulda, not a pianist one associates with humor, has tongue in cheek in the Toccata in 'Pour le piano.' Who knew that Gulda would be a terrific Debussyan? I certainly didn't.

CD3: Debussy: Prludes, Books I & II; Reflets dan l'eau; L'Isle joyeuse. Gulda's Debussy is a big surprise to me. It partakes of his usual clarity but it also is more than usually romantic in tone. Just listen to No. 8, 'Ce qu'a vu le Vent d'Ouest' ('What the West Wind Saw'); this is a big-boned, ultra-Romantic reading. Whatever the West Wind saw it was more than a little scary! Wow! This is exciting stuff! And it is followed by one of the sweetest and most innocent readings of 'La fille aux cheveux de lin' ('The Girl with the Flaxen Hair'). In 'La puerta del vino' from Book II one feels the languor of the Iberian summer. 'Hommage à Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C' is a chuckle.

CD4: Ravel: Sonatine; Gaspard de la nuit; Le Tombeau de Couperin; Valses nobles et sentimentales. This is patrician Ravel. Again, Gulda's clarity--his chord voicings are remarkable--is completely appropriate for this most classical of the modern French composers for piano. In 'Gaspard,' 'Scarbo' could be a bit more reckless, but 'Le gibet' is breathtaking. The 'Rigaudon' from 'Tombeau' is cheeky, as it should be. And the 'Toccata' takes one's breath away. The Noble and Sentimental Waltzes are excitingly rhythmic. People don't often comment about Gulda's way with rhythm, but he was a master whom we perhaps took for granted.

So, why only four stars for this set? It's the sound. I hate to say it, because these are radio tapes that have clearly been cleaned up nicely, but there still is a bit of compression and at fortissimo there is some clangor. It is distressing in a few spots -- like that first rat-a-tat in the first section of the Waltzes. Is this enough to put you off? Only you can tell, but I confess I've been listening to this set off and on for a couple of weeks and I've not been put off in the least. Perhaps, though, I am, because of my interest in historic recordings, less distracted by not quite modern sound. You'll have to decide for yourself. Chances are, though, that you're not likely to ever hear much of this repertoire played by Gulda and if that's a magnet for you I'd say go ahead and get the set.

TT=ca. 5 hours

Scott Morrison