Ma Vlast (Live Recording)

On this CD:

1. Má Vlast (My Fatherland), symphonic poems (6), JB 1:112
Composed by Bedrich Smetana
Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rafael Kubelik

Tracks:

Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
Spring Song
Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Canon
The Moldau
Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
Symphony No.9, New World
Fur Elise, WoO 59
The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
Kinderscene, Op.15
Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with Twinkle, Twinkle variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' Lullaby tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Not soothing.......2007-06-07

These synthesizer versions of classical songs get really old, really fast. Worse yet, the songs are sometimes not soothing at all, especially the very first song. The song seems to get particularly loud and uptempo, which is precisely what you don't expect in a lullaby. Please listen to the sample of the first song at least before you buy.

Great for bedtime, but wish it were a real piano.......2007-06-01

This CD worked great to put my daughter to sleep while I rocked her in my arms, and I enjoyed the choices of songs and the arrangements. However, I would have preferred that real instruments were used.

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Average customer rating:

Obra-prima
Magical
I enjoyed it.
Beautiful...

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor
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Symphonie Fantastique
Dvorak: 3 Great Symphonies

ASIN: B000001G4X
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Moldau (Vitava): The Moldau (Vltava)
From Bohemia's Meadows And Forests
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 1 in C Major: Presto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 2 In E Minor: Allegretto Schezando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 3 In A Flat Major: Poco Allegro
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 4 In F Major: Tempo di Minuetto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.6 In D Major: Allegretto Scherzando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.7 In C Minor: Alegro assai
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.2 in E minor: Allegretto Grazioso
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.8 In A Flat Mijor: Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi Tempo di Valse

Customer Reviews:

Obra-prima.......2007-05-13

Smetana não é muito difundido, mas "O Moldávia", parte integrante do poema sinfônico "Minha Pátria", é uma obra-prima da música clássica. Ao que parece, Rafael Kubelik, tanto no comando da sinfônica de Boston, quanto da orquestra sinfônica da rádio Bávara, dão um show de interpretação e lirismo. A gravação, como era esperado, não é boa, pois é muito antiga, mas artisticamenté a composição e execução são piramidais. Existem vários cds com esta obra com Rafael Kubelik, variando muito a técnica de gravação, mas a música em si é difícil de esquecer, eu mesmo fico com a melodia na minha cabeça todos os dias. Tem um cd da Mercury que nem estéreo é, contendo o poema completo, é magnífico, mesmo com chiados. Imperdível todos eles.

Magical.......2003-10-12

While listening to this CD, I had the undeniable feeling that I was outside breathing in the fresh air, relaxing in the sunshine listening to the sounds of a babbling brook and this glorious music!

I enjoyed it........2001-12-17

I enjoyed it, that's about all I can say. Couldn't fault it.

Beautiful..........2000-07-08

I love "The Moldau". It is one of the most prettiest works by Smetna. I still get chills from repeated listening.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

the best Ma Vlast
Kubelik and the Czechs play Smetana
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Excellent heart-felt performance!
The epitome of beauty

Smetana: Má Vlast

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Smetana: Má Vlast
Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72
Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky / Abbado
Debussy: Orchestral Music
Slavonic Dances / Overtures & Symphonic Poems

ASIN: B00000DFMX
Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

My Country: Vysehrad
My Country: Vltava
My Country: Sarka
My Country: From Bohemia's Woods And Fields
My Country: Tabor
My Country: Blanik

Customer Reviews:

the best Ma Vlast.......2007-05-06

this is a must have for any classical music lover. it's a powerful piece that took me through a variety of emotional highs. this particular recording is special indeed.Kubelik is a master. i rate it as the finest Ma Vlast i've ever heard. beautiful!!!

Kubelik and the Czechs play Smetana.......2005-09-10

I've always thought Smetana a fine composer of chamber music, but have never gotten really excited about his signature work. Thanks to this wonderful recording by Kubelik and the Czechs, I can now say that this is one of my favorite 19th century orchestral works. Kubelik obviously understood and identified with Smetana and his conducting shows it. I have listened to this work many times over the years, but after hearing this recording I can truly say that I really heard it for the first time.

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.......2005-08-14

Best sound quality and glorious performance. I also listened to Ma vlast performed by Chicago Orchestra and I missed something - I missed the heard and power in the music. thanks this recording by conducting of Rafael Kubik I could really enjoy it.

Excellent heart-felt performance! .......2005-06-03

I just bought this CD on a tour of Eastern Europe. This particular CD was highly recommended by a CD music shop owner in Prague. He told me that among all the CD versions he has heard of this piece, this one was the most emotionally heart-rendering and moving. I listened to it and I agree. It is absolutely wonderful.

