Napoli & Other Orchestral Works

On this CD:

1. Napoli!, for timpani, percussion, harp & strings
Composed by Stephen Perillo
Performed by St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra
Conducted by Yuval Waldman

2. Concerto No. 1 for piano & orchestra
Composed by Stephen Perillo
Performed by St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra with Nina Kogan
Conducted by Yuval Waldman

3. Hangoverture, for timpani, percussion & strings
Composed by Stephen Perillo
Performed by St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra
Conducted by Yuval Waldman

4. Antique Suite, for timpani, percussion, harp & strings
Composed by Stephen Perillo
Performed by St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra
Conducted by Yuval Waldman

Tracks:

Carnaval: Variations Sur 'Le Carnaval De Venise'
Carnaval: The Debutante (Caprice Brillant)
Carnaval: Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Carnaval: Grand Russian Fantasia
Carnaval: Moto Perpetuo, Op 11
Carnaval: 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer
Tsar Saltan: The Flight of The Bumblebee
Carnaval: Napoli -- Variations on a Neapolitan Song
Carnaval: Fantaisie Brillante
Carnaval: Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Carnaval: Valse Brillante

Customer Reviews:

World's best trumpet player.......2007-05-12

The incredible Wynton Marsalis plays the classics of the brass solo genre.
If you want to hear some very delightful music played by a most impressive instrumentalist, get this album.

Listening to this will make you realize the mediocrity of most of today's popular music. They don't grow people like Jean-Baptiste Arban any more.

Credit Wynton Marsalis.......2007-01-25

This outstanding collection of turn-of-the-last-century cornet solos is a collector's item. Mr. Marsalis (and the ensemble) makes it all sound so easy and enjoyable. As an instrumental music teacher I find hearing these inspires many of my high school high brass players to work on them.

stylistically wrong.......2005-05-29

Having studied with an international authority on cornet playing I can con fidently say that Wynton's cornet playing is ok at best. More than anything hes tryying to sell CDs rather than capture the essence of Cornet playing, like most of wyntons playing its alot of flash but no substance. Great if your a trumpet head and you get off on empty virtuostic fluff.

Wynton, Wynton, Wynton........2005-01-01

There are times, when I'm listeing to Wynton, I get depressed like the flash of a 64th note played. His sounds is so pure and wonderful. He rocks. I don't mind realizing that there aren't many other trumpeteers out there like him.

I met him once actually. In Alice Tully Hall, after a holiday concert. He stood on the stage towering over my dad, brother and I. He called us "the frontline", after my dad telling him we play the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. What a cool guy.

Good, but not the best.......2004-11-28

Marsalis is an excellent trumpet player, there is no question as to that. He is certainly not the best in the world, however. I prefer a better recording of Carnival of Venice and many other cornet solos by Gerard Schwarz. The spirit of such solos is lost when they are put to ensemble accompaniment, Schwarz interprets them far better in my opinion. Also, his technical mastery is at least equal to that of Wynton's, or was when he made the album. His sound is sweeter and more perfect to my ear. And this is not the only album in which you can hear dazzling technical pieces, either. Sergei Nakariakov, Rafael Mendez, and Allen Vizzutti are the most proficient players with recordings out there. Nakariakov and Mendez both do better readings of the Paganini, playing the entire song double-tonguing and circular breathing. The Mendez Flight of the Bumblebee has a much better sound and fits the piece more, too. The most amazing song I have ever heard is the Carnival of Venus, by Vizzutti. Listen to anything by Wynton and then this song, you will be absolutely amazed. The last variation of the Marsalis is Vizzutti's first, and they get harder from there. Simply put, this is a good recording and the most accessible, but there are better ones out there. I wouldn't buy this to hear cornet solos or amazing technical pieces, but for hearing other interpretations. I prefer Schwarz, Mendez, Vizzutti, and Nakariakov.

Average customer rating:

Ethereal LIszt in Superb Sound
A great collection of Liszt treasures
An excellent collection of Liszt interpretations.
Liszt for the ages.

Liszt: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Chopin: The Piano Works
Brahms: Works for Solo Piano
Works for Solo Piano
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Rachmaninov: The Piano Concertos

ASIN: B00005ND3L
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 In C-Sharp Minor
Liebestraum No.3
Mephisto Waltz No.1
Funerailles (No.7 Of Harmonies Poetiques Et Religieuses)
Rigoletto: Conc Paraphrase
La Campanella

Tracks:

Die Forelle
Der Muller Und Der Bach
Wohin?
Lebe Wohl!
Das Wandern
Der Lindenbaum
Horch, Horch, Die Lerch
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen
Die Post
Aufenthalt
Lob Der Tranen
Erlkonig
I. Allegro Con Fuoco
II. Adagio
III. Presto
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Lento Assai - Allegro Energico -
Andante Sostenuto
Allegro Energico - Andante Sostenuto - Lento Assai
Valse Impromptu
I. 'Hohe Liebe' In A flat
II. 'Selinger Tod' In E Flat
III. 'O Lieb' In A Flat
Grand Galop Chromatique

Tracks:

I. Sposalizio
II Penseroso
III. Canzonetta Del Salvator Rosa
IV. Sonetto 47 Del Petrarca
V. Sonetto 104 Del Patrarca
VI. Sonetto 123: Del Petrarca
VII. Apres Une Lecture De Dance (Fant Quasi Son)

Tracks:

I. La Chapelle De Guillaume Tell
II. Au Lac De Wallenstadt
III. Pastorale
IV. Au Bord D'une Source
V. Orage
VI. Vallee D'Obermann
VII. Eglogue (Hirtengesang)
VIII. Le Mal Du Pays
IX. Les Cloches De Geneve

Tracks:

