Complete Works for Solo Piano

On this CD:

1. Episodes (3) for piano (including the unpublished original No. 1) Scherzando
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

2. Episodes (3) for piano (including the unpublished original No. 1) Poco Adagio - Più mosso
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

3. Episodes (3) for piano (including the unpublished original No. 1) Allegro molto moderato
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

4. Fantasy, for piano
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

5. Rondo, for piano
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

6. Bagatelles (3) for piano Risoluto con moto
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

7. Bagatelles (3) for piano Poco Andante
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

8. Bagatelles (3) for piano Allegro brillante
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

9. Partita for piano Intonazione
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

10. Partita for piano Aria
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

11. Partita for piano Capriccio
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

12. Partita for piano Intermezzo
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

13. Partita for piano Serenade
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

14. Two-Part Inventions (4) for piano Poco Andante
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

15. Two-Part Inventions (4) for piano Leggiero e ben cappriccioso
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

16. Two-Part Inventions (4) for piano Lento: Largamente e cantabile
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

17. Two-Part Inventions (4) for piano Leggiero
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

18. One-Part Inventions (3) for piano Allegro moderato e grazioso
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

19. One-Part Inventions (3) for piano Poco lento con espressione
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

20. One-Part Inventions (3) for piano Allegro vivace
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

21. Pieces (5) for piano, complete 1. Quarter note=40
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

22. Pieces (5) for piano, complete 2. Quarter note=72
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

23. Pieces (5) for piano, complete 3. Quarter note=60
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

24. Pieces (5) for piano, complete 4. Quarter note=ca. 50
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

25. Pieces (5) for piano, complete 5. Eighth note=ca. 100
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

26. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) For Elliot at 75
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

27. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) For A & B.H.
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

28. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) For Gunther at 65
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

29. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) For Don at 60
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

30. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) For Luise
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

31. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) For Leon at 75
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

32. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) To Dinosaur Annex
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

33. Birthday Cards, suite (assembled by Geoffrey Burleson) An Improvisation for A.C.
Composed by Arthur Berger
Performed by Geoffery Burleson

Tracks:

Tuning Up
Amques (Original Version)
Po ectronique
Arcana
Nocturnal
Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Orchestral Version)

Tracks:

Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Original Version)
Offrandes: Chanson de laut
Offrandes: La Croix du Sud
Hyperprism
Octandre: Assez lent
Octandre: Trvif et nerveux
Octandre: Grave - Animt jubilatoire
Intales
Ecuatorial
Ionisation
Density 21.5
Drts: 1st Episode
Drts: 1st interpolation of organized sound
Drts: 2nd episode
Drts: 2nd interpolation
Drts: 3rd episode
Drts: 3rd interpolation
Drts: 4th episode
Dance for Burgess

Amazon.com essential recording

For a composer who is (now) recognizably part of the 20th-century classical canon, the French émigré Edgard Varèse's output was astoundingly meager. Just 15 compositions from his entire life (he destroyed the compositions from his early years, and was a merciless editor of his own material in general) made it out to the listening world. Varèse was caught in the chasm between the music of yesterday and the music of tomorrow: scoring music for modified theremin, steamboat whistles, or air sirens, all balanced with the force of a large orchestra; writing pieces based on the flows of water and wind because that's what shapes the earth; using the concepts of chemical reactions and specific gravity as a basis for his music. Using extremes of contrast, dissonance, and variety in sound, Varèse's pieces had power in the way he attacked and shaped the sound he imagined. From Ionisation (1929), scored almost entirely for unpitched percussion, to the electronic-only, three-dimensionally produced Poeme Electronique (1958), he's provided a foundation that many genres, musicians, and composers were to build from not only for the next 40 years, but inevitably beyond. --Robin Edgerton

Customer Reviews:

Superb with just one reservation.......2006-11-10

This complete works of Varèse, superbly performed and recorded, is a fine accomplishment. My only disappointment was its version of Poème Elèctronique being the sole representation of that ground-breaking work that still holds up for me today as one of the finest pieces of electronic music yet created. It is interesting to be able to hear the version in this collection, which appears to be a loving restoration of what must have been primarily the raw, performing version, to be further enhanced during its performances in a very large space? What I miss in the present version is the more clearly heard textures of its huge sound palette; the resonant and often humerous interplay between them, and its dramatic sweep as it was presented on a sparcely documented stereo mix that first appeared on a Columbia Records LP, later reissued on a CD, now out of print. That one is surely more like an actual performance, presumably mixed to re-create as well as possible then what it might have sounded like over its four hundred loudspeakers in the Philips Pavillion. I hope there will be further reissues. To me the CBS version's drama and energy are more like that of the performances of the other pieces in this wonderful Complete Works set. -Curt Wittig

Go ahead, test your intelligence..........2006-06-18

Frank Zappa used to play Varese to test the intelligence of his friends, and most of them used to look at him like he was "out of his f---ing mind" as he put it. As a major Zappa fan, I bought this compliation, and I love every minute of it. This 2 CD set contains all of Varese's work (needless to say, Edgar wasn't very prolific). You really hear Varese's influence in Zappa's work. Some favorite pieces are Deserts, Poem Electronique, and Un Grand Sommeil Noir (Original Version). Varese's music reminds me of universes being created, in all their violence, beauty, and glory. Instruments crashing down upon one another. This music is reminiscent of Zappa's Weasels Ripped My Flesh and his orchestral work especially. Varese is one of the great American composers, like Aaron Copland, John Cage, and Conlon Nancarrow. Superb....

The definitive recordings........2005-11-09

Riccardo Chailly once said Varèse was going to be the Brahms of the XXI Century. I really don't know if he will be right or wrong, specially because of the very conservative auditoriums we have all around the world, but it should be this way, as the french composer has died too many years ago and his music should be understood but most of the public. It's sad to know that composers, like the own Mahler said, use to be years, decades, even centuries in advance to the general public .

Anyway, it's very important for the popular knowledge of this composers to have recordings like this, in which everything works perfectly as if it was a clock. After many years having some good recordings conducted by Boulez (Sony) and Nagano (Erato) mainly, we have now the possibility of listening one of the most musical and technical orchestra & baton of this time: The Concertgebouworkest and Riccado Chailly.

Most of the versions in this 2CDs set are the best I know, specially the orchestral works, played with conviction and precision by the Concertgebouworkest, an orchestra that had some problems with Mr.Chailly when they begin to play this, for them, `rare' music. The way Arcana sounds its incredible, full of power, mistery and perfection, the performing of Ameriques is breathtaking and I can only compare it with the truly outstanding version by Pierre Boulez with the CSO for DG. Deserts is a new dimension in Chailly's hands, really terrible and full of dark emotions.

Of course, there are little things that could be a bit better, like the Spanish sung in Ecuatorial, better sung in Nagano's version, but generally the performing is marvellous and the instrumental and ondes Martenot's playing in this piece is perfect in Chailly's version.

The ASKO Ensemble versions are outstanding too, showing a very modern Varèse. The performing of Ionisation, that great jewel, listened with a good Hi-Fi system is a experience not to be lost.

The recordings are very good, not outstanding, as it sounds like distant sometimes, but clear and with good definition, of course better with good electronics.

Booklet and presentation of the box is marvellous too; as it has to be in real event in recorded music in the last decades.

Sound Splitting Music.......2002-06-25

First, let me state that I am a long-time Varese fanatic. I first heard Ionisation live at a contemporary music concert in my town when I was 12, and I was hooked. I immediately bought the old Robert Craft double album on Columbia and played it until there were scratches on the scratches. So I was overjoyed to see a modern "complete" recording with up to date sonics. For the most part, I haven't been too disappointed with the performances either.

Chailly is great on much of this music. Ameriques and Arcana are sonic extravagazas. And this is the best recording I've heard of Nocturnal and Ecuatorial. Chailly does a good job with the chamber pieces of the 20s and 30s, though I agree with other reviewers, Boulez is much clearer on Ionisation. Chailly misses some of my favorite parts, and I find it hard to hear the first snare drum theme. (I'm also quite partial to Craft's version, but I don't think it's available anymore.)