What other reviewers may not realize is that this recording is special for 2 other reasons: 1) This 1990 recording is historically significant because it follows the 1989 Velvet Revolution in Hungary where Communism was overthrown and freedom bells were heard all throughout Eastern Europe. 2) Rafael Kubelik's return to conducting after a long absence and his conducting of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

You must understand the emotional feelings of all the Eastern Europeans after the fall of Communism in 1989, the conducting of their most beloved piece by Smetana, and the playing by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

It is an outstanding performance & recording, as other reviewers have expressed so well. Listen to it and think in light of the freedom that just came to the Czechs and Hungarians due to many years of oppression.

Highly recommended!

The epitome of beauty.......2005-03-04

I really don't see the point in sitting here and repeating what everyone has written so, well, I'll just tell you why I bought three copies of this disc.

I was fortunate to get this CD as a gift many years ago, and I honestly wore it out. This recording is of a quality that one rarely gets to experience. The amount of emotion, and yet, control, that the members of the orchestra exhibit is amazing.

Vysehrad.
I was caught off guard. The harp breathes a story of such beauty, that it just invites you in to the rest of the piece. Conflict ensues, and you are hooked. The orchestra does a fabulous job of projecting confidence, which this piece requires, and does not for a minute sway into the arena of monotony: basically, they don't LET it get boring.

Vltava.

Ah, beautiful Vltava: the defining moment of this CD. As I sit here, I am listening to a Telarc recording of Vltava and grumble as I hear how harsh it sounds. Telarc has always impressed me with what they have to offer, but in this case Supraphon got it right. Honestly, this piece brought me to tears the first time I heard it. The flute performance is simply compelling, not to mention the amount of acoustical ambience that is kept with the recording. As the main melody kicks in, the string section does a magnificent job of bellowing out the melody. Of importance is the tempo. The Telarc recording is always off. Perhaps it is due to a "Miles Davis' `Kind of Blue' " - type error or perhaps it is due to the actual performers themselves, but in the end, it is completely off. This Supraphon recording hits it perfectly. The tempo is emotional, with various fluxes here and there, but it results in something truly brilliant that I am sure you will enjoy.

From Bohemia's Woods And Fields .....Great performance. Nothing else to say about it.

I have to go...but to sum it up:

if you enjoy classical music that displays true control of emotion, classical music that moves you but that doesn't get lost in itself, classical music that exhibits sonic perfection, classical music that defines passion for how wonderful and acute it can be...

this is the CD to get....

Perhaps the reason I have so much to say is because I am a violinist:o

P.S. ...let's get back to why I have to buy this CD for a third time. As it turns out, CDs are not indestructible, and if you play them practically 24hours a day, they tend to get scratched. ;)

Dvorák: Symphonie No. 9; Smetana: Moldau

Average customer rating:

Beautiful melodies
top notch
Excellent recording and a fine effort by old man Karajan
Five stars for the sound
The "New World" Symphony

Dvorák: Symphonie No. 9; Smetana: Moldau

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO

ASIN: B000001GJU
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Adagio - Allegro Molto
Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Largo
Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Molto Vivace
Symphonie Nr. 9 E-moll, Op. 95: Allegro Con Fuoco
Die Moldau

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful melodies.......2007-05-17

I'm obviously not as "into" classical music as I should be as I wasn't familiar with The New World Symphony until I happened to hear the National Symphony perform it in March 2007. But it's a beautiful piece of music with not one, but several, beautiful melodic lines that I recognized, but hadn't previously associated with this piece of music. "Oh, that's from the New World Symphony!" It's gorgeous stuff.

One thing that's sort of interesting about this symphony is that Dvorak doesn't repeat his melodic themes very often. There are some beautiful strains, but you'd best catch them when they arise because he clearly doesn't have a lot of repeats built into the score. On the plus side, this characteristic of the music encourages re-playing the CD.

Let me also say a few words about Smetana's "Moldau." This CD is more expensive than some other "New World" CDs, but I think it's worth the price premium due to "Moldau." "Moldau" is, as I understand it, the national song of the Czech Republic. It's a lovely tune, you can almost hear the river flowing through Prague.

I've found myself playing this CD a lot, which is the ultimate testimony to its virtues.

top notch.......2005-10-21

The Smetana on this CD was the highpoint for me. The Dvorak is a great work and I have heard many excellent productions of it. This one is very enjoyable and the sound is fabulous. All soloists are clearly heard and the stereo image is great. The surprise for me was the Smetana which it turns out is a lovely piece of music played and recorded beautifully here. The beginning in which he tries to reproduce the movement of water in a stream is captivating. That is followed by one of the more hummable tunes I have encountered in music. Recommended highly.