I Gondoliera
II. Canzone
III. Tarantella
Les Jeux D'eau A La Villa D'Este (No.4 Of Annees De Pelerinage, Troisieme Annee)
Benediction De Dieu Dans La Solitude: (No.3 Of Harmonies Poetiques Et Religieuses)
Ballade No.2 In B

Tracks:

I. Preludio: Presto
II. Molto Vivace
III. Paysage: Poco Adagio
IV. Mazeppa: Allegro
V. Feux Follets: Allegretto
VI. Vision: Lento
VII. Eroica: Allegro
VIII. Wilde Jagd: Presto Furioso
IX. Ricordanza: Andantino
X. Allegro Agitato Molto
XI. Harmonies Du Soir: Andantino
XII. Chasse-Neige: Andante Con Moto

Tracks:

Zwei Konzertetuden: I. Waldesrauschen
Zwei Konzertetuden: II. Gnomenreigen
I. Il Lamento
II. La Leggierezza
III. Un Sospiro
I. Andante Con Moto
II. Un Poco Piu Mosso
III. Lento Placido
IV. Quasi Adagio
V. Andantino
VI. Allegretto Sempre Cantabile
Reminiscences De Don Juan

Tracks:

Reminiscences De Norma
Totentanz (Danse Macabre)
Malediction
Fant On Hungarian Folk Themes

Customer Reviews:

Ethereal LIszt in Superb Sound.......2006-09-29

Piano playing of extraordinary romantic depth and breadth. Bolet is inside Liszt's mind, as Liszt's romantic self unfolds on the keyboard. It is as if Bolet is the master himself. Superlative recordings to boot!

A great collection of Liszt treasures.......2004-01-12

The booklet of this set has an interesting explanation of why Jorge Bolet stayed out of the spotlights for so long before taking up his -glorious- career. It was his devotion to Liszt. By then, in the 1950s, Liszt was still regarded as a B-composer (There are still people who tend to think so: I read someone who called Liszt `the father of all bar pianists'. Now, if you know a worse offence...). Only after Liszt's reputation had increased, Bolet could enter his `Indian summer', which lasted from about 1975 until his passing away in 1990. During this period, he was finally able to perform his favourite music as much as possible. This fine 9-disc set may indeed be Bolet's most important testament. Additionally, it's one of the most important Liszt collections on the market. But beware: there's much more than just Bolet, considering Liszt's piano works. I can't say this is the perfect set or near it. Still five stars, for some astonishing piano playing that we don't come across very often nowadays.

Bolet won a Gramophone Award for his 1st book of Années de Pelerinage, which is not strange when listening to the recordings. This is a portrait of a man who's entirely on his own, looking for his soul while wandering trough the beautiful Switzerland - I can't say it better than B. Johnson already did. It's Romantic nonsense, of course, but in Liszt's days it was a common idea, and it can still sweep me away. Bolet's superior tonal colouring - beautiful, but not too far-driven, for the risk it would almost be too intimidating - and his peaceful nature lift this music to the greatest heights. My only complaint would be the `Orage' piece: Bolet's technique can't quite handle it, and its aggressive nature is much less overwhelming as a result. Nevertheless, the rest of the pieces show him at his very best. So does the second year of the Années (that is oddly placed in the set before the first year by Decca). The Dante Sonata, one of Liszt's greatest pieces, fares very well under Bolet's hands.

Equally excellent were the Schubert Song Transcriptions. The transcriptions aren't very different from the original songs, but they are definitely interesting. Especially when someone like Bolet takes them under his hands! All songs are terrifically played, with real standouts like `Auf dem Wasser zu singen', `Der Mueller und der Bach' and `Erlkoenig'. Bolet's romantic touch (he may have been the last of his kind) lets the music unendingly flow. Brilliant!

These comments also apply to Liszt's Consolations, which are placed on another disc. Liszt shows here how much he's in debt to Schubert, and wrote music of a disarmingly lyrical nature. Bolet gives almost naively innocent readings of these pieces. Talking about singing music, why not include the Liebesträume, `Venezia e Napoli' and many, many other pieces as well. Although some people still regard Liszt as a bombastic composer, he was in fact much more active on the spiritual and lyrical area. It is largely this nature of Liszt that is put into the spotlights by Bolet. He is really terrific whenever music ought to sound peaceful and meditative.

But Liszt was also a stunning virtuoso. People may eschew him for that, but that's often without any good ground. The B minor Sonata and the Transcendental Etudes, to give some names, are not only pianistically but also musically amazing works. It takes to be both a good technician and a musician to play them well, and this is where Bolet occasionally fails. He was over 65 when he made these recordings, and I can't help but say that his technique was not anymore what it used to be. In many pieces you can hear him struggle.

In what may be the most difficult music Liszt wrote, the Transcendental Etudes, Bolet takes tempi that are almost too easy (e.g. no.10 should be `Allegro molto agitato' but Bolet plays it very moderately), perhaps because his technique was by then too limited to give the pieces a really impressive treatment. Even then, I do feel a ertain nobility in Bolet's slow approach that gives every study a dignified stature (and that's something you won't find with Kissin or Cziffra!). The sonata is similarly noble and yet tremendously powerful in its scope, even though Bolet may lack some technial control at isolated spots.

Anoter treacherous piece is the `Reminiscences de Don Juan', which is a transcription of no less an opera than -of course- Don Giovanni! Bolet plays this 20-minute piece with a lot of humour and swing: it's a great way to clean up your mind! Also recommendable are the Etudes de Concert (e.g. Waldesrauschen), whose light spirit is very well captured.