I also must add to the chorus of exceptions on the questionable material. The orhestrated version of the solo song has no place on this CD. It doesn't sound like Varese, more like Debussy, and though the song is quite impressionistic, I think we presume too much to orchestrate it and pass it off as "complete" Varese. And neither Tune Up nor Dance for Burgess really add much to our understanding of Varese, and are of questionable value. I suspect that Varese would have destroyed them completely had he been able. Much better to have a recording of the revised version of Ameriques. The revision is so extensive, that a side by side comparison would be illuminating.

All in all, I like this CD. Chailly's take on Varese is big and passionate, something that I think both Boulez and Craft miss. Abravanel comes close to this passion, but Chailly wins because of the gorgeous sonics. I highly recommend this CD to those interested in exploring the unique sound world of Varese.

An aural knockout.......2002-02-01

Here are two discs with some of the most exciting 20th-century music around. Chailly and the Concertgebouw give definitive readings of Varèse's complex pieces, some written for a huge orchestra, and recorded in typically opulent London sound.

My favorites are, without a doubt, "Ameriques" and "Arcana," two explosive showpieces that will give your sound system quite a workout. But far from being merely loud, the scores have many beautiful textures (including quiet ones) scattered throughout the orchestra, and Chailly captures much of the glittering detail.

I even like "Tuning Up," which may seem like a less substantial work to most ears. To be fair, if the piece is not the last word in Varèse's imagination, it is clever enough for its short duration, and as with everything on this disc, the orchestra sounds superb and totally undaunted. Their virtuosity is both satisfying and thrilling, especially in such seldom-performed music.

Make sure your neighbors are away before turning up the performance of "Ameriques," though - the last few pages will blow your roof off.

Customer Reviews:

The classical heritage .......2006-04-16

The visible embellishment of this noble instrument was enriched still more by the Spanish composers, who following the traces of his contemporaries. In the case of Fernando Sor, Haydn was his musical guide, where as Aguado, could establish himself with major vehemence, due its particular style, based in the notable right-hand articulation, eschewed the classical patterns, being able to print his own music a flamboyant and refined character.

In the particular case of Fernando Sor, we have a wisdom blending of the counterpoint technique, an evocative mood from his own that, added the well known influence of the Italian composers (Domenico Cimarrosa and Giovanni Batista Pergolesi) and his beloved love for the Operatic genre, allowed him to enrich still more the lyrical possibilities of the guitar. Besides, unlike Nicolo Paganini, for instance fortunately did not transform the guitar in a simple device to show his overwhelming gifts. He used the guitar to play music, on the opposite approach of Paganini who used the music as mere device to play his instrument.

In the guitar genre there has not been most deserved and superb tribute to Mozart that this Variations Op. 9 based on a motive of The most famous Mozart ?s Magic Flute. Loaded of such imaginative freshness and enraptured inspiration you may notice that one of the Variations conserves an undeniable Italian flavor; this is one of the most beloved hidden treasures the guitar can offers us, which raise with special charm in the hands of this formidable soloist.

Aguado on the contrary acquired due his personal state of things, a notable adroitness who excelled by far, to Sor, so his musical approaches rode in opposite directions, trying to exploit at maximum levels the technical possibilities of the instrument.

Julian Bream makes a colossal tribute to both composers in this egregious and golden album.

Mozart: Complete Variations and Other Works for Solo Piano

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Complete Variations and Other Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Musical Concepts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000FBFVQ2
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

8 Variations On a Dutch Song By Christian Ernst Graaf K. Anhang 208
6 Variations On Salve Tu, Domine K.398 (416e)
7 Variations On Wilem Van Nassau K.25
12 Variations On a Minuet By Johann Christian Fischer K.179
12 Variations On Je Suis Lindor K.354 (299a)
6 Variations On Mio Caro Adone By Salieri K.180 (173c)
Rondeau - Andantino - Contredanse I & II - Andante - Finale
Overture
Allemande
Courante
Eine Kleine Gigue In G K.574
Capriccio In C K.395
Minuet In D K.355 (576b)
6 Variations On an Allegretto K.54 (Anhang 138)
Andante Fur Eine Walze In Eine Kleine Orgel K.616

Tracks:

Rondo In D K.485
10 Variations On Unser Dummer Pobel Meint K.455
12 Variations On an Allegretto K.500
Sonata Movement In Bb K.400
Fugue In G Minor K.401
12 Variations On Ah Vous Diral-je, Maman K.265 (300e)
12 Variations On La Belle Francoise K.353
Fantasy In C Minor K.396
Kleiner Trauermarsch In C Minor K.453a
Fantasy And Fugue In C K.394
9 Variations On Dezende's Arietta Lison Dormait K.264

Tracks:

Fantasy In D Minor K.397 (385g)
Rondo In A Minor K.511
Adagio In B Minor K.540
Allegro Of a Sonata In G Minor K.312
9 Variations On a Minuet By Duport K.573
Allegro And Rondo (Allegretto) In F Anhang 135
8 Variations On Come Un'Agnello K.460 (454a)
8 Variations On Ein Weib Ist Das Herlichste Ding K.613
Sonata Movement & Minuet In Bb K.Anhang 136
8 Variations On a March From Gretry's Les Mariages Samnites K.352

Average customer rating:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!
Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear
A little something for everybody

The Ultimate Guitar Collection

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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

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

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0007TFH52
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

Suite Espanola, Op.47: Asturias (Leyenda)
Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Prelude
Triangular Situations
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Romance
Dance From La Vida Breve
Sonata In E Major, K 380
Como Llora Una Estrella (Valse-Cancion)
The Mission
El Colibri
Gymnopedie No.3
Courante
La Catedral
El Condor Pasa
Salut D'Amour
Malinke Guitars
Concerto For Lute (Guitar), Two Violins (Strings) And Basso Continuo In D Major, R.93: I. Allegro Giusto
The Entertainer

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
Gnossienne No.1
Cueca
Schindler's List
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
Pavane
Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
Sunburst
The Godfather
Scherzino Mexicano
Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
Saltarello
12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!.......2006-04-21

The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear.......2006-01-26

The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album. It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done. Not robotic like some freaks out there. This is true beautiful music. Runs together like a long summer drive in the country. It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.

A little something for everybody.......2005-06-15

First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Average customer rating:

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

Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

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

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B00008X5AY
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ASIN: B00006JN9R
Release Date: 2002-10-22

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Suite For Piano In C Major: I Presto
Suite For Piano In C Major: II Andante
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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

Average customer rating:

look at my other Ravel reviews

Ravel: Complete Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Grieg: Complete Solo Piano Music
Debussy, Ravel: Complete Works for Piano Duet and Two Pianos
Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]
Debussy: Complete Chamber Music
Complete Orchestral Works

ASIN: B0002XV2Y8
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Serenade Grotesque
Menuet Antique
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Jeux D'Eau
1: Modere
2: Mouvement De Menuet
3: Anime
1: Noctuelles: Tres Leger
2: Oiseaux Tristes: Tres Lent
3: Une Barque Sur L'Ocean: D'Un Rythme Souple
4: Alborada Del Gracioso: Assez Vif
5: La Vallee Des Cloches: Tres Lent

Tracks:

1: Ondine: Lent
2: Le Gibet: Tres Lent
3: Scarbo: Modere
Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
1: Modere/Tres Franc
2: Assez Lent (Avec Une Expression Intense)
3: Modere
4: Assez Anime
5: Presque Lent (Dans Un Sentiment Intime)
6: Vif
7: Moins Vif
8: Epilogue: Lent
Prelude
Borodine: Valse/Allegro Giusto
Emmanuel Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod, Faust, Acte 3): Allegretto
1: Prelude: Vif
2: Fugue: Allegro Moderato
3: Forlane: Allegretto
4: Riguadon: Assez Vif
5: Menuet: Allegro Moderato
6: Toccata: Vif

Customer Reviews:

look at my other Ravel reviews.......2007-07-08

to see which other pianists I prefer.
As I listen to ravel's incredible breath-taking mezmerising genius of poetic beauty and dazzling skills at composition, I understand why ravel and Debussy did not care much for the geramn romantic tradition. Ravel could not stand anything from Beethoven. In my 30 yrs, the only thing i liked by Beethoven was his 4th sym(only Walter/Columbia), but even that work has faded to a lost memory.
Its amazing how few folk know the genius of Ravel, and even less appreciate the timeless beauty of his creations.
ravel is the flowering and culmination of the romantic period , which is why i feel no desire to hear Chopin.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding music and great value!!
Excellent
Very Highly Recommended

Guitarra española

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach J.S.: Works For Lute [Germany]
Romance D'Amour
Tárrega: Recuerdos De La Alhambra; Lágrima; Danza mora; Etc. [Germany]
Malagueña: Spanish Guitar Music
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra

ASIN: B0000B09Z5
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding music and great value!!.......2006-04-02

Narciso Yepes is my favorite classical guitarist. I was delighted to hear a couple guitar concertos I had never heard before. Ohana, Bacarisse, and Ruiz-Pipo were great discoveries. Again, Yepes is the BEST. Strongly recommended.