Excellent recording and a fine effort by old man Karajan.......2005-09-24

I don't need to tell you anything about the music, you'd have to have lived in a cave for your entire life to have never heard this. A few points on the performance - excellent pacing, great sound and the brass in the final movement is room-shaking. A great version for sure, with the added bonus of Smetana's Die Moldau from his symphonic poem, Ma Vlast. Kubelik's and Kertesz's readings of the 9th are probably better and more individualistic, but in terms of sonics this recording blows those out of the water. Expensive but worth every penny.

Five stars for the sound.......2002-11-18

In his final days Herbert von Karajan was just crankin' 'em out, sometimes his third or fourth reading of a certain piece, just to try and get as much of his repertoire recorded digitally as possible. This recording - which was also used for one of his Telemondial video productions - is one of those. The Vienna Philharmonic the ensemble used this time after his fallout with the Berliners shortly before. I've had older renditions of this work on vinyl recorded with the Berlin Phil that were quite exceptional. I've always thought, why not just digitally re-master a 20 or 30-year-old recording from the late 50's through the early 70's when he was really in his prime, as opposed to issuing another rendition just to make a digital version of it? Nonetheless, these are still very fine readings of The Dvorak and the Smetana, and after reviewing a library copy, I would still be tempted to buy myself one of this 1985 issue just for the sound quality alone. The Deutsche Grammophon Original-Image Bit-Processing digital sound on this recording will blow you away.

The "New World" Symphony.......2000-04-07

I have heard a few other recordings of this symphony, but I am no musicologist. As soon as I heard this recording, though, I never went back to any other disc. Karajan's majestic control and depth of exploration, two of his many magnificent hallmarks, are beyond sublime. I consider the "New World" Symphony and the "Moldau" some of the most powerful music ever written, and Karajan presents this awesome quality with such natural ease as he always does. The Vienna Philharmonic is not one whit behind him, and this stellar, long-venerated orchestra delivers a flawless recording.

Dvorák / Smetana: Symphony No. 7 / Bartered Bride / Moldau

Average customer rating:

A miss on the Seventh, a medium-good Eighth
Inspiring Czech Symphonic Music
Bernstein the Czech?
Gotta Love It!

Dvorák / Smetana: Symphony No. 7 / Bartered Bride / Moldau

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bizet: Symphony No. 1; Offenbach: Gaite Parisienne
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol

ASIN: B000009CYD
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: III. Scherzo Vivace-Poco Meno Mosso
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: IV. Finale. Allegro
Overture To The Bartered Bride
Three Dances From The Bartered Bride: Polka
Three Dances From The Bartered Bride: Furiant
Three Dances From The Bartered Bride: Dance Of The Comedians
The Moldau (Vltava): Symphonic Poem No.2 From MA Vlast: The Moldau

Amazon.com

This is the first release on CD of a symphony that most music lovers don't even know that Leonard Bernstein recorded! It's a marvelous performance, with a finale that positively smokes, and just one more example of the treasures that lie buried in the back catalogs of the major labels. One of the oddities of the classical music market is the fact that many of the best releases today are reissues, and not new performances. Go figure. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A miss on the Seventh, a medium-good Eighth.......2005-10-01

The good news isn't the main works on offer here, the two Dvorak symphonies. Instead, the Bartered Bride Over. and other short pieces that fill out this CD are vintage Bernstein, exuberant and full of life.

The Dovrak Sym. #7 isn't. I own dozens of Bernstein recordings and consider myself a devotee. But he was a variable conductor in some standard repertoire, and here he doesn't seem involved. Everything goes along well enough, but there is no insight and not much exuberance. The Eigth Sym. comes off consierably better, but both works are in coarse sound and arouse little joy in me. Strange, considering that Bernstein's Dvorak Ninth is among the best on CD.

Inspiring Czech Symphonic Music.......2004-08-06

Bernstein and the NY Philharmonic provide a passionate and thrilling performance of two Bohemian giant composers, Dvorak and Smetana.

Just finishing a biography of Smetana, I now understand the connection more between Dvorak and Smetana, especially in the national opera setting that Smetana languished for and even aided Dvorak along this path.

These renditions are magical in their grace and power, the nationalistic sounds of march and tension and strife are played with gusto and fine tempo, while the Moldau and Dances from Bartered Bride are light and airy in the appropriate places.

Fine brass and string efforts. All in all, magical performances of both major composers. Fine grouping of compositions. Excellent value. To be enjoyed.