A treasure trove set overall, I can recommend it without any limitations. There's no other composer that suited Bolet as well as Liszt, and the vice versa may be true as well. But the pianist also has his weaker points, particularly regarding his technique, that wasn't what it used to be. Oh, and the piano sound is not always equally convincing: the instrument sounds a little shrill at times. But there's an amazing amount of colour in the instrument, and it allows Bolet to reachfor the deepest, darkest sonorities you've heard. This collection is therefore not just THE best Liszt: there are many more pianists who made supreme recordings of him (e.g. Arrau, Brendel, Richter) and I definitely recommend searching them out as well. After you've heard this!

An excellent collection of Liszt interpretations........2003-12-03

I was very impressed with Bolet's playing. His rendition of La Campanella is the best I've ever heard.

Liszt for the ages........2001-12-05

Both for those that would like to find out for the first time what Liszt is all about, and for those few that are very familiar with the Paganini of the 88: LOOK NO FURTHER!

It doesn't get any better than this.

After I heard throughout the seventies about this "unknown" great of the romantic repertoire, I was fortunate enough to see him for the first time about a month after he recorded the first issue of this now legendary Liszt series. While his technique may not have exactly been what it used to be before (e.g. Orage in Suisse of Les Annees), all the performances benefit from the wisdom of many, many years. While all the performances are of a uniform Olympic level, two issue stand out in my mind.

First, there is the cd of Schubert Liszt transcriptions. Bolet really sets the standards for "singing" on the piano. His version of "Der Muller und der Bach" has to be believed to be heard.

Most importantly though, there is "Suisse" the first year of Liszt's years of pilgrimage. I own this disc from the day it appeared on the shelves and still listen to it every month. Surely, there are more technically brilliant versions. For the true "Liszt Nuts", I would certainly advise Leslie Howard's version of "L'Album d'un voyageur", that contains the first version of many of the "Suisse" pieces, and some additional pieces that Frenz (for reasons that escape me completely) excluded from the later Suisse. Yet, nobody, not even Brendel or Berman, have come close to Bolet on delivering on the central theme of Suisse, man finding himself back in an exploration of nature.

While they stem from the earlier days of digital recording the recordings are still more than respectable and benefit greatly from Bolet's attention for color, aided by his favorite Bechstein.

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: (Winter): Largo
Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Flute Concerto In D (II gardellino): Cantabile
Concerto In C For Diverse Instruments: Andante molto
String Concerto in G minor: Andante molto
Concerto in D for 2 violins & 2 cellos: Largo
Oboe & Violin Concerto in G minor: Larghetto
Guitar Concerto in A minor: Laro
Triple Violin Concerto in F: Andante
Flute Concerto in F: Largo
Viola d'amore Concerto in D minor: Largo
Violin Concerto in E (II riposo): Allegro
Oboe & Bassoon Concerto in G: Largo
Violin Concerto No. 6 in B-flat: Largo
Concerto in A for Guitar, Violin, Viola & Cello: Larghetto
Violin Concerto in E (L'amoroso): Allegro
Flute Concerto No.4 in G: Largo
Violin Concerto in A (with echo violin): Larghetto
Violin Concerto in C minor (II sospetto): Andante
Double Oboe Concerto in A minor: Largo
Concerto in G minor for the Dresden Orchestra: Largo non molto
Violin Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe Concerto In C: Adagio
Flue Concerto No.2 in G minor (La notte): Largo

Amazon.com

Another installment in Philips's Set Your Life to Music series (which has included Mozart for Your Mind, Baroque at Bathtime, and Rachmaninoff for Romance, among others), Vivaldi for Valentines is loosely built around the aura of romance that Venice continues to evoke. Vivaldi captured it for all time in his music, inspired by the often melancholy beauty of his native city, one that has been known through the ages as La Serenissima. Along with such ultrafamiliar pieces as the "Winter" largo movement from The Four Seasons (in which the violin sighs a rapturous melody against sounds imitating a crackling, cozy fire) and the Largo of the Guitar Concerto in D--Vivaldi's slow movements, with all their gentle dreaminess, being given the limelight in this compilation--are many gems you've likely not heard before. The list of performers and approaches is too expansive even to mention but predominantly features performances by I Musici. It's hard to believe that Vivaldi's music, having sunk into oblivion, resurfaced again only a few decades ago. This is a pleasant compilation that makes a perfect entrée if you'd like to learn more about classical music--and Vivaldi in particular--than The Four Season. And, as for setting a romantic mood, this will give your mojo all the help it needs. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

More of Vivaldi's great music........2001-08-24

When it comes to Vivaldi's works, the majority of people usually tend to associate him solely with composing the Four Seasons. However, this particular cd will introduce classical music lovers to other music that he composed for various stringed instruments, including the violin and cello. It does include a section from Winter of the Four Seasons, but the rest is other music that some may not be too familiar with. For a low price, you'll be getting a great selection of music.

Just great!.......2000-07-10

I don't really know a lot about classical music even though I listen to a lot of it. All I can say is that every piece on this collection evokes a tremendous amount of peace and happy emotion. I listen to it in my office, and that in combination with my new fountain.... better than Prozac. My favorite piece is "Concerto for Guitar in D major: Largo" (sample #2 above). Highly recommend!

Heard "Four Seasons"? Want more? GET THIS!.......1999-03-16

Almost everyone knows Vivaldi's "Four Seasons". If you love that gorgeous piece of music, than I say your next purchase should be this! It is a gorgeous collecton of string quartets along with flutes and very impressive classical guitar. I put it on whenever I need to be taken away from this world, or when I need some artistic inspiration.

Average customer rating:

It's not the "Tonight" show any more!
Trumpet Spectacular
The Best of Both
Amazing technic, but poor tone.
Doc at his best!!