Excellent.......2005-08-22

The late Narciso Yepes is perhaps my favorite guitarist- Spanish or otherwse. With each of his recordings there is the sense of a madman, master, and poet at one with his instrument. I recently purchased "Guitarra espagnola" and have found endless enjoyment listening critically and as background while I work. This is the perfect "not background music" background music to play when you have guests. You and your guests will find yourself withdrawing from lively conversations to enjoy a poignant, sweet, or sinister moment with the music. This is a compilation of recordings from the past 20 to 30 years. The compositions span from the 17th to 20th century. The quality of the recordings is very good but at times varied. The availability of the compilation is very limited. Get it while you can! I also recommend Alirio Diaz and John Williams.

Very Highly Recommended.......2004-05-08

I cannot recommend this retrospective of just a small amount of Yepes's work highly enough.

No matter what popular and lay opinions may be about Williams, Bream, Segovia, and others, the greatest classical guitarist of the 20th century was Narciso Yepes. It is a pity and a shame that the fear of the older generation of guitarists and their associates made Yepes a marginal figure.

He was a consummate technician and a knowledgeable interpreter of all musical idioms from the Middle Ages through to the height of the 20th Century avant-garde. His playing was characterized by intelligence, sensibility, clarity, power, majesty, poetry, and a devilish ability to separate and sustain contrapuntal lines.

In this box of 5 CDs you will find the definitive performance of Rodrigo's now famous "Aranjuez" concerto, which, incidentally, was first recorded and made famous by Yepes. There are also 2 CDs with rare concertos by Salvador Bacarisse, Antonio Ruiz-Pipo, and Maurice Ohana.

The other 3 CD's contain generally the best performances of the canon of solo guitar works that you are likely to find. The composers include Sanz, Mudarra, Narvaez, Soler, Sor, Albeniz, Granados, Tarrega, De Falla, Turina, Bacarisse, Rodrigo, Llobet, Pujol, Moreno Torroba, Montsalvatge, Ohana, and Ruiz-Pipo.

Every guitarist and every lover of the instrument should own this set. If it is not available, also refer to a similar box set with the ASIN number B00006L6RN or another B000026ZRL.

Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

Average customer rating:

An overlooked set

Louis Lortie Plays Ravel's Complete Works for Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Ravel: Music for Four Hands

ASIN: B0000VM3Y0
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
I Prelude
II Fugue
III Forlane
IV Rigaudon
V Menuet
VI Toccata
Serenade Grotesque
Jeux D'eau
I Adelaide. Modere - Tres Franc
II Assez Lent - Avec Une Expression Intense
III Modere
IV Assez Anime
V Presque Lent - Dans Un Sentiment Intime
VI Vif
VII Moins Vif
VIII Epilogue. Lent
La Valse

Tracks:

I Ondine. Lent
II Le Gibet. Tres Lent
III Scarbo. Modere
Majestueusement
Mouvement De Menuet
Allegro Giusto
Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod - Allegretto
Assez Lent Et Tres Expressif
I Noctuelles. Tres Leger
II Oiseaux Tristes. Tres Lent
III Une Barque Sur L'ocean. D'un Rythme Souple
IV Alborada Del Gracioso. Assez Vif
V La Vallee Des Cloches. Tres Lent
I Modere
II Mouvement De Menuet
III Anime

Customer Reviews:

An overlooked set.......2006-05-04

Lortie's technique is assured and (I say this as a compliment) his approach seems to take Ravel's advice to heart: it suffices to perform the music rather than [over]interpret it. Ranks up there with Simon, Thibaudet, and Casadesus among other sets. Very good recorded sound.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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