Bernstein the Czech?.......2000-07-27

I bought this cd on the weight of the Amazon review and have not been disappointed. In fact, I am struck by the excellent remastering job done by Sony and the marvellous sound from 1963. Besides that the performance of the Seventh shows off to great effect the nationalistic melodies Dvorak was inclined to put in his music. They can be easily picked out here, and the dynamic contrasts Bernstein is able to draw out of the NYPO is striking indeed. Notice the last few bars of both the first and second movements played with great attention to detail and volume. The third movement Scherzo bounces along nicely, and the final movement brings it all to an appropriate climax. The Smetana pieces are no less admirable and if you haven't heard the pieces from the Bartered Bride, I urge you to hear this. Of course the Moldau is a nice bonus too. An enjoyable disc.

Gotta Love It!.......2000-02-24

On this particular CD, we find Leonard Bernstein giving his interpretations to Dvorak's 7th Symphony (my personal favorite). This performance is fine indeed. The tempos seem to be a hair slower than many versions I have heard but this allows a fresh perspective to the work. It allows the work to develop and blossom better. Bernstein brings out details in the score you haven't heard before. Particularly in the first movement there is a wonderful trill on the french horns that had previously escaped my ear. As the Amazon.com reviewer said, the final movement cooks. Dvorak had a talent for composing beautiful energetic and great melodies, and the 7th symphony is full of them. Bernstein and the orchestra show us this. Along with this symphony, you get a great performance of the Bartered Bride Overture, the dances which are great fun, and the Moldau.....well I just love this one.

Liszt: Les Preludes, Mazeppa, Ungarische Rhapsodie No.4, Smetana: Vysehrad, Die Moldau

Average customer rating:

Run-of-the-mill
Excelente
Excellent
Bold and Brilliant

Liszt: Les Preludes, Mazeppa, Ungarische Rhapsodie No.4, Smetana: Vysehrad, Die Moldau

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol

ASIN: B000001GQA
Release Date: 1996-02-13

Tracks:

Die Moldau aus dem Zyklus Symphonischer Dichtungen 'Mein Vaterland'
Vysehrad aus dem Zyklus Symphonischer Dichtungen 'Mein Vaterland'
Les Preludes Symphonische Dichtung Nr. 3 fur grosses Orchester
Mazeppa Symphonische Dichtung Nr. 6
Ungarische Rhapsodie Nr. 4

Customer Reviews:

Run-of-the-mill.......2007-01-18

I think these tone poems require more passion and emotion than von Karajan exhibits. I was prepared to enjoy these selections but came away disappointed. The sound was good and the notes were played, but the interpretation didn't reach me emotionally. Les Preludes crashed away at me and the Hungarian Rhapsody seemed unduly lethargic. The Smetana pieces also had a paint-by-the-numbers feel. It felt like van Karajan was holding something back even as the orchestra played on.

Excelente.......2004-12-10

Mi director favorito es Eugene Ormandy pero de ningun modo podre y yo creo que otra persona podra desmerecer el valor de la excelencia de la dictadora mano de Karajan y el sonido envidiable de su Berliner Philharmoniker.
Estas grabaciones que poseo en un LP y que ahora tengo en CD son geniales el sonido espectacular DG logra lo mejor en estos registros sensacionales.
Karajan nos lleva con inmensa sutileza por el moldava, nos remece con el Vysehrad, nos conmueve con la increible Mazeppa, el magnifico Les Preludes y finalmente con la sublime Rapasodia Hungara Nº4.
Es verdaderamente genial y nada que decir casi perfecto.
Para Mazeppa Kurt Masur la mejor opcion, para Les preludes Haitink el mejor, Para Smetana y su ciclo sinfonico Antal Dorati es grandioso.

Excellent.......2002-06-11

I guess i'm just big on classical because i dont find very much classical out there that is bad. This is one of the best from Franz Liszt. He was a master on the piano, but as shown though both the hungarian rhapsodies and les preludes, he had a wonderful understanding of the orchestra as a whole.

Bold and Brilliant.......2001-11-06

The Deutsche-Grammophon label rarely ever disappoints, and this album is a great example. This is an old recording, and it has stuck around because it is truly great. I first heard it listening to my dad's old LP, and when I saw it in the store on CD, I snatched it up.

That said, I have mixed feelings about Karajan. I mostly enjoy his recordings. He has a controlled, dispassionate approach to his music that makes it a bit passive at times, but Karajan gets past that by letting the music speak for itself. Instead of muddling a great piece with silly interpretative ideas, his calm style lets the composers' ideas come across unscathed.