Trumpet Spectacular

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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The Very Best of Doc Severinsen
Unforgettably Doc
Swingin' the Blues
Merry Christmas from Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra
The Tonight Show Band, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000003CW9
Release Date: 1990-03-15

Tracks:

Napolitana con Variazioni
Largo Al factotum
Trumpet Voluntary
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
The Flight Of The Bumblebee
A Carmen Fantasy
Medley Of Famous Tenor Arias
La Danza
Traumerei
Carnival Of Venice
A Trumperter's Lullaby
Chaconne

Customer Reviews:

It's not the "Tonight" show any more!.......2006-08-08

The entire disc is superb and who knew Doc could play like this? Wow! And of course, being an Ohio native, the fact that it's the Cincinnati Orchestra is just a bonus.

Trumpet Spectacular.......2006-03-22

A great selection of music. Severson's performance is outstanding. Sound reproduction is exceptionally good. If you enjoy trumpet you should have this CD

The Best of Both.......2005-12-24

This album really lets Severinson shine. I always felt he was underchallenged on the Tonight Show. And Kunzel is at his best here, too. If you like Doc and Erik, also give a listen to Big Band Hit Parade.

Amazing technic, but poor tone........2005-12-01

I listened to this cd and the technic is truly amazing. This guy is really good-BUT-he has that nasty jazz tone that doesn't do well in classical music. Especially disturbing is the Bach-Busoni Chaconne. Listen to the piano performance by Evgeny Kissin and you'll know what I mean. Good for motivation for brass students, but if you want some really good, sweet classical, go somewhere else.

Doc at his best!!.......2005-11-26

Of course, we all knew and loved Doc Severerinsen as the top shelf band leader fronting the top-shelf Tonight Show Band when Johnny was at the helm. But this collection shows Doc as he really is.....not "just" a top lead trumpet man, but indeed, a top trumpet player. He appproaches ALL music with a seriousness and respect that only a true musician can bring to a composition, no matter WHAT the genre. All great instrumentalists will tell you that the goal is to sound as much like the human voice as possible. As Doc approaches the Puccini suite, you understand what they mean. His technique is beyond category, able to deliver nuance and expression as any instrumentalist (and vocalist!) would ever hope to. This is a must for any music lover, and for any student of the trumpet.....time to go to school! And bring a lunch!

Average customer rating:

Caruso....re-emerged...or....re-submerged
amazing technology
An Unexpected Pleasure
I was floored
A remarkable achievement

Italian Songs: The Digital Recordings

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Caruso 2000
The Legendary Enrico Caruso: 21 Favorite Arias
Prima Voce - Caruso
Great Caruso
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

ASIN: B00005MO14
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Vieni sul mar
'O sole mio
Tu can nun chiagne
Santa Lucia
Pecche?
L'Alba separa dalla luce l'ombra
Fenesta che lucive
Mamma mia che vo' sape
Musica proibita
Core 'ngrato
Luna d'estate
Ideale
'A vucchella
Vaghissima sembianza
Tarantella sincera
Senza nisciuno
L'addio a Napoli

Amazon.com

As a follow-up to its Caruso 2000 release, RCA here offers us a remastered, implemented selection of Neapolitan songs recorded by Enrico Caruso between 1906 and 1920. The gimmick is again that the old recordings have been digitally stripped of their oompah, blaring instruments. In their place, the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra has provided modern accompaniment. It's still anachronistic--the voice remains in another acoustical era from the orchestra--but this time, the balance is a little better, and conductor Gottfried Rabl is amazingly sensitive to Caruso's style and phrasing. Moreover, of course, the pops and clicks of the old pre-electrical shellacs are gone. The voice retains its timbre and quality, thank goodness, and one can still marvel at the way the sound grew over the 14 years recorded here. It's always magnificent, but it became more baritonal and muscular with age, without losing any of its thrills. The "Ideale" from 1906 remains an exquisitely tender piece of singing; elsewhere, the sheer visceral excitement of the voice dazzles. Purists may not approve. Those unfamiliar with the Caruso phenomenon should hear him under any circumstances, and this is as good a chance as any. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Caruso....re-emerged...or....re-submerged.......2007-02-15

I have been listening to Caruso recordings, necessarily periodically, for close on sixty years, though I didn't learn anything about music until in my mid twenties. Whilst thrilling hysterically to those top notes one couldn't help being more than a little aware, even as a child, that the trumpet-like noises, as Caruso himself once described it on hearing someone playing one of his records, emanating from the playback equipment, hardly represented a human being. Thanks to the digital restorative efforts of Thomas G Stockham we can appreciate the real art that conceals art, as C again put it, on the twelve CD edition previously published by RCA; since much of the artificial peakiness [ distortions ] has been alleviated - a tribute to the success of these may be concluded from the fact that some notes that previously sounded like he had a throatful of phlegm are simply revealed as record wear; as well as the more important sense of straining for effect being eliminated; far from it as we then appreciate how (apparently) effortlessly he puts those spectacular phrases across. As far as I can discern they have used these registrations here; so far so good. For the sake of this review attempt I listened again to this CD, for the first time since I bought it, probably well over a year ago. My humble opinion is that the orchestrations are too loud, tending to drown him out. Well done no doubt, if crass at times then, but providing little advantage over the Stockham 'recreations'. Maybe that's due to me being one of that army of Caruso lovers, or of any of a myriad of great artists' recordings for that matter, to whom the singing is paramount; the orchestra is merely lucky to be there. Is all that fuss regarding the minutiae of recent orchestral arrangements not just a bit patronising and condescending, with more accent on their problems rather than giving tribute to the singer who had no benefits of any post editing whatsoever; never mind the terribly restrictive recording environment and session period in which to do it ? I guess, like all hero worshippers, I'm possibly waxing unnecessarily defensive at this juncture. What if we could hear Caruso recorded now, as a contemporary of, say, Andrea Bocelli; would we be at his feet ? Maybe that's where this compilation really comes in, reaffirming the legend, dressed up to the nines. Does giving a monochrome phantom flash clothes, like those colourised photos, really make him more visible ?

On a personal note; it would have been an improvement had they NOT included "Vieni sul mar"; "L'Alba separa dalla luce l'ombra" and "Luna d'estate". "A Dream" would have been nice; also "I' m'arricordo e Napule" or, what I think is one of the best recordings of Caruso - Denza's "Si vous l'aviez compris" [ also Massenet's "Elegie" ], albeit they have piano/violin accompaniment, which would have presented a challenge to the engineers.

amazing technology.......2005-05-20

The Italian songs of Caruso have been a longtime favorite of mine -to hear this amazing voice - backed with a wonderful modern orchestra is just something else -I believe it is bringing 90 -100 year old recordings back to life - the voice is always clear and strong with no distortions one would expext from vintage recordings .The Vienna orchestra is wonderfully sensitive providing a lush sound behing this wonderful voice - my partner came in to see what I was playing, she said the voice was moving her to tears ," with a voice like honey" and I guess this was what the great Caruso was doing in his day to sell so many records

An Unexpected Pleasure.......2004-12-19

I have been an avid fan of Enrico Caruso for over forty years. I have heard just about every gimmicky process that has ever been attempted to make his recordings more modern sounding (read "electrical"). Each has its own virtues and inadequacies. I had not planned on purchasing this disc because, quite frankly, Caruso 2000 had been a disappointment. Caruso's voice almost always seemed to have a lid on it.

A certain fact has to be faced here. Caruso never made an electrical recording. No amount of filtering and doctoring can change that. The only way I can imagine that this barrier could ever be overcome is perhaps by computerized extrapolation of the frequencies his voice produced. A computer might some day be programmed to "figure out" from the original recordings the sound frequencies Caruso's voice produced but that the recording horn was too insensitive to record. Those frequencies could then be dubbed into the existing recording. However, it doesn't appear that technology is that advanced yet; perhaps it never will be. In my opinion, it doesn't need to be. All one really needs is a schooled ear to be deeply moved by the gifts, art, and technique Caruso exhibited on his original acoustical recordings.

Incidentally, I am both amused and appalled by individuals who doubt that he was the greatest male singer in the history of recording, perhaps of all time. Anyone who would suggest Mario Lanza's, John McCormack's, or anyone else's singing as more satisfactory isn't listening. Lanza wanted to be the next Caruso, but he was not Caruso, not even a pale imitation. Even Pavarotti willingly acknowledges that he idolizes Caruso. And McCormack was a completely different kind of singer.

The best way to enjoy Caruso, Italian Songs and even Caruso 2000 is to set them aside as seperate works of art, rather than expect them to be improvements over the original recordings. They're not. Caruso's voice is not reproduced as accurately as it is on original recordings played on the proper equipment in the proper environment, especially on Caruso 2000. But the beauty of his art and technique remains intact. It seems the recording engineers did less manipulation of the voice on this new CD; the voice is more faithful to the originals, but still not the same. It occurs to me that perhaps these recordings are best for those who cannot tolerate surface noise and Victor's almost exclsive use of wind instruments for the orchestra.

That said, the digital accompaniment added unexpected emotion, power, and drama to every piece. I was caught completely off-guard. The music on this disc had me in tears. Music is about emotions, and this disc overpowered mine. If the degree of emotion induced by a performance is the standard for its evaluation, then this disc rates five stars without question. And if this is the way more modern ears than mine must be introduced to the artistry of this great singer, let it be! The instrumentation and arrangements fit every selection, and the synchronization with Caruso's stylizing is nearly always perfect. I highly recommend this disc to budding opera and classical voice lovers as a worthy introduction to Caruso's artistry. And for the seasoned aficionado of classical voice, it is a refreshing, yet emotionally moving collection of great singing in its own right. Neither type of listener would be disappointed.

I was floored.......2004-02-14

This was a vast improvement over the last effort. When you listen to it on a regular stereo, as background music, you could swear you are listening to something that was recorded altogether, as if the singer was there. I also like the folk approach that was put forth by it. It is not Caruso trying to be the character of the song that comes from the opera, but Caruso being Caruso, without all the operatic techniques. It sounded like he was just having fun with the recordings, and the jovial personality that he had shows through clearly. I would be interested in seeing if RCA would consider doing more.

A remarkable achievement.......2004-01-19

Purists, say what you will about blending old and new recordings, but I loved this disc. I've got a number of original Caruso 78s and RCA's "Complete Caruso" CD collection, but never has he sounded so good as on this CD. The mixing of a digitally-recorded stereo full orchestra with Caruso's acoustically-recorded mono voice does at first sound very unnatural, but after a time, the effect takes shape and I'm able to get a better feel for what Caruso must have sounded like in person. The restorations of Caruso's original recordings are marvelous, I hear no surface noise or serious distortion, and the blending of the orchestra with his voice is spot-on. It's refreshing to hear him sing with a full orchestra behind him, not a small studio orchestra as in the original recordings. Naturally, Caruso buffs will want to have the original untouched recordings, but for casual listening, this disc is an excellent buy. I'm particularly impressed with "Ideale," with its beautiful, haunting melody, it's my favorite cut on the CD.