The Moldeau, also known as Vltava is a great rendition, as is Les Preludes. Karajan renders them masterfully, as I said, letting the majesty of these glorious pieces shine through. I was surprised by the orchestral version of the Hungarian Rhapsody, but it is a good performance, although I am partial to the original piano.

All said, I would highly recommend this recording, although it does not have much on it. If you like good Romantic music though, you really ought to have it.

Smetana: Má Vlast
Average customer rating:

Boring

Maybe The Best Digital Recording Of Ma Vlast, But...

A Ma Vlast that stretches far beyond mediocority

Definitely one of the best Ma Vlast recordings

Routine, routine

Smetana: Má Vlast

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade for orchestra Op35; Russian Easter Festival Overture Op36

Sheherazade / Russian Easter Overture

ASIN: B000001GEN
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

Ma Vlast: Vysehrad: Lento - Largo maestoso - Grandioso poco largamente - Allegro vivo ma non agitato - Lento ma non troppo
Ma Vlast: Vltava: The Moldau - Allegro comodo non agitato. L'istesso tempo ma moderato. L'istesso tempo. Tempo I. Piu moto.
Ma Vlast: Sarka: Allegro con fuoco ma non agitato - Piu moderato assai - Moderato ma con calore - Moderato - Molto vivo - Piu vivo
Ma Vlast: Z Ceskych Luhu A Haju: From Bohemia's Woods And Fields - Molto moderato - Allegro poco vivo, ma non troppo - Allegro (Quasi Polka) - Tempo I - Allegro - Presto
Ma Vlast: Tabor: Lento - Grandioso - Molto vivace - Lento - Molto vivace - Lento maestoso - Piu animato
Ma Vlast: Blan Allegro moderato - Andante non troppo - Piu Allegro ma non molto - Temop di marcia - Grandioso - Temop I - Largamente maestoso - Grandioso meno - Allegro - Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Boring.......2005-01-04

I usually love James Levine's recordings. His versions of the Dvorak symphonies are some of my favorites. Thus, I eagerly bought this recording. I must agree with other reviewers in that the recorded sound is top notch. Vienna, as always, gives an alert and well balanced performance. However, this really is the most routine of performances. Levine does little to bring out anything from the score. This is simply a very well executed but boring recording of Ma Vlast.

Maybe The Best Digital Recording Of Ma Vlast, But..........2001-12-18

James Levine and the Vienna Philharmonic joined forces back in the 1980's to create one of the best recorded versions of Smetana's "Ma Vlast" tone poem cycle. These are fine performances, noted for the warm, vibrant playing of the winds, strings and horns. Unfortunately, this performance isn't nearly as vibrant as any I've heard from Kubelik or Mackerras. Still, if you're most interested in sound quality, then this might be the version to acquire. Certainly Deutsche Grammophon's sound engineers did a splendid job recording this performance.

A Ma Vlast that stretches far beyond mediocority.......2001-01-13

James Levine's viennese recording of Smetana's famed masterpiece is one of the best performances of the work around today. With clear, full-bodied digital recording and ripe, rich and opulent playing from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, it presents a performance that is as comporable to Kubelik as any other. Despite Levine's roots in the theatre (Metropolitan Opera), he manages to grasp a clear sense of drama in the work, and while some might argue that he is mainly concerned with orchestral effect for its own sake, he certainly does not do this but presents every minute detail in this musical kaliedascopic picture.

The opening harp passage in "Vysherad" sets the tone of the cycle admirably, and in the ensuing moments, one can feel the scene springing forth to life. The various aspects associated with this castle and fortress are vividly brought out, with a sense of elegaic nostalgia at the close of the work. "Moldau (Vltava)" follows hot on the heels of the end of "Vysherad," and there is a sweeping magic in this movement than in any other. The streamlets flow freely into the river, and the scenes of hunting, wedding, nymphs and rapids are brought out admirably. The flutes are crisply articulated, and the warmth of the playing is particularly telling. Sarka, one of the least well-known in the cycle, is given a thrilling performance, and Levine's sense of drama surfaces here perfectly. However, the music takes a lyrical turn with From Bohemia's Woods and Fields. Here, Levine manages to observe every minute detail in presenting this music, and the sounds of nature are nicely evoked. There is also a sense of joy in the proceedings. In the last two movements, Levine is at his very best. Tension is just at the right level, and there is also room for hushed intensity in the softer passages. It also seems as if you are hearing the music with new ears.