Average customer rating:

Correction to Editor
College Music Education Student
It was great

American Variations

Manufacturer: Klavier
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Euphoniums Unlimited: Music for Euphonium Choir
Emblems
British and American Band Classics
American Dreams
Listen to This

ASIN: B000003M5O
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

American Salute - Morton Gould
Amazing Grace - Frank Ticheli
Carnival Of Venice - Herbert L. Clarke
Vars On 'America' - Charles Ives
Fantaisie Original - Ermano Picchi
Ser From 'The Student Prince' - Sigmund Romberg
Ste Of Old American Dances: Cake Walk - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Schottische - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Western One-Step - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Wallflower Waltz - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Rag - Robert Russell Bennett
Scherzo - Edwin Franko Goldman
Napoli Vars - Herman Bellstedt
'Yankee Doodle' Fantasy Humoresque - David Wallis Teeves
The Volunteer - Walter Togers
March Of The Majorettes - Frank Simon

Album Description

British Euphonium virtuoso Brian Bowman joins Corporon and the CWS in over a century's worth of showpieces dating from 1878 to 1994.

Customer Reviews:

Correction to Editor.......2003-10-23

Brian Bowman is not British, he's an American. He was principal Euphonium with the U.S. Navy Band for several years before being selected for the combined Armed Forces Bicentennial Band which toured the world during 1976. After that tour, he joined the U.S. Air Force Band.

College Music Education Student.......1999-11-26

I love this CD and would recomend it to anyone even half way interested in band music or Baritone solos. My school recently had the honor of Brain Bowman as a soloist with our bands. He's amazing to watch in person.

It was great.......1999-06-20

I liked the Suite of old American Dances on this CD the best. I guess that is b/c I played in High School. the CD is great.

Average customer rating:

wonderful music

Complete Works for Solo Piano
Poulenc , and Parkin
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bourees | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Francis Poulenc Plays Piano Music of Satie & Poulenc
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Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
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Poulenc: Complete Chamber Music, Vol. 3

ASIN: B00006JN9R
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Suite For Piano In C Major: I Presto
Suite For Piano In C Major: II Andante
Suite For Piano In C Major: III Vif
Adagietto (From Les Biches)
Trois Mouvements Perpetuels: I Assez Modere
Trois Mouvements Perpetuels: II Tres Modere
Trois Mouvements Perpetuels: III Alerte
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: Preambule
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: Cadence
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: I Le Comble De La Distinction
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: II Le Coeur Sur La Main
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: III La Desinvolture Et La Discretion
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: VII Le Gout Du Malheur
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: VIII L'Alerte Vieillesse
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: Cadence
Les Soirees De Nazelles-Suite For Piano: Final
Intermezzo In A Flat Major
Valse-Improvisation Sur Le Nom De Bach
Trois Pieces: I Pastorale
Trois Pieces: II Hymne
Trois Pieces: III Toccata
Badinage
Napoli-Suite For Piano: I Barcarolle
Napoli-Suite For Piano: II Nocturne
Napoli-Suite For Piano: III Caprice Italien

Tracks:

Humoresque
Deux Novelettes: Novelette No. 1 In C Major
Deux Novelettes: Novelette No. 2 In B Flat Minor
Novelette Sur Un Theme De Manuel De Falla In E Minor
Villageoises - Petites Pieces Enfantines: I Valse Tyrolienne
Villageoises - Petites Pieces Enfantines: II Staccato
Villageoises - Petites Pieces Enfantines: III Rustique
Villageoises - Petites Pieces Enfantines: IV Polka
Villageoises - Petites Pieces Enfantines: V Petite Ronde
Villageoises - Petites Pieces Enfantines: VI Coda
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 1 In B Minor
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 2 In A Flat Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 3 In B Minor
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 4 In A Flat Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 5 In A Minor
Improvisations: Imrovisation No. 6 In B Flat Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 7 In C Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 8 In A Minor
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 9 In D Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 10 'Eloge Des Gammes' In F Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 11 In G Minor
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 12 'Hommage A Schubert' In E Flat Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 13 In A Minor
Improvisations: Improvisations No. 14 In D Flat Major
Improvisations: Improvisation No. 15 'Hommage A Edith Piaf' In C Minor
Deux Intermezzi: Intermezzo No. 2 In D Flat Major
Deux Intermezzi: Intermezzo No. 1 In C Major
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: I Bransle De Bourgogne
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: II Pavane
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: III Petite Marche Militaire
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: IV Complainte
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: V Bransle De Chmpagne
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: VI Sicilienne
Suite Francaise D'Apres Claude Gervaise: VII Carillon
Presto In B Flat Major
Melancolie
Theme Varie: Theme. Tres Calme Et Sans Hate
Theme Varie: I Joyeuse
Theme Varie: II Noble
Theme Varie: III Pastorale
Theme Varie: IV Sarcastique
Theme Varie: V Melancolique
Theme Varie: VI Ironique
Theme Varie: VII Elegiaque
Theme Varie: VIII Volubile
Theme Varie: IX Fantasque
Theme Varie: X Sybilline
Theme Varie: XI Finale
Theme Varie: Coda. Molto Agitato

Tracks:

Pastourelle
Two Pieces From 'Les Biches': Rondeau
Two Pieces From 'Les Biches':Andantino
Feuillets D'Album: 1 Ariette
Feuillets D'Album: 2 Reve
Feuillets D'Album: 3 Gigue
Piece Breve Sur Le Nom D'Albert Roussel
Intermede
Francaise
Nocturnes: Nocturnes No. 1 In C Major
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 2 'Bal De Jeunes Filles' In A Major
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 3 'Les Cloches De Malines' In F major
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 4 'Bal Fantome' In C Minor
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 5 'Phalenes' In D Minor
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 6 In G Major
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 7 In E Flat major
Nocturnes: Nocturne No. 8 'Pour Servir De Coda Au Cycle' In G major
Valse In C Major
Cinq Impromptus: 1 Tres Agite
Cinq Impromptus: 2 Allegro Vivace
Cinq Impromptus: 3 Tres Modere
Cinq Impromptus: 4 Violent
Cinq Impromptus: 5 Andante
Bourree Au Pavillion D'Auvergne
Caprice
Promenades: 1 A Pied
Promenades: 2 En Auto
Promenades: 3 A Cheval
Promenades: 4 En Bateau
Promenades: 5 En Avion
Promenades: 6 En Autobus
Promenades: 7 En Voiture
Promenades: 8 En Chemin De Fer
Promenades: 9 A Bicyclette
Promenades: 10 En Diligence

Customer Reviews:

wonderful music.......2007-07-03

I listened to this disc collection at least a hundred times. Poulenc is a great composer and Eric Parkins interpretation is really enjoyable

Music Minus One voice: Napoli Recital, vol. I (Opera Karaoke)

Average customer rating:

Music Minus One voice: Napoli Recital, vol. I (Opera Karaoke)

Manufacturer: Cantolopera
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Karaoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Karaoke Opera

ASIN: B000EPFUWY
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

Anima e core (S. D'Esposito)
Funiculi Funicula (L. Denza)
'O sole mio (L. Di Capua)
Te voglio bene assaje (A. Longo)
Marechiare (F.P. Tosti)
Santa Lucia (T. Cottrau)
Maria, Mari (V. Russo)
Anima e core (S. D'Esposito)
Funiculi Funicula (L. Denza)
'O sole mio (L. Di Capua)
Te voglio bene assaje (A. Longo)
Marechiare (F.P. Tosti)
Santa Lucia (T. Cottrau)
Maria, Mari (V. Russo)

Product Description

This first volume of Neapolitan songs brings you the ability to sing the great traditional Italian super-hits with a full orchestra, and you're the star! Seven classics including such memorable songs as "Funiculi Funicula," "O Sole Mio" and "Santa Lucia"--there is truly nothing like this! Includes: Anema e core; Funiculì Funiculà; O sole mio; Te voglio bene assaie; Marechiare; Santa Lucia; Maria, Marì

The Complete Recordings, 1902-1920 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Get It While You Can
Essential edition for opera lovers

The Complete Recordings, 1902-1920 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Cantatas, Vol. 22
Caruso 2000
The Complete Caruso
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Classic Puccini Recordings

ASIN: B00030B92K
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Album Description

The Complete Caruso: Volumes 1 - 12

The Italian tenor Enrico Caruso holds a unique place in musical history, as the first operatic singer whose recordings sold in millions, and who created an international reputation on the strength of these. Caruso's robust tone and musical sincerity made him both an ideal stage and recording artist, whose voice the primitive acoustic recording technology of the early twentieth century was able to reproduce with startling fidelity. The Naxos Historical Caruso edition constitutes the complete cycle of all Caruso's recordings issued in chronological order. In addition, the transfers have been immaculately undertaken by top sound engineer Ward Marston, unrivalled for his knowledge of the specialized world of acoustic opera recordings, and his rare ability to retrieve all of the music lying in the grooves of the original recordings. Naxos Historical's incredible price (12 CD'S FOR THE PRICE OF 10) puts this unique legacy of great singing within the reach of all music-lovers. This! complete cycle of recordings represents a major document in the history of sound recording, and one which no collector and enthusiast of great singing will wish to be without. "There is no series of vocal records that have a greater documentary value, that meant more to the development of the phonograph record, or that are as consistently capable of providing pleasure to lovers of great singing. ...One of the most significant recording industry events of the decade." Fanfare

Customer Reviews:

Get It While You Can.......2006-10-13

This may not be easy to get in the USA for very long.....don't miss it.

Essential edition for opera lovers.......2005-02-01

This set gives you the opportunity to follow the entire recording career of one of the greatest singers in Operatic History. Enrico Caruso was the first superstar of the 20th century -- and this without the benefit of mass media. His person and his records were his greatest publicity.

The set begins with Caruso's Italian made recordings. They show a great raw talent. The artistry is lacking with many sobs, over acting and mistaken cues. The 1902 and 1903 clearly show a tenor with a lot to learn. But learn it he did. His 1904 sessions show a mature artist on par with any heard since. His voice matures before your very ears and by 1910, you wonder if you will ever listen to any other tenor the same way again.

The engineering used for this set is wonderful. There is no attempt at all to use the soundstream process of computer sound enhancement as heard on the RCA issued sets. These are near perfect mint conditioned discs copied by engineer extraordinary Ward Marston. They sound like natural 78s, they way Caruso himself must have heard the playbacks at the (RCA) Victor studios.

Also included are outtakes and extra takes. There is a "Celeste Aida" from 1908, complete with a broken high note, previously released by RCA in a 1973 set commemorating the tenor's centenary birthday. But there are new treasures here as well, including extra takes of two of Caruso's greatest recordings, the Italian song "L'Alba separa dalla l'uce ombra" and an aria from Rubinestine's Nerone. Listening to them, one wonders what Caruso could have possible thought inadquate in those long lost altenative takes.

Finally, there is the simple joy of hearing so many things so well sung. Caruso was the pinnacle of the tenor art. He can be compared to no other single tenor since ... he has the brilliant ring of Bjorling, the passion of Gigli, the beauty of Gedda, the youthful enthusiasm of Lanza, the warm tonal quality of Tucker, the pure strength of Corelli, the charasma of Pavarotti and the artestry of Domingo.

Whether you are an opera fan, a voice fan or just a music lover. This set is worth every penny.