Overall, if there was a digital Ma Vlast you would like to buy apart from Kubelik's, you can certainly feel just content with Levine's supertlative Viennese performance. However, I would rather recommend that you buy it in tandem with his equally outstanding DG Dresden disc of Dvorak symphonies (including the famed New World) which I hope will be reissued by DG on a 2-CD set or on their Galleria label, along with this recording. This is an impressive recording, and I hope that DG will record more of this partnership, including Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.

Definitely one of the best Ma Vlast recordings.......1999-07-17

This recording of Ma Vlast is one of the best intrepretations of the work I have ever heard. From the opening rush of notes on the harp that introduces "Vysherad" to the exhilorating climax of "Blanik" Levine is in utter control of this material. The tempi is very well-chosen and the Viennese players respond excellently to him. Never has a recorded version of this work kept a listener spellbound since Kubelik. Not forgetting the recorded sound, which is from DG's top drawer. If there was only one recording of Ma Vlast that a listener could choose, this is what I would recommend.

Routine, routine.......1999-06-22

No tempi, no passion, no love for the music; a job, technically well done, yes of course, but nothing more. Routine, routine. Well, the Vltava is not the Hudson river, and Levine is far more at home at the Met than in Bohemia. Every Kubelik recording will prove far better and far more suited for a dazzling piece like this one.

The Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music, Vol. 6-10

Average customer rating:

Great collections, with poor quality sound
The Greatest Collection Of Romantic Era Music
Somewhat lacking

The Top 100 Masterpieces of Classical Music, Vol. 6-10

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Masters of Classical Music (Box Set)
Classical Moods
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
25 Beethoven Favorites
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

ASIN: B000001W12
Release Date: 1995-11-01

Tracks:

The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1843: Wedding March, From 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1847: Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1842: Nabucco - Overture - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1848: The Merry Peasant - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1847: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1850: Lohengrin - Preldue To Act 3 - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1853: La Traviata - Prelude to Act 1 - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1845: Tannhauser - Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1845: Violin Concerto In E Minor, 2nd Movement - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1842 - 1853: 1846: Poet And Peasant - Overture - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES

Tracks:

The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1858: Orpheus In The Underworld - Overture - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1858: Melody In F - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1854: Les Preludes - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1865: Waltz In A Flat - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1862: The Force Of Destiny - Overture - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1864: I Love You - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1866: The Bartered Bride - Overture - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1864: Barcarolle, From 'The Tales Of Hoffman' - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1858: Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1854 - 1866: 1866: Light Calvary - Overture - Various Artists

Tracks:

The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1875: Piano Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Minor, 1st Movement (excerpt) - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1868: Cradle Song - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1875: The Moldau - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1870: Ride Of The Valkyries - From 'The Valkyrie' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1876: Morning, From 'Peer Gynt' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1875: Les Toreadors, From 'Carmen' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1870: Notturno, From 'Coppelia' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1876: Marche Slave, Op. 31 - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1872: L'Arlesienne - Intermezzo - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1867 - 1876: 1867: The Blue Danbue - Waltz - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES

Tracks:

The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1878: Polonaise, From 'Eugene Onegin' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1893: Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World' - 2nd Movement - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1892: Waltz Of The Flowers, from 'The Nutcracker' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1887: Alborado, From 'Capriccio Espagnol' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1886: The Last Spring - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1886: Slavonic Dance No. 2 - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1889: The Sleeping Beauty - Introduction - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1877: Siegfried's Death And Funeral March, From 'Twighlight Of The Gods' - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1880: Songs My Mother Taught Me - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1877 -1893: 1889: Emperor Waltz - TOP 100 MASTERPIECES

Tracks:

The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1896: Also sprach Zarathustra - Fanfare - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1902: Symphony No. 5 - Adagietto - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1899: Finlandia - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1900: Dance Of The Bumble Bee - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1894: Meditation, From 'Thais' - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1901: Pomp And Circumstance - March No. 1 - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1894: Humoresque - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1903: Valse Triste - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1899: Vienna Blood - Waltz - Various Artists
The Top 10 Of Classical Music 1894 - 1928: 1928: Bolero - Various Artists

Customer Reviews:

Great collections, with poor quality sound.......2003-01-09

I expected to listen to great professional classical orchestra ...for this classical music collection, but the quality of the music is not too good.

There are a lot of great music collections, but they will sound better when they record it right.

It is good when you just want to have more classical music, but for a CD, the sound quality is like a [poorley made] CD.

I give 3 stars for this product.

The Greatest Collection Of Romantic Era Music.......2002-09-05

The Top 100 Classical Music series is a must have for novices of classical music, or someone already into the classics but wishes to amassa an "essentials" collection. This particular cd's span the Romantic Era, and although the 19th century saw much more music than what is covered on these recordings, this is nevertheless a brilliant and essential body of works. The Wedding March of Mendelsshon's Midsummer Night's Dream (played in weddings all over the world I'm assuming), Franz Lizst Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (The Looney Tunes Theme Music by the way) and other jewels of the era, such as the Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss, the operetta overtures of Franz Von Suppe, Verdi's preludes to such operas as Nabucco and La Traviata, Wagner's intense, dramatic music for his Ring of the Nibelung operas, regarded as the epitome and the zenith of Romantic Era opera, and the music of other composers such as Tchaikovsky, Bizet, Sibelius, Rimsky Korsakov and many others. I highly recommend this cd to anyone wanting to sample and taste what Romantic Era music was all about. Five stars all the way.

Somewhat lacking.......2001-03-28

(referring to the entire collection)

The collection is well designed for introducing the listener to a large variety of music, with its broad range of composers and types of music. However, the interpretation of the music is hardly existant, and many of the pieces sound rather dull and uninteresting. Some lively pieces are played too slowly, and nearly all of them without emotion, keeping the set out of reach from being included in a true classical collection. Despite all that, the sheer number and range of pieces (along with the low price) make this a collection well suited for the new classical listener.

Smetana: Má vlast
Average customer rating:

Performance- Wise, A Personal Favorite, But.....

Zizka's Drum

Look elsewhere for livelier readings and better sound

Kubelik and the Boston SO - 5 Stars - DG - 1 Star = 3 Stars

The sonic is NOT very good

Smetana: Má vlast

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Smetana: Moldau/From Bohemia's Meadows and Forests/Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Op.46 & Op.72

Tchaikovsky: String Quartets Nos. 1 - 3/Souvenir De Florence

Smetana: Má Vlast

Smetana: Má Vlast

Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor

ASIN: B000001GC2
Release Date: 1990-02-13

Tracks:

My Fatherland: I. Vysehrad
My Fatherland: II. Die Moldau
My Fatherland: III. Sarka
My Fatherland: IV. Aus Boehmens Hain und Flur
My Fatherland: V. Tabor
Ma Vlast: VI. Blanik

Customer Reviews:

Performance- Wise, A Personal Favorite, But............2007-06-03

Distinguished Czech conductor Rafael Kubelik knew how to get the most of whatever orchestra he was working with; a quality he demonstrated most memorably in his mid 1970s Deutsche Grammophon Beethoven symphony cycle which used 9 separate North American, European, and Israeli (Israel Philharmonic if I'm not mistaken) orchestras. I've owned this compelling account of Smetana's Ma Vlast for years, and have found most memorable Kubelik's insightful interpretations strongly emphasizing the Czech folk musical heritage that Smetana and Dvorak relied so much in their work, and the superb, but restrained, playing from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. As an original analogue recording this one was fine, but it has been eclipsed sonically speakng from acoustically superior ones from James Levine (Deutsche Grammophon) and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, with both conducting the Wiener Philharmoniker on their respective recordings (Another notable, more recent, recording is Charles Mackerras' with the Czech Philharmonic.). Still, there is much to recommend with Kubelik's Boston Symphony recording, starting with one of the most exciting versions of the Moldau tone poem that I've heard in recordings. That in itself may be the best reason why you should acquire this Kubelik recording; one of five of this very tone poem cycle that he recorded throughout his impressive career.

Zizka's Drum.......2007-02-10

As a Protestant fundamentalist, I take a particular interest in 19th century cultural interpretations of the early Protestant heritage. Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony No. 5 treats Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress" with respect. As one might expect, operas from Catholic Italy and France treat early Protestantism as adversarial but without rancor. Bellini's I Puritani uses the Puritans of the regicide period as a springboard for a conventional Catholic hero who risks his life to assist Charles I's Catholic widow. Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots is concerned only with historical colorfulness and expresses no depth of feeling one way or another about the heinous St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. It achieves balance by featuring a naively bigoted Huguenot soldier but then allowing for a Huguenot hero-- as long as he is a conventional lover. Meyerbeer's Le Prophete is more interesting. It deals with the vulnerable, rather lawless Anabaptists of Luther's time but attributes to their fanaticism a certain sublime power especially in the treatment of a stark Latin hymn of the period.

Smetana's fifth number "Tabor" deals with the pre-Protestant Hussite movement of the early 15th century. By stressing "stubborn inflexibility" the music falls in line with Meyerbeer's satirical portrait of a bigoted Huguenot soldier; but Smetana gives the piece stark, sublime power as in Le Prophete. The work is one of the most percussive classical numbers I have heard and recalls Thomas Carlyle's phrase "Zizka's Drum" in reference to a literally blind General Ziska who led the Hussites in battle. Carlyle made a point of sympathizing with the heroics of early Protestants and even sought to rehabilitate the British reputation of the Puritan dictator Oliver Cromwell, whom it was fashionable to despise between 1660 and Carlyle's 1840s.