Todd Kosovich

Average customer rating:

Liszt's unrivalled piano compositions
Good alternative to Berman, Cziffra, Bolet, et al.
Beautiful bargain Liszt

Liszt: Années de Pèlerinage, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000013TS
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Sposalizio (Marriage Of The Virgin)
deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Il pensieroso (The Thinker)
deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Canzonetta del Salvator Rosa (Canzonetta Of Salvator Rosa)
deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Sonetto 47 del Petrarca (Sonnet 47 Of Petrarch)
deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Sonetto 104 del Petrarca (Sonnet 104 Of Petrarch)
deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Sonetto 123 del Petrarca (Sonnet 123 Of Petrarch)
deuxieme annee: italie (Second Year: Italy): Apres une lecture du Dante, fantasia quasi una sonata (After Reading Dante)
venezia e napoli (Venice And Naples): Gondoliera (Gondolier's Song)
venezia e napoli (Venice And Naples): Canzone (Song)
venezia e napoli (Venice And Naples): Tarantella

Customer Reviews:

Liszt's unrivalled piano compositions.......2006-08-28

Jeno Jando has been a staunch and first-class Liszt champion for Naxos. Recording some impeccable interpretations for the Complete Piano Music of Liszt series, he's also recorded all three books of the Annees de Pelerinage. The first book was given a stellar approach and interpretation; the second book (or second year) here proves to be just as great. Jando's use of shading and his meticulous attention to effects make for some incredible executions.

Take the "Sposalizio," with its amorous poetry and romantic mood, capped off by an uplifting Lisztian conclusion. Jando plays it with purity and a refined touch. The "Il Penseroso" is probably the best overall delivery of this melancholy composition. While Berman and Bolet have their own unique style, Jando plays it quietly and with a morose sentimentality. When the lower bass must be explored, Jando does not *pound*, but he *pushes* into the keys to create a blanket of darkness. The "Canzonetta del Salvatore Rosa" is unfortunately not one of the most original or interesting of the set. It has its charms and rhythmic delight, but fails to say much else; it's not wholly bad but not impressive either. The "Sonnetto 47 del Petrarca" is a different story: This piece speaks volumes of tenderness and affection. The underlying melody is as captivating as a Chopin prelude or nocturne, and Jando emphasizes the exquisite Lisztian touch of dramatic passion.

The "Sonetto 104 del Petrarca" is another moving work of picturesque quality. It speaks like a love letter or poem, a sublime model of Liszt's effective romantic style. Chopin wasn't the only master; Liszt also delivers the most sentimental and rapturous bars of music here. Again, Jando plays with enthusiasm, yet never rushes to the end; he plays like he enjoys listening to the music. The last Petrarch "Sonetto 123" is the most lyrical of them all, summoning ecstasy and love-sick feelings from the piano. These, along with his Liebestraumes and Harmonies Poetiques et Religieuses are his fine contributions to the romantically-charged pieces in the Romantic piano literature. The music here, with its lovely emotions and embellished romance mingle together to create a breathtaking fresco.

A stark and mind-blowing contrast to the prior works occurs when Liszt's great Dante Sonata, or "Apres une lecture du Dante" opens with its ominous tritone octave chords. For those unfamiliar with this work: It is one of Liszt's masterpieces on piano, as original and inspired as his Sonata in B minor, and if I may say so, one of the greatest "Sonata's" in the Romantic era. Who else has achieved such artistic mastery of conjuring images like this? Liszt's work is one of visionary innovation and power: Tell me you don't imagine Hell with all the swirling and descending chromatic octaves, played with blistering force and dark emotions from Jando. Screams, pain, shadows, pummeling winds against the sinners, the dread that Dante feels: Liszt elevates Dante's great literary visions to the highest musical degree. When Hell's musical depiction is complete, Liszt attains an even higher level of imagery when he plays the "Francesa and Paolo" themes. If you listen carefully, you can actually *hear* Francesa speak, telling her sad story of doomed-love. Then, amazingly, the music convincingly portrays Dante's feelings regarding the tale. The gentle bars of nostalgic and gloomy music move back into the whirling tones of Hell, and the piece ends with a final glimpse of Heaven and the triumph of Dante's journey out of it. This is a monumental work that leaves me stunned. Those already familiar with this work know what I'm talking about, but I implore anyone who has not heard this to experience this colossal and extraordinary music. Jando, in my opinion, plays it better than Bolet's which is, unfortunately, the only version I'm familiar with besides Jando's.

The Venezia e Napoli here is of exceptional musical worth. I find all three pieces beautiful and enthralling. The "Gondoliera" is idyllic and mesmerizing, played with color and dynamism by Jando. The following "Canzone" is exotic and visceral. It follows the trend of being a murky and gray piece; played with just the appropriate tempo and emphasis of the theme on Jando's part. As a final thrilling encore, Jando performs the "Tarentella" with aplomb and virtuosic splendor. Ultimately, the piece is an explosion of electrifying rhythm and shattering ecstatic chords. Musically it provides excitement and interest; I love it.

Bottom line: Jando and Naxos have once again made a high-quality disc of excellence: the sound-engineering leaves nothing to be desired and the music is the best of its kind. Liszt's greatest piano compositions can be found here. While those already familiar with the works may not care to buy this (usually those familiar with Bolet or Berman like to stick to their guy). But those who have not yet heard this music from Liszt and/or are curious, I definitely recommend this recording, a disc that predominantly consists of masterpieces.

Good alternative to Berman, Cziffra, Bolet, et al........2004-02-05

Naxos' "in-house pianist" turns out a more than satisfactory performance in this second volume of three "Years of Pilgrimage" albums, in part due to the comparative lack of pastoral imagery--lyricism is not Jando's forte. Received a Penguin Rosette (for what it's worth). Recorded sound is fine, with Venezia e Napoli being the standout performance on this disc.

Beautiful bargain Liszt.......2000-06-09

Jando's "Years of Pilgrimage" is the finest budget version available, as good as Jerome Rose's is on Vox. Passionate performances, gorgeous sound. My favorite Liszt piano music, actually. This music presages Debussy and Ravel and no piano-lover should be without it.

Music Review:

Music Review

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