Smetana's Hussites may be stubborn; but their courage is beyond question. The Czech's music is consistent with Carlyle's phrase and constitutes the sort of cultural reinforcement I am always looking for. This is forceful music with a mimetic purpose. A real knowledge of history works like personal memory on the basis of strong impressions such as this. Historical accuracy is not an issue in this case because it is quite clear that Zizka was an an actual pre-Protestant warrior of the Hussite cause.

Look elsewhere for livelier readings and better sound.......2006-09-21

DG used Rafael Kubelik as their house Czech conductor, assigning Janacek, Dvorak, and Smetana to him. He was eminently qualified, but this recording is a bit star-croossed. I'm indebted to R. Lane's review below, which details Kubelik's history with Ma Vlast and the five recordings he made of it. I own and enjoy the mono version from Chicago that he recommends--it's now available in a bargain box set from Mercury. But the BSO was demoralized in 1971 when this version was made, after the dull era of Erich Leinsdorf, and they play rather drably. Kubelik doesn't seem inspired, either--a lot of the tempos are foursquare and lack his usual sizzle. So when you consider the screechy, thin sonics in the bargain, I believe this is one Ma Vlast to strike off your list. I gravitate toward the versions by James Levine and Niklaus Harnoncourt.

Kubelik and the Boston SO - 5 Stars - DG - 1 Star = 3 Stars.......2004-11-21

Rafael Kubelik has made Ma Vlast one of his staples throughout his career. In the studio he made at 5 recordings. The first was in mono with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for Mercury. In many respects, that recording is still the standard by which all others should be judged. Kubelik's interpretation and the superior Chicago forces make that one of the most compelling recordings of Czech music ever made; when you count some pretty awesome recordings by conductors like Karl Ancerl and Vaclav Talich, that's saying a lot.

The next recording was with the Vienna Philharmonic for Decca in stereo in 1959. That recording has been issued on CD several times, most recently in teh Eloquence series. But the production is marred with poor mastering and editing. Having in recent years heard Kubelik's Dvorak Slavonic Dances with the VPO on Decca from the same era (see Amazon ASIN # B00005N570, try Amazon.co.uk if it is not availabe any longer at Amazon.com), I am more anxious than ever for that recording to be remastered properly. Do you hear me Universal?

This recording, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was made in 1971. Another recording was made with Bavarian forces for Orfeo in 1985, and again for Supraphon with the Czech Philharmonic in 1990.

The present recording has some qualities that make it very welcome. Most notable is the unique resonance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one that is very appropriate for Smetana's masterpiece. The BSO has a restrained tonal quality, particularly the horn section, that lends itself very well to expressing the tender flowing melodies that are resplendant throughout Ma Vlast. And they can come alive, such as in movement V, Tabor, if not quite with the overwhelming authority that the Chicago forces are so well known for. While the effect may not be as effective and powerful as the Chicago reading, the sound and impact are actually more close to what the composer was after.

The disappointment with the current issue is the sound quality. Very muddy, more so than the original LPs. I remember when this Galleria issue came out. The local store where I lived only had one copy. I recommeded it to a friend, who had heard my LPs of it previously. We were disgusted with teh Galleria issue. I never bought it. For years I used the Paavo Berglund disk as my lone CD copy of Ma Vlast.

There is hope, though. For those of you who are very fond of this reading, as I am, there is a 2 CD edition of this same recording available coupled with Kubelik's excellent Bavarian RSO reccordings of Richard III op 11, Wallenstein's Camp op 14, Haon Jari op 16, and Prague Carnival. Excerpts from The Bartered Bride with VPO under Levine rounds out the collection. And, DG used their latest remastering techniques on the BSO Ma Vlast to great effect. Sadly, that issue never made it to the USA, but it is available from Amazon.co.uk with ASIN # B000024577). If you love this reading, which I certainly do, you owe it to yourself to check out the 2CD version. I picked up a copy in the HMV store in Philadelphia in 1998 while vacationing there. It is now a demonstration disk in my collection. The soudstage is wildly 3 dimensional, the strings vibrant, the percussion alive. What an awesome transformation!

The sonic is NOT very good.......2004-01-27

The sonic of this CD is flat, uninvolving and fuzzy. Personally, I think Decca often has better sound engineering than DG. Bought this CD based on review here, but very disappointed now.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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Rarum, Vol. 14: Selected Recordings